Increase In Annual Yield Research Articles

Classification and prediction of drought and salinity stress tolerance in barley using GenPhenML

Genetic and agronomic advances consistently lead to an annual increase in global barley yield. Since abiotic stresses (physical environmental factors that negatively affect plant growth) reduce barley yield, it is necessary to predict barley resistance. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) models are new and powerful tools for predicting product resilience. Considering the research gap in the use of molecular markers in predicting abiotic stresses, this paper introduces a new approach called GenPhenML that combines molecular markers and phenotypic traits to predict the resistance of barley genotypes to drought and salinity stresses by ML models. GenPhenML uses feature selection algorithms to determine the most important molecular markers. It then identifies the best model that predicts atmospheric resistance with lower MAE, RMSE, and higher R2. The results showed that GenPhenML with a neural network model predicted the salinity stress resistance score with MAE, RMSE and R2 values of 0.1206, 0.0308 and 0.9995, respectively. Also, the NN model predicted drought stress scores with MAE, RMSE and R2 values of 0.0727, 0.0105 and 0.9999, respectively. The GenPhenML approach was also used to classify barley genotypes as resistant and stress-sensitive. The results showed that the accuracy, accuracy and F1 score of the proposed approach for salinity and drought stress classification were higher than 97%.

Enhancing wheat yield and nitrogen use efficiency in the Huang‐Huai‐Hai region of China: Insights from root biomass and nitrogen application responses

AbstractWheat yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) have improved simultaneously with the genetic development of wheat varieties. However, wheat selection is carried out routinely in N‐rich field conditions, with breeding progress limited under low soil available nitrogen. Thus, we performed a 2‐year field investigation using eight milestone winter wheat varieties released between 1947 and 2017 in the Huang‐Huai‐Hai region of China with two N applications—normal (CK; 220 kg N ha−1) and reduced (RN; 110 kg N ha−1)—in Shaanxi, China, to examine changes in wheat yield, NUE, water use efficiency (WUE) and root biomass. Our findings revealed average annual yield increases of 49.615 kg ha−1 and 36.905 kg ha−1 under CK and RN, respectively. Notably, the NUE trend mirrored yield, increasing with the release year of wheat varieties, with average annual increases in NUE of 0.192 and 0.336 kg kg−1 under CK and RN, respectively. In the RN treatment, N uptake efficiency (UPE) increased with year of release, while N utilization efficiency (UTE) had no significant relationship. In the CK treatment, UTE increased with year of release, while UPE had no significant relationship. Across the 2‐year experiment, surface root biomass (0–20 cm layer) increased with year of release under CK but had no relationship under RN, while deep root biomass (20–200 cm layer) decreased with year of release under CK and increased under RN. The roots of modern wheat varieties responded better to soil nitrogen levels and produced higher yields, NUE and WUE than earlier varieties by adjusting root biomass distribution in soil.

Building a Better Roadmap toward a Green Economy through Advanced Rooftop Solar Mapping and Enhanced Energy Yield

Objective: This study aims to develop a transparent roadmap for the implementation of rooftop solar (RTS) systems to boost solar energy adoption, addressing the lack of a definitive solar roadmap. The objective is to utilize Helioscope solar software to envision the maximum shadow-free area over building rooftops and simulate energy generation potential using fixed tilt-based and monthly optimum tilt-angle control-based solar photovoltaics systems. Methods: The research employs HelioScope software to estimate shadow-free rooftop areas of government buildings in an Indian state, considering both fixed-tilt and optimum tilt angle control-based solar tracking systems. The study validates monthly optimum tilt angles for different districts and presents an experimental setup with a 2kWp RTS system. Results: The district-wise analysis reveals the useful rooftop area and energy generation potential, indicating an increase in annual solar energy yield with the implementation of an optimum tilt angle control-based tracking system. The results suggest that chronological implementation based on available rooftop area can aid in achieving the mandated RTS target. Conclusion: The proposed methodology provides a guideline for developing a transparent RTS installation roadmap. The study highlights the potential of an 8% increase in annual solar energy yield by incorporating monthly optimum tilt angle control. The district-wise spatial differences in solar energy production serve as a prototype for other states and countries, facilitating effective solar mapping and policy planning for RTS installations.

