Agricultural Farm Research Articles

НОВЫЕ ПОДХОДЫ В ОТЕЧЕСТВЕННОМ КОРМОПРОИЗВОДСТВЕ И ИХ ВЛИЯНИЕ НА ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ КРУПНОГО РОГАТОГО СКОТА

The purpose of research is to study the influence of domestic plant components in the form of dry pumpkin and carrots in diets on the productivity and physiological state of cattle. Objectives: to study the effect of dried carrots and pumpkin in diets on milk production, milk quality, reproductive function and the physiological state of Holstein cows. The study was conducted in the Belgorod Region in the agricultural production complex Collective Farm named after Gorin. The object of the study is lactating Holstein cows after calving. 2 groups of animals were selected: 1st control and 2nd experimental (dairy cows after calving) of 10 animals each. The control group was fed diets accepted on the farm, and the experimental group was additionally given dry carrot and pumpkin concentrate in dosages approved by the standards (for dairy cows in the amount of 60 g per head per day for 90 days). During the study, the animals were examined and their physiological condition was monitored. An increase in the average daily milk yield of cows in the experimental group was observed – 32.8 ± 1.11 kg versus 30.2 ± 1.22 kg in the control, or by 8.6 % compared to the control; increase in milk fat content by 7.5 %; increase in the vitamin composition of milk with vitamins A, B, C, K; improvement of reproductive function (the onset of the first heat 5 days earlier, a decrease in the insemination index). Based on the results obtained, we recommend using dried carrot and pumpkin concentrate in the diets of lactating cows.

The Case to Legalize the MSP: Analysis of the Impact on Agricultural Market and Farmer Income

The Case to Legalize the MSP: Analysis of the Impact on Agricultural Market and Farmer Income

Exploring the impact of high-rise residential building morphology with controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and vertical farming on energy performance in various climatic contexts

Exploring the impact of high-rise residential building morphology with controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and vertical farming on energy performance in various climatic contexts

DAYA TETAS TELUR DAN TINGKAT KELANGSUNGAN HIDUP PADA BENIH IKAN MANFISH (Pterophyllum scalare) DI BPBAT MANDIANGIN

This study aims to analyze the level of corn farmers' participation in agricultural extension programs and the factors influencing it in the Porehu District. Employing a survey method with a descriptive analysis approach and a quantitative paradigm, the study involved 112 corn farmers as respondents. The results indicate that internal factors such as age, education, farming experience, income, and family dependents significantly impact farmers' participation in extension activities. Additionally, external factors including farmers' motivation, perception of extension, support for infrastructure, support from extension agents, and social environment support also significantly affect farmers' participation. These findings highlight the need to develop more effective and inclusive extension strategies and strengthen collaboration among the government, agricultural extension agents, farmer organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. Such efforts are expected to enhance farmer participation and the success of agricultural extension programs, ultimately positively impacting agricultural productivity and farmers' well-being.

Analysis of IoT Applications in Highly Precise Agriculture Farming

Background: The IoT (Internet of Things) assigns to the capacity of Device-to-Machine (D2M) connections, which is a vital component in the development of the digital economy. IoT integration with a human being enables real-time decision-making in communication, collaboration, and technology analytics. Furthermore, environmental factors impacting plants, such as air humidity, temperature, air quality index, and soil wetness, are not frequently documented, emphasizing the development of a data monitoring system for future agricultural research and development. Methods: An IoT-based Intelligent Farming System is proposed. An innovative IoT-based intelligent farming system is developed that integrates real-time data monitoring, machine learning algorithms, and IoT technology to address the identified gaps and challenges. Result: In the face of climate change, extreme weather, and environmental constraints, increased food demand must be satisfied. Intelligent agriculture enabled by IoT technology can reduce waste and increase productivity for producers and farmers, from fertilizer use to tractor trips. Conclusion: In conclusion, this paper provides insightful and informative commentary on the progress made in technology within the agriculture industry and the challenges that still need to be overcome to achieve optimal outcomes.

