Commercial Farms Research Articles

EVALUATION OF THE CLINICAL SAFETY OF ORAL CURCUMIN TREATMENT IN NILE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus)

Curcumin is considered a multifunctional feed additive, with immunostimulant properties. Given this potential, it is crucial to deepen studies on the safety of substances like curcumin in fish, ensuring its safe and effective use for sustainable aquaculture. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety of curcumin in tilapia, administered orally via feed, through hematological and biochemical analyses. A total of 63 fish (±100g) from a commercial fish farm, Sales de Oliveira/SP, were randomly distributed in 9 tanks of 100 L each, supplied with chlorine-free water. The treatments were: T0 (control, without curcumin), T1 and T2 (treated with 100 and 400 mg/kg of curcumin, respectively). Seven fish were sampled per treatment at four time points: 4, 8, and 12 days post-treatment (DPT), along with an additional recovery period up to day 16. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analysis, along with somatic evaluation of the organs. The results showed a significant increase in the number of erythrocytes and hematocrit in tilapia treated with curcumin, particularly at doses of 400 mg/kg at 12DPT and 100 mg/kg at 16DPT. There were no significant differences in the leukogram, total protein levels, or somatic index of the organs between the groups. Serum creatinine levels temporarily decreased, returning to baseline levels, and a significant peak in glucose levels was observed at 16DPT, especially at the 400 mg/kg dose. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved and confirm the clinical safety of curcumin over longer periods.

Physicochemical Characterization of Broiler Poultry Litter from Commercial Broiler Poultry Operation in Semiarid Tropics of India

This study characterized the physicochemical properties of broiler poultry litter (BPL) produced from intensively reared commercial broilers that were collected from 110 commercial poultry farms at the end of the production cycle (sixth week). A further 20 samples were collected from the end use point where BPL was utilized as a soil amendment by the farmers after a period of storage for improving poultry litter management practices, developing new litter treatment technologies, or enhancing its use as a sustainable resource. The dry matter (DM), moisture, ash, organic matter (OM), and organic carbon (OC) from the manure samples were 83.04, 16.96, 27.08, 72.92, and 42.39%, respectively. The pH, electrical conductivity (EC) (dS m−1), and Kjeldahl nitrogen (N) were 8.43, 5.74, and 24.2 g kg−1, respectively. The BPL from the cement floor had higher levels of P and K than the mud floor. The correlation studies revealed that the OM, C, N, and Zn had significant positive correlations; pH, moisture, and ash had positive correlations; and EC, DM, and Ca had positive correlations. The EC level of BPL negatively correlated with pH, Fe, and Mn. The N content was found to have a highly significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation with the OM, OC, Ca, and Zn content of BPL, and it was found to have a highly significant (p < 0.01) negative correlation with the ash content, pH, and K content of BPL. The P content of BPL showed a positive correlation (p < 0.01) with the K content and a negative correlation with the Zn (p < 0.05) and Fe (p < 0.01) contents of BPL. Zn was found to be negatively (p < 0.01) correlated with the ash content; the pH; and the K, Fe, and P content of BPL. According to the findings of this study, BPL as such at the end of the production cycle is rich in OM, nitrogen, macrominerals, and microminerals; however, at the point of utility (after a period of storage of 4 to 6 months), there was a loss of OM, N, and mineral concentrations, highlighting the importance of proper storage and composting. Overall, this study on the physicochemical properties of broiler poultry litter is crucial for improving agricultural practices, protecting the environment, and preserving the health and safety of human beings and livestock.

Ecosystem links: Anthropogenic activities, environmental variables, and macrophytes structure snail preferences in man-made waterbodies

