Harvesting Costs Research Articles

A cost-benefit analysis of pre-sorting using a feller-buncher in underdeveloped short rotation poplar plantations

ABSTRACT Underdeveloped tree crops (⩽ 30 bone-dry tons ha−1) offer a main harvest of biomass-trees, which lack the size and the form for producing a log. However, about 1/3 of the available stems may yield at least one log, which could significantly increase the overall value of the harvest. Under those circumstances, it may make sense to sort log-trees from biomass-trees at an early stage, rather than having a harvester or a processor go through all of the treesonly to toss almost 70 out of 100 trees into the biomass pile. The Authors set up a controlled experiment to quantify the eventual benefit obtained by early pre-sorting, performed by the feller-buncher. Pre-sorting resulted in a 15% productivity loss for the feller-buncher, which was repaid by a 100% productivity increase for the processor. Considering the different hourly cost of the two machines, three Euros were saved for each additional Euro invested in pre-sorting. Pre-sorting made whole-tree harvesting (WTH) a significantly cheaper option than cut-to-length (CTL) , whereas the two systems would be almost equally expensive when no pre-sorting was applied. Pre-sorting would also facilitate multiple-tree delimbing, implemented through the introduction of a chainflail; that is likely to further reduce harvesting cost, returning financial viability to the harvesting of underdeveloped plantations.

Mechanically Harvesting Hard Cider Apples Is More Economically Favorable than Hand Harvesting, Regardless of Farm Scale

Harvesting labor is the largest annual variable operating expense for apple (Malus ×domestica) orchard enterprises and is subject to escalating costs and shortages. In Europe, much of the cider apple harvesting is done with machinery, greatly reducing production costs. However, despite a rapid increase in hard cider production in North America over the past 15 years, mechanical cider apple harvesting has not been widely implemented. In this study, we compared mechanical with hand harvesting costs for model 5-, 15-, and 60-acre cider apple orchards located in New York using a partial budget model. Scale-appropriate harvesters were identified for use at each farm scale. Sensitivity analyses were used to test the cost differential for using each piece of machinery on varying orchard sizes and to model changes in labor costs. Across all orchard scales, we found that mechanically harvesting cider apples was more profitable than hand harvesting, with larger operations breaking even sooner and realizing greater returns than operations using hand harvesting. Mechanical harvesting costs broke even with hand harvesting in years 16, 7, and 5 and by year 30 reduced cumulative harvesting costs by 23%, 52%, and 53% in our 5-, 15-, and 60-acre model orchards, respectively. Increasing the orchard size resulted in greater returns from mechanical harvesting. Using the machinery in the 15-acre orchard scenario on a 30-acre farm resulted in costs breaking even with hand harvesting in year 3; by year 30, the cumulative costs resulted in 66% lower harvesting costs than hand labor. Mechanical harvesting remained profitable when labor wages were decreased and became more profitable in scenarios with increasing wages. For example, in the 60-acre orchard, mechanical harvesting cost 41% less than hand harvesting with a 2% annual compounding decrease in labor wages; with 2% annual compounding increase in labor wages, the mechanical harvesting cost was 63% less than hand harvesting. In addition to the cost savings, mechanical harvesting allows for harvesting cider apples with fewer logistical challenges, such as contracting, housing, and transporting migrant labor.

Resource-saving technologies as a factor of specialization of an agricultural enterprise in the Krasnoyarsk region

The article considers the possibilities of using resource-saving technologies in agricultural enterprises of the region. The factors that contribute to the active development of introducring resource-saving technologies in the crop production of the Krasnoyarsk region are determined. The difficulties and potential for the grouwth of resource conservation have been identified, which make it possible to achieve an increase in efficiency, ecological safety and quality of agricultural products. The introduction of the proposed resource-saving technology is justified by calculations based on a multiple correlation and regression model. On the basis of the proposed model, the factorial characteristics of seed costs, energy availability, labor intensity that affect the effective feature such as the level of yield are identified. Resource-saving technologies when used in agricultural enterprises specializing in crop production can increase yields without changing the area of sowing and significantly reduce the cost of tillage and grain harvesting.

Function of yeast extract in greater wax moth farming: does yeast extract always improve the development and reproduction of insects?

TheGalleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) has great nutritional potential for humans and animals and is currently used as a model organism in many biological studies, despite its damage to the apicultural industry and wild honeybee colonies. Yeast extract that promotes insect development and reproduction by containing many necessary nutrients has always been an important yet expensive ingredient in the majority of artificial diets forG. mellonella. To better understand the influence of yeast extract content onG. mellonella mass-rearing, the life table parameters fromG. mellonella mass-reared on increasing amounts of yeast (0% in control, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9% of the total diet, respectively) under laboratory conditions were analysed according to age-stage, two-sex life table theory. Harvest rate and recruitment cost to produce 10,000 pupae were also assessed to help identify an economically sustainable rearing system. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) varied among diets. Highest values found in theG. mellonella population reared on a 9% yeast extract diet did not differ significantly from those of diets consisting of 4, 6, and 7% yeast extract, whereas these parameters were lowest in yeast-free artificial diets. The cheapest daily cost of rearing a population was 3,966.57 CNY (Chinese Yuan), and the heaviest pupal weight for both females and males (398.10±9.26 and 316.00±7.92 mg, respectively) were found with an artificial diet of 4% yeast extract. This study demonstrates that excessive dietary yeast extract is not always beneficial toG. mellonella. The most effective yeast extract percentage inG. mellonella mass-rearing diets is about 4% based on life table parameters, computer projection, and harvesting costs.

The productivity and cost of harvesting whole trees from early thinnings with a felling head designed for continuous cutting and accumulation

ABSTRACT The main problem with the utilization of untended stands for energy use is that small-diameter trees are expensive to harvest, and the value of the harvest fails to exceed the harvesting cost. Until now, the equation has appeared difficult to solve, but a wood harvesting innovation – the Risupeto II accumulating felling head – which works on a continuous basis, could provide a solution to the harvesting cost problem of young stands with a dense undergrowth. The novel accumulating felling head is attached to the boom of the crawler excavator, and trees are harvested at full-tree length. The crosscutting is done later during loading by a forwarder equipped with a grapple saw. The objectives of the present study were: 1) to define the productivity; 2) produce time consumption models for the Risupeto II harvesting unit in selective thinnings and 3) to determine the harvesting cost of whole trees from the early thinnings based on the above described two-machine configuration. Time study data from the 16 study plots consisted of 3,099 whole trees where the average tree volume varied between 14.2 and 52.0 dm3 resulting in 73 m3 of whole trees. The productivity varied between 11.2 and 26.6 m3/PMh on the time study plots indicating that felling-bunching productivity was relatively high compared to the latest studies with the Nordic harvesting technology in early thinning. According to the profitability analysis, the harvesting costs could be covered by the revenue from energy wood sales.

The Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Adipose Tissue Derived Stem Cells, and Cellular Stromal Vascular Fraction on the Repair of Acute Anal Sphincter Injury in Rats.

Background: Anal sphincter incontinence (ASI) can cause a serious decline in the quality of life and can cause a socioeconomic burden. Studies have shown that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have significant therapeutic effects on ASI, but the cost and risk of MSC harvest limit their further application. In contrast, adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSC) and cellular stromal vascular fraction (CSVF) as stem cell sources have multipotency and the advantage of easy harvest. Objective: Here we aim to investigate the effects of ADSC and CSVF on treating ASI and compare them to that of bone marrow MSC. Methods: Bone marrow MSC, ADSC, and CSVF were obtained and labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP), and CSVF was labeled with DIL. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into 5 groups. Four groups were injected with 0.2 mL phosphate buffer saline (PBS), 1 × 107/0.2 mL of MSC, ADSC, or CSVF, respectively, after model establishment. The control group received no treatment. The repair was assessed by anal functional tests and immunostaining on day 5 and day 10 after injection. Results: MSC, ADSC, and CSVF significantly promoted tissue repair and the recovery of muscle contraction and electromyographic activity in ASI. The generation of myosatellite cells by injected MSC, ADSC, and CSVF was found in the wounded area. On day 5, CSVF showed highest therapeutic effect, while on day 10, MSC and ADSC showed higher therapeutic effects than CSVF. When comparing the effects of MSC and ADSC, ADSC was slightly better than MSC in the indexes of anal pressure, etc. Conclusion: ADSC and CVSF are alternative stem cell sources for ASI repair.

