Farming Methods Research Articles

Decomposing Unit for Agricultural Waste

The decomposer unit is an essential part of the process that turns organic waste and raw materials into fertilizers, which makes a big difference in waste management and sustainable farming methods. This unit takes raw materials, mostly organic waste, and starts a sequence of actions to turn them into fertilizer that can be used. Organic matter breaks down chemically during decomposition, producing simpler chemicals that are high in potassium, phosphate, and nitrogen—three important nutrients. For the purpose of increasing soil fertility and fostering plant growth, these nutrients are essential. This process is optimized by the decomposer unit, which guarantees effective raw material usage and reduces waste

Indigenous Knowledge and Agricultural Practices of Ifugao Ethno-Farming in Ifugao Village, Diffun, Quirino

This study endeavors to delve into the traditional knowledge and farming methods employed by Ifugao farmers residing in Barangay Ifugao Village, Diffun, Quirino. Despite the proven efficacy of Indigenous farming practices, they confront formidable challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, and the erosion of Indigenous knowledge. The research aims to meticulously document and safeguard the wealth of knowledge and practices upheld by Ifugao farmers, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering environmental sustainability and cultural enrichment. Utilizing an ethnographic approach, this study endeavors to unravel the intricate interplay between farming techniques, traditional wisdom, and the multifaceted challenges posed by modernization. By employing key informant interviews conducted in the Ilocano dialect, the project seeks to elucidate how Ifugao farmers adapt their agricultural practices in response to evolving environmental and socioeconomic dynamics. Through purposive sampling, experienced Ifugao farmers are selected as key informants, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the methods, beliefs, practices, strategies, and knowledge that have underpinned Ifugao ethno-farming traditions. The study, spanning one month and focusing on seasoned Ifugao practitioners, guarantees a thorough exploration of the adaptive measures and customs intrinsic to Ifugao’s agricultural heritage. Reflexive thematic analysis serves as the analytical framework for interpreting the gathered data, with anticipated results offering valuable insights into the resilient techniques employed by Ifugao farmers to preserve their cultural heritage and navigate contemporary challenges. These findings underscore the imperative for collaborative endeavors aimed at safeguarding, documenting, and integrating Indigenous knowledge into agricultural practices, thereby fostering resilience and sustainability for present and future generations. Keywords: Ifugao, Ethno-farming, Indigenous Knowledge, Sustainability, Preservation, Agricultural Practices, Beliefs, Changes perceived, Adaptive Strategies

Analysis of the sustainability index for ecologically low-input integrated farming: A comprehensive assessment of environmental, economic, and social impact

A comprehensive sustainability index was designed in this study to evaluate the effectiveness and environmental impact of ecologically low-input integrated farming systems. By integrating diverse agricultural practices while minimizing reliance on external, non-renewable resources, this approach aims to enhance ecological harmony and sustainability. The index provides a multi-dimensional assessment, encompassing environmental, economic, and social aspects, to gauge the overall sustainability of these integrated farming practices. The procedure involved defining critical sustainability criteria across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, collecting relevant data on farming practices, and constructing a model to assess and score these practices. The index was validated through real-world applications and engaged with various stakeholders for insights and practical verification. Environmental data involves measuring soil nutrients (5 %), water usage (500 gallons/acre), and biodiversity (30 species/acre) to assess the ecological impact of farming practices. Economic data focuses on recording crop yields, input costs, and market prices to evaluate the financial viability of these practices. Social data is collected through surveys on labor practices, job satisfaction, and community impact, providing insights into the social implications and acceptability of the farming methods. The data revealed that the farming system aligned well with sustainability benchmarks, exhibiting no deviation from optimal levels in soil nitrogen content and water usage. Strong profitability and input cost efficiency were observed in the economic dimension, with a net income per acre of $400/acre and an input cost efficiency of 50 %. In the social aspect, although reasonably scored, specific labor metrics and regional/industry standards were lacking for a comprehensive evaluation. Overall, the farming system demonstrated commendable sustainability practices, with an environmental score of 7.5/10, an economic score of 8/10, and a social score of 7/10, suggesting potential for further improvements, particularly in addressing social sustainability factors.