Freshwater snails act as obligate intermediate hosts for trematode parasites that cause trematodiases threatening public and veterinary health, and biodiversity conservation. While interest in snail control for trematodiases has re-emerged, their ecology remains poorly understood. We examined the relationship between ecosystem indicators – such as environmental variables, macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, and land use – and their correlation with snail abundance, diversity, and infection prevalence in 19 man-made ponds in eastern Zimbabwe. In total, 926 freshwater snails from 10 species were collected, with 547 individuals belonging to five schistosome-competent species: Bulinus tropicus, Bulinus truncatus, Bulinus globosus, Bulinus forskalii, and Biomphalaria pfeifferi. The remaining 379 snails comprised Radix natalensis, Gyraulus sp., and the exotic invasive species Melanoides tuberculata, Pseudosuccinea columella, and Physella acuta. Six cercarial types – mammalian schistosomes, avian schistosomes, longifurcate pharyngeates, echinostomes, amphistomes, and xiphidiocercariae – were isolated from 104 out of 926 snails (11.2 %). PCR revealed a significantly higher infection rate, with 70.2 % of snails testing positive for trematodes. Snail taxon diversity and infection rate significantly varied across land use types, with the lowest values observed in the commercial tobacco farm section, highlighting the potential adverse effects of agriculture on biodiversity. Ponds with extensive Lagarosiphon major (oxygen weed) coverage appeared to facilitate the presence and abundance of P. acuta and P. columella. Schistosome-competent snails such as B. truncatus and B. tropicus seemed to favor shallow water depths and more eutrophic sites characterized by high levels of nitrates, phytoplankton biomass, turbidity, and phycocyanin. These ponds were predominantly associated with the emergent macrophyte Cladium mariscus, revealing a potential association with important intermediate snail hosts. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the complex interplay among environmental factors, macrophyte composition, land use, and the abundance, diversity, and infection prevalence of freshwater snails, offering insights into potential strategies for targeted snail control and disease management in man-made waterbodies.

Internet of things (IoT) based saffron cultivation system in greenhouse

Saffron is the world's most expensive and legendary crop that is widely used in cuisine, drugs, and cosmetics. Therefore, the demand for saffron is increasing globally day by day. Despite its massive demand the cultivation of saffron has dramatically decreased and grown in only a few countries. Saffron is an environment-sensitive crop that is affected by various factors including rapid change in climate, light intensity, pH level, soil moisture, salinity level, and inappropriate cultivation techniques. It is not possible to control many of these environmental factors in traditional farming. Although, many innovative technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) have been used to enhance the growth of saffron still, there is a dire need for a system that can overcome primary issues related to saffron growth. In this research, we have proposed an IoT-based system for the greenhouse to control the numerous agronomical variables such as corm size, temperature, humidity, pH level, soil moisture, salinity, and water availability. The proposed architecture monitors and controls environmental factors automatically and sends real-time data from the greenhouse to the microcontroller. The sensed values of various agronomical variables are compared with threshold values and saved at cloud for sending to the farm owner for efficient management. The experiment results reveal that the proposed system is capable to maximize saffron production in the greenhouse by controlling environmental factors as per crop needs.

Integrated assessment of the economic efficiency of commercial fish farming

The purpose of the work: Conduct an integrated assessment of the economic efficiency of commercial fish farming.Materials and methods: The information base of the study was made up of statistical and operational materials on commercial fish farming of the Central Federal District of Russia (CFD) for 2015–2021. The main research methods were the monographic method, the method of analyzing the production and economic activities of the Central Federal District through scientific approaches, as well as the method of interpreting the results of the study.The result based on the developed methodology, an analysis of the economic efficiency of commercial fish farming in the Central Federal District of Russia (CFD) was carried out on the basis of the use of a complex (integral) indicator, which allowed identifying the main factors affecting the level and dynamics of the economic efficiency of commercial fish farming in the CFD. The degree of influence of particular indicators on the economic efficiency of production is shown — labor productivity, material output, capital.The practical significance it is possible to use a complex indicator in the analysis of production and economic activity, which allows determining reserves for improving the efficiency of using production resources — living and past labor. The complex indicator can also be used in the development of current options and long-term production plans, followed by the selection of the most effective option.