Identifying overexploitation in the coastal Greenland halibut fishery in the Disko Bay using static bioeconomic modelling

The North Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) has continuously lowered their advice regarding the Total Allowed Catch (TAC) for the coastal Greenland halibut fisheries in Western Greenland. This is due to concerns of overexploitation of the fishery. This paper investigates how the fishing intensity in the fishery for Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in the Disko Bay, Greenland, affects the current and future income opportunities of coastal fishers. Through bio-economic modelling, I find presence of economic overexploitation of the Greenland halibut fish stock in the Disko Bay. Specifically, the actual Greenland halibut stock in 2019 is found to constitute only 56 pct. of the economic optimal stock size in the baseline scenario. The actual profit is almost 40 million DKK lower than the optimal profit due to higher costs of harvesting, which arise because the actual stock size is lower than the optimal and because of a suboptimal split of the TAC between vessels (above 6 m in length) and boats (6 m or below in length) in the fishery. The results presented in this article show that there is significant scope for economic optimization of the coastal Greenland halibut fishery through a temporary reduction in harvest of Greenland halibut to regenerate the stock to its optimal size and a transfer of TAC from the boat segment to the vessel segment. Notably, this article does not find that the stock of Greenland halibut in the Disko Bay is further decreasing at current (2019) harvest levels, however, this finding is contingent on the length of the data series used for the estimation of the growth model.

Integrated electrocoagulation-flotation of microalgae to produce Mg-laden microalgal biochar for seeding struvite crystallization

Developing sustainable materials for recovering and recycling nutrients from wastewater is critically needed for nutrients such as phosphorus that have a diminishing supply. Struvite crystallization is emerging as a promising strategy for phosphorus recovery which can be enhanced with seeding through microalgal biochar. The main bottleneck of using microalgae is its high harvesting cost. In this study, an integrated electrocoagulation-flotation (ECF) process is used to recover and at the same time modify the algal surface with magnesium anode and inert carbon cathode. Harvesting efficiency of 98% was achieved with 40.78 mA cm−2, 0.5 cm inter-electrode distance and energy consumption of 4.03 kWh kg−1 in 15 min. The harvested microalgae were pyrolyzed to obtain a yield of 52.90% Mg-laden microalgal biochar. Simultaneously, surface impregnation of 28% magnesium was attained as confirmed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Phosphorus recovery and struvite yield of 93.70% and 2.66 g L−1, respectively, were obtained from dosing 1.50 g L−1 Mg-laden microalgal biochar. Comparison of physicochemical characteristics of residual supernatant after microalgal harvesting and struvite recovery showed that the combined use of both the residuals can serve as a sustainable growth medium for microalgae. The overall operating cost of the integrated process was found to be 2.48 USD kg−1 with a total energy consumption of 10.76 kWh kg−1, which was found to be lower than conventional harvesting unit processes such as centrifugation and filtration. This novel approach can help attaining a circular bioeconomy by encompassing nutrient recovery and waste management in an integrated process.

Pruning Method and Trellising Impact Hand- and Machine-harvested Yield and Costs of Production in ‘Legacy’ Highbush Blueberry