Assessment of climatic impact on growth and production of rice (Kharif) and wheat (Rabi) using geospatial technology over Haryana

Global climate change could have a substantial negative influence on Indian agriculture and becoming more common and intense growing as a result of food security. Indeed, the examination of weather variability on agricultural growth and production is always complex. The weather variability impact on agricultural growth and production has been evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis among various weather variables (minimum temperature, maximum temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and rainfall), vegetation indices (NDVI and LAI) and crop yield (wheat and rice) on yearly and monthly basis for the time period from the year 1991 to 2020 in the present study. Initially, the temporal behavior of weather variables and vegetation indices have been explored on the monthly and yearly time scale for the long term (1991-2020) along with crop yield over Indian state of Haryana. After that a Pearson correlation analysis have been carried out among the weather variables, vegetation indices and crop yield on monthly and yearly time scale, individually to understand the relationship of NDVI-weather and LAI- weather along with the long-term weather impact on agricultural production. A significant correlation is found between NDVI- weather and LAI- weather on monthly and yearly basis. The positive impact of the temperature, relative humidity and rainfall is found on the rice crop production, while the wind speed showed the negative impact on the rice crop production during the Kharif season in Haryana state of India during the years 1998-2018. In case of wheat crop (Rabi season), the minimum temperature, rainfall and relative humidity supports the wheat crop production, while the maximum temperature and wind speed showed the negative impact on the wheat yield in Haryana during the years 1998-2018. Overall, this study has found the annual increase in wheat crop yield approximately 0.044 tons per hectare, and rice crop yield 0.029 tons per hectare.

Maximizing Annual Energy Yield in a Grid-Connected PV Solar Power Plant: Analysis of Seasonal Tilt Angle and Solar Tracking Strategies

Harnessing the abundant solar resources holds great potential for sustainable energy generation. This research paper delves into a comprehensive analysis of seasonal tilt and solar tracking strategy scenarios for a 15 MW grid-connected PV solar power plant situated in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The study investigates the impact of fixed tilt, seasonal tilt, SAHST (single-axis horizontal solar tracking), and SAVST (single-axis vertical solar tracking) on energy yield, considering technical, economic, and environmental aspects. In the first scenario, a fixed tilt angle of 31 degrees was employed. The second scenario explored the use of seasonal tilt angles, with a summer tilt angle of 15 degrees and a winter tilt angle of 30 degrees. The third scenario analyzed SAHST. Finally, the fourth scenario focused on implementing SAVST. SAVST proved to be an exceptional solution, showcasing a remarkable increase in annual energy yield, and generating an additional 6680 MWh/year, 6336 MWh/year, and 5084 MWh/year compared to fixed, seasonal, and SAHST scenarios, respectively. As a result, surplus energy yielded an income of USD 554,440.00 per year compared to fixed tilt. However, the investment cost for the solar tracking system amounted to USD 1,451,932, accompanied by an annual operation and maintenance cost of 0.007 USD/W/year. The analysis revealed a promising payback period of 3 years, confirming the economic feasibility of this investment. The findings underscore the effectiveness of different strategies for optimizing solar power generation in the Kandahar region. Notably, the installation of SAVST emerged as an influential solution, significantly increasing power production. These research outcomes bear practical implications for solar tracking strategies for addressing the load challenges faced by Kandahar province and offer valuable insights for the operators and operation of solar power plants in similar regions.

Vertical farming for crop production

Vertical farming for crop production

Decomposition of yield gap of soybean in environment × genetics × management in Southern Brazil

