Plant Irrigation Research Articles

Drone Technology in Agricultural Practices: A SWOC Analysis

Drone technology, also known as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), is transforming modern agriculture by introducing precision farming techniques that enhance crop monitoring, resource management, and sustainability. By providing real-time data on plant health, soil conditions, and irrigation needs, drones enable farmers to make informed decisions that optimize yields while reducing input costs. In India, the rapid growth of the drone sector highlights its increasing importance in addressing challenges such as labor shortages, water scarcity, and the need for more sustainable farming practices. This case study explores the adoption and impacts of drone technology in agricultural practices within Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India. The purposive sampling method was used to chosen the farmers. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and interviews with farmers who had adopted in drone technology. The study investigates the profile characteristics of farmers and evaluates the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Challenges (SWOC) related to the adoption of drones in agriculture. Findings revealed that drone usage significantly improved farm efficiency, reduced labor dependency, and optimized the application of fertilizers and pesticides, resulting in lower input costs and more sustainable practices. However, challenges such as high upfront costs, fragmented land holdings, technical expertise gaps, and limited drone availability constrained wider adoption. This research concludes that while drones offer substantial potential to modernize agriculture and address labor and environmental challenges, further government support and farmer training are crucial to overcome adoption barriers. The study underscores the role of drones in promoting climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices.

Joint guarantee rate index assessment of the contribution of agricultural water-saving measures to river ecological flow in water shortage areas

Reconciling higher ecological water demands and economic purposes with finite freshwater resources remains one of the great management dilemmas. Low water efficiency and large water consumption in agricultural irrigation hinder the protection of river ecological flow in the water shortage areas of Northwest China. By analyzing the surplus and shortage of river ecological protection targets, the intensity guarantee rate index is innovatively proposed to quantitatively evaluate the important contribution of improved water-saving measures for river flow restoration. It compensates for the shortcomings of the duration guarantee rate index in evaluation that may mask ecological problems. Considering ecological baseflow, fish species, and landscape water demand, the ecological flow interval (6.00–12.42 m3/s) was determined. Three scenarios are highlighted for different typical years and irrigation regimes in combination with planting structure adjustment and irrigation water utilization coefficient. In 75 %, 90 %, and 95 % typical years, the maximum total annual water-savings (Scenario 3) are 57.3, 57.1, and 87.2 million m3 (sufficient irrigation); 32.2, 33.9, and 35.5 million m3 (deficit irrigation) respectively. The guarantee degree of river ecological flow under both irrigation regimes increased from the previous 65.6 % to a maximum of 91.7 % and 81.2 %. The increase in the daily guarantee rate and decrease in the intensity guarantee rate under the aforementioned three scenarios indicate a reduction of damage depth and duration of ecological flow. By using a quantitative study, it is pointed out that improving agricultural water-saving is a reasonable and necessary way to protect the river flow.

Optimizing Planting Density, Irrigation, and Nitrogen Application Can Improve Rapeseed Yield in Xinjiang’s Aksu by Reducing the Lodging Rate

This study aimed to investigate the effects of planting density, irrigation volume, and nitrogen application on the resistance of rapeseed to lodging and yield and to provide technical support for achieving high yield and lodging resistance. We employed an L9 (34) orthogonal array, different planting densities, irrigation levels, and nitrogen applications to investigate their impact on rapeseed lodging and yield. The results showed the following: (1) Irrigation had the greatest effect on rapeseed lodging. This effect was most pronounced for the combination (A3B3C2), which exhibited the most severe lodging phenomenon (90%). Planting density had the greatest effect on yield, and the optimal combination was A2B2C3, which reached 3744 kg/hm2 in 2023 and 3420 kg/hm2 in 2024. (2) The agronomic practices increased the content of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, crude fiber, pectin, and soluble sugar fractions in the stalks by enhancing their flexural, puncture, and stress resistance. This led to the highest yield while reducing the rate of lodging. This emphasizes the importance of agricultural practices for rapeseed lodging and yield, providing critical insights into rapeseed cultivation in the Aksu region of Xinjiang.

