Effective Operational Cost Research Articles

Efficiency and economic viability of water management in the production of table tomatoes

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation can be expensive, with costs exceeding BRL 100,000 per hectare, which drives the search for tactics that reduce costs. Consequently, strategies have been developed to make it viable in tropical regions and areas with water scarcity. The objective was to evaluate the cost and profitability of water management in table tomato cultivation under different irrigation schedules. This study was carried out using the Fascínio tomato hybrid and four irrigation management approaches (no cutting, 100, 105, and 110 days after sowing, DAS). Harvesting was conducted four times, and the averages were summed toCOE estimate the total and commercial production, as well as the losses, for each irrigation schedule. To calculate the cost, both the effective and total operational costs were considered, referring to the establishment of the crop and to each irrigation cut used. Several economic indicators were calculated, including gross income ($), operating profit ($), profitability index (%), gross margin ($), break-even point (kg), and price break-even point ($/kg). The cost of water for irrigation had little impact on Effective Operating Cost (EOC) and Total Operating Cost (TOC); however, the treatment without cutting irrigation provided greater total and commercial production, which reflected the profitability parameters (OP, PI, GM, break-even point, and price break-even point). The treatment without cutting irrigation was 0.13%, 0.19%, and 0.024% more profitable than the treatments with irrigation cuts at 110, 105, and 100 DAS, respectively. This increase in profitability was justified due to the higher productivity, justifying the maintenance of irrigation in tomato cultivation. The treatment without cutting irrigation provided the highest total and commercial productivity of tomato fruits, with 8099.58 and 7927.36 units, respectively, generating a higher gross revenue of $32,398.32.

The economic viability of the use of urea with urease inhibitor in cotton grown in the Cerrado of Central Brazil

The cotton crop has a high demand for nitrogen fertilizers. However, an adequate supply of this nutrient may be difficult in regions with a tropical climate, requiring the introduction of technologies that provide better nitrogen availability to plants, such as urease inhibitors. The study aimed to evaluate the economic viability of using urease inhibitor in the treatment of urea granules for fertilizing cotton grown in the summer in a tropical region. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications in a 3 × 5 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of urea treated with 0.045% and 0.060% urease inhibitor (N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric triamide - NBPT) and urea without urease inhibitor applied as topdressing, in doses of 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha−1, divided into two applications, at 30 and 50 days after emergence. Fiber yield, effective operational cost, total operational cost, total cost, gross revenue, gross margin, net operational margin, net margin, profitability index, equilibrium price, and equilibrium yield were determined. In an agricultural year with rainfall close to the application of N in topdressing, the use of N at a dose of 120 kg ha−1 in the form of urea, associated with the urease inhibitor, promoted greater profitability of the cotton crop, as well as the use of urea regardless of the use of urease inhibitor. The urease inhibitor did not interfere with cotton fiber yield.

Rentabilidade do uso da irrigação no consórcio palma-sorgo para agricultores em ambiente semiárido

ABSTRACT Irrigation plays a fundamental role in advancing agricultural frontiers and increasing crop productivity, especially in semi-arid environments, because they exhibit high spatiotemporal rainfall variation. This practice is suggested even for adapted crops, such as forage cactus (Opuntia sp.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and single or intercropping systems. In this study, aimed to evaluate the profitability of using irrigation in a single and intercropping forage cactus-sorghum system in a semi-arid region. The experimental design was in randomized blocks in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement: five drip irrigation depths (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the reference evapotranspiration - ET0) and three cropping systems (single forage cactus, single sorghum, and intercropping forage cactus-sorghum), with four replicates. The 0% ET0 treatment corresponded to rainfed conditions at a depth of 355 mm. A cycle of forage cactus and two sorghum cultivars (plant and regrowth) was conducted between November 2014 and November 2015. It was verified that the highest costs for implantation of the crop systems in irrigated conditions are due to the acquisition of irrigation and input systems, representing 85.3% of the effective operational cost. The single sorghum and forage cactus-sorghum systems provided the highest fresh matter productivity (62,013.05 and 60,075.36 kg ha-1, respectively). Based on economic indicators, the adoption of irrigation depths (25, 50, 75, and 100% ET0) promoted profits for the systems (single and intercropping) from the second year of implementation.

