Intensification Of Production Research Articles

Different divergence processes of isoglosses of folk nomenclature between wild trees and rice landraces imply the need for different conservation planning based on the type of plant resources

BackgroundThe intensification of production and socio-economic changes have accelerated the loss of local traditional knowledge and plant resources. Understanding the distribution and determinants of such biocultural diversity is essential in planning efficient surveys and conservation efforts. Because the concept of biocultural diversity in socio-ecological adaptive systems comprises biological, cultural, and linguistic diversity, linguistic information should serve as a surrogate for the distribution of local biological and cultural diversity. In this study, we spatio-linguistically evaluated the names of local trees and rice landraces recorded in Ehime Prefecture, southwestern Japan.MethodsHierarchical clustering was performed separately for the names of local trees and rice landraces. By considering innate flora differences and species having multiple local names, a novel distance index was adopted for local tree names. For the names of rice landraces, Jaccard distance was adopted. V-measure and factor detector analysis were used to evaluate the spatial association between the isogloss maps of the folk nomenclature derived from the clustering and multiple thematic maps.ResultsLocal tree names showed stronger spatial association with geographical factors than rice landrace names. One folk nomenclature group of trees overlapped well with the slash-and-burn cultivation area, suggesting a link between the naming of trees and the traditional production system. In contrast, rice landraces exhibited stronger associations with folklore practices. Moreover, influences of road networks and pilgrimages on rice landraces indicated the importance of human mobility and traditional rituals on rice seed transfer. High homogeneity and low completeness in the V-measure analysis indicated that the names of local trees and rice landraces were mostly homogenous within current municipalities and were shared with a couple of adjacent municipalities. The isogloss maps help to illustrate how the biological and cultural diversity of wild trees and rice landraces are distributed. They also help to identify units for inter-municipal collaboration for effective conservation of traditional knowledge related to those plant resources and traditional rice varieties themselves.ConclusionsOur spatio-linguistic evaluation indicated that complex geographical and sociological processes influence the formation of plant folk nomenclature groups and implies a promising approach using quantitative lexico-statistical analysis to help to identify areas for biocultural diversity conservation.

Intercropping System: Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability in Hot Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Cultivation: A Review

The practice of intercropping hot peppers and basil has yielded several benefits, as discussed in this article. Intercropping is the cultivation of multiple crop species in the same plot of land for a specific period with the aim of increasing yield by utilizing resources such as solar radiation, water, and mineral nutrients more effectively. Studies have shown that Intercropping systems capture and utilize more water, nitrogen, and light than single-crop systems, leading to improved moisture and nutrient use efficiency. Additionally, the use of intercropping systems has been found to enhance crop diversification, thereby reducing the risk of total crop failure and improving yield stability over seasons. This practice has also been shown to increase gross returns per unit area, leading to increased land productivity and financial benefits. Furthermore, planting basil alongside hot peppers has been documented to enhance the productivity of the main crop, while reducing losses due to pests, diseases, and weeds caused by the presence of phytonutrients. Overall, intercropping has been found to be an important agricultural activity that allows for increased yield gains through efficient utilization of growth resources, making it an ideal option for the sustainable intensification of crop production.

Flower-like ZnO modified TiO2@Ti3C2Tx composite for efficient adsorption of malachite green and oil-water separation

The intensification of industrial production has led to a sharp increase in the discharge of toxic organic chemicals and wastewater from printing and dyeing industry. In this study, flower-like ZnO modified TiO2@Ti3C2Tx composites (ZnO/TiO2@Ti3C2Tx) were prepared by in-situ oxidation solvothermal method from zinc nitrate hexahydrate and tetramethylammonium hydroxide intercalated Ti3C2Tx. During the solvothermal processes, sodium hydroxide acted as an etchant to further exfoliated the accordion-like Ti3C2Tx into single or few-layer; and at the same time, TiO2 was formed in-situ on the surface of Ti3C2Tx with simultaneous deposition of flower-like ZnO. The layer structural Ti3C2Tx facilitates the loading and dispersion of ZnO and TiO2 on its surface. After the in-situ oxidation by solvothermal method, TiO2 was evenly distributed on the surface of Ti3C2Tx, adjusting the functional groups on the surface of the ZnO/TiO2@Ti3C2Tx composite, and improving its adsorption performance. ZnO/TiO2@Ti3C2Tx can be used as an efficient adsorbent for malachite green with a high maximum adsorption capacity of 1232.7 mg g−1, which is higher than that of TiO2@Ti3C2Tx (628.57 mg g−1). Moreover, a superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic ZnO/TiO2@Ti3C2Tx@PU sponge was prepared by loading ZnO/TiO2@Ti3C2Tx onto polyurethane (PU) sponge. The introduction of ZnO enhances the surface roughness of the ZnO/TiO2@Ti3C2Tx@PU sponge, which can effectively separate six oil-water mixtures, and has a high separation flux of 171784 L m−2 h−1 and separation efficiency of 99.6% for cyclohexane-water mixture.

