Agricultural Production Use Research Articles

Systematization of steam cultivators

BACKGROUND: When exposed to the soil during cultivation, the moisture and air permeability of the formation improves, which favor the activity of microorganisms and the growth and development of plants. The increase in the production of agricultural crop production directly depends on the level of technology of the new generation. Therefore, the improvement of their designs in order to increase the level of technology of the new generation is an urgent task of the agro-industrial complex. METHODS: The method of monographic examination of the structures of steam cultivators, both of the machine as a whole and separately of the main working bodies, was used on the basis of well-known scientific research and the results of state tests. Thus, the really working steam cultivators recommended for use in agricultural production were considered. In addition, the patented designs of the working bodies of steam cultivators were analyzed. The efficiency of steam cultivators was determined based on the results of state tests of the Volga, Northwestern, Siberian, Kuban, North Caucasian, Central Chernozem, Kirov, Vladimir MIS over the past 10 years. RESULTS: The article provides an overview of steam cultivators and their designs. The classification of cultivators by 3 types is given: by the type of main working bodies (paws); by the type of additional working bodies (rollers, harrows, rods); by the type of attachment to the tractor (trailed, mounted). Their advantages and disadvantages are considered. An overview of research on improving the designs of steam cultivators to improve the quality and reduce energy consumption for tillage is given. The working bodies (paws), the frame in terms of the placement of the main working bodies, the rack and the design of additional working bodies of steam cultivators are being modernized. Theoretical studies on improving the efficiency of cultivators are considered. The conditions for achieving and improving the quality of tillage with a steam cultivator are revealed by determining the relationship of parameters with the indicators of the technological process. The application of computer simulation modeling in solving theoretical problems of research of new working bodies is considered, advantages and disadvantages are revealed. CONCLUSIONS: The systematization of steam cultivators presented in this article will allow us to determine ways to further improve them.

Evaluaiton of productivity and adaptability of medium- and late-maturing potato varieties to the conditions of Moscow oblast

In this study, 22 medium- and late maturing potato varieties from the collection of the N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) were subjected to a three-year experiment with a view to identifying high-productivity sources for further breeding and cultivation in Central Russia. The study was carried out in the Moscow Oblast in 2020-2022. The Golubizna variety was used as a standard. The total and average weight of tubers per bush (total and marketable), number of tubers in the bush (total and marketable), and the marketability (share of marketable tubers in the total weight) of the varieties under study were evaluated. The total and marketable productivity was evaluated by the parameters of adaptability (Kad), varietal stability (PUSS), ecological plasticity (bi), and stability (s2d). On average, over the period of three years, seven varieties exceeded the standard in terms of total and marketable productivity. These included Pamyati Ligaj, Gui Valley, Vympel N, Kazsip, Grand N, Gusar N, and Arlekin. The selected varieties were characterized by high values of the adaptability coeffi cient (Kad ranged from 1.4 to 2.0) and marketable productivity (PUSS ranged from 150 to 480 %). Among these varieties, Pamyati Ligaj, Gui Valley, Kazsip, Arlekin, and Vympel N demonstrated high plasticity (bi ranging from 1.2 to 2.7). Grand N showed the highest stability (s2d=0.00) of marketable productivity. The Gusar N and Arlekin varieties were selected for use in agricultural production. They demonstrated the maximum values of tuber weight per bush on average over the period of three years (total 1.01-1.06; marketable 0.73-0.75 kg), adaptability coeffi cient (Kad ranging from 1.7 to 2.0), and PUSS (239-480 %). On average, both varieties exceeded the standard in tuber size, number of tubers in the bush, and marketability. Gusar N was characterized by a relatively high stability of marketability parameters (s2d=0.05); Arlekin showed high ecological plasticity (bi=2.2). The sources of valuable traits for breeding were selected, which annually exceeded the standard variety Golubizna in the size of marketable tubers (Pamyati Ligaj) and the number of marketable tubers in the bush (Bora Velley and Arlekin).

