Why Researchers Choose Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment for High-Impact Publications
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment is a cornerstone publication for scholars in Agricultural and Veterinary Science, offering a platform to disseminate cutting-edge research on the interplay between agricultural practices and environmental sustainability. Established in 1976, this Elsevier journal has evolved into a vital resource, publishing peer-reviewed articles that address critical challenges like climate change adaptation in farming, biodiversity conservation in agroecosystems, and the ecological consequences of land-use changes. With a rigorous review process and a commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, it attracts contributions from ecologists, agronomists, and environmental scientists worldwide.
The journal's prestige is underscored by its impact factor of 6.6 (2023 Clarivate Journal Citation Reports), reflecting its influence in shaping policy and practice. Researchers value its comprehensive coverage, which spans from soil health and nutrient cycling to pest management and landscape ecology. Submitting to Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment means joining a community of experts whose work informs sustainable development goals. Its hybrid open access model allows authors to reach broader audiences, enhancing citation potential and career advancement.
For those navigating academic careers, publishing here provides tangible benefits, including recognition in tenure evaluations and funding applications. The journal's Netherlands-based editorial team ensures high standards, with an average time to first decision of about 3 months. Whether exploring Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment impact factor trends or preparing a submission, this guide equips researchers with essential insights. To advance your research journey, explore agriculture faculty positions and connect with opportunities in the field.
Overview & History
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment was launched in 1976 by Elsevier, filling a gap in the literature on agroecology and environmental interactions in agriculture. Initially focused on European contexts, it quickly gained international acclaim for its holistic view of farming systems. Over the decades, the journal has published over 10,000 articles, influencing fields from precision agriculture to ecosystem services valuation. Key milestones include special issues on organic farming in the 1990s and climate-resilient crops in the 2010s, reflecting evolving global priorities.
Today, it remains a top-tier outlet, with submissions increasing annually due to rising interest in sustainable food systems. The journal's evolution mirrors broader scientific shifts toward integrated land management, making it indispensable for addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals related to zero hunger and life on land.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal encompasses a wide array of topics at the agriculture-environment nexus, emphasizing empirical and modeling studies. It prioritizes research that bridges disciplinary boundaries, from field experiments to policy analyses.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Science | Crop production, soil fertility, and irrigation systems. |
| Ecology | Biodiversity in agroecosystems and habitat fragmentation. |
| Environmental Science | Pollution from agriculture and mitigation strategies. |
| Veterinary Science | Livestock health impacts on ecosystems. |
| Sustainability Studies | Agroecological practices and circular economy in farming. |
Contributions must demonstrate clear environmental implications, with a focus on innovative solutions for global challenges.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 6.6 | Clarivate JCR 2023 |
| CiteScore | 10.9 | Scopus 2023 |
| h-Index | 156 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | Publisher data |
| Time to First Decision | 3 months (average) | Elsevier metrics |
These metrics highlight the journal's selectivity and rapid dissemination, appealing to authors aiming for high visibility.
Indexing and Abstracting
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide discoverability. It appears in Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded), Scopus, and PubMed for relevant veterinary topics. Additional coverage includes AGRICOLA, CAB Abstracts, and GeoRef, facilitating access for interdisciplinary researchers. Open access articles are archived in PubMed Central and DOAJ-eligible repositories, boosting global reach.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, authors can publish via subscription access (no fee) or open access for an Article Processing Charge (APC) of approximately $3,500 USD (2024 rates, subject to change). Elsevier offers waivers for authors from low-income countries through Research4Life. Page charges do not apply, but color figures incur extra costs unless waived. The model supports both traditional and gold open access, with over 40% of recent articles OA.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Manuscripts are submitted online via the Elsevier Editorial System at the journal's homepage. Guidelines require original research, reviews, or viewpoints up to 8,000 words, with structured abstracts and keywords. Ethical standards follow COPE guidelines, mandating data availability statements. Authors should format per the journal's template, emphasizing clear environmental-agricultural linkages. Revisions are common, with a 50% rejection rate at initial screening.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises 50+ experts, led by Editor-in-Chief Ken E. Giller from Wageningen University, Netherlands. Notable members include specialists in agroecology from the US, China, and Brazil, ensuring diverse perspectives. Associate editors handle sections like soil science and wildlife management, providing specialized feedback.
Why Publish in Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment?
Publishing here offers unmatched exposure to policymakers and practitioners. The journal's Q1 ranking in multiple categories guarantees citations, while its interdisciplinary appeal attracts collaborators. Authors benefit from Elsevier's marketing, including alerts and social media promotion. For early-career researchers, it enhances CVs for higher education jobs in agriculture.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment | 6.6 | Elsevier | Agroecology and sustainability |
| Ecological Applications | 5.0 | ESA | Applied ecology |
| Journal of Environmental Management | 8.7 | Elsevier | Broader environmental policy |
| Agricultural Systems | 6.6 | Elsevier | Modeling and systems |
| Global Change Biology | 11.6 | Wiley | Climate impacts |
This comparison shows Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment's strong position in niche agro-environmental research.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work with current calls, like those on regenerative agriculture.
- Use quantitative data to support claims on ecosystem services.
- Cite recent journal articles to demonstrate fit.
- Seek pre-submission inquiries for complex topics.
- Prepare for open peer review by ensuring transparency in methods.
Incorporate visuals like maps for spatial studies. For career support, check Rate My Professor for mentor insights or academic calendar deadlines. Other links: environmental science jobs, veterinary faculty positions, sustainability research grants, agronomy careers, ecology PhD programs, farm policy resources, biodiversity jobs, soil science opportunities, climate agriculture roles, landscape ecology positions, pest management jobs, nutrient cycling research. External: Official Journal Homepage, Scopus.