Modern Agricultural Practices Research Articles

Efficiency of Agricultural Insurance in Facilitating Modern Agriculture Development: From the Perspective of Production Factor Allocation

Agricultural insurance is instrumental in consolidating the gains of poverty alleviation and advancing rural revitalization. It significantly aids in the efficient allocation of agricultural production factors, which in turn enhances agricultural output and bolsters the evolution of modern agriculture. Therefore, utilizing data from 583 household surveys and employing endogenous transformation and intermediary effect models, this paper analyzes the production factor allocation effect and specific mechanism of agricultural insurance. It focuses on small-scale farmers and new agricultural operators, exploring how insurance contributes to the advancement of modern agricultural practices. The results show the following: (1) Agriculture insurance can significantly affect the agricultural scale input behavior of farmers such as land input scale and input scale, agricultural machinery application behavior such as the degree of mechanization and water conservancy application, agricultural technology adoption behavior, and planting structure selection behavior, thereby helping to modernize agriculture. (2) There is heterogeneity in the impact of agriculture insurance on the allocation of production factors for small farmers and new agricultural operators. For small farmers, agriculture insurance has a significant promoting effect on their agricultural machinery application behavior, agricultural technology adoption behavior, and planting structure selection behavior. For new agricultural operators, agriculture insurance significantly promotes their agricultural scale input behavior, agricultural machinery application behavior, and agricultural technology adoption behavior. (3) In terms of the mechanism of action, agriculture insurance mainly promotes agricultural scale input behavior through land transfer, facilitates agricultural machinery application behavior by purchasing agricultural machinery equipment and services, encourages agricultural technology adoption behavior by strengthening agricultural technology training, and enhances professional production levels by increasing the scale of insured planting, thereby contributing to the development of modern agriculture. Based on this, several policy suggestions have been proposed. These include enhancing the directionality of agriculture insurance policies, improving the collaborative interaction mechanism between agriculture insurance and agricultural credit financing, and adopting certain reward and punishment measures to curb moral hazard.

Identifying pesticides of high concern for ecosystem, plant, animal, and human health: A comprehensive field study across Europe and Argentina

The widespread and excessive use of pesticides in modern agricultural practices has caused pesticide contamination of the environment, animals, and humans, with confirmed serious health consequences. This study aimed to identify the 20 most critical substances based on an analysis of detection frequency (DF) and median concentrations (MC) across environmental and biological matrices. A sampling campaign was conducted across 10 case study sites in Europe and 1 in Argentina, each encompassing conventional and organic farming systems. We analysed 209 active substances in a total of 4609 samples. All substances ranked among the 20 most critical were detected in silicon wristbands worn by humans and animals and indoor dust from both farming systems. Five of them were detected in all environmental matrices. Overall, higher values of DF and MC, including in the blood plasma of animals and humans, were recorded in samples of conventional compared to organic farms. The differences between farming systems were greater in the environmental samples and less in animal and human samples. Ten substances were detected in animal blood plasma from conventional farms and eight in animal blood plasma from organic farms. Two of those, detected in both farming systems, are classified as hazardous for mammals (acute). Five substances detected in animal blood plasma from organic farms and seven detected in animal blood plasma from conventional farms are classified as hazardous for mammals (dietary). Three substances detected in human blood plasma are classified as carcinogens. Seven of the substances detected in human blood plasma are classified as endocrine disruptors. Six substances, of which five were detected in human blood plasma, are hazardous for reproduction/development. Efforts are needed to elucidate the unknown effects of mixtures, and it is crucial that such research also considers biocides and banned substances, which constitute a baseline of contamination that adds to the effect of substances used in agriculture.

A conceptual framework for characterization of agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas

PurposeThis study aims to propose a comprehensive conceptual framework for the characterization of agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas, with a focus on Siwa Oasis in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilizes a multidimensional approach, integrating perspectives from sustainability principles, stakeholders and the agricultural heritage frameworks of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). It involves thematic analysis of qualitative data collected through focus group discussions and interviews with a diverse range of participants, including community members, government officials, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and researchers.FindingsThe study identifies five key elements of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis: cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific. Cultural elements include traditional farming practices, irrigation systems and architectural features, while ecological elements encompass crop biodiversity, wildlife habitats and traditional landraces. Economically, date palm cultivation, olive production and agritourism activities play crucial roles in livelihood security and local economies. Socially, community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices shape the social fabric of the oasis, with festivals and rituals fostering a sense of belonging. From a scientific perspective, the integration of traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices enhances sustainability and resilience.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused solely on Siwa Oasis as a case study, limiting generalizability to other desert-prone areas. Further research could explore additional regions to enhance the understanding of agricultural heritage in diverse contexts. Additionally, the qualitative nature of the study may limit statistical analysis. Future studies could employ mixed-methods approaches for a more comprehensive understanding of agricultural heritage dynamics.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the multifaceted aspects of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis can inform sustainable development initiatives, tourism planning and cultural preservation efforts. Local policymakers and stakeholders can utilize these insights to develop policies that support traditional farming practices, ecotourism and community development. Furthermore, the promotion of agricultural heritage can enhance economic opportunities, food security and environmental sustainability in desert-prone regions.Social implicationsRecognition of the social elements embedded within Siwa Oasis’s agricultural heritage highlights the importance of community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices. By acknowledging and preserving these aspects, initiatives can be developed to empower local communities, promote gender equality and preserve cultural identity. Such efforts can enhance social cohesion, strengthen cultural bonds and promote inclusivity in the development agenda of desert-prone areas.Originality/valueThis study contributes a novel conceptual framework that bridges multifunctionality concepts, sustainability principles and stakeholder perspectives to characterize agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas. It offers insights into the complex interplay of cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific dimensions of agricultural heritage systems.

Wireless Automated Irrigation System

Abstract: This research paper explores the role of automated irrigation systems in modern agriculture, focusing on their effectiveness in optimizing crop growth, resource utilization, and environmental sustainability. The highly increasing demand for food production, coupled with the need for resource efficiency, has led to increased interest in advanced agricultural technologies. Automated irrigation, consisting of technologies like climate control, irrigation and monitoring systems, presents a promising solution to address these challenges. The study conducts a comprehensive analysis of various automated irrigation technologies, examining their impact on crop yield, resource efficiency, and overall environmental sustainability. Key parameters, such as temperature, humidity, pH of soil and irrigation, are considered to evaluate the system’s effectiveness in creating optimal growing conditions for diverse crops. Additionally, the research investigates the potential conservation of research, including water and energy, achieved through precise automation. The findings of this research aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable agriculture, offering valuable insights for policymakers, agricultural practitioners, and researchers. By understanding the impact of automated irrigation, stakeholders can make informed decisions to enhance food production while minimizing the ecological footprint of modern agricultural practices. The study advocates for the integration of advanced technologies as a crucial step towards achieving a balance between agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.

Enhancing Agricultural Practices Through IoT-Based Smart Farming Technologies: A Case Study on Banana Crop Yield Optimization

Aims: Smart farming and precision agriculture have emerged as transformative paradigms in modern agricultural practices, leveraging technological innovations to enhance productivity, sustainability, and efficiency in food production. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the concepts and technologies related to smart farming. The work proposed implements a sensor assisted IoT based model to enhance the overall yield of banana crop, by monitoring the current conditions existing at the site and predicting the alterations to achieve optimal conditions for conducive and healthy growth, further early identification and prediction of infection causing pathogens to have also been embedded in the model. Model designed has been tested on the farm field of banana crop located in the premises of Amity University Lucknow Campus equipped with moisture and humidity sensors (DHT11), NPK soil nutrient sensor, PIR motion sensor (HC-SR501), pH Sensor (pH -450), rain drop sensor along with camera installed drone for infection identification. Data from sensors and drone camera were monitored at regular intervals for future predictions about health and productivity estimate of the crop.

Adoption by farmers of modern agricultural practices in the field of cultivation of the jawar crop in North Sinai Governorate

Adoption by farmers of modern agricultural practices in the field of cultivation of the jawar crop in North Sinai Governorate

Field agrochemical exposure impacts locomotor activity in wild bumblebees.

