Development Of Farming Systems Research Articles

Influence of distance to urban markets on smallholder dairy farming systems in Kenya

We studied influence of distance to urban markets on smallholder dairy farming system development. Farms were chosen from three locations that varied in distance to the urban market of Nakuru Town in the Kenyan highlands: urban location (UL, n = 10) at less than 15 km distance, mid-rural location (MRL, n = 11) in between 20 and 50 km west of Nakuru and extreme rural location (ERL, n = 9) beyond 50 km west and south-west of Nakuru. In-depth interviews with farmers and focus group discussions with eight groups of stakeholders were held to collect narratives and data about market quality, production factors, farm performance and functions of dairy cattle. We applied thematic content analysis to qualitative information by clustering narratives according to predefined themes and used ANOVA to analyse farm data. In UL, markets were functional, with predominantly informal market chains, with a high milk price (US $ 45.1/100 kg). Inputs were available in UL markets, but prices were high for inputs such as concentrates, fodder, replacement stock and hired labour. Moreover, availability of grazing land and the high opportunity costs for family labour were limiting dairy activities. In UL, milk production per cow (6.9 kg/cow/day) and per farm (20.1 kg/farm/day) were relatively low, and we concluded that farm development was constrained by scarcity of inputs and production factors. In rural locations (MRL and ERL), markets were functional with relatively low prices (average US $ 32.8/100 kg) for milk in both formal and informal market chains. Here, concentrates were relatively cheap but also of low quality. Fodder, replacement stock and labour were more available in rural locations than in UL. In rural locations, milk production per cow (average 7.2 kg/cow/day) and per farm (average 18.5 kg/farm/day) were low, and we concluded that farm development was constrained by low quality of concentrates and low price of milk. In all locations, production for subsistence was valued since income generated was used for non-dairy expenses. A tailor-made package of interventions that targets the above constraints is recommended for farm development.

Development Strategic Farming System of Local Coffee in Kepulauan Yapen Regency-Province of Papua

This research conducted in KepulauanYapen Regency Province of Papua. Objectives of this research to: (1) knowing and explaining internal factors (weakness and strength) and factors of external (threat and opportunity) farming system of local coffee KepulauanYapen Regency Province of Papua, (2) Formulating for development strategy of farming system local coffee correct to be applied in KepulauanYapen Regency Province of Papua. Method used in this study is descriptive analysis method. Determine of location done by purposive. Data part of primary and secondary data. Samples of respondent counted 40 and for Analysis of data using SWOT method. Result of SWOT analysis and IFAS-EFAS matrix show development of farming system district Kepulauan Yapen Province of Papua reside in II quadrant with weakness factor and opportunity more uppermost than threat and strength. Weakness more uppermost at that is exploiting of land in farming system of local coffee, plantation local coffee which have is old, not plant superioring seed of local of coffee, widespread land of farming location and the limited officer of extension agent (PPL). While opportunities which must be exploited wide of farming area, land is fertile and climate supporting growth coffee crop.Using superioring seed will be able to increase product and productivity local coffee. Formulation of the core strategies that should be used as a local coffee farm development strategy in KepulauanYapenRegency namely; optimizing land, improving farming techniques, to establish areas of local development of coffee farming an affordable, performing a selection of local coffee varieties and build the garden collection, increase farmers’ land ownership status are certified, Pursue partnerships and improve human resources/ farmers local coffee in KepulauanYapen Regency.

Yield and Profitability of Tomato as Influenced by Integrated Application of Synthetic Fertilizer and Biogas Slurry

ABSTRACTBiogas slurry, a by-product of biogas production generated from anaerobic digestion of animal waste and crop residues, is often considered a waste product. Being a cheap source of organic matter and plant nutrients, its application may improve soil fertility, and yield quality and quantity. Field experiments were conducted at Lahirirhat Farming System Research and Development site, Rangpur, Bangladesh, to assess effects of biogas slurry in combination with synthetic fertilizer on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield and profitability. Treatments included: soil test-based fertilizer, synthetic fertilizer+cow dung manure @ 5 t∙ha−1, synthetic fertilizer+cow dung bioslurry @ 5 t∙ha−1, synthetic fertilizer+poultry manure @ 3 t∙ha−1, synthetic fertilizer+poultry bioslurry @ 3 t∙ha−1, and farmer practice. Fruit yield was higher for plants grown with synthetic fertilizer+cow dung bioslurry compared with other fertilizer treatments and the farmer practice. Application of synthetic fertilizer+poultry bioslurry resulted in the highest fruit yield; plants maintained with the farmer practice yielded the least. The highest gross return and gross margin were obtained from plants treated with synthetic fertilizer+cow dung bioslurry. Synthetic fertilizer+poultry bioslurry-treated plants returned the highest gross return and gross margin. Application of synthetic fertilizer in combination with bioslurry has potential in increasing tomato yield and economic return of farmers.

