Agricultural Extension Centers Research Articles

Peran Kelembagaan Pertanian dalam Pengembangan Usaha Tani Biofarmaka (Studi Kasus di Desa Trosono, Kecamatan Parang, Kabupaten Magetan)

<p><em>Biopharmaceuticals are a type of plant that can be used as medicine. Developing farming for a commodity requires the role of various parties, one of which is agricultural institutions. Agricultural institutions are an important element in agricultural modernization and supporting farming in Trosono Village, which is known as a producer of biopharmaceutical commodities, especially ginger and turmeric. This research aims to determine the system, the role of institutions, and the impact of institutional roles on agriculture in the development of biopharmaceutical farming in Trosono Village. The research used a qualitative descriptive method and the determination of informants was carried out purposively and snowballing with a total of 13 informants consisting of administrators of agribusiness microfinance institutions, farmer group administrators, extension workers, middlemen, farmers and village heads. Data analysis used Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis, then data validity was carried out using source triangulation and method triangulation techniques. The results of the research show that Trosono Village has an institutional system for both agricultural input and output, namely the Agribusiness Microfinance Institution, the Association of Farmer Groups, the Agricultural Extension Center and middlemen who work with each other in relation to biopharmaceutical farming. Each institution has a role that is demonstrated in the activities of each institution. However, in terms of institutional conditions in Trosono Village, it is still not optimal in accordance with the existing ideal conditions. The role of institutional activities in developing farming has a social impact on farmers such as improving relations, harmony and economic impacts in the form of easy access to capital, subsidies and marketing, so there has been no improvement in economic conditions. Coordination and assistance between agricultural institutions for biopharmaceutical commodities is needed so that a synergy arises in the implementation of programs and activities in the context of increasing biopharmaceutical commodities.</em><strong></strong></p>

Tolerance of Young Blackberries to a Selection of Preemergence Herbicides and Rates

Limited preemergence herbicides are registered for new blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus) plantings. This greenhouse experiment was designed to investigate the effects of a broad selection of preemergence herbicides at multiple rates on blackberry transplants. Screening was initiated Aug 2021 and repeated Mar 2022 in Fayetteville, AR, USA, in a greenhouse at the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center. ‘Ouachita’ blackberry plugs were transplanted into utility pots that contained field soil and growth media treated with preemergence herbicides. After transplanting, plant height was measured from the substrate to the highest apical meristem of 25 representative plants. Initial blackberry plant heights were 13.5 and 9.2 cm in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Twenty-five treatments were evaluated, consisting of 12 preemergence herbicides at 1× and 2× field rates, and one untreated control. Herbicide treatments included diuron, flumioxazin, halosulfuron, indaziflam, mesotrione, napropamide, oryzalin, pendimethalin, rimsulfuron, S-metolachlor, simazine, and sulfentrazone applied to substrate in containers at their respective 1× or 2× field rates. Data were collected on plant height, blackberry injury ratings, internode length, leaf chlorophyll content, and destructive harvest, including leaf count, leaf dry biomass, and aboveground dry biomass. Specific leaf areas and leaf area-to-dry matter ratios were calculated. When observed, plant injury tended to increase from 7 days after treatment (DAT) until 42 DAT. Greater injury levels were observed in response to treatment with mesotrione at the 1× (78%) and 2× rates (90%), halosulfuron at the 1× rate (58%), halosulfuron at the 2× rate (68%), and diuron at the 2× rate (73%). Injury from diuron was rate dependent, with the 1× rate causing relatively low injury (19%). At both the 1× and 2× rates, flumioxazin, indaziflam, napropamide, S-metolachlor, and pendimethalin treatments exhibited similar responses to the untreated control.

Enhancing Corn Yield and Soil Quality in Irrigated Semiarid Region with Coal Char and Biochar Amendments

Sustainable use of croplands is facing a challenge to maintain organic carbon (C) in soil. Pyrolyzed coal or coal char (CC) is a porous C material produced from the pyrolysis of coal containing high organic C, large surface area, and low bulk density like biochar (BC). This study evaluates corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield and selected soil properties in soil amended with CC and BC at two rates (22 and 44 Mg ha−1) with farmyard manure (FM) (66 Mg ha−1) and without FM addition. This field experiment was performed in sandy loam soil at the University of Wyoming’s Sustainable Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SAREC), Lingle, WY, USA. Two years of field study results indicated CC and BC applied at 22 Mg ha−1 with FM resulted in significantly greater average corn grain yields (13.04–13.57 Mg ha−1) compared to the no char’s treatment (11.42 Mg ha−1). Soil organic matter (SOM) content was significantly greater in the higher application rates of CC and BC than in treatments without chars. Overall, soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) were found significantly greater in CC and BC co-applied with FM treatments. Soil water-holding capacity (WHC) significantly improved in sandy loam soil (up to 27.6% more than the no-char treatment) at a greater concentration of char materials. This study suggests that char materials applied at a moderate rate (22 Mg ha−1) with FM can improve soil properties and crop yield.