Adaptability and Character Traits of Turf-type Tall Fescue Cultivars Grown under Limited Irrigation in Northern Italy

The use of tall fescue is increasing in the European transition zone because of its inherent tolerance to heat and drought stresses. Climate change, as expressed by more frequent drought occurrences, presents a challenge for selecting appropriate turfgrass cultivars. A field study was conducted at the Experimental Agricultural Farm of the University of Padova (Legnaro, Italy) to assess the response of 20 tall fescue cultivars grown without irrigation for 2 years (with a single emergency irrigation application in Jul 2022). The cultivars were evaluated every 2 weeks from Mar 2021 to Mar 2023 to determine the texture, uniformity, density, color, quality, green turf cover, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The cultivars tested were Bullseye, Darlington II, Detonate LS, Forlaine, Grande II, Lexington, Melya-ne, PPG-TF238, PPG-TF254, PPG-TF315, PPG-TF336, RGT Nuance, Rhambler SRP, Talladega II, Thor, Thunderstruck, Tough, Triad, Turfway, and ZRC-1. The results confirmed the ability of tall fescue species to tolerate drought stress as imposed within the parameters of this field study. For all cultivars, a slight decrease in quality was observed only in the summer of the second year under severe drought conditions. The inherent low cold tolerance of tall fescue compared with that of other cool-season species observed for all the study cultivars resulted in lower quality, color, and uniformity during the winter, but density was maintained throughout the entire study period. The best-performing cultivars based on quality, NDVI, and green turf cover were PPG-TF336, Triad, and ZRC-1. Therefore, tall fescue provides a sustainable solution for amenity turfgrass lawns in water deficit climates, and turf-type tall fescue cultivars with the desired characteristics of optimum quality and drought tolerance should be considered for lawns with the European transition zone.

Determination of heavy metals and pesticide residue in soil, plant and water along Asa-River Tributary

The QuEChERS sample preparation method, coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), was optimized and validated for pesticide determination in soil, water, and vegetables. Experimental parameters, such as mass of sample, volume of solvents, extraction time, and sorbents, were optimized using Minitab statistical software. The GC-MS method showed excellent linearity, selectivity, and recovery, with detection limits ranging from >0.001 µg/L and quantification limits from 0.003 µg/L. The analysis of pesticide samples revealed 17 identified pesticides, with Endosulfan ether showing the highest residue concentration (1.41 mg/L) in Soil Sample 2. Similar trends were observed in Vegetable Samples 5 and 6, with residue concentrations ranging from 0.00–0.87 mg/L and 0.00–0.06 mg/L, respectively. No pesticide residues were detected in soil Sample 1, water Samples 3 and 4. Additionally, heavy metal analysis (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, As, and Fe) was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) on soil, water, and vegetable samples collected from Asa-river farmland. The results showed variations in metal content across samples, exceeding WHO guidelines, except for cadmium in water and plant samples and nickel in Soil Samples 4 and 6. These methods offer favorable toxicological, environmental, and economic benefits, making them ideal for routine monitoring of pesticides and heavy metals in agricultural farm products.

Development of a Solar-Powered Incubator for Poultry Eggs

The development of solar-powered egg incubators holds promise for sustainable agriculture and poultry farming, particularly in areas with limited access to reliable electricity. Hence, in this work, locally sourced materials were used for the development of solar-powered incubator, with the aim of providing a sustainable and reliable alternative to traditional electricity-powered incubators. The design of the incubator was carried out using the different equations stipulated in literatures. Also, the performance of the incubator was investigated by determining the system temperature, relative humidity, percentage fertility and hatchability. The experimental results indicated that the total heat generated inside the incubator was 149,753.49 J, with contributions from air, eggs, water, and plywood. Also, there was consistent temperature and relative humidity readings throughout the incubation period with the temperature and relative humidity falling between 37.1-38.0°C and 50.6-56% respectively. The study also showed that the incubation process was conducted with diligence, leading to favorable outcomes (67% fertility and 75% hatchability) for embryo development and hatching success.

