Why Researchers Choose Field Crops Research for High-Impact Publications
Field Crops Research stands as a cornerstone in the field of agronomy, offering researchers a prestigious platform to disseminate innovative studies on crop production and management. Published by Elsevier since 1974, this journal has built a reputation for rigorous peer review and high-quality scholarship that influences global agricultural practices. With a focus on field-based experiments, modeling, and sustainable farming techniques, it attracts contributions from scientists worldwide seeking to address challenges like food security and climate resilience.
The journal's commitment to advancing knowledge in crop physiology, soil science, and pest management makes it invaluable for academics and practitioners. Its interdisciplinary approach integrates Agricultural and Veterinary Science with environmental considerations, ensuring publications resonate across sectors. Researchers value Field Crops Research for its ability to amplify their work through extensive indexing and a dedicated readership of over 10,000 subscribers and online viewers monthly.
Key to its appeal is the emphasis on practical applications, where theoretical insights translate into actionable strategies for improving yields and resource efficiency. Whether exploring genotype-environment interactions or precision agriculture technologies, contributors find a venue that prioritizes impactful, evidence-based research. The editorial team's expertise, drawn from leading institutions, ensures manuscripts undergo thorough evaluation, enhancing the journal's credibility.
For those considering submission, Field Crops Research offers clear guidelines that streamline the process, from initial abstract to final proof. Its hybrid model accommodates both subscription and open access options, broadening dissemination. As agricultural challenges intensify, publishing here positions researchers at the forefront of innovation, fostering collaborations and career advancement. Explore opportunities in agronomy by checking agriculture jobs or veterinary jobs to complement your research endeavors.
Overview & History
Field Crops Research was established in 1974 by Elsevier, emerging as a response to the growing need for specialized literature on field crop systems. Initially focused on temperate and tropical crops, it has evolved to encompass global perspectives on sustainable agriculture. Over the decades, the journal has published seminal works on crop rotation, irrigation strategies, and breeding programs, shaping policies in regions from Europe to Asia.
Under the stewardship of Elsevier's robust publishing infrastructure, it maintains high standards while adapting to digital advancements. Milestones include the introduction of online submission in the early 2000s and enhanced multimedia integration in recent years. Today, it serves as a vital resource for understanding historical trends in crop productivity and forecasting future agricultural needs.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The scope of Field Crops Research encompasses all aspects of field crop production, from breeding and cultivation to post-harvest management. It welcomes research on major cereals, legumes, and industrial crops, emphasizing field experiments over lab-based studies. Disciplines covered include agronomy, crop science, soil fertility, and agroecology, with a strong tilt toward applied research that informs farming practices.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Agronomy | Core focus on crop management and yield optimization. |
| Crop Physiology | Studies on plant responses to environmental stresses. |
| Soil Science | Investigations into nutrient dynamics and soil health. |
| Agricultural Engineering | Technologies for precision farming and mechanization. |
| Environmental Science | Sustainable practices and climate adaptation strategies. |
Key Journal Metrics
Field Crops Research boasts impressive metrics that underscore its influence in Agricultural and Veterinary Science. The 2023 Journal Impact Factor is 5.6, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year, according to Clarivate Analytics. CiteScore stands at 8.2, highlighting citation trends in Scopus-indexed content.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2023) | 5.6 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore (2023) | 8.2 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 142 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
| Average Time to First Decision | 4 weeks | Journal Site |
Indexing and Abstracting
The journal is widely indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring visibility for published articles. It appears in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed (for relevant veterinary aspects), and AGRICOLA. DOAJ lists it for open access content, while Google Scholar tracks citations extensively. This broad coverage facilitates discoverability and supports researchers in tracking research impact.
Publication Model and Fees
Field Crops Research operates on a hybrid model, allowing authors to publish via subscription access or open access. For open access, the Article Processing Charge (APC) is €3,090 (approximately $3,590 USD), covering production and dissemination. Subscription-based articles incur no fees for authors, with Elsevier managing access through institutional licenses. Sherpa/RoMEO confirms green open access permissions for self-archiving post-embargo.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled via Elsevier's Editorial Manager system at the journal's official site. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, adhering to word limits (typically 6,000 words) and referencing style (Vancouver). Ethical standards follow COPE guidelines, with emphasis on originality and data transparency. Review involves 2-3 experts, averaging 120 days to acceptance.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises 20+ international experts, led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. J. E. Sheehy from the University of Reading. Members hail from institutions like Wageningen University and CSIRO, bringing diverse expertise in crop modeling and tropical agriculture. Their collective experience ensures balanced, high-caliber peer review.
Why Publish in Field Crops Research?
Publishing in Field Crops Research elevates a researcher's profile due to its high visibility and rigorous standards. With a global audience, articles garner citations that boost h-index and funding prospects. The journal's focus on impactful, field-relevant work aligns with career goals in academia and industry, offering networking opportunities through special issues and conferences.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crop Science | 2.2 | Wiley | Crop breeding and genetics |
| Agronomy Journal | 2.0 | Wiley | Soil and crop management |
| European Journal of Agronomy | 5.0 | Elsevier | European crop systems |
| Journal of Agricultural Science | 2.8 | Cambridge | Broad agriculture |
This comparison highlights Field Crops Research's superior metrics and specialized scope in field crop research.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, tailor abstracts to emphasize novelty and field implications. Use clear visuals like graphs for data presentation. Engage with recent issues for contextual alignment, and consider co-authoring with international collaborators. Pre-submission inquiries to the editor can refine proposals. Track progress via the portal and respond promptly to revisions for timely publication.