Agriculture And The Environment Research Articles

Fifty years of environmental progress for United States dairy farms

Dairy farms in the United States have changed in many ways over the past 50 yr. Milk production efficiency has increased greatly, with ∼30% fewer cows producing about twice the amount of milk today. Other improvements include increases in crop yields, fuel efficiency of farm equipment, and efficiency in producing most resources used on farms (e.g. electricity, fuel, fertilizer). These improvements have led to changes in the environmental impact of farms. Through simulation of representative dairy farms in 1971 and 2020, changes in nutrient losses and farmgate life cycle assessments of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fossil energy use, and blue (ground and surface) water use were determined for 6 regions and the United States. For all environmental metrics studied, intensities expressed per unit of fat- and protein-corrected milk produced were reduced, but the total effects over all farms or milk produced increased for 5 of the 13 environmental metrics. Reductions in the impacts of dairy farms in the eastern United States were offset by large increases in western regions because of a major increase in cow numbers in the West. The national average intensity of GHG emissions decreased by 42%, which gave just a 14% increase in the total GHG emissions of all dairy farms over the 50-yr period. The intensity of fossil energy use decreased by 54%, with the total for all farms decreasing by 9%. Water use related to milk production decreased in intensity by 28%, but due to the large increase in dairy production in the dry western regions that have a greater dependence on irrigated feed crops, total blue water use increased by 42%. Major pathways of nitrogen loss included ammonia volatilization, leaching, and denitrification, where total ammonia emissions related to US dairy farms increased by 29%, while leaching losses decreased by 39%, with little change in nitrous oxide emissions. Simulated nitrogen and phosphorus runoff losses totaled for all dairy farms decreased by 27% to 51% through more efficient fertilizer use, reduced tillage, and greater use of cover crops. Emissions of methane and reactive non-methane volatile organic compounds increased by 32% and 53%, respectively, due to greater use of long-term manure storage and silage stored in bunkers and piles. Although much progress has been made in improving production efficiency, continued improvements with new strategies and technologies are needed to meet the demand for dairy products and mitigate total environmental impacts, particularly in view of projected climate variability.

Value Chain Analysis of Wheat in North Karnataka, India

The world desperately needs a change in the global food system that will result in more nutritious food for everyone and a significant reduction in the environmental impact of agriculture. The present study was conducted in selected districts of North Karnataka during 2022-23. To study the value chain mapping, primary data have been collected through the survey method by adopting a multistage random sampling technique. The value chain highlighted the involvement of diverse actors who participated directly or indirectly in the value chain. Different actors identified in the study area were input suppliers, farmers, traders and commission agents, wholesalers, retailers, and ultimately consumers. Three channels were placed in the value chain system of raw wheat grain in the study area. The results revealed that the degree of value addition on raw wheat grains at the retailer level was highest (11.14% and 11.34%) in channels I and II, respectively. Because the quantity sold through retailers was less, there was also less risk regarding spoilage of produce. With respect to the four primary processing product value addition results, processing units were substantially contributing more value addition as compared to the other two intermediaries in the value chain. Processing units require huge capital investment and plenty of resources.

Assessment of trace element content throughout the white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farming cycle

Environmental context Intensive aquaculture is the main source of fisheries products. Thus, investigating the food safety of these products and the environmental impacts of the farms on mangroves is necessary. A shrimp productive cycle was evaluated with a focus on trace element accumulation in shrimps and effluent. The results revealed secure levels of elements in the final product; however, the effluent produced in farms is an important source of contamination to mangrove environment. Rationale Aquaculture systems have increased in the last years due to the high demand for seafood consumption, this could impact the environment and subject fisheries to accumulation of toxic elements. To understand some parameters of food safety and environmental impact, the present study evaluated the concentration of trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Pb, Se, V and Zn) throughout the production cycle of shrimp. Methodology About 50 shrimps per cycle were collected in a shrimp farm in Brazil and their trace element contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma–tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) and microwave-induced plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (MIP-OES). Results At their final lifecycle stage, shrimp samples present a content (mg g−1) of elements following the trend: Cu (102 ± 12) > Al (20.06 ± 4.24) > Zn (14.82 ± 2.46) > Mn (6.24 ± 0.94) > As (2.65 ± 0.42) > Se (0.932 ± 0.140) > Co (0.380 ± 0.05) > Mo (0.254 ± 0.03) > V (0.204 ± 0.02). Discussion The content of Cd and Pb are in allowance with Brazil and USA legislation for crustaceans, however, the content of As is 3–4-fold higher than that allowed by guidelines in all stages of the growth of the shrimp. The final effluent of the shrimp’s pond into the mangroves shows a high mass fraction of Zn and Mn that could be a source of contamination. Some correlations between some elements in the shrimp samples were found, such as As–Se, Se–Co and Se–V. This study was a scoping experiment to study the content of trace elements throughout the farming cycle of shrimps, encouraging the researcher to undergo a wide survey to evaluate the environmental impact of aquaculture shrimp farming.

