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Predicted changes in rainfall intensity due to climate change are likely to influence key soil health parameters, especially structural attributes and crop growth. Variations in rainfall intensity will impact crop production negatively. It is therefore imperative to investigate the interaction between predicted increases in rainfall intensity and key soil health parameters, particularly in relation to soil structural attributes and plant growth. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of rainfall intensity on soil crust formation and mode of seedling emergence in soils dominated by primary minerals. Soil samples were collected from the top 200 mm, air dried and then packed uniformly into plastic pots, which were perforated at the bottom. Three maize seeds of equal size were planted in a triangular pattern in each pot at a depth of 30 mm, after which the pots were pre-wetted by capillary. The samples were then subjected to simulated rainfall at 3 intensities, i.e., 30, 45 and 60 mm/h, for 5 min. Rainfall intensity significantly (P < 0.05) affected crust strength and mean emergence day (MED), but not emergence percentage (EMP) and shoot length (P > 0.05). The 60 mm/h rainfall intensity resulted in the highest crust strength and MED. The strength of crust for all three rainfall intensities was influenced by quartz content, soil organic matter, clay and hematite. Most seedlings emerged through cracks, which resulted in rainfall intensity having no significant effects on seedling EMP and shoot length. We concluded that any increase in rainfall intensity is likely to increase the severity of crusting in these soils. However, soils with extensive cracking are likely to have higher EMP and lower MED and more vigorous seedlings despite the strength of the crust. As a result, post-planting tillage methods that enhance crust cracking may be employed to enhance seedling emergence and growth in these soils.

Supplemental data and extended results associated with the article entitled 'Ambitious food system interventions required to mitigate the risk of exceeding Earth’s environmental limits' (see Hadjikakou et al., 2025, One Earth). This repository contains the following files: Systematic search results and strings used to identify studies (Systematic_search_details.xlsx) A harmonised input database assembled from systematically selected studies (Harmonised_input_database.xlsx) Mapping of all on-ground actions in the literature to food system interventions (Action-intervention mapping.xlsx) Source data for key figures in the article and SI (Source data for figures.xlsx) Linear mixed model (LMM) predictions in physical units across all environmental indicators for all intervention combinations (Extended_results - LMM_indicator_predictions.zip) Risk estimates across all environmental limits for all intervention combinations (Extended_results - Risk_estimates_across_environmental_limits.zip) For all code, see the Global Food System Intervention Meta-Regression Model (GFSI-MRM). 

Agricultural production depends upon certain crucial inputs e.g., water, fertilizer etc. In the less developed regions of South Asia in general, and the indo-Pakistan sub-continent in particular, the use of these inputs depends not only upon the financial affordability but also upon the institutional accessibility of farmers to these inputs. Besides high economic costs, bureaucratic controls and corruption regarding the distribution of inputs have created problems of limited accessibility, especially to the small farmers. In the absence of any credit, information and/or input distribution networks, the use of these inputs, and related productivity gains, become confined to that class of farmers which not only has better access to these inputs but is capable of using them in the best possible way e.g. use of water and fertilizer in the appropriate amount and at the appropriate time. This paper attempts to study how input use and input productivity vary across farm sizes, with some reference to the infrastructural and institutional factors, whose development play an important role in improving the distribution and productivity of inputs. For such an analysis, a comparison of the two Punjabs i.e. Pakistani and Indian Punjabs, presents an ideal framework, Separated by a national boundary since 1947, the two Punjabs enjoy a common history and culture, similar agricultural practices and agro-climatic conditions, Government policies in the two Punjabs, however, have not only differed between the two provinces at the same time, but also over time in the same province. It may be noted that due to certain policy measures, land distribution, tenancy conditions, promotion of agricultural co-operatives and provision of infrastructural features, such as roads and electricity, are relatively more improved in Indian than Pakistani Punjab.

Governments prioritize global food insecurity. Food insecurity affects a billion people, with Asia and the Pacific Islands having the highest rates and Sub-Saharan Africa the lowest. Pakistan is one of the worst-hit countries due to a surge in chronically food insecure people. Pakistan's food crisis persists. Due to improved worldwide methods and statistics on population, food balance sheets, and consumption patterns, Pakistan's PoU for 2017-19 is 12.3%, up from 12.0% the year before. This is helping measure progress on SDG indicator 2.1.1. 26 million individuals cannot fulfill their basic calorie needs, and the number is rising