Commercial Farms Research Articles

The Ecotoxicity of Pesticides Used in Conventional Apple and Grapevine Production in Austria Is Much Higher for Honeybees, Birds and Earthworms than Nature-Based Substances Used in Organic Production

It is debated whether the ecotoxicity of active substances (ASs) contained in synthetic pesticides applied in conventional agriculture (conASs) differs from nature-based ASs used in organic agriculture (orgASs). Using the official pesticide use statistics, we evaluated the ecotoxicity of ASs used in apple and grapevine production in Austria. In 2022, 49 conASs and 21 orgASs were authorized for apple production and 60 conASs and 23 orgASs were authorized for grapevine production in Austria. Based on the latest publicly available data on the actual use of pesticides in apple and grapevine production (from the year 2017), we evaluated their ecotoxicity based on information in the freely accessible Pesticide Properties and Bio-Pesticides Databases. The results showed that although the amount of ASs applied per hectare of field was higher in organic farming, the intrinsic toxicities of ASs used in conventional farming were much higher. The number of lethal toxic doses (LD50) of ASs applied in conventional apple orchards was 645%, 15%, and 6011% higher for honeybees, birds, and earthworms, respectively, than in organic apple production. In conventional vineyards, lethal doses for honeybees, birds, and earthworms were 300%, 129%, and 299% higher than in organic vineyards. We conclude that promoting organic farming would therefore contribute to the better protection of biodiversity on agricultural land and beyond.

The Looming Food Crisis: Exploring the Causes and Consequences – A Comprehensive Analysis And Strategic Recommendations for SDGs 2

Background: This study investigates the sustainability of future food production by examining current intensive high-yield cultivation practices and their long-term impacts. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the demand for food will escalate, leading to increased use of chemical inputs in agriculture. This practice poses a significant threat to soil fertility, potentially rendering it infertile for future generations. Presently, food scarcity affects millions, with 80 million people lacking adequate food and 2 million dying annually due to hunger-related issues. If these trends persist, the impact will extend from low-income countries to middle-income and developed nations. Objective: The study highlights the urgent need for strategic and practical approaches to mitigate these challenges. It underscores the detrimental effects of current agricultural practices on human health, including a rise in chronic diseases and genetic impacts on future generations. The research draws on interviews, case studies, and focus group discussions with farmers to understand their motivations and knowledge regarding sustainable practices. It also analyses the transition from traditional to modern agricultural methods in Telangana state over five years of doctoral research. Recommendations: Based on this comprehensive analysis, the paper provides strategic recommendations for Small Scale Growers (SSGs) to achieve sustainable development goals, eradicate future hunger, and preserve soil fertility. The proposed strategies include controlling soil erosion, minimizing synthetic fertilizer use, eliminating herbicides, and promoting effective soil ploughing and residue management. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices, these recommendations aim to enhance agricultural productivity while safeguarding environmental and human health. This study calls for immediate action to implement these strategies at the ground level to ensure a sustainable future for food production.

Effect of Stocking Density on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broilers Grown to 3 Kg under Antibiotic Free Diets1,2

Background: Stocking densities could have a significant impact on birds when reducing or eliminating antimicrobials (antibiotic-free; ABF) in poultry diets. This study investigated the effects of stocking densities on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed antibiotic-free diets grown to 3 kg. Methods: A total of 888 1-d-old Ross × Ross 708 chicks were randomly distributed into 24 pens. The treatments were four stocking densities including 29, 33, 39 and 42 kg of BW/m2; each treatment was represented by six replicates. Treatments were blocked within the room to account for any variations in room conditions. Treatment assignments were randomized within each block. Used bedding was obtained from commercial farms to simulate commercial conditions and litter microflora. Birds were fed antibiotic-free (ABF) diets and provided a three phase-feeding program (Starter: 0-14 d, Grower: 15-28 d and Finisher: 29-42 d). Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Birds and feed were weighed on 1, 14, 28 and 42 d of age to measure growth performance. On d 43, 10 (5 males and 5 females) birds from each pen were processed to determine weights and yields. Result: The BW and BW gain, live weight, carcass weights and carcass yield percentage were not affected by stocking density. Also, mortality was not affected by stocking density. However, FI and FCR for the starter period were significantly elevated (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.001, respectively) at lower stocking densities, but were not different for the remainder of the growout. In conclusion, stocking densities evaluated from 29 to 42 kg/m2 with appropriate environmental management has a negligible effect on overall production and processing yield in ABF broilers.