The environmental impact of agriculture: An instrument to support public policy

Agriculture is a key activity in guarantying food security, one of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. However, agriculture can be an environmental impacting activity when it is managed without attention towards its environmental efficiency. Thus, the assessment of eco-efficiency in agriculture is a crucial tool to evaluate this economic activity in terms of both natural resources exploitation and revenue generation. To address the complex issues associated with this problematic trade-off, the application of a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has been to assess the environmental and economic performance of agriculture in terms of eco-efficiency. DEA has been applied the Italian case study at regional level, to provide policy-makers with a synthetic indicator of agricultural sustainability, when implementing funding policies. In particular, the analysis of the case study has taken into account the implementation of the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as implemented through the Rural Development Plans. Our approach is a first step in the direction of assessing the long-lasting issue of developing benchmarking policies between the different Italian regions. This works paves the way to future and more in-depth studies needed to determine the eco-efficiency at local scale and, thus, the possibility to identify specific forms of agriculture as nature-based solutions.

Renewable Energies in the Agricultural Sector: A Perspective Analysis of the Last Three Years

Renewable energy arises as a tool for the supply of energy to the agriculture sector. Currently, there is a growing concern for the environment. This circumstance has led to technological progress in energy use in relation to natural resources and their availability for all productive sectors, including agriculture. The main objective of this work is to perform analysis from a bibliometric point of view and to analyze scientific advances in renewable energy and agriculture worldwide that have occurred in the last three years (2019–2021). The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the last three years on the topic in order to contribute to the international scientific community, specifically towards collaboration between authors, institutions, and countries. A keyword analysis using community detection was applied to detect the five main clusters of this research and was largely dedicated to the following topics: renewable energy technologies in agriculture, bioenergy, sustainable agriculture, biomass energy, and the environmental impact of agriculture. The main countries found to be conducting research on renewable energy and agriculture include India, China, the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, Indonesia, Germany, the Russian Federation, and Spain; the most important institutions conducting research in this area include the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers at the National Research University in Uzbekistan, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the Grupo de Investigação em Engenharia e Computação Inteligente para a Inovação e o Desenvolvimento in Portugal. These results may contribute to the identification of new research needs and therefore to the development of future directions of research on renewable energies in the agricultural sector.

What evidence exists of crop plants response to exposure to static magnetic and electromagnetic fields? A systematic map protocol

BackgroundIncreasing demand for food and concerns over the environmental impact of agriculture has prompted the search for alternatives to many conventional farming practices. Reports on exposing seeds and plants at various developmental stages to static magnetic field (SMF) and non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) as a form of priming indicate some positive effects on seed germinability, growth rate, resistance to stress conditions, and improved yield. However, there exist some inconsistent reported treatment protocols and contradictory study outcomes that make it difficult to draw objective conclusions on the potential use of SMF and EMF as sustainable alternatives to improving crop growth and yield. It is equally essential to understand any adverse effects of exposing plants to SMF and EMF considering the abundance of their sources in the environment. In order to provide a more coherent overview of how plants respond to exposure to SMF and EMF not only in their observed effects of agronomic importance but also in the mechanisms of action of SMF and EMF in plant cells, we prepare a systematic map.MethodsLiterature will be identified by searching six bibliographic databases and three web-based search engines using terms obtained from the population, exposure, and outcome parameters of the research question. Primary research published in peer-reviewed journals and grey literature will be the source for the evidence map. Studies eligible for inclusion may involve: food crops and related research model plants exposed to SMF or non-ionizing EMF; treatment at all plant developmental stages excluding post-harvest improvement of food crops; and the presence of control groups. Eligible literature will be screened at the title, abstract, and full text levels. The validity of studies will not be critically appraised for the evidence map. A process of double extraction and coding of relevant information from eligible literature will be conducted. Within the evidence map, relevant data will be presented in the forms of text, graphs, tables, and figures. This will illustrate research trends, bring clarity to the evidence base concerning clusters of sufficient findings and areas of significant gaps, and inform stakeholders in decisions concerning research planning and policy formulation.

