Farm Treatment Research Articles

Using Soil Water Status Sensors to Optimize Water and Nutrient Use in Melon under Semi-Arid Conditions

Nowadays, agriculture must satisfy the growing demand for food, and increasing its sustainability, from an environmental, economic, and social point of view, is the only way to achieve this. The objective of this study was to increase the water and nutrient use efficiency of a melon crop during two consecutive seasons under commercial conditions, growing under semi-arid area. For this purpose, two treatments were studied: (i) a farmer treatment (FRM), fertigated at ~100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) during the whole growing season; and (ii) a precision irrigation treatment (PI), irrigated by adjusting, between flowering and ripening, the weekly farmer irrigation to minimize the leaching below the root system. The threshold for allowable soil water depletion in the active root uptake zone was set at 20–30%. The cumulative water savings in each year relative to the FRM treatment ranged between 30 and 27% for 2020 and 2021, respectively. Yield was not negatively affected, with no differences in fruit load (fruit per m) or fruit weight (kg) between irrigation treatments, although higher yields were obtained in the second year due to seasonal changes. The crop water status indicators evaluated (stem water potential, net photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance) were not affected by the irrigation treatments. Water and nitrogen productivity, on average, increased by 45.5 and 54.4% during the experimental period, respectively; the average PI ascorbic acid content increased by 33.4%.

Diversity of predators and population Spodoptera frugiperda J.E Smith by application botanical insecticide and intercropping cover crops

Fall armyworm or Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith is one of the invasive pest in maize cultivation. Fall armyworm attacks can cause a decrease in production yields or even a loss of yields at high levels of pest investment. To control S. frugiperda populations, farmers use chemical insecticides to reduce pest populations. In Integrated pest management, preventive action needs to be taken, for example, by managing agroecosystems to increase the diversity of beneficial arthropods and as a control action by using botanical insecticides from plant extract. Therefore, this study aims to find out the effectiveness of various cover crops and application botanical insecticide to increasing the diversity of predators and decreasing S. frugiperda population. The method used in this study was descriptive experimental with a randomized group design consisting of 4 treatments of intercrop, Arachis pintoi (AMB), Portulaca oleracea (PMB), Desmodium triflorum (DMB) and without intercrop as control (MB), all of which were sprayed with botanical insecticides with concentration 5%. As a comparison, observations will be made on the farmer treatment. Data analysis for used ANOVA and those that were significantly different were tested futher with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that the diversity index of predators on AMB was significantly higher than other treatments, while the S. frugiperda population at 8 observations was found most in the MB and farmer treatments but had no significant difference with the other treatments. The attack intensity of S. frugiperda on cover crops and botanical insecticide treatment showed lower results and was significantly different compared to MB and farmer treatment. Our results also show the index value of arthropod diversity in the AMB treatment is higher than the other treatments. We can conclude that agroecosystem management with combination of intercropping cover crops and application botanical insecticide can increase the diversity of predators and decrease population and attack intensity of S. frugiperda in maize cultivation.

The Uji Efikasi Biofungisida Bahan Aktif Streptomyces sp dan Geobacillus sp. Terhadap Intensitas Penyakit Bercak Ungu Pada Bawang Merah (Allium ascalonicum L)