Potassium limits productivity in intensive cereal cropping systems in Southeast Asia.

Potassium (K) has received little attention as a potential yield-limiting factor in cropping systems. Here we investigated the K status in intensive cereal cropping systems in Indonesia, which are representative of many other Southeast Asian countries. Our analysis included nutrient input-output balance, leaf nutrient status, long- and short-term fertilizer trials, and farmer surveys. We revealed that soil K levels alone are insufficient to meet plant requirements, and current fertilizer applications are inadequate to prevent K deficiencies and large negative annual soil K balances in farmer fields (average -62 kgK ha-1). On-farm fertilizer trials indicated that nearly 80% of rice crops and 70% of maize crops achieved higher yields with the application of K fertilizer. Addressing K limitations will require an enhanced capacity to predict crop responses to K fertilizer, together with long-term, flexible fertilizer and crop residue management strategies. Furthermore, similar K limitations have probably emerged in other regions globally due to intensive cropping with insufficient K replenishment, which must be addressed to close yield gaps on existing farmland.

Nutrient circularity of an anaerobic digestion project in a typical intensive rice cultivation village in the Vietnamese Mekong delta region: a regional material flow analysis and discussion of modeling practices

AbstractRice is the third largest agricultural commodity in the world. Intensive rice production is associated with high fertilizer application, and vast quantities of rice straw are often disposed of by open burning. As emissions of N and P from fertilizer and their impacts are highly spatially disparate, it is crucial to locally assess potential solutions for nutrient circularity. A model framework was established to evaluate the potential impact of local N, P and C cycles along with suitable circularity indicators. This framework was applied for a case study in the typical intensive rice cultivation village Hậu Mỹ Bắc B in the Mekong Delta using STAN modeling software. A novel technique, based on a patented temperature-phased anaerobic digestion (TPAD) loop-reactor design was investigated as a measure to reduce rice straw open burning, generate bioenergy and recover digestate for nutrient recirculation. The case study showed that rice straw TPAD could reduce open burning by 60%, while the N recovery rate increased to 21% when 200 ± 34 Mg/a of inorganic fertilizer was replaced with digestate. For C and P, the recovery rates increased to 14% and 11%, respectively. Based on the results, we concluded that TPAD has a strong impact on local nutrient circularity in terms of recirculation and sufficiency. Furthermore, the developed framework is suitable to use for master planning of nutrient circularity and for technological impact assessments at local scale. However, versatile, dynamic, and comparable monitoring frameworks with harmonized indicators to identify options for nutrient circularity are required for the detailed modeling of regional nutrient management.

Detection of Antibacterial Susceptible Salmonella spp. in Cured Beef with Different Shelf-Life Expectancy

Meat is currently one of the food products with the highest demand ever since 1980, where demand has reached 24.8 kg per year per person as of 2020. With high demand comes intensive farming which causes overuse of antimicrobials for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic reasons, allowing more antimicrobial resistant (AMR) strains of bacteria to occur. In the case of meat products, salmonella is considered one of the more commonly occurring bacteria found in raw meat products. However, with meat’s short shelf-life expectancy, the likeliness of consumers suffering from salmonellosis increases. Thus, preservation methods have been implemented to reduce this likeliness, primarily through curing beef. Although curing may reduce the likeliness of excessive microbial growth, AMR salmonella has been detected in cured beef samples. The scope of this research determines whether there is Salmonella spp. within the cured beef samples, conduct AMR (azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone) analysis of the Salmonella spp. isolated from the cured beef samples and enumeration was conducted. The longer the shelf-life expectancy of cured beef samples, the lower the overall CFU/mL per sample was (control: 17,800,000 CFU/mL, >1 year: 0 CFU/mL). It was also discovered that Salmonella spp. has potential resistance towards ciprofloxacin (33.33% intermediate) and susceptibility towards azithromycin and ceftriaxone (100.00% sensitive). This research implies the agricultural industry and safety for consumers of cured beef products with different shelf-life expectancies.