Agricultural intensification has been identified as one of the key causes of global insect biodiversity losses. These losses have been further linked to the widespread use of agrochemicals associated with modern agricultural practices. Many of these chemicals are known to have negative sublethal effects on commercial pollinators, such as managed honeybees and bumblebees, but less is known about the impacts on wild bees. Laboratory-based studies with commercial pollinators have consistently shown that pesticide exposure can impact bee behavior, with cascading effects on foraging performance, reproductive success, and pollination services. However, these studies typically assess only one chemical, neglecting the complexity of real-world exposure to multiple agrochemicals and other stressors. In the summer of 2020, we collected wild-foraging workers of the common eastern bumblebee, Bombus impatiens, from five squash (Cucurbita) agricultural sites (organic and conventional farms), selected to represent a range of agrochemical, including neonicotinoid insecticide, use. For each bee, we measured two behaviors relevant to foraging success and previously shown to be impacted by pesticide exposure: sucrose responsiveness and locomotor activity. Following behavioral testing, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) chemical analysis to detect and quantify the presence of 92 agrochemicals in each bumblebee. Bees collected from our sites did not vary in pesticide exposure as expected. While we found a limited occurrence of neonicotinoids, two fungicides (azoxystrobin and difenoconazole) were detected at all sites, and the pesticide synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was present in all 123 bees. We found that bumblebees that contained higher levels of PBO were less active, and this effect was stronger for larger bumblebee workers. While PBO is unlikely to be the direct cause of the reduction in bee activity, it could be an indicator of exposure to pyrethroids and/or other insecticides that we were unable to directly quantify, but which PBO is frequently tank-mixed with during pesticide applications on crops. We did not find a relationship between agrochemical exposure and bumblebee sucrose responsiveness. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of a sublethal behavioral impact of agrochemical exposure on wild-foraging bees.

Advancing Robotic Fruit Picking: Adaptive End-Effector Approach

In modern agriculture, the demand for efficient fruit picking methods is constantly increasing due to labor shortages and the need to improve productivity. Traditional fruit picking methods often rely on manual labor, which is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to inconsistency. This study aims to develop a novel end effector for agricultural fruit picking robots, which improves the efficiency and accuracy of fruit picking through highly flexible and adaptive design. It can effectively handle fruits of diverse types, shapes, and hardness. By adopting a three-finger scheme and independent servo motor control, the simulated movements of human hands are realized. Shape memory alloy (SMA) and electroactive polymer (EAP) as intelligent driving materials, as well as flexible materials such as silicone, are explored to optimize the grip performance and fruit protection of the actuator. High-precision visual and tactile sensors are also integrated to support the accurate identification of fruits of different maturity. The performance of the actuator is evaluated through advanced data analysis techniques, including descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing and regression analysis. The findings suggest that the proposed design optimization measures based on data analysis results can further enhance the adaptability and efficiency of the robot in future applications, thereby addressing the challenges faced in modern agricultural practices and contributing to increased productivity and sustainability in the agriculture sector.

Impact of contract farming on green technological efficiency of farmers: a comparative study of two contract organizational models

IntroductionEngaging in contract farming represents a crucial avenue for developing countries to integrate small farmers into modern agricultural practices. Existing research believes that contract farming offers a promising opportunity for fostering sustainable agricultural development. However, insufficient attention has been directed toward investigating the varying impacts of different organizational models within contract farming on farmers' transition to green production practices.MethodsThis study investigates the impact of contract farming on green technological efficiency of farmers using survey data from 719 wheat growers in Shandong Province, China. The propensity score matching method and multiple mediation effects models are employed for empirical analysis.ResultsThe organizational model plays a pivotal role in determining whether participation in contract farming can improve the green technological efficiency of farmers. Participation in an integrated model demonstrates a significant effect on improving green technological efficiency, whereas participation in a quasi-integrated model does not show a significant improvement. Integrated contract farming can improve green technological efficiency through expanding the degree of land consolidation and enhancing the level of productive service, whereas quasi-integrated contract farming improves green technological efficiency only by enhancing production intensification. As an economic incentive measure, the effect of contract purchase price on strengthening the enhancement of green technological efficiency in the quasi-integrated model is moderate only when the contract purchase price exceeds the local average selling price of wheat by more than 19.3%. Conversely, the moderate effect of farmers' dividend income in the integrated model remains consistent, with higher dividend incomes correlating with a stronger moderating effect.DiscussionThe impact of contract farming on green technology efficiency correlates significantly with the organizational model. Compared with the quasi-integrated contract farming model, the integrated model distinctly excels in advancing farmers' green technology efficiency, evidenced by its ability to consolidate fragmented land, provide productive services, and offer economic incentives. Therefore, to unlock the latent potential of contract farming in driving agricultural green transformation, a shift toward organizational models with higher levels of integration is essential.