Geoinformation monitoring of the condition of rice fields in Giang Province (Vietnam) according to multispectral ERS data and field spectroradiometering

The spatial distribution of areas of territory used for agricultural work is of great importance for the development of measures for managing territories and planning the rational use of land and water resources. As a result of the high development of land and its use for agricultural production, timely assessment of both the condition of soils and the growing season of crops in the fields plays an important role. Since in the conditions of the study area it is possible to choose the timing of sowing, growing and harvesting, spatial data on the location of fields for growing rice can be used to estimate the volume of water consumed for its cultivation and develop a crop rotation model for different volumes of available water based on the level of water reserves of the main crop. source. Geoinformation classification of Earth remote sensing data and the use of spectral indices can be used to monitor the dynamics of rice crop formation under existing conditions. Refinement of the results of geoinformation processing of satellite images is carried out using field standardization methods, including photo standardization, showing the real value of reflected energy during large-scale photography, and spectroradiometry, which makes it possible to determine the characteristics of the reflected energy by these objects in various spectral ranges. The results obtained made it possible to obtain statistical data on the values of the area of plots based on 4844 measurements; the average values of the area of plots were established – 0.447, standard deviation – 0.309, maximum area – 5.84 hectares, minimum 0.02 hectares. The obtained statistical results make it possible to determine on average the estimated number of plots in the territory of An Giang province, which is 442 thousand fields. Thus, when deciphering images of rice fields on satellite images, local geoinformation cartographic layers of such fields are developed, taking into account the actual characteristics and stage of plant vegetation, as well as the stage of harvesting and the stage of tillage.

Impacts of Irrigated Water Use on Household’s Income in South Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Agriculture is the backbone of the Sub-Saharan African economy. Ethiopia's GDP is also shared by 45 from the agriculture sectors. However, it is confronted and challenged by variable rainfall and climate changes. Particularly, in South Wollo zone, agriculture is not exceptional in facing such daunting challenges and effects of variable rainfall and climate change despite there are abundant alternative irrigated water resources. River and groundwater sources have not yet been used as alternative uses for agricultural production. As a result, rural households' income couldn’t meet their minimum food and nonfood requirements. This study, thus, attempted to evaluate the impact of irrigated water use on rural household's income in South Wollo Zone, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. In pursuit of this, it employed a descriptive type of research design and triangulated research approach that consists of both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Primary and secondary data were collected from small scale irrigated households and secondary sources. Binary logistic regression was used to determine major significant factors that affect households' irrigated water use for agricultural production. A propensity core matching model was employed to evaluate irrigated water use and agriculture on household’s income. This study result (binary logistic regression result) showed that the household’s family size, land size and willingness were significant factors that determined irrigated water use for agricultural production at 95 percent level of significance. The propensity score matching model result also shows that irrigated water use significantly created significant impact on household’s income. It is, thus, keenly important to change and improve the smallholder farmer’s land size, extension services, rural credit, technology, education level, awareness about family size, and willingness to use irrigated water sources, such as, ground and river water for agriculture agricultural production that increase their level of income.

Toxicological effect of deltamethrin on enzymatical, apoptosis and immune response, histological morphology in Litopenaeus vannamei

Deltamethrin (DM) use in agricultural production and storage can result in the presence of residues in several feed ingredients, which can then be ingested by aquatic animals, potentially leading to adverse health effects. Although the potential toxicity of the lipophilic deltamethrin has been evaluated in several studies, there is a paucity of comprehensive studies on the negative effects induced by chronic exposure of shrimp to deltamethrin at different dietary lipid levels. A feeding experiment of six weeks was carried out to assess whether alterations in dietary lipid levels have an impact on the toxicity of DM. In a feeding experiment on Litopenaeus vannamei, the effects of dietary fat levels on the toxicity of DM were studied. There were six distinct diets created comprising three levels of DM (0.2 mg⋅kg–1, 1 mg⋅kg–1, 5 mg⋅kg–1), and two lipid levels (6.96 %, 10.88 %). The diets were designated as LF0.2, LF1, LF5, HF0.2, HF1, HF5. The growth performance and whole shrimp body lipid were reduced with the increase of DM addition to the diet, and DM caused abnormal changes in lipoproteins (LDL, HDL, LPS) in shrimp when feeding diets containing high doses of DM. Furthermore, GOT, GPT, AKP, and ACP activities were found to be significantly increased by long-term exposure to DM. Meanwhile, the way that genes linked to the nuclear factor kappa-B immune signaling pathway showed a significant increase in the hepatopancreas (dorsal, imd, pelle, ikkβ), intestine (imd, tube, pelle), and muscle (toll, imd, pelle) of shrimp following exposure to DM. Similarly, cellular autophagy genes in the hepatopancreas (atg9, atg12), muscle (atg3, atg9), and intestine (atg3, atg5, atg9, beclin, atg13) were significantly upregulated in a dose-dependent manner after shrimp chronic exposure to DM. Histopathological damage was also induced in the muscles under DM exposure. In summary, chronic exposure to DM resulted in a slowing of growth performance, disruption of lipoprotein metabolism, impairment of hepatopancreatic, intestinal, and muscle-related immune functions, as well as the promotion of autophagy and damage to shrimp muscle.

