Call for papers: Journal special sections seeking submissions

Near-Term Problems in Meeting World Food Demands at Regional Levels

This special section will address agricultural problems that are looming in the near future (5–10 years) for different regions of the world. Worldwide problems are numerous and include extreme climate events, local and national responses to COVID-19 disrupting supply chains, increasing temperatures, meeting greenhouse gas emissions standards, and growing populations. Understanding the diversity and extent of these problems and potential solutions is needed to target research and develop effective teams.

Often, we are looking at the 2050 time frame; however, we know there are emerging problems that need to be addressed now, or in the near future, to maintain healthy agroecosystems and food supplies. Authors from different regions of the world (Africa, Asia, South and North America, Central America, China, Europe, Middle East, Micronesia, Australia, India, etc.) are invited to write manuscripts for publication in this special section of Agronomy Journal. We believe this is important considering that often Agronomy Journal articles focus on emerging problems in North America while different types of problems may be looming in other areas. The editors believe that this special section will not only help Agronomy Journal to expand its audience but will also serve as an outreach to the global community to improve communication and spark new collaborations among agricultural researchers.

Papers should provide a current background of the topic and present new insights into the complexity of the problem. They should provide a synthesis of the local and regional problems relative to the global perspective. The papers should focus on one to three emerging problems that the authors see as a threat to the region in agricultural production or the food supply in the near term. Images of the problems (typical farm/field situation, etc.) should be provided where possible. Authors should attempt to present balanced and fair coverage of the problems while discussesing ways to address them (e.g., the research gaps or infrastructure needs to alleviate the problems). Suggested research topics may be included but data from on-going projects are not necessary.

Authors are invited to submit a review article that is 12–15 pages (double-spaced), including references (i.e., 5 to 7 published pages). Tables, figures, and images are not included in the page limit. Interested authors must consult the journal's author instructions for review format and submission at https://bit.ly/3ih0ZZb. All submitted papers will undergo double-blind peer review. Authors should contact the special section's Technical Editor (see below) with an outline of the paper by 15 Oct. 2020, and first draft of papers will be due in mid-January, 2021. Authors should submit manuscripts at the journal's manuscript submission site: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/agron.

Publication charges will follow the journal's fee structure. All inquiries and paper outlines should be directed to the attention of the special section's Technical Editor, Dr. Thandiwe Nleya (Send Message or 605-688-6828).

The Role of Innovative Cropping Systems to Enhance Soil Health and Climate Resilience

Enhancing soil health through the use of diverse crop rotations and cover crops has been demonstrated in a number of sites. These practices have also afforded an increased climate resilience because of increased water storage and more timely cultural operations in the spring.

Agrosystems, Geosciences and Environment (AGE) is soliciting papers for a special section, “The Role of Innovative Cropping Systems to Enhance Soil Health and Climate Resilience.” The editors believe this topic is timely because of the increasing interest in the effects of diverse cropping systems. Studies on this topic are are often more regional in nature to fit a particular soil and climate regime. The editors would like to have your research as part of this special section.

This section will focus on the potential of innovative cropping systems to impact soil health, increase carbon sequestration, improve climate resilience, and affect ecosystem services. Innovative cropping systems encompass complex rotations, cover crops, and inclusion of livestock.

Submissions are open from 1 Aug. 2020 to 1 Jan. 2021.

We welcome your submission if you feel it addresses this topic. All articles will be subject to the review process for the journal. If you have any questions, please contact the journal editor, Jerry Hatfield, at Send Message.

Belowground Phenotyping

The Plant Phenome Journal (TPPJ) announces a call for papers for a special section to highlight multiple modes of belowground phenotyping in labs and fields. Observing belowground tissues can be difficult but is important for agriculture and forestry because of the critical roles of roots in carbon, water, and nutrient cycles.

Article inquires can be directed to the special Guest Editor, Saoirse Tracy (Send Message), or to Dan Northrup (Send Message), TTPJ Technical Editor. Submissions are open from 1 Sept. 2020 to 1 Mar. 2021. For more information, please visit https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/25782703/specialsectioncall.