Ecological Production Research Articles

Coordination of interests between upstream and downstream governments in water source areas

Exploration of establishing a robust intergovernmental benefit compensation mechanism for water source areas holds significant importance in promoting regional coordinated development. Taking the Guanting Reservoir basin, a water source area in Beijing, China, as an example, we established an ecological location model with urban water sources as the core by drawing on the concept of spatial circle structure in traditional location theory. Based on this, we proposed the theory of ecological cost of water source land level difference and analyzed the basic composition of ecological cost of water source land. Finally, the differential ecological costs method was used to estimate the ideal horizontal eco-compensation funds between the downstream city of the water source (Beijing) and the upstream city (Zhangjiakou). The results are as follows: (1) the closer to the water source reservoir area and the higher the protection zone level, the greater the contribution of the ecological product value realization and the ecological protection costs to the protection of water resources in the reservoir area. (2) The compensation funds for water source areas are jointly composed of the increment of ecological product value and protection costs. (3) In 2021, the value addition of ecological products in the upstream region was 3.075 billion yuan, and the protection cost was 6.702 billion yuan. After multiplying by the differential adjustment coefficient, the horizontal eco-compensation amount that the upstream cities should receive in 2021 is 4.194 billion yuan. This study theoretically addresses the shortcomings of traditional ecological compensation, which overlooked differences in resource and environmental costs due to variations in ecological functional location. It provides a new perspective for further exploring the role of location theory in addressing inter-governmental interest coordination issues in cross-border water source areas.

From organic farming to agroecology farming, what challenges do organic farmers face in Central Uganda?

Revealed as a production system that does not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, organic farming is recognized as ecological production and has been institutionalized in Uganda. Organic production continues to face the challenges of what is considered agroecology farming, which is viewed nowadays as an opportunity for creating new value chains and food systems for agricultural production based on protecting the environment and supplying nutritious and safe foods to society. This paper focuses on agroecology farming indicators to assess organic farming in order to highlight the challenges organic farmers face in implementing agroecology practices. The data collection was carried out in 5 districts in Central Uganda: Wakiso, Masaka, Bukomansimbi, Ssembabule, and Kyotera. A multiple-stage stratified sampling was used to select 310 organic farmers in 5 districts. Various representations and correlation analyses of agroecology indicators have been conducted using descriptive statistics and correlation tests. The findings show that 51.9% of organic farmer respondents have at least three crops produced in the local climate for a long time, and 58.71% of organic farming has medium integration (animal feed is mostly self-produced and grazed, and their manure is used for compost and fertilizer). It highlights that seeds and animal genetics are self-produced, neighbor farms exchange them, and some specifics are purchased at local markets for 51.61% organic farming. The results revealed that 61.61% of organic farms visited had half of the arable soil covered with organic residues. The correlation test revealed that there is a significant positive correlation between diversity animal genetics and crop and livestock integration (r = 0.674, p < 0.01), between harvesting and saving water systems and resilience and adaptability to climate variability (r = 0.546, p < 0.01), and between diversity crops and diversity activities and services (r = 0.523, p < 0.01). Despite the interdependence of organic farming's agroecology practices, most residues and waste are not recycled or reused as organic fertilizer, and organic farmers have limited equipment to harvest and save water for production. This is an opportunity for organic stakeholders to invest in organic residues and waste recycled equipment in order to create a new value chain for organic production by producing organic fertilizers and biopesticides.

An Index System for the Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Forest Ecological Product Value Realization in China

Forest Ecological Product Value Realization (FEPVR) is an important way for China to promote the transition and development of forestry and realize common prosperity. It is critical to assess the effectiveness of FEPVR rationally to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the progress of ecological civilization. Based on the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) model, in this study, we developed an evaluation index system for FEPVR effectiveness containing five subsystems and 37 indicators and assessed the effectiveness of FEPVR in China from 2011 to 2022 by using the linear weighted sum method, the coupling degree of coordination model, and Spearman’s correlation analysis. The results showed that the composite index increased from 0.1980 in 2011 to 0.6501 in 2022, with a general upward trend, but there is still great potential for improvement. The main contribution was from the Response subsystem. The year 2017 was an important turning point for FEPVR in China because its development started to speed up; the status of coupling coordination between different subsystems was gradually improving but was still at a low level. The relationship between all indicators was dominated by a non-significant correlation (52.4%), and the overall synergistic effect (27.8%) was greater than the trade-off effect (19.8%). This study provides a new perspective for evaluating the effectiveness of FEPVR and a decision-making reference for clarifying the direction of FEPVR optimization.