Detection of fusarium wilt-induced physiological impairment in strawberry plants using hyperspectral imaging and machine learning

Strawberry (Fragraria x ananassa) is a crop affected by various soil-borne fungal pathogens with mostly non-specific foliar symptoms and often requiring laboratory isolation for correct diagnosis. Moreover, these nonspecific foliar symptoms, appreciated by the human eye, appear after some time following infection by the pathogen. Early detection of plant diseases is one of the primary objectives in agriculture because it may contribute to identifying more tolerant cultivars in breeding programs and optimise pesticide use in agricultural production with earlier applications in emerging disease foci. New technologies, such as remote sensing and machine learning (ML) algorithms, have arisen as potential tools to improve the ability to detect and classify different crop diseases. The combined use of hyperspectral imagery and ML algorithms were investigated to detect and classify the physiological stress caused by early infections of Fusarium wilt in strawberry plants. Six ML models, namely artificial neural network, decision tree, K-nearest neighbour, support vector machine, multinomial logistic regression and Naïve Bayes were developed to estimate physiological stress associated with Fusarium wilt disease. The results showed that stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthesis (A) declined even without visual symptoms of the disease. Among the six ML models evaluated, the artificial neural network model showed the highest classification performance with an overall accuracy of 81%, regardless of the physiological parameter utilized for model training. Moreover, the artificial neural network accurately predicted the absolute values of both physiological parameters (gs and A) based on the complete spectral signature from visually healthy foliar tissue, achieving coefficients of determination of 84% and 81%, respectively. Consequently, ML models utilizing physiological response data and hyperspectral imaging exhibited remarkable robustness, facilitating the estimation of Fusarium wilt severity in strawberry plants even without visual symptoms.

Growth performance of durian based on crop water requirement (ETc) using irrigation system

Water use for agricultural production in water scarcity regions requires precise irrigation water for sustainable irrigation management. The correct amount of irrigation water should be applied to ensure the survival of plants. Currently, farmers apply irrigation without considering the actual amount of the crop water requirement (ETc), which may lead to over or under-irrigation. These problems may cause water logging, crop stress, reduced yield and inefficient farm management. Durian (Durio zibethinus) is an important economic crop of Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Lately, durian plantation has been increasing in Malaysia with innovative and sustainable approaches through irrigation or fertigation. The growth of durian is highly affected by water and nutrients given to the plants. This paper highlights the effect of precise irrigation through durian water requirement. Hence, this study aims to compare the difference in growth performance between existing practices (irrigation without ETc) and irrigation based on ETc. The study was conducted in the durian plantation at Sri Lalang, Kluang, Johor. There were two treatments tested on the durian, which are treatment 1 (T1) existing practice (irrigation without ETc) and treatment 2 (T2), irrigation based on ETc. The experimental design for this experiment is a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four (4) blocks, and four trees for each treatment per block. The data collection includes the height of the tree, canopy width, girth’s diameter, node distance, leaf length and leaf weight. These data were analysed using ANOVA and LSD. Data was collected from April until November 2020. There was a significant difference in node distance from April until September. However, there were no significant differences for other growth parameters, suggesting precise crop water requirement can save water and minimize cost for the whole irrigation management.

Effect of Humic Amendment on Selected Hydrophysical Properties of Sandy and Clayey Soils

In recent years, products containing humic acids have been increasingly used in agriculture to improve soil parameters. Quantifying their impact on soil quality is, therefore, of key importance. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of the commercial humic acid product (HA) on the hydrophysical parameters of sandy and clayey soils sampled from different sites in Slovakia. Specifically, the study hypothesizes that humic amendment will enhance particle density (ρs), dry bulk density (ρd), porosity (Φ), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), soil water repellency (SWR), and water retention capacity in sandy and clayey soils. The results of the laboratory measurements were analyzed using NCSS statistical software at a statistical significance of p < 0.05. In sandy soil, there was a statistically significant decrease in ρd and Ks and an increase in Φ and a contact angle (CA) after the application of 1 g/100 cm3 HA. At a dose of 6 g/100 cm3 HA, the values of ρs, ρd, and Ks decreased, and the Φ and CA values increased. In clayey soil, the Ks value significantly decreased by −35.5% only after the application of 6 g/100 cm3 HA. The addition of HA increased the full water capacity (FWC) and available water capacity (AWC) of clayey and sandy soils. The positive influence of HA on the studied soil parameters was experimentally confirmed, which can be beneficial, especially for their use in agricultural production.

