Guest Editor(s)
Prof. Dr. Youcai Xiong
Email: xiongyc@lzu.edu.cn
Affiliation: College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Research Interests: agricultural ecology and sustainability science, dryland agricultural water-saving technology, soil health and plastic film pollution control, climate resilience and carbon sequestration in agroecosystems
Summary
Drylands cover over 40% of the Earth's land surface and support more than 2 billion people, yet they face severe threats from climate change, water scarcity, and unsustainable agricultural practices. The widespread use of plastic film mulch, while boosting yields, has introduced emerging contaminants such as microplastics and phthalates that threaten soil health and food security. Balancing food production with environmental sustainability is a critical frontier for dryland agriculture.
This Special Issue aims to synthesize recent advances in dryland agricultural ecology, focusing on innovative pathways to enhance climate resilience and reduce the environmental footprint of crop production. We call for cutting-edge research that addresses the nexus of water-saving technologies, soil carbon dynamics, and plastic pollution mitigation. Key themes of interest include: water-adaptive cultivation strategies (e.g., ridge-furrow systems); strategies for reducing plastic film usage without yield penalties; effects of biodegradable plastics and microplastics on soil-plant systems; carbon sequestration potential in dryland agroecosystems; and the application of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for ecological restoration. We welcome interdisciplinary contributions linking microbial ecology, crop physiology, and sustainable resource management to offer actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners in arid and semiarid regions globally.
Keywords
dryland agriculture, climate resilience, plastic film pollution, water use efficiency, soil carbon sequestration, sustainability science, food security, ecological restoration
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