Cultivation techniques combined with deficit irrigation improves winter wheat photosynthetic characteristics, dry matter translocation and water use efficiency under simulated rainfall conditions

Determining the effect of different cultivation techniques on photosynthetic characteristics, dry matter translocation and water use efficiency (WUE) will provide insight for the development of water-saving farming systems and exploiting the photosynthetic characteristics of winter wheat under deficit irrigation. In the current study, a mobile rainproof shelter was used to explore the potential role of two cultivation techniques: (1) the ridge and furrow precipitation harvesting technique (R); and (2) the flat cultivation technique (F), under two levels of deficit irrigation (150, 75 mm) levels and three levels of rainfall (1: 275, 2: 200, 3: 125 mm). We found that cultivation technique had a significant effect on rainfall water harvesting and enhanced soil water content under all levels of deficit irrigation and simulated precipitation. Under the R cultivation technique with 150 mm deficit irrigation and 200 mm simulated rainfall level can efficiently improve moisture content, thus significantly increased the average net photosynthetic rate (Pn) (10.4%), stomatal conductance (Gs) (27.2%), transpiration rate (Tr) (9.3%), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) (4.0%), dry matter translocation (31.6%), translocation efficiency (15.2%), pre-flowering assimilate translocation to grain (10.6%), grain yield (18.9%), WUE (75.8%) and economic return (12197 Yuan ha−1) of winter wheat, while significantly reduce (32.7%) ET rate compared with F cultivation technique. The R cultivation technique significantly improved photosynthetic characteristics such as Pn, Gs, Tr, Ci and dry matter translocation in the later growth stage (grain filling stage) compared with the F cultivation technique at each irrigation and rainfall level. Furthermore, these photosynthetic parameters were positively correlated with dry matter translocation, soil water content and grain yield. The greatest improvement in the photosynthetic characteristics, translocation efficiency, WUE, grain production and economic return was achieved when using the R cultivation technique with 150 mm deficit irrigation and 200 mm simulated rainfall (R2150). Therefore, we conclude that the R2150 treatment is the best water-saving management strategy for growing wheat crops in rain-fed farming systems.

Predicting Suitable Areas for Growing Cassava Using Remote Sensing and Machine Learning Techniques: A Study in Nakhon-Phanom Thailand

Aim/Purpose: Although cassava is one of the crops that can be grown during the dry season in Northeastern Thailand, most farmers in the region do not know whether the crop can grow in their specific areas because the available agriculture planning guideline provides only a generic list of dry-season crops that can be grown in the whole region. The purpose of this research is to develop a predictive model that can be used to predict suitable areas for growing cassava in Northeastern Thailand during the dry season. Background: This paper develops a decision support system that can be used by farmers to assist them determine if cassava can be successfully grown in their specific areas. Methodology: This study uses satellite imagery and data on land characteristics to develop a machine learning model for predicting suitable areas for growing cassava in Thailand’s Nakhon-Phanom province. Contribution: This research contributes to the body of knowledge by developing a novel model for predicting suitable areas for growing cassava. Findings: This study identified elevation and Ferric Acrisols (Af) soil as the two most important features for predicting the best-suited areas for growing cassava in Nakhon-Phanom province, Thailand. The two-class boosted decision tree algorithm performs best when compared with other algorithms. The model achieved an accuracy of .886, and .746 F1-score. Recommendations for Practitioners: Farmers and agricultural extension agents will use the decision support system developed in this study to identify specific areas that are suitable for growing cassava in Nakhon-Phanom province, Thailand Recommendation for Researchers: To improve the predictive accuracy of the model developed in this study, more land and crop characteristics data should be incorporated during model development. The ground truth data for areas growing cassava should also be collected for a longer period to provide a more accurate sample of the areas that are suitable for cassava growing. Impact on Society: The use of machine learning for the development of new farming systems will enable farmers to produce more food throughout the year to feed the world’s growing population. Future Research: Further studies should be carried out to map other suitable areas for growing dry-season crops and to develop decision support systems for those crops.

