Boost Crop Yields Research Articles

Plant growth promoting and antagonistic traits of bacteria isolated from forest soil samples.

Sustainability in agricultural systems without compromising the environmental quality and conservation is one of the major concerns of today's world. The excessive use of agrochemicals is posing serious threats to the environment. Therefore identification of efficient plant growth promoting (PGP) bacteria as an alternative to chemically synthesized fertilizers is of great interest. In the present investigation, forest soil samples collected were used for isolation of efficient plant growth promoting bacteria. Total of 14 bacteria were isolated, and tested for various PGP properties. Out of the 14 isolates, four isolates labelled as BKOU-1, BKOU-8, BKOU-13 and BKOU-14 showed significant plant growth promoting traits, hydrolytic enzyme production and effectively restricted the mycelial development of phyto-pathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum and Macrophomina phaseolina). 16 S rRNA gene sequences of the bacterial isolates BKOU-1, BKOU-8, BKOU-13 and BKOU-14 were found to have maximum identity with Bacillus aerius, Bacillus infantis, Alcaligenes faecalis and Klebsiella Oxytoca respectively. All four bacterial isolates nucleotide sequences were submitted to GenBank and NCBI accession numbers were generated as follows: OL721916, OL721918, OL721919 and OL721926. According to the findings of the study, these PGPR could be employed as biofertilizers/biopesticides to boost crop yield of different crops in sustainable manner.

Influences of NPSB and Vermicompost Application Rates on Yields of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) at Jimma Ganati Research Site of Wallaga University, Western Ethiopia

The tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) is an important vegetable crop in Ethiopia and is produced and eaten in large quantities throughout the nation. However, the tomato production is quite low (10 tons·ha−1) compared to the global average yield of 34 tons·ha−1 due to the repetitive use of chemical fertilizers alone, growing intensive crops that are absorbing significant amounts of the soil nutrients, and the lack of application of organic fertilizers. Therefore, it is crucial to take accurate measurements when using fertilizers in order to solve issues and boost crop yield. The study’s objective was to find out how NPSB and vermicompost fertilizers together influenced tomato growth, yield characteristics, and yield at the Wallaga University Research Site for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022). The experiment used a factorial randomized block design with two components: four levels of NPSB and four levels of vermicompost. The tomato fruit production and all of its components were strongly impacted by the primary and interaction effects of NPSB and vermicompost treatment rates. The highest fruit length was 6.26 cm, the largest fruit diameter was 5.94 cm, the shoot fresh weight was 48.25 g·plant−1, the shoot dry weight was 4.50 g·plant−1, the marketable fresh fruit per plant was 5.54 kg, and the fruit yield was 24.36 ton·ha−1 after the application of 125 kg·ha−1 NPSB plus 8 ton·ha−1 vermicompost. Application of 125 kg·ha−1 of NPSB fertilizer along with 8 tons·ha−1 of vermicompost increases net benefits by 115922.5 ETB·ha−1 as compared to a control. Therefore, in order to enhance tomato yield, it may be suggested that farmers utilize the combination of 125 kg·ha−1 of NPSB and 8 tons·ha−1 of vermicompost rather than applying any inorganic fertilizers alone.

Monitoring MDR Evolution and Transmission Dynamics of MDR Klebsiella Pneumonia

A Gram-negative, non-motile, capsuled, lactose fermenting, facultatively anaerobic, rod shaped bacteria called Klebsiella pneumoniae. On MacConkey agar, it manifests as a mucoid lactose fermenter. Although it is a natural component of the flora in the mouth, skin, and intestines [1], it can harm the lungs of both humans and animals if aspirated (inhaled), notably the alveoli (in the lungs), resulting in bloody sputum. It is the most important member of the Enterobacteriaceae family’s Klebsiella genus when used in a therapeutic setting. Clinical samples from humans have also shown the presence of K. oxytoca and K. rhinoscleromatis. Klebsiella species have recently emerged as significant nosocomial infection pathogens. About 30% of the strains can fix nitrogen under anaerobic conditions, and they are found in soil where it naturally occurs [2]. As a free-living diazotroph, K. pneumoniae’s nitrogen fixation mechanism has undergone extensive research and is of agricultural importance because it has been shown to boost crop yields in agricultural settings [3]. On their cell surfaces, members of the Klebsiella genus normally express two different types of antigens. The Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which comes in nine different types, contains the first antigen, called O antigen. The second is K antigen, an over 80 variety capsular polysaccharide [4]. Both support serogrouping and contribute to pathogenicity. It has a close relationship to K. oxytoca, which it differs from in that it is indole-negative and can grow on melezitose but not 3-hydroxybutyrate.

Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphate Fertilizer on Phosphorus Uptake and Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Some of Wheat Varieties (T. aestivum and T. durum)

A field experiment was carried out in a subtropical region of India. The main purpose of this experiment was to grow different wheat genotypes under different nutrient doses and find out which genotype performed better in terms of yields and other attributes under nutrient constraints. Nine varieties of wheat (T. aestivum and T. durum L.) were selected and grown as test crops in the current investigation, adopting a split plot design that was replicated three times, with nutrient dose as the main plot and varieties as sub treatments. In the treatmentT1 = control, T2 = 100% (N+P+K), T3 = 50% N+100% (P+K), and T4 = 50% P+100% N+K, there are 36 plots in a block (9 varieties x 4 fertilizer N and P treatments). Of the nine varieties grown under normal N and P conditions, varieties NARMADA 14 and GW 366 had the highest P content in grain and straw. GW366 (10.93 kg/ha) had the highest average total P uptake, followed by NARMADA14 (10.90 kg/ha). Under normal doses of N and P, the variety HI 1531 (15.25%) had the highest apparent recovery of P, followed by NARMADA14 (15.15percent).Across all fertilizer N and P dosages, the highest average agronomic efficiency for P was found in GW366 (40.09%), followed by LOK1 (37.93%). NARMADA 14 and GW366 have the highest P content in grain and straw of the nine varieties grown under normal nitrogen conditions. Agronomic use efficiency and physiological use efficiency were generally substantially higher when computed on a P basis than they were when calculated on an N basis. P fraction concentrations in black soil varied, but they responded similarly to crop species and N sources. The N supply had an impact on the amounts of P taken from the soil. In P-deficient soils, the use of an appropriate N source and the selection of the right crop species may boost crop yield and plant P uptake.

Identification of Soil Features Suitable for Barley, Maize and Sugarcane Cultivation using Precision Agriculture

Agriculture plays a crucial role in a nation's economy by significantly contributing to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Improved methods of farming not only benefit farmers by lowering their workload but also boost crop yields. Identifying the optimal soil for each crop is essential for producing harvests of the highest quality and quantity. Precision farming in agriculture uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology to ensure the most efficient use of available resources to increase crop yields and reduce operational costs. It reduces instances of crop failure and aids in averting catastrophic losses. Variations in soil temperature and soil moisture have the most significant influence on crop yield. The Soil Moisture Sensors calculate the soil's total volumetric water content. Using the BMP280 absolute barometric pressure sensor, it is possible to get accurate temperature and air pressure measurements. In the paper, the primary purpose of precision agriculture usage is to determine the optimal soil characteristics for the production of Barely, Maize and Sugarcane crops.

No-tillage with straw mulching and re-using old film boost crop yields and mitigate soil N2O emissions in wheat-maize intercropping at arid irrigated regions

