Agricultural Activities Research Articles

Data on the administrative workload and perceived administrative burden of farmers in Switzerland

We present data from a paper-and-pencil survey of Swiss farmers. The survey was mailed to 2,000 randomly selected Swiss farmers from the two largest Swiss language regions (German and French) in February 2019. A reminder was sent in April 2019. The response rate was around 40% (N = 811). In the main part of the survey, we collected quantitative data on farmers’ workload and perceived burden due to (1) overall farming activities, (2) administrative activities related to the application of direct payments, and (3) other office work related to farm planning, bookkeeping, purchasing, and sales. We also asked farmers to rate their current workload and perceived administrative burden compared to five years earlier. We also collected data on the perceived burden of using e-government services, the administrative workload of various voluntary direct payment schemes, and the workload of inspections and sanctions. We collected personal information about the farmers. Finally, the farmers were asked to rate a series of statements regarding agricultural policy measures, the importance of inspection measures, the obligation to provide proof of eligibility for direct payments, information on current policy measures, and the justification of penalties for non-compliance with environmental or animal welfare standards. The survey results showed that, on average, Swiss farmers spent 3–5% of their total working time on administrative tasks. The farmers rated the perceived burden of administrative activities as higher than the burden of overall farming activities or other office work. The data also showed that the farmers’ perceived administrative burden had increased compared to five years earlier. Finally, the results showed that 28% of the Swiss farmers had received a penalty for non-compliance with direct payment regulations.

Recent advancements in the synthesis of anion exchange membranes and their potential applications in wastewater treatment.

Water treatment procedures are increasingly utilized for resource recovery and wastewater disinfection, addressing the current challenges of clean water depletion and wastewater management. Various pollutants, including dyes, acids, pharmaceuticals, and toxic heavy metals have been released into the environment through industrial, domestic, and agricultural activities, posing serious environmental and public health risks. Addressing these issues requires the development of more effective waste treatment processes. Membrane-based treatment technologies offer significant advantages, including high efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, making them a promising solution for mitigating the impact of these pollutants. In view of this, the potential of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) is continuously increasing due to their advanced characteristics compared to conventional techniques. Anion exchange membranes (AEMs), a special class of IEMs, selectively allow anions to pass through their pores due to the positive charge on their surface. This selective passage aids in resource recovery and removing specific types of pollutants. This review covers preparation methods, modification techniques, and classification of AEMs. It offers a practical classification based on the method of synthesis and structural properties of AEMs. The water-based applications of AEMs including, electrodialysis, diffusion dialysis, and electro-electrodialysis for various wastewater treatments such as heavy metal recovery, dye removal, pharmaceutical removal, and acid separation, have been discussed in detail. Additionally, the effect of various operational parameters on the performance and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of AEMs in effluent treatment are presented. The review provides detailed insights into the current status, challenges, and future directions of AEM-based technologies, offering suggestions for future advancements.

Field and laboratory study on the distribution, fate and transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the loess porous medium at a refinery polluted site: Understanding the soil-groundwater interface

Soil and groundwater pollution from industrial and agricultural activities has become a global concern. This study therefore investigates the occurrence, sources, and transport mechanisms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil-groundwater system of a closed refinery. Field investigations and laboratory column experiments revealed widespread PAH contamination in both groundwater and soil, with higher concentrations near the groundwater level (6.45–8.75 m). PAHs in soil and groundwater were predominantly low and medium molecular weight compounds (LMW and MMW), originated from petroleum leakage and coal combustion. The region’s soil, primarily composed of loess and gravel with low total organic carbon (TOC) content (mean 0.07 %), showed a positive correlation between PAH concentration and TOC/clay content, while sand content had no significant impact. Groundwater fluctuations influence PAH accumulation at the soil-groundwater interface (SGI), which may suggest potential for increased migration under varying hydraulic conditions. This vertical migration offers new insights into contaminant transport models in groundwater systems, particularly for arid regions, and could inform future remediation strategies for similar contamination scenarios.

The effects of rain and drought on incidence of enteric disease in Pennsylvania (2010-2019).