An Ecosophical Inquiry into Digital Mediation and Design in Relation to Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) in an ‘Expanded Field’ of ‘Agri-culture’

T HIS paper brings together several fields of inquiry, including agriculture, art, digital media, design and philosophy, to make a tentative, exploratory re-framing of Alternative Food Networks ( AFN s), and so to re-think and catalyse fresh opportunities for investigation in the humanities. In order to understand the ‘now’, 1 we have to begin with the long view of the agricultural story and, critically, the mediation of this story. We need to understand how sequential economic, socio-technical and other factors encouraged paradigmatic shifts in the ways we produce, consume and perceive our food. Since Medieval times farmers and producers have been testing new (alternative) systems of production, variously encouraged or resisted by the dominant socio- technical regime. 2 Reaction to the total dominance of agri-industrial farming in the industrialised, northern, western world nations since the 1950s and now globally led to early experiments in different producer-consumer relations, for example through Community Supported Agriculture ( CSA ) schemes, from the 1980s onwards. 3 During the last twenty years these experiments have multiplied under various monikers, such as sustainable farming, bio-farming, organic farming and AFN s to such an extent that they now represent an ‘expanded field’, to borrow a concept from the art critic Rosalind Krauss. 4 Applying this notion of the expanded field to agriculture leads to a clarification of the terminology and diversity of initiatives that contest intensive agri-industrial farming. Furthermore, it suggests that we are actually exploring a phenomenon of agri-culture, not agriculture, that is the development of farming and food system practices underpinned by new cultural practices and values. 5 Zooming in on the AFNs, which focus on developing new producer-consumer relations, it seems appropriate to consider these developments within Felix Guattari’s ecosophy 6 which he proposed as a means to counter the hegemony of Integrated World Capitalism (IWC), or as we know it today, neo-liberal, global capitalism. So, the key questions raised here are how do the AFNs choose to mediate their activities online, whether they embed an ecosophical approach in doing so, and how these might represent new agriculture. Lastly, I examine the potentiality of design to contribute to amplifying and scaling up AFNs and other practices in ‘an expanded field of agri-culture’.

PENINGKATAN PENDAPATAN KELOMPOK TANI PADI ORGANIK MELALUI PROGRAM MANDIRI BENIH DI DESA KETAPANG KECAMATAN SUSUKAN SEMARANG

Background, excessive exploitation of paddy land in the long term without the addition of organic matter have resulted in soil become damaged. To meet the needs of food (rice) healthy and improve the functioning of the land, then there is no best alternative except development of organic farming systems. To be able to implement a system of organic farming, it is necessary to aplication of seed quality assurance. IbPUD activities carried out ini the village Ketapang, local village government has formed group of paddy organic farmers, but due to constraints in the available of seed rice organic . The purpose, carry out assistance to Farmers and Farmers Group in the establishment of the sources of seed organic rice and the acquisition of organic certification. The method, is Focus Group Discussion which emphasizes dialogue interpersosnal and mentoring. The program is implementing educational methods that involve the active participation of the participants from the three (3) groups of paddy organic farmers partners in Ketapang. The training was held in the form of : (1) seed rice breading management trainin, (2) training of organic rice management with the use of local waste and can be as alternative of organic fertilizers, and (3) training buines management.Results, an increasing number of farmers' groups who implement sources of seed organic rice of 4 (four) varietas (Mentik Susu, Mentik Wangi, Hitam Arang and Merah Anoman) to 3 farmer groups (15Ha). In conclusion, most members of the Farmers Group Al-Barokah have felt: (a) the benefit of the treatment of organic in terms of soil quality and the products of organic rice and its by-products, (b) an increase in value-added organic products and farmers' income, (c) the importance of maintaining paddy according to its function, (d) have become independent farmers in organic rice cultivation.<br />Keywords: Organic farming systems, Organic certification, Interpersonal dialogue

