Breaking Sunflower Stubble by Needle Disk Blades of an Innovative Turbodisc Cultivator

Ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) loss from agriculture decreases crop yield potential and environmental quality. Incorporating animal manures by chisel plowing (CP) can reduce NH3 loss but may increase crop residue loss compared to lower disturbance incorporation methods and vertical tillage (VT). Few studies have evaluated VT efficacy for incorporating manure and reducing NH3 concentrations compared to traditional tillage tools, such as CP. Six trials during 2013 to 2016 were conducted to evaluate the impacts of manure incorporation method (CP, VT, or broadcast) and weather conditions at the time of application on NH3-N concentrations at a dairy research farm in central Wisconsin, USA. Passive samplers measured NH3-N concentrations at 30-cm above the ground during the first 0 to 24 and 24 to 48 h post-manure application/incorporation. Average NH3-N concentrations for CP and VT were 44 to 86% of broadcast and similar for most trials, while crop residue coverage for VT was greater than CP (39 and 22% of control plots, respectively). Concentrations of NH3-N were correlated with the amount of plot area covered by manure for the first (r = 0.56, p < 0.0001) and second measurement periods (r = 0.85, p < 0.0001). Results show that VT had comparable NH3-N concentration reductions to CP while conserving more crop residue.

Relevance. The article presents a comparative analysis of methods of basic tillage-classical dump plowing and technologies of minimal and no-till tillage. Question about the benefits of minimum and zero tillage on intensive up to the present time remains controversial. However, minimum and zero tillage systems are becoming increasingly common in the world as a response to increasing degradation and reduced soil productivity.Methods. Various publications on this topic were analyzed. Various studies show mixed results.Results. The analysis shows the following advantages of minimum and zero processing: costeffectiveness; prevention of soil erosion; maintaining fertility in the upper soil layer; preservation of soil moisture and vertical soil structure. The use of resource-saving technologies can not only preserve soil fertility and reduce the economic costs of its cultivation, but also prevent the degradation of farmland caused by erosion processes. Resource-saving technologies mean not only the abandonment of annual moldboard plowing, but also leaving crop residues on the field, the use of integrated weed control measures, the use of scientifically based crop rotations. Failure to meet these conditions will negate the effectiveness of minimum tillage. Minimum processing continuity is of particular importance. Any soil cultivation in the transitional phase means a return to the initial phase, and this should not be allowed. To ensure high productivity of resource-saving technologies, it is necessary to apply a well-grounded crop rotation system. An important factor in the use of resource-saving technologies in agriculture is economic efficiency. As experience shows, at the same yield level (20 cwt / ha), profitability with resource-saving technologies reaches 93.7%, while with a usual one — 55.4%. A comparative analysis of the methods of basic tillage shows that the advantages of minimal and no tillage are possible only in the presence of a high culture of agriculture. These advantages are as follows: cost-effectiveness; prevention of soil erosion; maintaining fertility in the upper soil layer; preservation of soil moisture and vertical soil structure.

Within the last four decades, widespread transition to no‐till corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production in Pennsylvania has improved soil conservation and soil quality but can result in residue and pest management challenges. To effectively manage residue in no‐till cropping systems, some growers have adopted vertical tillage, a residue management practice characterized by cutting and incorporating crop residue within the top 5–10 cm of soil. Despite few studies documenting effects on crop production and soil conservation, vertical tillage has become widespread. Replicated on‐farm trials were conducted over a 2‐year period in 2021–2022 to improve grower and consultant decision‐making regarding the role of vertical tillage relative to continuous no‐till on southeast Pennsylvania farms located within the environmentally sensitive Chesapeake Bay Watershed. We assessed the effects of vertical tillage on corn residue cover, winter annual weed abundance, slug damage, and soybean performance in 40 paired strip trials comparing spring vertical tillage to no‐till using three different vertical tillage tools used by farmer cooperators. Vertical tillage equipment type is a driver of variation in changes to surface residue cover. Baseline surface residue cover was similar among no‐till strips, but a greater proportion (32%) of strips had mean surface residue cover levels below a 60% conservation program compliance threshold when a Kuhn‐Krause Excelerator was used. Relative to no‐till, vertical tillage resulted in a 50% reduction in winter annual weed cover, a 24% reduction in slug damage, and no significant differences in soybean stand establishment or grain yield.

Abstract. Tillage and seeding, the physical manipulation or disturbance of the soil for crop production, are important aspects of agriculture. Over the ages, farmers have relied on conservation tillage and seeding to improve crop productivity and agriculture sustainability. VT (vertical tillage) and VS (vertical seeding) are new methods to deal with heavy crop residues in conservation agriculture. However, field testing units for evaluating VT and VS machines were not available. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to develop a field unit to test soil-engaging tools for VT and VS. The field testing unit is designed to have the following features: instrumented for field measurements; capable of traveling on highways; versatile for mounting different vertical tillage tools; adjustable toolbar gang angle (0 to 15o) and tool working depth (1-16 in). The major mechanical components of the testing unit include a toolbar frame, main frame, pull type hitch, two transportation wheels, and a hydraulic system. The unit is also equipped with electronic instruments, such as a dynamometer, laser profilers, and high-speed cameras to monitor soil dynamics properties. The design is modeled using Solid Works. The model was imported into Ansys to determine the stability of the unit during field operations at different speeds, under the external loads of soil cutting forces of soil-engaging tools. The field unit was fabricated and tested in a field. Field measurements were compared with Ansys analysis results. Results are in progress and will be reported in the future.

