Improve Crop Productivity Research Articles

Dos and Don'ts of using drone technology in the crop fields

The global population growth requires moving from traditional to modern agriculture. A new generation of agriculture is needed for responding to food security, which relies on smart technologies, such as remote sensing and intelligent machines, including drones. This paper identifies the necessity, challenges, and prerequisites of using drones in crop fields. The study employed a systematic literature review through a qualitative content analysis for assessing published research documents, using a four-step method comprising material collection, descriptive analysis, category selection, and material evaluation. The literature emphasizes the necessity of using drones in crop fields in three categories: “drones are unique technical features", "drones assist in monitoring and optimizing the agricultural production process", and "drones help environmental-well-being benefits". The challenges of using this technology in crop farming are also classified into six categories, consisting of “lack of macro and integrated policies and approach", "poor knowledge and access to drone technology", "moral and social concerns", "safety", "hardware and software limitations", and "complex and costly". Furthermore, the application of drones in crop fields requires “infrastructures", "knowledge and skills", "effective governance", and "awareness and compliance with flight standards". The evidence from the literature demonstrates that some policies have encouraged the development of appropriate technologies to improve crop production and quality and enhance farmers’ access to a diverse range of technologies. By fostering support for new and precise technologies in sustainable precision agriculture tools, such as drones, and carefully considering the challenges and prerequisites of utilizing drones, farmers can gain access to and benefit from agriculture based on new and more equitable technologies. This can be achieved through greater public funding of technological advancements, thereby supporting sustained greater food systems.

The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies in Improving Crop Productivity among Youths in Misungwi and Kilosa Districts, Tanzania

The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies in Improving Crop Productivity among Youths in Misungwi and Kilosa Districts, Tanzania

Insights into hydrophobic (meth)acrylate polymers as coating for slow-release fertilizers to reduce nutrient leaching

To solve the problem of the low utilization rate of fast-release water-soluble fertilizers and to minimize their environment impact, slow- release fertilizers have emerged as a sustainable solution to limit their losses and improve crop production.

Nanofertilizers: Transforming Agriculture for Sustainable Food Production

The world's population is expected to increase to 10 billion humans through the 12 months 2050, which poses an extreme venture to agriculture's potential to deliver the developing demand for meals in a sustainable way at the same time as minimizing unfavourable environmental outcomes. The rising need for food worldwide has led to the widespread usage of fertilisers. The widely used chemical fertilisers can improve crop production and expansion, but they are harmful to the environment, the soil, as well as the health of people. As a result, one of the most intriguing alternatives to conventional fertilisers is nanofertilizer. These synthetic materials consist of nanoparticles that are regulated in their delivery of macro-and micronutrients to the plant rhizosphere. The necessary nutrients as well as minerals are bound together either alone or in conjunction with nano-sized adsorbents in nano material-based fertilizers. Conventional fertilisation techniques have resulted in inefficiencies and environmental problems because they often rely on chemical fertilisers for phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). Consequently, nanotechnology-based fertilizers—also referred to as nano fertilisers, or NFs—have become a promising therapeutic option. Compared to conventional fertilisers, these NFs enhance crop yields, improve nitrogen uptake efficiency, and have a smaller negative impact on the environment. This paper explores at the evidence, applications, and benefits of NFs, focusing on how they could change farming practices and enhance the production of sustainably produced food.

Enhancing Cucumber Production Sustainability by Incorporated Pest Management: A Comparative Evaluation of Cost and Profitability

This research investigates the efficacy of integrated Pest management (IPM) techniques in cucumber cultivation, focusing at the utilization of natural control strategies to reduce pest-associated losses and improve crop productivity. No matter the growing emphasis on biological strategies, their adoption remains limited because of several challenges, including market pressures, regulatory hurdles, and pest resistance. But, through promoting awareness, expertise, and collaboration among organic and IPM communities, barriers to adoption may be overcome. The study underscores the importance of monetary useful resource for natural control and advocates for its integration into sustainable crop protection practices. Through a comparative evaluation of IPM and non-IPM farming processes, the studies highlight the fee implications and profitability of implementing biological control measures in cucumber production. Findings reveal that even as IPM farmers incur higher initial expenses, they reap advanced internet returns and benefit-cost ratios in comparison to non-IPM counterparts, demonstrating the monetary viability and sustainability of IPM strategies in cucumber farming.

Nanocellulose/wood ash-reinforced starch-chitosan hydrogel composites for soil conditioning and their impact on pea plant growth.