Changes in soil microbial diversity under present land degradation scenario

Soil biological characteristics are drastically altered by land degradation. Degradation may reduce the number of microorganisms in the soil. Multiple activities and services provided by grassland ecosystems are impacted by land use change because of the resulting shifts in plant community composition and soil characteristics. A large body of research has examined the geographical and temporal dynamics of bacterial community structure and bacterial responses to human management in grassland ecosystems. As one of the most consequential environmental shifts occurring today, land use modification can affect microbial communities through modifying soil environmental parameters, nutritional conditions, and biological interactions. Whereas, soil microbes play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, disease suppression, and overall soil health. Land degradation practices, such as deforestation, overgrazing, intensive agriculture, and improper land management, can disrupt the balance and diversity of soil microbial communities, leading to negative consequences for ecosystem functioning. To mitigate the negative effects of land degradation on soil microbial communities, sustainable land management practices should be adopted. These practices include soil conservation, reforestation, crop rotation, reduced tillage, organic farming methods, and proper nutrient management. By promoting soil health and restoring ecosystem processes, these approaches can help rebuild and maintain diverse and functional soil microbial communities.The purpose of this review is twofold: (1) to assess the diversity and composition of soil microorganisms in response to distinct land-use scenarios; and (2) to compare the relative importance of environmental factors driving these variations.

Biochar in Agriculture: Enhancing Crop Productivity and Disease Resistance

Biochar, derived through pyrolysis, presents a promising solution to the challenges faced in sustainable agriculture. This review delves into the diverse advantages of employing biochar to enhance crop yields while promoting environmental responsibility. Its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature not only enrich soil fertility but also contribute to carbon capture, aiding in the fight against climate change. Additionally, while its effectiveness in disease control may vary, biochar shows potential in bolstering crops against environmental pressures. By altering soil characteristics, it encourages the growth of beneficial microbes and improves nutrient availability, ultimately supporting plant vitality. Moreover, integrating biochar into agricultural systems may prompt biochemical and physiological changes that activate plant defences against pathogens. This study thoroughly assesses biochar's impacts on soil health, crop output, and disease prevention, emphasizing its crucial role in advancing sustainable farming practices. Embracing biochar as a strategic resource offers great potential for cultivating resilient and environmentally friendly farming methods, marking a significant step towards sustainable crop disease management.

Design and Manufacturing of Solar Operated Automatic Fish Feeder System

One of the most significant aqua cultural endeavors to date is fish farming. Traditionally, the majority of fish feeding is done by hand, requiring the transportation of people to the feeding location. Fish feeding by hand requires more work, money, and time. Following an extensive survey of farmers across various regions regarding their approaches to fish farming, the Auto Switch Food Feeder, which utilizes new technologies to replace traditional farming methods, will automate farming practices. The design of the solar-powered fish feeder will be based on certain parameters, such as the capacity of the culture tank, stocking density, fish biomass, and feed diameter. Additionally, a user-friendly interface that is compact and convenient for farming will be designed. In the current project, user interface design and timing controls are applied to automate feeding methods, which will significantly save labor costs and efforts while improving the quality of fish feeding. Key Words: Fish Farming, Automatic feeding, automation etc.

Impact of Mechanized Crop Establishment Techniques on Growth, Yield, and Microbial Dynamics under Rice-Wheat Cropping System: A Review