Campylobacter, nontyphoidal Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia cause an estimated 1 million cases of domestically acquired waterborne diseases annually in the United States. Acute symptoms can include diarrhea and vomiting; however, these illnesses can result in longer term complications such as reactive arthritis, Guillan Barré syndrome and death, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Precipitation and drought can plausibly increase the risk of enteric infections, but consensus in the literature is lacking. To determine the effects of rain and drought on weekly counts of reportable enteric illness (due to Salmonella, Campylobacter, Giardia, or Cryptosporidium) in Pennsylvania, US between 2010 and 2019. We obtained 10-years of data on confirmed illness from 66 Pennsylvania counties due to: Salmonella (9,924), Campylobacter (15,854), Giardia (4,537), and Cryptosporidium (4,017). A zero-inflated negative binomial model with random-intercept for county was used to assess the relationship between illnesses caused by these pathogens between 2010 and 2019, and weekly rain (cm) and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) values from the National Weather Service. The lag times that were tested, between illness and weather event, were chosen by calculating the cross correlation between the statewide average weekly rain and the statewide number of weekly cases. A positive association was found between rain and counts of campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, and giardiasis. An increase in prior wetness (PDSI value) was associated with increased incidence rates of cryptosporidiosis and campylobacteriosis. The relationship between rain and PDSI and illness varied by organism type. Complex relationships exist between enteric disease and precipitation and prior environmental wetness. Our findings suggest that rainfall may be contributing to increased waterborne exposure. Further investigation is needed to explore these relationships with factors such as drinking water source, local geological conditions, presence of combined sewer overflows and agricultural activities, recreational water use and irrigation water sources to better elucidate important waterborne transmission pathways.

Source-oriented risks of heavy metals and their effects on resistance genes in natural biofilms

Heavy metal (HM) introduction from various land-use patterns can be a major source of metal resistance genes (MRGs) entering river environments. This influx can trigger the occurrence of other resistomes, such as antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), by improving co-resistant conjugative transfer. Biofilms, which form at water–solid interfaces, could serve as potential hotspots for HMs and resistance genes. However, the enrichment of HMs from various sources within biofilms and their effect on resistomes remain undocumented. This study aims to investigate the physicochemical properties of biofilm samples collected from the Heihui River, a tributary of the Lancang River, and to analyze the concentrations of nine HMs (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) within these biofilms. The 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic high-throughput sequencing techniques were integrated to uncover the association between HM accumulation levels in biofilms and ecological and health risks, considering the presence of two resistance genes. Natural sources (Co, Cr), industrial (As, Cu, V), agricultural (Cd, Ni), and transportation activities (Pb, Zn) markedly contributed to HM presence within biofilms, with industrial activities posing higher noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than other sources. The network–correlation analyses revealed higher levels of ARG–MRG coexistence in biofilms, with the ecological and health risk index of HMs in biofilms closely associated with the abundance of both resistance genes. Furthermore, the biofilm As concentration markedly affected the abundance and expression of ARGs and MRGs, with elevated As levels within biofilms significantly and positively influencing all four functional categories of MRGs. Water pH also indirectly impacted these functional types by modulating the ionic form of HMs within the biofilm matrix. Our findings underscore the significance of integrating biofilms into environmental management practices and standards for assessing environmental quality.

Recent advances in modifications, biotechnology, and biomedical applications of chitosan-based materials: A review.

Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide with recognized biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and cost-effectiveness, is primarily sourced from crustacean exoskeletons. Its inherent limitations such as poor water solubility, low thermal stability, and inadequate mechanical strength have hindered its widespread application. However, through modifications, chitosan can exhibit enhanced properties such as water solubility, antibacterial and antioxidant activities, adsorption capacity, and film-forming ability, opening up avenues for diverse applications. Despite these advancements, realizing the full potential of modified chitosan remains a challenge across various fields. The purpose of this review article is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the chemical modification techniques of chitosan and their applications in biotechnology and biomedical fields. It aims to overcome the inherent limitations of chitosan, such as low water solubility, poor thermal stability, and inadequate mechanical strength, thereby expanding its application potential across various domains. This review is structured into two main sections. The first part delves into the latest chemical modification techniques for chitosan derivatives, encompassing quaternization, Schiff base formation, acylation, carboxylation, and alkylation reactions. The second part provides an overview of the applications of chitosan and its derivatives in biotechnology and biomedicine, spanning areas such as wastewater treatment, the textile and food industries, agriculture, antibacterial and antiviral activities, drug delivery systems, wound dressings, dental materials, and tissue engineering. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges associated with these modifications and offers insights into potential future developments in chitosan-based materials. This review is anticipated to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance to scientists engaged in biotechnology and biomedical research.