Bioeconomics considerations on the modal production system of beef cattle in Pantanal / Considerações bioeconômicas sobre o sistema de produção modal do gado de corte no Pantanal

Beef cattle production is one of the main agricultural activities in Brazil accounting for approximately 75% of agricultural properties in the country and significantly impacting gross domestic product (GDP) figures. However, raising beef cattle is a complex activity, with great variability in the combination of production factors. In this study, we assessed scale gains in beef cattle and performed a temporal analysis of the modal system in the Pantanal biome, central-west Brazil. Beef cattle production systems were analyzed for Corumbá, state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Typical farms of 3,600 hectares (ha), 9,000 ha, 14,400 ha, and 30,000 ha were determined from primary data from focus group surveys conducted by CEPEA. Results showed that the smallest property was the most efficient in using natural resources and had the highest economic return relative to the effective operational cost (EOC), followed by the largest property. Profitability increased significantly over the years due to record calf prices in 2014 and increased production. Intermediate-sized properties had the worst economic results and negative net margin even when the producer’s pro-labore is not considered.

Profitability analysis of backgrounding and finishing of beef cattle in western amazon: a multiple-case study

This study aimed to evaluate the economic profitability of farms for backgrounding and finishing of beef cattle located in the mesoregion of Acre valley, in a multi-case study format. The data used originated from three pre-selected farms from January to December 2018. Data were collected from an inventory of assets and cash flow, which were later tabulated in Excel® software using descriptive statistics through mean, percentage, and standard deviation to present the indicators. The average effective operating cost (EOC) was BRL 1,399,014.34 and the total operating cost (TOC) was BRL 1,444,068.53 and the total cost (TC) was BRL 1,673,860.38. The items that compose the EOC which exerted greater representation on the activity costs were the purchase of animals (79.6%), food (7.8%), and labor (5.9%), respectively. Under these conditions, the three properties studied showed positive gross margins, net margins, and positive results, indicating their profitability in the short, medium, and long term, with possibilities for expansion in the region.

Porter’s Generic Strategies and Market Share Growth of Skol Brewery Ltd in Rwanda

The purpose of this study was to examine porter’s generic strategies and market share growth of Skol Brewery in Rwanda. The specific objectives were to: determine effect of cost leadership, differentiation, and market focus on market share growth of Skol Brewery in Rwanda. The target population consists of 287 staff members of Skol Brewery Ltd. The study used simple random and purposive sampling techniques to select a sample of 167 employees. Quantitative data was obtained using questionnaire while a documentary checklist was used to obtain secondary data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for quantitative data analysis while content analysis was used for qualitative analysis. Results on cost leadership show a tight cost in all business activities (mean of 4.333), economies of scale (mean of 3.666), and efficient cost saving for designs (means of 4.000) and effective operational cost reduction (mean of 3.666) were used as a cost leadership component. A positive correlation was found between cost leadership and sales (r=231**, p=0.006), investment rise (r=.159**, p=0.043) and profit margin (r=.174**=0.014).Results on differentiation felt that cost allocated to the control of quality of goods and services (mean of 4.333), effort in reputation management (mean of 4.000), names (mean of 4.833). A positive correlation was between differentiation and sales (r=.274**, p=0.039), investment rise (r=.187, p=0.035) and profit margin (r=.324, p=0.032).Results on market focus found that marketing specification for products (mean of 3.833) is the measurement that has the highest level of application. A positive correlation was between market focus strategy and sales (r=.854**, p=0.018), investment (r=.873**, p=0.035) and profit margin (r=.750**, p=.0.036). The study concludes that there is no significant relationship between porter strategies and market share growth. The study recommends that management of the brewery company should evaluate implementation of cost leadership, conduct a study on market focus to respond to market niches as any gap in customer centric products would yield customer non responsiveness, benchmark differentiation, and hire competent staff to achieve its success. Keywords: Porter’s Generic Strategies, Cost Leadership Strategy, Differentiation Strategy, Market Focus Strategy, Market Share Growth

