Agricultural Cultivation Research Articles

AutoDrip, automated irrigation system for efficient water use in agricultural cultivation, using Renewable Energy in the Sierra Region

In the state of Queretaro, the application of technology in the agricultural sector has become increasingly widespread in recent years, allowing local farmers to improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase efficiency in their crops. Among the most common technologies implemented in the agricultural sector in Queretaro are the use of automated irrigation systems, sensors to monitor soil moisture and ambient temperature, drones for crop analysis, and the implementation of agricultural production management software. The objective of our project is to improve water use efficiency in agricultural cultivation, reducing waste and using renewable energy to increase sustainability and minimize environmental impact through IoT technologies. This will contribute to the development of farmers in the Sierra Gorda with vegetable plots of one hectare or more, who are investing in technological innovation with the use of clean energy, and hoping that the Agricultural Secretariat of the State of Queretaro and the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development will support the project to implement strategies that address the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Influence of fertilizers on physiological functions of fishes

Fertilizers are strong pollutants in the surrounding water environment. These substances get into the water environment through the groundwater during the spraying of crops under agricultural cultivation. The toxicity of fertilizers influences growth, physiology, and a hemato-biochemical profile and causes serious changes in some tissues of aquatic organisms, including fish, which has also proved to be true in our research. From the mentioned effects, hematological parameters serve as important biomarkers of the pollution of water by fertilizers. Cause serious changes in the blood of fishes as they bioaccumulate in various tissues of fishes and, by doing so, cause serious changes in the blood tissue of fishes and also in their behavioral reactions (Cyprinus Carpio). In the research, the impact of the phosphoric fertilizers Ammophos and Kristalon in lethal concentrations of 97.2 mg/l and 265.2 mg/l on the behavioral reactions of Cyprinus Carpio and blood indicators was studied. It is necessary to notice that these fertilizers are widely used in the cultivation of agricultural crops, but these preparations were not investigated on fish, and it is written in their passport data. It is necessary to notice that these fertilizers influence the behavioral reactions of Cyprinus Carpio and indicators of the blood of fish.

Recycling of spent Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) sawdust waste for the production of Straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea)

The cultivation of straw mushroom Volvariella volvacea has a long history and has undergone continuous development. Nevertheless, ongoing research aims to utilize various agricultural wastes to improve biological efficiency. In this study, we investigate a sustainable strategy that promotes the conversion to a circular economy by recycling spent mushroom substrate in new mushroom crops. Our research provides insight into reducing spent mushroom sawdust waste (SMSW) of Pleurotus ostreatus for application in Volvariella volvacea cultivation. We found that the optimal conditions for cultivating V. volvacea were at a temperature of 35.0℃ a humidity of 80-85%, resulting in an average growth rate of 10.60 cm and a total weight of fruit bodies of 0.77 kg, with a biological efficiency of approximately 15.47% within 15 days of cultivation. We discovered that the SMSW could be an alternative substrate for V. volvacea cultivation. Our findings can be applied to improve V. volvacea cultivation and practical applications in agriculture. By involving innovative waste management practices, this article can foster economic growth while preserving the environment for future generations. Therefore, this study contributes to significant socio-economic development and supports green economic policies by discussing the improvements from using SMSW.

CONTRACT FARMING: A REMEDY OF POOR FARMERS IN INDIA

Cost of cultivation of small farmers is increasing due to higher price of input of farming but they are getting profitable price. It is common phenomenon that price of crops decrease during the pick season of farming. So farmers face tremendous problems in marketing of their articles. The problems will be more tragic in case of vegetables since farmers cannot enjoy the facility of cold storage. As a remedy of this great problem the concept of contract farming has raised in 2003-2004 in India. The process of contract farming in India involves scientific and optimum use of land and farm resources for maximum output of agriculture produce. Small farmers practicing primitive agricultural methods for cultivation and harvesting of crops. But with the liberalization of Indian economy, there has been a sudden spurt in contract farming in India. Practice of this farming may bring revolution to the poor farmers by successful implementation of it.