Semi-natural habitats support biological control, pollination and soil conservation in Europe. A review

Semi-natural habitats are integral to most agricultural areas and have the potential to support ecosystem services, especially biological control and pollination by supplying resources for the invertebrates providing these services and for soil conservation by preventing erosion and run-off. Some habitats are supported through agri-environment scheme funding in the European Union, but their value for ecosystem service delivery has been questioned. An improved understanding of previous research approaches and outcomes will contribute to the development of more sustainable farming systems, improve experimental designs and highlight knowledge gaps especially for funders and researchers. Here we compiled a systematic map to allow for the first time a review of the quantity of evidence collected in Europe that semi-natural habitats support biological control, pollination and soil conservation. A literature search selected 2252 publications, and, following review, 270 met the inclusion criteria and were entered into the database. Most publications were of pest control (143 publications) with less on pollination (78 publications) or soil-related aspects (31). For pest control and pollination, most publications reported a positive effect of semi-natural habitats. There were weaknesses in the evidence base though because of bias in study location and the crops, whilst metrics (e.g. yield) valued by end users were seldom measured. Hedgerows, woodland and grassland were the most heavily investigated semi-natural habitats, and the wider landscape composition was often considered. Study designs varied considerably yet only 24% included controls or involved manipulation of semi-natural habitats. Service providers were commonly measured and used as a surrogate for ecosystem service delivery. Key messages for policymakers and funders are that they should encourage research that includes more metrics required by end users, be prepared to fund longer-term studies (61% were of only 1-year duration) and investigate the role of soils within semi-natural habitats in delivering ecosystem services.

PERANAN KELOMPOK PETERNAK TERHADAP USAHA PENGEMBANGAN TERNAK ITIK DI KECAMATAN TONDANO BARAT KABUPATEN MINAHASA

ABSTRACT THE ROLE OF HOUSEHOLD FARMER GROUP ON DEVELOPMENT OF DUCK FARMING SYSTEM IN WEST TONDANO DISTRICT OF MINAHASA REGENCY. Development of animal husbandry was generally intended to improve the human welfare of rural community, mainly increasing the productivity their animal farming system. This effort was mainly done to fulfil the nutritional needs of the communities in rural areas. The animal farming system was changed from the traditional way of animal maintenance into the intensive maintenance, requiring better understanding and knowledge of raising ducks. This research was carried out at the village of Tuutu, West Tondano district of Minahasa regency involving duck household farmer group from January 10, 2017 – 10 April 2017. This research was applied using qualitative research. Data were collected intentionally based on purposive Sampling method, collected from primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were obtained through direct observation held by interviews with the respondents of duck household farmers applying questions that have been prepared and drawn up in accordance with the research objectives. Secondary data were obtained from existing records in the Office of the head of the local Office and BP3K related with this study. Results of the study showed that all duck household farmer groups at the village of Tuutu, West Tondano district of Minahasa Regency were playing role in development of duck household farming system in making decision, involving the group. These groups were including four groups of Masawa-Sawangan, Tougela, Esa Toroan Waya and Toubeke.Key word: Household farming group, duck farming system development, West Tondano district

Growth and yield of wheat at different dates of sowing under chrland ecosystem of Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted at Sadipur charland under Farming System Research and Development Site, Hatgobindapur, Faridpur, during rabi season of 2012-13 and 2013-14 to study the growth and yield performance of cv. BARI Gom-24 as affected by different dates of sowing under Agro-ecological Zone-12 (AEZ-12) of Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with six replications, comprising five different dates of sowing viz. November 5, November 15, November 25, December 5 and December 15. Results reveal that the tallest plant, leaf area index, total dry matter, and crop growth rate were observed in November 25 sown crop and leaf area index, total dry matter and crop growth rate were higher at booting, grain filling, and tillering stages of the crop. Maximum effective tillers hill-1 (3.49), spikes m-2, (311), number of grains spike-1 (42.20) and 1000-grain weight (52.10 g) were produced by November 25 sown crop exhibited the highest grain (4.30 t ha-1) and straw yield (4.94 t ha-1) as well as harvest index (46.88%) of the crop. Lowest performance was observed both in early (November 5) and late sown crop (December 15). The overall results indicated that November 25 sown crop showed better performance in respect of growth and yield of wheat under charland ecosystem of Bangladesh.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(2): 147-154, December 2016