Occurrence, seasonal variation, and environmental risk of multiclass antibiotics in the urban surface water of the Buriganga River, Bangladesh.

Owing to the extensive use of antibiotics in hospitals, animal husbandry, and various human activities, antibiotic contamination is becoming an increasing global concern, including in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, the Buriganga River is heavily polluted with multiple antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. In this study, we performed the first investigation of seasonal variations in the occurrence and spatial distribution of 29 antibiotics in the Buriganga River, Bangladesh, from wet season (August 2019) and dry season (February 2020). We also evaluate the potential environmental and resistance risks related to antibiotic contamination. The concentrations of metronidazole (9.1-970ngL-1), sulfadiazine (below the limit of detection (<LOD)-790ngL-1), and levofloxacin (<LOD-710ngL-1) were the highest, and metronidazole, amoxicillin, and doxycycline were detected in all samples during both seasons. The number of antibiotics detected, and their overall concentrations were higher during the dry season (February) than during the wet season (August). Ecological risk assessment using risk quotients (RQs) indicated that levofloxacin (maximum RQ=90), amoxicillin (58), and ciprofloxacin (21) could pose a high risk to aquatic organisms, whereas sulfamethazine, trimethoprim, doxycycline, and lincomycin pose a medium risk. The levels of seven antibiotics, trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, and metronidazole exceeded the antibiotic resistance thresholds. In conclusion, this study highlights the urgent need for further research with improved wastewater management practices and implement stricter regulations on antibiotic use to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health in Bangladesh.

Effects of soil bulk density and corresponding soil infiltration rate on the migration and transformation of gibberellic acid.

High intensity agricultural activities can lead to a decrease in soil fertility and an increase in soil bulk density, which may significantly impact the migration and transformation of pesticides in soil. As a new widely-used micro-toxic pesticide, gibberellic acid (GA3) is more soluble and hydrophilic than most pesticides, which could readily migrate throughout the soil during water infiltration and impact groundwater quality. In this study, the leaching of GA3 in saturated soils with different bulk densities (1.15-1.75g/cm3) and infiltration rates (0.2215-0.0017mm/s) were analyzed using column experiments. The migration and distribution of GA3 in the soil with a depth of 50cm were also investigated. The results indicated that GA3 could completely penetrate the soil with bulk densities less than 1.45g/cm3, and GA3 mass variation in the effluent was normally distributed. The maximum mass of GA3 in the effluent was calculated using the equation Moutlet(max)=79.01t-0.97 (R2=0.9811), and 83.69-93.16% mass of the added GA3 migrated downward in the soil. The analysis of the distribution of GA3 in the soil showed that GA3 accumulated in the upper soil layers with depths of 0-25cm (the total depth of soil was 50cm). In addition, the residual and hydrolyzed GA3 amounts in the soil were 75.07-96.47% and 5-30% of the added GA3, respectively. Overall, the soil bulk density and irrigation volume determine what type of impact that GA3 may potentially have on the environment.

Unmasking heavy metal contamination: Tracing, risk estimating and source fingerprinting from coastal sediments of the Payra River in Bangladesh.