Effectiveness of agricultural BMPs on phosphorus load reduction for the Canadian Lake Erie basin: A literature review

Lake Erie, the shallowest and warmest of the Great Lakes, has been increasingly threatened by eutrophication and harmful algal blooms affecting economic growth in the region. Excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus, transported with agricultural runoffs have become a major issue of lake water quality. In response to this growing concern over the adverse environmental effects of agriculture, farmers, conservation authorities and governments have worked together to promote and implement best or beneficial management practices (BMPs) in the contributing watersheds that focus on maintaining agricultural activity and farm profitability while protecting the environment. This paper conducted a technical review of BMPs and their effectiveness on phosphorus load reduction from agricultural fields for the Canadian Lake Erie Basin (CLEB). These BMPs include cover crop, conservation tillage, manure incorporation, crop nutrient planning, fragile land retirement, adding organic amendments, reducing soil compaction, controlled tile drain, grassed waterway, vegetative filter strip, riparian buffer, water and sediment control basin, and wetland restoration. Field experiments and modeling studies about BMP effectiveness on phosphorus load reduction from agricultural fields in the CLEB and the Great Lakes region were reviewed and assessed. Findings from other similar geographic regions were also documented for comparison and reference. Because BMPs are site-specific, their phosphorus load reduction effectiveness varied over a wide range in the literature depending upon characteristics of the BMP and local climate, slope, soil type, land use, and land management conditions. Based on the literature review, factors influencing BMP effectiveness were analyzed, and suggestions on research priorities for evaluating BMP effectiveness in the CLEB were provided. This study will benefit decision-makers, watershed conservation authorities, and other stakeholders in estimating phosphorus load reductions from agricultural landscapes and contribute to tracking progress toward achieving Canada’s phosphorus load reduction targets for Lake Erie.

Assessment of walnut (Juglans regia L.) cultivation land suitability using a multiple-criteria decision-making method in Southeastern Turkey

Site selection for agricultural products is critical for agricultural planning, productivity, and farmers. Site selection is also critical for agricultural sustainability, as it helps ensure the efficient use of natural resources and avoids environmental degradation. This research proposes an evaluation model for walnut cultivation in the Savur (Mardin, Turkey) district in the Southeastern Anatolia region. Based on literature data, expert opinion, and local walnut producers’ perspectives, a spatial decision support system was developed using Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). This model provides farmers and stakeholders with a comprehensive evaluation of the different walnut-producing sites in the Savur district. It allows them to make informed decisions about the most suitable areas for walnut production. The land suitability assessment for walnut orchards included four primary evaluation aspects, ten main criteria, and forty-seven sub-criteria. Evaluation criteria were weighted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). A land suitability map was created using the weighted overlay method in overlap with the evaluation criteria. The results showed 442.56 ha of very highly suitable land, 9789.43 ha of highly suitable land, and 1140.76 ha of moderately suitable land in the Savur district. In order to determine the accuracy of the study model, ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) analysis was conducted. As a result of the validation analysis, the constructed model had an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.911, which indicates an excellent fit between the model and reality; therefore, the model is acceptable. This study demonstrates that integrating AHP and GIS can aid agricultural land use planning and decision-making.

Analyzing Extension and Advisory Service Delivery Dynamics in Nepal through Social Network Analysis Lens: A Comparative Study

Aims: Amid the changes in extension and advisory service delivery after federalism in Nepal. The existing players and new players in the network influence the flow and accessibility of services, providing both opportunities and challenges. However, very few studies have been carried out. So, this research was designed to analyze the perception and diffusion flow dynamics/pattern (mediators) of public extension and advisory services at the local/municipal level in Nepal. Study Design: A cross-sectional research approach with a convergent parallel mixed-method research design was used. Methodology: A field survey was carried out by selecting 200 stakeholders using a simple random sampling method, 22 key informant interviews, and 4 focus group discussions at Chandragiri and Dakshinkali municipalities. Results: The five-point Likert Scale (13 constructs), social network analysis, and community network map revealed that the EAS network with progressive farmers (CB= 2384.94), agriculture section (CB= 1134.8), input suppliers (CB= 855.21), farmers group (CB= 511.7), and social actors (CB= 452.58) as strong mediators, had a poor perception toward current public extension and advisory services. The EAS network with agriculture section (CB= 2292), farmers group (CB= 2199.5), input suppliers (CB= 584.32,) and progressive farmers (CB= 481.9) as their strong mediators in the EAS network perceive the public EAS slightly positively. Conclusion: The research concludes that the stakeholders often neglected by government institutions but perceived strong mediators in the EAS network must be identified and prioritized for effective service delivery. The study could be a basis for the stakeholders' identification and management in the service delivery framework of public extension and advisory service delivery at the municipal/local level.