Assessment of Lactococcus Cremoris preparations for the pre- and post-milking teat disinfection

Good hygienic milking practices including the disinfection of the cow teat skin before and after milking aimed at preventing the occurrence of new intramammary infections (IMI) in dairy cows. This practice is generally performed using disinfectants, and in the current context of attention to the emergence of resistances, it is of greatest interest to evaluate alternative solutions that can expand treatment options. We assessed the efficacy of a pre-dipping and a post-dipping product based on the bacteriocin-containing culture of Lactococcus cremoris strain FT27, as compared to commercial disinfectants. FT27 was selected for the bactericidal activity in vitro against food pathogens. In the present study, it also revealed a high bactericidal activity against the main mastitis pathogens, most likely related to Nisin A production, according to genomic and proteomic analysis. The lactococcus-based preparations were applied in two commercial dairy farms in Northern Italy. Overall, 298 dairy cows were enrolled, 141 in the treated group (TR), and 157 in the control group (CTR). The cows were sampled at quarter level every two weeks for 3 months. During the trial, all cows showed a good health status. The hygiene level for udder, flanks and legs was generally good (on average < 3 score); the udder hygiene was significantly worse (P < 0.01) in the CTR group. The teat apex hyperkeratosis was overall low (on average < 2 score). We recorded no significant differences between the two experimental groups in the Somatic Cell Count (SCC) values and the bacteriological results. The overall frequency of new IMI was low, ranging 0.6 − 0.5% for S. aureus in the TR or CTR group respectively, to 2.6–4.4% for NASM. Regarding Str. spp., the new IMI accounted for 1.7% or 1.9% in the TR or CTR group, respectively. Notably, the incidence of S. aureus new IMI did not increase during the study, even though neither of the two herds segregated the positive cows. The non-inferiority test showed that the Lactococcus-based pre- and post-dipping products had an efficacy comparable to proven commercial disinfectants in maintaining udder health and preventing new IMI, thus representing a possible alternative to current teat dip products.

How control and eradication of BVDV at farm level influences the occurrence of calf diseases and antimicrobial usage during the first six months of calf rearing

BackgroundBovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is one of the major cattle diseases causing economic losses worldwide. Nowadays the disease manifests mainly as virus-induced immunosuppression and early embryonic death, impacting overall herd performance and contributing to increased antibiotic usage in calf rearing.MethodsIn our study we investigated the effect of rapid BVDV control measures on calf diseases and antimicrobial usage after weaning on a large industrial dairy farm. Persistently infected (PI) animals were identified and removed from the herd within a short period of time, and all susceptible animals were vaccinated against BVDV. Recorded herd parameters and AB usage were monitored retrospectively and compared with data collected after starting the BVD control program.Results and discussionThe programme began in January 2023 with identifying and eliminating PI animals from the farm. Twenty-one PI animals were found by using RT-qPCR testing of blood sera out of the 1571 animals tested (1.33%). Subsequent testing (January and December 2023) identified further 28 PI animals amongst the 542 calves tested shortly after birth, and all were instantly removed from the farm. In parallel with the BVDV eradication measures, AB usage dropped by more than 50% compared to previous years. Calf mortality also decreased from 7.45 to 4.38% as the control program progressed. Correspondingly, both the number of respiratory and diarrhoea cases decreased dramatically on the farm while the eradication measures were in place.ConclusionOur study clearly demonstrated the positive effects of BVDV eradication on the improvement of calf health and importantly, a reduction of AB usage, contributing to the One Health perspective of farm animal production.

Context-dependent agricultural intensification pathways to increase rice production in India

Yield gap analysis is used to characterize the untapped production potential of cropping systems. With emerging large-n agronomic datasets and data science methods, pathways for narrowing yield gaps can be identified that provide actionable insights into where and how cropping systems can be sustainably intensified. Here we characterize the contributing factors to rice yield gaps across seven Indian states, with a case study region used to assess the power of intervention targeting. Primary yield constraints in the case study region were nitrogen and irrigation, but scenario analysis suggests modest average yield gains with universal adoption of higher nitrogen rates. When nitrogen limited fields are targeted for practice change (47% of the sample), yield gains are predicted to double. When nitrogen and irrigation co-limitations are targeted (20% of the sample), yield gains more than tripled. Results suggest that analytics-led strategies for crop intensification can generate transformative advances in productivity, profitability, and environmental outcomes.

Integrating short- and full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to elucidate microbiome profiles in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) ponds.