Modeling of the Tillage Process by the Method of Stress Concentration in the Tilled Layer

Introduction. Tillage is the most important part of the agricultural crops cultivation technology. Currently, tillage accounts for 35‒40% of the energy consumption of the total volume of field work and up to 20% of the energy consumed in the agriculture sector. Tillage allows regulating the water-air regime and the intensity of biological processes, maintaining the necessary phytosanitary condition of the soil and crops. The energy intensity and quality of tillage depends on the degree of excellence of technical means. Mathematical modeling of the tillage process by various soil-cultivating working bodies is an urgent task to develop more advanced energy-efficient technical means. Aim of the Article. The purpose of the research is to develop mathematical models for determining and analyzing the indicators of tilling the soil by the bracket-shaped working body. Materials and Methods. In the process of theoretical studies of the bracket-shaped tillage working body for continuous surface tillage, there were used the methods of analysis, generalization and systematization, theoretical mechanics, mathematical statistics and modeling, probability theory, differential calculation, and the theory of interaction of working bodies with soil and their movement over the field surface. Results. The analytical models for determining the pressure, traction resistance, the total force of the soil layer compression, the time of passage of the working body, the required power and the quantity of energy expended on compression of the soil layer depending on the speed of the working body movement are obtained. Graphic dependencies of the investigated parameters of the bracket-shaped tillage working body are presented. The dynamics of parameter changes is identified. Discussion and Conclusion. The proposed mathematical models and the revealed regularities of changing the parameters of tilling the soil by the closed-cycle working body a will make it possible to develop new effective working bodies and optimize the design, technological parameters and modes of their operation.

Towards sustainable development: research on the green growth effect of digital agriculture in China.

With the rapid development of the Internet, modern agricultural digital technology will play a more critical role in the sustainable development of Chinese agriculture. In this paper, we used China's provincial data to examine the impact factors of digital transformation of agriculture and agricultural green total factor productivity indicators using the entropy value method and the SBM-GML index method from 2013 to 2019. We investigated the impact of digital agriculture on green agricultural growth using methods such as the fixed effects model and mediated effects model. Our findings suggest that green growth in agriculture is driven by the digital transformation of agriculture. It significantly enhances green technology innovation, agricultural scale operation, and agricultural cultivation structure optimization, thus contributing to green growth. Notably, the digital agricultural infrastructure and industrialization level catalyzed green agricultural development, while the role of digital agricultural subject quality could have been more significant. Therefore, strengthening the rural digital infrastructure and improving rural human capital promote sustainable agricultural development.

Re-identification of Fusarium sambucinum Species Complex Strains in Korea and Their Literature Review

<i>Fusarium sambucinum</i> species complex (FSAMSC) is an important taxonomic group, causing severe plant diseases. Many studies were carried out on FSAMSC plant diseases in Korea, but only 2 species (<i>F. graminearum</i>, <i>F. sambucinum</i>) from 14 host plants were registered in the List of Plant Disease in Korea. To clarify FSAMSC diversity and their pathogenecity, we examined FSAMSC isolates preserved in the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection. Fifty-seven strains were reidentifed as 7 species (<i>F. asiaticum</i>, <i>F. graminearum</i>, <i>F. vorosii</i>, <i>F. meridionalei</i>, <i>F. boothii</i>, <i>F. kyushuense</i>, <i>F. armeniacum</i>) based on multi-locus sequence typing analysis. According to previous reports and result of this study, 5 species (<i>F. asiaticum</i>, <i>F. graminearum</i>, <i>F. vorosii</i>, <i>F. armeniacum</i>, <i>F. sambucinum</i>) were pathogenic on 24 host plants in FSAMSC, while the pathogenicity of 3 species (<i>F. meridionalei</i>, <i>F. boothii</i>, <i>F. kyushuense</i>) were not clear.

Probing the Influence of Novel Organometallic Copper(II) Complexes on Spinach PSII Photochemistry Using OJIP Fluorescence Transient Measurements.