Water shortage and heavy greenhouse gas emissions are threatening agricultural sustainability with food security severely, and becoming a major issue in arid areas. It is unclear whether improved farming systems on strip-intercropping integrated with no-tillage with straw returning and re-using old film practices can be developed to reduce soil nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions and boost crop yields for tackling those issues. A four-year field experiment for wheat-maize intercropping was carried on straw residue and film management of northwestern China in 2014–2017 and aimed to comprehensively assess crop yields and soil N 2 O emissions. The results showed that NTSMF (no-tillage with straw mulching and re-using old film), NTSSF (no-tillage with straw standing and re-using old film), and CTSF (conventional tillage with straw incorporation and mulching new film every year) treatments increased grain yields by 15.1%, 13.7%, and 12.8% respectively, compared to CTF (conventional tillage with no straw returning and mulching new film every year, the control treatment). NTSMF, NTSSF, and CTSF treatments had greater water use efficiency by 15.7%, 13.1%, and 14.2% than CTF, respectively. On the contrary, NTSMF and NTSSF treatments had lower soil N 2 O emissions (NE) by 23.9% and 20.4% than CTF, and lower by 19.8% and 16.0% than CTSF, respectively. No-tillage practice used more soil moisture and produced more grain yields but emitted less N 2 O than conventional tillage, NTSMF and NTSSF treatments reduced soil N 2 O emission per volume of evapotranspiration (WUE NE ) by 23.6% and 20.9%, and reduced soil N 2 O emission intensity (NEI) by 33.9% and 30.0% in comparison to CTF. The better effect on the reduction of NE, WUE NE , and SEI was found in NTSMF, and the three indicators were successively decreased by 5.3%, 4.4%, and 6.9% over NTSSF in 2016–2017. NTSMF reduced NE and boosted GY was attributed to increased synchronicity of water demand and reduced adverse effects of soil temperature variations of both intercrops’ strips. Our study concluded that grain yields were enhanced and soil N 2 O emissions were reduced by NTSMF treatment, and NTSMF treatment is a practical cropping production system for environmentally clean in an arid irrigated region. • The improved treatment on NTSMF with straw mulching in wheat strips and re-using old film in maize strips. • The improved treatment reduced soil N 2 O emissions (NE) and boosted grain yields (GY). • NTSMF reduced NE and boosted GY was attributed to increased synchronicity of water demand and reduced adverse effects of soil temperature variations. • NTSMF treatment is a practical cropping system for environmentally clean in arid irrigated areas.

CsIAGLU Regulates the Angle of Leaf Petiole by Affecting Endogenous Content of Auxin in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

The leaf angle is an important factor determining plant shoot architecture that may boost crop yield by increasing photosynthetic efficiency and facilitating high-density planting. Auxin is an important phytohormone involved in leaf angle regulation. Here, we identified two Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Indoleacetic Acid (IAA) glucosyltransferase gene CsIAGLU in 80 re-sequenced cucumber lines, of which the CsIAGLU717G,1234T is the dominant allele associated with a small leaf pedicle angle (LPA), whereas CsIAGLU717C,1234A is linked with a large LPA. CsIAGLU was highly expressed in leaves and petioles. In natural cucumber populations, the expression of CsIAGLU was negatively correlated with the LPA. The mutation of CsIAGLU induced by the CRISPR-Cas9 system resulted in elevated free IAA levels and enlarged cell expansion on the adaxial side of the petiole base, thus producing a greater LPA. Consistently, exogenous IAA treatment led to increased LPA and cell size. Therefore, our findings suggest that CsIAGLU functions as a negative regulator of LPA development via auxin-mediated cell expansion in cucumber, providing a valuable strategy for cucumber breeding with small LPAs.

Intercropping of Cauliflower With Sweet Gourd At Different Plant Population

Intercropping is a popular way to boost crop yield and profitability by maximizing the use of natural and agricultural resources. A study was carried out to establish crop arrangement for sweet gourd and cauliflower intercropping systems. The experiment was carried out during two consecutive years of 2019-20 and 2020-21 to identify the appropriate cauliflower population for intercropping with sweet gourd for increased production and profitability. Seven treatments viz. T1= Sole Sweet gourd (2 m × 2 m), T2=100% Sweet gourd + 3 rows cauliflower 37.5% (60 cm × 50 cm), T3=100% Sweet gourd + 3 rows cauliflower 23% (60 cm × 80 cm), T4=100% Sweet gourd + 4 rows cauliflower 50% (50 cm × 50 cm), T5=100% Sweet gourd + 4 rows cauliflower 31% (50 cm × 80 cm), T6=100% Sweet gourd + 5 rows cauliflower 31% (40 cm × 100 cm) and T7=Sole Cauliflower (50 cm × 50 cm). The maximum sweet gourd equivalent yield (SGEY) 34.83 t ha-1 was obtained from T4. The maximum gross return (Tk. 278640 ha-1), gross margin (Tk. 180384 ha-1), BCR (2.85) and LER (1.40) were also observed from T4 and the lowest in sole cauliflower (T7). The overall results revealed that among the intercrop combinations 100% Sweet gourd+4 rows cauliflower 50% (50 cm × 50 cm) (T4) followed by 100% Sweet gourd + 3 rows cauliflower 37.5% (60 cm × 50 cm) (T2) combinations could be profitable combinations for cauliflower with sweet gourd intercropping system.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(1): 129-138