Influence of biodestructors on sequestration of labile carbon compounds in the soil

Ukraine stands as a testament to agricultural wealth due to its fertile soils, most notably, its significant share of the world’s chornozem. Rich soil is fundemantal to agricultural production, and therefore the success of the agricultural industry heavily relies on the fertility of the soil. However, modern agricultural practices in Ukraine, have led to increased anthropogenic impact on soils, affecting their biodiversity and humus content. In this regard, it is becoming increasingly important to perform comprehensive studies of microbiological, biochemical and chemical processes in the soil in response to different agricultural interventions. The urgent need to restore natural ecosystems to preserve their biodiversity and ensure ecological stability poses new scientific challenges, emphasizing the importance of urgent measures aimed at protecting the environment from pollution and degradation. This research aims to explore the effects of biodestructors on the deposition of labile carbon compounds in the soil during long-term consistent corn cultivation. The research was conducted during 2020–2023 within the framework of a stationary field experiment of the scientific research department of the «Druzhba Nova» in Varva village, Chernihiv region. The soil is a typical low-humus chornozem with the experiment focusing on a monoculture corn crop rotation. The DKC 4351 corn hybrid was sown at a density of 82 thousand units per hectare, employing a three-part experiment design: 1) a UAN control at 32–28 l/ha, 2) Ecostern Classic at 2 l/ha combined with UAN 32–28 l/ha, and 3) Ecostern Bacterial at 2 l/ha alongside Ecostern Trichoderma at 1 l/ha and UAN 32–28 l/ha. In the present study, the influence of biodestructors on soil’s agrochemical and microbiological indicators, as well as corn yield was evaluated. In a long-term stationary field experiment conducted on a typical low-humus chornozem, we investigated the influence of microbial preparations — plant residue biodestructors — on the deposition of labile carbon compounds in the soil under continuos corn cultivation. The application of Ecostern Classic and a combination of Ecostern Bacterial + Ecostern Trichoderma biodestructors resulted in an increase of labile carbon content by 0.11% and 0.18%, respectively, compared to the control. The aim of further analysis was to determinate the dynamics of the organic matter transformation coefficient, which is a marker of enhanced microbiological activity in the soil and a predominance of organic matter synthesis over its mineralization. In treatments utilizing biodestructors, this indicator was significantly higher than control values throughout the study. The survival of the fungal bioagent from Ecostern Classic and Ecostern Trichoderma bioproducts in the soil was monitored by assessing the population dynamics of the Trichoderma genus species. Results demonstrated an increase by an average of 19 thousand CFU/g with Ecostern Classic and by 34 thousand CFU/g with the combined use of Ecostern Bacterial with Ecostern Trichoderma, compared to 28 thousand CFU/g in control soil samples. This may indirectly indicate a successful colonization of the bioagent in treated soils. Using BIOTREX technology to evaluate the soil’s ecophysiological diversity, we found that the diversity index increased from 3.66 in control samples to between 4.87 and 5.61 in treatments with biodestructors. According to the further BIOTREX assessment, the use of biodestructors not only increased soil biodiversity, but also improved soil health. The application of these biodestructors also significantly boosted corn grain yield with an increase of 0.32 t/ha with Ecostern Classic treatment and 0.18 t/ha with the combined use of Ecostern Bacterial with Ecostern Trichoderma, compared to control.

Photosynthetic productivity of soybean (Glycine max L.) crops under various fertilization options and pre-sowing seed treatment