Modern agricultural cultivation relies heavily on genetically modified plants that survive after exposure to herbicides that kill weeds. Despite this biotechnology, there is a growing need for new sustainable, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable herbicides. We developed a novel [CuL2]Br2 complex (L = bis{4H-1,3,5-triazino[2,1-b]benzothiazole-2-amine,4-(2-imidazole) that is active on PSII by inhibiting photosynthetic oxygen evolution on the micromolar level. [CuL2]Br2 reduces the FV of PSII fluorescence. Artificial electron donors do not rescind the effect of [CuL2]Br2. The inhibitory mechanism of [CuL2]Br2 remains unclear. To explore this mechanism, we investigated the effect of [CuL2]Br2 in the presence/absence of the well-studied inhibitor DCMU on PSII-containing membranes by OJIP Chl fluorescence transient measurements. [CuL2]Br2 has two effects on Chl fluorescence transients: (1) a substantial decrease of the Chl fluorescence intensity throughout the entire kinetics, and (2) an auxiliary "diuron-like" effect. The initial decrease dominates and is observed both with and without DCMU. In contrast, the "diuron-like" effect is small and is observed only without DCMU. We propose that [CuL2]Br2 has two binding sites for PSII with different affinities. At the high-affinity site, [CuL2]Br2 produces effects similar to PSII reaction center inhibition, while at the low-affinity site, [CuL2]Br2 produces effects identical to those of DCMU. These results are compared with other PSII-specific classes of herbicides.

User Experience Evaluation of Botani Mobile Application using User Experience Questionnaire

Agriculture is an important sector in Indonesia. Farming are how most people make a living within the population [1]. Currently, access to consult with agricultural experts is something that farmers don't have as a privilege. The combination of technology and agriculture needs to be developed to make it easier for farmers to consult. Botani Mobile Apps is an Android-based application that has been developed by the Faculty of Agriculture UB. The purpose of this application is to facilitate farmers in agricultural cultivation. User experience is how a person feels when using a product, system, or service [2]. User experience evaluation needs to be done to measure the success of a product design and to get user feedback for further improvement. One method of evaluating user experience is UEQ (User Experience Questionnaire). Evaluation of user experience of the Botanical mobile application using UEQ will be discussed in this study. Based on the results of the UEQ that have been carried out, the 26 questions asked had an average value of more than 1. After grouping the questions on the 6 UEQ Scale, the average results of calculation showed that all scales are in the green area. Based on UEQ characteristics, the highest scores were Attractiveness, Pragmatic and Hedonic qualities, respectively. All the results of the characteristic values were more than 1. Based on the Benchmark calculation, showed that the Attractiveness, Efficiency, Dependability and Novelty scales had good scale results and the Perspicuity and Novelty scales got above average scale results. Based on all the results of the UEQ evaluation, it can be concluded that the user experience on the BOTANI application is good.

Coupled Dynamics of Soil Water and Nitrate in the Conversion of Wild Grassland to Farmland and Apple Orchard in the Loess Drylands

Understanding the dynamics of soil water and nitrate in response to typical agricultural crops in dryland ecosystems are crucial for assessing ecological consequences and informing land use planning. This study was conducted in the Changwu tableland, a representative area for agricultural crop cultivation in the Loess Plateau of China. Fifteen soil profiles, including grassland, farmland, and young, mature, and old apple orchards, were sampled to investigate the effects of different land uses on soil water and nitrate dynamics using a “space-for-time” substitution approach. The results showed that the soil water content and nitrate content in farmlands were comparable to those in wild grassland. However, significant differences in soil water were observed below a depth of 2 m in apple orchards, with mature and old orchards experiencing water deficits compared to grassland of 624.9 mm and 690.0 mm, respectively. Moreover, a dried soil layer formed below a depth of 5 m in these orchards. In terms of soil nitrate, the concentration in the 0–5 m depth of apple orchards was significantly higher than that in agricultural land and grassland, and it increased with the age of the orchards. However, below 5 m, the residual nitrate stock per unit depth in apple orchards decreased to levels comparable to grassland and farmland, primarily due to the inhibitory effect of the dried soil layer on downward migration and leaching processes. Furthermore, the relationship between nitrate and soil water at 0–5 m soil depths differed during the conversion from grassland to farmland and apple orchard, with positive and negative correlations observed, respectively. This indicates that water plays a key role in influencing nitrate movement, and distinct hydrological processes occur for soil water and nitrate nitrogen under different land use change conditions. In conclusion, converting grassland and farmland to apple orchards can lead to soil water decline and nitrate accumulation in the vadose zone, posing potential threats to ecosystem sustainability and security in dryland regions. Therefore, implementing appropriate water-fertilizer management practices is crucial for promoting sustainable land use in loess drylands, with potential implications for similar areas worldwide.

