Agricultural Extension Research Articles

AgXQA: A benchmark for advanced Agricultural Extension question answering

Large language models (LLMs) have revolutionized various scientific fields in the past few years, thanks to their generative and extractive abilities. However, their applications in the Agricultural Extension (AE) domain remain sparse and limited due to the unique challenges of unstructured agricultural data. Furthermore, mainstream LLMs excel at general and open-ended tasks but struggle with domain-specific tasks. We proposed a novel QA benchmark dataset, AgXQA, for the AE domain to address these issues. We trained and evaluated our domain-specific LM, AgRoBERTa, which outperformed other mainstream encoder- and decoder- LMs, on the extractive QA downstream task by achieving an EM score of 55.15% and an F1 score of 78.89%. Besides automated metrics, we also introduced a custom human evaluation metric, AgEES, which confirmed AgRoBERTa’s performance, as demonstrated by a 94.37% agreement rate with expert assessments, compared to 92.62% for GPT 3.5. Notably, we conducted a comprehensive qualitative analysis, whose results provide further insights into the weaknesses and strengths of both domain-specific and general LMs when evaluated on in-domain NLP tasks. Thanks to this novel dataset and specialized LM, our research enhanced further development of specialized LMs for the agriculture domain as a whole and AE in particular, thus fostering sustainable agricultural practices through improved extractive question answering.

Improving the Carbon Balance of Cattle Grazing Systems in Madagascar

Climate change is a global issue having significant effects on the grazing systems in Madagascar. In the Boeny region, extensive cattle farming based on natural grazing is at risk of forage shortages. Working with stakeholders across the system, this research assessed the vulnerability and adaptive potential of farms by studying farmers’ preferences, carbon (C) sources and C-stock positions, resource flows, and system management methods.

Bypass Fat Increases Milk Production and Quality in Goats under Extensive Management

Bypass Fat Increases Milk Production and Quality in Goats under Extensive Management

Cross-Sectional Study Assessing Management Practices and Udder Health in California Sheep Flocks and Seroprevalence of Small Ruminant Lentivirus.

(1) Background: Information is lacking on small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) status, prevalence, risk factors, and control measures for mastitis in California ewes. The goal of this survey was to outline characteristics of the sheep industry in California related to udder health and mastitis management. (2) Methods: An online survey consisting of 48 questions was completed by respondents between April 2022 and February 2023. Descriptive analysis and chi-squared tests were conducted to evaluate associations between variables. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) of general management practices, udder health management, and flock demographics was performed to assess clustering. A subset of respondents (20) participated in SRLV serology testing. (3) Results: Seventy-one completed surveys were submitted. The MCA showed two clusters. Larger flock sizes, the use of breeding ewes for meat or wool production or contract grazing, and extensive management practices were more closely related to >5% udder abnormalities per lactation and ≥5% orphan lambs. The flock-level seroprevalence of SRLV was 75% (15/20), and ewe-level seroprevalence was 14.1% (183/1106). (4) Conclusions: The results of this study highlight areas that need further research, such as exploring differences in mastitis and SRLV incidences among management systems, the efficacy of mastitis treatments, and education on critical timepoints for mastitis diagnosis and control.

Peran Kelembagaan Pertanian dalam Pengembangan Usaha Tani Biofarmaka (Studi Kasus di Desa Trosono, Kecamatan Parang, Kabupaten Magetan)