ABSTRACT
 Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) is a leading vegetable commodity in Indonesia which is cultivated in an incentive by farmers. The development of shallot farming in Indonesia is directed at increasing yields, quality of production and income as well as improving the standard of living of farmers. Loss of shallot production can not be separated from the effect of increasing or decreasing the attack of plant pests and diseases. This study aims to determine the concentration of the biofungicide active ingredient Streptomyces sp 1 x 106 cfu/gram and Geobacillus sp 1 x 106 cfu/gram The most effective for controlling purple spot disease on shallots . This research was carried out from November 2021 to January 2022 in Wonodoyo Village, Cepogo District, Boyolali Regency at an altitude of 1,300 masl with brown lithosol soil type. The method used in this study was a non-factorial Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with 5 (five) different biofungicide concentrations. The concentration treatment used is 1.5 gr / liter ( E1 ), 1,25 gr / liter ( E2 ), 1,0 gr / liter ( E3 ), 0,75 gr / liter ( E4 ), and farmer treatment ( E0 ). The results showed that the concentration treatment of the biofungicide active ingredient Streptomyces sp 1 x 106 cfu/gram and Geobacillus sp 1 x 106 cfu/gram gives a very real influence on the parameters of attack intensity Alternaria porri , weight of wet stover, weight of dry stover, weight of dry tuber, and number of leaves . However, it had no significant effect on plant height parameters. The level of effectiveness of the biofungicide active ingredient Streptomyces sp 1 x 106 cfu/gram and Geobacillus sp 1 x 106 cfu/gram on attack intensity parameter The best Alternaria porri was treated with a concentration of 1,50 gr /liter ( E1 ), with an efficacy level of 76.19 %.
 
 Keywords: shallot , biofungicide, Streptomyces, Geobacillus , Alternaria porri.

PENINGKATAN PRODUKTIVITAS PADI MENGGUNAKAN PUPUK HAYATI DI LAHAN PASANG SURUT TIPE B

Rice productivity in tidal land is still low due to the chemical, physical, and biological properties of the soil. The research was carried out in January-May 2020 on tidal land type B, Maluka Baulin Village, Kurau District, Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan Province. The aim of the study was to determine the best combination of fertilizer doses in increasing rice productivity. The treatments included (A) farmer treatment (200 kg urea + 150 kg phonska + 500 kg dolomite)/ha; (B) farmer treatment + liquid fertilizer (6 liters/ha); (C) (200 kg urea + 300 kg phonska + 1,000 kg dolomite + 100 kg KCl + 100 kg SP-36 + 500 kg crumb fertilizer + 6 liters of liquid fertilizer)/ha; and (D) (200 kg urea + 300 kg phonska + 1,000 kg dolomite + 100 kg KCl + 100 kg SP-36 + 250 kg crumb fertilizer + 3 liters of liquid fertilizer)/ha. The treatment used a nested design with four replications. M400 rice seeds were planted with the Jarwo 4:1 system. Observations were made on the chemical properties of the soil before planting, growth and productivity of rice. The results showed that all parameters, except the number of tillers aged 60 DAP and before harvest were strongly influenced by the treatment. The highest productivity resulted from treatment D.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Knowledge Attitude and Practices on African Animal Trypanocide Resistance.

Background: African trypanocide resistance is an emerging public health emergency whose control requires a revisit on farmer’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices in developing countries. African animal trypanocide resistance (AATr) is rife in an environment where drug use and policy decisions are disjointed. The objective of the study was to identify community factors responsible for the development of AATr. This was important since diminazene aceturate (DA), isometamidium chloride (ISM), and homidium bromide (HB) have existed for over 30 years and no new drugs have been provided to farmers. Methods: An electronic keyword search across 12 databases was conducted using a search criterion from 1806 to June 2022. This generated a total of 24 publications, but after removing duplicates, review articles, and nonrelated articles, a total of eight papers were included in the analysis by following the PRISMA checklist. A meta-analysis was conducted on the data extracted and the risk ratio and inverse variance at 95% confidence interval were calculated using RevMan®. Results: All the eight articles in the study showed that DA was the most preferred trypanocide in both West and Eastern Africa. Poor farmer knowledge of AATr and limited drug options were major drivers for trypanocide resistance. In addition, farmer treatments, use of untrained personnel, poor administration, poor dosing, and preparation of trypanocides were major drivers for the development of AATr and similarities were identified in DA and ISM practices (P = 0.13). Conclusions: AATr is spread in developing countries due to a lack of community knowledge, attitudes, and drug-use practices. This situation could be reversed through interdisciplinary collaborations in endemic communities by promoting effective treatments and responsible drug handling.