Estimates and explanations of yield gaps make it possible to increase crop production through improvements in agricultural systems and better crop management. The combination of field data and crop modeling allows scaling the efforts needed to close the yield gap. The objective of this study was to decompose the soybean yield gap into its constituents and to quantify the influence of the main limiting factors on soybean yield in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Yield potentials and water-limited yield potentials were estimated by the CSM-CROPGRO soybean simulation model to quantify the yield gaps related to the choice of cultivar and sowing time, water gap, and gap related to other management practices. We used data from a survey of 853 fields reported by farmers over four growing seasons to quantify yield gaps for each field and the influence of management practices on soybean yields. The annual increase in soybean yield in RS depends on improvements in management (44 %), genetic breeding (42 %) and climate changes (14 %). We identified a gap of 995 kg ha−1 attributed to the choice of cultivar and sowing date, 2006 kg ha−1 attributed to water availability during the developmental cycle and 1437 kg ha−1 attributed to management improvements. A yield gap of 2432 kg ha−1 (genotype × environment gap and management gap) can be closed with adjustments in management practices such as choosing the best cultivar, sowing date, soil pH, P2O5 and K2O fertilization, no-tillage, and summer and winter crop rotation.

Možnosti hodnotenia úrodovej odozvy odrôd sladovníckeho jačmeňa na podmienky prostredia Slovenskej republiky

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the third most important grain crop after wheat and maize in Europe, but the average annual increase in barley yield was 37 kg/ha during period of 1970-2020. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of yield potential of eight malt barley genotypes under agro-climatic conditions of the Danubian Hills region in southwestern Slovakia. The effect of season had a decisive share (62.7%) in the total variability of yields. The contrasting nature of the evaluated years is documented by the differences in yields of the set of evaluated varieties in an ascending order: 4.23 t/ha, 6.10 t/ha up to 8.17 t/ha during 2012-2013-2014.The effects of site and genotypes were evident, but with a relatively low contribution of 14.13% and 1.03% of site and genotypes, respectively, to the total variability in grain yield of barley, which indicate the relative consistency of the set of genotypes evaluated. The environmental index (EI) of yields confirmed the different environmental conditions manifested by the expression of yield potential ranging from 5.17 t/ha to 7.31 t/ha. The EI expression of yields for individual years and locations can be considered as an important indicator, indicating a better interpretation of the suitability of the locality for the cultivation of a given crop. The above conclusions reached from the experimental results support the need for more detailed data analysis of varieties to given agro-climatic conditions in order to select suitable genotypes for sustainable farming systems.

Six decades of soybean breeding in Ontario, Canada: a tradition of innovation

Soybean has been widely grown by Canadian farmers for more than 80 years, especially in southern Ontario. In recent decades, the Canadian growing region has expanded east and north. An average of 1% soybean yield improvement is achieved annually, thanks to efforts by public and private soybean breeding programs. However, to meet future food demands, an average 2.4% annual increase in soybean yield is required. Soybean breeders are mostly dealing with complex traits that are under control by several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, so sufficient information about past and current breeding efforts is required to modify future breeding programs accordingly. Here, we review public soybean breeding efforts over the past 25 years in southern Ontario, one of the most productive regions for Canadian soybean growers. Furthermore, we explain how recent advances could facilitate soybean breeding programs by reducing the time and cost and increasing selection accuracy in a large breeding population. Finally, we summarize future directions in three important sections, that is, multi-omics, environmental, and data-driven approaches, and provide a vision for future soybean breeding programs.

Seeder for Different Depths of Grain Sowing and Mineral Fertilizers Application

The article presents the main results of a three-year research on the use of a seeder with openers for different depths of grain sowing and mineral fertilizers application.Research purpose To compare SKP-2.1 seeder equipped with experimental openers and the serially produced one and to determine the yield and quality indicators of spring soft wheat grain, depending on the sowing method and the rate of nitrogen mineral fertilizers application.Materials and methods A comparative field agrotechnical experiment was carried out to compare the indicators of field germination, yield by variants and the quality of grain obtained in different variants of the experiment. The experiment was carried out on Omskaya-36 soft spring wheat. The sowing performed by SKP-2.1 serially produced seeder-cultivator was taken as control. The experimental plots were sown with the same seeder but equipped with combined coulters, which are lancet paws that ensure the placement of granular mineral fertilizers and seeds in soil horizons of different depths.Results and discussion According to the three-year research, the maximum economic effect was obtained at the rate of ammonium nitrate application of 150 kg/ha. As a result, the yield increased by 0.44 t/ha, the cost of additional production accounted for 6740 rub/ha. A slight decrease in the economic effect was revealed with an increase in the rate of fertilizer application. It was determined that the maximum yield and the best grain quality characteristics both in the control sowing options and in the experimental ones were obtained with the application of ammonium nitrate a rate of 150 and 200 kg/ha.Conclusions It was established that the use of a seeder for different-depth grain sowing and mineral fertilizers application, depending on the spring weather conditions and the ammonium nitrate dose, provides an increase in field germination by 11-18%; the average annual increase in grain yield accounted for 16.3%. The gluten content proved to increase from 24.6 (control) to 29.8 percent.