Keragaan Dan Daya Hasil Beberapa Varietas Jagung Lokal Pulau Kisar, Kabupaten Maluku Barat Daya

This research aimed to determine the performance and yield of several local corn acccessions from Kisar Island, Maluku Barat Daya (MBD) or Southwestern Maluku Regency. This research was carried out on the field of the Kisar Island Agricultural Extension Center located in Lebelau Village, MBD Regency from November 2022 to February 2023. The research was carried out as an experiment designed as a single factor Randomized Block Design, with 4 replicates. The single factor was corn accession/variety consisting of four local corn accessions from Kisar Island and one superior variety of Sukmaraga as a comparison. The results of this study showed that local corn from Kisar Island in the form of the Merah Delima Kisar accession had the highest values for the variables of plant height, leaf number, and cob height when compared with the Putih Kisar accession, the Kuning Bunga Kisar accession and the Ungu Kisar accession. The Putih Kisar accession had high values for cob plus kernel weight with husks (145.40 g), cob plus kernel weight without husks (127.33 g), fruit diameter (4.08 cm), cob length (13.98 cm), number of kernels per plant (391.75), weight of 100 kernels (33.00 g) and kernel weight per plant (114.09 g), when compared with the Merah Delima Kisar, Kuning Bunga Kisar, and Ungu Kisar accessions. The Putih Kisar and Merah Delima Kisar accessions showed high yields. They were not significantly different from the Sukmaraga variety, which had the highest yields based on kernel weight per plant.

Identification of Potential Pests on Horticultural Plants at the Agricultural Extension Center, Ngingas Village, Krian District, Sidoarjo Regency.

Identification of Potential Pests on Horticultural Plants at the Agricultural Extension Center, Ngingas Village, Krian District, Sidoarjo Regency.

Konformitas Individu dalam Kelompok

This research aims to determine the conformity of an individual farmer in a farmer group in Koto Panjang Ikur Koto Village. Conformity is refers to an influence of the social environment that can change individual attitudes and behavior so that they comply with applicable norms or rules. This research a employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. Researchers interviewed the parties involved, namely the extension staff of the Padang City Agricultural Service, the staff of the Agricultural Extension Center as companions to farmer groups in Koto Panjang Ikur Koto Subdistrict, Farmer Group Management, and Farmer Group members. The finding shows that the dimensions that most dominantly influence the behavior of farmers in Koto Panjang Ikur Koto Subdistrict to carry out conformity are solidarity and trust. High levels of trust among members and close relationships between individuals (cohesion) and the group contributes to shape positive conformity. On the other hand, equality of opinion and agreement is not fully implemented, because female members tend to follow the opinion of the group leader or male members who are considered dominant, which creates negative conformity. Meanwhile, in the obedience indicator, there are still group members with low participation because they do not attend meetings held by the group.

Hubungan Karakteristik dan Respons Petani Terhadap Program Kartu Tani di Kecamatan Tasikmadu, Kabupaten Karanganyar

<p><em>The farmer card program was launched in 2016 with the initial aim of streamlining the distribution of subsidized fertilizers, and only small farmers are targeted by this program. One of the sub-districts in Karanganyar Regency that has implemented the farmer card program is Tasikmadu. Almost all farmers registered in e-RDKK/e-Alokasi already have a farmer card, and Tasikmadu became the sub-district with the highest purchase of subsidized fertilizer using the farmer card in Karanganyar in 2020. This farmer card program raises various responses from various characteristics of farmers. This research aims to explore the correlation between characteristics and responses of farmer to the farmer card program in Tasikmadu Sub-district, Karanganyar Regency. The primary research method is quantitative, and location determination is intentionally (purposely) in Tasikmadu Sub-district, Karanganyar Regency. Sampling was carried out using the multi-stage cluster random sampling method, with a total of 60 farmers as samples. The data used consists of primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained through interviews using questionnaires, while secondary data were obtained from related parties in this study, namely the Tasikmadu Sub-district office, Agricultural Extension Center (BPP) Tasikmadu, and previous research. The data analysis was carried out using Rank Spearman analysis. The results show that there is a significant relationship between age, education level, extension activities, and access to information with farmers’ responses to the farmer card program. However, there is no significant relationship between farming experience and land size with the farmer card program.</em></p>