Risk assessment of China’s Eastern Route of the South-to-north Water Diversion Project from the perspective of Phthalate Esters occurrence in the impounded lakes

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are widely utilized and can accumulate in lacustrine ecosystems, posing significant ecological and human health hazards. Most studies on PAEs focus on individual lakes, lacking a comprehensive and systematic perspective. In response, we have focused our investigation on characteristic lakes situated along the Eastern Route of the South-to-north Water Diversion Project (SNWDP-ER) in China. We have detected 16 PAE compounds in the impounded lakes of the SNWDP-ER by collecting surface water samples using solid-phase extraction followed by gas chromatography analysis. The concentration of PAEs were found to between 0.80 to 12.92 μg L−1. Among them, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the most prevalent, with mean concentration of 1.56 ± 0.62 μg L−1 (48.44%), followed by Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), 0.64 ± 1.40 μg L−1 (19.87%). Spatial distribution showed an increasing trend in the direction of water flow. Retention of DEHP and DIBP has led to increased environmental risks. DEHP, Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) etc. determined by agriculture and human activities. Additionally, Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and DIBP mainly related to the use of agricultural products. To mitigate the PAEs risk, focusing on integrated management of the lakes, along with the implementation of stringent regulations to control the use of plasticizes in products.

Long-term effects of some determinants in the agricultural sector on CO2 emissions: Panel data analysis by income groups of world countries

Climate change is defined as one of the biggest problems of the third millennium. All countries in the world are striving to produce policies on this issue and achieve a common consensus. Regulations are being made in various sectors and efforts are continuing to adopt ecofriendly production techniques. Just as climate change affects all sectors, it is also affected by the production activities of the sectors. One of these sectors is the agricultural sector. Inputs and production techniques used in agriculture create direct environmental costs. The production techniques used by countries depending on their income level and development level contribute to the climate change process to a certain extent. In this research, the effects of the inputs used in agricultural production on CO2 emissions according to the income levels of the countries of the world were investigated by panel data analysis. According to the results obtained, the effect of the arable land size of low and low-middle income group countries, the pesticides they use in agriculture, the animal fertilizers they use in agricultural production, the CO2 level released from the energy they use in agriculture, and the effect of their agricultural nitrogen use on the total CO2 level is statistically significant. While the effect of pesticide uses and the amount of nitrogen used in agriculture by middle-high income countries is statistically significant, it can be said that the amounts of pesticides used by high-income countries in agriculture, animal fertilizers used in agricultural production, the level of CO2 released from the energy they use in agriculture and their use of agricultural nitrogen are statistically significant. While the results obtained reveal the relationship between the amount used and CO2 emissions, they also indicate that the inputs used can be quality and environmentally friendly inputs. In classical suggestions, suggestions are made such as controlling input levels and preventing excessive use. However, the increasing world population and the resulting increase in nutritional needs emphasize the importance of optimal input use in agricultural production. It makes it important that qualitative, ecofriendly and effective inputs should be used rather than input usage possibilities and quantity-dimensional control.

STRUCTURATION IN COMMUNICATION OF VEGETABLE FARMERS WITH MIDDLEMAN IN BATURITI DISTRICT TABANAN BALI

This study aimed to uncover patterns of structuration in communication between vegetable growers and intermediaries in the Baturiti District. This study employs a critical communication methodology. Data was gathered via interviews, observations, and document analysis approaches. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive qualitative interactive methods based on structuration theory. Phatic communication, patron-client relations, and divergent communication are forms of structuration in communication, as revealed by the research results. According to the empirical findings in this research, communication actions are shown to improve relationships, resulting in a tendency towards greater intimacy.
 The result is that the relationship pattern of vegetable farmers has been tied to economic actors, namely middlemen, for a very long time. The theoretical finding in this research is that structuration in communication is in line with the concept of symbolic interactionism, which focuses on efforts to provide interactions using symbols and containing power to weak parties. This research contributes to policy making related to the use of agricultural products.
 Keywords: communication structuration, vegetable farmers, middlemen