The objective of the research is to determine the impact of basic fertilization options, foliar feeding with organo-mineral fertilizer during critical periods of soy plant development, pre-sowing seed treatment with mycorrhizal biofertilizer, and mycorrhizal inoculant in combination with a fungicide on the dynamics of dry matter accumulation by the plants and the net productivity of photosynthesis in the soy crop. Methods. Field (for studying the interaction of the research object with biotic and abiotic factors); morphophysiological (for biological monitoring of productivity elements development during organogenesis stages); statistical (statistical analysis of research results). Results. The article presents research findings on the accumulation of dry matter by soy plants and the net productivity of photosynthesis in the crop across different growth and development stages. Equations have been calculated to establish the relationship between soy seed yield and the indicators of dry mass accumulation by the plants during the pod-filling phase. Conclusions. In modern agricultural practices aimed at achieving maximum seed yield, cultivation technology should include agronomic measures directed towards meeting the biological needs of the plant throughout the vegetation period and reducing the influence of adverse external factors. The highest levels of dry matter accumulation by plants in the study — 26.8–29.2 g/plant, were noted during the pod filling phase in variants with the application of N15P45K60+N30 fertilization, sowing seeds treated with mycorrhizal biopreparation and fungicide, and foliar feeding with organo-mineral fertilizers during the budding and flowering phases. The maximum indicators of net photosynthetic productivity of the crop in the study (8.52–11.29 g/m2×day compared to 5.46 g/m2×day in the absolute control) were observed during the interphase period of flowering and pod filling in variants with N45P45K60 fertilization. For the optimal seed yield of soybean variety Muza observed in the study, the optimal conditions were provided by a cultivation technology involving the application of N15P45K60+N30 fertilizers, pre-sowing seed treatment with mycorrhizal inoculant in combination with fungicide, as well as foliar feeding with organo-mineral fertilizers during the branching or budding phases, when the plants are forming flowers, pods, and seeds within the pods. Through the combination of these agronomic measures, plants accumulate dry matter during the pod filling phase at 25.9–27.4 g/plant, ensuring the net photosynthetic productivity of the crop during this developmental period at 5.60–6.10 g/m2×day, compared to 20.8 g/plant and 5.46 g/m2×day observed in the absolute control, respectively.

Aerosol-PM2.5 Dynamics: In-situ and satellite observations under the influence of regional crop residue burning in post-monsoon over Delhi-NCR, India

The increasing air pollution in the urban atmosphere is adversely impacts the environment, climate and human health. The alarming degradation of air quality, atmospheric conditions, economy and human life due to air pollution needs significant in-depth studies to ascertain causes, contributions and impacts for developing and implementing an effective policy to combat these issues. This work lies in its multifaceted approach towards comprehensive understanding and mitigating severe pollution episodes in Delhi and its surrounding areas. We investigated the aerosol dynamics in the post-monsoon season (PMS) from 2019 to 2022 under the influence of both crop residue burning and meteorological conditions. The study involves a broad spectrum of factors, including PM2.5 concentrations, active fire events, and meteorological parameters, shedding light on previously unexplored studies. The average AOD550 (0.79) and PM2.5 concentration (140.12 μg/m³) were the highest in 2019. PM2.5 was higher from mid-October to mid-November each year, exceeding the WHO guideline of 15 μg/m³ (24 h) by 27–34 times, signifying a public health emergency. A moderate to strong correlation between PM2.5 and AOD was found (r = 0.65) in 2021. The hotspot region accounts for almost 50% (2019), 47.51% (2020), 57.91% (2021) and 36.61% (2022) of the total fire events. A statistically significant negative non-linear correlation (r) was observed between wind speed (WS) and both AOD and PM2.5 concentration, influencing air quality over the region. HYSPLIT model and Windrose result show the movement of air masses predominated from the North and North-West direction during PMS. This study suggest to promotes strategies such as alternative waste management, encouraging modern agricultural practices in hot-spot regions, and enforcing strict emission norms for industries and vehicles to reducing air pollution and its detrimental effects on public health in the region and also highlights the need for future possibilities of research to attract the global attention.

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.

A study on nickel application methods for optimizing soybean growth

Fertilization with nickel (Ni) can positively affect plant development due to the role of this micronutrient in nitrogen (N) metabolism, namely, through urease and NiFe-hydrogenase. Although the application of Ni is an emerging practice in modern agriculture, its effectiveness strongly depends on the chosen application method, making further research in this area essential. The individual and combined effects of different Ni application methods—seed treatment, leaf spraying and/or soil fertilization—were investigated in soybean plants under different edaphoclimatic conditions (field and greenhouse). Beneficial effects of the Soil, Soil + Leaf and Seed + Leaf treatments were observed, with gains of 7 to 20% in biological nitrogen fixation, 1.5-fold in ureides, 14% in shoot dry weight and yield increases of up to 1161 kg ha−1. All the Ni application methods resulted in a 1.1-fold increase in the SPAD index, a 1.2-fold increase in photosynthesis, a 1.4-fold increase in nitrogenase, and a 3.9-fold increase in urease activity. Edaphoclimatic conditions exerted a significant influence on the treatments. The integrated approaches, namely, leaf application in conjunction with soil or seed fertilization, were more effective for enhancing yield in soybean cultivation systems. The determination of the ideal method is crucial for ensuring optimal absorption and utilization of this micronutrient and thus a feasible and sustainable management technology. Further research is warranted to establish official guidelines for the application of Ni in agricultural practices.