Trend and stability analyses of millet yields treated with fertilizer and crop residues in the Sahel

India agriculture is now at turning point as we have travelled a long way after the advent of green revolution. Over the past four to five decades our strategies, policies and actions were guided by goals of ‘self-sufficiency’ in food grains production via green revolution. Indian agriculture has reached a point where it must seek new directions – those by way of strategies, policies and actions which must be adopted to move forward addressing sustainable intensifications. Soil is a non-renewable natural resource on which agrarian activities such as agriculture, livestock and forestry are carried out. Traditional or conventional agriculture bases most of its operations or practices on soil tillage; i.e., inversion tillage such as mould board ploughing or disk harrow, or vertical tillage such as chisel, “spiked” harrow and other tools. Conservation agriculture has emerged as an effective strategy to achieve goals of sustainable agriculture worldwide.

The article presents the analysis results on the study of physical-mechanical properties of soils in Uzbekistan and experimental studies on the influence of parameters and rational geometric shape of working tools on the quality of soil tillage while reducing energy costs. It has been established that soil moisture and hardness in the periods of basic and pre-sowing tillage differ significantly according to weather conditions, agrophonous background, and sowing and harvesting technology of agricultural crops. The peculiarities of different soils and the main directions of preserving and increasing their fertility are considered. The problems of optimization of physical properties and issues of the fertility state of irrigated soils are highlighted. Special attention is paid to the problems of improving soil's basic physical and mechanical properties. The use of effective technologies for improving and ameliorating irrigated lands, increasing fertility, and reducing and preventing soil salinization is proposed. For prevention of decrease and preservation of soil fertility, purposeful measures on improvement of physical properties of soils are recommended, the mechanism of which solution is the application of innovative technology of processing providing purposeful growth and development of root system, moderate moisture of soil, increased water permeability, moisture stocks, and reduction of salinization. To prevent intensive moisture evaporation after deep tillage, it is recommended to carry out agrophobic treatment by maximum leveling and creating a shallow crumbly surface layer. To substantiate the parameters of the deep loosener were based on the fact that the degree and magnitude of soil deformation depend on both the shape and parameters of interacting working bodies and on the physical and mechanical properties of the cultivated medium.

The article examines the impact of the use of organic fertilizers on the economic efficiency of farms in the conditions of the modern agricultural market. The growing demand for environmentally friendly products, the preservation of soil fertility and the desire for sustainable agriculture led to a more active introduction of organic fertilizers into the production process. Comparative data on the costs and profitability of using mineral and organic fertilizers are analyzed, and the impact of organic fertilizer on crop quality, long-term soil productivity and investment attractiveness of the farm is also studied. The results of the study show that, although the initial costs of introducing organic fertilizers may be somewhat higher, in the medium and long term, farmers receive economic benefits due to reduced costs for chemicals, improved soil structure, increased yields and simplified certification of products as organic. Special attention is paid to the socio-economic aspect: the development of organic fertilizer production at the local level contributes to the creation of jobs and the reduction of farms’ dependence on imported agrochemicals. The article provides practical recommendations for farms on the optimal use of organics, calculation of economic effect and risk assessment. It also highlights the challenges associated with logistics, storage and uneven availability of organic fertilizers in different regions of Ukraine. Keywords: organic fertilizers, farming, economy, sustainable development, agricultural policy, yield, soil fertility, ecological farming.

Improving soil structure by promoting fungal abundance with organic soil amendments

The work is devoted to analysing the efficiency of resource-saving tillage technologies, namely minimum and zero tillage, in the cultivation of grain crops. Experimental work was carried out in different agro-climatic zones, using conventional, minimum and zero tillage. The influence of different tillage systems on yield, economic indicators of production and agrophysical properties of soil was studied. It was found that minimum tillage provides higher yield of grain crops compared to traditional ploughing, as well as improves soil structure, increases its biological activity and reduces fuel costs. Zero tillage in case of observance of technologies provides yield at the level of traditional tillage. The necessity of further study and adaptation of resource-saving technologies to specific soil and climatic conditions in order to achieve maximum economic and environmental efficiency has been revealed. The results emphasise the prospects of minimum tillage for sustainable agricultural development.