ANALYSIS OF MAIN CHARACTERISTICS AND UTILIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN SERBIA AND BULGARIA

Land is the most important resource for the sustainable development of agriculture. Optimal use of land for the production of a sufficient amount of food, while simultaneously preserving biodiversity and its quality, is very important within the policy of preserving resources for future generations. Safety in food production represent one of the most important goals of sustainable development consist in actual the 2030 Agenda. We face numerous problems related to land. Degradation due to excessive use of modern agrotechnical means in food production, deforestation, erosion, excessive urbanization, floods are just some of the most common problems in land policy. An important problem is the abandonment of land use for agricultural production and its underutilization. Serbia and Bulgaria have significant areas of agricultural land. The subject of research in this paper is the share of agricultural and arable land in the total land area in Serbia and Bulgaria. The focus of the analysis is the average size of farm land, the percentage of irrigated land, and the production structure on farms, as well as the contribution of agriculture to the realization of added value in the creation of GDP. Agriculture and the food industry play a significant role in creating GDP, employment and exports and reducing the foreign deficit. Bearing in mind that the Republic of Serbia is in the process of joining the European Union, it is necessary to reform the agricultural policy and adapt it to the Common Agricultural Policy. This is one of the most important and demanding reforms in the integration policy process. The entire European model of agricultural development is based on the concept of sustainable development. Agricultural land policy in this process is of great importance and the experiences of EU member countries are important. The results of the research should indicate different experiences and recommendations that can be useful in agricultural land management policy. Land policy measures are aimed at creating optimal conditions for agricultural production while achieving the goals of all dimensions of sustainable development. Strategic approach in land management policy in Bulgaria provides guidelines and an example of good practice for taking measures and activities in the direction of its improvement in the Republic of Serbia. These results are also the basis for examining the causes of insufficient utilization of available natural resources and the balanced development that ensures the production of sufficient quantities of food and the preservation of the environment. Keywords: agricultural land, arable land, sustainable development JEL codes: Q15, Q18, Q24

ОЦЕНКА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ПОДАВЛЕНИЯ АММИАКА В ВОЗДУШНЫХ СРЕДАХ ПРОИЗВОДСТВЕННЫХ ПОМЕЩЕНИЙ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ БАРЬЕРНОГО РАЗРЯДА

One of the main problems in the industrial production of livestock and poultry products is the neutralization of toxic gases in the air removed from livestock premises. Ozonation is used for this. Ozone is produced in dielectric barrier discharge installations. The disadvantages of the method include the dependence of the electrical characteristics of the dielectric barrier discharge on the parameters of the medium and the generation of nitrogen oxides. (Research purpose) The research purpose is determining the effectiveness of ammonia suppression by ozone generated in dielectric barrier discharge installations at various parameters of the generator operating mode. (Materials and methods) Established the effectiveness of ammonia suppression by ozone at various parameters of the ozone generator operation mode. A 25 percent aqueous solution of ammonia with controlled purging over the surface of the solution was used as an ammonia source. The dependences of the mass concentration of ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at the generator output on the operating mode parameters were studied. It was shown that the range of changes in the concentration of gases varied within the following limits: ozone - from 180 to 4, ammonia - from 80 to 2, hydrogen sulfide - from 4 to 0, nitrogen oxides - from 0 to 130 milligrams per cubic meter. (Results and discussion) It was found that the concentration of ammonia decreased from 50 to 10 milligrams per cubic meter; the time to reach the specified values of the concentration of ammonia in the stream was 20-50 seconds; when ozone is generated in all operating modes, nitrogen oxides are formed in the weight ratio O3/NOx from 1.42/1 to 1/1. The dependences of the generation of ozone and nitrogen oxides on the input voltage of the generator power supply unit were determined. It was noted that the optimal pumping rate of plasma-forming gas (atmospheric air) ranged from 0.8 to 1.5 m/ s; the mass ratio of nitrogen oxides to ozone varies from 0.69 to 0.98, which is unacceptable for premises with permanent residence of animals and maintenance personnel. (Conclusions) It was stated that the results obtained in assessing the rational operating modes of ozonators allow us to formulate technical requirements for the development of a specialized ozone generator adapted for use in agricultural production.