Isolation of an Acidophilic Cellulolytic Bacterial Strain and Its Cellulase Production Characteristics

The aim of the study was to isolate and identify a highly efficient cellulolytic bacteria strain that can be used in acidic environments, and then investigate its cellulase production characteristics for the effective utilization of agricultural waste. For this purpose, we set a series of isolation and screening steps, 21 strains were isolated from soil, and an acidophilic strain labeled as B13-2 with high cellulase production was screened using the Gram’ iodine method and cellulase activity assay; it was identified as Raoultella terrigena. Lastly, the culture conditions such as incubation time, incubation temperature, pH, carbon sources, nitrogen sources, and inoculum size were optimized via single-factor experiments, and on this basis, the cellulase production of strain B13-2 was optimized using response surface methodology with cellulase activity as the optimization goal. The results of the response surface optimization showed that the optimum incubation time is 3.1 days, the optimum temperature is 29.9 °C, the optimum pH is 4.1, and the optimum inoculum size is 1.50%, the cellulase activity reached a maximum of 13.503 U/mL, which was about 140% higher than that before optimization. In particular, strain B13-2 had higher cellulase production when rice straws were used as the natural carbon source. Meanwhile, the SEM pictures demonstrated that the surface of the substrate rice straws in an acidic buffer with strain B13-2 was uneven, with larger holes than in the neutral buffer after incubation. It further proved that this strain has a stronger ability to degrade cellulose under acidic conditions. The B13-2 is a kind of acidophilic cellulolytic bacteria. Therefore, it has the potential to be developed into a silage additive agent and provides a high-quality strain resource for the high-value biotransformation of agricultural waste and lays a certain foundation for the sustainable development of agricultural cultivation.

Investigating the socioeconomic implications of the soybean production chain in Brazilian Northeast, Maranhão State

Agribusiness is considered an essential activity for the economic development of a country such a Brazil, which has significant natural fertility. Utilizing this resource to promote social and economic development is considerably challenging for productive regions, known as MATOPIBA. In this context, this study evaluated some socioeconomic impacts of the soybean production in Balsas municipality (Maranhão). A descriptive method was chosen to investigate the reality of the situation in situ, promoted by these commodities. Prevailing data was gathered via a quantitative questionnaire (Google forms), filled-in by collaborators during the soybean planting period. The results demonstrated a unanimous interest (100.0%) in updating agribusiness related information. The agents of the production chain considered the relationship period with suppliers (23.1%), proximity to the sellers (28.1%), and the best buying-price (28.08%) as important factor. The interaction with financial institutions (31.0%); availability of human capital (46.0%), physical (38.0%), financial support (46.0%), and social capital; the public sector investments were also considered critical. The soybean production chain in the Balsas (MA) presented positive and negative socioeconomic implications; greater intervention by the State would be necessary for scientific and technological contributions toward all municipalities involved. However, such implications not prevented the great extension of this important national agricultural culture.