Sustainable agriculture emphasizes the maintenance and improvement of soil, water, and biodiversity reserves. Cover cropping, conservation tillage, and agroforestry are all examples of soil conservation practices that serve to reduce soil erosion, preserve soil fertility, and enhance soil health. Organic additions and minerals can help the soil produce grapes. Organic fertilizers and minerals can boost grape soil productivity. Organic additions improve physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. These chemicals include a lot of natural nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. Organic additions include compost, manure, and cover crops. Organic grape additions have many benefits. They improve soil structure and porosity, improving root growth and water penetration. Organic additives promote soil fertility through improving water, nutrient, and other element retention. Minerals may improve soil fertility as much as organics. Minerals are essential to plant growth. Minerals include calcium, magnesium, and sulphur. Magnesium creates chlorophyll for photosynthesis, whereas calcium builds strong cells. Proteins and amino acids, necessary to plant growth, require sulphur. Organic additions and minerals boost grape soil fertility. These compounds improve soil structure, nutrient absorption, and root growth, increasing grape yields and vine health. Remember that minerals and organic additions differ. It’s important to use high-quality materials that meet your soil and crop needs because these resources differ in quality and nutrition. Organic additions and minerals boost grape soil fertility. These compounds improve soil structure, nutrient absorption, and root growth, increasing grape yields and vine health. High-quality merchandise and expert agriculture assistance usually provide the best yields.

Continuous cropping and frequent soil cultivation contribute to the breakdown of soil aggregates and the removal of organic matter, which reduces soil fertility and production. Green manuring is a low-cost and efficient approach for reducing the expense of inorganic fertilizers and preserving soil fertility. Due to the mounting problems facing agriculture, including climate change, extreme weather events, soil deterioration, and land contamination as a result of the overuse of chemical fertilizers, many farmers are adding green manuring into their methods to prevent soil erosion, improve soil structure, control weed growth, and most importantly increase the soil's fertility. The use of green manure has drastically decreased, raising concerns about the sustainability of soil fertility. Field crops may experience a temporary setback following the integration of organic residues with a high C-N ratio. By enhancing the soil's structure, fertility, and nutrient content, green manuring functions as a restoration factory to maintain the soil's fertility for sustainable agriculture. Green manure is therefore essential for growers that seek to decrease the use of dangerous chemicals for soil fertilization. Many farmers must use green manure in their operations to avoid the usage of chemical fertilizers in agriculture.

Organic agriculture plays a vital role in promoting environmental sustainability and safeguarding public health by minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals and preserving soil fertility. Biofertilizers, as integral components of organic farming practices, offer a natural and eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers. By harnessing the power of beneficial microorganisms, biofertilizers enrich the soil with essential nutrients, improve soil structure, and enhance plant growth. The Republic›s organic agricultural sector is witnessing a steady expansion, emerging as one of agriculture’s swiftest-growing domains. Biological fertilizers, widely employed in organic farming, are currently experiencing significant demand among farmers. The study scrutinized the impact of the indigenous Armenian biofertilizer “Green Mix” on the bio-morphological and biochemical parameters of bell pepper varieties Loshtak, and Hayk. The findings underscored the substantial benefits of the “Green Mix” biofertilizer, evidencing en anced growth and development processes alongside improved quality metrics of fruits and seeds. Notably, applying “Green Mix” resulted in heightened yield, subsequently bolstering profitability levels. This research highlights the pivotal role of innovative biofertilizers in augmenting agricultural productivity while fostering sustainability practices. As organic farming continues gaining traction, such localized solutions promise to advance agricultural practices in the Republic of Armenia.

Evaluating spectral indices for determining conservation and conventional tillage systems in a vetch-wheat rotation

The influence of agricultural production systems on greenhouse gas generation and emission is of interest as it may affect potential global climate change. Agricultural ecosystems can play a significant role in production and consumption of greenhouse gases, specifically, carbon dioxide. Information is needed on the mechanism and magnitude of gas generation and emission from agricultural soils with specific emphasis on tillage mechanisms. This work evaluated four different tillage methods on the short-term CO2 and water vapor flux from a clay loam soil in the Northern Cornbelt of the USA. The four tillage methods were moldboard plow only, moldboard plow plus disk harrow twice, disk harrow and chisel plow using standard tillage equipment following a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop compared with no tillage. The CO2 flux was measured with a large portable chamber commonly used to measure crop canopy gas exchange initiated within 5 minutes after tillage and continued intermittently for 19 days. The moldboard plow treatment buried nearly all of the residue and left the soil in a rough, loose, open condition and resulted in maximum CO2 loss. The carbon released as CO2 during the 19 days following the moldboard plow, moldboard plow plus disk harrow, disk harrow, chisel plow and not tilled treatments would account for 134%, 70%, 58%, 54% and 27% respectively of the carbon in the current year's crop residue. The short-term carbon dioxide losses 5 hours after four conservation tillage tools was only 31% of that of the moldboard plow. The moldboard plow lost 13.8 times as much CO2 as the soil area not tilled while different conservation tillage tools lost only 4.3 times. The smaller CO2 loss following conservation tillage tools is significant and suggests progress in developing conservation tillage tools that can enhance soil carbon management. Conservation tillage reduces the extent, frequency and magnitude of mechanical disturbance caused by the moldboard plow and reduces the air-filled macropores and slows the rate of carbon oxidation. Any effort to decrease tillage intensity and maximize residue return should result in carbon sequestration for enhanced environmental quality.