Nove tkanine - pogled u budućnost

The work presents new projects in the field of textiles. Considers new applications, materials and technologies for medicine, sports, defense industry. It is especially important to emphasize the positive impact on environmental protection. The increasing use of agricultural products in obtaining new fabrics contributes to the quality of life and environmental protection.

Preparation and characterization of hexaconazole/hydroxypropyl-gamma-cyclodextrin inclusion complex nanofibers for sustainable agriculture: Improved physicochemical properties and antifungal activity of hexaconazole

Hexaconazole (HEZ) is a triazole fungicide with low water solubility, which restricts its use in agricultural production. In this work, HEZ/hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin inclusion complex nanofibers (HEZ/HPγCD-IC-NF) were successfully prepared to improve the antifungal activity of HEZ. Physicochemical properties and antifungal activity of HEZ/HPγCD-IC-NF were characterized and evaluated by several key technologies. The results confirmed that HEZ was completely encapsulated in the hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin cavity, and the thermal stability and water solubility of HEZ could be enhanced by preparing HEZ/HPγCD-IC-NF. Importantly, the antifungal activity of HEZ against Botrytis cinerea was significantly enhanced by the preparation of HEZ/HPγCD-IC-NF (1.92 times to that of HEZ). Furthermore, HEZ/HPγCD-IC-NF also showed sustained release characteristics. This research attempts to develop a new formulation based on insoluble fungicides to reduce the dosage of fungicides and promote the development of green agriculture.

Significant Benefits of Environmentally Friendly Hydrosols from Tropaeolum majus L. Seeds with Multiple Biological Activities.

Tropaeolum majus L. is a traditional medicinal plant with a wide range of biological activities due to the degradation products of the glucosinolate glucotropaeolin. Therefore, the goals of this study were to identify volatiles using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (GC-MS) of the hydrosols (HYs) isolated using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG). Cytotoxic activity was tested against a cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), human colon cancer cell line (HCT116), human osteosarcoma cell line (U2OS), and healthy cell line (RPE1). The effect on wound healing was investigated using human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT), while the antibacterial activity of the HYs was tested against growth and adhesion to a polystyrene surface of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Antiphytoviral activity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was determined. The GC-MS analysis showed that the two main compounds in the HYs of T. majus are benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) and benzyl cyanide (BCN) using the MAE (62.29% BITC and 15.02% BCN) and MHG (17.89% BITC and 65.33% BCN) extraction techniques. The HYs obtained using MAE showed better cytotoxic activity against the tested cancer cell lines (IC50 value of 472.61-637.07 µg/mL) compared to the HYs obtained using MHG (IC50 value of 719.01-1307.03 μg/mL). Both concentrations (5 and 20 µg/mL) of T. majus HYs using MAE showed a mild but statistically non-significant effect in promoting gap closure compared with untreated cells, whereas the T. majus HY isolated using MHG at a concentration of 15 µg/mL showed a statistically significant negative effect on wound healing. The test showed that the MIC concentration was above 0.5 mg/mL for the HY isolated using MAE, and 2 mg/mL for the HY isolated using MHG. The HY isolated using MHG reduced the adhesion of E. coli at a concentration of 2 mg/mL, while it also reduced the adhesion of S. aureus at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. Both hydrosols showed excellent antiphytoviral activity against TMV, achieving100% inhibition of local lesions on the leaves of infected plants, which is the first time such a result was obtained with a hydrosol treatment. Due to the antiphytoviral activity results, hydrosols of T. majus have a promising future for use in agricultural production.

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AS AN ELEMENT OF SOIL PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION

The materials of the article are based on the study of the positive impact of organic farming on the reproduction and preservation of soils. The research methodology is based on a systematic approach and a dialectical method of understanding the organic principles of land use in agricultural production, taking into account retrospective analysis, monographic method, methods of synthesis and analysis. The essence of the system of organic farming from the point of view of ensuring balanced land use is revealed. It is shown the dynamics of land distribution by areas in Ukraine for 2018-2022, characterizing by an extremely high rate of agricultural development, which significantly exceeds the ecologically justified limits, as well as the distribution of soil areas of Ukraine by humus content. Organic fertilizers, plant residues, by-products, green manure, etc. remain the most important resource for soil humus reproduction, the application of which has a positive effect on the agrochemical, physical and water-air properties of soils. The structure of mineral and organic fertilizers application in 1994-2022 is given. The main problems of agricultural land use are highlighted. Under modern conditions of agricultural production and existing land use systems, it is impossible to achieve even a simple reproduction of soil fertility without a significant improvement of mechanisms for controlling their use by the state, as well as the introduction of more effective, mostly economic, mechanisms to support soil protection measures. International experience shows that new information technologies, in addition to traditional research methods, will provide effective control of land use and soil protection at different spatial levels, from the state to a specific field. The mechanism of preservation and reproduction of soil fertility in the system of organic farming is proposed for use by agricultural commodity producers. It includes a set of measures aimed at restoring stocks of organic substances and improving agro physical properties of soil. The state support in solving problematic issues is also important.It is recommended to supplement the developed mechanism with such components as legal, scientific and technical, economic, financial, scientific and educational supports.