Agroecologist Education for Sustainable Development of Farming and Food Systems

Core IdeasEcological principles are applied in design of future farming systems.Close working relationships with farmers and other stakeholders are essential to education.Educational programs will develop autonomous and social learners.Local food systems provide an alternative to growing globalization of food.Graduate study in agroecology prepares students for responsible action in the future.Twelve educational strategies for future agroecologists are based on experiences in Nordic universities, with priorities informed by six propositions about future resource challenges. The principal objective is student learning for future challenges and contributions to sustainable development of farming and food systems, including practice in acquiring capacities needed for responsible future action. The heart of the program is learning to apply ecological principles in design of farming and food systems, using multi‐criteria evaluation for prioritizing sustainability challenges, and measuring ex‐ante success of transition. Working closely with farming and food system stakeholders in design and implementation of learning environment is essential, plus recognizing contributions of farmers and food system professionals as vital to education for design of future systems. Holistic approaches integrate multiple disciplines, and combine technologies developed through science with those discovered in the field. Students’ prior experiences also contribute to activities in the learning landscape, and important skills are developed for autonomous and lifelong learning. Practices from organic farming and other alternative farming strategies provide useful examples, and local food systems represent one viable option that can potentially reduce food distance and food waste, and thus contribute to food security and food sovereignty. Capacities to deal with difficult challenges are developed by each student in agroecology and related courses, including observation, participation, reflection, dialogue, and visioning. These capacities are applied while completing a thesis project using natural science and social science methods that affirm their skills and prepare students well for responsible action in a complex and uncertain future.

Development of Advanced Corporation Farms and Regional Farming System: A Case of a Fruit Farming Area

Development of Advanced Corporation Farms and Regional Farming System: A Case of a Fruit Farming Area

Evaluation of Five Wheat Varieties on Arsenic Contaminated Soils of Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted at Farming System Research and Development Site, Hatgobindapur, Faridpur during 2012-13 to evaluate five wheat varieties against arsenic contaminated soils and determined accumulation of arsenic in grain and straw of wheat varieties. The experiment was laid out in RCB design with six replications. BARI Gom-21, BARI Gom-23, BARI Gom-24, BARI Gom-25 and BARI Gom-26 were used as treatment variables. The arsenic content was determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Result revealed that, wheat varieties differed in their grain arsenic concentration (0.49-1.15 mg kg-1). The arsenic translocation in wheat grains usually least and accumulation by different tissues followed the order root>stem>leaf>grain across the varieties. The variety BARI Gom-26 was found to accumulate least arsenic in grains followed by BARI Gom-25 and BARI Gom-24 under same growing condition due to phyto-extraction or phyto-morphological potential of the varieties. Maximum grain yield (4.36 t ha-1) was obtained from BARI Gom-26 followed by BARI Gom-25 and the lowest yield (3.43 t ha-1) was recorded from BARI Gom-23. Therefore, BARI Gom-26 and BARI Gom-25 can successfully be grown for higher yield in arsenic contaminated soils and water of Faridpur. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(3): 330-337

Rainwater harvesting potential for farming system development in a hilly watershed of Bangladesh

Water resources management is an important part in farming system development. Agriculture in Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh is predominantly rainfed with an average 2210 mm monsoonal rain, but rainfall during dry winter period (December–February) is inadequate for winter crop production. The natural soil water content (as low as 7 %) of hillslope and hilltop during the dry season is not suitable for shallow-rooted crop cultivation. A study was conducted to investigate the potential of monsoonal rainwater harvesting and its impact on local cropping system development. Irrigation facilities provided by the managed rainwater harvesting reservoir increased research site’s cropping intensity from 155 to 300 %. Both gravity flow irrigation of valley land and low lift pumping to hillslope and hilltop from rainwater harvesting reservoir were much more economical compared to forced mode pumping of groundwater because of the installation and annual operating cost of groundwater pumping. To abstract 7548 m3 of water, equivalent to the storage capacity of the studied reservoirs, from aquifer required 2174 kWh energy. The improved water supply system enabled triple cropping system for valley land and permanent horticultural intervention at hilltop and hillslope. The perennial vegetation in hilltop and hillslope would also conserve soil moisture. Water productivity and benefit–cost ratio analysis show that vegetables and fruit production were more profitable than rice cultivation under irrigation with harvested rainwater. Moreover, the reservoir showed potentiality of integrated farming in such adverse area by facilitating fish production. The study provides water resource managers and government officials working with similar problems with valuable information for formulation of plan, policy, and strategy.