The Payra River, cicual for fish breeding, feeding and nursery in coastal Bangladesh, faces heavy contamination from industrial activities, agricultural runoff and poor waste management. This study used ICP-MS to assess metal contamination levels, risk status and potential sources in river sediment. The findings showed that the mean concentrations (mg/kg) of metals followed the decreasing order: Mn (434.24±75.91)>Zn (66.42±12.86)>Cr (44.59±8.98)>Ni (40.30±7.43)>Cu (34.07±6.84)>Co (15.72±2.84)>Pb (14.60±5.56)>As (4.70±0.72)>Hg (0.28±0.21)>Cd (0.10±0.03) with Mn significantly exceeding the recommended guidelines. Although contamination factors (CF<1) and the pollution load index (PLI<1) indicated low pollution, Hg and Cd posed greater ecological risks. However, the Risk Index (RI<150) showed overall low pollution risk. Sediment ranged from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated (Igeo=0-1). Non-carcinogenic risks were minimal (HQ<1), but children were more vulnerable to As (HI=2.40E-01) and Cr (HI=2.17E-01). Carcinogenic risks were also higher for children, particularly from As (CR=8.37E-06) and Pb (CR=6.10E-06). Pearson correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA) and spatial analyses indicated shared sources for As, Hg, and Cd, with Mn likely from different sources. The PMF model identified three pollution sources: natural agricultural activities (23.7%), anthropogenic activities (54.43%), and industrial activities (23.74%).

Assessing the environmental determinants of micropollutant contamination in streams using explainable machine learning and network analysis.

Even at trace concentrations, micropollutants, including pesticides and pharmaceuticals, pose considerable ecological risks, and the increasing presence of synthetic chemical substances in aquatic systems has emerged as a growing concern. Moreover, limited machine-learning (ML) approaches exist for analyzing environmental data, and the increasing complexity of ML models has made it challenging to understand predictor-outcome relationships. In particular, understanding complex interactions among multiple variables remains challenging. This study applies and integrates explainable ML techniques and network analysis to identify the sources of micropollutants in a large watershed and determine the factors affecting micropollutant levels. We assessed the performance of four ML algorithms-support vector machine, random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGB), and autoencoder-XGB-in predicting micropollutant levels based on the spatial characteristics of the watershed. We applied the synthetic minority oversampling technique to address the data imbalance. The XGB model demonstrated superior predictive performance, particularly for high concentration levels, achieving an accuracy of 87%-99%. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis identified temperature and rainfall as significant factors. Moreover, agricultural activities contributed to pesticide pollution, whereas urban activities contributed to pharmaceutical contamination. The network analysis corroborated the SHAP findings and revealed event-specific contamination characteristics. This included distinct discharge pathways during a dry summer event and shared pathways during a wet winter event. This approach enhances an understanding of contamination sources and pathways and subsequently aids in developing control measures and making informed policy decisions to preserve water quality in mixed land-use areas.

Groundwater quality assessment in the Breede area, Western Cape, South Africa

Groundwater is an essential part of food and water security. This critical resource must be managed appropriately and used sustainably. This study aimed to assess groundwater quality, suitability for domestic and irrigation purposes, and factors contributing to the groundwater chemistry, in the Breede Water Management Area (WMA), Western Cape, South Africa. Groundwater samples were collected and analysed for major ions such as K+, Mg2+, Na+, Ca2+, Cl-, HCO3-, NO3-, F-, SO42− and physical variables like pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and temperature. Water quality index (WQI), total hardness (TH), South African Water Quality Guidelines (SAWQG) and World Health Organisation (WHO) drinking water quality guidelines were used to assess suitability for drinking purposes. Permeability index (PI), magnesium hardness (MH), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%) and graphical representations such as Wilcox and United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram were used to assess suitability for irrigation purposes. Multivariate statistical analysis and the Piper diagram were used to determine the geochemical processes influencing the groundwater quality. TH and WQI revealed that, overall, groundwater in Breede WMA is soft and suitable for drinking. The irrigation suitability indices showed that groundwater is suitable for irrigation, with the exception of a few sites that are doubtful. The dominating water type in the area is Na-Cl, followed by mixed Ca-Mg-Cl. Multivariate statistical methods revealed that the groundwater is affected by the dissolution of rock salts, calcite dissolution, cation exchange and agricultural activities. The overall groundwater in the Breede Water Management Area is suitable for domestic purposes. Water in the boreholes along the coastal area and Borehole W1 must be treated before domestic and irrigation use. There must be consistent groundwater quality monitoring in Breede to identify changes in groundwater quality.