The rice-wheat cropping system, predominant across the Indo-Gangetic plains, generates a substantial volume of crop residue, with an annual yield of 7-9 tonnes per hectare of rice residue. Effective management of this residue, whether in-situ or ex-situ, has become an urgent necessity. However, the economic feasibility of transporting residue beyond 20 km from the field is limited. Consequently, in-field residue management through the adoption of specialized machinery has emerged as an imperative solution. The narrow window between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing, compounded by labor scarcity during peak periods, underscores the need for mechanized crop establishment techniques. Machines such as happy seeders, super seeders, turbo seeders, spatial drills, and seed-cum-fertilizer drills are crucial tools in this regard. This paper examines the benefits of mechanized crop establishment techniques on wheat growth, productivity, and soil biological health within the rice-wheat cropping system. These techniques have revolutionized agricultural practices by significantly influencing growth dynamics, yield parameters, and microbial ecology. The adoption of precision seed drills and mechanized tillage equipment has transformed traditional farming methods, facilitating efficient seed placement, soil preparation, residue incorporation, and weed management. This has resulted in improved crop growth parameters, enhanced yield dynamics, better root development, increased nutrient uptake, and overall plant vigor. Furthermore, reduced soil disturbance and decreased weed pressure associated with mechanized operations have created a conducive environment for beneficial microbial communities to thrive. The integration of mechanized crop establishment techniques has a positive impact on both crop productivity and sustainability, highlighting their importance in modern agricultural practices within the rice-wheat cropping system of the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Collaboration to Address the Challenges Faced by Smallholders in Practicing Organic Agriculture: A Case Study of the Organic Sorghum Industry in Zunyi City, China

In many developing countries, organic agriculture is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for promoting rural economic development and improving farmer welfare. It is primarily smallholders who form the foundation of organic production in these areas. However, these farmers face significant challenges in adopting organic farming methods. The aim of this paper is to investigate solutions to the challenges encountered by smallholders. This research utilizes an integrated approach and includes a case study of the organic sorghum sector in Zunyi, China. The findings indicate that (1) a robust partnership has been established between enterprises, government, and farmers in the organic sorghum industry in Zunyi. Enterprises purchase the sorghum, cover organic certification costs, and partially fund material inputs, while local government facilitates organization, coordination, and technical support, with farmers responsible for production. (2) This collaboration has catalyzed high-quality development in the industry, benefiting all stakeholders. (3) Through this collaborative model, common challenges faced by smallholders, such as obstacles in obtaining certification, income fluctuations, and unfair market conditions, have been mitigated. Consequently, smallholders secure stable and reliable income as they benefit from favorable contract prices for organic sorghum and the assumption by enterprises of most material input costs. This study offers valuable empirical evidence that can guide the expansion of organic agriculture in similar regions and countries.

Untargeted foodomics for authenticating the organic farming of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica)

This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the primary and secondary metabolites of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (HILIC-Orbitrap-HRMS). Certified samples from two cultivars, Green stem water spinach (G) and White stem water spinach (W) cultivated using organic and conventional farming methods, were collected from the Hong Kong market. Multivariate analysis was used to differentiate water spinach of different cultivars and farming methods. We identified 12 metabolites to distinguish between G and W, 26 metabolites to identify G from organic farming and 8 metabolites to identify W from organic farming. Then, two metabolites, isorhamnetin and jasmonic acid, have been proposed to serve as biomarkers for organic farming (in both G and W). Our foodomics findings provide useful tools for improving the crop performance of water spinach under abiotic/biotic stressesand authentication of organic produce.

IOT based Smart Plant Monitoring System and Control System

The world is now fully dependent on the internet and the Internet of Things (IoT), which is the inter-networking of physical devices embedded with electronics, sensors, software and network connectivity. IoT enables physical devices to exchange data with the manufacturer and achieve greater value and services. Agriculture is the backbone of many countries, but water scarcity is a major issue in this field. To overcome this problem, the irrigation process can be automated using IoT. By using sensors, the temperature, humidity, and light can be measured, and appropriate processing can be performed based on the outcome. This helps in reducing water wastage and improving accuracy, economic benefits, and efficiency while reducing human intervention. This paper highlights the importance of IoT in day-to-day life, its scope in the future, and its potential applications in farming methods. To demonstrate the use of IoT in agriculture, we present the Automatic Watering System, which monitors and maintains the moisture content in the soil using temperature, humidity, and moisture sensors. The Arduino UNO microcontroller is used as the control unit, regulating the appropriate amount of water to avoid over/under irrigation. Keywords – sensors, temperature, humidity, soil moisture, Arduino uno