The Utilization of Fermented Rice Straw Ammoniation Feed (Amofer ) to Increase Body weight Gain of Bali bull in Batu Kuta Lombok Barat

The utilization of rice straw waste as fermented ammonia (Amofer) for cattle farming was done in Desa Batu Kuta Kecamatan Narmada Kabupaten Lombok Barat from April-September 2021 with aims to introduce Amofer feed technology to increase body weight of bulls. The research procedures that have been carried out includes: 1). Amofer feed manufacture by adding ammonia in rice straw (Ammonia Straw), and 2). Amofer feeding management. This study was used 15 Bali bulls with 225 kg – 250 kg of body weights. There are three (3) treatments of Amofer feeding management, namely: R0 = Farmer's treatment (straw+concentrate); R1 = Forage 30% (15% elephant grass + 15% gamal grass) + 69 % Amofer feed + 1 % Concentrate (corn + bran); R2 = Forage 70% (35% elephant grass + 35% gamal grass) + 29 % Amofer feed + 1 % Concentrate (corn + bran). Parameters measured were feed consumption (FC) and daily body weight gain (DBWG). The results showed that the highest of FC was found on Bali bull with R-2 treatment (14.42 kg/each/day), and the highest of DBWG was shown by Bali bull whith R-2 treatment (0.66 kg/each/day). It is concluded, the Amofer feed formula in R2 treatment was more efficiently applied to ruminants with the aim of fattening cattle.

TREATMENT AND USE OF PESTICIDES IN SHALLOT CULTIVATION IN CIREBON REGENCY

ABSTRACT
 Shallots are strategic horticultural crops whose availability is of concern to the government. The availability of shallots depends on production and the success of production is influenced by the use of inputs, including the use of pesticides. Pesticides are poisonous products if they are used not in accordance with the instructions. Therefore, this paper aims to see a portrait of the use of pesticides and the treatment of farmers in shallot cultivation in Cirebon Regency. The survey was held in the first week of September 2020 in 4 sub-districts of shallot producer centers. Primary data collection was carried out by direct interview method using a questionnaire to 22 farmers, which are spread in Gebang, Pabedilan, Losari, and Babakan Districts. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The analysis shows that: (i) pesticides are always used by respondents in every phase of cultivation activities. As a result, the cost of purchasing pesticides is many and varied, even reaching 25% of the total cost of farming; (ii) determining the selection of pesticides is more on one's own experience or seeing the success of other farmers. So there is no need to read the instructions for use on the label and use more than the recommended dose; and (iii) there is still a lack of knowledge on how to use pesticides correctly. Among them are not using personal protective equipment when spraying and blowing directly if the tool is clogged. In order to maintain farmers' health, not damage the environment and buy pesticides according to their needs, it is suggested that the SL-IPM Program needs to be implemented again.

Diversity and abundance of nematodes in soil treated with solarization treatments

Abstract. Putri A H, Indarti S, Harjaka T. 2021. Diversity and abundance of nematodes in soil treated with solarization treatments. Biodiversitas 22: 2612-2618. Solarization is a tillage cultivation technique that influences the presence of nematodes in agricultural land. This research aims to determine the solarization effect on soil temperature and nematode abundance and diversity in the soil. Observations on species, diversity, and abundance of the nematodes were performed at the Nematology Laboratory, Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used with six treatments and three replications. Meanwhile, the treatment groups were based on solarization duration (in days) on the soil which includes A(3), B(7), C(14) D (30), and K0 (control, without solarization) and K1 ( control, farmer treatment). Field observations were performed to measure soil temperature, moisture, and pH. Nematodes were analyzed in the laboratory to determine the genus, abundance, and diversity. Furthermore, extracted plant-parasitic nematodes were isolated by using the whitehead tray method while the entomopathogenic group was isolated using the baiting method. The results showed the differences in tillage treatment and solarization affect soil temperature (diversity and abundance). A polynomial regression model explained the relationship between increased solarization time and soil temperature. The highest soil temperature was found in cultivated land and solarization land for 14 days (41.0oC) and the lowest was in the treatment of farmers (33.67oC). The lowest abundance was found at 14 days solarization, namely 286 individuals/100g, and the diversity index value of 1.37. The highest diversity index was found in the treatment of farmers with an index value of 1.75. The solarization treatment is best applied in the field for 14 days.