A review of environmental and health effects of synthetic cosmetics

The use of cosmetic products is expanding globally, and with it, so is the range of chemical substances employed in their production. As a result, there is also a higher risk of intoxication, allergic reactions, prolonged chemical exposure, adverse effects, and indiscriminate use. Cosmetic products can contain more than 10,000 ingredients. Most users of synthetic cosmetics are unaware of the harmful effects if they even are. However, it is linked to many diseases like cancer, congenital disabilities, reproductive impairments, developmental systems, contact dermatitis, hair loss, lung damage, old age, skin diseases and reactions, allergies, and harm to human nails. Many beauty products also create a high demand for natural oils, leading to extensive and intensive cultivation, harming natural habitats through deforestation, and contaminating soil and water through pesticides and fertilizers. The adverse effects of hazardous substances in synthetic cosmetics extend beyond human health and influence ecosystems, air quality, and oceans. Thus, this review aims to assess the environmental and health impacts of cosmetics using published scientific articles. The study used a systematic review based on Scopus, Science Direct, Web databases, Scholar Google, and PubMed. The results of this review showed that the formulation of cosmetics until the disposal of their containers could adversely affect environmental and human health.

Induced Resistance in Fruit and Vegetable Enhancing Host Defence to Curve Post-harvest Diseases

Induced resistance (IR) is an emerging, environmentally friendly strategy to manage post-harvest diseases in fruits and vegetables by enhancing the plant’s innate immune system. This approach leverages the plant's natural defense mechanisms, including the activation of defense-related enzymes like chitinases, glucanases, and peroxidases, accumulation of secondary metabolites such as phytoalexins and phenolics, and the strengthening of cell walls to prevent pathogen invasion. Additionally, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a crucial role in both signaling and direct pathogen inhibition. Despite its potential, the effectiveness of IR varies across different crops and pathogens, and its success is heavily influenced by environmental factors, such as humidity, temperature, and light. There are also concerns regarding possible trade-offs, such as reduced yield or changes in fruit quality due to the diversion of energy towards defense responses. However, the integration of IR with other disease management strategies, including the use of biological control agents and conventional fungicides, has shown promising results in reducing post-harvest losses. Case studies in fruits like apples, tomatoes, and citrus, as well as vegetables like potatoes and peppers, demonstrate the practical applications of IR in commercial agriculture. Advances in genetic engineering are opening new pathways for enhancing IR by manipulating key genes involved in defense pathways, while new formulations and precision agriculture technologies offer greater control and efficiency in IR applications. These innovations, along with optimized post-harvest handling and storage practices, hold the potential to make IR a more reliable and sustainable solution for managing post-harvest diseases. However, ongoing research is necessary to address the variability in effectiveness and to explore long-term sustainability, especially as pathogens evolve and environmental conditions change. Induced resistance, when integrated with a comprehensive disease management approach, offers a significant step forward in reducing post-harvest losses and improving food security globally.

The dynamics of organic farming conversion in groundwater management

Abstract This article analyses the endogenous choice of farmers to be organic or conventional in a groundwater evolutionary model when a tax on fertiliser on conventional farmers is implemented by a regulatory agency. The analysis of the model shows that the coexistence of both type of farmers only occurs when the decrease in productivity due to organic production is relatively low and the price premium for organic products is relatively high. However, even if conversion is welfare improving, our results show that this conversion may be done at the expense of the water resource with a lower water table. An application to the Western la Mancha aquifer (Spain) illustrates the main results.