<p><em>Biopharmaceuticals are a type of plant that can be used as medicine. Developing farming for a commodity requires the role of various parties, one of which is agricultural institutions. Agricultural institutions are an important element in agricultural modernization and supporting farming in Trosono Village, which is known as a producer of biopharmaceutical commodities, especially ginger and turmeric. This research aims to determine the system, the role of institutions, and the impact of institutional roles on agriculture in the development of biopharmaceutical farming in Trosono Village. The research used a qualitative descriptive method and the determination of informants was carried out purposively and snowballing with a total of 13 informants consisting of administrators of agribusiness microfinance institutions, farmer group administrators, extension workers, middlemen, farmers and village heads. Data analysis used Miles and Huberman’s interactive analysis, then data validity was carried out using source triangulation and method triangulation techniques. The results of the research show that Trosono Village has an institutional system for both agricultural input and output, namely the Agribusiness Microfinance Institution, the Association of Farmer Groups, the Agricultural Extension Center and middlemen who work with each other in relation to biopharmaceutical farming. Each institution has a role that is demonstrated in the activities of each institution. However, in terms of institutional conditions in Trosono Village, it is still not optimal in accordance with the existing ideal conditions. The role of institutional activities in developing farming has a social impact on farmers such as improving relations, harmony and economic impacts in the form of easy access to capital, subsidies and marketing, so there has been no improvement in economic conditions. Coordination and assistance between agricultural institutions for biopharmaceutical commodities is needed so that a synergy arises in the implementation of programs and activities in the context of increasing biopharmaceutical commodities.</em><strong></strong></p>

The mapping of processes in a campus of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology in Brazil: a case study

This research analyzes the process mapping developed by the Business Process Mapping Commission (CMPN) in a Campus of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, a Brazilian Public Institution of Higher Education (IPES). From a documentary analysis, the history of management initiatives by processes of the rectory and the Campus object of study was presented. In the form of a case study, it was possible to identify, through a semi-structured interview with the members of the CMPN, the motivations, expectations, methodology and the main challenges faced in the implementation of the mapping of the processes that until the end of this work was in progress. Through the application of a questionnaire with closed questions, it was possible to assess that, in the perception of teaching, research and extension managers, the mapping of processes has a positive impact on the quality of teaching. Process management is an approach that can generate greater efficiency in the organization, however, it is perceived that the particularities of the Brazilian public sector create barriers for IPES initiatives to achieve the critical success factors found in the literature, requiring their own models.

Carbon Footprint of an Extensively Raised, Low-Productivity Sheep Population

Extensive traditional livestock systems currently face various threats, leading to their disappearance. An example of these extensive livestock farming systems is the production of the Lojeña sheep breed in the Sierra de Loja (Granada, Spain), with a census of 24,511 ewes in 2021. The aim of this work is to calculate the carbon footprint (CF) of this local breed in this region. This study is based on data collected from 27 Lojeña sheep farms producing weaned lambs (≤14 kg, 25 farms), fattened lambs (≈25 kg, 7 farms), culled animals (24 farms) and greasy wool (27 farms). Most of these farms (78%) were organically (ORG) certified and seven were conventionally (CONV) managed. The analysed farms represent 93% of the total number of farms producing Lojeña sheep in the Sierra de Loja. The CF was calculated with a “cradle to farm gate” approach. The average C footprints were 27.5 ± 6.8 kg CO2eq kgLW−1 for weaned lambs, 21.8 ± 8.5 kg CO2eq kgLW−1 for fattened lambs, 4.1 ± 2.6 kg CO2eq kgLW−1 for culled animals and 2.2 ± 0.6 kg CO2eq kg−1 for greasy wool, with a not statistically different average CF in ORG than in CONV farms. Enteric fermentation represents the main source of emissions (>60%) in all the products, and external feeding (including transport, and emissions from producing the feed) represents the second one (>10%). There was an inverse relationship between CF and productivity (lambs sold ewe−1 year−1), leading to lower footprints on those farms with the higher productivity. A direct relationship between CF and stocking rate (livestock units ha−1) has been identified.