Does tillage system affect agricultural production and farmers’ incomes? Evidence from 234 typical farms in 29 countries

Does tillage system affect agricultural production and farmers’ incomes? Evidence from 234 typical farms in 29 countries

Transition toward circular economy in the agrifood seedling phase: A Life Cycle Assessment on tomato trays.

National and international guidelines call for greater environmental sustainability in agriculture through the introduction of the circular economy. Recent studies investigate the introduction of new technologies and methodologies in the field, however, few focus on initial stages at the plant nursery or the management of the involved materials, and none scientifically calculate their environmental impact. To fill this gap, this paper focuses on an Italian case study that quantifies the environmental impact of the traditional seed trays used worldwide for growing, transporting and transplanting tomato seedlings, proposing and evaluating two alternatives from a circular economy perspective. To do this, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to the traditional and to two new reusable, recyclable, washable seed trays, comparing their entire life cycles. Primary data, provided by three manufacturers, two nurseries and four agricultural farms, were modelled using SimaPro software. Their environmental impact was calculated considering the potentials of global warming, eutrophication, acidification, abiotic depletion of elements and fossil fuels, ozone layer depletion, water scarcity and photochemical oxidation. Results show that, irrespective of the type of material used for the seed pots, the extraction and production phase of the materials is the most impactful in the life cycles. The proposed trays resulted more environmentally sustainable than the traditional non-reusable expanded polystyrene tray. The work also quantified the environmental benefit achieved with the weight reduction of the seed pots and their better handling by operators, which avoided breakages and losses. Furthermore, it is shown how the proposed reusable solutions can be greener, reducing the impacts up to a third in the case of global warming potential. In conclusion, the research offers viable alternatives that can be used in the market all over the world, diminishing the overall impact of the seedling and transplanting phases.

The Analysis of the Impact of Soil Health and Land Fertility through Green Manuring in Organic Farming

Green manures can play a significant role. Utilising green manure is one of the trends in environmental protection that aids in the agricultural sector's transition to sustainability by conserving help conservere sources and meeting consumer demand for food. There is a positive relationship between the benefits of green manuring and factors that improve soil health and land fertility in organic farming. Additionally, there is no positive effects on the quality of soil health, land fertility, and environmental sustainability from chemical fertilizers.” This discussion concludes that agriculture farmers are aware of environmental protection and soil heath and land fertility affordable but some economic affordable benefits encourage to usages of chemical fertiliser that is hindering the green manuring based organic farming

Climate change threatens amphibians and species representation within protected areas in tropical wetlands

Abstract Protected areas (PAs) are crucial for biodiversity conservation, yet climate change threatens their long‐term effectiveness by displacing species distributions. Among the most climate‐threatened organisms are the amphibians, highly dependent on water and wetlands. The world's largest continuous tropical wetland, the Pantanal and surroundings, is situated in the Upper Paraguay River Basin (UPRB) in South America. Of the 74 amphibian species found there, 4% are threatened. Less than 5% of the basin is within PAs. Recurrent droughts and increasing human pressures further endanger the region's semiaquatic fauna if adequate protection measures are not implemented. Using Ensemble of Small Models, we mapped habitat suitability of amphibian species and projected amphibian richness and composition across the UPRB. We applied null models to evaluate the representation of amphibian ranges within the current PA network under both current and future climate scenarios. To prioritize areas for PA network expansion under climate change scenarios, we used a systematic conservation planning algorithm. By 2100, over 80% of amphibian species from the study area are projected to lose suitable habitat, with 99% of amphibian assemblages facing climate‐driven species loss. Although the existing PA network had limited species representation, protecting on average less than 5% of amphibian ranges. However, 13.7% of PAs are expected to shelter more amphibian species than expected by chance under future climate conditions. Highlands, particularly in the northern and southeastern boundaries of the UPRB, are identified priority areas for PA network expansion due to their high projected changes in amphibian biodiversity. Synthesis and applications. Our findings reveal the extensive impacts of climate change on a major semiaquatic group in the world's largest tropical wetland. Although the current PA network in the Pantanal and surroundings safeguards fewer amphibians than expected, its limited coverage provides opportunities for systematic, data‐driven expansion to achieve the Post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework's 30 by 30 target. Expanding PAs is urgent, but addressing drivers of environmental degradation, including unsustainable practices in agriculture and livestock farming, is equally critical for conserving this biodiverse ecosystem.

