Farming Areas Research Articles

Impacts of Large-Scale Offshore Wind Farms on Tropical Cyclones: A Case Study of Typhoon Hato

Abstract With the rising global demand for renewable energy sources, a great number of offshore wind farms are being built worldwide, as well as in the northern South China Sea. There is, however, limited research on the impact of offshore wind farms on the atmospheric and marine environment, particularly tropical cyclones, which frequently occur in summertime in the South China Sea. In this paper, we employ the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model to investigate the impacts of large-scale offshore wind farms on tropical cyclones, using the case of Typhoon Hato, which caused severe damage in 2017. Model results reveal that maximum wind speeds in coastal areas decrease by 3–5 m s−1 and can reach a maximum of 8 m s−1. Furthermore, the wind farms change low-level moisture convergence, causing a shift in the precipitation center toward the wind farm area and causing a significant overall reduction (up to 16%) in precipitation. Model sensitivity experiments on the area and layout of the wind farm have been carried out. The results show that larger wind farm areas and denser turbine layouts cause a more substantial decrease in the wind speed over the coast and accumulated precipitation reduction, further corroborating our findings. Significance Statement This study holds significant implications for developing offshore wind farms in tropical cyclone-prone regions like the South China Sea. By focusing on Typhoon Hato as a case study, the research sheds light on the previously understudied relationship between large-scale offshore wind farms and tropical cyclones. The observed decrease in coastal wind speeds and altered precipitation patterns due to wind farm presence highlights the potential for mitigating cyclone-related risks in these regions. Additionally, the study’s sensitivity experiments underscore the importance of careful planning and design in optimizing wind farm layouts for maximum impact reduction. This research contributes vital insights into sustainable energy infrastructure development while minimizing environmental and meteorological risks in cyclone-prone areas.

Forecasting the impact of marine heat waves on farmed bivalves Nodipecten nodosus and Magallana gigas

Marine heat waves are considered a threat to the cultivation of commercially important species because exposure to thermal stress may lead to mass mortalities of organisms. Investigating the upper thermal limits of marine species and their capacity for shifting these limits can contribute to securing the sustainability of aquaculture activities as exposure to heat extremes is increasing in frequency. The scallop Nodipecten nodosus and oyster Magallana [Crassostrea] gigas are two bivalve species commercially farmed in Brazil and production of spat is undertaken mainly at two hatcheries located in different regions subjected to distinct climate and seawater temperature conditions over the year. This study investigated the upper thermal tolerance of populations of N. nodosus and M. gigas sourced from temperate and tropical farming areas. Groups of N. nodosus and M. gigas farmed under warmer temperature regimes exhibited lower mortality rates when exposed to elevated temperatures compared to groups sourced from cooler waters and consequently displayed higher values of lethal temperature 50 (LT50). N. nodosus exhibited superior thermal tolerance than was previously known, however, commercial cultivation of this species is still at risk of mass mortalities depending on the duration and intensity of forecasted heat waves in both cultivation regions. M. gigas showed a high capacity to endure acute thermal stress at the resting stage of the reproductive cycle. To enhance the aquaculture sector's resilience to climate change, we recommend the development of cultivation methods that account for marine and atmospheric heat wave events, alongside continuous monitoring of abiotic factors at farming sites.

Climate and Soil Geochemistry Influence the Soil Organic Carbon Content in Drylands of the Songliao Plain, Northeast China

AbstractThe understanding of the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its influencing factors is crucial for comprehending the global carbon cycle. However, the impact of soil geochemical and climatic conditions on SOC remains limited, particularly in dryland farming areas. In this study, we aimed to enhance the understanding of the factors influencing the distribution of SOC in the drylands of the Songliao Plain, Northeast China. A dataset comprising 35,188 measured soil samples was used to map the SOC distribution in the region. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest models (RFM) were employed to assess the importance of driving indicators for SOC. We also carried out partial correlation and path analyses to further investigate the relationship between climate and geochemistry. The SOC content in dryland soils of the Songliao Plain ranged from 0.05% to 11.63%, with a mean value of 1.47% ± 0.90%. There was a notable increasing trend in SOC content from the southwest to the northeast regions. The results of MLR and RFM revealed that temperature was the most critical factor, demonstrating a significant negative correlation with SOC content. Additionally, iron oxide was the most important soil geochemical indicator affecting SOC variability. Our research further suggested that climate may exert an indirect influence on SOC concentrations through its effect on geochemical properties of soil. These insights highlight the importance of considering both the direct and indirect impact of climate in predicting the SOC under future climate change.