Improving Yield and Quality of ‘Balady’ Mandarin Trees by Using Shading Techniques and Reflective Materials in Response to Climate Change Under Flood Irrigation Conditions

Considering climate change predictions, it is logical to anticipate detrimental effects on the mandarin tree, an essential citrus crop. Therefore, scientists should promptly focus on developing methods to enhance its resistance to climatic stress effects such as sunscald. This study assesses the strategies employed in ‘Balady’ mandarin trees when covered by shading nets of varying colors and percentages (white 50%, green 50% or 63%, black 50% or 63%), as well as the application of reflective materials (kaolin at 4% and CaCO3 at 3%) on the micro-climate of orchards, leaf, and fruit surface temperatures, fruit sunburn%, productivity, and fruit quality. The results indicated that shade nets effectively reduced temperature and enhanced humidity, especially during the period from June to September, when compared to open-field treatments. Black shade nets, particularly those with a shading level of 63%, demonstrated the most notable decrease in canopy temperature and an elevation in humidity, surpassing the performance of green and white shade nets. The present study found that shade nets and reflecting materials like kaolin and calcium carbonate significantly reduced fruit sunburn. Trees without shade had a sunburn rate of 8.74%, while those with shade treatments suffered no sunburn. Kaolin foliar spray at a concentration of 4% and calcium carbonate at a concentration of 3% reduced sunburn incidence to 3.64% and 7.32%, respectively. These treatments also reduced the intensity of sunburn. All treatments increased fruit yield % compared to the control and yield efficiency (kg/m2), especially the trees covered with white shade net of a 50% shading rate provided the highest values (43.70 and 40.17%) and (5.24 and 5.47 kg/m2) compared to other treatments in both seasons, respectively. Trees covered with a white shade net of a 50% shading rate, followed by a green shade net of 50% and a 63% shading rate, as well as a black shade net of 50% and a 63% shading rate, tended to improve the physical and chemical fruit properties. Therefore, it could be recommended that trees be covered with a white shade net of a 50% shading rate or a green shade net of a 50 and 63% shading rate in summer months due to its beneficial impact on mitigating fruit sunburn damage and enhancing the productivity and quality of ‘‘Balady’’ mandarin trees. Hence, shade nets can be a beneficial technology to protect citrus fruits from sunburn without affecting fruit quality in commercial citrus farms.

Non-Conventional Data for Farming-Related Air Pollution: Contributions to Modelling and Risk Assessment in the Lombardy Region, Italy

Air pollution is one of the most critical global health concerns today. While emissions from industrial activities and combustion processes are the primary threats to air quality, intensive farming activities also contribute significantly, especially through ammonia emissions that promote the formation of secondary pollutants, such as particulate matter. Advancements in air quality research have been achieved by enhancements in emissions characterisation, modelling techniques, and sensor technology, expanding the availability of air pollution data beyond traditional ground sensor observations, which are often lacking in rural agricultural areas. Accordingly, this paper demonstrates the advantages of integrating traditional and non-conventional data to investigate farming-related air pollution through a case study in the Lombardy Region, Northern Italy. The study incorporates an array of data sources, including ground sensors and atmospheric composition model estimates. The concurrent utilisation of these diverse datasets is explored through machine learning modelling, focusing on assessing the influence of agricultural activities on particulate matter distribution patterns. Finally, the reliability of non-conventional air pollution data for health risk assessment applications is also investigated. The paper critically discusses the main findings based on empirical results, highlighting the significance of integrating multiple data sources to complement traditional air quality monitoring while outlining the main limitations in terms of the accuracy and usability of such non-conventional data.