Analyzing the Dynamics of Social, Economic, and Cultural Changes and the Role of Institutions in Oil Palm Agribusiness Development

This research aims to reveal the dynamics of social, economic, and cultural changes in agribusiness institutions in oil palm development locations. Then reveal the role of each agribusiness institution in oil palm development locations. Using a qualitative approach to build a post-positivism approach. The research location is limited to the community (farmers) in Anggabaeri District and Besulutu District, Konawe Regency. These two research areas were chosen purposively. The database used in determining farmer groups is groups that are active and registered in the Extension Information System or SIMLUH data so 22 informants were obtained consisting of farmer group institutions, cooperative institutions, and government agencies, as well as from the Agricultural Extension Center. Specifically for farmers, the informants selected consisted of independent and plasma farmers. Data was obtained by distributing questionnaires and interviews and then analyzed descriptively. The results of the analysis show that from a social, economic, and cultural perspective, the presence of oil palm plantations brings significant changes. These changes include shifts in social stratification, interaction patterns, and improvements in health status. Apart from that, the regional economic structure is also undergoing a transformation which has an impact on increasing the income of various communities such as workers and farmers. Then there is the role of institutions, especially farmer groups, and cooperatives, in supporting and facilitating farmers' interests as a learning vehicle, production unit, and collaboration forum. Extension institutions play an important role in increasing farmers' capacity, and cooperatives contribute significantly to the provision of production facilities, transportation, and marketing of crops. An important finding is the important role of cooperatives in managing various risks associated with oil palm farming. These risks include business, financial, social, and legal engineering aspects. Cooperatives play an important role in mitigating these risks and ensuring the overall well-being and success of their members.

Using soil amendments and mycorrhiza to improve chemical properties of degraded calcareous soil and yield of sorghum in dryland

Optimized use of calcareous soil in dryland areas needs to begin with rehabilitation efforts using soil amendments, including organic fertilizer and biochar. This study sought to determine whether kinds of soil amendments and mycorrhizal biofertilizers may enhance the chemical quality of calcareous soils and increase the yield of sorghum on dry land. The study was conducted at the experimental garden of the Agricultural Extension Center located in Oelnasi Village from April to August of 2023. Two criteria included in the study were the kind of soil amendment and mycorrhizal biological fertilizer, both of which were arranged in a randomized block design. The parameters observed were soil chemical properties, plant N and P nutrient uptake, and sorghum yield. The research results showed that the application of three types of soil amendments (P1 = cow dung, P2 = rice straw compost, and P3 = corncob biochar) improved the chemical quality of calcareous soil. This application of corncob biochar could significantly reduce soil pH from 7.85 (slightly alkaline) to 7.19 (neutral) and increase soil organic C to 2.55% C, followed by treatment with cow dung and rice straw compost. Other soil chemical properties, i.e., N, P, K, and soil CEC, also improved, which differed from the control treatment. The mycorrhizal biofertilizer provided could also improve the chemical properties of calcareous soil. Providing mycorrhizal biofertilizer could increase the N and P nutrient uptake of sorghum plants by 3.79% dry weight-1 and 2.18% dry weight-1, respectively, as well as increased sorghum yields, respectively by 4.04 t ha-1, 3.97 t ha-1 and 3.87 t ha-1 dry beans, higher than the control which only achieved 2.32 t ha-1 dry beans.

Readiness of Semarang City Agricultural Extension Officers and Influential Factors in Implementing Cyber Extension

The main focus of information and communication technology applications in agriculture is to fulfill farmers' information needs. Cyber extension is not only for information seeking but also for disseminating agricultural technology innovations. This study aims to examine the readiness of agricultural extension workers in Semarang City to apply cyber extension in the era of digital extension and analyze the factors that influence their readiness to use cyber extension. The research was conducted from November to December 2022 at all Agricultural Extension Centers in Semarang City. A method of census was used in this study. Data were collected by interviews, observation, and documentation and analyzed descriptively using multiple linear regression. The results showed that the readiness of extension workers in Semarang City to apply cyber extension was high. Age, formal education level, training, experience, motivation of extension agent, and environmental factors have a simultaneous influence. Training, experience and motivation of extension agents have a partial influence, while age, formal education level, and environmental factors have no partial influence.