Developing organic farming areas to achieve ESG principles

Abstract Considering consumer demand for eco-friendly and safe food products, and the desire to comply with ESG principles, the authors need to study priority methods and directions for developing organic agriculture. The article aims at determining promising directions for developing organic agriculture to achieve ESG principles. This research employed methods of analysis of documents and scientific articles, online expert survey and statistical method for checking the reliability during the process of information collection. The authors systematized the results obtained into groups depending on the method of agricultural production in organic agriculture: organic, organo-biological, biodynamic, biological (ecological), and integrated. After ranking them, the authors determined the areas of organic agriculture that require priority development. This research has practical significance for government authorities, business structures, farmers and other stakeholders as it can aid in development of government programs to support organic agriculture entities in Kazakhstan and other countries with similar conditions to achieve ESG principles.

Role Of Cooperatives In Promoting Organic Farming In Uttar Pradesh

The shift toward organic farming in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, has been accelerating in recent years. Cooperatives are playing a critical role in this transformation by providing farmers with the necessary support for adopting organic practices. This research paper examines the role of cooperatives in promoting organic farming in Uttar Pradesh, using data from 2024, to understand their impact on agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and farmer income. The paper presents a detailed analysis of the various initiatives undertaken by cooperatives, and government interventions, and highlights the challenges and opportunities for future expansion. Latest data is provided through tables that detail organic farming area, farmer participation, and cooperative initiatives.

Farmers’ Perception and Financial Profitability of Mustard Production in Bangladesh

The study was undertaken to assess farmers’ perception and explore the factors affecting farmers’ decision to adopt mustard production along with estimate financial profitability and identify potentials and problems of mustard production. Based on stratified random sampling, 120 farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from different villages of Ullahpara upazila under Sirajganj district of Bangladesh. A combination of descriptive statistics, mathematical and statistical technique was used to analyze the data and to achieve the objectives. The study depicts that the highest number of the respondents (35%) belong to the 31-45 age group. Seventy two percent respondents were small farmers having land less than 1.0 hectare and they allocated 34% of their farm area for mustard production. Financial profitability analysis shows that mustard production was profitable on both variable cost and total cost basis and its benefit cost ratio (BCR) was more than one. In case of farmers perception, it was revealed that short duration crop, consumers’ preferences, product price, extension services and sharing of work among household members were the main driving factors for mustard production. Applying dichotomous logistic regression model, four factors namely, farmers’ age, number of family members, experience and farm size were found as significant determinants of adoption of mustard production. Large domestic market, limited use of high-yielding varieties, growing demand for mustard oil and attack of pests and diseases were found as important strength, weakness, opportunities and threats of mustard production, respectively. Finally, the study recommends that there are ample opportunities to enhance mustard production by ensuring access to quality seeds, adopting new technologies, securing fair prices, providing input subsidies, and improving institutional credit facilities with favorable terms and conditions. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 38(1): 65-80, 2024