Effect of fertilizer on coriander seed production

A field experiment on coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) was carried out during rabi seasons of 2011-12 and 2012-13 in Low Ganges River Flood Plain Soil under AEZ-12 at Farming System Research and Development Site, Hatgobindapur, Faridpur to find out optimum and economic doses of fertilizers for coriander (var. BARI Dhania 1) for sustainable higher yield and to update balanced fertilizer recommendation for target yield. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 8 treatments viz. T1=N118P47K26S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kgha-1, T2= N147P47K26S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kg ha-1, T3= N147P59K26S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kg ha-1, T4= N147P47K32S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kgha-1, T5= N118P59K32S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kgha-1, T6= N147P59K32S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kgha-1, T7= N88P35K19S8Zn1.6B0.6 Kgha-1 and T8= Native nutrient (Control). The highest seed yield (1373 kg ha-1) was obtained from the treatment T3 which was statistically similar with T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 treatments. The soil test based treatment T1 produced 1311 kg yield ha-1 and yield difference of ther added fertilizer treatment with T1 was only 5%. The fertilizer added treatments didn’t exert the significant difference with soil based treatment (T1) on yield and yield contributing characters. However, T1 treatment appeared to be the best suited combination because of its higher gross margin Tk 41,769 ha-1, capability in reducing nutrient cost Tk 13106 ha-1 and the highest marginal rate of return (MRR) (108%) whereas treatment T3 covered 21% MRR and the highest nutrient cost among the treatments and hence treatment, N118P47K26S10Zn2.2B0.8 Kg ha-1 (100% NPKSZnB from STB dose) may be recommended for coriander seed production in the study area.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(2): 345-352, June 2016

Development of home garden model for year round production and consumption for improving resource-poor household food security in Bangladesh

The government of Bangladesh has long been striving to increase food security and to reduce poverty and malnutrition. In this regard, home gardens can play an important role in providing enhanced food supply and increased diversity of food to some extent. Studies on niche/ecosystem based homestead gardening were carried out at Lahirirhat Farming Systems Research and Development site, Rangpur under the On-Farm Research Division of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute during 2008–2009, resulting in the development of a year round production model, known as the Rangpur (Syedpur) model, for Tista Meander Floodplain agro-ecological region of Bangladesh. The objective of the study was to utilize the homestead resources in scientific ways for producing fresh vegetables and fruits over space and time and to enhance the nutritional supplies for the family throughout the year. A total of 12 households were selected from landless (no cultivable land), marginal (0.2–0.6ha) and small (0.61–1.0ha) farmer groups and seven production niches were intervened for round the year production following the Rangpur model. The niches were open sunny place, roof top, trellis, fence, boundary, marshy land and partially shady place. After the intervention, the highest amount of vegetables was produced by the small farmer groups (511kg/year) followed by marginal (499kg/year) and landless (422kg/year) farmers. The yearly vegetable requirements of farmers were largely met by the homestead garden with a supply between 55 and 79kg/head/year compared with the bench mark level of 21–30kg/head/year before the intervention. The highest total income (BDT 5030/year) and net income (BDT 4290/year) were obtained from homestead at small farmers followed by marginal and landless farmers. From this study it is evident that the target farmers were able to fulfill their daily requirement of vegetables in most parts of the year by following the Rangpur model. This suggests an increase in food security and a reduction in malnutrition of farm families in the target households of Rangpur region in Bangladesh. The upscaling of the production model based on niche/ecosystem in different poverty stricken regions of Bangladesh is recommended to achieve food security and malnutrition reduction.