Hydrogels are 3-dimensional polymer networks capable of absorbing a large amount of water. Natural polymeric hydrogels are biodegradable, non-toxic and biocompatible. They can effectively retain nutrients for the plant and can be used as soil conditioners. This study uses a chemical cross-linking technique to synthesize starch and chitosan-based hydrogel using citric acid as a cross-linker. Additionally, hydrogel composites were developed by incorporating wood ash, nano-cellulose, and NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) fertilizer as fillers to enhance their properties. The formulated hydrogel/hydrogel composite samples were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, SEM analysis, X-ray diffraction and thermo-gravimetric analysis. The experiment results showed the chemical cross-linking among the polymeric chain and the semi-crystalline nature of the hydrogel/hydrogel composite samples. The swelling capacity of the hydrogel/hydrogel composite samples was 200-420% (in distilled water) and 104-220% (in saline medium) and demonstrated biodegradability within 110 days. The NPK reinforced hydrogel composite showed an excellent effect on the growth of pea plants (leaves count = 37, stem height = 20.2 cm), and could be effectively used as soil conditioners for agricultural applications. Considering the ability of hydrogel composites to reduce irrigation needs, enhance nutrient retention, and improve crop production, these novel hydrogel composites present an economically viable solution for sustainable agricultural practices.

TYPOLOGY OF FARMS IN THE AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM OF THE BATEKE PLATEAU IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

In order to contribute to the improvement of crop productivity in the agroforestry system of the Batéké plateau, a typology of farms was carried out in the sites of Mampu and Ibi village, pioneer sites of agroforestry activities in the Batéké plateau. Surveys were conducted from June to August 2022 on a sample of 183 farmers chosen according to their voluntary participation. Using the R Console Software, multivariate analyses by hierarchical ascending classification (HAC), using the hierarchical clustering method, were performed to determine the different types of holdings. The results revealed the existence of three types of farms on the site. With regard to the characteristics of these types of farms, the duration of fallow, the number of varieties used, the duration of use of cuttings, the number of weedings, the number of tubers per plant and the yield are the main parameters of their disparity. In terms of yield, it is 9.5 tonnes/ha, 13 tonnes/ha and 10 tonnes/ha respectively for type 1, type 2 and type 3 farms.

Machine Learning based Precision Agriculture Model for Farm Irrigation to Optimize Water Usage

The food demand is ever increasing each year and to meet this demand precision agricultural approach using machine learning tools play an important role. Precision irrigation systems integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as sensors, controllers, data analytics and internet, to achieve sustainability in agriculture and maximize water use so as to improve crop production while minimizing water wastage and climate impact. The main purpose of this article is to find out the precise water requirements for a particular area of the land by using soil moisture sensors. These sensors provide real-time data that is transmitted to a central control unit, which utilizes data driven algorithms to analyze moisture levels in the soil and controls the water supply. Furthermore, the model developed offers remote monitoring and control capabilities, enabling farmers to access and manage the system from anywhere using mobile or web application. This feature allows farmers to remotely adjust irrigation schedules, receive real-time alerts and notifications, and track water consumption, promoting convenient and efficient management of water resources. Thus by using effective water management techniques such as precision irrigation, controlling the water quality, will accomplish optimizing water usage and intern optimizes the yield.

Vesicle-coacervate-driven efficient deposition of a sprayed droplet on hydrophobic soybean leaf surfaces

The inherent superhydrophobicity of a plant's leaves results in a low deposition efficiency of pesticides used to improve crop production.

Foliar application of iron-based nanofertilizers to wheat grown in a Cd-contaminated field: implications for food safety and biofortification

Nanotechnology applications in agriculture have received considerable attention with the aim of improving crop production, nutritional quality and food safety.

Woody species alongside earth contour bunds enhance the soil water‐infiltration capacity in the Sahel, West Africa