Zasady opodatkowania dochodów i obrotów ze sprzedaży produktów wytwarzanych w gospodarstwach rolnych

The analysis of the applicable regulations leads to the conclusion that the system of taxation of farmers’ income is complex. The author points out different definitions of agricultural activity for the purposes of income tax and value added tax. The legislator makes the classification of agricultural income among individual sources of income for the purposes of personal income tax dependent on whether they are processed or unprocessed products and on the method of their processing. The differences in the treatment of farmers’ revenues for the purposes of income tax overlap with the tax obligations with regard to value added tax and excise tax.

PEMBERIAN BEBERAPA JENIS PUPUK ORGANIK DAN KEUNTUNGAN EKONOMI PADA BUDIDAYA PADI SAWAH DI KABUPATEN PIDIE

The objectives of this study is to analysis the affectivities and rate of efficiencies of using organic fertilizer in rice cultivation. The research treatment was implemented atlowland rice ofMali Guyui village, Subdistrict of Sakti, Pidie District Province of Aceh. Study started in May to September 2018 had executed at irrigation rice field farm property of farmer with the treatment formation: (1) Manure, (2) Straw compost and (3) Treatment of farmer. The result of study showed that the highest grain yield was obtained at higher straw compost treatment of 800 kg/ha (11.11%) compared with the pattern of the farmers, and 640 kg/ha (8.69%) compared with manure treatment. The result of economic analysis showed that the level of benefits obtained by treatment of hay is higher IDR 580,600,- (7.42%) compared with the treatment of farmers with their conventional manures and the application of hay also bring the higher benefits IDR 1,582,480,- (23.19%) compared with chemical manure treatment. 
 
 Key words :Rice, organic fertilizer, economic benefit

Vegetative and reproductive response of ‘Prime Giant’ sweet cherry trees to regulated deficit irrigation

The agronomic response of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) ‘Prime Giant’ to a 4 year-long experiment involving deficit irrigation strategies in a Mediterranean climate was studied in a commercial orchard located in the southeast of Spain (Jumilla, Spain). Four drip irrigation treatments were imposed: (i) control treatment (CTL), irrigated without restrictions at 110% of seasonal crop evapotranspiration (ETc); (ii) sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) treatment irrigated at 85% ETc during pre-harvest and post-harvest periods and at 100% ETc during floral differentiation; (iii) regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) treatment irrigated at 100% ETc during pre-harvest and floral differentiation and at 55% ETc during post-harvest, and (iv) farmer treatment (FRM), irrigated according to the farmer’s normal practice. The crop’s response to the different irrigation treatments was analyzed in relation to tree water status. Soil water deficit reduced tree midday stem water potential (Ψstem), stomatal conductance (gs) and net photosynthesis (Pn). Branch maximum daily shrinkage (MDS) responded rapidly to irrigation changes during pre-harvest and post-harvest. The lowest Ψstem values were reached by SDI during pre-harvest and by RDI and FRM during post-harvest. RDI did not lead to Ψstem water potentials falling to below the threshold of −1.6 MPa in any season, although, FRM caused, Ψstem to fall below −1.8 MPa in 2017.RDI reduced vegetative growth and did not cause significant lower yields or fruit quality. However, with SDI there was a trend towards smaller fruits and a slightly higher soluble solid content. Post-harvest deficit irrigation increased water productivity without penalizing fruit yield or the quality parameters studied, and allowed water savings of 39% compared to CTL at a time when other fruit tree species require more water. Moreover, RDI and SDI led to significantly less cracking incidence and a lower cracking index, which could extend fruit shelf life.

