Agronomic Knowledge Research Articles

Land Deals in Africa: Pioneers and Speculators

Much African land currently has low productivity and has attracted investors leasing land as a speculative option on higher future prices or productivity. To be beneficial land deals need to induce productivity enhancing investments. Some of these will be publicly provided (infrastructure, agronomic knowledge), and some can only be provided by ‘pioneer’ investors who discover what works and create demonstration effects. Such pioneers can be rewarded for the positive externalities they create by being granted options on large areas of land. However, pioneers must be separated from speculators by screening and by requirements to work a fraction of the land.

Persistence of the cultural landscape in Campania (Southern Italy) before the AD 472 Vesuvius eruption: archaeoenvironmental data

Cultural landscapes were prominent during the Early Roman period when agronomic knowledge allowed the spread of intensive land exploitation in most of the available land. The aim of this contribution is to explore whether for the Campania region (Southern Italy) archaeoenvironmental data would support continuity or change in the cultural landscape of Roman tradition in the 4th and 5th centuries. To do so, new data from two sites located on the northern slopes of the Vesuvius, both buried by the AD 472 eruption have been investigated. Charcoal analysis, 14C dating, and chemical analysis of organic residues were carried out in order to study the landscape and the food production at these sites. The results suggest the persistence of the Roman cultural landscape until the 4th and 5th centuries in this area. The landscape is in fact strongly marked both in agriculture and woodland exploitation and management, being characterized by managed chestnut forests as well as valuable cultivations of walnut, large vineyards, olive groves, and probably orchards and crops. The integrated approach with archaeobotanical and archaeometric analyses proves to be a powerful method for the study of the past landscapes, providing a good insight into the environment. Furthermore, this study provided the most ancient evidence of chestnut silviculture for wood.

Plagas, enfermedades y saberes agrícolas en el Caribe, un estudio de caso

From the new approaches in social studies of science and technology concerned with the analysis of sites where science is developed and how it circulates, I am interested to observe the Caribbean as an island-center in the tropical agronomic knowledge development. For this, I study how the scientific steps were formula- ted to eradicate the plagues that currently affect more intensely co- conut plantations in the Caribbean and Latin America, called Lethal Yellowing Disease of Coconut, which has destroyed the industry crops in many areas. The epidemic first appeared in the nineteenth century in the Caribbean Antilles, which forced local scientists to develop a database of global knowledge. In particular, I observe the process in Cuba from scientific discussions generated at the Royal Academy of Medical Sciences, Physical and Natural Sciences of Havana, as well as the entry of U.S. scientists in the new imperial context of early twentieth century, who expanded their field of study throughout the English and Spanish Caribbean through the exchange of ideas and experiences.

Toiling in Paradise: Knowledge Acquisition in the Context of Colonial Agriculture in Brazil's Atlantic Forest

Abstract Four centuries of colonial extraction lead to severe ecological degradation of the forests and soils of the Atlantic region of Brazil. After an overview of the history of colonial plantation agriculture, we discuss the knowledge developed in this context. Over the course of time, several agricultural manuals were published for or in the colony. Landowners recommended agricultural techniques developed for European temperate climates, but also included their local experience. Indigenous knowledge about cultivation was not suitable for the extractive colonial system and therefore played little role in colonial agriculture. Based on agricultural manuals published in Brazil over a period of more than two centuries, we discuss the management of soil fertility and the relationship between agricultural practices and forest stands. The process of acquisition and distribution of agronomic knowledge by Brazilian authors was slow during the colonial period. The strongest point in common among the authors was their concern with the preservation of forests. Their soil classification systems show clear evidence of indigenous influence. The agricultural manuals have not been studied explicitly as sources for the environmental history of Brazil. Therefore, we studied some of the particular ecological circumstances of their writing. The Atlantic forest does gain substantial nutrients from rainwater, a fact the authors allude to in their recommendations. At least one author developed plant indicators using native species Although written in a colonial context, Brazilian agronomic literature was full of recommendations for a sustainable use of Brazil's biodiversity, and argued against the devastation wrought by colonial exploitation.

Weed detection for site‐specific weed management: mapping and real‐time approaches

López‐Granados F (2011). Weed detection for site‐specific weed management: mapping and real‐time approaches. Weed Research 51, 1–11.SummaryThis work describes the current status of remote and proximal (on‐ground) weed detection systems for site‐specific weed management and discusses the limitations and opportunities of these technologies. Remote sensing based on multispectral aerial imagery can provide accurate weed maps, especially at late weed phenological stages, whereas images from high spatial resolution satellite and unmanned aerial vehicles must still be analysed. Hyperspectral images produce highly accurate maps at early and late phenological stages at a farm scale or medium spatial scale. However, this technology is not profitable, because of current operating costs, which are prohibitive. In studies of on‐ground weed seedling detection, accurate results can be obtained at a medium farm scale. Despite numerous efforts, a powerful and flexible classifier of soil, weeds and crops in a number of situations, remains the greatest challenge of this technology. The main limitations of remote and proximal sensing may be summarised in the following two points: (i) the time and education required for applying new technological advances and (ii) the high cost of the technology and the lack of compatibility of the machinery. Possible solutions might include: (i) offering an advisory service that provides technical support, agronomic knowledge and specific training courses, (ii) the development and implementation of uniform and cheaper standards, (iii) increased research of both high resolution satellite imagery exploring object‐based image analysis and pan‐sharpened imagery and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and (iv) enabling the development of current prototypes of robotic weeding into commercial products. The general lack of multidisciplinary research groups can be a disadvantage when comparing the economic feasibility of site‐specific weed management with conventional systems.