Whether the Natural Forest Logging Ban Promotes the Improvement and Realization of the Ecosystem Service Value in Northeast China: A Regression Discontinuity Design

To protect forest land from loss and mitigate the global climate crisis, China has proposed a stringent natural forest protection plan, known as China’s natural forest logging ban (NFLB). This policy aims to halt the over-exploitation of natural forests, restore forest ecosystem functions, and promote regional green economic development. This study uses a regression discontinuity design (RDD) model to quantitatively and comprehensively assess the effectiveness of this policy in the key state-owned forest regions in Northeast China. Additionally, it analyzes the heterogeneity and structural characteristics of the policy’s effects on the internal composition of ecological and economic systems. The empirical results are as follows: (1) Ecological and economic impacts: The policy has successfully achieved its ecological objectives by significantly enhancing the quality and value of ecosystem services. However, it has also had a notable adverse impact on economic development, particularly in the timber supply sector, reducing the conversion efficiency of ecosystem service values into economic benefits. (2) Structural analysis: The logging ban effectively promoted the value of various ecosystem services, particularly enhancing regulatory and support functions, with a LATE estimate of approximately 8.47 units. The implementation of the policy caused a negative growth in the output value of supply-oriented ecological products, and the significance level was lower than 0.1. Conversely, the LATE estimates for different types of GDP indicate a negative growth in supply-type GDP due to the policy, with p &lt; 0.1. (3) Heterogeneity: On the one hand, a simplistic and singular approach to logging prohibition may constrain the efficiency of enhancing ecosystem service values. On the other hand, although the policy disrupted the majority of traditional forest enterprise operations, business models focusing on quality and technology improvements were able to mitigate this impact.

The impact of China's urbanization on ecosystem service value from the perspective of gross ecosystem product: a case study of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

Gross ecosystem product (GEP) is an aggregate measure of the monetary value of final ecosystem services, or the direct benefits that people derive from nature. GEP can provide decision makers with clear and competing evidence of the monetary value of ecosystem services. However, the relationship between GEP and urbanization has not been clarified which is not conducive to the decision-making role of GEP in the process of urban sustainable development. This work focused on the ‘Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei’ (BTH) urban agglomeration as a case study of the dynamics of ecological production amidst rapid economic and urban development, and coupled a spatial–temporal analysis of regional ecological change based on GIS (Geographic Information System) with economic valuation methods using official statistics and survey data. Results showed that from 2000 to 2020, the GEP increased from 1.55 trillion to 2.36 trillion, the value of provisioning services and cultural services increased from 0.51 to 0.71 trillion to 0.10–0.65 trillion. The value of regulation services showed an upward and downward trend (0.94–1.03–0.98) due to the rapid economic development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. There were obvious spatial differences in the distribution of the GEP, in which Beijing, Tianjin, Tangshan, Cangzhou GEP accounted for 15%, 14%, 16% and 11%, respectively. During 2000–2020, there is a significant correlation between urbanization index (UI) and GEP in BTH, but the correlation between GEP and UI shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. The correlation between UI and EPS and ERS gradually decreases, and the impact of UI on ETS shows a significant positive correlation. In the future, it can be foreseen that urbanization will suppress the increase of GEP.