Impact of environmentally friendly technologies on costs and cost-effectiveness of a dairy cattle confinement system

Our goal was to assess the economic impact of some environmentally friendly technologies on the production costs and cost-effectiveness of a dairy cattle confinement system, estimating environmental costs and their representativeness in both effective and total operating costs, as well as in the total cost. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of the cost center of milk production and identified the components that most affect final costs, estimating a break-even point (kg milk year-1) as well. The data were collected in a freestall full-confinement system of a dairy cattle farm located in southern Minas Gerais State (Brazil), from January 2016 to December 2017. The cost of milk production was estimated using a method based on the operating and total costs from a cost center involving lactating and dry dairy cows. The cost center of milk production showed to be economically feasible, showing positive gross and net margin results, as well as positive profitability and cost-effectiveness. Total environmental operating cost was on average R$ 0.015 per kg milk, which represented 1.985% of the total operating cost. Effective environmental operating cost was on average R$ 0.0059, which corresponded to 0.7788% of the total operating cost. Finally, total environmental cost was on average R$ 0.0317, representing 3.3280% of the total cost. The most representative items of the effective operating cost were in descending order: animal feed, workforce, animal health, animal production hormone (bovine somatotropin; bST), vehicle maintenance, machines and equipment, maintenance of improvements, electricity, and freestall bedding sand. Average break-even point was 1,104,038.54 kg milk year-1 or 3,024.76 kg milk day-1, while average production was 4,271,383.00 kg milk year-1 and 11,702.42 kg milk day-1.

Bioeconomic evaluation of feedings strategies in the yearling beef cattle system in Mozambique

The application of feeding strategies (FS) to meet nutrient requirements of beef cattle grazing on native pastures during the dry season, are required to improve the productivity of production systems in tropical regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioeconomic effects of different FSs applied to yearling bulls in Mozambique, using modeling and simulations as tools to support decision making. A simple deterministic simulation model was developed, assuming initial body weight (120 kg), average daily gain (ADG), feedstuffs, and production costs as inputs. FSs were simulated for a total of 120 days within four ADG systems: 0.000 kg (S000), 0.200 kg (S200), 0.400 kg (S400), and 0.600 kg/d (S600), and three diets were simulated for the positive and maintenance ADG systems, totaling 12 FS. The effects of 12 FS combinations were analyzed and a sensitivity analysis was performed. The effect of the change in the inputs of the model (feedstuffs purchase and calf purchase price) showed the sensitivity of the model to economic parameters (Gross Margin and Net Profit). The negative ADG (-0.200 kg) system (S-200) had the highest labor cost. Corn bran, considering its availability and low cost in the studied region, is a promising feedstuff for concentrates. Effective operational cost (EOC) was higher than 99% in all FSs. S-200, S000, and FS5 within the S200 system resulted in negative net profit (NP) values. Net profit proportionally increased as ADG increased. FS12 (Hyparrhenia rufa, corn bran, and Sesbania sesban) of S600 promoted the highest ratio (NP/total operation cost) (0.48), and consequently, the highest profitability (32.37%). In general, the simulation model shows that, in native and communal pasture beef production systems in regions of Africa with similar production conditions, the productivity of yearling beef cattle during the dry season may be improved by applying feeding strategies.