Legal Frameworks for the Assessment of Agricultural Lands

This study examines the legal frameworks governing the assessment of agricultural lands, focusing on the challenges and implications of existing regulations and suggesting improvements for more effective land management. Assessing agricultural land is crucial for determining its value, taxation, and eligibility for government subsidies, which directly impacts agricultural productivity and sustainability.The research methodology involves a comparative analysis of legislation in different jurisdictions, highlighting best practices and identifying gaps in current legal frameworks. Through this analysis, the study addresses how legal provisions align with the practical needs of agricultural development and land conservation, as well as discussing the impact of these laws on farmers, landowners, and the broader economic landscape.Key findings reveal that many existing laws are outdated and do not adequately accommodate modern agricultural practices or the challenges posed by climate change. The study also identifies a lack of consistency in the application of these laws, leading to disparities in land assessment and management across regions.Recommendations include integrating advanced geographic information systems (GIS) for more precise land valuation, adopting environmentally sustainable practices in legal criteria, and enhancing legal clarity to reduce administrative burdens on landowners.This research is intended for policymakers, legal experts, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. It provides a comprehensive overview of the legal issues surrounding agricultural land assessment and proposes actionable solutions to enhance the effectiveness of these legal frameworks. By reforming agricultural land assessment laws, countries can better support their agricultural sectors, promoting economic stability and sustainable development.

Settler Colonial Classifications of Edibility

The pastoral economies introduced during the colonial invasion have radically transformed Australian diets, cultures, and ecosystems. Stolen land was tenured to settlers and emancipated convicts to develop profitable and productive enterprises for the British Empire. Land rights and animal care are intrinsically linked to modern food systems, yet there is a gap in Australian literature regarding the legacy of colonial pastoralism and its connection to current food systems. This essay questions how introduced species evolved to command the Australian diet. Wallabies and kangaroos were legally relegated to national emblems, and thus inedible. Their conditions of being, whether edible, iconic, or wild, were dictated by the Commonwealth Government. The taboo nature of these native marsupials leaves them largely unconsumed, and therefore, unprotected. Modern conditions of edibility are less concerned with physical metabolic matters, instead driven by historic cultural attitudes and political and economic motives. Nourishment was commodified. My research uses Tasmanian legal archives in conjunction with cookbooks and popular iconography to trace the historical legacies of foodways since the invasion. Scholarship around waste, sociology, ecology, and food justice and sovereignty are incorporated to consider how modern agricultural practices perpetuate violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and ecosystems. Modern agriculture affects every being on the planet, both human and more-than-human. My research goal is to encourage people to question their metabolic practices to ascertain how everyday acts of consumption implicate them within unjust systems. Though consumptive wallaby culling is legal, the industry remains privatized, and Indigenous Australians have little agency to influence how their native species are used, and who profits from their utility. By sharing these concerns with researchers from a broad range of disciplines, I hope to connect with individuals who can help to make future metabolic matters more inclusive, more ethical, and more sustainable.

Numerical Prediction Uncertainty and Data Worth Analysis of Solute Transport in an Agricultural Clay Till Setting With Preferential Flow

AbstractWith modern agricultural practices, it is essential to quantify flow and solute transport fluxes by numerical models and associated predictions. A major challenge in modeling preferential flow settings is the ability to constrain the often numerous parameters needed to physically represent these systems. Following this, there is a lack of understanding of what parameters and observations carry the most worth for a model to reduce its prediction uncertainty. Here, first‐order second moment (FOSM) analyses were used for a heavily monitored clay till field with preferential flow to investigate which parameters and observation types contribute the most to reducing the uncertainty of bromide predictions at various depths. Using a multi‐objective regularized optimization approach, a 1‐D preferential flow model was calibrated and subjected to FOSM analyses. Key parameters contributing to the prediction uncertainty of bromide concentrations in 0.25–3 m were limited to the lower boundary condition, the mass transfer coefficient, the hydraulic conductivity of the micro‐ and macropore, the macropore porosity, and the water content at wilting point. The data with the largest worth and ability to reduce the pre‐calibration prediction uncertainty were concentration observations closest to the sought prediction depth, drain concentrations, and averaged water table measurements from the entire field. The post‐calibration prediction uncertainty was increased primarily by removing concentration observations closest to the prediction depths. While this study provided new insights into parameter importance and data worth further research is required to understand if these findings apply broadly to clay till settings (or any soil setting) with preferential flow.