Geographic Analysis of Distribution and Development of Goat Farms

This study investigates the distribution and development of goat farms in Limapuluh Kota District with two main objectives: (a) to map the spatial distribution and development areas of goat farms, and (b) to enhance the capacity of the goat population within the district. Spatial analysis was conducted using ArcGIS 10.9, Location Quotient, and Shift Share Analysis to identify key areas for goat farm distribution and development. The capacity of livestock populations was evaluated through the CIRP method using Microsoft Excel, based on potential land resources. Secondary data from 2017 to 2021 on goat farm production was sourced from the Livestock and Animal Health Service Office and BPS Limapuluh Kota. Results indicated that goat farms are primarily concentrated in the Harau, Suliki, and Bukit Barisan Districts, while the Mungka, Payakumbuh, Guguak, Lareh Sago Halaban, and Kapur Sembilan Districts are identified as development areas. The Situjuh Limo Nagari, Luak, Akabiluru, and Pangkalan Koto Baru Districts are classified as consolidation areas, and the Gunuang Omeh District serves as a supporting area. The analysis highlights that 13 districts have potential for boosting the goat population, whereas Situjuh Limo Nagari and Guguak are categorized in the low group due to their goat population being below the threshold of 200 LU.

Technological aspects of growing commercial trout on the basis of IP «Ak Balyk»

The materials for the preparation of the article were based on samples and observations taken at the stage of entering the IP "white fish".Research on this topic was carried out using hydrochemical methods, production technologies and evaluation of fish products.As a result of the study, it was found that:1. A fish pond with an area of 1.2 hectares, an average depth of about two meters with a fresh water supply of 16 liters/ sec.2. A basin area with a total water volume of 985.8 m3 and a water exchange rate of 46 l/sec, for commercial trout cultivation.There are no sources of anthropogenic impact and factors negatively affecting the ecology of the environment in the fish farming area of IP "Ak Balyk".According to hydrochemical indicators, the water on the farm meets the requirements for fish farming.

Influence of increasing noise at the offshore wind farm area on fish vocalization phenology: A long-term marine acoustical monitoring off the foremost offshore wind farm in Taiwan

The rapid increase of offshore projects at Taiwan Strait in recent decade has been debated for elevated noise levels. However, there are no studies on long-term assessment of noise levels and impact of noise on marine organisms. The passive acoustic monitoring was conducted at the foremost wind farm area in Taiwan to assess the sound levels and the impact of noise on fish vocalization behavior. Predominately, in the soundscape around the Taiwan Strait, two chorusing types (Type 1 and Type 2) from the Sciaenid family of fishes exist. Ambient sound levels significantly increased from 2014 to 2019, while the chorusing Types 1 and 2 were observed in a lower percentage of the recordings. Additionally, chorusing peak intensity and duration significantly reduced over the years for both choruses. This is the first field-based evidence to demonstrate the consequences of increasing anthropogenic noise having the potential to alter the vocalization behavior of the fish.

Pesticide contamination patterns in Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) chicks.

Biomonitoring of persistent pesticides in birds of prey has been carried out for decades, but few studies have investigated their relevance for the monitoring of non-persistent pesticides. Herein, we determined the contamination patterns of multiple pesticides in Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) chicks in an intensive farming area of southwestern France. Blood samples from 55 chicks belonging to 22 nests in 2021 were assessed for 104 compounds (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, safeners and synergists). All chicks had at least one herbicide in their blood, and half had at least two compounds. The 28 compounds detected comprised 10 herbicides, 12 fungicides, 5 insecticides and 1 synergist. Mixtures in blood were predominantly composed of herbicides, and six chicks presented a mixture of the three pesticide classes. The most prevalent compounds were sulcotrione (96% of chicks), tebutam (44%) and chloridazon (31%), of which the latter two had been banned in France for 19 and 3years, respectively, at the time of sampling. Most compounds are considered non-acutely toxic, but sulcotrione is potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic, raising questions about the effects on the health of nestlings. Biomonitoring of multiple pesticides through Montagu's harrier chicks in agroecosystems is clearly relevant because it reflects the general pattern of agricultural pesticide use in the study area. It also raises questions about exposure pathways in chicks, and further investigations are needed to disentangle the roles of dietary routes and maternal transfer for the established pesticide contamination patterns.

