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Marcos A. Lana
Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Eberswalder Straße, 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany

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Journal article
Published: 10 May 2021 in Land Use Policy
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This paper provides an analysis of the land use dynamics observed in the Brazilian part of La Plata Basin (BR-LPB) from 1988 to 2018, including major crops such as maize, soybean, wheat, and sugarcane. It also assesses the perception of farmers and other stakeholders on climate change effects and the design of adaptation strategies. Two case studies were carried out and the DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) conceptual framework was used to structure the complex relationships driving current land use dynamics in BR-LPB. The first case was an assessment of land use change based on the cultivated area of annual and semi-perennial crops over the whole BR-LPB, using macro-spatial data from 1988 to 2018. The second case consisted of a survey carried out in the municipality of Anchieta to assess at local level if land use change has been driven by the perception of farmers on climate change and its effects. When contrasted with changes on average annual temperature and precipitation for the same time period, the results show that land use dynamics in the BR-LPB as a whole was mostly driven by an increased global demand for food commodities rather than by climate effects, whereas at local level the perception of farmers on climate change effects has already influenced the adoption of adaptation strategies. No evidences were found that climate dynamics has significantly influenced the geography of agricultural land use in the BR-LPB in this period. While using the DPSIR framework, the results of both case studies highlight important inter-relationships allowing a comprehensive overview on how land use change in the BR-LPB is related to some major drivers (e.g. population growth, growing demand of agricultural products, and droughts) and how they might influence the design of purposeful adaptation responses and policy making.

ACS Style

Sandro Luis Schlindwein; Ana Carolina Feitosa de Vasconcelos; Michelle Bonatti; Stefan Sieber; Alexandre Strapasson; Marcos Lana. Agricultural land use dynamics in the Brazilian part of La Plata Basin: From driving forces to societal responses. Land Use Policy 2021, 107, 105519 .

AMA Style

Sandro Luis Schlindwein, Ana Carolina Feitosa de Vasconcelos, Michelle Bonatti, Stefan Sieber, Alexandre Strapasson, Marcos Lana. Agricultural land use dynamics in the Brazilian part of La Plata Basin: From driving forces to societal responses. Land Use Policy. 2021; 107 ():105519.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sandro Luis Schlindwein; Ana Carolina Feitosa de Vasconcelos; Michelle Bonatti; Stefan Sieber; Alexandre Strapasson; Marcos Lana. 2021. "Agricultural land use dynamics in the Brazilian part of La Plata Basin: From driving forces to societal responses." Land Use Policy 107, no. : 105519.

Crops and soils research paper
Published: 05 May 2021 in The Journal of Agricultural Science
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Among integrated crop–livestock systems, forage succession is an advantageous strategy for the use of pasture to feed cattle in periods of low rainfall, as well as for the generation of biomass for the no-till system for the next crop. Different species have different abilities to accumulate nutrients in their biomass, which are then released into the soil through the decomposition of crop residues. This study aimed to evaluate soybean yield in an integrated crop–livestock system in comparison to soybean–maize succession system through the production, decomposition and nutrient accumulation in the biomass. The experiment had a randomized block design with four replicates. The treatments were three cropping systems: integrated crop–livestock with Paiaguas palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguas), integrated crop–livestock with Tamani guinea grass (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani) and maize grown in succession to soybean. The results showed that the use of the integrated crop–livestock system in the form of forage succession provided greater soil cover and nutrient cycling as a result of the better utilization of the animal's excreta, than the cropping of maize in succession and resulted in higher soybean productivity, thus contributing to agricultural sustainability. Paiaguas palisadegrass and Tamani guinea grass showed a C:N ratio greater than 30:1, indicating slow decomposition of plant residues. The forages accumulated amounts of nutrients in their biomass that met the soybean demand, resulting in higher grain yield.

ACS Style

Mariane Porto Muniz; Kátia Aparecida De Pinho Costa; Eduardo Da Costa Severiano; Ubirajara Oliveira Bilego; Dieimisson Paulo Almeida; Antonio Eduardo Furtini Neto; Lourival Vilela; Marcos Alberto Lana; Wilson Mozena Leandro; Mariana Borges De Castro Dias. Soybean yield in integrated crop–livestock system in comparison to soybean–maize succession system. The Journal of Agricultural Science 2021, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Mariane Porto Muniz, Kátia Aparecida De Pinho Costa, Eduardo Da Costa Severiano, Ubirajara Oliveira Bilego, Dieimisson Paulo Almeida, Antonio Eduardo Furtini Neto, Lourival Vilela, Marcos Alberto Lana, Wilson Mozena Leandro, Mariana Borges De Castro Dias. Soybean yield in integrated crop–livestock system in comparison to soybean–maize succession system. The Journal of Agricultural Science. 2021; ():1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mariane Porto Muniz; Kátia Aparecida De Pinho Costa; Eduardo Da Costa Severiano; Ubirajara Oliveira Bilego; Dieimisson Paulo Almeida; Antonio Eduardo Furtini Neto; Lourival Vilela; Marcos Alberto Lana; Wilson Mozena Leandro; Mariana Borges De Castro Dias. 2021. "Soybean yield in integrated crop–livestock system in comparison to soybean–maize succession system." The Journal of Agricultural Science , no. : 1-11.

