Can the digitalization level of agriculture improve its ecological efficiency under carbon constraints: Evidence from China.

The interplay between digitalization and economic development constitutes a pivotal global issue, yet empirical research on agricultural ecological efficiency in developing countries remains limited. This study initially establishes a measurement system and a comprehensive index for the level of agricultural digitalization. Subsequently, it delineates the relationship between agricultural digitalization level and agroecological efficiency using the spatial Durbin model, and ultimately explores the enhancing effect of agricultural digitalization level on agroecological efficiency using China as a case study. Research reveals that the agricultural ecological efficiency across the 31 mainland Chinese provinces demonstrates a generally linear upward trajectory, embodying both agglomeration and heterogeneity. The level of agricultural digitization exerts a significant, positive direct impact and facilitates a spatial spillover effect on agricultural ecological efficiency. Other control variables, such as financial support for agriculture and local economic development, impart a positive direct impact on regional agricultural ecological efficiency, while rural household operating income propels a positive spatial spillover effect on adjacent areas. The findings furnish guidance for developing countries to adeptly execute digital rural construction, aiming to enhance agricultural ecological efficiency amidst carbon constraints.

Assessment soil cadmium and copper toxicity on barley growth and the influencing soil properties in subtropical agricultural soils.

Evaluation joint cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) phytotoxicity in wide range of subtropical agricultural soils is highly vital for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with Cd and Cu. In this study, barley root elongation assays were performed in 30 representative soils in response to single and combined Cd and Cu inhibition. The single Cd caused nearly 50% inhibition of barley root elongation, and Cu induced more than 50% inhibition in most soils. Mixed Cd + Cu caused significant inhibition on barley growth with average relative root elongation values of 20.0% and 30.4% in soil with a pH < 7 and pH > 7, respectively. An antagonistic interaction was evaluated in combined Cd + Cu toxicity, which was strong in soils containing low soluble Cu and Cd contents. Soil pH was the controlling factor in predicting single and mixed Cd and Cu phytotoxicity, which could explain 44% and 46% variation of single Cd and Cu toxicity, respectively. Soil organic carbon and effective cation exchange capacity were another important factor positively influencing metal toxicity, which further improved empirical prediction models accuracy, with determined coefficient (r2) values of 0.44-0.84. These results provide a theoretical basis for soils Cd and Cu pollution control.