Women Entrepreneurship in Organic Agriculture: The Case of Türkiye

Organic agriculture, whose importance is increasing day by day, is a form of production that prohibits the use of harmful substances in agricultural production and prioritizes soil health in order to protect human health and the ecological system. As in every subject, entrepreneurs are needed for the development of the sector in organic agriculture. In this context, while women entrepreneurs contribute to the production process on the one hand, on the other hand, they gain social and economic self-sufficiency. The aim of this research is to determine the entrepreneurial levels of women engaged in entrepreneurial activities in organic agriculture. In the research, the survey technique was used within the scope of the quantitative research method. The population of the research consists of women entrepreneurs engaged in organic agriculture activities in different regions and provinces of Türkiye. 532 women entrepreneurs selected by judgmental sampling method were determined as the sample of the research. According to the results of the research, it was determined that there was a significant difference in general agricultural entrepreneurship levels in terms of education level and marital status, but not in terms of age, geographical region, and industry experience, while there was a significant difference in organic agriculture entrepreneurship levels s in terms of age and education level, but not in terms of marital status, geographical region, and industry experience. In conclusion, this research is valuable in terms of revealing the current situation of women entrepreneurship in organic agriculture, which is an extremely important sector.

SISTEM PEREKONOMIAN MASYARAKAT MELAYU SUKU BONAI DI KECAMATAN BONAI DARUSSALAM KABUPATEN ROKAN HULU

This article discusses the economic system in Bonai, Bonai Darussalam sub-district, Rokan Hulu Regency. The purpose of this article is to discuss the economic issues and challenges faced by the Bonai community in order to strengthen their traditional economic system in the context of their development in the era of globalization. The research method used is field study. According to the study's findings, the majority of the Bonai people, who are predominantly from the Bonai Malay ethnic group, tend to support two economic systems: agriculture and fisheries. The problems faced by the community in Bonai include market access related to a lack of insight, lack of knowledge and skills, and so on. Although the Bonai Malay community is active in agricultural and fishing activities, they still have the desire to sell and exchange goods with people outside the Bonai region.

Comprehensive evaluation of groundwater quality in population-dense and extensive agricultural regions and study on its relationship with agricultural production and human activities.

Extensive agricultural regions commonly face issues of poor groundwater management, non-standard agricultural production practices, and unordered discharge of domestic pollution, leading to a continuous decline in groundwater quality and a sharp increase in risks. A comprehensive understanding of groundwater conditions and pollution is a crucial step in effectively addressing the water quality crisis. This study employs the Comprehensive Water Quality Index, Irrigation parameter, and Pollution Index to comprehensively investigate the groundwater quality in a typical agricultural area in Shandong, China, and assesses the suitability of groundwater for irrigation and the risks to human health. Furthermore, multivariate statistical analysis methods are utilized to analyze the relationship between groundwater quality and agricultural production and human activities. The results of the comprehensive quality evaluation indicate that the groundwater in the study area is primarily characterized as weakly alkaline hard freshwater and slightly brackish water, with a hydrochemical type of HCO3-Ca. 42% of the groundwater is unsuitable for drinking, with the main pollutants being TDS, TH, F-, and NO3-. The shallow groundwater level and high soil permeability provide favorable conditions for pollutant migration. Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) and Potential Salinity (PS) indicate that 37% of the water samples have excessive bicarbonate levels and 5% have excessive salinity, making them unsuitable for irrigation. Nitrate poses non-carcinogenic risks to all three age groups. Multivariate analysis results show that agricultural pollution dominates in the groundwater, with major pollutants including SO42-, NO3-, COD, NH4-N, F-, etc. Domestic pollution mainly increases the concentrations of ions such as Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, and also contributes to Cl- and NO3-. The findings of this study contribute to enhancing the rational utilization of groundwater quality in agricultural areas, standardizing agricultural production activities, and promoting the sustainable development of green agriculture.