Diversifier les rotations céréalières notamment avec du pois et du colza – Données récentes d’expérimentations et d’études

Simplification has been a clear trend in the composition of French crop rotations in the past decades, whereas agronomic knowledge proves the interest of diversification in order to benefit from the so called “preceding effects” and “cumulative effects”. It is needed to study the possible input of crops such as rape seed or pea for the cereal-based rotations in agronomic terms but also in economic and environmental terms. The first step is to quantify the impacts specifically due to the change in crop succession composition, and afterwards to allocate an objective economic value to them so that they are easy to integrate into comparisons of production systems. The regional case studies of a current multi-partner project enable to illustrate the economic and environmental evaluation of alternatives to the rotation “Oilseed rape – Wheat – Barley”. In addition, the recent field experiment data of this project (farm tests or experimental trials) provide technical and scientific elements on technical feasibility and the economic performance of the innovative succession “pea before rape seed”, but also on the interest of the introduction of symbiotically fixed nitrogen in crop rotations in order to decrease the negative environmental impacts of mineral fertilisers-based systems. Diversification of crops and nitrogen fixation appear to be two key elements for (i) competitiveness, when at least the agronomic effects are taken into account, and (ii) sustainable systems, when one considers the preservation of farm potential and of the environment.

Science, technique, technology: passages between matter and knowledge in imperial Chinese agriculture

Many historians today prefer to speak of knowledge and practice rather than science and technology. Here I argue for the value of reinstating the terms science, techniques and technology as tools for a more precise analysis of governmentality and the workings of power. My tactic is to use these three categories and their articulations to highlight flows between matter and ideas in the production and reproduction of knowledge. In any society, agriculture offers a wonderfully rich case of how ideas, material goods and social relations interweave. In China agronomy was a science of state, the basis of legitimate rule. I compare different genres of agronomic treatise to highlight what officials, landowners and peasants respectively contributed to, and expected from, this charged natural knowledge. I ask how new forms of textual and graphic inscription for encoding agronomic knowledge facilitated its dissemination and ask how successful this knowledge proved when rematerialized and tested as concrete artefacts or techniques. I highlight forms of innovation in response to crisis, and outline the overlapping interpretative frameworks within which the material applications of Chinese agricultural science confirmed and extended its truth across space and time.

Confronting unfamiliarity with ecosystem functions: The case for an ecosystem service approach to environmental valuation with stated preference methods

Ecosystem functions are a central topic of environmental valuation research. Lay respondents are usually unfamiliar with the implications of scientific descriptions of ecosystem functioning. Thus, the applicability of stated preference methods for the valuation of ecosystem functions is a matter of debate. In the general discourse on the economic valuation of ecosystem functions, it was suggested to valuate ecosystem functions via the ecosystem services they provide. In this contribution, we argue that the recognition of this principle is the key also for the applicability of stated preference methods to the valuation of ecosystem functions. Successful application requires a precise differentiation between the descriptive realm of ecosystem functions and the evaluative realm of ecosystem services. On this basis, an ecosystem service approach for the economic valuation of ecosystem functions is introduced. We illustrate the ecosystem service approach by the valuation of a hydrological ecosystem function in rural Indonesia. Identification and representation of the ecosystem services were based on extensive investigations of respondent perception of hydrological phenomena. The availability of irrigation water during the dry season turned out to be a locally decisive ecosystem service. Within the case study, willingness-to-pay (WTP) values were estimated for changes in the availability of irrigation water, rattan, shading in cacao plantations, and in the population of an endemic mammal by Nested Logit (NL) analysis of choice experiment data. Only few respondents lacked sufficient familiarity of the environmental goods to be valued. WTP for a reduction in water scarcity by one month was ~ 39–40,000 Indonesian Rupiah/household/year. A rating of respondent comprehension correlates with preferences for water availability. For respondents with above average comprehension (rated 4 versus mean of 3.12 at a 5-point scale), NL analysis predicts a 14.1% increase in WTP. Interactions of attitudinal constructs support the notion that the WTP estimate is an expression of underlying values and risk perceptions. The ecosystem service approach comes at a cost. Because ecosystem services relevant to local respondents are valued rather than scientifically described ecosystem functions, typical ‘basic science’ models that represent ecosystem functioning cannot be used for the analysis of valuation scenarios with direct policy relevance. Engineering-type models that embody technical and, in our case study, agronomic knowledge are necessary to bridge the gap between ecosystem functioning and their practical implications. A lack of this kind of information also hinders a meaningful application of alternative valuation approaches.