PENGENDALIAN CROCIDOLOMIA PAVONANA PADA TANAMAN KUBIS SECARA TERPADU

Research on the integrated control of Crocidolomia pavonana on cabbage aims to test various cabbage cultivation techniques, namely the use of organic fertilizers, botanical insecticides, and multiple croping. This research was conducted in Paslaten Sub-District, Tomohon City, from January 2011 to January 2012. The parameters observed included the percentage of attacks, cabbage production, profit analysis of organic and non- organic cultivation, measurement of climate parameters, analysis of total soil N content, total N content of fertilizer organic foliage and chicken manure. This experiment used a randomized block design (RBD) with orthogonal contrast with eleven (11) treatments and four (4) replications. The results showed that the highest attack percentage at 6 mst was found in mitraflora + B. asiatica fertilizer treatment 12.5% chicken manure + B. asiatica 7.14%, farmer habit patterns 5.36%, and campus organic fertilizer treatment + B asiatica 1.79%. The highest percentage of attacks at 8 mst was found in the treatment of mitraflora + B. asiatica fertilizer 37.5%, chicken manure + B. asiatica 26.79%, campus organic fertilizer + B. asiatica 16.07%, farmers' habit patterns 7.14%. The highest attack percentage at 10 mst was found in mitraflora + B. asiatica fertilizer treatment 21.43%, farmer habit pattern treatment 16.07%, chicken manure + B. asiatica 12.5%, campus organic fertilizer + B. asiatica 10, 71%. The highest cabbage production was produced by the treatment of farmers' habit patterns, namely 42.8 kg / plot, followed by the treatment of campus organic fertilizer + B. asiatica with a production rate of 34.6 kg / plot, treatment of chicken manure + B. asiatica 29.5 kg / plot, fertilizer treatment mitraflora + B. asiatica 27.8 kg / plot.

Assessment of different ETO-Dependent Irrigation Levels for Pomegranate on Saving Water and Energy and Maximizing Farm Income

Field experiments were conducted on drip–irrigated pomegranate (Punicagranatum L.) trees grown in a private farm at kilometer 76 Cairo/Alexandria Desert Road, Egypt during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. The site represents newly reclaimed sandy soil at the west of Nile Delta region. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of different ETo-dependent irrigation levels on amounts of applied irrigation water, water consumptive use, fruit yield and its components, fruit quality, water use efficiency, water productivity, and to develop a local pomegranate crop coefficient (Kc) and yield response factor (Ky) under the experimental conditions, as well as the effect on saving energy and increasing farm income. Four irrigation treatments (120, 100 and 80, and 60% ETo) were compared to farmer irrigation practice. The experimental treatments were laid out in strip plot design with four replicates. Results indicated that distribution uniformity values, conducted at the beginning of each season, were 88 and 90 % in 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. The 2–season average amounts of applied irrigation water for the 120, 100, 80, and 60% ETo and farmer treatment were 13520, 11270, 9020, 6760, and 18075 m3 ha-1, respectively. Average values of total fruit yield were 40.2, 38.6, 36.9, 23.8, and 31.8-ton ha-1 for the same respective treatments. The highest fruit diameter and weight were produced from irrigation with 120% ETo. The Kc values for the 120% ETo irrigation treatment were 0.14-0.45, 0.45-0.79, 0.79-1.05, and 1.05-0.76 for initial, crop development, mid- and late-season growth stages, respectively. Results showed that pomegranate yield response factor (Ky) was 0.81 indicating that pomegranate trees are moderately tolerant to water stress. Application of the proposed irrigation treatments reduced consumed energy by values varied from 25 to 62% compared with farmer irrigation. The 2-year average net income values of the 120, 100, 80, and 60% ETo irrigation treatments were 117, 106, 91, and 3% higher than that of farmer practice. Under the experiment circumstances it could be concluded that, irrigating pomegranate trees at 80% ETo level saves 9055 m3/ha of applied irrigation water and 50% of the electric energy In addition, the highest figures of water use efficiency (4.7 kg fruits/m3 water consumed), water productivity (4.1 kg fruits/m3 water applied), and net income (91% more), were achieved compared with farmer practice.