Effect of Workload and Pedalling Rate on Physiological Response for Male Worker

Until about two and half centuries ago, muscle power was the prime source of energy for performing all the physical activities on our earth, and much of this power had been from human muscles. Because of the socio-economic conditions of farmers in developing countries including India, human muscle power is going to contribute energy requirements for performing many farm activities for the next two decades. Pedalling is the most efficient way of utilising power from human muscles. Pedal power enables a person to drive devices at the same or higher rate as that achieved by hand cranking, but with far less effort and fatigue. However, the use of pedal power for occupational work such as stationary farm operations has got scant attention in the past. Keeping these points into consideration a study was planned for Effect of workload and pedalling rate on physiological response for male worker. Physiological responses of 20 male subjects were studied on a computerised bicycle ergometer at four levels of power output (60, 70, 80, 90 W) four levels of pedalling rates (40, 50, 60, 70 rev/min). Analysis of data indicated that physiological responses were significantly affected with power output as well as pedalling rate. Increases in physiological responses (heart rate and oxygen consumption rate) over rest were significantly higher when pedalling frequency was 50rev/min and above 60rev/min. There was no significant difference between physiological responses at 50 and 60 rev/min. Physiological responses increased linearly with power output and were significantly different at different power outputs. The average value of physiological responses at 60W power output at male agriculture worker at 50rev/min pedalling rate were within acceptable limits for continuous pedalling work.

Assessing the Efficiency of Phragmites australis in Wastewater Treatment as a Natural Approach to Water Quality Improvement

The Oued Zénati, a vital waterway in Algeria, faces severe pollution from urban discharges, hospital wastewater, and agricultural activities, threatening both the ecosystem and public health. This pollution is characterized by high nutrient levels, suspended solids, and fecal contamination indicators, jeopardizing biodiversity and human well-being. To explore natural restoration solutions, this study assessed the purification potential of reeds (Phragmites australis) found in the Oued Zénati riverbed. Water quality was analyzed at three sites: a non-polluted control site (S1), a wastewater discharge area (S2), and a reed-dense area (S3). Results revealed a significant deterioration in water quality at site S2, with high concentrations of nutrients, suspended solids (SS), and fecal contamination indicators. However, a notable improvement in water quality was observed at site S3, downstream of the reed-dense area, with reductions in fecal coliforms (68.5%), fecal streptococci (92.3%), and phosphates (40.3%), and increased levels of dissolved oxygen (DO). These findings suggest that phytoremediation using P. australis could offer a cost-effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly solution for restoring the Oued Zénati. This study recommends establishing phragmifiltration stations, developing artificial wetlands, and enhancing sanitation systems, including hospital wastewater treatment. Public awareness campaigns promoting water and environmental protection are crucial for long-term success. This phytoremediation approach offers economic, ecological, and aesthetic advantages over conventional wastewater treatment techniques.

Evaluating Impact of Agricultural Land Use on CO₂ Sequestration and Oxygen Release: A Case Study in Aranyik Subdistrict, Thailand

This study investigates the impact of various agricultural land use practices on CO₂ sequestration and oxygen release in Aranyik Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand. The region, characterized by lowland plains and a network of canals, supports diverse agricultural activities, with rice paddies dominating the landscape. Our analysis revealed significant variability in biomass distribution and carbon sequestration potential across different land use types. Eucalyptus plantations demonstrated the highest CO₂ sequestration and oxygen release rates, highlighting their role in climate change mitigation. However, the ecological implications of such monocultures, including water consumption and soil health, warrant careful consideration. In contrast, other land use types, such as mixed grasslands, lime orchards, and rice fields, exhibited lower sequestration rates but are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting sustainable land management. This study underscores the importance of integrated land use strategies that balance carbon storage with ecological health, providing valuable insights for regional land use policy and climate change mitigation efforts. Further research should explore temporal land use changes and their broader environmental impacts to enhance the sustainability of agricultural practices in the region.