Complex network analysis for accident causes modelling to enhance process safety in chemical enterprises

AbstractHazardous chemicals often cause catastrophic accidents, and accidents often result from intricate interactions among various causes. Due to the varying risk factors in different areas of chemical enterprises, to achieve more precise prevention, a more detailed study of the accident risk factors in each area is necessary. Therefore, this study focuses on analyzing critical accident causes and their interrelationships in different functional areas of chemical enterprises to enhance process safety by using a complex network model. Based on 90 accident information, complex network models are constructed for hazardous chemical warehouse areas (HCWAs), tank farm areas (TFAs), and production areas (PAs). Subsequently, a topological analysis of the complex network models is conducted. Based on the PageRank algorithm, 13 critical nodes are identified for HCWAs, while 14 for TFAs and 13 for PAs. Node degree analysis with confidence quantifies mutual influences, forming critical accident causal links for each area. The research results offer decision support for precise accident risk control, aiding in reducing future accidents and improving process system safety in chemical enterprises.

Challenges in Agrobiodiversity Maintenance in Southwest Bangladesh: An Intersectional Analysis

Guided by the intersectional approach, the objective of the paper is to engage gender as an analytical variable across class and spatial inequalities to explore agrobiodiversity maintenance. The paper dwells on challenges faced, and factors influencing agrobiodiversity choices and its maintenance. Data was collected from a survey of 343 households, 14 focus group discussions conducted in seven villages, and in-depth interviews with 30 research participants in Southwest Bangladesh. The findings show that challenges in maintaining agrobiodiversity and its choices are gender, class, and spatially differentiated within the context of environmental change. The challenges faced by rural households in maintaining agrobiodiversity are not linear and straightforward and poor women are inclined to make choices to ensure food security and wellbeing of the family. Therefore, understanding how overlapping inequalities in rural farming areas experiencing environmental change is key to the design of agrobiodiversity-based solutions towards food security for the poor.

Preventing illegal seafood trade using machine-learning assisted microbiome analysis

BackgroundSeafood is increasingly traded worldwide, but its supply chain is particularly prone to frauds. To increase consumer confidence, prevent illegal trade, and provide independent validation for eco-labelling, accurate tools for seafood traceability are needed. Here we show that the use of microbiome profiling (MP) coupled with machine learning (ML) allows precise tracing the origin of Manila clams harvested in areas separated by small geographic distances. The study was designed to represent a real-world scenario. Clams were collected in different seasons across the most important production area in Europe (lagoons along the northern Adriatic coast) to cover the known seasonal variation in microbiome composition for the species. DNA extracted from samples underwent the same depuration process as commercial products (i.e. at least 12 h in open flow systems).ResultsMachine learning-based analysis of microbiome profiles was carried out using two completely independent sets of data (collected at the same locations but in different years), one for training the algorithm, and the other for testing its accuracy and assessing the temporal stability signal. Briefly, gills (GI) and digestive gland (DG) of clams were collected in summer and winter over two different years (i.e. from 2018 to 2020) in one banned area and four farming sites. 16S DNA metabarcoding was performed on clam tissues and the obtained amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) table was used as input for ML MP. The best-predicting performances were obtained using the combined information of GI and DG (consensus analysis), showing a Cohen K-score > 0.95 when the target was the classification of samples collected from the banned area and those harvested at farming sites. Classification of the four different farming areas showed slightly lower accuracy with a 0.76 score.ConclusionsWe show here that MP coupled with ML is an effective tool to trace the origin of shellfish products. The tool is extremely robust against seasonal and inter-annual variability, as well as product depuration, and is ready for implementation in routine assessment to prevent the trade of illegally harvested or mislabeled shellfish.