PERAN PENYULUH PERTANIAN TERHADAP KINERJA USAHATANI PADI SAWAH DI DESA TEPPOE KECAMATAN POLEANG TIMUR KABUPATEN BOMBANA

This study aims to examine the role of agricultural extension workers in the context of wet-rice farming in Teppoe Village, East Poleang Subdistrict, and to elucidate the relationship between the two. The research population consisted of all wet-rice farmers in Teppoe Village, amounting to a total of 250 individuals. A sample of 25 individuals was selected from the total research population, representing 10% of the total number of respondents. The data were collected via survey, interview, and documentation methods with the assistance of research instruments in the form of questionnaires. This study employs a quantitative approach. The research data were analyzed using quantitative descriptive methods, specifically the class interval formula and Spearman's rank correlation. The findings indicated that the role of agricultural extension workers in Teppoe Village, East Poleang Subdistrict, as facilitators was deemed to be satisfactory. However, their roles as motivators and educators were perceived to be inadequate, while their role as innovators was considered to be satisfactory. The performance of paddy rice farming in terms of productivity is in the satisfied category, while the sales price of paddy rice and farmers' income are in the moderately satisfied category. The relationship between the role of agricultural extension officers and farm performance was found to be statistically significant (value 0.031), though the strength of the relationship was relatively weak (value 0.363).

HUBUNGAN POLA KOMUNIKASI PENYULUH PERTANIAN DENGAN PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN PETANI SAYURAN DI KELURAHAN TOBUUHA KECAMATAN PUUWATU KOTA KENDARI

The process of delivering information carried out by agricultural extension workers to vegetable farmers requires an appropriate communication pattern to increase the level of knowledge of target farmers. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between communication patterns of agricultural extension workers and vegetable farmers in Tobuuha Village. The study population consisted of all vegetable farmers in Tobuuha Village, which amounted to 20 farmers and one field agricultural extension worker. The research sample was determined by the census method, resulting in a sample size of 21 individuals. Data were collected through survey techniques, interviews, and the use of documentation, with the assistance of media in the form of questionnaires. This study is a quantitative research study. The data were processed using descriptive analysis through the use of the class interval formula and correlation analysis through the Spearman Rank formula, with the help of SPSS Software Version 26. The research findings indicate that the communication patterns of agricultural extension workers with vegetable farmers in Tobuuha Village encompass one-way, two-way, and multi-directional communication patterns. One-way communication patterns and multi-way communication patterns are classified as medium, while two-way communication patterns are classified as high. The level of knowledge of vegetable farmers is classified as medium based on indicators of understanding, application, and analysis. While the level of knowledge of vegetable farmers based on indicators of knowing is in the low category, the relationship between communication patterns of agricultural extension workers and the level of knowledge of vegetable farmers is statistically significant (0.046) and positive (0.691). This indicates that the more effective the communication patterns employed by agricultural extension workers, the greater the likelihood of increased knowledge among vegetable farmers.

Factors Inhibiting Persuasive Communication of Agricultural Extension Workers Through Internet Media in Accelerating Information Dissemination in Farmer Women Groups in Ponorogo Regency, Indonesia

The development of digital information technology today allows the use of various media for agricultural extension. The internet has become an important medium in disseminating information, including for agricultural extension workers and farmer women groups. Agricultural extension workers have a crucial role in conveying information persuasively and are expected to utilize internet media to support their tasks and accelerate the dissemination of information to farmers. This study examines the obstacles in persuasive communication carried out by agricultural extension workers using internet media to accelerate the dissemination of information to Farmer Women Groups in Ponorogo Regency. The method used is qualitative descriptive with data analysis through in-depth interviews and participatory observation. The informants in this study consisted of agricultural extension workers and members of farmer women groups in Babadan District. The results of the study showed that there were technical obstacles such as lack of technological facilities and uneven internet access, as well as time limitations due to the dual roles of group members. Low digital literacy is also an obstacle, influenced by age, low education, and lack of technological experience. Behavioral barriers include a preference for in-person counseling and age stereotypes, where older members lack confidence in using technology. The influence of the social environment also plays a role. The suggested solutions include increasing digital literacy, improving technological infrastructure, and handling stereotypes and negative social influences to increase the effectiveness of counseling.