Navigating the Path to Efficient and Just Transition to Carbon Neutrality: A Case Study of Agricultural Practices in Foya District, Liberia

The importance of shifting towards carbon-neutral agriculture is increasingly recognized globally, particularly in developing countries. This study focuses on Foya District in Liberia, examining the relationship between traditional farming methods and emerging sustainable practices, and evaluating the carbon footprint of local agricultural activities. To address this, a novel framework called the Adaptation Strategies Index and Problem Confrontation Index (ASI-PCI) has been proposed to evaluate the hurdles local farmers face in adapting to climate change, along with their adaptive behaviors and strategies. The ASI of 564 highlights the use of drought-resistant crops, while the PCI of 566 indicates significant challenges due to extreme climate events. Key sources of greenhouse gas emissions identified include deforestation, land use changes, and rice cultivation. Quantitative data reveals that 63% of farmers engage in rice cultivation, 39.3% in deforestation, and 27.7% in land use changes, contributing to carbon emissions. The Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis showed that education level positively influences farmers' strategies for carbon-neutral agriculture (P <.001), validating the initial hypothesis. The study explores strategies to reduce emissions, such as introducing drought-resistant crops, implementing irrigation systems, adopting mixed cropping practices, and promoting agroforestry. The study emphasized the pivotal role of women in participating in local farming initiatives, highlighting the group's potential for better carbon-neutral agriculture practices. It underscores community engagement's importance in identifying barriers to adopting carbon-neutral practices. The insights gained aim to guide rural communities in the region and beyond, providing a framework for policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners to develop pathways toward carbon neutrality that support local economic stability and development.

AI IN AGRICULTURE:A LOOMING CHALLENGE, A GLEAMING OPPORTUNITY

As the global population burgeons, reaching an estimated 10 billion by 2050, the agricultural sector faces immense pressure to enhance productivity and sustainability Facing these challenges, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) shows great potential for transforming farming methods This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted role of AI in agriculture, highlighting its opportunities, challenges, and pathways towards building resilient and sustainable food systems. From precision farming and crop health monitoring to predictive analytics and agricultural robotics, AI offers transformative solutions to address pressing agricultural challenges. Yet, integrating AI into agriculture faces challenges like accessibility, data privacy, and skills training. Collaborative efforts and strategic interventions can overcome these hurdles, unleashing AI's potential to secure food, combat climate change, and foster inclusive agricultural growth.

Assessment of the current status of soil quality and types of land degradation in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam

This study focused on providing practical information to assess the current status of soil quality and land degradation in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam to provide more evidence on land degradation status and factors affecting land degradation in this area. The soil samples were collected and analyzed in 2020 and compared to the available data of soil analysis data collected at the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Ninh Province in 2010. The percentage of degraded land ranges from 51.70 to 90.36%. Forest land is the type with the highest percentage of degraded land with 90.36% of total forestry land area; Unused hilly land ranks second with degraded land at 87.15%; the percentage of degraded land in agriculture production land stays at 80.59%. The types of land degradation such as Condensation, Acidification, and Salinization only take place on a small area of land in the province. The cause of land degradation in Quang Ninh comes from both natural and anthropogenic causes. The main reasons can be mentioned as the terrain has a steep slope; the climate is hot and rainy; the climate change situation is complicated; and inappropriate agricultural practices. To solve the above situation, it is necessary to have solutions and integrated strategies for the rational exploitation and use of land resources. Especially environmentally friendly agricultural farming methods that are highly adaptive to climate change such as organic agriculture, circular agriculture, and sustainable agriculture.