Study Report on Optimum Utilisation Plan of Ngoma 22 Irrigation Scheme

The study was conducted in Ngoma 22 irrigation scheme located in Remera and Rurenge sectors of Ngoma District in Eastern Province of Rwanda between November 2018 and January 2019. It was recommended by RAB Board of Directors. The methodology used encompasses the study area, sampling procedures, data collection and analysis tools. The main data collection tool used was FGD which targeted site agronomists and household head farmers producing rice, fruits and vegetables as high value crops in the scheme area. Through pair wise ranking technique most profitable cash crops in the scheme were ranked as follows: (1) tree tomato, (2) maracuja, (3) egg plants, (4) water melon, (5) tomato, (6) irish potatoes, (7) french beans, (8) onions, (9) carrots, (10) cabbages, (11) beetroots. From this point of views, findings from the study show only two most profitable crops: maracuja with 696 Frw/kg followed by tree tomato with Frw 249 Frw/kg. The third ranked cash crop being Irish potato (with a loss of -40 Frw/kg), the fourth is egg plant with a loss of- 177 Frw. The existing paddy rice production has shown a loss of – 270 Frw inspite the water availability all the year-round. Maize and bush bean show respectively losses of -543 Frw/kg and -1743 Frw. Hence it is understandable why farmers in the scheme area have already abandoned maize and beans cultivation. Findings show also water fees (20,000 Frw/season) determined based on maintenance costs and farmers income. For capacity building model, more than one thousand beneficiary farmers in Ngoma 22 Irrigation Scheme need strong farmer organisation for ownership of the scheme and increased profitability. To that effect, they need continued capacity building as stated in the tripartite IMTA: administrative and financial management, record keeping, and conflicts resolution management, integrated water management, operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructures, best agricultural practices for sustainable farmers’ organisations and commercial farming. Key recommendations include fixing minimum prices for agricultural products in relation to costs of production- or setting subsidy prices, increase yield for each crop by meeting all requirements: lime, fertilisers and improvement of irrigation technologies in order to reach automatically increased yield. Farmers should continue to leave out traditional crops and adopt profitable cash crops identified in this study (e.g maracuja and tree tomato). They should also increase the ownership spirit through IWUA and cooperatives performance. They should adopt collective marketing of their products and pay water fees per season.

MeHA: A Computational Framework in Revealing the Genetic Basis of Animal Mental Health Traits Under an Intensive Farming System-A Case Study in Pigs.

Intensively farmed animals such as pigs inevitably experience a certain degree of psychological stress, which leads to a reduction in production performance. Mental health traits are currently difficult to measure, resulting in a gap in understanding their genetic basis. To address this challenge, we propose a computational framework called mental health of animals (MeHA), capable of revealing genes related to animal mental health traits. Using MeHA, we identified 109 candidate genes associated with pig mental health and discovered their intricate connections with critical functions, such as memory, cognition, and neural development, which are essential components of mental health and cognitive performance. Importantly, our findings provide evidence of the potential impact of these genes on economically important traits, including meat quality and piglet survival. This research underscores the importance of genetic studies in enhancing our understanding of animal behavior and cognition, as well as promoting agricultural practices. By applying our approach to study the genetic basis of mental health in pigs as a case, we confirmed that our framework is an effective way to reveal genetic factors affecting animal mental health traits, which contributes to animal welfare and has potential implications for understanding human mental disorders.

Markov Chain Analysis of Land-use Changes in India and Maharashtra

Dynamics of Agriculture resembles the history of agriculture in India which examines the emphasizing significance to the nation's legacy, culture and civilization. India's agriculture changed after independence from a food-scarce nation to one that exports food this comes true primarily due to the result of scientific advancements. The present study is based on secondary data with the use of Markov Chain analysis to ascertain land-use changes in India and Maharashtra state. Changes in land use brought on by agriculture, urbanization and environmental factors significantly impact resource management and sustainability. We build a Markov Chain model with secondary land utilization data from government reports to measure the transition probabilities between various land use categories over time. The Markov chain model is easy to understand and communicate. It effectively captures transitions between land-use changes over time. The model works with limited data as compared to other complex models, making it accessible for studies. The results of the study emphasize dynamic interactions between various land-use patterns in India and Maharashtra. There we have concluded a stable land-use changing pattern. A trend towards intensive cropping has been observed during this study. This study reveals important trends in land conversion, most notably the growth of urban areas at the expense of forested and agricultural areas. The predictive abilities of model highlight the significance of well-informed policy-making for sustainable land management by offering insights into potential future land use scenarios.

Exploring the association between SLC11A1 and CARD15 gene polymorphisms and tuberculosis susceptibility in Holstein cattle