An interval valued Pythagorean fuzzy AHP integrated quality function deployment methodology for hazelnut production in Turkey

This study aims to investigate the effect of customer expectations and cultivation processes on the hazelnut industry in Turkey. Hazelnut is an essential fruit for meeting the energy needs of the body, and it grows in temperate climates, with Turkey being the largest producer in the world. However, changing climatic conditions, activities carried out unconsciously in the field of production, and the use of agricultural products and their content affect the quality of hazelnuts. To survive in this competitive environment, hazelnut producers in Turkey need to improve the cultivation process and meet customer expectations. In this context, the Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (PF-AHP) integrated Quality Function Deployment methodology is employed to analyze the cultivation process of hazelnuts grown in Turkey. Firstly, customer expectations are defined through literature review, experts' opinions, and customers' opinions on the Quality Function Deployment application. The expectations are then prioritized using PF-AHP. In order to meet the customer expectations, strategies to achieve required technical characteristics are designed based on interviews with producers. A relationship matrix is established to examine the impact of customer expectations on the product and production process, taking into account the technical characteristics. This process is examined using Quality Function Deployment. The results show that “Price stability due to state policies” is the most important customer expectation, and “Low costs” is a vital strategy to improve the quality of hazelnut production. Sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis are performed to evaluate the proposed method and test its accuracy. This study presents a practical and effective approach for farmers and companies to improve the quality of hazelnut production, and can be used as a reference for other agricultural products. The results of the study can provide directions to be developed in the cultivation process for hazelnuts grown in Turkey.

The Role of ICT in Effective Dissemination of Extension Information among Women Livestock Farmers in North West Region of Cameroon

Over the past years, extensive efforts have been made throughout the world to provide female farmers with effective, suitable technology, training, and information. As a result, positive effects are beginning to show in agricultural production and family welfare. But the successes are limited at a time when public sector investments in agricultural research and extension are under pressure, when ever-greater demands are being placed on rural women in the face of rapid social transformation and in an increasing number of areas, when evidence of environmental degradation is growing. ICTs are now being used to provide basic solutions to farmers and are increasingly being supported by extension practitioners for use in agricultural production and marketing systems. This paper is intended to investigate the role played by ICT in the dissemination of effective extension information among women livestock farmers in the North West Region of Cameroon. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires, observations, focus groups and interview guides. Secondary data were obtained from books, journals, research projects and scientific articles. These provided the necessary quantitative and qualitative data that were used to draw conclusions. Multi stage sampling techniques were used to select the female farmers for the study. Four hundred (400) questionnaires were administered randomly to collect data from the communities. The women were examined using different channels like media, phone calls, friends, and agricultural technicians. The results from the study shows that, the media seemingly are doing a great job in disseminating of appropriate agricultural information. Therefore, 40.5% of the farmers get information from the media or magazines but only (7.8%) get information through phone calls. The findings of this study can go a long way to help policy makers in planning and designing need-based information infrastructural system for rural farmers.

Response of Different Moisture Regimes and Nitrogen Sources on Soil Health, Growth and Yield Attributes of Wheat: A Comprehensive Review

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a ancestor of the Poaceae family, is one of the most important cereal crops in the world. On a global scale, wheat is the main cereal that is cultivated and produced most widely. Irrigation has been essential to keep wheat a key food crop around the world. In response to climate change, it is also becoming more important. In response to better irrigation management, a key aspect in increasing water productivity and maintaining the viability of water resource use in agricultural production. At all growth stages of the crop, the wheat crop's growth and yield characteristics improved with rising levels of moisture regime. The performance of the yield component parts has been linked to higher nitrogen fertilization levels.