Crops and soils research paper
Published: 05 April 2021 in The Journal of Agricultural Science
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Crop models can be used to explain yield variations associated with management practices, environment and genotype. This study aimed to assess the effect of plant densities using CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean for low latitudes. The crop model was calibrated and evaluated using data from field experiments, including plant densities (10, 20, 30 and 40 plants per m2), maturity groups (MG 7.7 and 8.8) and sowing dates (calibration: 06 Jan., 19 Jan., 16 Feb. 2018; and evaluation: 19 Jan. 2019). The model simulated phenology with a bias lower than 2 days for calibration and 7 days for evaluation. Relative root mean square error for the maximum leaf area index varied from 12.2 to 31.3%; while that for grain yield varied between 3 and 32%. The calibrated model was used to simulate different management scenarios across six sites located in the low latitude, considering 33 growing seasons. Simulations showed a higher yield for 40 pl per m2, as expected, but with greater yield gain increments occurring at low plant density going from 10 to 20 pl per m2. In Santarém, Brazil, MG 8.8 sown on 21 Feb. had a median yield of 2658, 3197, 3442 and 3583 kg/ha, respectively, for 10, 20, 30 and 40 pl per m2, resulting in a relative increase of 20, 8 and 4% for each additional 10 pl per m2. Overall, the crop model had adequate performance, indicating a minimum recommended plant density of 20 pl per m2, while sowing dates and maturity groups showed different yield level and pattern across sites in function of the local climate.

ACS Style

L. S. Sampaio; R. Battisti; M. A. Lana; K. J. Boote. Assessment of sowing dates and plant densities using CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean for soybean maturity groups in low latitude. The Journal of Agricultural Science 2021, 1 -14.

AMA Style

L. S. Sampaio, R. Battisti, M. A. Lana, K. J. Boote. Assessment of sowing dates and plant densities using CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean for soybean maturity groups in low latitude. The Journal of Agricultural Science. 2021; ():1-14.

Chicago/Turabian Style

L. S. Sampaio; R. Battisti; M. A. Lana; K. J. Boote. 2021. "Assessment of sowing dates and plant densities using CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean for soybean maturity groups in low latitude." The Journal of Agricultural Science , no. : 1-14.

Journal article
Published: 03 September 2020 in Sustainability
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Weak governance is a major threat to sustainable development, especially in rural contexts and within ecosystems of great social and economic value. To understand and compare its arrangement in the grasslands and wetlands of the Colombian Llanos and the Paraguayan Pantanal, we build upon the Institutional and Development Framework (IAD) as we explore the role of political, economic, and social institutions and combine components of the theory of common-pool resources (CPR) and new institutional economics (NIE). This hybrid conceptualization provides a synthesis of how top-down hierarchical and market-based systems of community-based and natural resource management negatively affect sustainable development in both study areas. Our findings suggest three underlying mechanisms causing a situation of weak governance: centralized (economic and political) power, the role of central and local governments, and social exclusion. Understanding these multidimensional contextual mechanisms improves the understanding that institutional structures supporting arrangements that handle grasslands and wetlands in a sustainable way are needed to protect the ecosystem’s social and economic values, especially in rural and marginalized contexts.

ACS Style

Luca Eufemia; Michelle Bonatti; Stefan Sieber; Barbara Schröter; Marcos Lana. Mechanisms of Weak Governance in Grasslands and Wetlands of South America. Sustainability 2020, 12, 7214 .

AMA Style

Luca Eufemia, Michelle Bonatti, Stefan Sieber, Barbara Schröter, Marcos Lana. Mechanisms of Weak Governance in Grasslands and Wetlands of South America. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (17):7214.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luca Eufemia; Michelle Bonatti; Stefan Sieber; Barbara Schröter; Marcos Lana. 2020. "Mechanisms of Weak Governance in Grasslands and Wetlands of South America." Sustainability 12, no. 17: 7214.

Journal article
Published: 13 March 2020 in Sustainability
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A series of factors affect the social perception of hazards in a rural context. This article analyzes how weather conditions influence farmers’ perceptions of natural hazards. In order to understand the relationship between time of year/season and farmers’ concerns about hazards, this study was undertaken. The methodology was based on surveys done to obtain a base-collection of primary data, as well as a meteorological and production analysis using secondary data. A case study of small coffee farms was carried out in a Brazilian municipality with questionnaires applied during the dry season in 2016 and the rainy season in 2017. The results indicate that drought is the main hazard identified by farmers in both weather seasons. Although there were some changes in perceptions observed, the ranking order of the main hazards did not change over the dry and rainy weather seasons.

ACS Style

Rodrigo Rudge Ramos Ribeiro; Samia Sulaiman; Michelle Bonatti; Stefan Sieber; Marcos Alberto Lana. Perception of Natural Hazards in Rural Areas: A Case Study Examination of the Influence of Seasonal Weather. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2251 .

AMA Style

Rodrigo Rudge Ramos Ribeiro, Samia Sulaiman, Michelle Bonatti, Stefan Sieber, Marcos Alberto Lana. Perception of Natural Hazards in Rural Areas: A Case Study Examination of the Influence of Seasonal Weather. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (6):2251.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rodrigo Rudge Ramos Ribeiro; Samia Sulaiman; Michelle Bonatti; Stefan Sieber; Marcos Alberto Lana. 2020. "Perception of Natural Hazards in Rural Areas: A Case Study Examination of the Influence of Seasonal Weather." Sustainability 12, no. 6: 2251.