Sulphur Contents in Arable Soils from Four Agro-Ecological Zones of Ghana

There is limited data on Sulphur (S) contents in arable soils for appropriate fertilizer recommendations in Ghana. Five study areas in a reconnaissance survey (RS), followed by an in-depth study of two areas comprising farms of different durations of cultivation, were investigated for the current total S and sulphate contents. Basic soil properties were measured using standard laboratory procedures. Total S and sulphate contents were determined using LECO instrument dry combustion and HPLC, respectively. The results showed wide variations in total S contents from 31 to 603 mg kg−1 in the Guinea Savannah (GS) zone. The mean trend was Forest > Forest-Transition (F-S) > north Guinea Savannah (nGS) > Deciduous Forest (DF) > south Guinea Savannah (sGS) in the RS sites, with a similar trend in the main study sites. Sulphate contents ranged from 5 to 25 mg kg−1, constituting 0.8 to 37% of the total S. The mean percent trend was sGS = DF > Forest > nGS > F-S. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was the major predictor of total S along with pedogenic minerals. Total S and crystalline pedogenic minerals predicted the sulphate contents. The results highlight the need for ecologically-based S fertilizer programmes to boost crop yields.

Improved legume pastures increase economic value, resilience and sustainability of crop-livestock systems

CONTEXTWell-managed legume pastures play a crucial role in agricultural systems, contributing to strategies for the increasingly complex challenges of supplying meat and wool, improving soil fertility, increasing land use efficiency while minimising environmental impacts, and building system resilience. OBJECTIVEThis paper examines the potential for a range of improved annual legume pasture species to deliver multiple benefits such as extending the length of the growing the season and closing feed gaps, boosting crop yields and farm profits, and contributing to natural resource management. METHODSUsing MIDAS, a bioeconomic model of a crop-livestock farming system, we quantified the relative profitability and sustainability of five self-regenerating legume pasture scenarios − burr medic (Medicago polymorpha L.), bladder clover (Trifolium spumosum L.), French serradella (Ornithopus sativus L.), biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus L.) and common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) − against the baseline scenario of (mainly) subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) for the medium-rainfall region of Western Australia. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe modelling indicated that profit gains of more than 25% were possible by using an improved self-regenerating legume option when compared to a subterranean clover-based pasture system. This could be achieved through greater utilisation of land under pastures and higher stocking rates while still maintaining a major cropping program. The whole-farm economic benefits of improved legume pastures resulted from land use adjustments to sustain more profitable cropping and livestock enterprises, and benefits were small at low stocking rates. The combination of additional feed at the start of the season and slower loss of energy values at the end of the season in the improved pasture scenarios was an important profit driver for the livestock enterprise. Other benefits included projected savings in nitrogen fertiliser for crops in rotation with the pasture, greater sheep carrying capacity, improved efficiencies in supplementary feed and labour costs per animal, lower groundwater recharge, and improved farm business resilience overall. Pastures with higher nutritional value could lead to reduced net emissions per DSE if they allow ruminants to reach finishing weight faster or improve reproductive efficiency. SIGNIFICANCEThis whole-farm study expands previous work by comparing a broad range of annual legume pasture species developed for the soils and climatic conditions of Western Australia. The general principles behind changes in land use revealed by the MIDAS modelling have wide application beyond this Australian region, confirming the potential role of well-managed legume pastures for achieving sustainable intensification of agricultural systems, while offering sufficient flexibility for grazing systems to cope with climate variability.