Forecasting oil displacement in clay-rich reservoirs using water injection with varying mineral compositions

On the basis of a two-phase four-component fluid filtration model, mathematical modeling of a clay oil-bearing reservoir has been performed, which allows taking into account all physico-chemical processes occurring when exposed to water of various mineral composition, and on its basis to assess the possibility of restoring the reduced permeability of the reservoir due to the injection of water with low mineralization on the basis of treatment with a clay stabilizer. It has been established that the treatment of the layer with the optimal amount of clay stabilizer provides a significant intensification of oil production.

CHINA’S AGRICULTURAL FOREIGN TRADE FLOWS: TRENDS, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES

Purpose. The aim of the article is to analyse China’s agricultural import and export in the context of global geopolitical transformations and identification of trends, challenges, and opportunities for the state’s agricultural policy based on this analysis. Methodology of research. The following methods were used in the research: analysis and synthesis to evaluate the dynamics, product, and geographical structure of China’s agricultural foreign trade; SWOT analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities of the state’s agricultural policy; abstract and logical method to summarize information from various sources and create a comprehensive understanding of the researched problem, forming theoretical conclusions and generalizations; and graphical method to visualize the research results. Findings. It was found that in 2023, the dynamics of China’s foreign trade in agricultural products continued to show a growth trend that has been observed over the past decade. It was demonstrated that the development of China’s agricultural exports has effectively contributed to the deep expansion and diversification of the agricultural value chain, opening new opportunities for promoting high-quality agricultural development. At the same time, it was noted that China has abolished non-tariff measures on agricultural products and export subsidies for all agricultural products, making it one of the most open markets for agricultural products. However, it was proven that in terms of imports, China remains one of the most dependent countries in the world, which is related to the relatively small area of arable land, large population, and insufficient intensification, technological development, and mechanization of tangible agricultural production. Originality. The research on trends in the development of China’s international trade in agricultural products in the post-COVID period has been further developed, taking into account new geopolitical realities. Using the SWOT analysis method, the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities of China’s agricultural policy were identified. Practical value. The substantiated conclusions and recommendations derived from the research can be used to determine the strategic directions for the development of China’s trade relations, as well as to intensify agricultural trade flows between Ukraine and China. Key words: international trade, export, import, agriculture, peripheral regions, foreign policy, global risks, competitiveness.

APPLICATION OF VISCOELASTIC SYSTEMS IN OIL PRODUCTION INTENSIFICATION PROCESSES

This paper provides an overview of viscoelastic behavior and the use of viscoelastic fluids (VBLs) in various oil production intensification processes. The first part provides basic models describing viscoelastic behavior and corresponding equations of state. Describes the method of testing under the action of harmonic vibrations (method of dynamic tests), possible options for its implementation and the determined rheological properties of the viscoelastic sample. To interpret the results of dynamic tests, a complex module is most often introduced, which consists of two components — the elastic modulus (G’) and the loss modulus (G’’). These dynamic modules and their relationship describe the behavior of the viscoelastic sample. It is shown that with respect to modules, it is possible to conclude on the type of sample - viscoelastic liquid or viscoelastic body. It is also noted that dynamic tests should be carried out in the area of low amplitudes of oscillating loads, in which the rheological properties do not depend on the applied stress or strain. The second part provides examples of viscoelastic systems used in operations such as water flow isolation, hydraulic fracturing, and modified acid treatments. The most common viscoelastic systems used in various technologies are solutions of surfactants and polymers of different structures. It is noted that in order to obtain a viscoelastic gel, polymer solutions are used with a crosslinker, while the rheological properties of surfactant solutions are controlled by external factors — pH, temperature, water mineralization. Viscoelastic surfactant solutions have an advantage over polymer solutions ‑ they are able to recover their properties after mechanical or thermal exposure due to the formation of supramolecular structures as a result of selforganization of surfactant molecules. The surfactant-based HLT property of reversibly collapsing and recovering is used, in particular, to reduce pressure losses to overcome friction. In flow-deflecting acid compositions, viscoelastic surfactants are mainly used, the most common of which are given in the second part of the article.