Abstract. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a contagious disease that has a socio-economic impact on familial and industrial farms. Genetic selection can improve resistance against bTB. This study aimed to characterize the links between SLC11A1 and CARD15 gene polymorphisms and tuberculosis (TB) susceptibility. In total 200 animals were used (50 cases and 150 controls). Polymorphisms in the SLC11A1 and CARD15 genes were identified and analyzed with the restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Our results report the PstI PCR-RFLP marker for the SLC11A1-SNP1 site and the StyI PCR-RFLP marker for the CARD51-SNP1 site in Tunisian Holstein cows. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between SLC11A1-SNP1, CARD15-SNP1 and susceptibility/resistance to TB (P < 0.05). Two SLC11A1-SNP1 genotypes were susceptible to tuberculosis, i.e., the heterozygote CG and the homozygote CC, while one SLC11A1-SNP1 genotype, i.e., the GG mutated homozygote, was less susceptible to infection. Concerning the CARD15 gene, two genotypes are highly sensitive to the incidence of bovine tuberculosis, i.e., AA and AG, while the GG genotype is more beneficial and more tolerant of Mycobacterium bovis. SLC11A1 and CARD15 are two useful candidate genes associated with tuberculosis, and this information can be used to improve the health status of domestic cattle and humans.

Dietary glycerides of valerate ameliorate diarrhea and impact intestinal physiology and serum biomarkers in weaned piglets infected with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F18.

In the commercial swine farm setting, the post-weaning period is a critical window during which piglets are highly susceptible to infection and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)-associated diarrhea. Short chain fatty acids and their glycerides are compounds which may influence intestinal health; however, valerate is one that has not been well-characterized for its role as a dietary supplement. Therefore, the major objective of this experiment was to investigate two forms of valerate glycerides on diarrhea, intestinal physiology, and systemic immunity of weaned pigs experimentally infected with ETEC F18. Dietary treatments included a control diet and three additional diets supplemented with 0.075% monovalerin, 0.1% monovalerin, or 0.1% trivalerin, respectively. Piglets were weaned (21-24 d of age), individually housed, and experimental diets were fed throught the 28-day trial period. After a seven-day period, all piglets were inoculated on three consecutive days with 1010 CFU ETEC F18/3mL. Growth performance was monitored throughout the trial and daily diarrhea scores were recorded. Rectal swabs were collected for bacterial culture to confirm the presence or absence of β-hemolytic coliforms throughout the trial. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for inflammatory biomarkers on d 0, 3, 6, and 21 post-inoculation (PI) and untargeted metabolomics on d 6 PI. Intestinal mucosa and tissue sections were harvested from pigs sacrificed on d 7 PI for gene expression and histology analysis. All data, except for frequency of diarrhea and metabolomics, were analyzed by ANOVA using the PROC MIXED of SAS. Dietary trivalerin reduced (P < 0.05) the frequency of severe diarrhea over the entire trial period and the frequency of β-hemolytic coliforms on d 7 PI compared with control. The intestinal villus height on d 7 PI in jejunum tissue was increased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed trivalerin. The mRNA expression of TNF-α was decreased (P < 0.05) in the trivalerin group, while that of ZO1 was increased (P < 0.05) compared with control. Throughout the trial, serum TNF-α was reduced in pigs fed trivalerin compared with control. Serum metabolites, adenosine, inosine, and shikimic acid were reduced (P < 0.05) on d 6 PI in all treatment groups compared with control. In conclusion, the present results indicate supplementing dietary valerate glycerides exhibited beneficial impacts on diarrhea, inflammation, and intestinal gene expression of piglets during the post-weaning period.

Detection of viral infectious agents causing calf diarrhea on dairy farms in Serbia

Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is a multifactorial disease commonly occurring in unweaned calves, and one of the major causes of calflosses worldwide. In this study, we investigated the role of viral agents in neonatal calf diarrhoea from dairy farms with reported outbreaks in the winter of 2021-2022.For this study, we tested rectal swab samples from 20 commercial dairy farms with 100-1000 cows with reported acute diarrhoea in neonatal calves.From each farm, five to ten calves, up to 2 months of age, in total 154, with acute diarrhea were sampled by rectal swabbing. Out of 20 tested dairy farms, at 4 farms none of the testedviruses was detected whereas at least one of the tested viruses was detected at 16 farms (80%). As the most prevalent, mono BRV infection was detected at 10 farms (62.5%), followed by a single BCoV infection at 3 farms (18.75%). Coinfection of BVDV and BRV was demonstrated at 2 farms (12.5%), and simultaneous infection with BVDV, BRV and BCoV at one farm (6.25%). G typing of BRV revealed that 60% of the BRVs were G10, 33.3% were G6, and 16.7% were G8. P typing indicated that 66.7% of the BRVs were P[11] and that 33.3% were P[5]. This study revealed viral causative agents being the most often found in diarrheic neonatal calves in Serbia, thuscontributing to the development of more effective strategies for disease prevention and control.