ORGANOCHLORINE AND ORGANOPHOSPHORUS PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN GRAINS, VEGETABLES AND FRUITS: A REVIEW

Organochlorin and organophosphorus pesticides are broadly applied in agriculture, primarily to boost crop yields and protect crops from pests to reach the needs of a growing global population. This review aims to assess levels of pesticide residues in grains, fruits, and vegetables from already established secondary data from different authors or journals. The data obtained adequately confirmed the presence of concentrations of Organochlorin and organophosphorus residues in vegetables, grains and fruits. Both high and low concentration levels of pesticide residue were documented based on data obtained which showed application of the synthetic pesticides by farmers. The high or minute concentration of synthetic pesticides poses adverse health effect on human. This review suggest that consumers of these type of pesticides contaminated food are liable to contact diseases associated with pesticides. Pesticides have been related to damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system, birth defects, cancer, immunodeficiency, reproductive process disruption, and altering or interfering with normal endocrine system function. Thereby, the use of natural pesticides as an alternative to synthetic pesticides for pest control is highly recommended for food security and sustainable environmental practices.

Ventilation and irrigation management strategy for tomato cultivated in greenhouses

Appropriate ventilation and water management strategy are beneficial to boost crop yield and quality in greenhouses, and their optimization is crucial for improving water use efficiency (WUE). Here, we set up three irrigation levels based on measurements of the cumulative pan evaporation (AEpan) (i.e. 0.9 AEpan, 0.7 AEpan, and 0.5 AEpan), and three ventilation modes through opening the greenhouse vents at different location (VST: open the both roof and south vents; VT: open the roof vents only; VS: open the south vents only) to reveal the effects of ventilation mode and irrigation amount on picking, yield (Y), evapotranspiration (ET), WUE and quality of tomato grown in a solar greenhouse. Nine treatments were split block design with ventilation mode as main treatment and irrigation amount as vice treatment. Each treatment was replicated three times. Results showed that harvesting time of tomato were substantially influenced by ventilation mode as a result of interior temperature differences. The VT treatment was beneficial to early maturity of tomato than the VST and VS treatments. The proportion of VT in the first three harvesting was ~36.8 % and ~26.3 % higher than of VST and VS, respectively. Irrigation amount had a marked effect on ET, Y, WUE, irrigation water use efficient (IWUE), and irrigation water compensation (Irc). Here, ET, Y and Irc of K0.9 were 51.7 % and 69.8 %, 11.0 % and 19.6 %, 7.0 % and 13.5 % higher than those of K0.7 and K0.5 treatments, respectively, while the WUE and IWUE were 13.1 % and 24.8 %, 18.6 % and 28.6 % lower than K0.7 and K0.5, respectively. However, the significant interaction between ventilation and irrigation were only found on Y, WUE and IWUE. Both ventilation and irrigation treatments had considerable effect on soluble solids (TSS), Vc and organic acid. TSS could represent the comprehensive quality of tomato, because TSS was very significantly positively correlated with the comprehensive quality scores. A better combination of ventilation and irrigation was recommended as VST × 0.7 AEpan by using the TOPSIS method based on a compromise of Y, quality and WUE.

An Organized Review of Current AI Trends for Smart Farming to Boost Crop Yield and Its Advantages

An Organized Review of Current AI Trends for Smart Farming to Boost Crop Yield and Its Advantages

Physiological Factors Limiting Leaf Net Photosynthetic Rate in C3 Crops like Rice and Approaches for Improving It