AbstractLand degradation, including the loss of tree, forest and vegetation cover, and its related loss of water availability are the main constraints affecting the rainfed agricultural systems in West African Sahel and dry savanna. Therefore, farmers are implementing various soil and water conservation techniques such as zaï pits, half‐moons, contour stone and earth bunds to improve crop production through reduced erosion and enhanced water retention. This study explores the effect of woody and herbaceous vegetation established along earth contour bunds on soil infiltration capacity in southern Mali. The soil infiltration measurements were carried out from September to December 2019 using single ring infiltrometers up‐slope and down‐slope of the bunds built on contour lines in 2015 and 2016 with four types of vegetation: (1) natural annual herbaceous vegetation; (2) planted Andropogon gayanus (perennial grass); (3) planted Gliricidia sepium (woody species) and (4) planted Acacia colei (woody species). The field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) was estimated from the infiltration data and subjected to statistical analysis to compare the effect of the four types of vegetation on soil infiltration capacity. The results revealed significant differences in infiltration rate and Kfs between the four vegetation types. The highest infiltration rate and Kfs were observed for earth contour bunds reinforced with woody species G. sepium (299.5 ± 0.6; 45.3 ± 1.4 mm h−1), followed by A. colei (232.2 ± 2; 38.2 ± 1.6 mm h−1). These were followed by the grass A. gayanus (189.4 ± 2.5; 33.0 ± 1.7 mm h−1) and natural annual herbaceous vegetation (132 ± 2.3; 20.7 ± 1.9 mm h−1). In addition, soil water‐infiltration rate and Kfs were higher for down‐slope compared to up‐slope areas for the two woody species. In practice, it is appropriate for farmers to reinforce contour bunds with woody species and perennial herbs given the beneficial effect on soil water infiltration and retention capacity and the expected socio‐economic benefit they can get from them.

Using Magnetic Fields to Enhance the Seed Germination, Growth, and Yield of Plants.

Geomagnetic field (GMF) protects living organisms on the Earth from the radiation coming from space along with other environmental factors during evolution, and it has affected the growth and development of plants. Many researchers have always been interested in investigating these effects in different aspects. In this chapter, we focus on the methods of using different types of magnetic fields (MFs) to investigate the dimensions of their biological effects on plants. The aim is to increase seed germination, growth characters, and yield of plants using the following methods: (1) Using MFs lower than GMF to study effects of GMF on the growth and yield of plants. (2) Using reversed magnetic fields (RMFs) lower than GMF to study its effects on the growth and development of plants during evolution. (3) Using static magnetic fields (SMFs) higher than GMF and reversed SMFs to study effects of the south (S) and north (N) magnetic pole on plants. (4) Using electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to increase and accelerate seed germination, growth, and yield of plants, and establish the status of plants against other environmental stresses. (5) Using magnetized water (MW) to improve plant seed germination, growth, and yield. (6) Using high gradient magnetic field (HGMF) to study magneto-tropism in plants. In this chapter, we recommend application of various types of MFs to study their biological effects on plants to improve crop production.

Enhancement of soybean tolerance to water stress through regulation of nitrogen and antioxidant defence mechanisms mediated by the synergistic role of salicylic acid and thiourea

Water stress (WS) poses a significant threat to global food and energy security by adversely affecting soybean growth and nitrogen metabolism. This study explores the synergistic effects of exogenous salicylic acid (SA, 0.5 mM) and thiourea (TU, 400 mg L−1), potent plant growth regulators, on soybean responses under WS conditions. The treatments involved foliar spraying for 3 days before inducing WS by reducing soil moisture to 50% of field capacity, followed by 2 weeks of cultivation under normal or WS conditions. WS significantly reduced plant biomass, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, water status, protein content, and total nitrogen content in roots and leaves. Concurrently, it elevated levels of leaf malondialdehyde, H2O2, proline, nitrate, and ammonium. WS also triggered an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and osmolyte accumulation in soybean plants. Application of SA and TU enhanced the activities of key enzymes crucial for nitrogen assimilation and amino acid synthesis. Moreover, SA and TU improved plant growth, water status, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, protein content, and total nitrogen content, while reducing oxidative stress and leaf proline levels. Indeed, the simultaneous application of SA and TU demonstrated a heightened impact compared to their separate use, suggesting a synergistic interaction. This study underscores the potential of SA and TU to enhance WS tolerance in soybean plants by modulating nitrogen metabolism and mitigating oxidative damage. These findings hold significant promise for improving crop productivity and quality in the face of escalating water limitations due to climate change.