Bio-inspired and artificial intelligence enabled hydro-economic model for diversified agricultural management

Neoteric phenomena such as climate change, scarce water availability and excessive fertilizer usage necessitate an augmentation of resource utilisation efficiencies in the agricultural sector. There is a need to reorient the agroecosystems to curb stress on environmental resources while meeting rising socio-economic objectives under changing hydro-climatic conditions. Considering this, optimal land allocation for diversified agriculture is essential. We propose a combinatorial optimisation approach for land allocation considering agronomic, socio-economic, environmental and hydro-climatic objectives using bio-inspired optimization algorithms. The stochastic approach tackles the problem of optimal agricultural land allocation for crops in a multidimensional context by simultaneously addressing the conflicting goals of farm-level risk management as well as district-level contingency planning. The efficiencies and sensitivity of the proposed framework are assessed through a case study of the Dharwad district in Karnataka, India using the data (water and fertilizer consumption and cost, crop type, cultivable land, man and machine hours, etc.) from the year 2019–2020. Results indicate that Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) is more capable of optimising agricultural resources management by suggesting optimal land allocation for diversified crop planning. Although Cuckoo Search (CS) and Particle Search Optimisation (PSO) also produced productive Pareto fronts, they were observed to be less effective than MOGA. The annual increase in profits and crop yield obtained using MOGA are 103% and 97% respectively, while water usage is reduced by 5% compared to the conventional routines in Dharwad. The proposed hydro-agronomic decision support framework (DSF) can be utilised to assist the AI-enabled crop planning process for the sustainable management of agroecosystems.

Historical grain yield genetic gains in Norwegian spring wheat under contrasting fertilization regimes

AbstractSpring wheat is currently dominating wheat production in Norway. The introduction of combine harvesting in the 1950s spurred breeding efforts to improve lodging and preharvest sprouting resistance, and to integrate good breadmaking quality in the locally adapted germplasm. Release of landmark cultivars Runar and Reno in the 1970s revitalized the country's production and marked the onset of modern wheat cultivation in Norway. Since that time, new cultivars have been developed but little is known about the genetic basis of the achieved yield gains. We collected 21 representative cultivars released since 1972 in Norway and tested them in a multiyear field trial including two fertilization rates: 75 and 150 kg ha–1 N. We assessed grain yield, plant height, heading, maturity, length of grain filling period, grain protein content, protein yield, aboveground biomass, harvest index, grain weight, test weight, grains per spike, grains per square meter, and spikes per square meter and their response to fertilization. We document an annual increase in grain yield of 17.8 kg ha–1 (0.34%), at both rates of N fertilization. None of the traits exhibited significant genotype × management interaction. Wheat breeding has led to the development of higher‐yielding cultivars with higher protein yield that mature later, have a prolonged grain‐filling period, and produce more grains per spike and grains per unit area.

A conceptual optimum design for a high-efficiency solar-assisted desalination system based on economic, exergy, energy, and environmental (4E) criteria

The goal of this study is to determine the optimum dimensions of an innovative high-efficiency solar still in a way that energy, exergy, environmental, and economic (4E) indicators are in the best condition at the same time. For this purpose, the annual yield (AYI) and the annual CO2 saving (ACDS) from the energy and environmental sides, as well as the annual average exergetic efficiency (AEXEF) and cost per liter (CPL) from the exergy and economic aspects, are considered as the objective functions of a multi-objective optimization (MOO). In addition, the impact of changing the inflation rate on the MOO results is found. The results demonstrate that compared to the base-case design, 508.2 L, 3.3%, and 101.1 g increase in AYI, AEXEF, and ACDS are achieved when MOO is applied, which shows 28.01, 5.56, and 28.01% enhancement, respectively. Moreover, CPL reaches from 0.0225 $.L−1 in the base-case design to 0.0178 $.L−1 for the optimal condition, which means 20.89% improvement. In addition, among the objective functions, by 22.89 and 3.09% changes within the range of 0.01 to 0.19, AYI and AEXEF are found as the most and least sensitive ones to inflation rate variation.