Establishing Management Classes for Broadacre Agricultural Production

The delineation and management of homogenous classes within a field is an important step in the evolution from uniform field management to site‐specific management. The adoption of class or zone management on‐farm has been slow due to an extension gap between researchers and producers. To overcome this, a protocol has been developed using freeware and shareware programs freely available over the Internet. This protocol promotes a cost‐effective approach to class management at a grower and consultant level. Users begin with raw data and in a stepwise process clean, interpolate, and then cluster the data to develop management classes. The protocol has been developed for non‐irrigated broadacre (>20 ha) Australian grain production systems but is readily transferable to other production systems with suitable local agronomic knowledge. A case study highlighting the protocol as well as possible problems and pitfalls is presented to assist potential users. Some limitations and further areas of protocol development to refine the technique are briefly discussed.

Educational Needs of Precision Agriculture

Reluctance towards implementation of precision agriculture seems to be based upon accessibility to well-trained, knowledgeable people, and the cost and availability to obtain quality education, training, and products. Given that precision agriculture is rapidly changing and the current trend for accelerated information exchange, educators of precision agriculture face the challenge of keeping pace and providing quality educational programs. This paper addresses how precision agriculture educational programs can be improved. Specific barriers to adoption of precision agriculture are discussed. The learning process of precision agriculture technologies and methods are outlined as six sequential steps. These steps represent a process of increased learning and skill proficiency against which those individuals developing precision agriculture education can use to build and target their programs. The optimal value of information for precision agriculture will be best achieved by producers, agribusinesses, and educators as they improve their: 1) agronomic knowledge and skills, 2) computer and information management skills, and 3) understanding of precision agriculture as a system for increasing knowledge.

Impediments to spatially-variable field operations

Abstract Although the technology for spatially-variable field operations had advanced greatly, there are concerns which must be addressed for those operations to reach their full potential. These concerns include weather effects, substandard farm management, operator time demands, poor agronomic knowledge, and machine accuracy.

A multiple-domain knowledge based system: Coordination and integration of agronomic and economic knowledge bases with databases and bio-economic models

Abstract An integrated decision support system for pasture improvement was developed to assist consultants to help beef producers in the coastal subtropics decide on a pasture improvement strategy. The components of the system, including knowledge sources from two different domains (agronomy and economics), databases and static and dynamic bio-economic spreadsheet models, are described. The integration of these components was achieved through the use of a blackboard architecture. The system's interaction with users is illustrated by working through a case study. Another case study is used to discuss issues relating to the validation of multiple-domain decision support systems in agriculture.

Chirality and Crop Protection

AbstractThe modern agrochemical industry is searching, more intensively than ever, for new substances to combat pests (weeds, deleterious insects, plant pathogens, etc.). In the complex and costly selection and optimization process, state‐of‐the‐art scientific methods are always needed. The aims of the interdisciplinary optimization are mainly the reduction of the rate of application of the new substance, an increase in the selectivity against the target organism, and the optimal ecological profile. If a promising crop protection compound is a racemate or a diastereoisomeric mixture, the chemist has a unique opportunity to contribute to this optimization process through the synthesis of enantiomerically pure isomers for testing purposes. If the single isomer proves to be biologically superior to the racemate, the development of an economical and ecologically sound process for the production of the single isomer presents an even greater challenge. The average price of a crop protection compound is much lower than that for a pharmaceutical product, and this fact imposes a severe limitation upon the flexibility of the chemist who is concerned with the synthesis and production of a stereochemically pure agrochemical. This forces the crop protection chemist to make full use of both his scientific and creative capabilities. Fortunately, parallel to the development of the above optimization aims of a modern and ecologically sound crop protection research, there has been a continuous and worldwide advance in the area of asymmetric synthesis. Due to the interplay of these two parallel efforts there has been a great accumulation of chemical, biological, and agronomical knowledge in recent years, which should have implications beyond merely the synthesis of enantiomerically pure agrochemicals.

A first approximation to a quantitative model for forecasting the yield response of the potato to fertilizers in Romania

A first approximation to a multidimensional statistical model regarding potato tuber yield is described. The model is represented by a second-order quadratic equation with 74 terms, including 17 factors of technology of cropping, of soil and climate. In the computerization of the 74 coefficients, data are included from 2000 experimental plots on which fertilizer applications have been studied in zones of the country differing considerably in soil and climate. The model can be used in solving NPK manure equations for every plot; by these quadratic equations the optimization of NPK manure applications may be made for every plot in a farm. The natural potential yields without fertilizers can also be calculated and the country zoned for its natural potential. An example is provided which demonstrates that the model describes reasonably accurately the effects of climate and soil on tuber yield and the necessary amount of fertilizers. The solutions of the model agree with our present agronomical knowledge.