Journal article
Published: 30 January 2020 in Sustainability
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The low agricultural productivity of key crops and food insecurity continue to be key issues in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Tanzania. The growing population, depleting resources, and changing climate further amplify these issues. Globally, many agricultural technologies (AgTs) are available as pathways for improved agricultural productivity and food security, however, they have had relatively little success in SSA and Tanzania. This is because the uptake of AgTs is a complex process, which is highly localized, involving multiple actors, stages, and spatial and time dimensions. Smallholder farmers often experience issues of sustainability, constraints for adoption, and scaling-up throughout the uptake process of AgTs, all of which vary by region. This indicates a need for a systematic and simultaneous understanding of sustainability, constraints for adoption, and scaling-up of AgTs to better guide agricultural strategy and policy interventions in SSA and Tanzania. Moreover, in order to understand the local settings better, a consideration of the perceptions of the farmers themselves, who are the primary actors in the uptake process of AgTs, is key. Acknowledging this, the study takes on a case study approach, using the scaling-up assessment (ScalA) method and three focus group discussions with a total of 44 smallholder farmers to systematically and simultaneously assess the sustainability, constraints for adoption, and scaling-up of three AgTs (use of fertilizers, improved seeds, and small-scale irrigation) in Tanzania. The study finds that the farmers perceive all three AgTs to be sustainable for the study region. Adoption rates are perceived to be medium for use of fertilizers, high for improved seeds, and low for small-scale irrigation. The most significant constraints for adoption experienced by the farmers are lack of technical physical inputs, marketing facilities, and know-how. Scaling-up is perceived to be well fulfilled for use of fertilizers and improved seeds, but only partially fulfilled for small-scale irrigation, which is the most limited of the three AgTs. The most significant constraints for scaling-up experienced by farmers are a lack of confidence in the added value of the AgTs beyond project activities, marketing facilities, and technical physical inputs. The overall success potential is high for the use of fertilizers and improved seeds, and the average for small-scale irrigation. The farmers’ perceptions partially indicate why the bundle of AgTs is lacking in the study region and provide a basis for discussing targeted agricultural and policy interventions in Tanzania.

ACS Style

Srijna Jha; Harald Kaechele; Marcos Lana; T.S Amjath-Babu; Stefan Sieber. Exploring Farmers’ Perceptions of Agricultural Technologies: A Case Study from Tanzania. Sustainability 2020, 12, 998 .

AMA Style

Srijna Jha, Harald Kaechele, Marcos Lana, T.S Amjath-Babu, Stefan Sieber. Exploring Farmers’ Perceptions of Agricultural Technologies: A Case Study from Tanzania. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (3):998.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Srijna Jha; Harald Kaechele; Marcos Lana; T.S Amjath-Babu; Stefan Sieber. 2020. "Exploring Farmers’ Perceptions of Agricultural Technologies: A Case Study from Tanzania." Sustainability 12, no. 3: 998.

Journal article
Published: 25 January 2020 in Land
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The 2016 peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP created institutional space for an effective implementation of needed rural reforms. However, the change of power structures also contains risks, like the deterioration of natural resources and the strengthening of other armed groups. By addressing collective perceptions regarding the Integrated Rural Reform (IRR), this paper shows the consequences of the peace agreement for the rural population in the department of Caquetá. Additionally, it presents the main challenges for further departmental development. The case study approach uses both semi-structured expert interviews of rural development stakeholders in different sectors based on three sampling strands, as well as participatory observation in the field. The main findings show an increase of general physical security and (economic) interest in the department since the signing of the agreement, while the deforestation rate, homicides, and threats against social-environmental leaders were all highly increased. The study also derives recommendations of departmental actors in rural development for a more effective peace implementation process, like the change from cattle driven to a more conservational economy with agri-silviculture and ecotourism, led by local civil society. To create a stable peace, it is crucial that the current government effectively implements the IRR, while also considering departmental perceptions of sustainable development. If the implementation process and departmental recognition is not enforced sufficiently, then peace might only be possible at the cost of the Amazon and its nature.

ACS Style

Maximilian Graser; Michelle Bonatti; Luca Eufemia; Héctor Morales; Marcos Lana; Katharina Löhr; Stefan Sieber. Peacebuilding in Rural Colombia—A Collective Perception of the Integrated Rural Reform (IRR) in the Department of Caquetá (Amazon). Land 2020, 9, 36 .

AMA Style

Maximilian Graser, Michelle Bonatti, Luca Eufemia, Héctor Morales, Marcos Lana, Katharina Löhr, Stefan Sieber. Peacebuilding in Rural Colombia—A Collective Perception of the Integrated Rural Reform (IRR) in the Department of Caquetá (Amazon). Land. 2020; 9 (2):36.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maximilian Graser; Michelle Bonatti; Luca Eufemia; Héctor Morales; Marcos Lana; Katharina Löhr; Stefan Sieber. 2020. "Peacebuilding in Rural Colombia—A Collective Perception of the Integrated Rural Reform (IRR) in the Department of Caquetá (Amazon)." Land 9, no. 2: 36.

Articles
Published: 02 January 2020 in International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability
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Given the persistent poor livelihood of cocoa-farming households, future climate predictions and the worldwide demand pressure for higher cocoa quality and productivity, there is still a strong need to find new approaches that guarantee a sustainable cocoa future in cocoa-producing countries amongst which Cameroon is one of them. This exploratory research investigates potential future pathways for the cocoa sector in Cameroon by mapping the perceptions of actors involved in the socio-technical regime. Qualitative expert interviews, structured questionnaires and field observation, as well as a focus group discussion have been applied to understand how a sustainability transition can be triggered. The study shows that actors envisage a sustainability change which determines their actions; however, their perceptions towards future transitions are not actively coordinated. Actors are not finding a way of adopting new organizational structures and letting a transition occur effectively, like in the case of certification standards. An alignment of perceptions and activities, and a stronger cooperation between the private and public are strongly recommended. The study encourages to consider a coordination of actors’ perceptions towards future scenarios as a starting point to study sustainability transitions.