A 6-year trial was established in Oct. 2015 in western Oregon to evaluate the effects of pruning and trellising on yield, hand- and machine-harvest efficiency, fruit quality, and costs of pruning and harvest of ‘Legacy’ highbush blueberry (complex hybrid based largely on Vaccinium corymbosum L. and Vaccinium darrowii Camp.). Pruning treatments began in Winter 2017–18 (before year 3) and continued each year through 2020–21 (year 6). Treatments included 1) recommended pruning for ‘Legacy’, removing less wood and leaving more short, thin laterals and a denser bush than is typical for most northern highbush cultivars (“control” with standard T-trellis), 2) control pruning and training to a V-trellis (“V”), and 3) standard northern highbush style pruning (“HB” with standard T-trellis). Fruit were harvested solely by hand in 2017 and 2018, and by hand for early harvests followed by machine for later harvests from 2019 to 2021. In most years, more wood was removed from HB- than control-pruned plants. On average, HB-pruned plants had a lower yield (6.7 kg/plant) than control-pruned plants, particularly those trained to a V-trellis (7.5 kg/plant). There was little effect of pruning treatment on fruiting season and hand- (7% drop) or machine-harvest efficiency (23% drop). Pruning method had no effect on berry weight, diameter, total soluble solids, or firmness over the study period or percent internal bruising in 2019. All of the ‘Legacy’ pruning methods studied required more time (358 to 561 h·ha−1) than the industry standard, ‘Duke’ (247 h·ha−1). Control and HB pruning did not differ in time to prune per unit area; however, in 2 of the 4 years, adding a V-trellis increased pruning time. On average, control and HB pruning had a similar cost per harvested fruit ($0.20 to $0.21/kg), whereas control pruning with a V-trellis ($0.23/kg) cost more than HB pruning. All treatments required the same amount of time to harvest (12.7 and 0.5 min·kg−1 for hand and machine picking, respectively). Total cost to prune and harvest ranged from $1.63/kg in 2019 to $3.43/kg in 2021 but was most heavily influenced by harvest costs rather than pruning. The one-time installation cost of $637/ha for the V-trellis was not compensated for by increased yield or efficiency of pruning or harvest compared with the control method with a standard T-trellis. Pruning according to recommended methods for ‘Legacy’ (control) increased yield without having a negative effect on fruit quality and had similar or lower costs to prune per kg of fruit harvested as typical northern highbush pruning.

Closing an open balance: The impact of increased tree harvest on forest carbon

AbstractFossil‐based emissions can be avoided by using wood in place of non‐renewable raw materials as energy and materials. However, wood harvest influences forest carbon stocks. Increased harvest may reduce the overall climate benefit of wood use significantly, but is widely overlooked. We reviewed selected simulation studies and compared differences in forest carbon and amount of wood harvested between harvest scenarios of different intensities for three different time perspectives: short‐ (1–30 years), mid‐ (31–70 years), and long‐term (71–100 years). Out of more than 450 reviewed studies 45 provided adequate data. Our results show that increased harvest reduces carbon stocks over 100 years in temperate and boreal forests by about 1.6 (stdev 0.9) tC per tC harvested (referred to as carbon balance indicator (CBI)). CBI proved to be robust when outliers explicitly influenced by factors other than changes in the harvest rate, such as fertilization or increase in forest area, were removed. The carbon impacts tend to be greatest in the mid‐term, but no significant difference in was found for average values between short and long time‐horizons. CBI can be interpreted as carbon opportunity costs of wood harvest in forests. Our results indicate that even after 100 years, CBI is significant compared to the typical GHG credits expected in the technosphere by avoiding fossil emissions in substitution and increasing carbon stocks in harvested wood products. Our estimates provide typical values that can directly be included in GHG balances of products or assessments of mitigation policies and measures related to wood use. However, more systematic scenarios with transparent information on influencing factors for forest carbon stocks are required to provide better constrained estimates for specific forest types.

Costs of Endoscopic vs Open Vein Harvesting for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Value-based purchasing creates pressure to examine whether newer technologies and care processes, including new surgical techniques, yield any economic advantage. To compare health care costs and utilization between participants randomized to receive endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) or open vein harvesting (OVH) during a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure. This secondary economic analysis was conducted alongside the 16-site Randomized Endo-Vein Graft Prospective (REGROUP) clinical trial funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Studies Program. Adults scheduled for urgent or elective bypass involving a vein graft were eligible. The first participant was enrolled in September 2013, with most sites completing enrollment by March 2014. The last participant was enrolled in April 2017. A total of 1150 participants were randomized, with 574 participants receiving OVH and 576 receiving EVH. For this secondary analysis, cost and utilization data were extracted through September 30, 2020. Participants were linked to administrative data in the VA Corporate Data Warehouse and activity-based cost data starting with the index procedure. EVH vs OVH, with comparisons based on intention to treat. Discharge costs for the index procedure as well as follow-up costs (including intended and unintended events; mean [SD] follow-up time, 33.0 [19.9] months) were analyzed, with results from different statistical models compared to test for robustness (ie, lack of variation across models). All costs represented care provided or paid by the VA, standardized to 2020 US dollars. Among 1150 participants, the mean (SD) age was 66.4 (6.9) years; most participants (1144 [99.5%] were male. With regard to race and ethnicity, 6 participants (0.5%) self-reported as American Indian or Alaska Native, 10 (0.9%) as Asian or Pacific Islander, 91 (7.9%) as Black, 62 (5.4%) as Hispanic, 974 (84.7%) as non-Hispanic White, and 6 (0.5%) as other race and/or ethnicity; data were missing for 1 participant (0.1%). The unadjusted mean (SD) costs for the index CABG procedure were $76 607 ($43 883) among patients who received EVH and $75 368 ($45 900) among those who received OVH, including facility costs, insurance costs, and physician-related costs (commonly referred to as provider costs in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and insurance data). No significant differences were found in follow-up costs; per 90-day follow-up period, EVH was associated with a mean (SE) added cost of $302 ($225) per patient. The results were highly robust to the statistical model. In this study, EVH was not associated with a reduction in costs for the index CABG procedure or follow-up care. Therefore, the choice to provide EVH may be based on surgeon and patient preferences. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01850082.