65 Effect of post-weaning fecal egg count EBV on grazing ewe behavior after weaning

Abstract Post weaning fecal egg count (PFEC) estimated breeding value (EBV) has been recently linked with improved immune competence and lamb survival to weaning, thus improving health though selection. Animal movement is also linked to animal health, however little is known about behavior differences in sheep with divergent PFEC EBV. Thirty Katahdin ewes were selected after weaning, from the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Where high PFEC ewes (EBV > 172) and 15 low PFEC (EBV < -84) were selected. Upon placement into pastures, ewes were fitted with Digitanimal GPS collars that measure GPS location every 15 min and store data on a micro SD card. Additional data collection included bi-weekly body weights, FAMACHA scores, body condition scores and fecal egg count. There was no difference in any physiological measurement in these ewes for the duration of this 4-week study. However, significant differences were observed between groups for daily distance traveled. On average, High-PFEC ewes traveled 4.52 km, where low ewes traveled only 4.16 km (P < 0.0001). The average distance traveled between GPS signals (every 15 min) was 48.6 m for high ewes and 47.0 m for Low-PFEC ewes (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, the time of day where maximum activity occurred (1506 h vs 1448 h; High and Low-PFEC respectively) was not different, nor was the distance those ewes traveled in that hour (522.6 vs 519.2 m). These data provide a preliminary snapshot of movement differences that occur between PFEC groups and may inform future studies to evaluate linkage between health and movement in grazing livestock.

66 Effect of copper oxide wire particles on parasitism and growth in Katahdin lambs divergently selected for fecal egg count estimated breeding value

Abstract Internal parasites are one of the greatest threats to small ruminant production across the United States and parasitic resistance to anthelmintics continues to increase. Genetic selection and copper oxide wire particles (COWP) are two tools that could help reduce effects of parasites in small ruminants. The objective of this project was to determine the effects and interactions of COWP and genetic selection based on fecal egg count (FEC) estimated breeding value (EBV) on gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection and performance in naturally infected Katahdin lambs. Spring-born Katahdin ram lambs (n = 52) selected for extremely high FEC EBV (HighFEC, PFEC EBV = +100%) or low FEC EBV (LowFEC, PFEC EBV = -81%) were managed on a fescue-based pasture at the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center (Glade Spring, VA). At weaning (June 29), lambs were dewormed with a three-combination treatment and rested for 21 d. At the start of the project (July 18), a random subset of lambs (HighFEC, n = 11; LowFEC, n = 15) were given a 2 g copper oxide wire particle bolus, while an equal number of remaining lambs were managed as controls without a copper bolus. All lambs were managed as one contemporary group. Fecal egg counts, FAMACHA scores, body weights, and packed cell volume (PCV) were measured bi-weekly for 10 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using PROC Mixed Procedure of SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) and FEC data were log transformed for normality. There were no effects of COWP treatment on FEC (P = 0.18). However, LowFEC-selected lambs had less FEC than HighFEC-selected lambs (230 vs. 565 eggs/g, respectively; P < 0.01). There was no interaction of COWP treatment and FEC genotype (P = 0.37). Copper oxide wire particle treatment had no effect on lamb body weight (P = 0.21), PCV (P = 0.69), FAMACHA score (P = 0.41), or overall ADG (P = 0.12). Lamb FEC genotype did not affect FAMACHA score or overall ADG (P = 0.10 and P = 0.22, respectively). LowFEC-selected lambs had lighter body weights (27.7 vs. 30.6 kg, respectively) and PCV (29.2% vs. 30.4%, respectively) than the HighFEC-selected lambs (P < 0.05). None of the 52 lambs met the requirement for deworming (FAMACHA ≥ 3) during the study. These results indicate that lamb FEC genotype may have a greater effect on parasitism than COWP treatment when given once during the post-weaning period. Even so, multiple tools should be considered, in addition to selection, for an integrated parasite management plan.