ACS Style

Claudia Vogel; Syndhia Mathe; Maria Geitzenauer; Hycenth Tim Ndah; Stefan Sieber; Michelle Bonatti; Marcos Lana. Stakeholders’ perceptions on sustainability transition pathways of the cocoa value chain towards improved livelihood of small-scale farming households in Cameroon. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 2020, 18, 55 -69.

AMA Style

Claudia Vogel, Syndhia Mathe, Maria Geitzenauer, Hycenth Tim Ndah, Stefan Sieber, Michelle Bonatti, Marcos Lana. Stakeholders’ perceptions on sustainability transition pathways of the cocoa value chain towards improved livelihood of small-scale farming households in Cameroon. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability. 2020; 18 (1):55-69.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Claudia Vogel; Syndhia Mathe; Maria Geitzenauer; Hycenth Tim Ndah; Stefan Sieber; Michelle Bonatti; Marcos Lana. 2020. "Stakeholders’ perceptions on sustainability transition pathways of the cocoa value chain towards improved livelihood of small-scale farming households in Cameroon." International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 18, no. 1: 55-69.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2020 in Cogent Environmental Science
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ACS Style

Seonhwa Lee; Michelle Bonatti; Katharina Löhr; Vandreé Palacios; Marcos A. Lana; Stefan Sieber. Adoption potentials and barriers of silvopastoral system in Colombia: Case of Cundinamarca region. Cogent Environmental Science 2020, 6, 1 .

AMA Style

Seonhwa Lee, Michelle Bonatti, Katharina Löhr, Vandreé Palacios, Marcos A. Lana, Stefan Sieber. Adoption potentials and barriers of silvopastoral system in Colombia: Case of Cundinamarca region. Cogent Environmental Science. 2020; 6 (1):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Seonhwa Lee; Michelle Bonatti; Katharina Löhr; Vandreé Palacios; Marcos A. Lana; Stefan Sieber. 2020. "Adoption potentials and barriers of silvopastoral system in Colombia: Case of Cundinamarca region." Cogent Environmental Science 6, no. 1: 1.

Journal article
Published: 09 September 2019 in Social Sciences
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Increasingly, the developmental model of anthropic and extractive interventions is a global concern. Its impacts are challenging not only the precarious equilibrium of natural resources but also the one of local communities and identities. The case of the Colombian Llanos shows how the local culture of the Cultura Llanera (CL) is deep-rooted with natural resources, their use and their management. Throughout the use of a survey based on the Governance Analytical Framework (GAF), this paper presents and discusses shared problems and social norms. The collective perception of local groups shows that the CL, in particular traditional livestock practices in flooded savannahs, is a key element for the sustainable development of the region. Furthermore, it reveals that agricultural and extractive activities, primarily rice and oil, are considered the main threats to both the ecosystem and the protection of the CL.

ACS Style

Luca Eufemia; Hector Morales; Michelle Bonatti; Maximilian Graser; Marcos Lana; Stefan Sieber. Collective Perception of Anthropic and Extractive Interventions in the Colombian Llanos. Social Sciences 2019, 8, 259 .

AMA Style

Luca Eufemia, Hector Morales, Michelle Bonatti, Maximilian Graser, Marcos Lana, Stefan Sieber. Collective Perception of Anthropic and Extractive Interventions in the Colombian Llanos. Social Sciences. 2019; 8 (9):259.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luca Eufemia; Hector Morales; Michelle Bonatti; Maximilian Graser; Marcos Lana; Stefan Sieber. 2019. "Collective Perception of Anthropic and Extractive Interventions in the Colombian Llanos." Social Sciences 8, no. 9: 259.

Journal article
Published: 10 August 2019 in Sustainability
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Drought and heat-tolerant crops, such as Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), are priority crops for fighting hunger in semi-arid regions. Assessing its performance under future climate scenarios is critical for determining its resilience and sustainability. Field experiments were conducted over two consecutive seasons (2015/2016 and 2016/2017) to determine the yield responses of the crop (pearl millet variety “Okoa”) to microdose fertilizer application in a semi-arid region of Tanzania. Data from the experiment were used to calibrate and validate the DSSAT model (CERES Millet). Subsequently, the model evaluated synthetic climate change scenarios for temperature increments and precipitation changes based on historic observations (2010–2018). Temperature increases of +0.5 to +3.0 °C (from baseline), under non-fertilized (NF) and fertilizer microdose (MD) conditions were used to evaluate nine planting dates of pearl millet from early (5 December) to late planting (25 February), based on increments of 10 days. The planting date with the highest yields was subjected to 49 synthetic scenarios of climate change for temperature increments and precipitation changes (of −30% up to +30% from baseline) to simulate yield responses. Results show that the model reproduced the phenology and yield, indicating a very good performance. Model simulations indicate that temperature increases negatively affected yields for all planting dates under NF and MD. Early and late planting windows were more negatively affected than the normal planting window, implying that temperature increases reduced the length of effective planting window for achieving high yields in both NF and MD. Farmers must adjust their planting timing, while the timely availability of seeds and fertilizer is critical. Precipitation increases had a positive effect on yields under all tested temperature increments, but Okoa cultivar only has steady yield increases up to a maximum of 1.5 °C, beyond which yields decline. This informs the need for further breeding or testing of other cultivars that are more heat tolerant. However, under MD, the temperature increments and precipitation change scenarios are higher than under NF, indicating a high potential of yield improvement under MD, especially with precipitation increases. Further investigation should focus on other cropping strategies such as the use of in-field rainwater harvesting and heat-tolerant cultivars to mitigate the effects of temperature increase and change in precipitation on pearl millet yield.