Date Palm and Water Management in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: New Insights Using Bayesian Longitudinal Model

This study applies panel techniques with macro variables to analyze the connection between date palms production and water management in GCC countries using the Bayesian random and mixed effects models. Also, this study utilizes panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) and feasibly generalized least squares (FGLSs) methods to test the robustness and verify the Bayesian results. By utilizing a Bayesian longitudinal model, this study not only fills in a critical research gap but also provides a fresh perspective on the dynamics of water management practices and their impact on date palm cultivation over time. The results of this study confirm that the posterior means for coefficients of the water efficiencies for all purposes are positive with a magnitude of 11%, 28%, and 125%, respectively, for agriculture, services, and industrial purposes, determining that the Bayesian inference is efficient and reasonable. This result indicates the fit of the model, the validation of the results, and the knowledge that decision-making can suggest water management strategies for date palm cultivation. The findings from the PCSE and FGLSs models confirm that efficient water use in services (β = −0.329, significant at 1%) and agriculture (β = −2.834, significant at 1%) can lead to increased competition for limited water resources, reducing water availability for palm cultivation. Water use efficiency for industrial purposes (β = 0.503, significant at 1%) shows a positive relationship. Industrial water efficiency practices, such as water recycling, can help preserve water resources, managing more water available for agricultural activities. In addition, industrial water efficiency initiatives often involve technological innovations that can be applied to agriculture, improving water management practices in palm production. Developing and implementing comprehensive strategies, such as Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), that consider water needs for all purposes and establish coordinated water distribution plans to ensure sustainable water use practices across various sectors are highly recommended for policymakers and stakeholders. Also, further research must be performed to investigate the implications of climate change on water resources and date production to develop adaptation strategies that enhance the resilience of date palm cultivation. This will help the development of sustainable agricultural practices that balance water conservation with agrarian productivity.

Rural-urban transformation shapes oasis agriculture in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains

Traditional agricultural activities and rural livelihoods in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains are rapidly changing. This is triggered by increasing rural-urban interactions and new livelihood opportunities in cities. A typical example is the oasis of Tizi N’Oucheg in the country’s High Atlas Mountains, which over centuries was largely self-sufficient in food grain and livestock production. Improved infrastructure and better connections to distant urban centers have caused declining livelihood reliance on agricultural activities and enhanced dependence on remittances and the tourism sector in the region. Based on the case of Tizi N’Oucheg, this study aims at assessing the socio-economic and ecological implications of rural-urban transformation for ancient oasis systems in Morocco. Surveys on agricultural practices, census, and meteorological data were combined with GIS (Geographical Information System) -based analyses to examine land use and cropping pattern changes of 625 fields from 1967 to 2022. For the GIS analyses, historical aerial images, multispectral satellite images, and drone-based surveys were used to generate manually classified agricultural fields and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) time series. Our results show a major decline in cultivated land from 13 ha to 6.8 ha over the past 50 years accompanied by an expansion of modern infrastructure since the 2000s. Land management has shifted from labor-intensive multiple cropping and natural fertilization to monocropping of barley for local livestock feeding and increased application of mineral fertilization. The challenging geography of the oasis increased the hardship of practicing traditional agriculture, and therefore largely determines the response of the community to rural-urban transformation. Our data also highlight the increased financial dependence of rural populations on urban centers and the demise of traditional, sustainable agriculture in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains if policies on agricultural development are not adapted to rural circumstances.

Subjective Health Complaints in Women Famers Exposed to Pesticides in Agricultural Area

Pesticides are chemicals that are increasingly used particularly in agriculture to control plant pests. While pesticides offers benefits they also cause adverse effects on humans, especially if not handled properly. Women in agricultural areas exposed to pesticides are at risk of developing health problems related to pesticide exposure, which are often related to their involvement in agricultural activities such as spraying, mixing pesticides, washing spraying equipment and clothing. The research aims to analyse the risk factors for subjective health complaints due to pesticide exposure in female farmers. The observational study employed a cross-sectional approach. The study population comprised female farmers exposed to pesticides residing in Sekayu District, Musi Banyuasin South Sumatra, Indonesia. A sample size of 136 was obtained through Cluster Sampling. Primary data were collected through interviews and observations using questionnaires and checklists. Data were analysed using the Chi-Square Test. The results indicated that female farmers reported a range of subjective health complaints including fatigue, anxiety, headache, blurred vision, nausea, decreased appetite, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms. Several variables were associated with subjective health complaints including age (p=0.05), working period (p=0.002), number of types of pesticides (p=0.000), and storage method of pesticides (p=0.021). Female farmers should limit their exposure to pesticides through reducing the length of contact with pesticides, avoiding the mixing of different types of pesticides, and storing pesticides according to the storage instructions.