Produksi Tiga Varietas Kedelai Akibat Aplikasi Pupuk Hayati

<p>Soybean production at farmer level is still low, which ranges between 0.6-2.0 ton ha-1and average of 1.3 ton ha-1. Meanwhile, yield potential shows up to 3.0 ton ha-1. This big yield gap present an opportunity to increase yield through productivity approach, as well as other treatment including the use of inorganic and bio-fertilizers. An experimet has been executed to observe the production of 3 soybean varieties as affected by inorganic fertilizer and bio-fertilizer. The experiment was implemented at the Sugihan village, of the sub-district of Toroh, at Grobogan district, Central Java, in June – Sept 2014. The experiment was arranged in nested design with 2 factors, namely fertilization and variety, and in 3 replications. Three levels of fertilization were (1) Control (= ½ Recommended dose, i.e.Urea (25 kg ha-1), SP-36 (50 kg ha-1), and KCl (50 kg ha-1), (2) Fertilizer A (= Control + F-1 Biofertilizer), and (3) Fertilizer B (=Control + commercial biofertilizer). Meanwhile, varieties of soybean used were Grobogan, Gema and Dering. The trials were implemented in 2 lands with different history, i.e. former land of rice plants that are subjected to site-specific nutrient fertilization (PHSL) and former land of rice plants with farmer treatment (Non-PHSL). The result showed that there is no significant difference caused by interaction between variety and fertilizer factors. Soybean variety was found to be main factor determining production level, while fertilizer treatment showed no significant effect on yield. The highest production (observed through square plot method) was found from Grobogan variety. Weight of 100 grain was identified as yield component with strongest correlation to soybean yield. </p>

Cultivation in Rice Straw and Other Natural Treatments as an Eco-Friendly Methyl Bromide Alternative in Head Lettuce Production

The present investigation deals with finding natural alternatives to methyl bromide in order to reduce its environmental damage in greenhouse grown head lettuce plants (lactuca sativa L.) seedlings (cv. ‘Big Bell’). Five treatments were evaluated to find a better natural methyl bromide (MBr) alternative which are, cultivation in local materials using rice straw bales as a cultivation medium, using of hot water injection into soil to control soil pathogens, using a mix of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis as a biological control treatment, in comparison with chemical control with one of MBr chemical alternatives (Basamid®) and Control (farmer treatment). Cultivation in rice straw was superior in head diameter, head length, head fresh weight and head dry weight than all the other treatments. While chemical alternative was advanced in only head total soluble solids content (TSS) and chlorophyll content. Both chemical alternative (Basamid) and cultivation in rice straw had the highest values of plant survival rate, head potassium content, and both total and marketable yield (Kg/m2) followed by the other natural MBr alternatives which also had a significant positive effect on plant vegetative growth in comparison with control treatment (farmer treatment). Also, there was no detected significant effect of the studied treatments on stem diameter, L‑ascorbic acid (vitamin C), nitrogen and phosphorus content

A study to examine the relationship between metritis severity and depletion of oxytetracycline in plasma and milk after intrauterine infusion.