Straw return-enhanced soil carbon and nitrogen fractions and nitrogen use efficiency in a maize–rice rotation system

Summary Considering straw resource utilization and air pollution prevention, straw return has been commonly practiced in China. However, the practicability of plenty straw return in an emerging maize–rice rotation and their effects on soil C and N pools have not been extensively investigated. This study has been conducted to examine the effects of straw return on soil nutrients, soil functional C and N fractions, and then to figure out their relationships with yield and N use efficiency. Two treatments of straw return (S2Nck) and without straw return (S0Nck) were compared in 3-year field experiment, and subplots without N application were added in their respective plots in the third year. The results showed that, relative to the control (S0Nck), straw return significantly increased soil mineralized nitrogen (Nmin), available P, and exchange K content by 11.7%, 41.1%, and 17.4% averaged across 3-year experiments, respectively. Straw return substantially increased soil dissolved organic C, microbial biomass C, and microbial biomass N content by 73.0%, 25.2%, and 36.8%, respectively. Furthermore, straw return markedly increased C and N retention in particulate organic matter in microaggregates (iPOM) and mineral associated organic matter within microaggregates (intra-SC), but significantly reduced in free mineral associated organic matter (free-SC) fraction. The structural equation modeling analysis showed that yield and the partial factor productivity of N were positively correlated with labile and slow soil C and N fractions. Consequently, straw incorporation significantly increased grain yields of maize by 14.7% and rice by 15.1%. The annual potential reduction proportion in fertilizer-N induced by straw return was estimated to be 25.7% in the third year. This study suggests that the incorporation of straws is an effective way to enhance soil nutrients and regulate soil C and N pools to improve crop production and has the potential to reduce N fertilizer application under maize–rice rotation in subtropical regions.

Effect of Dissemination of Agricultural Information through Radio on Crop Output

The study examined the effects of dissemination of agricultural information through radio on crop output in northern Adamawa Agricultural Zone I. Specifically, effects of disseminating agricultural information through radio on crop output, effects of disseminating information via different radio channels and constraints faced from obtaining information via radio were examined. Data for this study was obtained majorly from primary source which were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire administered to the respondents in the study area via the use of Kobo Collect installed on mobile devices. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used as analytical tools for this study. The target population for this study were all the food crop farmers in the five LGAs in the Zone. Two hundred and forty (240) food crop farmers were served as sample size for the study. The content validity method was used to ascertain the strength of the research instrument. On the other hand, the test- re-test method was used to check the reliability of the instrument. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used as analytical tools. The study was anchored on the communication and diffusion of innovation theory by Rogers, 1962 and Rogers and Everest in 1971. The study revealed that agricultural knowledge gained through radio programs, particularly in the context of herbicides/pesticides application if the main effect of dissemination of agricultural information through radio on crop output. Radio stations, such as BBC Hausa, have a significant positive influence on crop output when tuned in by farmers. However, other radio stations, including FM Poly Mubi, NAS FM Mubi, Voice of America (VOA), and Radio France, had no statistically significant impacts on crop production. Critical role of timing, consistency, program diversity, and accessibility in ensuring the efficacy of radio-based knowledge dissemination were the major challenges faced by farmers regarding radio programs. The study recommended that policymakers and agricultural program developers should consider these results when designing information campaigns to support local farmers in improving crop production outputs.

Microneedle (MN)-based sensing technology: an innovative solution for agriculture

Agricultural health is one of the most important aspects of improving crop productivity, which can significantly decrease demand for food. MN-based sensing technology offers newer insight into agriculture health by continuously monitoring plant health, including nutritional values and pathogens.

Precision Agriculture Model for Farm Irrigation using Machine Learning to Optimize Water Usage

The food demand is ever increasing each year and to meet this demand precision agricultural approach using machine learning tools play an important role. Precision irrigation systems integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as sensors, controllers, data analytics and internet, to achieve sustainability in agriculture and maximize water use so as to improve crop production while minimizing water wastage and climate impact. The main purpose of this article is to find out the precise water requirements for a particular area of the land by using soil moisture sensors. These sensors provide real-time data that is transmitted to a central control unit, which utilizes data driven algorithms to analyze moisture levels in the soil and controls the water supply. Furthermore, the model developed offers remote monitoring and control capabilities, enabling farmers to access and manage the system from anywhere using mobile or web application. This feature allows farmers to remotely adjust irrigation schedules, receive real-time alerts and notifications, and track water consumption, promoting convenient and efficient management of water resources. Thus by using effective water management techniques such as precision irrigation, controlling the water quality, will accomplish optimizing water usage and intern optimizes the yield.