Синтез робастной системы управления манипуляционным роботом с полиномиальными регуляторами на основе грамианного метода

Since manipulation robots can have several control channels, and their nonlinear coordinate relationships lead to internal parametric disturbances, along with variations in mechanical parameters, the use of Gramian methods for the synthesis of robust automatic control systems seems to be an effective way to improve the quality of control of such objects. When developing a robust control system for a manipulative robot, the method of polynomial modal control is used, local regulators are synthesized for both parts of the manipulator and a centralized controller is synthesized using an object model adjusted by the Gramian method. The calculations of the regulator based on the linear model of a two-link robot manipulator and the analysis of the transient characteristics of the movement of its links are carried out in the MATLAB software package. A method to synthesize a robust control system for a manipulation robot is proposed. It is based on a linearized mathematical model of a control object with a dynamic (polynomial) controller, aimed at changing the singular number of controllability and observability Gramians and subsequent calculation of a centralized controller to control the original nonlinear object. The use of a modified object model makes it possible to improve the robust properties and increase the speed of the control system for a nonlinear robotic object while maintaining the aperiodic nature of the processes under conditions of mutual influence of links and parameter variations. The proposed method makes it possible to improve the quality of control of manipulative robots and their productivity in conditions of intensification of technological production.

Biological availability of mineral elements

The animal husbandry industry is the leading branch of our country’s agro-industrial complex, on the one hand, its development determines the level of public consumption of valuable food products, and on the other hand, the economic well-being of the agricultural sector of the economy. It is known that the productivity of farm animals depends on feeding and keeping conditions by 70–80 % and on genetic potential by 20–30 %. Balanced animal nutrition is an important part of the efforts to increase livestock productivity, it is based on meeting the energy and nutrient needs of animals and poultry at different ages. If this requirement is met, you can expect high growth and development of young animals, and high productivity. The application of biologically active substances, including minerals, as catalysts for metabolism is one of the means to increase animal productivity and resistance. Numerous studies have proven their significant role in the processes of tissue respiration, hematopoiesis, reproduction, nervous and endocrine system functions, and consequently in the processes of strengthening the natural immune defenses of animals. Breeders use different sources of macro- and microelements to compensate mineral deficiencies in the diet. It can be mineral additives of industrial production, or natural sources or industrial waste containing certain mineral elements. The availability of certain macro- and microelements in mineral sources, the cost of these additives, and the costs of their purchase and transportation are important. Particular attention is paid to the mineral nutrition of poultry, which has high growth energy, intensive metabolism and a well-developed reproductive function. Special attention is focused on the mineral nutrition of poultry, as they have high growth energy, intensive metabolism and a well-developed reproductive function. An unbalanced mineral nutrition significantly reduces the body’s productivity and resistance, causes significant metabolic disorders, reproductive disorders and diseases, which can often cause poultry death. The most common reason for the declining productivity and immune system is insufficiently balanced feeding in the conditions of production intensification. The intensive use of poultry causes changes in metabolism, reducing the content of micro and macro elements, vitamins and other biologically active substances in the body.

Grazing effect on different forage species in yield of soybean-pasture succession

Integrated crop-livestock systems play a crucial hole on sustainable intensification due simultaneous increase the land use efficiency and minimize nutrient leaching due an intensification of nutrient cycling. However, these benefits depend on a good planning and management of the production system. The main objective of this study was to investigate biomass composition, soybean yield and beef cattle performance using three distinct forage cultivars within two cropping systems: Integrated Crop-Livestock System (ICLS) and the Pure Crop System (CS). The three forage cultivars used were: Urochloa ruziziensis, Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés, and Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Quênia. The experimental area was split into 24 plots, with each plot assigned one of the cropping systems and a specific forage cultivar. The ICLS involved soybean cultivation during spring-summer followed by cattle grazing during the autumn-winter. Conversely, the CS functioned as a pure crop system, utilizing soybean cultivation alongside forage as a cover crop. Soybean yield did not differ between ICLS and CS, neither between forage cultivars (4110 ± 627.0 kg ha−1). Animal performance did not differ between forage cultivars, resulting in average daily gain equals to 0.538 ± 0.316 kg of BW day−1. Animal production per area also was not affected by forage cultivars, yielding 145.0 ± 56.8 kg of BW ha−1. For comparison between systems, beef cattle production was converted in soybean equivalent based on commodities values. ICLS proportionated an increment of 624 ± 135 kg ha−1 per year of soybean equivalent yield, representing 15% increase in land use efficiency compared to the CS system. Therefore, beef cattle grazing in off-season of cash crops can enhance the sustainable intensification of food production. The forage species choice seems not be a paramount question for this model of ICLS.