Metritis is a frequent problem in postpartum dairy cows. Intrauterine therapy with the antimicrobial oxytetracycline (OTC) is often used, although this therapy has not been shown to be superior to systemic therapy. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the plasma and milk concentrations of OTC following intrauterine infusion in postpartum dairy cows with varying degrees of metritis severity; (2) determine the depletion time of OTC in an attempt to provide veterinarians withdrawal guidelines, should they use this therapy; and (3) correlate metritis severity scores with OTC concentrations in plasma and milk. Our hypothesis was that cows with more severe metritis would have higher OTC concentrations in milk following intrauterine therapy. Thirty-two cows were selected to participate in the study after farm personnel had determined that they had metritis based on evaluation of vaginal discharge between 4 and 14 DIM, in accordance with the farm's treatment protocols. Metritis scores (1-4) were assigned based on a published scheme: 1 represented yellow-to-orange thick discharge or translucent mucus with no fetid smell; 2 represented blood-tinged vaginal mucus, slightly watery, with little or no fetid smell; 3 represented red to red/brown watery discharge with moderate fetid smell; and 4 represented red to red/brown watery discharge containing pieces of placenta and an intense fetid smell. Trial cows received a single treatment of 4g of OTC (approximately 6.7mg/kg) via intrauterine infusion. Blood samples were collected over 96h, and milk samples were collected before intrauterine therapy and 3 times a day for 4 d following infusion. Following treatment, OTC rapidly diffused to plasma and subsequently to milk. Maximum OTC concentrations in plasma and milk occurred within the first 24h following intrauterine infusion, and 25 of the 32 cows had detectable OTC concentrations in milk at 4 d after intrauterine infusion. Cows with clinical metritis (metritis severity scores of 3 or 4) at the initiation of treatment were significantly and positively correlated with higher milk OTC concentrations at the second [time (T)9 h; r=0.43], fourth (T25 h; r=0.42), and fifth milking following treatment (T33 h; r=0.38) compared with cows with normal vaginal discharge. We also observed a positive correlation between initial metritis score and milk maximum concentration (r=0.36) and milk area under the concentration curve (r=0.36). Given that intrauterine administration of OTC is an extra-label therapy, dairy producers should consult with their veterinarian to ensure that milk is being tested at or below the established tolerance for OTC. This will ensure that violative drug residues do not enter the human food supply.

Stress and Burnout Among Finnish Dairy Farmers

ABSTRACTPsychosocial risks among farmers have increasingly been examined because of the ongoing changes in agriculture, such as restructuring of the industry, transition from family farming towards entrepreneurship, and climate change. The aims of the study were to determine the stressors, prevalence of stress and burnout, and variables associated with these symptoms among Finnish dairy farmers. In total 265 respondents completed a postal survey; their average age was 48 years, 44% were females and 56% males. The farms of the survey sample were larger (54 field hectares, 29 cows) than an average farm in Finland (37 hectares, 24 cows) in 2010. The most common stressors were external, such as “agricultural policy of the EU” (European Union) and “the treatment of farmers in society and the media.” In addition, common stressors were related to farm and work, e.g., “amount of work,” unpredictability, and “animal diseases.” The prevalence of stress (42%) was found to have increased compared with earlier studies and was greater than among the general working population. All respondents as a group were classified as having slight symptoms of burnout, and one tenth (9%) of dairy farmers had experienced severe burnout. Stressors related to the workload and health were associated with stress and burnout symptoms. Also, a poor economic situation and loneliness were related to stress. Burnout correlated with a tie stall barn type and with a farm not being involved in the milk production record system. Factors protecting against burnout included positive features of the work and living environment. The study revealed changes during the past decade and new features of the well-being at work on dairy farms in Finland.

EFFECT OF DEFICIT IRRIGATION AND RAISED BED ON WHEAT YIELD , WATER PRODUCTIVITY AND WATER SAVING IN NORTH NILE DELTA, EGYPT

The limitation of water resources and the remarkable increase in population should be forced research workers to find ways for saving water without significant reduction in yield. The objective of this paper is to study the interaction effect of deficit irrigation and raised bed on wheat yield, water productivity and water saving in north Nile delta, Egypt. Two field experiments were conducted at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Kafr El-Sheikh governorate during the two successive seasons of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014. A split plot design with four replications was used. Irrigation treatments occupied the main plots, while planting methods arranged in sub-plots. Three planting methods were flat (traditional method, F1), bed 70cm wide (F2) and raised bed 140cm wide (F3). Four deficit irrigation treatments were irrigated every 21 days (farmer treatment, I1); the second one after 60% (I2) , the third one after 70% (I3) and the fourth one after 80% (I4) depletion of available soil moisture (ASMD). Results showed that mean of amount of irrigation water applied for DI1, DI2, DI3 and DI4 were 4759.2, 4497.6, 3808.8, and 3360.0 m3/ha., respectively, and means of water table contribution to ETc were 559.2 and 765.6 m3/ha. for I3 and I4 , respectively. Means of irrigation water applied were 4524, 4034.4 and 3763.2 m3/ha. for F1, F2 and F3, respectively. F3 and F2 saved 17% and 11% of irrigation water compared with F1, respectively. F3 significantly increased grain and straw yields by 16 and 18% compared to F1. The interaction between DI2 and F3 and between DI1 and F1 resulted in higher grain and straw yields. Means values of water productivity were 5.7, 6.1 and 6.1 L.E /m3 correspond to 1.2 , 1.18 and 1.5 kg grain/m3 water applied for F1, F2 and F3 respectively .