A Meshless Method of Radial Basis Function-Finite Difference Approach to 3-Dimensional Numerical Simulation on Selective Laser Melting Process

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a rapidly evolving technology that requires extensive knowledge and management for broader industrial adoption due to the complexity of phenomena involved. The selection of parameters and numerical analysis for the SLM process are both costly and time-consuming. In this paper, a three-dimensional radial basis function-finite difference (RBF-FD) meshless model is introduced to accurately and efficiently simulate the molten pool size and temperature distribution during the SLM process for austenitic stainless steel (AISI 316L). Two different volumetric moving heat source models were presented, namely the ray-tracing method heat source model and the double-ellipsoidal shape heat source model. The temperature-dependent material properties and phase change process were also considered, based on experiments and effective models. Results of the model for the molten pool size were validated with those of the literature. The proposed approach can be used to predict the effect of different laser power and scan speed on the molten pool size and temperature gradient along the depth direction. The result reveals that the depth of the molten pool is more sensitive to laser power than scan speed. Under the same scan speed, a 22% change in laser power (45 ± 10 W) affects the maximum temperature proportionally by about 9%. The developed algorithm is computationally efficient and suitable for industrial applications.

Performance of Agriculture Extension Services under Local Government Authorities in Tanzania: A Review

Performance of Agriculture Extension Services under Local Government Authorities in Tanzania: A Review

A PERSPECTIVE OF TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL ON THE AGRICULTURE EXTENSION STAFFS USING CYBER EXTENSION

Cyber extension web facilitates agriculture extension staffs to leverage this media communication system to strengthen their capability and capacity for improving extension services. Through the Technology Acceptance Model approach, this study examines the use of cyber extension and the affect of self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norms, and attitude toward usage on cyber extension usage by agriculture extension staffs in Central Java Province. This study was conducted from April to May 2023 using a quantitative approach. The population includes agriculture extension staffs within the scope of the Central Java Provincial Agriculture Office. Sampling was done using convenience sampling, with 377 agriculture extension staffs spreading across 28 districts and five cities. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The study showed that use of the cyber extension web can be categorized as low-level; meanwhile, self-efficacy, perceived ease of use, subjective norms, and attitudes towards positive use were relatively high. Cyber extension usage was directly affected by perceived ease of use, subjective norms, and attitude toward usage. As a recommendation, interventions are needed to improve and continue to update content variations. It is necessary to develop and optimize the use of cyber extension at the provincial and or district level.

Talking water: interplay of gender, trust and expertise in agricultural extension groups in Mendoza, Argentina

Abstract Stakeholder adaptation is a critical strategy to overcome changing climate patterns worldwide. Still it relies on the speed and effectiveness of information flow to end-users. Research shows that the loss of information in several stages of its spread and learning from peers is more important than the knowledge circulated by extension services. Women’s participation and contribution are supportive and strategic, depending on the level of agreement and the interplay of trust variables within the network. In the arid Andes, agriculture is central and dependent on water management and macroeconomic conditions that shape market prospects, irrigation practices, and stakeholder behavior. Data were collected using the platform of a capacity-building program for organisations of water users in the Diamante and Atuel River basins in Mendoza, Argentina. Social Network Analysis (SNA) contributes to unveiling the cornerstones of information flow by identifying group structures, strong bonds, and bottlenecks in water management systems. In the first step, we evaluated the characteristics (density, centrality, average shortest path, and degree) of the pre-existing relationships and five sub-topic networks. Second, we compare networks containing pre-existing links only with those formed during the lecture. Emphasizing adaptation practices to cope with climate change impacts, the results provide valuable insights into the intricate interplay of gender dynamics, trust, expertise recognition, and discussion patterns within water and agricultural extension groups in Argentina. These insights highlight the ongoing need to promote gender equity, address biases in expertise recognition, and leverage trust for meaningful knowledge exchanges within evolving social contexts. It also reveals the alignment of Argentina’s gender performance with similar production setups in Southern America or the Global North, highlighting the universality of challenges and opportunities in fostering inclusive and equitable participation. Our findings indicate that each group within the two river basins exhibits numerous pre-existing links and tends to be less accessible to newcomers, resulting in a shorter average path. Thus, information can spread faster. Trust is an underlying facilitator for sensible topics and a catalyzer for communication.