Election of Best Farmer in Agriculture with Artificial Intelligence the Usage of Digraph with Permanent Function

Election of Best Farmer in Agriculture with Artificial Intelligence the Usage of Digraph with Permanent Function

Lista de plantas leñosas de los bosques estacionalmente secos del valle del Marañón, Perú

Seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTF) remain woefully understudied despite mounting evidence that they are highly threatened hotspots of biodiversity with large numbers of endemic species. The dry forests of the Marañón river valley in northern Peru is one such hotspot. However, threats to the ecosystem primarily due to agriculture and livestock farming, they are accelerating their de[1]struction, placing the unique species present at high risk. Here we present a preliminary annotated checklist of the woody plants of the dry forest of the Marañón valley, this list includes 413 species and infraspecific taxa, in 223 genera and 59 families. We estimate that 33 % of these taxa are en[1]demic. This list is expected to be incomplete given that large areas of the valley remain unexplored botanically. It is anticipated that this checklist will become a valuable resource for management and conservation of this unique ecosystem, and will act as a stimulus for further botanical exploration.

Integrating Physics-Based Models, Mathematical Optimization, and Statistical Analytics for Advancing Precision Agriculture and Sustainable Farming Practices

The application of physics-based models, mathematical optimization, and statistical analytics is being studied to realize applications in precision agriculture for the sustainable management of affected agroecosystems. Resource efficiency, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability are some targets to improve through multidisciplinary approaches. The datasets on soil moisture, temperature, the health of plants, and daily weather patterns were generated through real-time sensor-based data acquisition, satellite data collection, and historical records. Physically based models were developed to represent soil-water dynamics and plant growth responses under different environmental scenarios. Later, mathematical optimization methods were developed, focusing on resource-efficient strategies for irrigation, fertilization, and pest management, where statistical analyses such as regressions, geostatistics, and time-series analyses were applied to models to predict crop yields and resource needs accurately. The developed models became an input to the decision support system for real-time decision-making according to the recommended resource allocation for better farming scenarios. Pilots have reported a 15% crop yield increase with considerable reductions in water and fertilizer use, contributing to cost savings and environmental conservation. The results prove that these methods, when combined, deliver increased productivity and reduced resource consumption while minimizing the environmental footprint, providing a sustainable approach to modern agriculture. This technique has good prospects for profitability in farming operations and enhancing sustainability in agriculture in the long term, especially as it relates to climate change and resource depletion.

An Approach to Develop a Model to Detect the Phosphorus and Potassium Deficiency in Paddy Crop on Agriculture Farm Using DIP ML

Excessive use of fertilizers harms the environment and disrupts plant habitats, while also raising costs for farmers. Proper timing and amounts of nutrients are crucial for plant health and environmental balance. The greenness of rice leaves indicates their chlorophyll and nutrient levels. Agronomy studies show rice plants need 10 nutrients, including primary ones like Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), and secondary ones like Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), and Chlorine (Cl). Leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) is highly correlated with chlorophyll content. There are several tools on LEAF+ to measure it, such as leaf color (LCC), SPAD, chlorophyll or nitrogen. Since these tools are cost-effective and not available to all farmers, LCC offers farmers the ability to estimate plant nitrogen needs in real-time for efficient fertilizer use and increased rice yield. Notable innovation in agriculture is the Leaf Color Chart (LCC), developed by Japanese experts. It measures chlorophyll levels in rice plants and aids in nitrogen management without harming the plant. Today, LCC is used globally to improve production efficiency and optimize nitrogen application rates. The remaining 2 major nutrients potassium and phosphorus can also be measured by experimentally expanding the available database of LCC, as has been done in the two models developed in this research paper.

IoT Based Smart Monitoring System for Enhancing Precision Agriculture and Environmental Farming System

IoT Based Smart Monitoring System for Enhancing Precision Agriculture and Environmental Farming System