Logistics and Costs of Agricultural Residues for Cellulosic Ethanol Production

There is global pressure to make advanced biofuels profitable. For cellulosic ethanol, three aspects remain as bottlenecks: collection of feedstocks, pretreatment methods, and enzyme production. In this paper, the first aspect is investigated, by addressing the main challenges for the logistics of agricultural residues. A logistic supply chain of corn stover collection and utilization for cellulosic ethanol production in Mexico is proposed, and a cost structure is designed for its estimation. By applying a value chain methodology, seven links and a set of three minimum selling prices (MSPs) of agricultural residues were determined. Furthermore, the harvest index (HI), crop residue index (CRI), nutrient substitution by extraction of agricultural residues, and harvest costs of corn stover were also calculated for a case study. The main results were a HI of 0.45, a CRI of 1.21, and nutrient substitution potential of 7 kg N, 2.2 kg P2O5, and 12.2 kg K2O per ton of corn stover. The set of the three estimated MSPs for corn stover was: $28.49 USD/ton (for delivery to the biorefinery’s gate), $31.15 USD/ton (for delivery and storage), and $48.14 USD/ton (for delivery, storage, and nutrient replenishment). Given the impact of the feedstock cost on the profitability of cellulosic ethanol, knowing details of the logistical information and its costs is critical to advancing the field of biofuels in Mexico. We also found that only 20% of farmers currently sell their residues; however, 65% of farmers would be willing to do so, a significant percentage for cellulosic ethanol production.

ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION OF PSAK 69 ON BIOLOGICAL ASSETS AT PT AUSTINDO NUSANTARA JAYA Tbk.

This research aims to analyze the theory and practice of preparing financial statements carried out, especially on the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of biological assets. This research is a case study of PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya Tbk. (ANJ). The method used in this study is a qualitative research method where the data source in this study is secondary data, namely the financial statements and annual reports of PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya Tbk. (ANJ). The data analysis technique used in this study is a descriptive method of comparative qualitative approach. According to the Financial Report of PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya Tbk. (ANJ) in 2020, it shows that biological assets lie in current assets. This means that the asset has a useful life or undergoes a biological transformation in less than a year. Meanwhile, biological assets are measured by fair value minus costs for sale. The estimated fair value of biological assets will increase (decrease) if: (1) The estimated price of tbs and edamame beans is higher (lower), (2) The estimated yield is higher (lower), and (3) The estimated cost of maintenance, harvest, and transportation is lower (higher). PT Austindo Jaya Nusantara Tbk. has recognized all its biological assets with reference to the realization of production. Thus, the asset is recognized in the harvested crop.

Optimization of forest harvest scheduling at the operational level, considering precedence relationship among harvesting activities

ABSTRACT The competitiveness of forest companies is strongly affected by the costs associated with getting the raw material to the mills. As harvesting costs contribute significantly to this cost, mathematical programming models were developed to optimize the scheduling of harvest activities within and between cut blocks to reduce the overall cost. However, the precedence relationship between harvesting activities occurring concurrently across multiple cut blocks has not been considered in the existing literature. In this paper, a mixed-integer linear programming model is developed to optimize the scheduling of harvesting activities, considering the precedence relationship among harvesting activities. The objective of the model is to minimize the total costs. The model determines the start time and end time of each harvesting activity at each cut block, considering the movement time of machines between cut blocks. The model is applied to the case of a large forest company in British Columbia, Canada. The model’s harvesting cost is only 1.37% higher than the lowest possible harvesting cost, and only 3 assigned machines have an idle time. The detailed harvesting schedule is generated based on the start time, the end time, and the operating time for each activity at each cut block.