Microbial Fertilizing Products Impact on Productivity and Profitability of Organic Strawberry Cultivars

Poland is a major producer of various fruits, including strawberries. As growing consumer awareness of food quality, health, and wellbeing is increasing, farmers are receiving a new market opportunity for organic products of good quality. The integration of microbial solutions into agricultural practices can foster the transition of agricultural farms towards more resilient and sustainable production of quality food. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of novel microbial biopreparations (microbial fertilizing products) containing Bacillus sp., humic acids, and other organic compounds on the economic viability of three strawberry cultivars (‘Honeoye’, ‘Vibrant’, and ‘Rumba’) under organic farming conditions. This study was conducted in 2021 as a field experiment. Irrigated and non-irrigated strawberries were treated with five microbial fertilizing products (K2–K6). The single plot area was 16 m2, with a total of 144 plots. The adopted planting density of strawberries was 30,052 per hectare. K3 treatment was found to be the most universal microbial treatment in terms of positive impact on yields, with significant yield increase on both the non-irrigated (yield increase of 3.76 t·ha−1) and irrigated experiments (yield increase of 5.78 t·ha−1). The K4 treatment on the non-irrigated strawberries resulted in a yield increase of 4.96 t·ha−1, which at the same time had no effect on the yield of the irrigated experiment. On average, application of the K2–K6 combinations on the non-irrigated strawberries resulted in a yield increase from 13.4% (K2) to 33.5% (K4). The irrigated strawberries showed a yield increase from 3.9% (K4—non-significant yield increase) to as much as 36.1% (K3). The highest direct surplus for the non-irrigated strawberries was recorded for the K4 treatment (38,603 PLN·ha−1) and for K3 for the irrigated experiment (42,945 PLN·ha−1). The direct surplus for ‘Rumba’ and ‘Vibrant’ was higher than for ‘Honeoye’ on both the irrigated (22% and 53%, respectively) and non-irrigated (19% and 18%, respectively) experiments. The average profitability index for all tested non-irrigated and irrigated varieties improved when treated with microbial fertilizer products, with profitability indexes of 143.3–168.8% on the non-irrigated plantation and 129.2–169.7% on the irrigated plantation. The tested microbial fertilizing products proved to be valuable products to improve the productivity and economic effectiveness of organic strawberry production. At the same time, their use needs to be adapted to local plantation conditions.

Greywater irrigation of pepper plants: Possible application and its impact on soil and plant growth

AbstractGreywater reuse may be considered a water source that can compensate for water scarcity. Reusing treated greywater on fields instead of disposing of it would be more environmentally friendly. The objective of this study was to investigate the physiological response of pepper plants to the application of both untreated and treated greywater. The greywater obtained from Al‐Huson University College was treated with zeolite filters before being used for plant irrigation in the experiments. The electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDSs) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of greywater were all higher than those of tap water by 44%, 68% and 509%, respectively. The results demonstrated that plants irrigated with tap water and treated with greywater presented greater fruit and biological productivity than did those irrigated with untreated greywater. The use of treated greywater led to a notable 8.3% increase in overall chlorophyll levels. Irrigation of pepper plants with untreated greywater led to a 33% increase in electrolyte leakage. The plants irrigated with greywater presented the highest levels of proline and total soluble sugars. Compared with those in all the other water treatments, the plants irrigated with greywater presented significantly greater magnesium and salt concentrations. Typically, treated greywater has the most significant impact on agricultural productivity.

Computer Design of the Regulating Working Element of the Channel Cleaning Equipment

Cleaning devices of channel systems used for irrigation of agricultural plants and mechatronic parts regulating their operations were analyzed, the issues of automation of construction design, measurement and management in this field were examined and the purpose of the work was determined. As the goal of the work, the issue of automation of the construction design, technological measurement and management process of the working body for efficient cleaning of small and medium-sized concrete-covered channels, bathtubs from sludge and weeds was set. A complex scheme of information, algorithmic and software support for the automation of the design, technological measurement and control of the mechatronic parts of the working body used for cleaning the channel and bathtub was proposed, and the issues of logical modeling and simulation of the drawing of 2- and 3-dimensional images of the working body were solved. Algorithms were developed using the production modeling method to automate the process of technological measurement, implementation and management, which accurately regulates the operations of the working body of the mechanical device of complex construction. In Solid Edge 2D, 3D software environments, the determination of the geometric shapes of the individual mechanical parts of the channel cleaning unit with a milling cutter, their sizes and types of materials is ensured, and the algorithm was developed using the logical modeling method. For the automation of the structural design process, the information security of the mechanical parts of the application object and the elements of the new design milling cutter device was created for the management of the database of drawings.