ACS Style

Festo Richard Silungwe; Frieder Graef; Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura; Emmanuel A Chilagane; Siza Donald Tumbo; Fredrick Cassian Kahimba; Marcos Alberto Lana. Modelling Rainfed Pearl Millet Yield Sensitivity to Abiotic Stresses in Semi-Arid Central Tanzania, Eastern Africa. Sustainability 2019, 11, 4330 .

AMA Style

Festo Richard Silungwe, Frieder Graef, Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura, Emmanuel A Chilagane, Siza Donald Tumbo, Fredrick Cassian Kahimba, Marcos Alberto Lana. Modelling Rainfed Pearl Millet Yield Sensitivity to Abiotic Stresses in Semi-Arid Central Tanzania, Eastern Africa. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (16):4330.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Festo Richard Silungwe; Frieder Graef; Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura; Emmanuel A Chilagane; Siza Donald Tumbo; Fredrick Cassian Kahimba; Marcos Alberto Lana. 2019. "Modelling Rainfed Pearl Millet Yield Sensitivity to Abiotic Stresses in Semi-Arid Central Tanzania, Eastern Africa." Sustainability 11, no. 16: 4330.

Journal article
Published: 19 July 2019 in Agronomy
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Rainfed agriculture constitutes around 80% of the world’s agricultural land, achieving the lowest on-farm crop yields and greatest on-farm water losses. Much of this land is in developing countries, including sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where hunger is chronic. The primary constraint of rainfed agriculture—frequently experienced in SSA—is water scarcity, heightened by the unpredictability of season onset, erratic rainfall, as well as the inability of farmers to provide adequate soil and crop management. Farmers react differently to constraints, making a variety of choices—including the timing of planting, type of land cultivation, fertilization, and scattered fields, among many others. Limited information is available on the combined effects of these strategies for improving crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE). An experiment was co-conducted with farmers over four consecutive rainy seasons (2014–2018) in Tanzania, to evaluate these strategies for single and joint effects in improving yield and WUE on rainfed pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.). The treatments used were flat cultivation both without and with microdosing, as well as tied ridging without and with microdose interaction, with different planting dates depending on farmers’ decisions. Results show that farmers react differently to the early, normal, or late onset of the rainy season, and cumulative rainfall during its onset, which affects their decisions regarding planting dates, yield, and WUE. Microdose fertilization increases both the yield and WUE of pearl millet significantly, with greater effects obtained using tied ridging compared to flat cultivation. For low-income smallholder farmers in a semi-arid agroclimate, using tied ridging with microdosing during early planting is an effective response to spatiotemporal rainfall variability and poor soils.

ACS Style

Festo Richard Silungwe; Frieder Graef; Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura; Siza Donald Tumbo; Frederick Cassian Kahimba; Marcos Alberto Lana. The Management Strategies of Pearl Millet Farmers to Cope with Seasonal Rainfall Variability in a Semi-Arid Agroclimate. Agronomy 2019, 9, 400 .

AMA Style

Festo Richard Silungwe, Frieder Graef, Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura, Siza Donald Tumbo, Frederick Cassian Kahimba, Marcos Alberto Lana. The Management Strategies of Pearl Millet Farmers to Cope with Seasonal Rainfall Variability in a Semi-Arid Agroclimate. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (7):400.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Festo Richard Silungwe; Frieder Graef; Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura; Siza Donald Tumbo; Frederick Cassian Kahimba; Marcos Alberto Lana. 2019. "The Management Strategies of Pearl Millet Farmers to Cope with Seasonal Rainfall Variability in a Semi-Arid Agroclimate." Agronomy 9, no. 7: 400.

Journal article
Published: 20 March 2019 in Water
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Establishing food security in sub-Saharan African countries requires a comprehensive and high resolution understanding of the driving factors of crop production. Poor soil and adverse climate conditions are among the major drivers of poor regional crop production. Drought and rainfall variability challenges are not fully being addressed by rainfed producers in semiarid areas. In this study, we analysed the spatiotemporal rainfall variability (STRV) and its effects on pearl millet yield using two seasons of data collected from 38 rain gauge stations scattered randomly in farm plots within a 1500 ha area of semiarid central Tanzania. The STRV effects on pearl millet yield under flat and tied ridge management were analysed. Our results show that seasonal rainfall can vary significantly for neighboring fields at distances of less than 200 m, which impacts yield. The STRV for daily rainfall was found to be more critical than for total seasonal rainfall amounts. Scattering fields can help farmers avoid total harvest loss by obtaining at least some yield from the areas that received adequate rain. The use of tied ridges is recommended to conserve soil moisture and improve yields more than flat cultivation in semiarid areas.

ACS Style

Festo Richard Silungwe; Frieder Graef; Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura; Siza Donald Tumbo; Frederick Cassian Kahimba; Marcos Alberto Lana. Analysis of Intra and Interseasonal Rainfall Variability and Its Effects on Pearl Millet Yield in a Semiarid Agroclimate: Significance of Scattered Fields and Tied Ridges. Water 2019, 11, 578 .