SELECTION OF THE OPTIMAL METHOD OF INTENSIFICATION AND STABILIZATION OF OIL PRODUCTION IN THE FIELDS OF WESTERN KAZAKHSTAN

The article discusses research aimed at determining the effectiveness of measures to intensify oil production in the fields of Western Kazakhstan. Based on the results obtained, recommendations were developed for the further application of oil production intensification methods for the conditions of West Kazakhstan fields. The highest oil displacement coefficient (ODC) in the development of high-viscosity oils can be achieved using thermal production methods. To reduce viscosity, in practice, deep warming of the bottom-hole zone of the well is used, which can be carried out by electrothermal treatment of the bottom-hole zone of the formation, steam treatment of wells using downhole solid fuel heat generators, and so on. A combined heating method is proposed that allows heating the well products. Heating is provided by a solar panel all year round. In case of a decrease in solar activity, it automatically switches to a constant electric current. This method differs from others in that the solar panel continuously supplies electricity, reducing the consumption of electrical energy. In addition, the article presents the results of studies of the optimal heating temperature of the bottom-hole formation zone, potential well flow rates at this temperature and oil viscosity. Recommendations are given on the most rational way of heating the bottom-hole zone of wells in the fields of Western Kazakhstan.

Can crop production intensification through irrigation be sustainable? An ex-ante impact study of the south-central coastal zone of Bangladesh

In Bangladesh’s south-central coastal zone, there is considerable potential to intensify crop production by growing dry winter season ‘Boro’ rice, maize, wheat, pulses and oilseeds using irrigation from southward flowing and predominantly freshwater rivers. However, the impacts of surface water withdrawal for sustained irrigation and its safe operating space remain unclear. We used field measurements and simulation modeling to investigate the effects of irrigation water withdrawal for Boro rice–the most water-consumptive crop–on river water flow and salinity under different climate change and river flow scenarios. Under the baseline conditions, about 250,000 ha could potentially be irrigated with river water that has salinity levels below 2 dS/m. The impact on river water salinity would be minimal, and only between 0.71 to 1.12% of the cropland would shift from the 0–2 dS/m class to higher salinity levels. Similarly, for the moderate climate change scenario (RCP 4.5) that forecasts a sea level rise of 22 cm in 2050, there would be a minor change in water flow and salinity. Only under the extreme climate change scenario (RCP 8.5), resulting in a sea level rise of 43 cm by 2050 and low flow conditions that are exceeded in 90% of the cases, the 2 dS/m isohaline would move landward by 64 to 105 km in March and April for the Tentulia and Buriswar Rivers. This would expose an additional 36.6% of potentially irrigable cropland to salinity levels of 2 to 4 dS/m. However, Boro rice will already be well established by that time and can tolerate greater levels of salinity. We conclude that there is considerable scope to expand irrigated crop production without negatively exposing the cropland and rivers to detrimental salinization levels while preserving the ecosystem services of the rivers.

A global meta-analysis of yield-scaled N2 O emissions and its mitigation efforts for maize, wheat, and rice.