Real-Time Temperature and Humidity Measurements during the Short-Range Distribution of Perishable Food Products as a Tool for Supply-Chain Energy Improvements

Food waste results in an increased need for production to compensate for losses. Increased production is directly related to an increase in the environmental impact of agriculture and in the energy needs associated with it. To reduce food waste, the supply chain should maintain ideal preservation conditions. In horticultural products, temperature, and relative humidity are two of the main parameters to be controlled. Monitoring these parameters can help decision-making in logistics and routes management, as well as to diagnose and timely prevent food losses. In the present work, eighteen wireless traceability devices with temperature and relative humidity sensors monitored crates with horticultural products along a short-range distribution route with five stops (4 h 30 m). Sensor data and a location tag were sent via GSM for real-time monitoring. The results showed fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity that reached up to 7.4 °C and 35.3%, respectively. These fluctuations happened mostly due to frequent door opening, operational procedures, and irregular refrigeration conditions. Furthermore, the results brought attention to a procedure that creates unnecessary temperature fluctuations and energy losses. This study highlights the importance of individual monitorization of goods, for quality control and optimization of energy efficiency along the supply chain.

Genetics, not environment, contributed to winter wheat yield gains in Ontario, Canada.

Changes in entries' market classes and genetic improvements within classes-not environmental changes-enhanced yields over thirty-one years of wheat trials. Correlations between yields and ancestries drove genomic prediction accuracies. Increasing crop yields is important for enhancing farmers' livelihoods, meeting market demands, and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. We analyzed the yield trends of Ontario winter wheat variety trials between 1988 and 2018. Over this period, wheat yields steadily increased by 38kgha-1yr-1, or 0.68%yr-1 relative to the mean. While fungicide treatment of trials contributed a one-time 670kgha-1 yield increase, yields were otherwise unaffected by long-term changes in agronomic practice, climate, or other non-genetic factors. Genetic improvement entirely accounted for yield improvement. Market class changes over the 31year span accounted for some yield improvement. More importantly, genetic improvement occurred within each market class. Entry yield estimates calculated from genomic prediction models strongly correlated with field estimated yields with a mean r of 0.68. Genomic prediction accuracies were high because yields differed across genetically distinct subpopulations. Despite environmental changes, genetic improvement will likely increase Ontario winter wheat yields into the future.

Opportunities to Harness High-Throughput and Novel Sensing Phenotypes to Improve Feed Efficiency in Dairy Cattle.

Simple SummarySensors, routinely collected on-farm tests, and other repeatable, high-throughput measurements can provide novel phenotype information on a frequent basis. Information from these sensors and high-throughput measurements could be harnessed to monitor or predict individual dairy cow feed intake. Predictive algorithms would allow for genetic selection of animals that consume less feed while producing the same amount of milk. Improved monitoring of feed intake could reduce the cost of milk production, improve animal health, and reduce the environmental impact of the dairy industry. Moreover, data from these information sources could aid in animal management (e.g., precision feeding and health detection). In order to implement tools, the relationship of measurements with feed intake needs to be established and prediction equations developed. Lastly, consideration should be given to the frequency of data collection, the need for standardization of data and other potential limitations of tools in the prediction of feed intake. This review summarizes measurements of feed efficiency, factors that may impact the efficiency and feed consumption of an animal, tools that have been researched and new traits that could be utilized for the prediction of feed intake and efficiency, and prediction equations for feed intake and efficiency presented in the literature to date.Feed for dairy cattle has a major impact on profitability and the environmental impact of farms. Sustainable dairy production relies on continued improvement in feed efficiency as a way to reduce costs and nutrient loss from feed. Advances in breeding, feeding and management have led to the dilution of maintenance energy and thus more efficient dairy cattle. Still, many additional opportunities are available to improve individual animal feed efficiency. Sensing technologies such as wearable sensors, image-based and high-throughput phenotyping technologies (e.g., milk testing) are becoming more available on commercial farm. The application of these technologies as indicator traits for feed intake and efficiency related traits would be advantageous to provide additional information to predict and manage feed efficiency. This review focuses on precision livestock technologies and high-throughput phenotyping in use today as well as those that could be developed in the future as possible indicators of feed intake. Several technologies such as milk spectral data, activity, rumen measures, and image-based phenotypes have been associated with feed intake. Future applications will depend on the ability to repeatably measure and calibrate these data across locations, so that they can be integrated for use in predicting and managing feed intake and efficiency on farm.

Exploring Digital Transformation in Higher Education and Research via Scenarios

Digital transformation induces rapid and profound changes in higher education and research (HER). With this foresight, INRAE and Agreenium, two French public HER institutions centered on food, agriculture and the environment, explore the challenges they face in a world increasingly dependent on digital resources. Four scenarios generated via morphological analysis provide researchers, teachers and institutions a heuristic framework to anticipate risks and opportunities in terms of: platformization of research, commodification of knowledge and the ascendency of data; pressing demands to respond to planet-wide emergencies; renewed multi-stakeholder relations between civil society and the academic community; and limits on energy and raw materials devoted to digital uses.