Usage of Mobile Phone Technologies of Agricultural Extension Services Utilized by Farmers

Usage of Mobile Phone Technologies of Agricultural Extension Services Utilized by Farmers

Variability in Maize Seed Bacterization and Survival Correlating with Root Colonization by Pseudomonas Isolates with Plant-Probiotic Traits.

Seed treatment with plant growth-promoting bacteria represents the primary strategy to incorporate them into agricultural ecosystems, particularly for crops under extensive management, such as maize. In this study, we evaluated the seed bacterization levels, root colonization patterns, and root competitiveness of a collection of autochthonous Pseudomonas isolates that have demonstrated several plant-probiotic abilities in vitro. Our findings indicate that the seed bacterization level, both with and without the addition of various protectants, is specific to each Pseudomonas strain, including their response to seed pre-hydration. Bacterization kinetics revealed that while certain isolates persisted on seed surfaces for up to 4 days post-inoculation (dpi), others experienced a rapid decline in viability after 1 or 2 dpi. The observed differences in seed bacterization levels were consistent with the root colonization densities observed through confocal microscopy analysis, and with root competitiveness quantified via selective plate counts. Notably, isolates P. protegens RBAN4 and P. chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca SMMP3 demonstrated effective competition with the natural microflora for colonizing the maize rhizosphere and both promoted shoot and root biomass production in maize assessed at the V3 grown stage. Conversely, P. donghuensis SVBP6 was detected at very low levels in the maize rhizosphere, but still exhibited a positive effect on plant parameters, suggesting a growth-stimulatory effect during the early stages of plant development. In conclusion, there is a considerable strain-specific variability in the maize seed bacterization and survival capacities of Pseudomonas isolates with plant-probiotic traits, with a correlation in their root competitiveness under natural conditions. This variability must be understood to optimize their adoption as inputs for the agricultural system. Our experimental approach emphasizes the critical importance of tailoring seed bacterization treatments for each inoculant candidate, including the selection and incorporation of protective substances. It should not be assumed that all bacterial cells exhibit a similar performance.

Phylogenetic analysis of Mycobacterium caprae highlights past and present epidemiological links at the Iberian Peninsula scale

Mycobacterium caprae is linked to regular outbreaks of tuberculosis (TB) in geographically distinct caprine populations across Europe, namely Iberia where this ecovar may represent 8% of total animal TB cases, circulating in multi-host communities encompassing domestic ruminants and wildlife, representing severe financial losses. It also causes zoonotic human disease. In this work, we undertake the first phylodynamic and phylogeographic analyses of M. caprae to reconstruct past demography and transmission chains. First, we examined the worldwide diversity of M. caprae based on 229 unpublished and publicly available whole genome sequences, depicting Asian, Central-East European, and Iberian clades. Phylodynamic analyses of the SB0157 Iberian clade (n=81) positioned the most recent common ancestor in goats, around 100 years ago. Host transition events were common between goats, wild boars, and humans, possibly resulting from mixed farming, extensive management, and close human proximity, facilitating interspecific transmission. We show the spread of M. caprae on multiple scales due to local and transnational animal trade, supporting historical and sustained cross-species transmission in Iberia. We highlight the value of intersecting genomic epidemiology with molecular ecology to resolve epidemiological links and show that an EU-official eradication program in goats is utterly needed to control TB in a multi-host scenario.