AMA Style

Festo Richard Silungwe, Frieder Graef, Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura, Siza Donald Tumbo, Frederick Cassian Kahimba, Marcos Alberto Lana. Analysis of Intra and Interseasonal Rainfall Variability and Its Effects on Pearl Millet Yield in a Semiarid Agroclimate: Significance of Scattered Fields and Tied Ridges. Water. 2019; 11 (3):578.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Festo Richard Silungwe; Frieder Graef; Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura; Siza Donald Tumbo; Frederick Cassian Kahimba; Marcos Alberto Lana. 2019. "Analysis of Intra and Interseasonal Rainfall Variability and Its Effects on Pearl Millet Yield in a Semiarid Agroclimate: Significance of Scattered Fields and Tied Ridges." Water 11, no. 3: 578.

Journal article
Published: 09 October 2018 in Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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Climate change is expected to severely affect cropping systems and food production in many parts of the world unless local adaptation can ameliorate these impacts. Ensembles of crop simulation models can be useful tools for assessing if proposed adaptation options are capable of achieving target yields, whilst also quantifying the share of uncertainty in the simulated crop impact resulting from the crop models themselves. Although some studies have analysed the influence of ensemble size on model outcomes, the effect of ensemble composition has not yet been properly appraised. Moreover, results and derived recommendations typically rely on averaged ensemble simulation results without accounting sufficiently for the spread of model outcomes. Therefore, we developed an Ensemble Outcome Agreement (EOA) index, which analyses the effect of changes in composition and size of a multi-model ensemble (MME) to evaluate the level of agreement between MME outcomes with respect to a given hypothesis (e.g. that adaptation measures result in positive crop responses). We analysed the recommendations of a previous study performed with an ensemble of 17 crop models and testing 54 adaptation options for rainfed winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at Lleida (NE Spain) under perturbed conditions of temperature, precipitation and atmospheric CO2 concentration. Our results confirmed that most adaptations recommended in the previous study have a positive effect. However, we also showed that some options did not remain recommendable in specific conditions if different ensembles were considered. Using EOA, we were able to identify the adaptation options for which there is high confidence in their effectiveness at enhancing yields, even under severe climate perturbations. These include substituting spring wheat for winter wheat combined with earlier sowing dates and standard or longer duration cultivars, or introducing supplementary irrigation, the latter increasing EOA values in all cases. There is low confidence in recovering yields to baseline levels, although this target could be attained for some adaptation options under moderate climate perturbations. Recommendations derived from such robust results may provide crucial information for stakeholders seeking to implement adaptation measures.

ACS Style

A. Rodríguez; M. Ruiz-Ramos; Taru Palosuo; T.R. Carter; Stefan Fronzek; I.J. Lorite; Roberto Ferrise; N. Pirttioja; Marco Bindi; P. Baranowski; S. Buis; D. Cammarano; Y. Chen; B. Dumont; F. Ewert; T. Gaiser; P. Hlavinka; H. Hoffmann; J.G. Höhn; F. Jurecka; K.C. Kersebaum; J. Krzyszczak; M. Lana; Altaaf Mechiche-Alami; J. Minet; M. Montesino; C. Nendel; J.R. Porter; F. Ruget; Mikhail Semenov; Z. Steinmetz; P. Stratonovitch; I. Supit; F. Tao; M. Trnka; A. de Wit; R.P. Rötter. Implications of crop model ensemble size and composition for estimates of adaptation effects and agreement of recommendations. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 2018, 264, 351 -362.

AMA Style

A. Rodríguez, M. Ruiz-Ramos, Taru Palosuo, T.R. Carter, Stefan Fronzek, I.J. Lorite, Roberto Ferrise, N. Pirttioja, Marco Bindi, P. Baranowski, S. Buis, D. Cammarano, Y. Chen, B. Dumont, F. Ewert, T. Gaiser, P. Hlavinka, H. Hoffmann, J.G. Höhn, F. Jurecka, K.C. Kersebaum, J. Krzyszczak, M. Lana, Altaaf Mechiche-Alami, J. Minet, M. Montesino, C. Nendel, J.R. Porter, F. Ruget, Mikhail Semenov, Z. Steinmetz, P. Stratonovitch, I. Supit, F. Tao, M. Trnka, A. de Wit, R.P. Rötter. Implications of crop model ensemble size and composition for estimates of adaptation effects and agreement of recommendations. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology. 2018; 264 ():351-362.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. Rodríguez; M. Ruiz-Ramos; Taru Palosuo; T.R. Carter; Stefan Fronzek; I.J. Lorite; Roberto Ferrise; N. Pirttioja; Marco Bindi; P. Baranowski; S. Buis; D. Cammarano; Y. Chen; B. Dumont; F. Ewert; T. Gaiser; P. Hlavinka; H. Hoffmann; J.G. Höhn; F. Jurecka; K.C. Kersebaum; J. Krzyszczak; M. Lana; Altaaf Mechiche-Alami; J. Minet; M. Montesino; C. Nendel; J.R. Porter; F. Ruget; Mikhail Semenov; Z. Steinmetz; P. Stratonovitch; I. Supit; F. Tao; M. Trnka; A. de Wit; R.P. Rötter. 2018. "Implications of crop model ensemble size and composition for estimates of adaptation effects and agreement of recommendations." Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 264, no. : 351-362.