Despite their immense economic value as a key aquaculture species, the production of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) faces significant challenges from intensive farming practices and disease outbreaks. Routine microbial profiling for disease surveillance could be a promising approach to anticipate and control disease outbreaks. To achieve this, accuracy in microbial profiling in shrimp ponds is crucial for enabling targeted action and prevention. Extensive documentation emphasizes that, beyond biological factors (related to the host, diet, or health status during the rearing period), technical elements, including sequencing techniques significantly influence bacterial community profiling. This study investigated the influence of short- and long-read sequencing of 16S rRNA genes on the microbial profiles in shrimp intestines, water, and sediments. The origin of the samples (intestine or environmental) in shrimp culture ponds primarily drove the observed differences in core microbial species. The ecological niches accounted for 56% of bacterial community variations in culture ponds. Both sequencing approaches showed consistent results in identifying higher-rank taxa and assessing alpha and beta diversity. However, at the species level, full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences provided better resolution than V3-V4 sequences. For routine microbial profiling in shrimp culture ponds, our study suggests that short-read sequences were sufficient for determining overall bacterial community.IMPORTANCEThis interdisciplinary study investigated the influence of sequencing techniques on bacterial communities profiling within Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) ponds. By integrating aquaculture, microbiology, and environmental science, we revealed the role of ecological niches and factors like salinity and pH on microbiota diversity and composition in shrimp intestines, pond water, and sediment. Additionally, we compared the taxonomic resolution using partial versus full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences, highlighting the value of longer amplicons for precise identification of key taxa. These findings provide novel insights into microbial dynamics underlying environmental effects in shrimp aquaculture. Comprehensive characterization of the pond microbiome could lead to management strategies that promote shrimp health and productivity. Furthermore, the potential of a multi-omics approach for integrating complementary data streams to elucidate environment-microbiome-host interactions was highlighted.

Risk factors and population attributable fractions for displaced abomasum in Iranian dairy cattle: a retrospective analysis of field data.

Displaced abomasum (DA) usually occurs in the early postpartum period and can negatively affect production and welfare of dairy cows. The objective of this research was to identify predictors for the occurrence of DA in Iranian Holsteins. Therefore, we analyzed data collected from six commercial dairy farms in Iran (calving between January 2011 and October 2020). We used generalized linear mixed-effects model to identify predictors based on estimates of odds ratios (ORs). Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were then calculated, as these are expected to more accurately prioritize risk factors on population level by considering the association between the risk factor and the its prevalence in the population. Over the 6 herds, the average percentage of DA was 2.5% (range 1.1-3.4% across herds). The results showed that calving during winter increased the odds of DA 1.4 times. Cows with high milk fat-to-protein ratio before the occurrence of disease, abnormal calving (including dystocia, stillbirth, and twinning) and long pregnancy length (≥ 280 d) showed increased odds of DA with ORs of 1.52, 1.31 and 1.30, respectively. Milk yield was also positively associated with DA in next lactation. Among the modifiable predictors of DA, the highest PAF was for the ratio of milk fat-to-protein (11.0%); other PAFs were retained placenta (4.1%), metritis (3.1%), abnormal calving (2.7%), and ketosis (2.7%). The results of the present study can provide managers with the a helpful strategy to reduce the occurrence of DA.

Innate and adaptive immunity gene expression profiles induced by virulent Aeromonas hydrophila infection in the immune-related organs of channel catfish

Aeromonas hydrophila causes motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) in freshwater fish. In recent years, MAS outbreaks due to virulent Aeromonas hydrophila (vAh) have been responsible for large-scale losses within commercial catfish farms in Mississippi and Alabama. The aim of this study was to evaluate immune gene expression in catfish immune-competent tissues during infection with vAh strain ML09-119. Specific pathogen-free catfish fingerlings were intraperitoneally infected with vAh strain ML09-119, and relative expression of thirteen immune-related genes was evaluated from head kidney, spleen, and liver. Our results revealed that vAh was detected 2 h post-infection (hpi) in the head kidney, liver, and spleen. The highest concentration of vAh was detected at 12 hpi, from which point concentrations decreased until clearance at 5 days post-infection (dpi). Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and innate immune response (TLR 4 and 5) in the first 24 hpi. Adaptive immune-related genes were upregulated at 7 dpi in the spleen and 14 dpi in the head kidney. Furthermore, immunoglobulin M showed significant upregulation at 14 dpi in the head kidney and 21 dpi in the spleen. In summary, vAh ML09-119 infection induced a strong inflammatory response involving multiple innate immunity genes, proinflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Surviving catfish were able to clear the infection and produce antibodies and memory cells. Assessment of the immunological response to vAh infection is critical for understanding the pathogen's mechanisms of pathogenesis and developing means for MAS control, including vaccine development and improved treatments.