Comparative Analysis of Rice Farming using Combine-Harvester and Thresher in Kenagarian Kambang Barat, Lengayang Sub-District, Pesisir Selatan District

The rice harvesting process has progressed a lot. Farmers used to harvest simply using a sickle and a simple thresher machine, while nowadays, they are using the latest harvest machine, called Combine Harvester. Technological developments should enable farmers to gain more significant benefits, such as higher production, a shorter processing time for harvesting, and lower costs incurred during harvesting. This study aims to describe the characteristics of farmers who use Combine Harvester technology and farmers who use Thresher harvesting technology. This study also compares the costs of rice harvesting and production of both farmers in lowland rice farming in Kenagarian Kambang Barat, Lengayang Sub-District, Pesisir Selatan District. The farmers sampling chose as many as 30 farmers purposively for each of those using a Combine Harvester and Thresher, so the total number of farmers to be interviewed was 60. The data analysis method used in this study is the analysis of the average difference test of the independent sample Z-test model. The research finds that farmers' main reasons for using the Combine Harvester were faster harvesting times and less labor. While the main reason for farmers using the Thresher was that its cost is considered the same if using a Combine Harvester machine. Moreover, the research indicates a significant difference in the cost of harvesting and producing rice using both harvesting machines. The harvesting cost of the Combine Harvester was lower than Thresher, which was Rp. 3,543,149 and Rp. 4,385,543 respectively. The difference in harvesting cost of these two harvesting machines was Rp. 842,394. Furthermore, the rice production using the Combine Harvester is higher than the thresher harvesting machine, which was 5,312 Kg/Ha/MT and 5,089 Kg/Ha/MT, respectively, with a difference of223 kg

Comparative Analysis of Rice Farming using Combine-Harvester and Thresher in Kenagarian Kambang Barat, Lengayang Sub-District, Pesisir Selatan District

The rice harvesting process has progressed a lot. Farmers used to harvest simply using a sickle and a simple thresher machine, while nowadays, they are using the latest harvest machine, called Combine Harvester. Technological developments should enable farmers to gain more significant benefits, such as higher production, a shorter processing time for harvesting, and lower costs incurred during harvesting. This study aims to describe the characteristics of farmers who use Combine Harvester technology and farmers who use Thresher harvesting technology. This study also compares the costs of rice harvesting and production of both farmers in lowland rice farming in Kenagarian Kambang Barat, Lengayang Sub-District, Pesisir Selatan District. The farmers sampling chose as many as 30 farmers purposively for each of those using a Combine Harvester and Thresher, so the total number of farmers to be interviewed was 60. The data analysis method used in this study is the analysis of the average difference test of the independent sample Z-test model. The research finds that farmers' main reasons for using the Combine Harvester were faster harvesting times and less labor. While the main reason for farmers using the Thresher was that its cost is considered the same if using a Combine Harvester machine. Moreover, the research indicates a significant difference in the cost of harvesting and producing rice using both harvesting machines. The harvesting cost of the Combine Harvester was lower than Thresher, which was Rp. 3,543,149 and Rp. 4,385,543 respectively. The difference in harvesting cost of these two harvesting machines was Rp. 842,394. Furthermore, the rice production using the Combine Harvester is higher than the thresher harvesting machine, which was 5,312 Kg/Ha/MT and 5,089 Kg/Ha/MT, respectively, with a difference of223 kg

The use of electropulse treatment of agricultural plants for various diseases

The paper considers measures to combat diseases spread by nematode viruses that infect the root system of tomatoes and cucumbers grown in closed ground and sown areas of the Republic of Uzbekistan, by installing electrical impulse discharges. The use of electropulse treatment is discussed, which does not affect the cost of harvesting, i.e. this technology does not have the results of dangerous consequences, but on the contrary, that the method of electropulse treatment effectively fights against carriers of the disease with worms. The results of experimental studies of the treatment of pathogenic plants with electropulse current discharge are analyzed, recommendations for the use of this technology are given.

