The impact of livelihood capitals on farmers’ adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices: Evidence from rice production in the Jianghan Plain, China

As the relationship between climate change and agricultural production increasingly gains attention, the FAO recommends the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices (CSAPs) to ensure the stable development of agriculture amidst changing climatic conditions. However, the adoption rate of CSAPs remains low and the effects of livelihood capitals have received little attention. Based on the survey data for 916 farmers in the Jianghan Plain of China, this paper adopts a multivariate Probit model to examine the impact of farmers’ livelihood capitals which are measured by an entropy-TOPSIS approach on their adoption of CSAPs. Our results demonstrate that different livelihood capitals exert various influence on the adoption of CSAPs. Specifically, human, financial, physical, and social capital have positive relationships with pesticide-oriented CSAPs such as integrated pest management (IPM). Natural capital has a positive relationship with seed- and water- oriented CSAPs like tolerant rice varieties (TRV). Natural capital positively relates to soil-oriented CPSPs including rice straw mulching (RSM) while physical capital has a negative effect. Natural and physical capitals have positive relationships with fertilizer-oriented CSAPs like deep placement of fertilizer (DPF). Social and natural capitals have positive relationships with soil-oriented CSAPs such as no-tillage direct seeding (NTDS) while financial capital has a negative effect. Climate factors are also important in the adoption of CSAPs such as TRV and RSM. Finally, policy recommendations are suggested to enhance household livelihood capitals to promote the adoption of each type of CSAP

Mechanical Characteristics of Gas Hydrate-Bearing Sediments: An Experimental Study from the South China Sea

Clarifying the mechanical characteristics of gas hydrate-bearing sediments (GHBS) from a mechanical perspective is crucial for ensuring the long-term, safe, and efficient extraction of natural gas hydrates. In this study, seabed soft clay from the northern South China Sea was utilized to prepare clayey silt samples, aligning with gradation curves related to hydrate extraction projects in the Shenhu area of the South China Sea. Utilizing the high-pressure low-temperature hydrate triaxial testing system (ETAS), twelve sets of triaxial shear tests were conducted. The results highlight that increases in hydrate saturation and confining pressure significantly enhance GHBS’ strength and stiffness, with more pronounced volume expansion observed during shearing. These tests have elucidated the mechanical responses of GHBS. Subsequently, empirical formulas were developed to characterize their properties under varying conditions. Additionally, based on the experimental data, the micro-mechanisms of GHBS were analyzed, suggesting that hydrates notably contribute to the filling and cementing effects in GHBS, with these effects varying with changes in hydrate saturation and confining pressure. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanical properties of GHBS