Investigation of Fasciola gigantica in freshwater snail Radix (Lymnaea) spp. In the highly parasite-prevalent area of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

ABSTRACT This study investigates the distribution of the Lymnaea (Radix) spp. in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeast Thailand, where a vast cattle farming area is located and has a high prevalence of Fasciola spp. in the cattle. By random selection, 1,414 snails were collected from the natural and man-made ponds. The snails were recorded for morphology and processed for DNA isolation. The snail species were investigated by conventional PCR using a 16S rDNA-specific primer. The result demonstrated that all collected snails were R. (L.) rubiginosa. Moreover, the infection of Fasciola gigantica in the snails was investigated by PCR using a cytochrome c oxidase I (COX1)-specific primer. The results illustrated that the overall prevalence was 22.5% (318/1414), with the highest prevalence in the Nong Sa Rai subdistrict at 73.6% (81/110), which is the highest prevalence of Fasciola gigantica in the snail host that has ever been reported. The lowest prevalence existed in the Pong Ta Long subdistrict at 3.7% (4/109). Our results corresponded to the previous report on the Fasciola spp. infection in the cattle from this area, and the geographical analysis revealed that the most suspected factor would be the earth dam located in these subdistricts, where many animals live freely during the day. Our findings could be helpful for further parasite control and could trigger the study of the biology and associated factors in the future.

Edukasi dan Pelatihan Penanaman Hydroponik, Solusi Pemanfaatan Lahan Sempit Pemukiman Padat

Hydroponic planting education and training is an activity carried out to answer the needs of residents for the problem of decreasing agricultural land which makes food in the market very volatile. The hydroponic farming system provides an alternative solution for residents to be able to garden without having to have a large area of land. This education and training introduces the hydroponic farming method starting from planting media, seedlings, maintenance and harvesting. As a result of this education and training, the community can begin to understand the importance of utilizing the narrow land in residential areas as a farming area with hydroponic methods.

Foraging of Honeybees from Different Ecological Areas Determined through Melissopalynological Analysis and DNA Metabarcoding.

The environment significantly impacts the lives of bees and their feeding. This study aimed to investigate bee foraging using melissopalynological analysis and DNA metabarcoding in intensive farming, reserved, and urbanized areas. The highest alpha diversity was observed in the reserved and intensive farming areas. The urbanized area had less diversity. In the intensive farming area, Sinapis, Helianthus, and Fagopyrum predominated; in the reserved area, Melilotus, Helianthus, and Brassica predominated. In the urbanized area, garden plants, namely radish (Raphanus sativus) and cucumber (Cucumis hystrix), and agricultural plants, namely soybean (Glycine max) and melon (Cucumis melo), were often found. The most significant agreement was between the rbcL and the melissopalynological analysis. The ITS2 revealed equal matches with both rbcL and melissopalynology, but this marker missed or underestimated some genera. Trifolium pretense and Brassica nigra were identified simultaneously by the melissopalinology method and two genetic markers in DNA metabarcoding. The species Convolvulus arvensis, Melilotus officinalis, Echium vulgare, Brassica rapa, Helianthus divaricatus, and Onobrychis viciifolia were found in all ecological areas. Imperfect databases impose some limits in the identification of some taxa using metabarcoding. The further research and expansion of plant databases is needed. Studying the food preferences of bees in different environmental conditions and landscapes is necessary to develop measures to preserve their populations.

The water–energy–food–ecosystem nexus in North Africa dryland farming: a multi-criteria analysis of climate-resilient innovations in Morocco

Smallholder farmers, who mostly engage in low-value agriculture in the drylands of Northern Africa, were the first to have felt the effects of climate change, with threats to their livelihoods and food security. The increasing costs of agricultural production, poor water and energy infrastructure, loss of agricultural land due to urban expansion, fragmented resource management, and unsustainable management practices all contribute to this vulnerability to climate change. This highlights the urgent need for innovative practices in farming systems. Within the framework of the water–energy–food–ecosystem nexus, this paper explores innovative practices in dryland farming systems, by assessing their impact on water, energy, food, and ecosystem through stakeholder perception. In this work, we aim to present a systems approach for assessing the resilience of the water–energy–food–ecosystem nexus in arid and semiarid regions. By using a multi-criteria analysis (MCA) approach, the study—which focuses on the Fès–Meknès region in Morocco—involves local actors to help researchers identify the key variables in order to assist farmers in their adaptation to climate change. The findings revealed different priorities between farmers and other stakeholders regarding the adoption of agricultural innovations. Farmers prioritize innovations that guarantee higher profitability and more market opportunities, such as integrating olive trees with cereal crops, by highlighting the importance of sustainable income sources. Meanwhile, stakeholders, such as researchers, engineers, government officials, and agribusiness entrepreneurs, prioritize innovations that emphasize high water use efficiency, which is crucial for the resilience of dryland farming areas: for instance, rainwater harvesting or the use of drought-resistant crop varieties that directly address the need for water conservation. But in doing so they are overlooking broader aspects within the water–energy–food–ecosystem nexus.