BIM-Based Simulation on Sustainable Housing Design Using Autodesk Revit

Abstract In the master plan of Trisakti University Nagrak Campus, the criteria for sustainable buildings are mandatory in its planning. One of the facilities in the master plan is the Lecturer Housing. In the modern era, sustainable housing design is needed because of the high energy consumption in modern housing design. This study aims to determine optimal strategies for implementing the Sustainable housing concept in lecturer housing design. Simulation methods are applied using Autodesk Revit to create the lecturer housing design. BIM models are more accurately analyzed and support the idea of more sustainable designs. Based on the simulation, the maximum power obtained from Photovoltaics is 26.181 kWh/year, saving Energy by IDR 62,102,167.05 on a payback period of 15 years. This design can also harvest 20.174,062 Liters of rainwater per year. In addition, applying solar chimneys maximized the penetration of natural daylight and cross ventilation process. Based on the modeling findings, it is evident that the average building daylight factor is 6.5%, above the minimum need of 5%, which will decrease reliance on artificial lighting during daylight hours. The fin-shaped shading device mechanism can reduce direct sunlight’s glare and radiation, increasing the reflected light that touches the side of the structure. When dealing with big openings, fin shading devices are utilized to get the optimal opening height-to-shade length ratio of 3:2. The rainwater harvesting management system is well-suited for toilet flushing and plant irrigation, and implementing bio pores may significantly enhance excess rainwater soil penetration., and maximize sustainable housing design.

Evaluation of Plant Growth and Flowering Performance of Florida Native and Non-native Ornamentals under Varying Irrigation

Pollinator gardening has gained momentum with an increased consumer interest in selecting native rather than non-native plant species to reduce water dependence and maximize the biodiversity value in both public greenspaces and residential gardens. Native plant species can enhance biological control and benefit ecosystems and wildlife. Often, they are also better-adapted to local environmental conditions, including temperature and rainfall, thus increasing their survival and reducing associated maintenance costs, primarily by requiring less water. Commercially available pollinator-friendly plant mixes often include both native and non-native species. A 2-year study was conducted to determine the main effects of plant provenance (native or non-native) and irrigation (full or partial irrigation) on landscape performance and flowering of 20 plants, including 10 congeneric pairs of native and non-native taxa that were planted in two locations (north and northcentral Florida). Native and non-native taxa were paired by genus to analyze the effect of the plant native status on vegetative and floral traits while controlling for variations in leaf and floral morphologies, growth habits, and blooming periods, which was a key and novel component of our study design. Represented native species included Spanish needles (Bidens alba), false rosemary (Conradina grandiflora), tickseed coreopsis (Coreopsis leavenworthii), blanket-flower (Gaillardia pulchella), swamp rosemallow (Hibiscus grandiflorus), inkberry (Ilex glabra), spotted beebalm (Monarda punctata), azure blue sage (Salvia azurea), Florida scrub skullcap (Scutellaria arenicola), and Walter's viburnum (Viburnum obovatum). Non-native taxa paired with native congeners included Beedance® painted red bidens (Bidens ferulifolia) or Goldilocks Rocks® bidens (Bidens ferulifolia ‘BID 16101’), barbeque rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus ‘Barbeque’), Jethro Tull coreopsis (Coreopsis × ‘Jethro Tull’), Arizona sun blanket-flower (Gaillardia ×grandiflora ‘Arizona Sun’), Ruffled Satin® rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus ‘SHIMCR1’), dwarf Burford holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Dwarf Burford’), pardon my pink beebalm (Monarda didyma ‘Pardon My Pink’), big blue salvia (Salvia longispicata × S. farinacea ‘PAS1246577’), Malaysian skullcap (Scutellaria javanica), and Sandankwa viburnum (Viburnum suspensum). Overall, the results revealed that native plants outperformed non-native plants and exhibited greater survival, more vegetative growth, and greater floral abundance regardless of the irrigation treatment. Although there was no overall effect of irrigation on plant size or flower abundance, there were some species-specific responses, especially during the establishment year, and plants under full irrigation had greater survival in the establishment year. Thus, in general, the effects of plant provenance were stronger and more consistent across years than irrigation. Additional studies are underway to determine the floral rewards of these species and their attraction to diverse pollinators.