Journal article
Published: 31 August 2018 in Field Crops Research
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Process-oriented agro-ecosystem models are increasingly applied to assess crop management options or impacts of climate change on agricultural production, food security and ecosystem services. Thereby, the aggregation of initial soil and climate information is a widely used approach for performing simulations at larger scales such as regions, nations or even globally. In this context, the ability of models to respond to different site conditions is essential for high quality impact assessment through the use of modelling tools. As part of a model inter-comparison the present study investigated models’ yield response on variable site conditions using data sets from two well-documented fields, one located in Germany and one in Italy. The fields were sampled at 60 and 100 grid points, respectively, and soil and crop variables were recorded at varying intensity for the entire simulation period covering three growing seasons. The data was provided successively to the participating modelling groups in three calibration steps (a, b, and c) and the first growing season was considered for calibration. Model validation was based on these steps and each growing season as well as on the entire simulation period considering the soil state variables mineral nitrogen and water content (N, WC) as well as crop yield, biomass, and leaf area index (LAI). The WC was best depicted by the models, resulting in high correlation coefficients (r) up to 0.81 between simulated and observed values. The root mean square error (RMSE) of simulated N ranged from 20 kg ha−1 to 1072 kg ha−1 regarding all steps and growing seasons. The annual within-field variability of yields was better simulated by the models when observed subsoil information was provided. However, the RMSE ranged from 0.5 t ha−1 to 3.5 t ha−1 at the German field, and from 0.6 t ha−1 to 5.9 t ha−1 at the Italian field, respectively. It was found that intensified calibration did not necessarily lead to improved model output. Furthermore, single models showed specific inconsistencies in their algorithms when, for example, underestimated WC was associated with overestimated yields. In total, the sensitivity of models to spatially variable site conditions differed considerably. The importance of quality-assured soil and yield information for model improvement was highlighted.

ACS Style

Evelyn Wallor; Kurt-Christian Kersebaum; Domenico Ventrella; Marco Bindi; Davide Cammarano; Elsa Coucheney; Thomas Gaiser; Pasquale Garofalo; Luisa Giglio; Pietro Giola; Munir P. Hoffmann; Ileana Iocola; Marcos Lana; Elisabet Lewan; Ganga Ram Maharjan; Marco Moriondo; Laura Mula; Claas Nendel; Eva Pohankova; Pier Paolo Roggero; Mirek Trnka; Giacomo Trombi. The response of process-based agro-ecosystem models to within-field variability in site conditions. Field Crops Research 2018, 228, 1 -19.

AMA Style

Evelyn Wallor, Kurt-Christian Kersebaum, Domenico Ventrella, Marco Bindi, Davide Cammarano, Elsa Coucheney, Thomas Gaiser, Pasquale Garofalo, Luisa Giglio, Pietro Giola, Munir P. Hoffmann, Ileana Iocola, Marcos Lana, Elisabet Lewan, Ganga Ram Maharjan, Marco Moriondo, Laura Mula, Claas Nendel, Eva Pohankova, Pier Paolo Roggero, Mirek Trnka, Giacomo Trombi. The response of process-based agro-ecosystem models to within-field variability in site conditions. Field Crops Research. 2018; 228 ():1-19.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Evelyn Wallor; Kurt-Christian Kersebaum; Domenico Ventrella; Marco Bindi; Davide Cammarano; Elsa Coucheney; Thomas Gaiser; Pasquale Garofalo; Luisa Giglio; Pietro Giola; Munir P. Hoffmann; Ileana Iocola; Marcos Lana; Elisabet Lewan; Ganga Ram Maharjan; Marco Moriondo; Laura Mula; Claas Nendel; Eva Pohankova; Pier Paolo Roggero; Mirek Trnka; Giacomo Trombi. 2018. "The response of process-based agro-ecosystem models to within-field variability in site conditions." Field Crops Research 228, no. : 1-19.

Editorial
Published: 02 August 2018 in Food Security
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Stefan Sieber; Frieder Graef; T. S. Amjath-Babu; Khamaldin Daud Mutabazi; Siza D. Tumbo; Anja Faße; Sergio Gomez Y Paloma; Constance Rybak; Marcos Alberto Lana; Hycenth Tim Ndah; Götz Uckert; Johannes Schuler; Ulrike Grote. Trans-SEC’s food security research in Tanzania: from constraints to adoption for out- and upscaling of agricultural innovations. Food Security 2018, 10, 775 -783.

AMA Style

Stefan Sieber, Frieder Graef, T. S. Amjath-Babu, Khamaldin Daud Mutabazi, Siza D. Tumbo, Anja Faße, Sergio Gomez Y Paloma, Constance Rybak, Marcos Alberto Lana, Hycenth Tim Ndah, Götz Uckert, Johannes Schuler, Ulrike Grote. Trans-SEC’s food security research in Tanzania: from constraints to adoption for out- and upscaling of agricultural innovations. Food Security. 2018; 10 (4):775-783.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stefan Sieber; Frieder Graef; T. S. Amjath-Babu; Khamaldin Daud Mutabazi; Siza D. Tumbo; Anja Faße; Sergio Gomez Y Paloma; Constance Rybak; Marcos Alberto Lana; Hycenth Tim Ndah; Götz Uckert; Johannes Schuler; Ulrike Grote. 2018. "Trans-SEC’s food security research in Tanzania: from constraints to adoption for out- and upscaling of agricultural innovations." Food Security 10, no. 4: 775-783.

Journal article
Published: 01 August 2018 in Nature
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Discover the world’s best science and medicine | Nature.com

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Luca Eufemia; Michelle Bonatti; Marcos A. Lana. Colombia’s rural development must honour peace agreement. Nature 2018, 560, 29 -29.