Improving leaf photosynthetic capacity is one of the most promising approaches to further boost crop yield. Clarifying factors limiting leaf photosynthetic capacity, especially in C3 crops, is meaningful for designing strategies to improve it. Leaf net photosynthetic rate (A) is one of the parameters describing leaf photosynthetic capacity. In the present study, physiological factors limiting A in C3 crops such as rice were discussed and different approaches for A improvement were summarized to provide theoretical guidance for increasing leaf photosynthetic capacity. A will be limited by both CO2 availability and light intensity over periods from a few hours to several days, and by one of them over shorter intervals. Under current ambient atmospheric conditions, A of C3 crops is mainly limited by Rubisco activity and the CO2 concentration in chloroplasts. Leaf nitrogen content affects A by regulating Rubisco content and leaf anatomy; leaf morphological and anatomical traits limit A by impacting stomatal and mesophyll CO2 diffusion. Further improvements of A in C3 crops can be achieved by designing or introducing high-activity Rubisco; adjusting leaf nitrogen allocation to optimize leaf anatomy and leaf chemical composition; modifying leaf morphology and anatomy for greater CO2 diffusion; improving the activity of proteins and enzymes associated with sugar transportation and utilization; introducing C4 photosynthetic mechanisms and combining high photosynthetic traits by conventional breeding.

In Vivo Sensing of pH in Tomato Plants Using a Low-Cost and Open-Source Device for Precision Agriculture.

The development of sensing devices for precision agriculture is crucial to boost crop yields and limit shortages in food productions due to the growing population. However, current approaches cannot provide direct information about the physiological status of the plants, reducing sensing accuracy. The development of implanted devices for plant monitoring represents a step forward in this field, enabling the direct assessment of key biomarkers in plants. However, available devices are expensive and cannot be used for long-term applications. The current work presents the application of ruthenium oxide-based nanofilms for the in vivo monitoring of pH in plants. The sensors were manufactured using the low-cost electrodeposition of RuO2 films, and the final device could be successfully incorporated for the monitoring of xylem sap pH for at least 10 h. RuO2 nanoparticles were chosen as the sensing material due to its biocompatibility and chemical stability. To reduce the noise rates and drift of the sensors, a protective layer consisting of a cellulose/PDMS hybrid material was deposited by an aerosol method (>GBP 50), involving off-the-shelf devices, leading to a good control of film thickness. Nanometrically thin films with a thickness of 80 nm and roughness below 3 nm were fabricated. This film led to a seven-fold decrease in drift while preserving the selectivity of the sensors towards H+ ions. The sensing devices were tested in vivo by implantation inside a tomato plant. Environmental parameters such as humidity and temperature were additionally monitored using a low-cost Wio Terminal device, and the data were sent wirelessly to an online server. The interactions between plant tissues and metal oxide-based sensors were finally studied, evidencing the formation of a lignified layer between the sensing film and xylem. Thus, this work reports for the first time a low-cost electrochemical sensor that can be used for the continuous monitoring of pH in xylem sap. This device can be easily modified to improve the long-term performance when implanted inside plant tissues, representing a step forward in the development of precision agriculture technologies.

Efficacy of integrated nutrient management on soil properties and wheat yield

One of the most important aspects of agricultural production is soil fertility and nutrient management which has a direct impact on crop output and quality. However in the long run intensive cropping and chemical fertilizers harmed soil fertility and crop productivity by causing soil erosion, loss of top fertile soil, nutrient leaching, and uneven fertilizer use or little organic manure addition have resulted which caused human and animal suffering. To avoid nutrient mining and fertilizer imbalance, integrated nutrient management (INM) is a strategy for increasing agricultural productivity while also protecting the environment for future generations. It’s a method that uses both organic and inorganic plant nutrients to boost crop yield, reduce soil degradation, and satisfy future food supply demands. So INM is a vital aspect in achieving increased and long-term soil fertility and crop output. This study discusses the importance ofINM in wheat production in today’s intensive farming.

Smart Farming System Based on Intelligent Internet of Things and Predictive Analytics