Economic feasibility of abscisic acid application to uniform ‘Rubi’ grapes coloration

São Miguel Arcanjo municipality (23º 31 ’S, 47º 35’ O and average altitude of 660 m) is part of one of the three main grape productive regions of São Paulo state, Brazil. The ‘Rubi’ grapes (Vitis vinifera) production constraint in that region is to achieve the variety characteristic coloration, which affects commercialization. The color of the berry grapes is due to the existence of anthocyanins and their accumulation seems to be at least in part regulated by abscisic acid. Therefore, exogenous applications of this regulator may increase the anthocyanins concentration in the grapes' skin. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the economic feasibility of abscisic acid application for treatment of the ‘Rubi’ grapes color uniformization and the impact of this application in the production cost. Production costs were calculated for the abscisic acid treated grapes and the non-treated grapes for a ‘Rubi’ grapes variety in the sixth year of production and recommended abscisic acid concentration for the region (400 mg L-1 at the beginning of the maturation + 200 mg L-1 at 25 days after first application). The abscisic acid was applied on the berry bunches in the morning using a backpack sprayer that provided full and uniform coverage. Economic feasibility was determined by the increment in the sale price of the final product due to the berries’ quality achieved with the treatment. The cost components measured were: production cost, variable and fixed cost quota, effective operational cost, total operational cost, operational profit and profitability index. Technical coefficients input prices, machinery and implements compose the production cost and were surveyed at the property where the experiment was performed. The cost structure is the Total Operating Cost to which social charges, machinery depreciation, interest rate and depreciation of a one-hectare area with a lifespan of 20 years were added. Prices paid to producers in the same period were collected from CEAGESP database for the profitability analysis. The Total Operating Cost for grape’s production with abscisic acid treatment was 26.12 % superior to the one of the grapes produced without the treatment, thus adding a US$ 0.15 increment in the paid price per kilogram of the final product. Therefore, this experiment has shown that abscisic acid application is a profitable investment that adds value to the final product cultivated in low thermal amplitude regions where the grapes cannot achieve the variety’s characteristic coloration

Economic viability of implementing an infrastructure for recycling bedding sand from a free-stall facility for dairy cows

This study proposes to examine the economic viability of implementing the necessary infrastructure for the recycling of bedding sand from a free-stall facility in a milk production system in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. In specific terms, the total production cost (TC), total operating cost (TOC) and effective operating cost (EOC) of a cubic meter of recycled sand were estimated in order to estimate the total sand consumption for the free-stall system and per bed year-1 as well as the equilibrium point of the amount of recycled sand, in cubic meters. The experiment was carried out on a farm located in the south of Minas Gerais from January 2016 to December 2017. Three scenarios were analyzed by the tree-point estimation method (MOP - most likely, optimistic, and pessimistic). Utilization of 85%, 95% and 75% of the recycled sand was considered for scenarios 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In all of them, the value charged per cubic meter of sand by a supplier close to the farm was considered. Monte Carlo simulation was also carried out with hurdle rates (HR) of up to 90%. Under the studied conditions, sand recycling showed to be economically viable in all scenarios, with positive net present values (NPV), internal rates of return above the HR, simple and discounted payback below the 10-year horizon, and satisfactory cost benefit-1 ratios (greater than 1). The EOC of one cubic meter of recycled sand was estimated at R$5.04, R$4.51 and R$5.72 for scenarios 1, 2 and 3, respectively, whereas the average TC, considering all scenarios, was R$6.84 (+0.81), which is less than the acquisition price of R$28.57 at the sand extraction site. The TC was R$37,219.51 and R$34,637.74 for the scenarios with HR of 8.50 and 6.99%, respectively, whereas TOC was R$22,572.08 in all analyzed scenarios. The estimated total annual sand consumption by the free-stall system was 526.44 m³, with an estimated average of 1.23 m³ (+0.28) bed-1 year-1. All Monte Carlo simulation models showed positive NPV as well as HR of up to 90%, which reflect a high probability of positive NPV.