Effect of irrigation on farm efficiency in tribal villages of Eastern India

Irrigation is an important adaptation strategy to cope with climate change which reduces vulnerability to water stress and improves crop productivity to feed millions. There is evidence of crop yield stagnation in many developing countries, and irrigation efficiency is claimed to increase crop productivity. Therefore, this paper uses data envelopment analysis to evaluate the farmer’s productivity through technical efficiency (TE), i.e., the relationship between resource inputs and outputs of 513 paddy farmers in Eastern India. The results show that the farms are, on average operating at 14% TE, leaving a considerable scope to improve up to 86% to reach the optimal level. A significant difference is observed between irrigated and rain-fed paddy farmers, such that10% of the irrigated farms achieved efficiency scores over 40% and only 2% of rain-fed farms achieved the same. The tobit and beta fit regression models are estimated to find out the factors that influence the TE. Both surface water and groundwater sources of irrigation are used as predictors, along with other socio-demographic factors. Access to surface water irrigation is identified to be a significant determinant of farm efficiency, however, surface water irrigation, such as canal irrigation, is accessible only to farmers living on plain land. Farmers living on highlands need to explore other sources of irrigation practices, such as drip and sprinkler, that can increase TE and farm productivity. Therefore, this paper calls for government intervention to provide extensive training and facilities for these micro-irrigation practices.

Tillage Practices Affect Rhizospheric Moisture Availability and Performance of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Cultivars under Spate Irrigation in Punjab, Pakistan

Selection of suitable tillage technique can ensure most productive use of available hill torrent water in spate irrigated areas for improved crop productivity and profitability. During rabi season 2021-22, a field study on chickpea was undertaken in Vidor hill torrent command area of Dera Ghazi Khan Punjab, Pakistan. In this experiment three cultivars of chickpea viz Bittle-2016, Thal-2020 and Bhakhar-2011 were evaluated under spate irrigated conditions along with local cultivar (Farmer practice) for comparison. Tillage practices at the seedbed preparation stage evaluated were cultivator and rotavator as follows i.e. T1= Two turns of cultivator (Farmer practice), T2=Three turns of cultivator, T3=Two turns of cultivator + one turn of rotavator, T4= one turn of cultivator + one turn of rotavator. The experiment was conducted under randomized complete block design (RCBD) with factorial arrangement and treatments were replicated three times. Soil moisture was measured through gravimetric method and chickpea yield parameters were estimated as per standard procedures. The means were tested for significance using HSD Tuckey’s test at 5 % level of probability. Results revealed that cultivars and tillage practices showed significant variations for tested parameters. In this experiment maximum soil moisture conservation, number of branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed yield (kg ha-1) and harvest index (%) were observed from Farmer practice i.e. 2 turns of cultivator under local cultivar used. Moreover, comparatively similar results were revealed from the plots where 3 turns of cultivator was run and Thal-2020 cultivar was grown under the local conditions of Vidor hill torrent command area of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan. Plots where 2 turns cultivator was used, the maximum benefit cost ratio (BCR, 1.85) was observed from local cultivar (Farmer practice). Moreover, among newly tested cultivars, Thal-2020 showed encouraging results in terms of soil moisture contents, yield attributes with BCR 1.73 in plots where 2 turns cultivator was run. Under the prevailing agro normals of spate irrigated conditions of Vidor hill torrent command area, farmers should use 2 turns of cultivator with local cultivar. However, more research is needed to acclimatize latest varieties of chickpea after adaptability trials.

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF SOIL AMENDMENTS ON FOOD SAFETY AND CROP PRODUCTIVITY FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Aflatoxins impact the entire food supply chain, from agricultural fields to processing facilities, markets, and consumer tables. In peanut cultivation, this threat poses a constant challenge throughout the cultivation, processing, and consumption stages. To confront this challenge, an exhaustive study was undertaken with the aim of investigating the effects of targeted soil amendments; namely, Vermicompost, Lentil crop residue, and Sulphate of Potash applied during the pivotal sowing phase at two distinct locations, Chakwal and Attock. The research includes meticulous groundnut sample analysis to quantify aflatoxin levels, revealing a significant reduction across all soil amendments compared to the control group. Vermicompost stands out as the most effective, achieving a remarkable 64.8% reduction, followed closely by Sulphate of Potash at 62.4%. Statistical analysis highlights non-significant differences among amendments. Beyond aflatoxin mitigation, the study underscores the dual benefit of these soil amendments, contributing not only to mycotoxin control but also enhancing overall crop productivity. Percent increase in number of grains per plant ranged between 58.82% to 43.53% whereas in hundred grain weight it ranged between 17.10% and 10.55%. In summary, the study emphasizes the importance of strategic soil amendments, particularly Vermicompost and Sulphate of Potash, in mitigating aflatoxin contamination in peanuts. The dual benefit of improved crop productivity adds significance to the findings, offering a holistic approach to address the multifaceted dimensions of aflatoxin challenges in peanut cultivation.