The Internet of Things (IoT) makes it conceivable to communicate among distinctive things. The use of IoT in the farming industry is critical for increasing utility. Smart agricultural practices may boost crop yield while also creating more output with the same amount of input. The majority of farmers, however, are still unaware of the most recent technologies and procedures. In this study, a revolutionary wireless mobile robot based on the Internet of Things (IoT) is created and installed to perform a variety of outdoor tasks. The benefits of this work include more accurate and efficient data, as well as a reduction in manpower. This research has applications in agriculture, arrival, and water division. Keen agrarian frameworks have been built up in different parts of the world utilising the Internet of Things (IoT) and remote sensor systems. One of the branches that springs to intellect in this respect is exactness cultivating. Numerous analysts have made checking and robotization frameworks for different cultivating capacities. Information collection and transmission between IoT gadgets set in ranches will be basic utilising WSN. The Kalman Filter (KF) is used with expectation investigation within the proposed method to get high-quality information free of commotion and exchange it with cluster-based WSNs. The quality of information utilised for examination is progressed as a result of this strategy, and information transport overhead within the wireless sensor network application is decreased. A decision tree is used for forecast analytics decision making for trim surrender expectation, trim classification, soil classification, climate expectation, and trim malady expectation. IoT components integrated with IoT cloud are coordinates in proposed framework to supply keen arrangement for edit development observing to clients.

Design of an NPK fertilizer pelletizer

Fertilizer application to boost crop yield has become inevitable and can be a source of environmental concern. In this study, the design of simple pelletizing equipment was considered to process fertilizer powder into pellets. This equipment was designed to convey, compact and extrude the NPK compound via a screw conveyor, through a die and into pellets. On the basis of the size of this home-made system and the bulk density of inorganic NPK compounds, a 1492 watts (2hp) motor and a 25mm diameter shaft of screw conveyor was used to convey the NPK compound at a rate of 3.0m3/h, and then compacted and extruded it into pellets. The octahedral shear stress failure criterion helped to determine how well the pelleting pressure chamber designed with mild steel, holds up against the radial (σr), hoop (σh) and axial (σz) stresses generated which amounted to an octahedral shear stress (σoct) of 1.5N/mm2, which is well below the yield stress of mild steel. The use of this equipment to produce inorganic NPK compounds into pellets helps improve fertilizer use efficiency and also militates against the environmental challenges posed by NPK fertilizer usage

Organic farming: A sustainable agricultural practice

The agriculture sector faces multiple challenges in meeting the growing food demand of an ever-increasing population. Conventional farming is one of the most widely practiced approach due to its affordability and accessibility, but it is associated with various drawbacks. A resilient and sustainable agriculture system is required to face different environmental challenges. Sustainable agriculture includes different ecofriendly farming techniques that boost crop yield and livestock production without having an adverse effect on the environment. Organic farming is one such approach that should be practiced for attaining the goal of sustainable agriculture. In simple words, organic farming can be defined as the production of plants by avoiding the use of harmful synthetic additives (fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics etc.). Organically cultivated foodstuffs have become increasingly popular due to their numerous health benefits. India has experienced a significant expansion of organic farming and is presently one of the major organic producers in the world. Though there are some difficulties yet to be overcome in order to ensure that organic farming has a beneficial economic and health impact, it can be argued that it has a better prospect in India. This review deliberates the current state of organic farming in India along with its components, advantages, associated constraints and future potential.

Crop Growth Monitoring System in Vertical Farms Based on Region-of-Interest Prediction

Vertical farms are to be considered the future of agriculture given that they not only use space and resources efficiently but can also consistently produce large yields. Recently, artificial intelligence has been introduced for use in vertical farms to boost crop yields, and crop growth monitoring is an essential example of the type of automation necessary to manage a vertical farm system. Region of interest predictions are generally used to find crop regions from the color images captured by a camera for the monitoring of growth. However, most deep learning-based prediction approaches are associated with performance degradation issues in the event of high crop densities or when different types of crops are grown together. To address this problem, we introduce a novel method, termed pseudo crop mixing, a model training strategy that targets vertical farms. With a small amount of labeled crop data, the proposed method can achieve optimal performance. This is particularly advantageous for crops with a long growth period, and it also reduces the cost of constructing a dataset that must be frequently updated to support the various crops in existing systems. Additionally, the proposed method demonstrates robustness with new data that were not introduced during the learning process. This advantage can be used for vertical farms that can be efficiently installed and operated in a variety of environments, and because no transfer learning was required, the construction time for container-type vertical farms can be reduced. In experiments, we show that the proposed model achieved a performance of 76.9%, which is 12.5% better than the existing method with a dataset obtained from a container-type indoor vertical farm. Our codes and dataset will be available publicly.