Maintaining or even increasing crop yields while reducing nitrous oxide (N2 O) emissions is necessary to reconcile food security and climate change, while the metric of yield-scaled N2 O emission (i.e., N2 O emissions per unit of crop yield) is at present poorly understood. Here we conducted a global meta-analysis with more than 6000 observations to explore the variation patterns and controlling factors of yield-scaled N2 O emissions for maize, wheat and rice and associated potential mitigation options. Our results showed that the average yield-scaled N2 O emissions across all available data followed the order wheat (322 g N Mg-1 , with the 95% confidence interval [CI]: 301-346) > maize (211 g N Mg-1 , CI: 198-225) > rice (153 g N Mg-1 , CI: 144-163). Yield-scaled N2 O emissions for individual crops were generally higher in tropical or subtropical zones than in temperate zones, and also showed a trend towards lower intensities from low to high latitudes. This global variation was better explained by climatic and edaphic factors than by N fertilizer management, while their combined effect predicted more than 70% of the variance. Furthermore, our analysis showed a significant decrease in yield-scaled N2 O emissions with increasing N use efficiency or in N2 O emissions for production systems with cereal yields >10 Mg ha-1 (maize), 6.6 Mg ha-1 (wheat) or 6.8 Mg ha-1 (rice), respectively. This highlights that N use efficiency indicators can be used as valuable proxies for reconciling trade-offs between crop production and N2 O mitigation. For all three major staple crops, reducing N fertilization by up to 30%, optimizing the timing and placement of fertilizer application or using enhanced-efficiency N fertilizers significantly reduced yield-scaled N2 O emissions at similar or even higher cereal yields. Our data-driven assessment provides some key guidance for developing effective and targeted mitigation and adaptation strategies for the sustainable intensification of cereal production.

Driving the Ecological Transition of Agriculture through Voluntary Certification of Environmental Impacts: An Exploratory Literature Review on the Olive-Oil Sector

Human population growth has resulted in increased food consumption, followed by agrifood production intensification. Human activities have a significant impact on the environment, causing, among other things, air and water pollution and biodiversity degradation. In an international context where there is strong concern about environmental issues, it is also necessary to direct food production towards more sustainable models. In this context, the use of frameworks for certifying the environmental footprint of agrifood products can be a lever to promote sustainable production and consumption. The objective of this paper is to explore the opportunities for certifying the environmental footprint of products, focusing in particular on some of the main environmental claims: global warming, water depletion, and biodiversity loss. The olive sector was selected as a case study since it is the major tree crop in the Mediterranean countries, and it has strong impacts on human health and the environment. We employed a literature review in the SCOPUS database and the knowledge of experts in the main environmental certification sectors. The study revealed the possibility of adopting various mitigation strategies and improving environmental performance, while also pursuing certain market objectives related to certified products.

Методы анализа безопасности электроустановок в человекомашинных системах

Increasing the intensification of agricultural production and Improving the quality of life of the rural population is a priority in the development of the agricultural sector of the country's economy. In this regard, the problem reducing man-made threats of accidents and injuries to people, fires, as well as increasing the reliability and safety of electrical installations, including electrical networks and technological electrical equipment is currently important and timely. This problem is especially acute as a result of the aging of the industry's fixed assets. The electric power park of the Russian agro-industrial complex mainly consists of exhausted electrical equipment, the wear of which exceeds a critical level (~ 70%): The state of technological safety of electrical installations today cannot be considered satisfactory. Every year, more than 4,500 people die in the public utility sector alone, about 30 thousand become disabled, while the countryside accounts for about 70% of the total number of electrical injuries. Fires caused by electric current as a result of short circuits and damage to the insulation of electrical wiring also pose a serious threat. The current situation poses a threat to the national security of the country, which necessitated the inclusion of the problem of technological safety in the list of critical technologies approved by the President of the Russian Federation in 2002. Keywords: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION, RISK, HUMAN-MACHINE SYSTEM, SOFT COMPUTING, DAMAGE, SIMULATION MODELING, EXPERT SYSTEM

Effect of Silica Xerogel Functionalization on Intensification of Rindera graeca Transgenic Roots Proliferation and Boosting Naphthoquinone Production.

Secondary metabolites derived from plants are recognized as valuable products with several successful applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. The major limitation to the broader implementation of these compounds is their low manufacturing efficiency. Current efforts to overcome unprofitability depend mainly on biotechnological methods, especially through the application of plant in vitro cultures. This concept allows unprecedented bioengineering opportunities for culture system modifications with in situ product removal. The silica-based xerogels can be used as a novel, porous biomaterial characterized by a large surface area and high affinity to lipophilic secondary metabolites produced by plant tissue. This study aimed to investigate the influence of xerogel-based biomaterials functionalized with methyl, hydroxyl, carboxylic, and amine groups on Rindera graeca transgenic root growth and the production of naphthoquinone derivatives. The application of xerogel-based scaffolds functionalized with the methyl group resulted in more than 1.5 times higher biomass proliferation than for reference untreated culture. The naphthoquinone derivatives' production was noted exclusively in culture systems supplemented with xerogel functionalized with methyl and hydroxyl groups. Applying chemically functionalized xerogels as in situ adsorbents allowed for the enhanced growth and productivity of in vitro cultured R. graeca transgenic roots, facilitating product isolation due to their selective and efficient accumulation.