Commodity chain as a negotiated process: Empirical analysis of benefit allocation, governance, and powers of upstream and downstream actors in matsutake mushroom trade in Shangri-La, Yunnan Province

The commercialization of non-timber forest products beyond in-house consumption is a strategy for alleviating rural poverty and forest degradation. With the implementation of the ecological civilization program, the Chinese government has explored the value realization mechanism of sustainable ecological products, and many successful cases of agricultural product commercialization have emerged. Focusing on the matsutake of Shangri-La as an example, this study applies both qualitative and quantitative analysis of semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, secondary data collection, and statistical analysis for the dynamics of the matsutake commodity chain construction in the southwest plateau of China to obtain unique insights into contemporary rural China. Specifically, the interrelationships and functional logic of diverse participants in the core process of commodity management were analyzed. We found that the upstream and downstream participants in the matsutake commodity chain are subject to institutional constraints, such as land tenure and non-unified standards, and that markets are crucial to matsutake's trading in Shangri-La. Certain participants along the commodity chain have inefficient information sources, while middlemen have greater autonomy in the matsutake transaction process and a larger profit margin. Additionally, the involvement of the government and non-governmental organizations impacts the preservation of natural resources and the creation of a stable market order, but policies and funds tend to be short-lived. To improve the commodity chain sustainability of non-timber forest products in plateau areas, it is necessary to consider social and cultural factors, ensure the equity of different participants in the commodity chain, and protect traditional local knowledge related to natural resource management.

Accounting for the value of ecosystem assets: from value judgments to management needs—take Yancheng City as an example

Ecosystem assets form a significant portion of natural resource assets. Accounting for natural resource assets accurately interprets the theory of 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets'. This facilitates effective and unified management of ‘mountains, water, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and desert ecosystem’ and serves as a crucial bridge from qualitative understanding to the valuation of the theory of ecosystem services and from theoretical discussion to management practice. Yancheng is the only coastal ecological wetland city with world natural heritage on China’s 10,000-mile coastline integrating three green genes and biodiversity of ocean, forest, and wetland. Yancheng, selected as a study case, is an important ecological barrier and a treasure trove of ecological resources in the eastern coastal areas of China. The ecosystem service value of Yancheng City from 2019 to 2021 was calculated respectively. The income-capitalization method was used to divide the annual ecosystem service value by the bank loan interest rate in the same period to obtain the ecosystem asset stock value of the past 3 years. The value of ecosystem services in Yancheng City are classified to three parts based on their value attributes: first, ecological products with use value attributes that have already been realized; second, the value of those with use value attributes but have not yet been realized; and third, the value of support services with nonuse value attributes. By comparing the value components of supply, regulation, and cultural ecological products in Yancheng, the intensity of existing development and the potential for future growth of Yancheng ecosystem services are assessed. The Yancheng case shows that ecosystem asset value accounting is an practical assessment tool that transitions from value judgment to service management needs, which can provide a scientific basis for ecological environment management.

Knowing the lay of the land: changes to land use and cover and landscape pattern in village tank cascade systems of Sri Lanka

Social-ecological systems (SESs) possess a great diversity of land use and land cover (LULC) types with unique assemblages of biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, LULC changes due to landscape fragmentation are emerging as major threats to the system productivity of SESs around the world. This study examined changes to LULC extent and landscape patterns in the Village Tank Cascade Systems (VTCSs) of Sri Lanka using satellite imagery and GIS techniques between 1994 and 2021. Multispectral Landsat images (5 TM and 8 OLI/TIRS) obtained from Google Earth Engine were classified using machine learning algorithms. Overall accuracies obtained were 85.9% (1994) and 88.6% (2021). The LULC change matrix and spatial pattern metrics were used to examine LULC and landscape pattern change dynamics over the VTCS landscapes. LULC change matrix results revealed that forest, which is the dominant LULC class covering 73.7% of the total land area was reduced by 206,725 ha due to transformation into agricultural (70.43%) and scrub (24.33%) lands between 1994 and 2021. Over this time landscape pattern of the VTCS has gradually changed from forest to agricultural land-dominated landscape, with forest and agricultural land types showing a significant negative correlation (p &amp;lt; 0.001; R2 &amp;gt; 0.868), particularly in the southeastern region. Landscape patterns were analysed based on eight spatial metrics calculated at both the landscape and class levels using FRAGSTATS spatial pattern analysis software. At the landscape level, the structure became more dispersed and complex in shape. Heterogeneity was noted to have gradually increased with weakening connectivity, whereas the fragmentation process had gradually accelerated. At the class level, the dominance of forest patches decreased, fragmentation and isolation increased, and connectivity and shape complexity reduced leading to the loss of fragmented forest habitats. The number of patches within the agricultural class increased and became more aggregated and complex in shape. Landscape performance indicators show that VTCSs have experienced a gradual loss of environmental sustainability. Assessment of LULC along with fragmentation can help to monitor the spatial pattern impacts that determine ecological integrity. Thus, the study provides scientific guidance for ecological restoration in degraded VTCSs to effectively improve ecological productivity.