Production and management practices and technologies used for growing potatoes and tomatoes

Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess production and management practices and technologies used by farmers for tomato and potato production, as well as their productivity. Methodology / approach. This research was conducted in Ziway-Dugda and Tiyo districts of Arsi Zone in Oromia National Regional State of Ethiopia during 2022 cropping season. Data were collected from 400 households in 10 kebeles (local administrative unit) of both districts using Kobo toolbox from respondents through face-to-face interview and descriptive analysis using SPSS version 22. Results. The results of the study showed that farmers in the study areas used different pre-harvest practices. These include cultivation tools and methods, planting locations, tomato staking, potato hilling and irrigation practices to successfully grow vegetables and increase land productivity by rotating different crops on their land. Various diseases, weeds and insects have been observed on their farms, which were managed by cultural, agronomic, mechanical and chemical management practices on tomato and potato farms during the last cropping years in the study districts. Thus, majority farmers in the study areas have used insecticides and fungicides on tomato and potato farms; but most of the weeds were removed by hand weeding. Most tomato and potato farmers have determined the type of chemical and its use from their own previous experience, in consultation with salespeople and extension agents in their regions. However, the study results showed that there are unused production and management practices for tomato and potato cultivation by some farmers. There are many production and management practices and technologies used by farmers to improve vegetable productivity in the study areas, although some farmers did not adopt improved production and management technologies, resulting in reduced production, which requires future interventions to increase their capacity through training and technology adoption. Originality / scientific novelty. This study stands out in the field of production and management practices and technologies used by smallholder tomato and potato producers due to its innovative approach and unique contribution to existing knowledge and skills. While previous studies have examined the relationship between production and management practices and technologies in an agricultural context, particularly focusing on state farms, our study focuses on small-scale tomato and potato producers. Through our thorough case study research and interview structure, we not only deepened our understanding of production and management practices in the agricultural sector, but also provided practical recommendations for improving the efficiency and sustainability of small-scale tomato and potato producers on different farms/fields. Practical value / implications. The findings of this study can be used to develop recommendations for policy makers and researchers on how to improve labour productivity in the future Thus, the policy focuses on developing strategies for producers to adopt modern production and management practices and technologies, raising farmers’ awareness of available technologies, improving management practices and increasing crop productivity in the study area.

Growth and Development Stages of Four Japanese Persimmon Varieties in North Florida

Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki) are a good source of vitamins A and C and dietary fiber, while also being low in calories and fat. These fruits are popular in many Asian cuisines and are enjoyed in various ways, including fresh, dried, or cooked in multiple value-added products. This publication will provide information on persimmon phenological growth stages of four established varieties grown at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, Florida. The nine major persimmon growth stages are divided into two categories: vegetative and reproductive stages. This publication provides illustrative figures for each development stage. Accurate identification of phenological stages is important for making informed decisions on plant care, fertilizer, irrigation, and fruit harvesting. This information will be helpful to students, growers, homeowners, nursery workers, and Extension agents interested in growing persimmons in Florida.

Historical Analysis of Climate Variability and Agricultural Production in Nigeria (1931-2020)

This study investigates the historical dynamics of climate variability and its impacts on agricultural production in Nigeria from 1931 to 2020. Utilizing a robust analytical framework that integrates climatic data analysis, statistical modelling, and geographic information system (GIS) techniques, the research explores trends in temperature and precipitation across different agro-ecological zones. Key findings reveal a consistent upward trend in average annual temperatures, with more pronounced warming observed in northern Nigeria, notably the Sahelian zone. Concurrently, precipitation patterns exhibit regional disparities, characterized by increased rainfall in southern regions and variable patterns in the north, including periods of severe droughts during the 1970s and 1980s. Statistical analyses employing Mann-Kendall trend tests and regression models confirm significant temperature increases and varying precipitation trends, underscoring their direct impacts on agricultural productivity. The study highlights the sensitivity of crop yields to climatic factors, demonstrating that rising temperatures adversely affect staple crops such as maize, millet, and sorghum, while adequate precipitation plays a critical role in enhancing yields. Socio-economic factors, including disparities in resource access between northern and southern regions, influence farmers’ adaptive capacity and resilience to climate variability. Adaptation strategies adopted by Nigerian farmers, such as adjusted planting schedules, crop diversification, and irrigation practices, are explored within the context of socio-economic constraints and infrastructural limitations. Spatial analysis using GIS provides insights into the differential impacts of climate variability across Nigeria, emphasizing the vulnerability of northern regions to climate shocks compared to the relative resilience of southern regions. Policy implications underscore the urgency of promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, improving resource access, enhancing rural infrastructure, and implementing targeted capacity-building initiatives. These measures are essential for enhancing adaptive capacity, resilience, and sustainable agricultural development amidst on going climate variability and change in Nigeria.