PRECISION FARMING IN FLORICULTURE

Precision farming is a science base modern technology which provided management concept based on observation and response to intra-field variations. New technologies such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), sensors, satellites or aerial images and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are utilized to assess and analyse variations in agricultural and horticultural production. In this technology have two primary goals that are (i) optimum return (ii) preserving resource. Wireless Sensor Networks has crucial role to management of water resources, to assess the optimum point of harvesting, to estimate fertilizer requirements and to predict crop performance more accurately, disease and pest hazard also. Sensors use to precision farming technology in horticulture, which increasing productivity, decreasing production costs and minimizing the environmental impact of farming. Though precision farming has vital role in Agriculture and Horticulture sector but, no so popular due to high cost of technology and need high speed internet facility.

Geography of Disease of the Circulatory System of the Population in the Regions of Old Agricultural Development (Cherkasy Region)

Purpose. The aim of the article is to identify the main spatial trends in the spread of the incidence of diseases of the circulatory system in the regions of old agricultural development on the example of Cherkasy region. Methods. Cartographic. Results. Data on the basis of which the incidence analysis was conducted were collected in 20 districts for 2018. The initial data for the research were information on medical statistics on the incidence of rural population (in terms of administrative districts in 2018), two author's EGIS "Production types of agricultural enterprises in Cherkasy region in 2015" and "Assessment of environmental impact of agriculture on the landscapes of Cherkasy region ».. Based on the data on the incidence of diseases of the circulatory system in the population of the Cherkasy region and the cartogram of the prevalence of the same incidence, it was determined that the Kanevsky, Shpolyansky and Khristinovsky districts have high incidence rates. They mainly specialize in their agricultural activities in grain farming in combination with industrial crops. Using pesticides, pesticides, nitrates, mineral fertilizers, they can cause not only pollution of soil and groundwater and a significant decrease in landscape and biodiversity, but also lead to diseases of the circulatory system. Conclusion. The general dependence between deterioration of morbidity dynamics and a condition of the agrolandscapes disturbed by long agricultural activity is established. The main spatial difference in the spread of diseases of the circulatory system in the Cherkasy region is the concentration of absolute morbidity in the east of the region

One Place Doesn't Fit All: Improving the Effectiveness of Sustainability Standards by Accounting for Place

The growing interest in incentivizing sustainable agricultural practices is supported by a large network of voluntary production standards, which aim to offer farmers and ranchers increased value for their product in support of reduced environmental impact. To be effective with producers and consumers alike, these standards must be both credible and broadly recognizable, and thus are typically highly generalizable. However, the environmental impact of agriculture is strongly place-based and varies considerably due to complex biophysical, socio-cultural, and management-based factors, even within a given sector in a particular region. We suggest that this contradiction between the placeless generality of standards and the placed-ness of agriculture renders many sustainability standards ineffective. In this policy and practice review, we examine this contradiction through the lens of beef production, with a focus on an ongoing regional food purchasing effort in Denver, Colorado, USA. We review the idea of place in the context of agricultural sustainability, drawing on life cycle analysis and diverse literature to find that recognition of place-specific circumstances is essential to understanding environmental impact and improving outcomes. We then examine the case of the Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP), a broad set of food-purchasing standards currently being implemented for institutional purchasing in Denver. The GFPP was created through a lengthy stakeholder-inclusive process for use in Los Angeles, California, USA, and has since been applied to many cities across the country. The difference between Los Angeles’ process and that of applying the result of Los Angeles’ process to Denver is instructive, and emblematic of the flaws of generalizable sustainability standards themselves. We then describe the essential elements of a place-based approach to agricultural sustainability standards, pointing toward a democratic, process-based, and outcome-oriented strategy that results in standards that enable rather than hinder the creativity of both producers and consumers. Though prescription is anathema to our approach, we close by offering a starting point for the development of standards for beef production in Colorado that respect the work of people in place.

Towards better representation of organic agriculture in life cycle assessment

The environmental effects of agriculture and food are much discussed, with competing claims concerning the impacts of conventional and organic farming. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the method most widely used to assess environmental impacts of agricultural products. Current LCA methodology and studies tend to favour high-input intensive agricultural systems and misrepresent less intensive agroecological systems such as organic agriculture. LCA assesses agroecological systems inadequately for three reasons: (1) a lack of operational indicators for three key environmental issues; (2) a narrow perspective on functions of agricultural systems; and (3) inconsistent modelling of indirect effects. Transitioning agriculture toward greater sustainability is vital. This Perspective argues for more-holistic consideration of organic agriculture in life cycle assessments, widely used to analyse environmental impacts.