AMA Style

Luca Eufemia, Michelle Bonatti, Marcos A. Lana. Colombia’s rural development must honour peace agreement. Nature. 2018; 560 (7716):29-29.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luca Eufemia; Michelle Bonatti; Marcos A. Lana. 2018. "Colombia’s rural development must honour peace agreement." Nature 560, no. 7716: 29-29.

Original paper
Published: 16 June 2018 in Food Security
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Due to beneficial characteristics of cassava such as robustness and versatility for multiple uses, it can have a major role in contributing to local food security. The objective of this study was to find out whether and how the cultivation of cassava benefits smallholder farmers in the regions of Dodoma and Morogoro, Tanzania. In addition, the study assessed the main factors that support or threaten food security of smallholder farmer households in the survey region and analysed whether cassava cultivation could counteract them. We applied a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data were provided by a comprehensive household survey of the Trans-SEC project, and qualitative data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews. To approach the complexity of our chosen food security definition, three approaches for household food security measurement were applied. These covered the components of food availability, food access, and food utilization. Additionally, dependent variables for regression models were constructed and a multivariate analysis was run. The results show that cassava contributes to food security in the households, but achieving food security through cassava cultivation was constrained by several factors, including pests, missing markets, poor processing, social perception and lack of knowledge. Besides these, other factors affecting food security in the study area were found, uncovering some roots of local food insecurity and serving as a basis for further research and action on how to enhance food security.

ACS Style

Katrin Reincke; Elisa Vilvert; Anja Fasse; Frieder Graef; Stefan Sieber; Marcos A. Lana. Key factors influencing food security of smallholder farmers in Tanzania and the role of cassava as a strategic crop. Food Security 2018, 10, 911 -924.

AMA Style

Katrin Reincke, Elisa Vilvert, Anja Fasse, Frieder Graef, Stefan Sieber, Marcos A. Lana. Key factors influencing food security of smallholder farmers in Tanzania and the role of cassava as a strategic crop. Food Security. 2018; 10 (4):911-924.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Katrin Reincke; Elisa Vilvert; Anja Fasse; Frieder Graef; Stefan Sieber; Marcos A. Lana. 2018. "Key factors influencing food security of smallholder farmers in Tanzania and the role of cassava as a strategic crop." Food Security 10, no. 4: 911-924.

Opinion article
Published: 05 June 2018 in Frontiers in Plant Science
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Should Heavy Metals Be Monitored in Foods Derived From Soils Fertilized With Animal Waste?

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Rafael Da Rosa Couto; Jucinei J. Comin; Monique Souza; Felipe Ricachenevsky; Marcos Lana; Luciano C. Gatiboni; Carlos A. Ceretta; Gustavo Brunetto. Should Heavy Metals Be Monitored in Foods Derived From Soils Fertilized With Animal Waste? Frontiers in Plant Science 2018, 9, 732 .

AMA Style

Rafael Da Rosa Couto, Jucinei J. Comin, Monique Souza, Felipe Ricachenevsky, Marcos Lana, Luciano C. Gatiboni, Carlos A. Ceretta, Gustavo Brunetto. Should Heavy Metals Be Monitored in Foods Derived From Soils Fertilized With Animal Waste? Frontiers in Plant Science. 2018; 9 ():732.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Rafael Da Rosa Couto; Jucinei J. Comin; Monique Souza; Felipe Ricachenevsky; Marcos Lana; Luciano C. Gatiboni; Carlos A. Ceretta; Gustavo Brunetto. 2018. "Should Heavy Metals Be Monitored in Foods Derived From Soils Fertilized With Animal Waste?" Frontiers in Plant Science 9, no. : 732.

Review
Published: 22 March 2018 in Water
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Spatiotemporal rainfall variability and low soil fertility are the primary crop production challenges facing poor farmers in semi-arid environments. However, there are few solutions for addressing these challenges. The literature provides several crop upgrading strategies (UPS) for improving crop yields, and biophysical models are used to simulate these strategies. However, the suitability of UPS is limited by systemization of their areas of application and the need to cope with the challenges faced by poor farmers. In this study, we reviewed 187 papers from peer-reviewed journals, conferences and reports that discuss UPS suitable for cereals and biophysical models used to assist in the selection of UPS in semi-arid areas. We found that four UPS were the most suitable, namely tied ridges, microdose fertilization, varying sowing dates, and field scattering. The DSSAT, APSIM and AquaCrop models adequately simulate these UPS. This work provides a systemization of crop UPS and models in semi-arid areas that can be applied by scientists and planners.

ACS Style

Festo Richard Silungwe; Frieder Graef; Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura; Siza Donald Tumbo; Frederick Cassian Kahimba; Marcos Alberto Lana. Crop Upgrading Strategies and Modelling for Rainfed Cereals in a Semi-Arid Climate—A Review. Water 2018, 10, 356 .

AMA Style

Festo Richard Silungwe, Frieder Graef, Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura, Siza Donald Tumbo, Frederick Cassian Kahimba, Marcos Alberto Lana. Crop Upgrading Strategies and Modelling for Rainfed Cereals in a Semi-Arid Climate—A Review. Water. 2018; 10 (4):356.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Festo Richard Silungwe; Frieder Graef; Sonoko Dorothea Bellingrath-Kimura; Siza Donald Tumbo; Frederick Cassian Kahimba; Marcos Alberto Lana. 2018. "Crop Upgrading Strategies and Modelling for Rainfed Cereals in a Semi-Arid Climate—A Review." Water 10, no. 4: 356.