Indispensability of Nanotechnology in Agricultural Ecosystem

This research is driven by the belief that nanotechnology has the potential to significantly improve agricultural practices, increase crop yields, reduce the use of harmful chemicals, and promote sustainable farming methods. This study delved into the revolutionary area of agricultural nanotechnology, evaluating its present use and prospective influence. This study analyzed the potential uses of nanotechnology using existing data by previous researchers, focusing on crop productivity enhancement while limiting resource consumption. The results obtained shed light on the various types of technologies used majorly in agricultural sectors and the study's goal is to discover best practices for the appropriate and long-term incorporation of nanotechnology in agriculture. The study provides insights on awareness, challenges, and future potential of nanotechnology in agriculture.

УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ДЕРЖАВНОГО РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ РАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ЗЕМЕЛЬНИХ РЕСУРСІВ

Improving state regulation of the rational use of land resources is an important aspect of the sustainable development of Ukraine's economy. This includes optimizing legal and organizational mechanisms aimed at ensuring effective management of land resources, preserving soil fertility, and protecting the environment. Given the relevance of these issues, it is necessary to develop and implement innovative approaches to land resource management that take into account modern challenges and trends. The main directions for improving regulation include creating transparent procedures in the field of land relations, particularly during the transfer of land ownership or lease. An importantstep is the implementation of electronic services that will simplify and accelerate administrative processes, ensure accessibility of information about land plots and their legal status. This approach will contribute to increasing trust in government authorities and reducing corruption risks. Rational use of land resources also involves the implementation of environmentally balanced farming methods that minimize negative impacts on the environment. This includes the application of modern agro-technologies, organic farming, and soil condition monitoring systems. Government programs to support farmers and agricultural producers in implementing such methods should become an important component of state policy in the agricultural sector. Moreover, it is necessary to strengthen the control over the use of land resources by state bodies and the public. This can be achieved through the creation of effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for the condition of land, as well as through the active participation of public organizations in the decision-making processes regarding land resource management. Information and awareness campaigns for the population about the importance of

MARFISH and HYDRO : Pengembangan Program Kreativitas Mahasiswa Kewirausahaan

This research proposes innovation in farming and animal husbandry by integrating hydroponic systems and catfish cultivation on limited land. With a focus on the North Aceh Utara, research created MARFISH AND HYDRO, a catfish farm using tarpaulin media in a hydroponic system. This research aims to produce satisfactory results, protect the environment from pollution, and provide multiple benefits on limited land. Through market survey steps, feasibility studies, production processes, and marketing, this research creates sustainable methods in fish cultivation and hydroponic farming. With competitive prices and promotions through social media and banner installation, MARFISH AND HYDRO is expected to be able to meet market demand and make a positive contribution to the local economy. This research also explores the potential for business development, including the production of processed catfish, such as catfish chips and catfish pecel. The research results show success in carrying out the cultivation process, marketing, and the potential for business expansion to achieve long-term goals.

Contextualized Social Science Learning Activities from Upland Corn Farming Practices: A Literature Review

The agricultural landscape of the Philippines, characterized by its rich natural endowments and tropical climate, has emerged as a cornerstone of socio-economic development, driven largely by small-scale farming practices. Despite its significance, challenges such as soil erosion and unsustainable farming practices persist in upland regions, necessitating a shift towards sustainable resource management. This literature review explores the contextualization of social science learning activities within agricultural frameworks, focusing particularly on upland corn farming practices. Drawing from a multidisciplinary approach, this study examines the evolutionary trajectory of agriculture, traditional farming methods, and their contemporary relevance in shaping educational paradigms. Through an analysis of educational initiatives and cultural practices, the review highlights the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and traditional farming methods into educational frameworks. Key findings underscore the critical role of social science in promoting sustainable agriculture, community empowerment, and cultural preservation within farming communities. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to bridge the gap between social science education and agricultural practices, particularly in upland farming communities, to advance sustainable agricultural development and preserve cultural heritage.