An Empirical Analysis of the Adoption of Hi-Tech Farming Techniques Among the Farmers of the Eastern Uttar Pradesh Belt

Like in every sector, the agriculture sector also shows numerous technological advancements every now and then and it is expected from farmers to incorporate the same and increase the crop yields and keep themselves up-to-date for meeting up any type of competitions & contingencies as well. A lot has been done in the agricultural sector to improve cultivation but Indian farmers still rely on the traditional practices. Farming is still not regarded as a secure source of income in India. For Indian agriculture to become more profitable and sustainable, smart farming is essential. The farmer breed will soon go extinct without getting into smart and high-tech farming. Though Agropreneurs have started taking baby steps in India with respect to smart farming, it is still a silent revolution in India as compared to other countries because of lack of awareness and confidence. In this paper a study has been conducted in order to identify the inclination of farmers towards new technologies when it comes to agriculture from the Eastern Uttar Pradesh belt. At the same time farmers have also been inquired about the limitations and the challenges faced by them in the traditional farming system. During the survey of this study farmers have also been made aware how innovative modern agricultural practices doubles the crop yield which is not only beneficial to meet the domestic needs but can also be exported worldwide adding to the GDP of the country which could be of economic importance to the nation.

From growth inhibition to ultrastructural changes: Toxicological assessment of lambda cyhalothrin and fosetyl aluminium against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

In modern agricultural practices, agrochemicals and pesticides play an important role in protecting the crops from pests and elevating agricultural productivity. This strategic utilization is essential to meet global food demand due to the relentless growth of the world's population. However, the indiscriminate application of these substances may result in environmental hazards and directly affect the soil microorganisms and crop production. Considering this, an in vitro study was carried out to evaluate the pesticides' effects i.e. lambda cyhalothrin (insecticide) and fosetyl aluminum (fungicide) at lower, recommended, and higher doses on growth behavior, enzymatic profile, total soluble protein production, and lipid peroxidation of bacterial specimens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis). The experimental findings demonstrated a concentration-dependent decrease in growth of both tested bacteria, when exposed to fosetyl aluminium concentrations exceeding the recommended dose. This decline was statistically significant (p < 0.000). However, lambda cyhalothrin at three times of recommended dose induces 10% increase in growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and 76.8% decrease in growth of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) respectively as compared to control. These results showed the stimulatory effect of lambda cyhalothrin on P. aeruginosa and inhibitory effect on B. subtilis. Pesticides induced notable alterations in biomarker enzymatic assays and other parameters related to oxidative stress among bacterial strains, resulting in increased oxidative stress and membrane permeability. Generally, the maximum toxicity of both (P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis) was shown by fosetyl aluminium, at three times of recommended dose. Fosetyl aluminium induced morphological changes like cellular cracking, reduced viability, aberrant margins and more damage in both bacterial strains as compared to lambda cyhalothrin when observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Conclusively the, present study provide an insights into a mechanistic approach of pyrethroid insecticide and phosphonite fungicide induced cellular toxicity towards bacteria.

Deep Learning Algorithms for IoT Based Crop Yield Optimization

Precision agriculture, with its objectives of optimizing crop yields, decreasing resource waste, and enhancing overall farm management, has emerged as a revolutionary technology in modern agricultural practices. The advent of deep learning techniques and the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about a paradigm shift in monitoring, decision-making, and predictive analysis within the agriculture industry. This review paper investigates the relationship between deep learning, the (IoT), and agriculture, with an emphasis on how these three domains might work together to optimize crop yields through intelligent decision-making. The integration of deep learning techniques with (IoT) technology for precision agriculture is thoroughly analyzed in this study, covering recent developments, obstacles, and possible solutions. The paper investigates the role of deep learning algorithms in analyzing the vast amounts of data generated by IoT devices in agriculture. It scrutinizes various deep learning models such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), and their variants applied for crop disease detection, yield prediction, weed identification, and other crucial tasks. Furthermore, this review critically examines the integration of IoT-generated data with deep learning models, highlighting the synergistic benefits in enhancing agricultural decision-making, resource allocation, and predictive analytics. This review underscores the pivotal role of IoT and deep learning techniques in revolutionizing precision agriculture. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among agronomists, data scientists, and engineers to harness the full potential of these technologies for sustainable and efficient farming practices.