Optimization of planting date and irrigation strategy for sustainable cotton production

Optimization of planting date and irrigation strategy for sustainable cotton production

Exploring the impact of plant growth-promoting bacteria in alleviating stress on Aptenia cordifolia subjected to irrigation with recycled water in multifunctional external green walls

BackgroundRapid urbanization and population growth exert a substantial impact on the accessibility of drinking water resources, underscoring the imperative for wastewater treatment and the reuse of non-potable water in agriculture. In this context, green walls emerge as a potential solution to augment the purification of unconventional waters, simultaneously contributing to the aesthetic appeal and enjoyment of urban areas. This study aims to optimize water management in green walls by investigating the impact of bacterial strains on the biochemical properties and performance of the ornamental accumulator plant, Aptenia cordifolia, grown with various unconventional water sources. The experiments were designed as split plots based on a completely randomized block design with three replications. The main factor was recycled water with three levels (gray water, wastewater from the Kashfroud region of Mashhad, and urban water (control)). The sub-factor included different bacterial strains at four levels, composed of various bacteria combinations, (B1: Psedoumonas flucrecens + Azosporillum liposferum + Thiobacillus thioparus + Aztobactor chorococcum, B2: Paenibacillus polymyxa + Pseudomonas fildensis + Bacillus subtilis + Achromobacter xylosoxidans + Bacillus licheniform, B3: Pseudomonas putida + Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans + Bacillus velezensis + Bacillus subtilis + Bacillus methylotrophicus + Mcrobacterium testaceum, and the control level without bacterial application (B0).ResultThe findings revealed significant differences at the 5% probability level across all morphophysiological traits, including plant height, the number and length of lateral branches, growth index, and plant coverage. Moreover, superior morphophysiological traits were observed in plants cultivated in substrates inoculated with wastewater irrigation. Substrates inoculated with bacteria exhibited the highest relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll levels, coupled with the lowest relative saturation deficit (RSD), electrolyte leakage (EL), and carotenoid levels. Furthermore, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), from a biochemical perspective, were associated with increased carbohydrates, total protein, and anthocyanin. They also contributed to controlling oxidative stress caused by free radicals by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD), while reducing catalase enzyme (CAT) activity. This led to increased resistance to stress, as evidenced by a decrease in malondialdehyde and proline levels. The study concludes that the MIX B3, being both ecofriendly and economical, represents an effective strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of wastewater on plants.ConclusionThis study showed that plant irrigation using wastewater increases the levels of proline, phenols and oxidative stress. However, the application of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) reduced oxidative damage by increasing antioxidant activity and decreasing proline and phenol levels. These findings show the potential of bacterial treatments to improve plant growth and reduce adverse effects of recycled water irrigation.

Precision Cultivation of Vegetable Crops to Increase Productivity: A Review

Precision cultivation is an innovative agricultural approach that leverages advanced technologies and data-driven methodologies to enhance the productivity and sustainability of vegetable crops. The precision agriculture techniques, including remote sensing, soil moisture sensors, GPS-guided machinery and data analytics which use to optimize various aspects of vegetable farming. These technologies facilitate informed decision-making regarding planting schedules, irrigation management, fertilization strategies and pest control which leading to improved crop yields and resource efficiency. Precision cultivation offers the potential for reduced environmental impact by minimizing chemical inputs and maximizing land use efficiency. Case studies demonstrate the successful implementation of precision practices across diverse climatic and geographical contexts which highlighting significant increases in productivity and quality of vegetable crops. The findings suggest that embracing precision cultivation not only addresses the challenges of food security but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices that align with global environmental goals. Future research directions and technological advancements will be essential to further refine these methods and expand their applicability to diverse vegetable crops and farming systems.

Ibn Wāfid Andalusi, a medieval physician, pharmacist, and botanist, with a look at his most important work Al-Adwiyah Al-Mufradah.