Establishment of real-time viral pathogen detection method-surface-enhanced Raman scattering system for porcine circovirus type II

The transition towards large-scale intensive pig farming methods has resulted in an increase in cases of complex, mixed infections, and secondary infections. Porcine circovirus (PCV), the causative agent of PCV disease (PCVD), is a small nonenveloped DNA virus containing a single-stranded circular genome. Previously, PCV was even considered nonpathogenic to pigs. However, a novel strain of PCV, designated PCV-2, has been associated with various disease syndromes in pigs over the last 5 years. PCV-2 primarily induces post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome, characterized by clinical signs such as debility, dyspnea, palpable lymphadenopathy, diarrhea, and pallor or icterus. PCV-2 is now recognized as an important emerging pathogen. Early diagnosis and disease prevention have become crucial for effective pig farm management. However, clinical diagnosis may be complicated by antibiotic treatment and atypical disease symptoms. To ensure accurate pathology diagnosis, it is essential to integrate robust laboratory diagnostics with traditional methods. Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has emerged as a potentially powerful technique for whole-organism fingerprinting, enabling rapid identification of bacteria. Biosensors utilizing SERS offer promising capabilities for sensitive and quick detection of bacterial pathogens, thereby reducing diagnosis time. In this study, our aim was to characterize and evaluate a SERS-based diagnostic system for detecting and identifying PCV-2 present in pooled swine sera and feces. We compared the spectra of PCV-2 recovered from the specimens to those of pure PCV-2 to determine the PCV-2 molecular fingerprint. Our results demonstrated successful detection, identification, and classification of PCV-2 in swine sera and feces using SERS. SERS provided reproducible molecular spectroscopic signatures suitable for analytical applications. This approach presents a new and potent tool for real-time surveillance of animal viral pathogens in clinical settings.

Smart Agrobot: An Integrated Approach to Seed Sowing, Pesticide Application

Abstract: A state-of-the-art multifunctional autonomous agricultural robotic vehicle intended to transform farming methods is presented by the suggested system. This robotic vehicle is mostly operated via Bluetooth, but it also has sophisticated navigation features like GPS and object detection sensors, which allow it to navigate precisely and cautiously over fields of crops. The autonomous irrigation system with soil sensors and intelligent seeding mechanisms for different crops are just two of the robotic vehicle's many features that make it stand out. Farmers have freedom thanks to the Bluetooth control capability, which enables remote operation and monitoring. Safety features protect workers' health and prevent equipment damage, such as emergency stop buttons and collision avoidance procedures. This robotic system also performs exceptionally well in drip irrigation management in places that receive rain, optimizing fertilizing depending on soil conditions, and controlling weeds using computer vision. The suggested method, which reduces human intervention and increases total production, is a comprehensive and intelligent approach to automated and sustainable agriculture with an emphasis on energy conservation, data logging, and analytics.

Smart Agriculture Automation System using ML

Abstract: The "Smart Agriculture Automation System using Machine Learning" project envisages a future where farming transcends manual labor and embraces data-driven automation. In response to the escalating demand for food amidst a burgeoning global population, traditional farming methods are rendered insufficient. However, Smart Agriculture Automation Systems offer a transformative solution by enhancing crop production efficiency and maintaining yield quality. Climate changeinduced challenges such as erratic weather patterns and heightened pest attacks further underscore the necessity for innovation in agriculture. At the heart of this system lies real-time sensor data, enabling precision farming practices that optimize resource utilization while fostering environmental sustainability. Leveraging Machine Learning algorithms, the system not only predicts and mitigates agricultural challenges but also detects early signs of crop diseases and nutrient deficiencies. This proactive approach ensures higher yields minimizes manual tasks and minimizes wastage. The integration of IoT technology enables remote monitoring and seamless data exchange, unlocking capabilities such as precise crop prediction, weather forecasting, and fertilizer recommendations. By analyzing historical data alongside current environmental factors, these systems accurately forecast crop yields and offer insights for informed decision-making in planting and harvesting cycles. Smart Agriculture Automation Systems embody adaptability, sustainability, and accessibility, heralding a new era of intelligent and efficient modern farming. This project integrates the Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and an innovative marketplace to revolutionize the agricultural landscape. Through this system, we aim to empower farmers with data-driven insights,