Crop phenology reshapes the food‐safety landscape for roe deer in an agroecosystem

Abstract Understanding the behavioural adjustments of wildlife in anthropized landscapes is key for promoting sustainable human–wildlife coexistence. Little is known, however, about how synanthropic species navigate spatio‐temporal variation in the availability of food and cover that are shaped by human practices such as agriculture. Animal habitat use is predominantly driven by spatial and temporal variations in food and cover, as individuals respond to fluctuations in the trade‐off between food acquisition and risk avoidance. In agroecosystems, the availability of high‐quality forage and cover is dependent on agricultural practices (e.g., harvesting) and crop phenology, providing an ideal opportunity to evaluate how wildlife adjust their behaviour in a heterogeneous human‐dominated landscape. We investigated the influence of crop phenology on the behaviour of European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) to infer the functional roles of crop types in the food‐cover landscape. We analysed the habitat selection and activity patterns of 105 GPS‐collared adult female roe deer using a unique data set combining field‐specific land cover data, region‐specific estimates of crop phenology and weekly harvesting data for three common crops in a French agroecosystem. We found very distinct habitat selection and activity patterns according to crop type, phenological stage and time of day. Wheat and artificial meadows were strongly selected at night‐time during the early and post‐harvest stages only, when roe deer were highly active, suggestive of feeding activity. On the contrary, roe deer strongly selected maize during the day when it was high enough to provide cover, when they were less active, indicating that it was primarily used for refuge. These patterns depended on the availability of more ‘natural’ cover, suggesting that mature maize may substitute for ‘natural’ cover when the latter is scarce. Synthesis and application: Our work highlights the importance of behavioural plasticity and habitat complementation in the persistence of this synanthropic species in agroecosystems. This behavioural adjustment may buffer the consequences of the reduction in natural habitats that accompanies intensification of agricultural production and has implications for understanding how agricultural practices shape the food‐safety trade‐off of wildlife living in these highly modified landscapes.

Integration of advanced technologies to improve the efficiency of gas condensate field development

In the context of constantly growing global energy demand and rapid changes in the energy sector, the study and implementation of advanced technologies in the development of gas condensate fields is of critical importance. The purpose of this study is to investigate methods to increase the efficiency of production and sustainable use of energy resources by optimising the development of gas condensate fields using advanced technologies. The methods used include analytical method, classification, functional method, statistical method, synthesis. Within the framework of this study, the technological aspects of using wells of the Altyguyi gas condensate field were investigated and extensive laboratory and field analyses were conducted aimed at the correct implementation of the double injection method for simultaneous extraction of gas from one reservoir and oil from another, with an emphasis on their contribution to the development of wells through this approach. The paper also considers aspects of operation and technology, including hydrodynamic and thermohydrodynamic studies, when analysing well designs considering compatibility intervals and mining and geological drilling conditions, based on predictive curves of reservoir pressure and rock fracture pressure. As a result of the analyses, studies and calculations, the implementation of the method of intensification of gas condensate field production using the oil and gas approach of dual injection in one well was substantiated. This approach is focused on reducing capital investments and accelerating the development process. The practical significance of this research lies in the development and implementation of innovative technologies to optimise the production processes of gas condensate fields, which contributes to improving the efficiency of hydrocarbon production and promotes the sustainable use of energy resources

Bridging boundaries: Exploring vineyard, management and variety characteristics influencing long-term infection of grapevine pathogens

Globalisation, climatic changes, and increasing consumer demand have forced the intensification of agricultural production. Thus, vineyards have crossed the boundaries of the original production zones and extended towards suboptimal areas, increasing the potential risk of damaging disease outbreaks. Therefore, there is a rising need for a complex and empirical revision of the interfering effects between grape infection and other external, large-scale factors such as environmental conditions and management practices. Although external abiotic and biotic factors could determine the infection levels of grape disease in a complex way, existing studies focus on the short-term effects of only a single or very few potential factors. In this large-scale study, we aimed to reveal the long-term impact of specific factors regarding vineyard characteristics, applied crop management and grape variety features, which could determine the infection severity of primary grape diseases (grey mould, downy mildew and powdery mildew) using a citizen science approach in Hungary, a traditional wine- and grape-producing country. The present study has revealed that some vineyards (e.g., inclination, row orientation) and variety features (e.g., bunch structure) were considered crucial. At the same time, other factors were found to be less relevant in the present complex comparison, suggesting that the role of these factors might be overemphasised in the literature. In conclusion, the susceptibility or tolerance of grapevines to pathogens appears to be an integrated effect of several factors and cannot be assigned to a single characteristic. The global changes urge the revision of conventional agricultural traditions and deepen our knowledge about the infection process and pathogen-host-environment interactions.