Агротехнологии и возможности интенсификации производства зерна в Сибири

Based on the actual increases in the yield of spring wheat from the use of fertilizers and fungicides obtained in many years of field experience, the current possibilities of intensifying grain production in the forest-steppe of Siberia are analyzed. The main condition for intensification is the receipt of additional income by farms. It is shown that the average annual increase in wheat yield from the use of fertilizers and fungicides recoup the costs of their application already at a grain price of 9000 rubles/t. However, due to a decrease in yield in unfavorable weather conditions, the use of these chemicals was unprofitable for at least 40% of the years. An increase in the price of grain to 15000 rubles/t reduced the share of unprofitable years to 10%. It is concluded that the use of chemicals, providing an increase in crop yields, does not guarantee farms to receive an annual profit. This is one of the main factors hindering the widespread replication of intensive grain production technologies in Siberia.

Modelling climate change impact on water resources of the Upper Indus Basin

Abstract Climate change has implications for water resources by increasing temperature, shifting precipitation patterns and altering the timing of snowfall and glacier melt, leading to shifts in the seasonality of river flows. Here, the Soil & Water Assessment Tool was run using downscaled precipitation and temperature projections from five global climate models (GCMs) and their multi-model mean to estimate the potential impact of climate change on water balance components in sub-basins of the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) under two emission (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) and future (2020–2050 and 2070–2100) scenarios. Warming of above 6 °C relative to baseline (1974–2004) is projected for the UIB by the end of the century (2070–2100), but the spread of annual precipitation projections among GCMs is large (+16 to −28%), and even larger for seasonal precipitation (+91 to −48%). Compared to the baseline, an increase in summer precipitation (RCP8.5: +36.7%) and a decrease in winter precipitation were projected (RCP8.5: −16.9%), with an increase in average annual water yield from the nival–glacial regime and river flow peaking 1 month earlier. We conclude that predicted warming during winter and spring could substantially affect the seasonal river flows, with important implications for water supplies.

The impact of multi-year straw and green fertiliser application on grain yields in a grain steam crop rotation

The research proves the advantage of the direction of biological farming using agrocenosis bioresources (straw and green manure) as fertiliser. These studies were carried out in a field stationary experiment of the agrochemical service. Regular application of fertilisers showed a stable tendency to increase grain crop yields. At applying straw with nitrogen for 20 years, the yield increase is reliable 5.0 c/ha (26.8%). The application of green manure fallow on the background of regular application of straw provided an increase in grain yield by 3.6 c/ha (20.6%), which is also significantly higher than the application of straw alone without nitrogen, which provided a steady trend of the average annual increase in yield by 1.1 c/ha (6.3%). Over four rotations (2000-2019) of grain and fallow crop rotation in the conditions of the Tomsk region, there is increasing efficiency of green manure fallow and regular use of straw as a fertiliser. This efficiency leads to the preservation of soil fertility and increased grain crop yields compared with pure fallow. In the first rotation, the grain yield in these variants was at the same level. In the second rotation, the outcome after green manure fallow was higher by 11.7% than after pure fallow. In the third rotation, the yield was 18% higher. In the fourth rotation, the green manure fallow was better than pure fallow in grain yield by 40%. The results were statistically processed by analysis of variance using SNEDEKOR software.

Assessment of the impact of structural changes in sown areas on grain yields during the implementation of state programs

The article analyzes the dynamics and provides a forecast for 2021 of the yield of grain and leguminous crops in Russia. According to the results of the analysis for the period from 2006 to 2019, the average annual increase in yield by 0.6 center per ha was revealed for all categories of farms. The average grain yield in the forecast year will be in the range of 26.5 to 29.6 center per ha. The main focus of this article is on the assessment of the impact of structural shifts in sown areas on the yield of cereals and legumes. According to the results of the index method, it was found that due to changes in the regional structure of grain crops, the yield in Russia as a whole increased by an average of 5%. Based on the constructed regression model, it is concluded that the main factors affecting the grain yield are the productivity of the climate and the number of mineral fertilizers applied.