Consumption Preferences for Truffles and Truffle-Based Products: An Application of the PLS-SEM Model

The truffle is a niche, valuable and ecological product exported and consumed all over the world. However, little is known about consumers’ preferences for truffles and truffle products. This study empirically explores the factors influencing their consumption in Italy. A PLS-SEM model was implemented and validated using an extended version of the theory of planned behavior, including consumers’ food-specific curiosity as an additional construct to basic constructs such as attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. The analysis allowed us to examine and verify the significance of the relationships between the factors and what impact they have on intentions to consume fresh and truffle-based products. The processing concerns of consumers were reached through face-to-face consultation with a semi-structured questionnaire. The results obtained suggested that consumers’ intentions in using truffles involve several factors, such as consumers’ personal experiences, organoleptic characteristics (aroma and taste), food safety, trust in the seller/brand, traceability information, the aspect of green products and, more generally, the protection of the environment and forests. The findings provided novel insights for researchers to understand the aspects of truffle consumption, and also represent a guideline for marketers to develop appropriate marketing tactics to grow the truffle business.

Innovative Fermented Beverages Based on Bread Waste—Fermentation Parameters and Antibacterial Properties

Faced with challenges related to environmental degradation and the growing need for sustainable development, the food sector must look for innovative and ecological production solutions. One of the increasingly popular directions is the zero-waste approach, which limits waste generation and enables its reuse. This research aimed to evaluate selected quality indicators of the lactic acid fermentation process of beverages based on waste from the bakery industry (wheat–rye bread) to determine the optimal fermentation conditions using two strains of lactic acid bacteria: Lacticasibacillus paracasei and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Preliminary process optimization was carried out, taking into account the beverage composition, fermentation time, and starting culture. The process evaluation and the selection of the optimal variant were based on the microbiological quality, pH value, and antimicrobial activity of fermented beverages. The results showed that the bread waste may constitute a base for obtaining fermented beverages as evidenced by the high number of lactic acid bacteria, above 108 CFU/mL, and low pH values (≤3.5) after the appropriate incubation time. Fermented beverages exhibited antibacterial properties against tested indicator microorganisms, which confirmed their functional properties. The analysis of the obtained results and the adopted assumptions enabled the selection of the most optimal variant—the beverage with ground flaxseed, fermented by L. paracasei for 24 h. The conducted research indicates great potential for lactic acid fermentation in the management of bakery waste to create innovative, sustainable food products with probiotic potential.

Behavior of PCDD/Fs and PCBs from Wastewater Treatment Plants during Sewage Sludge Composting: Study of Semi-Anaerobic Conditions and Different Stages of the Process

Composting is a common treatment for the high amounts of sewage sludge produced in wastewater treatment plants, and the product is used in agriculture. Composting reduces the levels of biodegradable organic pollutants, although other compounds present in wastewater and not eliminated previously by conventional physical–chemical and chemical treatments, such as polychorodibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), have been found in the final compost at higher levels than those observed in the initial sludge. Their formation was studied during composting under unfavorable aeration conditions and paying attention to different stages of the process. Experiments were carried out in small vessels inside a controlled oven for three types of sewage sludge. Pentachlorophenol was previously added as a dioxin precursor. A clear formation of PCDD/Fs was found, especially during the maturation stage for two experiments. Mainly octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) and 1234678-heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1234678-HpCDD) to a lesser extent were formed. OCDD levels in the final samples were around 10 times higher than those of the initial mixture after removing the concentration effect. No clear formation nor degradation of PCBs was observed. The toxicity values due to PCDD/Fs and PCBs found in the initial mixtures were 1.20–2.46 ng WHO-TEQ/kg, and those from the final samples were 2.30–7.86 ng WHO-TEQ/kg. Although the toxicity values are below the most restrictive limits found in Europe in this case, toxicity could increase considerably with the presence and concentration of other precursors. Compost from sewage sludge is an ecological product, but the operating conditions must be controlled to avoid PCDD/F formation and facilitate degradation of persistent organic pollutants.