Opportunities and Challenges on Natural Farming

Natural Farming, an ecological and sustainable agricultural practice, emphasizes minimal human intervention and the use of natural resources for crop cultivation. Unlike conventional farming, which relies heavily on chemical inputs, Natural Farming integrates practices such as minimal tillage and organic inputs like cow dung and plant-based preparations. This case study explores Natural Farming practices among farmers in Tamil Nadu, focusing on their experiences, opportunities, and challenges. The study includes detailed case studies of three farmers in Coimbatore District and each farmer employing different natural farming techniques and facing unique obstacles. The findings reveal that Natural Farming offers significant benefits, including reduced farming costs, improved soil health, and enhanced market opportunities for organic produce. Farmers reported that these practices lead to better crop resilience and higher-quality produce, often fetching premium prices. However, challenges persist, including difficulties in weed control, pest and disease management, labor shortages, and delay in certification, which can affect market access and profitability. The study underscores the potential of Natural Farming to transform agricultural practices by promoting sustainability and reducing dependence on chemical inputs. It also highlights the need for supportive interventions, such as enhanced market access, comprehensive farmer training, and government support to address the identified challenges and maximize the benefits of Natural Farming. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Natural Farming's role in sustainable agriculture and its implications for farmers in Tamil Nadu.

Enhancing Water Use Efficiency and Carbon Profitability Through the Long-Term Impact of Sustainable Farming Systems

This study aims to enhance water use efficiency, maximize productivity, and minimize environmental impact through the implementation of sustainable agricultural systems using drip irrigation systems. It investigates the effects of biodynamic farming compared to those of organic and conventional methods over a six-year period and focuses on soil properties, water use efficiency, crop yield, and environmental and economic perspectives. Using a biodynamic farming system resulted in an average increase in water use efficiency of 1.96 and 10.67% for maize and 3.62 and 10.68% for faba bean and an increase in maize yield of 1.68 and 0.99%, while the faba bean yield reached 3.25 and 1.57% compared to the organic and conventional farming systems, respectively. The biodynamic system sequestered the highest average soil carbon of 6.16 tons/ha (which is equivalent to 22.45 tons/ha of CO2 emissions), representing a 13% increase compared to the organic system. Additionally, the biodynamic system yielded an increase in total net profit of 5.70 and 21.66% for the maize crop and 6.72 and 22.19% for the faba bean crop compared to the organic and conventional farming systems, respectively. The farming system significantly influenced the soil carbon sequestration and organic carbon.

Establishing perennial strips in a cultivated floodplain for habitat restoration: monitoring over 4 years and success drivers

Floodplains, one of the most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems, are under threat from intensive crop production. Implementing perennial strips alongside agricultural ditches and streams could reduce negative impacts of intensive agriculture and restore wildlife habitats in cultivated floodplains. To successfully set up perennial strips, it is important to understand the parameters that drive their establishment. Here we assessed the establishment success of reed canarygrass (RCG; Phalaris arundinacea) strips in the lake Saint Pierre (LSP) floodplain, Québec, Canada by monitoring RCG biomass and vegetation height over 4 years and identify the factors driving its establishment. A total of 26 RCG strips across six municipalities of LSP were monitored. Biomass and vegetation height of RCG increased over time to reach an average of 5048 kg/ha in year 4 and 104 cm in year 3 in established strips. The RCG established successfully in 62% of surveyed plots and three environmental parameters explained 61% of this success. Establishment of RCG was most successful when a first rain came right after seeding (&lt;3 days). High clay content and low elevation were associated with establishment failures. Overall, our results highlight the ability of RCG strips to restore dense perennial vegetation cover in cultivated floodplain, thereby providing suitable habitat for fish spawning during spring floods. This study provides significant insight into the drivers of establishment of perennial grass strips in highly constrained cultivated areas such as floodplains.