Photovoltaic Warm Façades with Phase Change Materials in European Climates

Since facade-integrated photovoltaic (PV) modules heat up greatly, which reduces the efficiency of thePV, facade panels with PV and phase change materials (PCM) were developed. PCMs absorb a significantamount of thermal energy during the phase transition from solid to liquid, while maintaining a specificmelting temperature. This cools down the PV and increases the electrical yield. Numerical studies onPV-PCM warm facades without rear-ventilation have so far been missing. Therefore, a thermal andan electrical simulation model for PV-PCM warm facades were developed and validated. They werethen used to analyse the yield increase of two PCM-types and -quantities in PV warm facades facingeast, south, and west in Athens, Potsdam, and Helsinki. An annual yield increase of 1.2% to 8.5% formonocrystalline PV modules was determined. The maximum monthly yield increase is 8.0% in Helsinki,11.4% in Potsdam, and 11.3% in Athens. The study shows that a case-specific selection of the appropriatetype and quantity of PCM is necessary. Using the models, a design tool for PV-PCM warm facades will bedeveloped. It will be validated with real monitoring data from PV-PCM facade test rigs at the TechnischeUniversitat Dresden and the National Technical University of Athens

Genetic Gains in Pearl Millet in India: Insights Into Historic Breeding Strategies and Future Perspective.

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum R. Br.) is an important staple and nutritious food crop in the semiarid and arid ecologies of South Asia (SA) and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In view of climate change, depleting water resources, and widespread malnutrition, there is a need to accelerate the rate of genetic gains in pearl millet productivity. This review discusses past strategies and future approaches to accelerate genetic gains to meet future demand. Pearl millet breeding in India has historically evolved very comprehensively from open-pollinated varieties development to hybrid breeding. Availability of stable cytoplasmic male sterility system with adequate restorers and strategic use of genetic resources from India and SSA laid the strong foundation of hybrid breeding. Genetic and cytoplasmic diversification of hybrid parental lines, periodic replacement of hybrids, and breeding disease-resistant and stress-tolerant cultivars have been areas of very high priority. As a result, an annual yield increase of 4% has been realized in the last three decades. There is considerable scope to further accelerate the efforts on hybrid breeding for drought-prone areas in SA and SSA. Heterotic grouping of hybrid parental lines is essential to sustain long-term genetic gains. Time is now ripe for mainstreaming of the nutritional traits improvement in pearl millet breeding programs. New opportunities are emerging to improve the efficiency and precision of breeding. Development and application of high-throughput genomic tools, speed breeding, and precision phenotyping protocols need to be intensified to exploit a huge wealth of native genetic variation available in pearl millet to accelerate the genetic gains.

English

The study analysed the impact of Rural Enterprise Development Hub (RED Hub) Project on maize yield of beneficiaries. Out of a total of 398 beneficiaries, 200 maize farmers were sampled using the Cochran sample size formula followed by convenience sampling at the second stage. With the use of a 'before' and 'after' approach, a survey was conducted using structured questionnaires which were administered on the beneficiaries of the project in Mquanduli community within the 9 villages of the community. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. It was established that, a P-value of less than 0.05 was statistically significant. The study revealed a significant average annual yield increase of maize farmers who benefitted in the project from 1,003 to 1,891 kg with an increase of 88.53% on hectare basis (t = 100.3 and p <0.05). Also, there was an average increase in annual yield from 1,976 to 4,351 kg which was significant with an increase of 120.19% per maize farm (t = 32.7 and p<0.05 p-value). Determinants of increase in maize productivity were identified using regression analytical technique; They were fertilizer (t = -4.46 and p <0.05), seedling (t = 4.47 and p<0.05) and capital (t = 4.35 and p<0.05). The study recommends sustained subsidy and direct delivery of productive inputs to beneficiary farmers and additional provision to accommodate more maize farmers in Mqanduli. Key words: Rural, yield, beneficiaries, farmers, community.