The multiscale response of global cropland cropping intensity to urban expansion

CONTEXTUrban expansion(UE) and multiple cropping(MC) are key factors in anthropogenic impacts on global environmental change. However, the multi-scale response patterns of UE and MC have not yet been revealed, and how urbanization affects cropland intensification is still not deeply explored. OBJECTIVEThis study examines the spatial and temporal trends in global UE and MC and analyses the multi-scale response patterns of both. METHODSThe GEE (Google Earth Engine) platform was used to count global cropland cropping intensity (CCI) and impervious surface rasters on an image-by-image basis, while GIS was employed for spatial analyses, and the generalized additive model (GAM) was applied to inscribe variable response trajectories. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONThe global multiple cropping index(MCI) increased significantly (by 4.1 %) over the period 2001–2019, with growth in double- and triple-cropped cropland dominating this change. Double cropping, as a widespread global farming strategy, has led to a shift towards the intensification of agriculture, with countries in the northern hemisphere contributing more. Global UE significantly expands to twice the baseline level at an average annual growth rate of 2. 42 × 104 km2 over the period 2001–2019, with the expansion of world-class urban agglomerations in China, the United States and Europe dominates this trend. The spatial clustering of MC and UE has continued to intensify, with high-intensity cropping strategies progressively clustering towards areas of significant UE, and this tendency has a clear decreasing urban-rural gradient effect. The global CCI grows significantly and non-linearly with UE, but an important inflection point in the growth trajectory has occurred under the influence of threshold effects. Developed countries tend to be more flexible in their cropping intensity strategies as they move forward with urbanization. There is a clear increasing effect of the urban-rural gradient in the degree of non-linearity in the response of urbanization and cropping intensity. SIGNIFICANCEThe results of the study contribute to the understanding of the complex spatial and temporal coupling mechanisms between UE and MC, and provide useful insights for the development of trade-offs between urbanization and maturity strategies.

Examining the adaptability of soil pH to soil dynamics using different methodologies: A concise review

Soil pH is crucial to soil health, influencing nutrient availability, microbial activity, and plant growth. This review aims to assess the adaptability of soil pH under changing soil conditions by analyzing natural and human factors. Information was gathered from various sources, including peer-reviewed articles, field studies, and recent advances in soil science. The study explores how natural factors such as parent material, climate, and vegetation establish baseline soil pH, while human activities such as intensive farming and land-use changes further modify it, often leading to soil acidification or alkalinization. Traditional management methods like lime application, organic amendments, and crop rotation are reviewed for their effectiveness in stabilizing soil pH and their limitations under varying soil conditions. The review also explores modern technological innovations like precision agriculture, which uses soil sensors and variable rate technology for targeted pH management, and biological approaches, such as microbial inoculants, to enhance nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Integrating these traditional and contemporary approaches is essential for sustainable soil pH management and long-term productivity. The findings highlight the need for a holistic approach that combines historical knowledge with emerging technologies to promote sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.

Citrus growers' knowledge, attitudes, and implementation towards Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in Palpa, Nepal

There is a high demand of citrus fruits in mid-hills region of Nepal. To increase its productivity, it is important to incorporate sustainable practices into orchard management. Therefore, the study was conducted in summer 2022 to understand commercial citrus farmers' knowledge on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and correspond production methods of GAP aware farmers with GAP standards in the Palpa, Nepal. Altogether, 64 commercial citrus growers were interviewed with pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires for the data collection. The farmers were categorized into GAP aware and unaware based on the criteria made by the group discussion with the leading farmers and GAP standards. The result revealed that out of ten selected standards, adoption of GAP standards by GAP aware farmers are positive in relation to orchard management practices (99%), plantation (90%), harvest and storage (90%), soil management and fertilization (63%), and hygiene and environment management (61%)— with human welfare (100%) adopted by all of the aware respondents and GAP related to documentation and records (25%) were found to be least adopted. The entire aware respondents agreed to the fact that GAP produced fruit have a better appearance and improved quality, satisfies national and international standards and enhances the export potential of fruits but 97% of respondents didn’t agree that adopting GAP helps in providing incentives or support from governmental organizations. The understanding of GAP among the citrus growers is limited and hence, it is crucial to organize awareness programs and provide supplementary training sessions to enhance their understanding and adoption of GAP practices.