Economic viability of a canadian biodigester for power generation in dairy farming

This study aimed to analyze the economic viability of implementing and using a Canadian biodigester for power generation in a milk production system. Specifically, we intended to estimate the generated power production, the total production cost (TC), the total operating cost (TOC), and the effective operating cost (EOC) of 1 kW of power generated, and estimate the break-even point of the power produced. The research was carried out on a farm located in southern Minas Gerais (Brazil) from January to December 2017. Three scenarios were analyzed through the tree-point estimation (most likely, optimistic, and pessimistic). Scenario 1 considered the use of power for the acclimatization of free-stall barns during 13 hours day-1 plus the use of 50% of the produced biofertilizer. Scenario 2 considered the use of power during 13 hours day-1 for the acclimatization of free-stall barns and milking parlor, which means an increase in power consumption estimated at 10% compared to scenario 1, plus the use of 75% of the produced biofertilizer. Moreover, scenario 3 considered the use of power for the acclimatization of free-stall barns during 6.5 hours day-1 plus 25% of the produced biofertilizer. All scenarios considered the amount charged per kWh by the Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG). Monte Carlo simulations were carried out with minimum acceptable rates of return ranging from zero to 50%. Power generation was economically viable in all scenarios, with positive net present value (NPV), internal rates of return above the minimum acceptable rate of return, simple and discounted payback below the 10-year horizon, and satisfactory benefit-cost ratios. The EOC values of 1 kWh of power were estimated at R$ 0.1990, R$ 0.1791, and R$ 0.3308 for scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively, whereas the mean total cost (TC) was R$ 0.5618 (±0.21) considering all scenarios, above the purchase values at CEMIG, which would be R$ 0.50. The TC value was R$ 99,804.42 for scenarios 1 and 2, and R$ 92,424.09 for scenario 3, with a minimum acceptable rate of return of 8.50, while the TOC values were R$ 69,486.62 in scenarios 1 and 2, and R$ 62,229.66 in scenario 3. The amount of power generated in all scenarios was higher than the break-even point. All Monte Carlo simulation models showed positive NPV values, indicating that there is a high probability of being above expectations.

Custo operacional efetivo da produção de ovos em sistema caipira nos municípios de Santana do Ipanema e São José da Tapera, Alagoas⁄BR

RESUMO: A avicultura caipira tornou-se uma importante fonte de renda para pequenos agricultores de municípios do sertão de Alagoas. Apesar disso, pouco é sabido sobre o real rendimento financeiro da atividade, bem como, seus custos operacionais. Neste cenário, o objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o custo operacional efetivo da produção de ovos em sistema caipira nos municípios de Santana do Ipanema e São José da Tapera, Alagoas/BR. Foram realizadas visitas técnicas a produtores de aves, sendo entregues cadernetas de campo simplificadas para realização de anotações, contemplando indicadores de produtividade como consumo de ração, despesas, investimentos, receitas, preço dos insumos, consumo familiar, perdas, número de animais em produção, preço de venda do produto, em que os participantes da pesquisa receberam as orientações necessárias sobre o preenchimento deste material. O estudo mostrou que os produtores envolvidos na pesquisa estão divididos entre aqueles que utilizam a ração comercial e os que fabricam a ração na propriedade para alimentação das galinhas. Os dados alcançados mostraram um custo médio de R$ 3,26/dúzia de ovos produzida, impulsionado pela variação do preço dos insumos, os quais são importados de outras regiões do país. A compra coletiva de insumos pode favorecer para redução do custo de produção.
 PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Custo Operacional Efetivo; Produção de Ovos em Sistema Caipira; Alagoas.

Economic analysis of irrigated bean production in function of nitrogen fertilization management and inoculation of seeds

The best period and method for the application of nitrogen fertilization, as well as the use of inoculation or not of bean seeds, are variables that can be of great value to the producer from an agroeconomic point of view when considering the selection of the correct irrigation management. So, the aim of this study was to perform an eco­nomic analysis of the irrigated bean, according to different fertilization managements and seed inoculation. The work was conducted in the municipality of Aquidauana-MS, Brazil in the experimental area of the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, using the cultivar IAC Milênio with sowing during the winter season. The experimental was setup in a completely randomized block design with four replications. Nitrogen fertilization (sowing, cover and foliar) and seed inoculation (absence and presence) were used in the plots. For economic analysis of the irrigated common bean, calculation of the total production cost was performed, in function of the effective operational cost and the total operational cost. To determine the profitability of the treatments involved, the following values were calculated: gross revenue, net revenue, profitability index, equilibrium price and equilibrium productivity. The eco­nomic analysis response of the irrigated bean varied according to the different fertilization managements and inoculation of seeds, where nitrogen application at sowing and seed inoculation presented economic results. Alt­hough the cost of production varied little, the profitability indices of each treatment vary in function of the produc­tivity obtained. Nitrogen fertilization at sowing and inoculation of seeds with Rhizobium tropici provided increased net revenue for the common bean.