KOMPETENSI DAN PEMBERIAN TUNJANGAN FUNGSIONAL SERTA PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP KINERJA PENYULUH PERTANIAN LAPANGAN KABUPATEN MUNA BARAT

The research problems are: 1) Do competence and provision of functional allowances simultaneously have a significant effect on the performance of agricultural instructors?; 2) Does competency have a significant effect on the performance of agricultural instructors?; 3) Does the provision of functional allowances have a significant effect on the performance of agricultural instructors? The approach used uses quantitative methods in answering research problems, by conducting a survey of all agricultural instructors in West Muna Regency in 11 UPTs of Agricultural Extension Centers and Agricultural Service Headquarters, totaling 68 people, and a sample of 40 respondents was determined using the Slovin method in determine the number of samples. The research instrument is a questionnaire with a Likert scale with a score range of 1-5. Data analysis used a multiple regression model, with the help of SPSS version 26. The significance test used an alpha criterion of 0.05 to test the proposed hypothesis. The results of the research were concluded: 1) Competency and provision of functional allowances simultaneously had a significant effect on the performance of agricultural extension officers; 2) Competence has a significant effect on the performance of agricultural instructors; 3) providing functional allowances also has a significant effect on the performance of agricultural instructors. Both variables show a positive influence, meaning that the better the competence and satisfactory provision of functional allowances, the better the performance of agricultural instructors.

STRATEGI BERTAHAN HIDUP PETANI PERKOTAAN DI KOTA GORONTALO

Gorontalo City is the capital city of Gorontalo Province; however, in some places in Gorontalo City, there are still scattered agricultural lands and most of the agricultural land is surrounded by buildings and housing. The purpose of this study was to determine the survival strategy of urban farmers in Gorontalo City and analyze income based on the cost of living for farmers and their families. Secondary data in this study were obtained from the Agricultural Extension Center (BPP) and the Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) or relevant sources in the form of data on the number of farmers in Gorontalo City. This study uses a mixed-methods approach, namely quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data were obtained from interviews with research informants, with a limit on the number of informants to as many as 30 farmers. The primary data collection instrument was divided into two types: questionnaire A for all informants and questionnaire B for 10 informant farmers (with the criteria of separate land from other farmers' land) through the in-depth interview method. A qualitative approach with interactive analysis of the Miles and Huberman model. The results showed that the income of rice farmers was Rp. 489.586348 with 27 farmers, tomato commodities were Rp. 20.991.667 with 2 farmers, and mustard commodities were Rp. 5.160.000 with 1 farmer. The total family living cost of the respondents per month is Rp. 87,799,980. In general, farmers use a double-income strategy to meet the needs of their families, such as pulling bentor (ngojek), workshops, and construction workers

Knowledge of workers in agricultural extension centers regarding the administrative and organizational factors of the communication function in some central governorates of Iraq

Knowledge of workers in agricultural extension centers regarding the administrative and organizational factors of the communication function in some central governorates of Iraq

The Impact of Internal and External Factors on Agricultural Extension Performance through the Kostratani Program in Banten Province

The agricultural sector is pivotal in human sustenance by providing food, livestock feed, and bioenergy. In Indonesia, agriculture is strategically positioned in the national economy, contributing to food security, employment, and poverty alleviation, particularly within the agricultural sector. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the Kostratani program, assess internal factors affecting the performance targets of instructors within the Kostratani program as an intervening variable, and examine external factors influencing the performance targets of instructors within the Kostratani program. Employing a quantitative approach, this research utilizes survey and interview methods conducted in Banten Province across various Agricultural Extension Centers, particularly focusing on constructing Agricultural Extension Centers in Lebak Regency, Pandeglang Regency, and Tangerang Regency. The findings reveal that internal factors significantly influence the Kostratani Program and the performance targets of extension officers, while external factors show no significant impact on either. Moreover, the Kostratani Program exhibits a noteworthy influence on the performance targets of extension officers.

Inovasi Manisan Tomat (Solanum lycopersicum) sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Pendapatan Petani di Kecamatan Widang, Tuban