Nitrogen use efficiencies, flows, and losses of typical dairy farming systems in Inner Mongolia

Dairy farming is a notable source of nitrogen (N) emissions, impacting both atmospheric and aquatic ecosystems, thus necessitating a detailed analysis of nutrient dynamics to curtail nutrient wastage. However, N flow variability and its environmental ramifications differ markedly among dairy farms, and a holistic understanding of these differences is lacking in Inner Mongolia, the biggest dairy production province in China. Utilizing data from 187 dairy farms and employing the NUFER-farm model, this study assessed N flows, N use efficiency (NUE), and N losses across four predominant dairy farming systems in Inner Mongolia. These systems include traditional pastoral dairy farms (PF), smallholder dairy farms with croplands (SF), industrial landless farms (IDF), and coupled dairy cattle and cropland-intensive farms (CDF). Our findings indicate considerable differences in N flows, NUE, and losses among the systems. On average, N deposition and N fertilizer were the primary N sources for PF and SF, respectively, whereas IDF and CDF derived over 90% of their N inputs from purchased feeds. PF and SF recycled all available manure N on-farm, whereas IDF and CDF recycled only approximately 36% of the total available manure N. N losses constituted 39–72% of total N outputs, with ammonia emissions accounting for 68–73% of total N losses across all farm types. In particular, PF had a higher N loss per kilogram of dairy product than other systems. Farm-level NUE ranged from 17 to 35%, with manure management practices showing significant variability, underscoring the potential for enhanced strategies to reduce N losses through improved manure treatment.

A Holistic Approach to Bovine Brucellosis: Serological Tests, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Evaluation, and Risk Factor Identification on Dairy Farms of Ethiopia

Brucellosis, a contagious bacterial disease affecting animals globally presents a substantial zoonotic risk that is frequently underestimated, hinders animal trade, and endangers livestock and human health. The present study was conducted from November 2023 to June 2024 in Central and North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. The current cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of brucellosis and to explore the related knowledge, attitudes, and practices within the specified region. A total of 384 serum samples were collected via random sampling from 20 dairy farms located in Ethiopia. Both local and cross-breed samples screened using the Rose Bengal Plate test and confirmed through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis for both tests was 17.71% overall, with 9.62% for Central Gondar and 27.27% for North Gondar. Extensive farms exhibited notably higher odds of brucellosis compared to intensive farms, with unadjusted crude odds ratios of 3.01 and adjusted odds ratios of 2.37, respectively. Medium-sized herds also demonstrated increased odds in the multivariate analysis compared with small herds. Young respondents displayed the highest awareness levels, followed by adults and older individuals, with statistically significant differences observed across all categories. Regarding a semi-structured survey from 150 farmers on the association between sociodemographic data and knowledge, females exhibited higher awareness levels, with 117 (80.14%) responding positively. Young respondents showed a higher positive response rate of 58% compared to adults (52.7%) and the elderly (36.54%). In conclusion, these results emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to address the factors influencing bovine brucellosis prevalence and respondent awareness.

Enhancing growth and tolerance traits in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) through water-saving irrigation practices