Remote management of deficit irrigation in almond trees based on maximum daily trunk shrinkage. Water relations and yield

This study assesses the usefulness of the remote scheduling of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) in almond based on the maximum daily trunk shrinkage signal intensity (SIMDS). The 2-year experiment was carried out in SE Spain on 12-year-old almond trees (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb cv. Guara). Four irrigation treatments were established to evaluate soil–plant water status, yield and water productivity: (i) control treatment (CTL), irrigated to satisfy the maximum crop water requirements (ETc), (ii) RDI1 and (iii) RDI2, both established to maintain different target thresholds of SIMDS according to the phenological stage and (iv) farmer treatment (FRM), irrigated by the grower according to his own experience. In 2009 and 2010 strategies 1.3-2.2-1.6 (SIMDS target threshold for each tree development stages II–III, IV and V, respectively) and 1.6-2.8-1.6 were applied in RDI1, respectively, and strategies 1.0-2.8-1.3 and 1.0-3.2-1.0 in RDI2. A supervisory control and data acquisition platform (SCADA) was created to monitor and remotely manage the irrigation scheduling. The obtained results indicate that SIMDS is a suitable parameter for irrigation scheduling throughout the growing season. The greater or lesser accuracy of fit of the measured SIMDS values to the thresholds depended on the phenological stage and the target stress intensity. SIMDS threshold values higher than 2.8, which involve midday stem water potential (Ψstem) values lower than −1.9MPa, were not suitable for almond irrigation management under our growing conditions. SIMDS-based RDI strategies were able to generate moderate to severe water stress in almond trees, which resulted in seasonal water savings around 50%. RDI strategies proved to be more cost-effective than full irrigation and farmer deficit irrigation treatment given the high price of irrigation water.

Yield Response of Drip-Irrigated Onion under Full and Deficit Irrigation with Saline Water in Arid Regions of Tunisia

A two-year study was conducted in arid region of Tunisia to evaluate the effects of deficit irrigation regimes with saline water on soil salinity, yield, and water use efficiency of onion grown in a commercial farm on a sandy soil and drip-irrigated with water having an of 3.6 dS/m. Irrigation treatments consisted in water replacements of accumulated at levels of 100% (SWB-100, full irrigation), 80% (DI-80), 60% (DI-60), when the readily available water in the control treatment (SWB-100) is depleted, deficit irrigation during ripening stage (SWB100-MDI60) and farmer method corresponding to irrigation practices implemented by the local farmers. Results on onion production and soil salinization are globally coherent between the two-year experiments and show significant difference between irrigation regimes. Higher soil salinity was maintained in the root zone with DI-60 and farmer treatments than full irrigation (SWB-100). SWB100-MDI60 and DI-80 treatments resulted also in low values. No significant differences were observed in bulbs fresh and dry yields, bulbs number·ha−1and weight from the comparison between full irrigation (SWB-100) and deficit treatments (DI-80, SWB100-MDI60). DI-60 irrigation treatment caused significant reductions in the four parameters considered in comparison with SWB-100. The farmer method caused significant reductions in yield components and resulted in increase of water usage 45 and 33% in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Water use efficiency was found to vary significantly among treatments, where the highest and the lowest values were observed for DI-60 and farmer treatments, respectively. The full irrigation (SWB-100) and deficit irrigation (DI-80 and SWB100-MDI60) strategies were found to be a useful practice for scheduling onion irrigation with saline water under the arid Mediterranean conditions of southern Tunisia.