Land Use Land Cover Analysis of Peri-Urban Area of Murad Memon Goth-Karachi

Agricultural activities are historically practiced in Murad Memon Goth i.e. the peri-urban (PU) region ofKarachi, located on the northwestern side of Malir River. This study seeks to examine the agricultural and non-agricultural land use land cover (LULC) of the peri-urban region. A very high-resolution satellite image of the SASplanet has been used to digitize on Arc Map 10.8 for the LULC of the study area. The obtained results revealed that theestimated settlement sprawl had increased up to 9.6% in Murad Memon between 2013 and 2021. The maximumcropland area was observed by 38.86%, whereas the lowest farmhouse area was 1.76% in 2013. The highest croplandarea was noted at 26.11%, but the lowest dairy farm area was observed as 1.14% in 2021. The LULC of peri-urbanareas will be useful in examining Land use land cover change in the study area and identifying the encroachment ofsettlements in the study area.

Interactive impact of residual pyrethroid compounds used in the Chilean salmon farming industry and coastal acidification conditions on the feeding performance of farmed mussels in northern Patagonia

The use of pyrethroids in aquaculture has been an important component of achieving a thriving salmon farming industry in Chile. While the residual presence of such substances is known to depend on environmental conditions, most ecotoxicological studies to date have not considered environmental context. Here, we conducted oceanographic monitoring combined with experiments aiming to estimate the effects of two pyrethroids on the feeding rates of larvae of farmed mussels, Mytilus chilensis. In additional experiments, mussel spats were exposed to both pyrethroids, but under contrasting temperature/pH so as to mimic winter and summer conditions. Experiments mimicking spring conditions revealed that both pyrethroid substances affected the feeding of mussel larvae as a function of concentration. Conversely, significant impact of pyrethroids on adults were not observed with regard to temperature and pH, but a significant impact of low temperature/low pH condition on ingestion rates was confirmed. Given the current status of increasing ocean acidification, the results of this study are expected to provide useful information with regard to achieving sustainable mussel aquaculture, especially considering both activities occur in similar geographic areas, and the expansion of salmon farming areas is ongoing in Chile.

Considerations for kelp aquaculture on South Africa’s west coast: geospatial analysis and research implications

Abstract The commercial use of kelp continues to gain interest worldwide. While in some East Asian countries kelp farming has a long history, the kelp industry in South Africa is based on harvesting of kelp from natural kelp forests or by beach-cast collection. This study examined the potential for kelp aquaculture on South Africa’s west coast, focusing on the three indigenous species of kelp, Ecklonia maxima, Laminaria pallida and Macrocystis pyrifera. Geospatial analysis was used to identify and assess nine potentially suitable areas for kelp farming, based on natural habitat conditions, and examination of potential conflicts with other users and enabling land-use factors. An assessment of the market, technical and financial aspects of a kelp farming opportunity indicated that a 4 ha kelp farm, with longlines producing 750 to 1,000 t of fresh kelp per annum, could be viable as an integrated aquaculture activity adjacent to an existing mussel or oyster farm. We recommend a detailed feasibility study for kelp aquaculture in South Africa, with market and technical research, and financial modelling. Current seaweed industry legislation is mostly concerned with the wild resource, and there is a need for specific policies relating to seaweed aquaculture to facilitate growth of the industry.