Due to their intensive cultivation, horticultural crops are particularly susceptible and vulnerable to the detrimental effects of drought stress, necessitating significant water inputs for optimal growth and yield. Accordingly, water-saving irrigation strategies, i.e., Partial Root zone Drying (PRD) and Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) emerge as pivotal tools for bolstering the resilience of the horticultural sector. The current study aims to evaluate the impact of PRD and RDI strategies on pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth, and physio-biochemical attributes under semi-controlled greenhouse conditions. Research findings revealed pronounced enhancements in stem length under both irrigation strategies, with PRD exhibiting superior effects on shoot fresh and dry biomass (increases of 57.2% and 61.1%, respectively) compared to full irrigation. At the physiological level, PRD and RDI induced a significant reduction in stomatal conductance in pepper plants relative to full irrigation, while maintaining leaf water potential and relative water content. Biochemically, plants subjected to PRD and RDI methods exhibited significant accumulation of free proline, particularly pronounced with PRD (approximately 115.9% increase compared to full irrigation). Furthermore, Chl a and carotenoid concentration significantly increased under PRD, indicating sustained photosynthetic functionality. Comparatively, PRD appears as the more effective technique, offering the potential to conserve agricultural water about 50 without compromising growth parameters, while simultaneously enhancing tolerance traits in C. annuum. Nonetheless, further investigations on other traits across diverse soil types, climates, and cultivars under field conditions are imperative to ascertain the broader applicability of PRD and optimize its implementation.

Precision Agriculture: Transforming Farming Efficiency with Cutting-edge Smart Technologies: A Comprehensive Review

Agriculture is the study, practice, and science of plant growth. Agriculture has a long history dating back thousands of years. Depending on the topography and climate, it started out separately in different places of the planet. Thanks to agriculture, the number of people on Earth has increased many times beyond what could be maintained by hunting and gathering. Precision farming has improved production in modern agriculture since the 20th century. Precision farming is a farming method that uses technology to measure, monitor, and analyze the demands of particular fields and crops. The primary goal of this farming style, in contrast to conventional farming, is to maximize crop yields and profitability by precisely using inputs. In today's world, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are indispensable. Modern agriculture uses AI and IoT technologies and their benefits. This improves the accuracy and profitability of contemporary agriculture. We go over a few of the modern uses of AI and IoT in intelligent precision farming. Furthermore, significant instruments and methods used in precision farming are also described. The crucial benefits and the real-time devices used in the precision farming are also discussed in detail.

Semantic Segmentation and Classification of Active and Abandoned Agricultural Fields through Deep Learning in the Southern Peruvian Andes

The monumental scale agricultural infrastructure systems built by Andean peoples during pre-Hispanic times have enabled intensive agriculture in the high-relief, arid/semi-arid landscape of the Southern Peruvian Andes. Large tracts of these labor-intensive systems have been abandoned, however, owing in large measure to a range of demographic, economic, and political crises precipitated by the Spanish invasion of the 16th century CE. This research seeks to better understand the dynamics of agricultural intensification and deintensification in the Andes by inventorying through the semantic segmentation of active and abandoned agricultural fields in satellite imagery across approximately 77,000 km2 of the Southern Peruvian Highlands. While manual digitization of agricultural fields in satellite imagery is time-consuming and labor-intensive, deep learning-based semantic segmentation makes it possible to map and classify en masse Andean agricultural infrastructure. Using high resolution satellite imagery, training and validation data were manually produced in distributed sample areas and were used to transfer-train a convolutional neural network for semantic segmentation. The resulting dataset was compared to manual surveys of the region and results suggest that deep learning can generate larger and more accurate datasets than those generated by hand.

The Management System of Dairy Buffalo in Peninsular Malaysia

Background: In Malaysia, there has not been enough the research on the cost of producing buffalo milk and the in different management system and insight into the industry’s current state is inadequate. This study aims to determine the cost of dairy buffalo milk in selected regions of Peninsular Malaysia Methods: A survey was conducted on 14 dairy buffalo farms from selected regions in Peninsular Malaysia: Selangor (six farms), Kedah (four farms), Penang (three farms) and Pahang (one farm) using a developed questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of farm management aspects like the socio-economics of the farmers, nutrition management, health management, dairy production management and the calculation of the production cost. The collected data were edited in Excel and analysed descriptively using IBM SPSS Statistics. Result: Based on the surveyed, The net profit was RM79,444.56, RM1,924,24.82 and RM2,220,519.02 in traditional, semi-commercial and commercial farms, respectively. This study reveals that milk costs are lowest at commercial farms, indicating the efficiency of farms. When more output is produced, the cost per production unit is reduced. Hence, the government should initiate and encourage the farmers to expand their farm business from traditional to commercial business and, at the same time, produce more skilful farmers.