Diversification of wheat-maize double cropping with legume intercrops improves nitrogen-use efficiency: Evidence at crop and cropping system levels

Context or problemThe sustainability of traditional maize-wheat (M-W) double cropping in the North China Plain (NCP) is threatened by excessive nitrogen (N) input and surplus. Meanwhile, there is strong market demand of more protein and oil crops, such as soybean or peanut. Incorporation of legumes into M-W via intercropping with maize is emerging in the NCP to foster China’s self-sufficiency for edible oils and proteins. Objective or research questionIt is unknown how such a change in cropping system affects the required annual fertilizer N input, and the resulting N-use efficiency (NUE) and N surplus (Ns). MethodsWe conducted a four-year field experiment involving four N fertilizer rates and rotations of winter wheat with six different summer crops: maize (conventional and density-increased), peanut (P), soybean (S), and intercrops of density-increased maize and peanut or soybean (MP, MS). The “three-quadrant diagram” and NUE proposed by the EU Nitrogen Expert Panel (EUNEP) were used to assess NUE at crop and cropping system level, respectively. ResultsLand equivalent ratios of N uptake in intercrops averaged 1.02–1.07 while N fertilizer equivalent ratios averaged 1.15–1.20, indicating more efficient N uptake and more yield per unit fertilizer than sole crops. Intercropped maize exhibited greater N acquisition efficiency than sole maize. Inclusion of intercrops lowered required annual N inputs and Ns and increased the apparent recovery efficiency (RE) of applied N and EUNEP-NUE. Soybean was a more productive and N-use efficient companion species for maize than peanut. Increasing N decreased RE and EUNEP-NUE while elevated Ns of all rotation systems. N productivity responses of each rotation system to increasing N followed a “linear-plateau” model. Compared to M-W with an optimal 240–360 kg N/ha, MS-W with 210–320 kg N/ha saved 11.1–12.5% fertilizer, increased N uptake by 12.4–16.0%, augmented RE from 36.0–37.0% to 47.8%, increased EUNEP-NUE from 0.50 to 0.67 kg/kg (within the target of 0.50–0.90 kg/kg), lowered Ns by 38.8–39.2%, and reduced N emission by 48.6–49.3%. ConclusionsTherefore, here we show for the first time, using multiple N performance indicators, that MS-W with moderate N provides diversified products, higher N productivity, NUE and lower N loss than M-W, thus being a suitable option for sustainable intensification of agricultural production. Implications or significanceSuch a diversified rotation approach with legume intercropping aligns with the principles of agricultural green development and has a global relevance for countries with sequential double cropping or rotation systems.

Examination of the Importance and Level of Application of Digitization in the Rural Sector, the Case of Albania

Agriculture continues to be one of the fundamental sectors for sustainable development in Albania, referring to its contribution to the gross domestic product and employment level. Nevertheless, it confronts ongoing structural issues concerning sustainable development. Farm size, productivity and competitiveness, intensification of production, the efficiency of resource use, access to finance, modernization of the value chain (VC), implementation of technology and information, quality and food security, are considered some of the main challenges of this sector for our country. The digitalization of agriculture emerges as a crucial instrument in dealing with these challenges, through the use of technology and information systems as an important instrument for increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of the rural sector. In this context, this paper aims to examine the importance and level of application of digital technology along the value chain in the agricultural sector. In function of the purpose of the study, the questionnaire was designed to provide and collect information on the importance of the application of the digitalization of agriculture, through the use of technology and information systems by agricultural farms and farmers in our country. Based on the data on the dominant activities and the typology of the farms according to the regions, the study areas have been determined, respectively for the districts of Kukës, Gjirokastër, Fier, Berat, and Korçë. In total, 938 questionnaires were completed for the five respective districts, following the activities and typology of the respective farms. The variables were evaluated using the Likert scale (1-5), and data analysis was carried out through the SPSS program.