Discussion on the environmental impact of agriculture

Discussion on the environmental impact of agriculture

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF SPECIALIZATION OF FARMS

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of various types of farms on the environment. The research was carried out in the years 2011-2016 on farms grouped according to the leading production direction. The assessment of the environmental impact of farms was made on the basis of 10 agro-ecological indicators. Pig farms, which were characterized by unfavorable (excessive) balances of nutrients and soil organic matter were the greatest threat to the environment (due to water pollution). Farms with arable field crops contributed to lowering soil fertility as they had the negative balances of nutrients. Farms with a mixed production profile and dairy farms with optimal stocking density (about 1 LU /ha UAA ) were the smallest threat to the environment and fertility of soils.

May innovation on plant varieties share agricultural land with nature, or spare land for it

The development of more productive varieties has been at the core of the transformations of agriculture and its environmental impacts throughout the 20th century. Among the various environmental effects of agriculture, the ability to choose between wide, low-intensity agriculture, and concentrated, high-intensity one, is a crucial component of its impact on biodiversity conservation. The impact of an innovation on land use and intensity of agriculture is thus an important determinant of its environmental footprint. The existing literature has studied how innovation modifies land use, but has not focused on how it changes production intensity. The objective of this paper is to complement the existing analytical framework to account for the impact of varieties improvements on non-land inputs. It shows that innovation can simultaneously reduce land use and increase agricultural intensity only if it is biased towards one of these production factors, demand is elastic and production factors are hardly substitutable.

Milk Technological Properties as Affected by Including Artichoke By-Products Silages in the Diet of Dairy Goats.

Traditional farming practices include the use of local agricultural by-products in the diet of ruminants. Artichoke harvesting and transformation yield high amounts of by-products that, if properly used, may reduce farming costs and the environmental impact of farming. The present study tests the inclusion of silages from artichoke by-products (plant and outer bracts) in the diet of dairy goats (0%, 12.5% and 25% inclusion) on the technological and sensory properties of milk during a five-month study. Milk composition, color, stability, coagulation and fermentation properties remained unaffected by diet changes. Panelists were not able to differentiate among yogurts obtained from those milks by discriminant triangular sensory tests. Silages of artichoke by-products can be included in isoproteic and isoenergetic diets for dairy goats, up to a 25% (feed dry matter), without negatively affecting milk technological and sensory properties whereas reducing feeding costs.

Exploring Elementary Students' Scientific Knolwedge of Agriculture Using Evidence-Centered Design

The public is more disconnected from agriculture than ever. Americans are now two to four generations removed from the farm with a majority of Americans having no direct experience in agriculture. As a result, the public lacks the knowledge and appreciation of the food, fuel, and fiber it demands. The National Agricultural Learning Objectives (NALOs) were recently developed to describe students’ agricultural knowledge but have, as yet, not been used to guide research into students’ agricultural literacy. The purpose of this project is to further understand students’ agricultural literacy through NALO-based assessment of students’ knowledge. This study focused on the NALOs in the areas of agriculture and the environment (AgE) and the STEM dimensions of agriculture (STEM) using a sequential exploratory mixed methods design. Thirty-five students participated in semi-structured interviews surrounding the NALOs. Interview data were coded and analyzed while using the evidence-centered design process to create empirically grounded assessments that were administered to a sample (n=400) of elementary students. Results suggest that students are more knowledgeable about the STEM dimensions of agriculture than the agricultural and environmental topics. Recommendations are provided to guide future research and development around the NALOs.

Automatic aeroponic irrigation system based on Arduino’s platform

The recirculating hydroponic culture techniques, as aeroponics, has several advantages over traditional agriculture, aimed to improve the efficiently and environmental impact of agriculture. These techniques require continuous monitoring and automation for proper operation. In this work was developed an automatic monitored aeroponic-irrigation system based on the Arduino’s free software platform. Analog and digital sensors for measuring the temperature, flow and level of a nutrient solution in a real greenhouse were implemented. In addition, the pH and electric conductivity of nutritive solutions are monitored using the Arduino’s differential configuration. The sensor network, the acquisition and automation system are managed by two Arduinos modules in master-slave configuration, which communicate one each other wireless by Wi-Fi. Further, data are stored in micro SD memories and the information is loaded on a web page in real time. The developed device brings important agronomic information when is tested with an arugula culture (Eruca sativa Mill). The system also could be employ as an early warning system to prevent irrigation malfunctions.