ROLE AND MEANING OF CROSS-COMPLIANCE IN DIRECT PAYMENTS FOR FARMERS IN 2015-2020

The article presents the legal regulations of the European Union in the fi eld of cross-compliance requirements. The requirements were thought to change agricultural production in less intensive direction with respecting of the environment. The regulations encouraged the development of organic production methods. Cross compliance in the new fi nancial perspective means greater relation between the amount of direct payments earned by farmers and non-investment payments received from the Rural Development Programme. Studies show that new regulations adopted for the period 2015–2020 aimed at development of sustainable farming systems so that farmers can respond to many challenges awaiting them, not just those connected with climate change and increasing pressure associated with the use of natural resources.

Challenges and emerging technical solutions in on-growing salmon farming

Farming of Atlantic salmon has grown rapidly from its start in the early 1970s until today, with production approaching two million tonnes. Sea cages are the dominant production system for the on-growing stage of salmon farming. It represents an effective production system with lower investment and running costs than land-based systems. The development and improvement of the sea cage farming system has been one of the most important factors for the growth of the salmon farming industry. However, during recent years certain problems related to their placement in the open marine environment have proved highly challenging, increasing operating costs and impacting on industry public relations. The problems are mainly due to parasites, diseases and escape of fish. In this article, emerging technical solutions for solving those problems are described.

A social-ecological framework for analyzing and designing integrated crop–livestock systems from farm to territory levels

AbstractIntegrated crop–livestock systems are often considered a promising way to address agricultural sustainability issues. Many authors claim that complementarities and synergies between crops and livestock can improve nutrient cycling and delivery of ecosystem services (ES) in agricultural systems. They have analyzed effects of interactions at the farm level and affirmed the potential advantage of developing crop–livestock interactions at the territory level. However, potential benefits of developing synergies beyond the farm level have not been clearly identified. Thus, we developed a conceptual framework that can be used to analyze, design and perform integrated assessment of crop–livestock systems at the territory level. To address crop–livestock interaction issues, we define it as a social-ecological system called the territorial crop–livestock system (TCLS). The ecological system is represented as three interacting components, crops, grasslands and animals, allowing description of various land uses and their potential effects on nutrient cycling and ES. The social system, represented as farmers interacting with natural-resource managers and agro-food chain actors, determines land use and the nature and intensity of ES delivered. We highlight the importance of coordination and learning among actors to support implementation of complex adaptive systems such as TCLSs. We illustrate the expressive power of our conceptual framework through development of a generic typology of crop–livestock systems. Then we show how our conceptual framework can be used as an intermediary object with stakeholders in participatory design approaches. We illustrate this process by representing four archetypal TCLSs. We provide an example of the design approach implemented in Southwestern France to address severe recurrent water shortages, which includes analysis of land use in the current crop–livestock system and the associated key metabolic and ES issues, identification of options for change and multi-criteria analysis of these options. We conclude that this framework shows great potential to support development of sustainable farming systems at the territory level.

Forage Legumes in Crop-Livestock Mixed Farming Systems - A Review

The future animal agriculture in the country suggests that the greatest opportunity for sustainable increases in agricultural productivity lie in agricultural intensification through the development of mixed crop-livestock farming systems. The linkage in mixed crop-livestock production systems through feed resources particularly legumes which fix N, and provide high quality feed, can enhance both the level and rate of nutrient cycling in the system, leading to increased soil fertility, improve animal nutrition, and increase the overall production and protect the environment, especially where land resource is limited. Forage legumes integration with cereals by intercropping generally results in higher fodder protein yield than that in cereals alone. Intercropped forage legumes have been reported to have significantly higher crude protein and lower fiber contents than their respective sole cereal residues and this could improve their voluntary intake and digestibility by livestock. There are various methods of integrating forage legumes into crop-livestock farming systems. The type of forage crops, food crops grown in the area, the soil type, the rainfall pattern and other social and economic factors determine the method of integration used for a specific farming system and locality. Forage legumes generally can be integrated into crop-livestock production systems by growing the herbaceous species in natural pastures, on arable land, crop rotation with cereals, sequential cropping, intercropping/ under sowing and relay cropping. Generally, the role of forage legumes in the farming system requires studying economic importance as related to farmers benefit, animal performance and the management of natural resource in a multidisciplinary approach.