Dampak Combine harvester Terhadap Penyerapan Tenaga Kerja dan Pendapatan Petani Padi Sawah Di Kecamatan Indrapuri Kabupaten Aceh Besar

The use of modern tools or machines can save time and reduce the number of workers compared to traditional agricultural systems. The history of the world of agriculture has increased from traditional agriculture to modern agriculture accompanied by technological developments. As for one of the advanced machines in the rice harvesting process that is currently popular in recent years, the Combine harvester. Combine harvester is a rice harvesting machine that can cut grain, thresh, and clean grain. Indrapuri Sub-district is one of the sub-districts in Aceh Besar District that has carried out agricultural mechanization, as evidenced by the amount of use of agricultural equipment or machinery in this sub-district, which distinguishes it from other sub-districts. This study aims to determine the impact of the use of harvesting equipment (Combine harvester) on labor absorption and its effect as well as differences in income between farmers Combine harvester and non-Combine harvester. The analysis technique used in this research is descriptive technique, simultaneous equation (Two Stage Least Square) and different test (Independent Sample T test). The results of the study show that the impact of using a harvester (Combine Harvester) on the absorption of labor from 45 days/labor to 3 days/labor. The results of the 2SLS (Two Stage Least Square) test show that simultaneously and partially the farmer's income variable (Fincome) is influenced by the production variable (Yrice), harvesting costs (Hc) and dummy combine (Dc) with an R-square value of 99.3% while the remaining 0.7% is influenced by other variables not examined. The results of the different test ((Independent Sample T Test) show that there is a difference in income between farmers using Combine harvesters and farmers using non-combine harvesters of Rp.4,988.041, which means that the income of farmers using Combine harvesters is greater than that of non-combine harvesters, so that the use of tools Combine harvester harvest has a positive impact on the income of user farmers.

Perception of farmers on the impact of lockdown due to Covid-19 on agriculture and oil palm cultivation in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India

A study was conducted to find the impact of lockdown due to the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on agriculture, in general, and on oil palm cultivation, in specific. Results revealed that the majority of the farmers contacted had 26-30 years of farming experience, were between 31-60 years of age, were educated up to high school level, with an average of four family members and possessed medium landholdings. The crops grown by these farmers include oil palm, maize, coconut, paddy, cocoa and vegetables. The majority of them had irrigated dry lands. All the farmers were aware about the reasons for the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Areas where lockdown impact was visible on agriculture, either directly or indirectly, include labour availability, high cost of labour, harvesting, transport, and market prices. Resources affected due to lockdown were labour, fertilizers, harvesting, transport etc. All cultural practices were adopted in oil palm. The majority of the respondents perceived that oil palm was not affected compared to other crops during the lockdown; they opined to have obtained a good market price for oil palm during the lockdown period. Most of them informed that they received oil palm cultivation related messages sent by ICAR-IIOPR, Pedavegi. They perceived to be aware of the technologies during the lockdown period. Messages (SMS) on oil palm irrigation, cultivation practices, and fertigation were adopted. The need for Government assistance during the lockdown period was felt in the following aspects for different crops, viz., marketing, cultivation assistance, and transport. Farmers perceived that lockdown might have long-term implications due to the non-availability of labour for harvesting crops. It is evident from the study that crops affected severely during the lockdown period require long term strategies to mitigate the problems faced. Farmers must be supported with minimum support price (MSP), transport facilities and ad hoc strategies to sell their products through the government purchase mechanism. A need for monitoring the increase in the prices of agricultural inputs was also felt.

Kisan Assistant (Crop Price Prediction)

The Kisan assistant and harvest value forecast web application help ranchers, for crops that can be developed, the reference yield for each yield and compost suggestion for crops in view of soil test tried. Optional and micronutrients needed for soil are proposed to the rancher, E-Agri shopping will assist the rancher with purchasing better items for farming. The day-by-day live cost of harvests and yield value forecast will help the rancher for better yield promoting. The yield value forecast will anticipate the yield cost for the following a year which will assist ranchers with realizing the harvest cost at the collecting time or selling time.