Research on the Valuation of Wetland Ecological Products based on Environmental Replacement Cost Method

Research on the Valuation of Wetland Ecological Products based on Environmental Replacement Cost Method

MONITORING OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN GRAPEVINE LEAVES UNDER VARIANT FUNGAL DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Food contamination is the result of over-reliance on fungicides in crop production. The presence of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities needs to be strategically solved by applying gentle agrotechnical procedures. The research aimed to evaluate the effect of the treatment of grapevine with fungicides on the content and mobility of 4 active substances in the leaves of the variety Hibernal. The experiment included a control variant treated with fungicides and an untreated variant. We focused on monitoring the active substances of fungicides used in the first half of the vegetation: azoxystrobin, cyflufenamid, difenoconazole, myclobutanil, and another 25 active substances, in terms of multi-residue analysis methodologies. Grape leaves for analysis were collected on two dates: in the phenological phase of berry development BBCH 73 and 14 days after grape harvest – BBCH 91. Samples were prepared according to STN EN 15662. For qualitative analyzes of residues, we used the QuEChERS method in combination with liquid (LC-MS/MS) and gas (GC-MS/MS) chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. In the untreated variant, the contents of residues from both leaves collection were in undetectable values. In the leaf samples of the treated variant collected in BBCH 73, we established higher values of residues than the MRL determines, namely for azoxystrobin 0.083 mg/kg (MRL – 0.01 mg/kg). Azoxystrobin is the active substance of the Quadris max fungicide, and we applied this preparation 41 days before the first collection of leaves. In the analyzes of leaf sampling from the treated variant after grape harvest in BBCH 91, we found a decrease in the content of all monitored residues below detectable values. We consider the gradual degradation of residues in biological materials to be a very favorable result from the point of view of their impact on consumer health and the environment. Through visual observations of the vegetation, we found out that even the untreated variant had a perfect state of health. Hibernal is a variety suitable for biological production systems, and we assume that even in vintages with high pressure of fungal diseases, it is possible to maintain the health of the grapevine with ecological products. Using the appropriate grape variety combined with the right agrotechnical interventions makes it possible to use safer ecological practices to produce healthy food, maintaining sustainability and a healthy natural environment. The research will continue in the early Table grape varieties, where the vegetation period is shorter, and space for breaking down the residues is more difficult.

Eco-Friendly Inorganic Binders: A Key Alternative for Reducing Harmful Emissions in Molding and Core-Making Technologies

Many years of foundry practice and much more accurate analytical methods have shown that sands with organic binders, in addition to their many technological advantages, pose risks associated with the emission of many compounds, including harmful ones (e.g., formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and sulfur), arising during the pouring of liquid casting alloys into molds, their cooling, and knock-out. The aim of this research is to demonstrate the potential benefits of adopting inorganic binders in European iron foundries. This will improve the environmental and working conditions by introducing cleaner and more ecological production methods, while also ranking the tested binders studied in terms of their harmful content. The article pays special attention to the analysis of seven innovative inorganic binders and one organic binder, acting as a reference for emissions of gases from the BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) groups and other compounds such as phenol, formaldehyde, and isocyanates (MDI and TDI) generated during the mold pouring process with liquid metals. The knowledge gained will, for the first time, enrich the database needed to update the Reference Document on The Best Available Techniques for the Smitheries and Foundries Industry (SF BREF).

Eco-consciousness to eco-consumption: unraveling the drivers of sustainable consumption behavior under the mediated-moderated Model.