Research Progress in Crop Root Biology and Nitrogen Uptake and Use, with Emphasis on Cereal Crops

The biological characteristics of crop roots are closely related to the efficient utilization of nitrogen and have become a research hotspot in agricultural cultivation and breeding in recent years. The root system and root microbiota play a crucial role in both the basic and the plastic growth and development of plants in response to external environmental changes. Nitrogen is an indispensable nutrient element for crop growth, and the efficient utilization of nitrogen is the key to achieving the high yield and quality of crops and establishing environmentally friendly agricultural production. The nitrogen absorbed and utilized by rice mainly enters the aboveground part of the plant through the root system from within the soil. This process is explored from the perspective of root biology (root morphology, physiological and biochemical characteristics, root growth and development process and regulation, rhizosphere microorganisms, and their symbiotic systems), which is in line with the directions of “less investment, increased production, environmental protection, and sustainable development” in China. Based on the research status in this field at present, this article explored the interaction mechanism between crop root biology and nitrogen absorption and utilization, and looks forward to the future research directions for root biology. This study provides a theoretical basis for reducing nitrogen fertilizer application, optimizing nitrogen-efficient cultivation management techniques, and selecting nitrogen-efficient varieties.

Ancient Mitochondrial Genomes Provide New Clues to the Origin of Domestic Cattle in China.

Cattle are one of the six livestock species that have occupied an important place in Chinese history. Previous ancient DNA studies have indicated that Chinese taurine cattle (Bos taurus taurus) are exotic, but the exact route and diffusion by which they were introduced to China is unknown. In this study, we extracted the mitochondrial genomes of 34 cases of ancient taurine cattle (from the late Neolithic to Qin and Han dynasties) excavated from sites in northern China and the eastern Eurasian steppe, and successfully obtained 14 mitochondrial genome sequences. The results of ancient DNA analysis reveal that with cultural exchange and trade, there was close genetic exchange between domestic taurine cattle in different regions. The haplotypes shared by domestic cattle have genetic continuity, reflecting the strong cultural influence of the large capital city sites such as Taosi, Shimao and Erlitou on the surrounding areas. This study suggests that ancient northern Chinese taurine cattle may have accompanied the westward transmission of agricultural or painted pottery culture and thus had a maternal genetic contribution to modern Tibetan cattle.

The Utilization Potential of Tasikamdu Star Fruit Composted Waste for Mustard Cultivation (Brassica rapa L.) In Supporting Sustainable Agriculture

Attaqie Farm Agroedutourism produced 1.5 tons/ha of star fruit waste in 2018, which was wasted because it was not utilized by starfruit farmers. Attaqie farm strives to implement the Sustainable Agriculture System (SPT) to support sustainable agriculture. The waste originating from one cultivation can be used as a resource in other forms. The application of integrated and sustainable agriculture is beneficial for farmers to preserve the ecology while maintaining the culture adopted in an area. Farmers' objectives for agricultural cultivation are good, healthy, and maximum yields, therefore the availability of compost is needed. The technology that has developed makes it easier for farmers or researchers to make compost in a short time. The study began with making compost with star fruit waste, namely residual leaves and fruit from thinning. This research was carried out using a Randomized Block Design (RBD). The treatment was replicated 4 times, with 3 experimental units, and 5 dose levels. Nutrients in the star fruit waste compost showed good results for compost criteria according to SNI 19-7030-2004 standard. The effective dosage for star fruit compost in mustard cultivation was 20 tons/ha (equivalent to 40 g/polybag).

A Novel LoRa-Based Platform for Remote Monitoring of Large-Scale Rice Fields

The utilization of wireless sensor networks is widespread across numerous industries, including smart agriculture, where the need to remotely monitor agricultural production environments on a large scale is imperative for improving farm product quality and preserving the ecosystem. In this paper, a novel and efficient wireless sensor network framework is presented, which employs LoRa technology to facilitate remote environmental monitoring during agricultural cultivation. Our proposed network framework possesses the capability of long-range data transmission, secure data transfer from source nodes to gateway, high reliability, and easy deployment for large-scale farm monitoring applications. The effectiveness of our model was evaluated in An Giang province, Vietnam, with monitoring indicators encompassing temperature, air humidity, soil moisture, pH of water, CH4, and NH3. The findings reveal that the wireless sensor network model for remote monitoring of the rice cultivation environment fulfills the requirements of good and complete data transmission, high data network security, and a long signal transmission distance of up to 3.5 km at a reasonable cost.