Effect of two-stage sodium hydroxide pretreatment on the composition and structure of Napier grass (Pakchong 1) (Pennisetum purpureum)

ABSTRACT Sodium hydroxide is ideal in removing lignin from lignocellulosic materials at an effective operational cost. Two-stage NaOH pretreatment was employed herein to investigate lignin and hemicellulose removal and understand the morphology of Napier grass (Pakchong 1) (Pennisetum purpureum), which is considered lignocellulosic due to its high carbohydrate content. NaOH was used at different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt.%) and presoak times (1, 2, 3, and 4 h). The results demonstrated that 3 wt.% NaOH at 121°C without presoak resulted in 83.5% lignin removal, with a cellulose to lignin ratio of 3.0. Moreover, the treated samples showed cracking and irregular patterns at optimal conditions.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT IRRIGATION DEPTHS IN FORAGE SORGHUM CROPS

The objective of this work was to evaluate the production costs and profitability indexes of sorghum crop for silage production under different irrigation depths. The work was conducted at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceará (IFCE) – Umirim Campus, from September to December 2016. The treatments were arranged in 5 x 5 split plots with 5 replications. Irrigations were performed on a daily basis, and the applied depths were calculated based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The primary treatments were 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of ETc, associated with different levels of carnauba bagana mulch (0.00, 2.50, 3.75, 5.00, and 6.25 cm). Effective Operating Cost (EOC), Total Operating Cost (TOC), Gross Revenue (GR), Operating Profit (OP), Profitability Index (PI) and Break-Even Price (BEP) were estimated. According to the indicators analyzed, it was found that this is a promising crop within the different agricultural production schools, with favorable rates for the producer. The variety evaluated presents high resistance as to the water limitation factor, showing positive indicators such as break-even point below the average prices practiced in the region.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT IRRIGATION DEPTHS IN FORAGE SORGHUM CROPS

The objective of this work was to evaluate the production costs and profitability indexes of sorghum crop for silage production under different irrigation depths. The work was conducted at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceara (IFCE) – Umirim Campus, from September to December 2016. The treatments were arranged in 5 x 5 split plots with 5 replications. Irrigations were performed on a daily basis, and the applied depths were calculated based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The primary treatments were 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of ETc, associated with different levels of carnauba bagana mulch (0.00, 2.50, 3.75, 5.00, and 6.25 cm). Effective Operating Cost (EOC), Total Operating Cost (TOC), Gross Revenue (GR), Operating Profit (OP), Profitability Index (PI) and Break-Even Price (BEP) were estimated. According to the indicators analyzed, it was found that this is a promising crop within the different agricultural production schools, with favorable rates for the producer. The variety evaluated presents high resistance as to the water limitation factor, showing positive indicators such as break-even point below the average prices practiced in the region.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT IRRIGATION DEPTHS IN FORAGE SORGHUM CROPS

The objective of this work was to evaluate the production costs and profitability indexes of sorghum crop for silage production under different irrigation depths. The work was conducted at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceará (IFCE) – Umirim Campus, from September to December 2016. The treatments were arranged in 5 x 5 split plots with 5 replications. Irrigations were performed on a daily basis, and the applied depths were calculated based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The primary treatments were 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of ETc, associated with different levels of carnauba bagana mulch (0.00, 2.50, 3.75, 5.00, and 6.25 cm). Effective Operating Cost (EOC), Total Operating Cost (TOC), Gross Revenue (GR), Operating Profit (OP), Profitability Index (PI) and Break-Even Price (BEP) were estimated. According to the indicators analyzed, it was found that this is a promising crop within the different agricultural production schools, with favorable rates for the producer. The variety evaluated presents high resistance as to the water limitation factor, showing positive indicators such as break-even point below the average prices practiced in the region.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT IRRIGATION DEPTHS IN FORAGE SORGHUM CROPS