Tomatoes are one of the most widely cultivated horticultural crops in the region Tuban Regency. One of the women farmer groups that often cultivate tomatoes is the Farmers Women’s Group in is the Farmers Women’s Group in Widang Subdistrict. The Farmers Women’s Group has tomato plants with high yields. But sometimes the price of tomatoes is very low causing the Farmers Women’s Group to experience significant losses. The author sees this condition as an opportunity to increase the use value of tomatoes so that they have a higher price. One of the efforts that can be done is by using tomatoes as raw material for making candied dried tomatoes. Candied dried tomatoes are a very popular food and have wide market opportunities. This has been proven by the high sales of candied dried tomatoes in several regions in Indonesia. The author sincerely hopes that this community service activity will be able to increase the income of the Farmers Women’s Group in Widang District. The Farmer Women's Group is able to make candied dried tomatoes into one of the foods and souvenirs that are in demand by tourists visiting the Tuban Regency area. Community service activities were carried out at the Agricultural Extension Center of Widang District, Tuban Regency, which was attended by around 15 farm women. This activity contains counseling related to the innovation of candied tomatoes, followed by planning and implementing activities to make sweets made from tomato fruit. Armed with knowledge and practice, participants from the Widang District Women Farmers Group were interested and planned to apply the idea and innovation of candied dried tomatoes during the next harvest season. Keywords: farmer women's group ,sweets, tomatoes

Evaluate the phosphorus application response in potatoes under high phosphorus soil test in Florida

Phosphorus (P) is an indispensable nutrient for agricultural crops, existing in both organic and inorganic forms within the soil matrix. However, its runoff and leaching could potentially pollute the natural water bodies worldwide through eutrophication. Despite the elevated soil P levels indicated by soil tests, the potato crop necessitates substantial P fertilization due to its relatively superficial root structure and short growth period, particularly when compared to longer-cycle agronomic crops such as corn or cotton. This investigation was designed to assess the response of potato tuber yield and quality to incremental P fertilizer applications during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. The research was performed in the 2021 growing season across two different agricultural sites at the Hastings Agricultural Extension Center (HAEC), incorporating eight varying rates of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) (formulation 0-46-0% N–P2O5–K), specifically 0, 28, 56, 84, 112, 140, 168, and 224 ​kg P2O5 ha−1. In the subsequent 2022 season, the study expanded to include three additional sites at HAEC, testing six different TSP levels at 0, 22, 45, 67, 90, and 112 ​kg P2O5 ha−1. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications was employed throughout the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The cumulative data from 2021 to 2022 indicated that total and marketable yields across all sites increased in response to increasing P rates (p ​< ​0.05), exhibiting a linear trend in most locations. When aggregating data from all sites, a quadratic yield response pattern emerged. In 2021, P uptake was statistically significant, with mean values fluctuating between 18.69 and 45.09 ​kg ​P ha−1. The P application was correlated with enhanced total P removal from the soil, though the specific gravity of the tubers remained unaffected by any level of P application. The study results suggest applying P improves potato yield even if the soil test P falls in the high range.

Pengaruh Sistem Administrasi Perkantoran Terhadap Efisiensi Kerja Pegawai Balai Penyuluhan Pertanian

This research aimed to determine the effect of the office administration system on employee work efficiency at the Agricultural Extension Center, Bulango Selatan Subdistrict, Gorontalo. This reserch employed a quantitative approach where the data used were primary data obtained by distributing questionnaires to employees of the Agricultural Extention Center, Bulango Selatan Subdistricht, Gorontalo, with a total sample of 30 respondents. In the meantime, the data analysis technique was simple linear regression. The finding denoted that the office administration system affected the employee work efficiency at the Agricultural Extention Center, Bulango Selatan Subdistrict, Gorontalo. The effect of the office administration system on work efficiency was 40%, while the remaining 60% were effected by variables that were not examined in this research.

Determination of rice leaf midrib deflection in field environment by using semantic segmentation and shortest distance algorithm

In order to automatically and accurately determine rice leaf age in a complex field environment, a method for determining rice leaf vein deflection is proposed. The method is based on semantic segmentation and a shortest distance algorithm. First, a semantic segmentation model named RLNet is constructed to segment leaf structure curved regions (LSCR). These regions are then clustered and merged using a coordinate-based algorithm, and leaf structure curved lines (LSCL) are fitted by regions. Finally, the shortest distance algorithm is used to determine the deflection of the middle leaf structure curved line, from which the rice leaf age is obtained. Unlike commonly used methods for rice leaf age determination, the proposed method does not require complex manual assistance and harsh experimental conditions, it only requires photography of rice leaves in a field environment. To evaluate the practicality and effectiveness of the method, an experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Extension Center of the Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China. The method segmented LSCR with an accuracy of 84.71% and determined the rice leaf midrib deflection with an accuracy of 95%. Experimental results showed that the proposed method could determine rice leaf age automatically and accurately in a field environment and thereby reduce dependence on professionals.