Бабиш-мола — столичный город эпохи античности в низовьях Сырдарьи: стратиграфия, периодизация, хронология

The article publishes the results of several years of excavations at the Babish-Mola settlement, on the territory of the ancient delta of the Syr Darya, where the agricultural Chirikrabat archaeological culture was widespread in the second half of the I millennium BC. During the three seasons of field research, the premises and a section of the bypass corridor in the north-western part of the building of the palace and temple complex — the “Big House” on the citadel of the settlement were partially opened. As a result of the work carried out on stratigraphic data, it was possible to identify three relatively different periods in the life of this site: the early one — the construction and short-term functioning of the building as a palace and two periods of habitation when the site was abandoned by the first inhabitants and fallen into disrepair. In the course of the research, a few, but quite expressive archaeological complexes were discovered, mainly fragments of ceramics, on the basis of which the lifetime of the site can be tentatively dated within the 4 th—2 nd centuries BC.

Budidaya Kelapa Pandan Wangi Pada Lahan Marginal Di Pondok Pesantren Hidayatulah Mubtadiin

Hidayatul Mubtadiin Islamic Boarding School is a boarding school that was founded in 2016. This boarding school was established as an effort to fulfill education for underprivileged children. So far, the Hidayatul Mubtadiin Islamic Boarding School has obtained funding from donors from local and foreign communities. Hidayatul Mubtadiin Islamic Boarding School has 80 students, both male and female. To meet daily food needs, the Hidayatul Mubtadiin Islamic Boarding School utilizes the land around the cottage to carry out agricultural cultivation such as spinach, kale, corn, chilies and other horticultural crops. The purpose of this service is to help increase the income of the Hidayatul Mubtadiin Islamic Boarding School by providing knowledge of fragrant pandan coconut cultivation, mentoring and evaluation which aims to determine the level of understanding of partners in fragrant pandan coconut cultivation. Currently the Hidayatul Mubtadiin Islamic Boarding School foundation has a land area of ??0.8 Ha.

PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH URIN SAPI MENJADI BIOURIN SEBAGAI PUPUK ORGANIK CAIR DI DESA COT CUT KECAMATAN KOTA BARO KABUPATEN ACEH BESAR

Community service was carried out in Cot Cut Village, Kota Baro Subdistrict, Aceh Besar Regency. Waste management of a livestock business that is not good and correct will cause unpleasant odors in the environment around the farm. Cow urine waste has the potential to be used as liquid organic fertilizer as well as other benefits of cow urine fertilizer as a Growth Regulator (ZPT). This community service program aims to provide knowledge and skills of farmers/community in utilizing cow urine waste processed into biourin products as liquid organic fertilizer. The method used is counseling and demonstration. The results achieved in this activity are that farmers are motivated to make liquid organic fertilizer from cow urine waste into biourin products which previously the waste was wasted without further processing. Farmers/communities gained knowledge and skills on the technique of processing cow urine into biourine so that it can be used in supporting agricultural cultivation activities and become an additional source of income for farmers/communities.

UNION OF CIRCLE AND SQUARE IN ARCHITECTURE - UNION OF HEAVEN AND EARTH UNION OF NOMADIC AND AGRICULTURAL CULTURES

The article deals with the symbols of the circle and square in architecture, which since ancient times they have been lined up with a compass and a square. The union of the circle and the square is the union of heaven and earth, spirit and body, and we also believe that this is the union of nomadic and agricultural cultures. These symbols are found in combinations: a circle in a square, a square in a circle, having a different symbolic meaning: in the first - the soul, closed in a temporary earthly body, the second symbolizes the guiding mind, supernatural structures and the clarity of enlightenment. The square in the сircle is the most powerful of the magical figures - says H.P. Blavatsky in her book “The Secret Doctrine”.