The impact of climate change has malformed the world's ecosystem, thus making humans call for environmental protection. Climate change, the biggest trauma of the twenty-first century, has made humans switch towards natural consumption. In this regard, the growing phenomenon of industrialization has spurred consumers to invest more in ecological products. Consuming eco-friendly products has several benefits; however, countries are still unable to satisfy the consumer's concern for the environment. The current study presents literature on environmental concerns, psychological well-being, willingness to pay for pro-environmental products, pro-environmental self-identity, and pro-environmental consumer behavior, which are required to ensure the consumer's organic behavior. The research used a questionnaire-driven methodology to gather data from 379 participants. Data analysis was conducted using statistical software packages, specifically SPSS (Version: 4.1.0.0). The suitability of the measurement model was evaluated through structural equation modeling (SEM), which was performed utilizing the SmartPLS. According to the research findings, there is a positive relationship between variables in the study, and individuals with greater levels of psychological well-being are more likely to engage in behaviors that promote sustainable consumption. In order to foster more sustainable consumption patterns in society, policymakers, marketers, and educators may find these findings to be valuable insights. As a result of its empirical exploration of these relationships, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on environmental psychology and sustainable marketing, emphasizing the important role psychological factors play in promoting a greener environment.

Low-Carbon Ecological Tea: The Key to Transforming the Tea Industry towards Sustainability

The realization of the value of ecological products has led to an economic means for reducing carbon emissions in China. Tea is one of the most important cash crops and one of the most popular beverages in the world. Due to the complex the tea industrial chain, it is considered to be an industry with high carbon emissions. Ecological tea products with low-carbon attributes can be considered a linkage of ecology, economy, and society. Based on this, this paper presents research on low-carbon ecological tea (LCT). Herein, we construct the formational logic of low-carbon ecological products, explore the connotations of LCT, and form a conceptual pathway for realizing LCT to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. This paper starts from the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the industrial chain; it establishes three value realization pathways that keep, as a priority, the promotion of ecological industrialization, focus on restoration to improve the ecology of the industrial chain, and innovate technology to expand the industrial chain. The pathways are a set of low-emission production solutions that use techniques to enhance carbon sequestration in soil, reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and help shift to clean energy from low-emission sources in the stages of plantation, processing, and distribution. In the process of realizing LCT, the government plays an important role, and its support and guidance are needed. Based on stakeholder theory, this paper builds an implementation mechanism that focuses on the micro perspective (users, organizations), integrates the mesoscopic perspective (industry), and relies on the macro perspective (government).

Examining honey production with Geographic Information Systems (GIS): The example of Ordu province

Beekeeping is an example of economic farming with its products that can be done without being dependent on plant and ecological production because of its contribution to pollination. This study aims to examine Ordu province, which has been at the top of Turkey's beekeeping activities and honey production for years, with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) based on honey production data between 2013 and 2022. By evaluating the honey production data of registered breeders in Ordu province, cartographic maps were produced to evaluate the spatial projection of honey production for the last ten years. After creating a GIS-based database, district-based shape file (.shp extension) data was used for spatial analysis and mapping of the obtained outputs. After these data were defined in the WGS 84 EPSG:4326 coordinate reference system, the spatial distribution of honey production and yield throughout the study period was analyzed using the open-source QGIS version 3.18.3 software. It was determined that the highest honey production belonged to registered beekeepers in Altınordu district during the relevant time period. Altınordu is also the district with the highest number of registered enterprises. It was determined that the honey production data and the number of enterprises of the beekeepers in Gülyalı district, which is one of the neighbouring districts of this district, are lower than Altınordu district. After Altınordu district, Perşembe, Ulubey, Gürgentepe and Gölköy districts have an important place in honey production. Although these districts are neighbours like Gülyalı district, their high production may have resulted from the difference in cooperation between the districts. As a result, it was determined that honey production activities in Ordu province and districts, which is an important city in terms of honey production, vary depending on the districts. The problem of climate change, which is predicted that the world will be exposed to more in the near future, also directs beekeeping activities towards nomadic beekeeping. It can be said that like most of the breeders in Ordu province, registered beekeepers in other cities will be more orientated towards nomadic beekeeping against the threat of global warming.