The objective of this work was to evaluate the production costs and profitability indexes of sorghum crop for silage production under different irrigation depths. The work was conducted at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceará (IFCE) – Umirim Campus, from September to December 2016. The treatments were arranged in 5 x 5 split plots with 5 replications. Irrigations were performed on a daily basis, and the applied depths were calculated based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The primary treatments were 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% of ETc, associated with different levels of carnauba bagana mulch (0.00, 2.50, 3.75, 5.00, and 6.25 cm). Effective Operating Cost (EOC), Total Operating Cost (TOC), Gross Revenue (GR), Operating Profit (OP), Profitability Index (PI) and Break-Even Price (BEP) were estimated. According to the indicators analyzed, it was found that this is a promising crop within the different agricultural production schools, with favorable rates for the producer. The variety evaluated presents high resistance as to the water limitation factor, showing positive indicators such as break-even point below the average prices practiced in the region.

Electroflocculation for the treatment of wastewater from dairy food industry: scale-up of a laboratory reactor to full-scale plant

The aim of this work was to evaluate the scale-up of a laboratory reactor to full-scale plant for the electroflocculation of dairy food industry wastewater. The structural, operational and financial feasibilities were evaluated in reactors with either aluminum or iron electrodes. The laboratory reactor contained a beaker of 500.0 mL, two metal electrodes (thickness: 0.10 cm, length: 15.0 cm, width: 7.0 cm, distance between electrodes: 2.0 cm, total area for two electrodes in the laboratory reactor: 210.0 cm2), power source and magnetic stirring. The employed operational parameters included operation time of 1.0 h, applied potential intensity of 5.0 V, and electric currents of 0.94 A for aluminum electrodes and 0.71 A for iron electrodes. The scale-up was evaluated considering 110 m3 generated wastewater per day in a dairy food industry. The total applied electric power, electrode consumption, and final temperature after 1 h operation were 64.89 kWh, 1220 g m−3, and 32.19 °C using aluminum electrodes, whereas these values were 30.01 kWh, 1483 g m−3, and 25.64 °C using iron electrodes. Effective structural and operational costs higher than 65.0% in relation to the total costs of operation of the system were associated with the mass consumption of either aluminum or iron electrodes. In general, the scale-up of the laboratory reactor to full-scale plant was structurally, operationally and economically viable compared to the conventional wastewater treatment systems.

Soybean crop profitability: biodynamic vs conventional farming in a 7-yr case study in Brazil

AbstractOrganic/biodynamic agriculture has been reported worldwide as a suitable system to conserve or even regenerate natural resources. Due to the lack of long-term studies regarding the profitability of tropical organic vs conventional farming, the economic performance of biodynamic vs conventional soybean was studied using data from a consecutive 7-yr case study in a farm with 48.4 ha of biodynamic soybeans in Paraná State, Brazil. Analyses of production costs and financial indicators were adjusted at updated values according to inflation in the period. Effective operational costs were 4.4% higher in biodynamic than in conventional farming. The biodynamic yields were lower (3.6%) than those of conventional. Prices were 57% higher in biodynamic than in conventional, making biodynamic farming more profitable than conventional farming, as shown by financial indicators (gross revenue, gross margin, net margin, net income and capital income were 50.7, 99.9, 122.9, 150.4 and 166.9%, respectively, higher in biodynamic than in conventional). The price equilibrium point (PEP) was 3.4% higher for biodynamic farming; the leveling point was 36.9% higher for conventional farming. Manual weeding and plowing increased organic costs. Higher biodynamic trading prices than those of conventional triggered a PEP suitable for covering higher costs and thus boosting profitability. Further investigations and policies are suggested to further improve biodynamic farming efficiency and sustainability.