Tolerance of Young Blackberries to a Selection of Preemergence Herbicides and Rates

Limited preemergence herbicides are registered for new blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus) plantings. This greenhouse experiment was designed to investigate the effects of a broad selection of preemergence herbicides at multiple rates on blackberry transplants. Screening was initiated Aug 2021 and repeated Mar 2022 in Fayetteville, AR, USA, in a greenhouse at the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center. ‘Ouachita’ blackberry plugs were transplanted into utility pots that contained field soil and growth media treated with preemergence herbicides. After transplanting, plant height was measured from the substrate to the highest apical meristem of 25 representative plants. Initial blackberry plant heights were 13.5 and 9.2 cm in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Twenty-five treatments were evaluated, consisting of 12 preemergence herbicides at 1× and 2× field rates, and one untreated control. Herbicide treatments included diuron, flumioxazin, halosulfuron, indaziflam, mesotrione, napropamide, oryzalin, pendimethalin, rimsulfuron, S-metolachlor, simazine, and sulfentrazone applied to substrate in containers at their respective 1× or 2× field rates. Data were collected on plant height, blackberry injury ratings, internode length, leaf chlorophyll content, and destructive harvest, including leaf count, leaf dry biomass, and aboveground dry biomass. Specific leaf areas and leaf area-to-dry matter ratios were calculated. When observed, plant injury tended to increase from 7 days after treatment (DAT) until 42 DAT. Greater injury levels were observed in response to treatment with mesotrione at the 1× (78%) and 2× rates (90%), halosulfuron at the 1× rate (58%), halosulfuron at the 2× rate (68%), and diuron at the 2× rate (73%). Injury from diuron was rate dependent, with the 1× rate causing relatively low injury (19%). At both the 1× and 2× rates, flumioxazin, indaziflam, napropamide, S-metolachlor, and pendimethalin treatments exhibited similar responses to the untreated control.

Synergies and Trade-offs Between Cultural and Natural Values of Sacred Sites – a Case Study of Ancient Burial Mounds in Central Europe

In the Eurasian steppes, ancient burial mounds called ‘kurgans’ are among the most widespread manmade structures. These sacred sites hold cultural values and often provide safe havens for grassland-related plant species. We established links between kurgans' cultural and natural values through a comprehensive multi-layered evaluation of human and landscape history, cultural attributes, and botanical composition on selected mounds in Hungary, Romania, and Serbia. We evaluated factors that can support or endanger the grasslands on kurgans and assessed whether there are synergies or trade-offs between the presence of cultural and natural values. We found that kurgans act as cultural hotspots in transformed landscapes, and we found the following evidence for the synergies between cultural and natural values: i) Extensive land use and management connected to the cultural functions could considerably contribute to the preservation of grassland specialist plants on the mounds. ii) Over the past three centuries, most grasslands we studied were converted to cropland, but the cultural importance of the kurgans could hinder their destruction through ploughing or construction works. However, we also found that built cultural objects decreased the grassland cover area and supported the establishment and spread of several weedy and invasive species. Consequently, to preserve the valuable biocultural systems, it is essential to focus efforts on the maintenance of the already existing traditional cultural functions and not the establishment of new objects.

Climate change mitigation potentials of wood industry related measures in Hungary

Harvested wood products (HWPs) store a significant amount of carbon while long-lived products and wooden buildings can be among the most effective means for carbon storage. Wood products’ lifetime extension and appropriate waste management, recycling, and reuse can further contribute to the achievement of climate goals. In our study we projected under 10 different scenarios the carbon storage, carbon dioxide and methane emissions of the Hungarian HWP pool up to 2050 in order to find the combination of wood industry-related measures with the highest climate change mitigation effect. For the projection we used the country-specific HWP-RIAL model to predict emissions associated with the end-of-life and waste management of wood products. The main conclusion is that without additional measures the Hungarian HWP pool would turn from a carbon sink to a source of emissions by 2047. To maintain the Hungarian HWP pool to be a continuous carbon sink it is essential to implement additional climate mitigation measures including cascading product value chains, and approaches of a circular bioeconomy. We find the most effective individual measures are increasing product half-life, increasing recycling rate and increasing industrial wood production through increased industrial wood assortments and increased harvest. With the combination of these measures a maximum average annual climate change mitigation potential of 1.5 Mt CO2 equivalents could be reached during the 2022–2050 period.