Impact and Mechanism of Digital Information Selection on Farmers’ Ecological Production Technology Adoption: A Study on Wheat Farmers in China

The application of ecological techniques by farmers is important for ensuring the environmentally sustainable advancement of the grain sector. Based on micro-level survey data from 921 Chinese wheat growers in the Hebei and Henan provinces, this study employed an endogenous switching probit model and counterfactual analysis to investigate the impact and mechanisms of digital information utilization on ecological production technology adoption. The results indicated that 43.87% of sample wheat farmers had a low level of adoption of ecological techniques. The utilization of digital information significantly promoted farmers’ adoption. If farmers who currently used digital information were to opt-out, the probability of their high adoption would decrease by 11.26%. The utilization of digital information significantly enhanced the adoption of ecological technologies through three mediating factors: technological cognition, production monitoring, and market channels. Therefore, it is imperative to encourage farmers to broaden their social networks and enhance their perception of the importance of digital information. Additionally, it is essential to promote the industrialization and scale operation of wheat production, direct policy subsidies towards new types of management entities, and ensure the accuracy of the supply of digital information for green production through multiple channels. Therefore, it is imperative to expand farmers’ social networks and leverage rural communities to increase their perceived importance of digital information. Governments should increase subsidies and promote the scale and industrialization of wheat production. Moreover, the accuracy of digital information supply for sustainable production should be promoted through digital learning platforms, production monitoring systems, and e-commerce networks.

Method for obtaining ecological products from rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss farming

In aquaculture, the period of active development of aquatic organisms is considered one of the most important for the formation of potential in the future. The issue of using natural components when growing aquatic organisms and feeding young fish is given special attention. This research investigated Spirulina (25%) + Vermiculture (50%) + Hermetia illucens (25%) as an additional source of functional active substances and protein that affect the body performance of rainbow trout in early ontogenesis. All objects were cultured in a special bioreactor, which was a component of the recirculating aquaculture model system as well as in the laboratory, where an installation was made for cultivating natural food. The results of the scientific and practical part of the work showed that after the end of the experiment, body weight was higher in the experimental fish by 7.2% than in the control group. This article presents the results of feeding rainbow trout as one of the cases of improving the morpho-functional and biochemical composition of the blood of this species: an increase in the total number of red blood cells by 11.0%, hemoglobin content by 9.7%, total protein at 22.7%, albumin by 24.2%, and creatinine by 15.5%, compared with the control group. The presented positive changes in the functional status of the rainbow trout organism were in harmony with the parameters of body weight, as well as histological indicators. Histological indicators of the liver and muscle tissue of the fish supplemented the obtained positive result of the influence of natural and active components of the feed. Feeding fish according to the scheme in the experimental group promotes the formation of layers of special adipose tissue in the endomysium. The total amount of the stromal component in the muscle tissue of rainbow trout was 25% of the mass of the entire tissue. The control group showed that the muscle fibers were polygonal in cross section, separated from each other within the bundle by delicate layers of endomysium. When using a standard feeding regimen (control group), the stromal component is a moderately expanding structure that replaces the space between the fibers. The experimental group had the most significant indicators. The intensification of individual aspects of homeostasis achieved with the help of feed components (experimental group) promotes the growth of muscle fibers in thickness due to the formation of new fibrils, but not an increase in the proportion of sarcoplasm (watery meat). As a result, neurohumoral regulation and substance synthesis processes improved in the fishes’ body, which helps to improve ontogenesis rates. The presented ingredients in the diet of rainbow trout are natural stimulants of metabolic processes and sources of nutrients. The method allows aquaculture to be defined as being as close as possible to “environmentally safe”. The next stage will be a comprehensive analysis of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of rainbow trout meat under the influence of the feed factor.

Evaluation Methods and Application of Adaptability of Ecological Product Development and Utilization—Taking Jizhou District, Tianjin City, as an Example

Evaluation Methods and Application of Adaptability of Ecological Product Development and Utilization—Taking Jizhou District, Tianjin City, as an Example