The mastery of medical sciences, pharmacy, and botany can be seen in the records of Andalusian scientists. This descriptive-analytical research introduces one of the scientists of the 10th and 11th centuries AD. Medical knowledge and its affiliates are taken from the medical heritage of ancient civilizations. Andalusian scientists changed Andalusia's agricultural and economic situation by adopting new agricultural methods, especially irrigation and planting of medicinal plants. The name of Ibn Wāfid shines among Andalusian scholars. He was one of the theorists in the field of pharmacology in the Middle Ages. His practical method of treating patients is remarkable. His therapies tend to use nutritional methods more than prescribing drugs. He preferred single medications to compound ones. He insisted on curing diseases through hydrotherapy in mineral springs. While working in botany, Ibn Wāfid also specialized in medicine and pharmacy. He also benefits from the experiences of his master Zahrāwi while using the works of Galen, Aristotle, and Dioscorides. One of his honours was the establishment of several botanical gardens for the kings of the time. Ibn Wāfid's attempt at the flourishing of pharmacology, botany, and medicine can be considered a significant contribution to the visibility of these sciences in Medieval Andalusia.

ASSESSING the POTENTIAL of RAINWATER HARVESTING and REUSE for SUSTAINABLE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Water resource management, one of the paradigms for creating sustainable universities, ensures that universities both manage the quantity of water used and maintain the quality of water. Water resource management models that begin with campus priority create input for cities at a higher scale. Water resource management encompasses a variety of sustainable practices. One of the most applicable is the reuse of rainwater. Based on these findings, the main objective of the study is to re-evaluate the rainwater harvested with proposed solutions on site and contribute to nature and the water cycle. In the study, the “Rational Method” was used as the method for calculating the amount of rainwater. Hardscape (roads, parking lots), landscaped areas (landscaped and wooded areas) and roofing materials within the campus were determined. The efficiency coefficients of the materials were determined. The area occupied by each material was calculated. The total amount of rainwater was calculated by multiplying by the rainfall data. Studies on rainwater harvesting usually only calculate the amount harvested from roof surfaces. This study calculated the amount of rainwater harvested from hardscape, landscape and rooftop areas. In one year, an average of 243,000 liters of water is needed to use the reservoir and 54,530,000 liters of water for plant irrigation. The total water consumption was calculated at 54,773,000 liters. The annual rainwater volume is 494,000,000 liters and the useful volume is 296,400,000 liters. It can be seen that a volume is achieved that is approximately 5 times the amount of water required.

Developing a Hyperspectral Remote Sensing-Based Algorithm to Diagnose Potato Moisture for Water-Saving Irrigation

Appropriate water supply is crucial for high-yield and high-quality potato tuber production. However, potatoes are mainly planted in arid and semi-arid regions in China, where the precipitation usually cannot meet the water demand throughout the growth period. In view of the actual situation of water shortage in these areas, to monitor the water status of potato plants timely and accurately and thus precisely control the irrigation are of significance for water-saving management of potatoes. Hyperspectral remote sensing has unique advantages in diagnosing crop water stress. In this paper, the canopy spectral reflectance and plant water content were measured under five irrigation treatments. The spectral parameters that respond to plant water content were selected, and a hyperspectral water diagnosis model for leaf water content (LWC) and aboveground water content (AGWC) of potato plants was established. It was found that potato tuber yield was the highest during the entire growth period under sufficient irrigation, and the plant water content showed a downward trend as the degree of drought intensified. The peak hyperspectral reflectance of potato plant canopies appeared in the red wavelength, where the reflectance varied significantly under different water treatments and decreased with decreasing irrigation. Six models with sensitive bands, first-order derivatives, and moisture spectral indices were established to monitor water content of potato plants. The R2 values of partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector machine (SVM), and BP neural network (BP) models are 0.8418, 0.9020, and 0.8926, respectively, between LWC and hyperspectral data; and 0.8003, 0.8167, and 0.8671, respectively, between the AGWC and hyperspectral data. These six models can all predict the water content of potato plants, but SVM is the best model for predicting LWC of potato plants. These results are of great significance for guiding precision irrigation of potato plants at different growth stages.

The Influence of the Distribution Law and Uniformity of a Threshed Mixture with the Working Parameters of a Soybean Threshing Device

Soybean plants cultivated using mulched drip irrigation planting technology have the following characteristics during the harvest period: green stems and leaves, and a high straw/grain ratio. Moreover, the threshing device of a soybean combine harvester is difficult to adapt to, resulting in an increase in the accumulation and unevenness of the threshed mixture. This leads to an increase in impurity content and the loss rate. We conducted a single-factor experiment on a self-developed longitudinal/axial-flow soybean threshing and separation test bench, employing drum speed, feeding rate, and threshing clearance as experimental factors. The influence of the soybean threshing and separation device’s working parameters on the distribution and uniformity of the threshed mixture in the axial and radial directions of the drum was explored through experiments. The results showed that the mass of the threshed mixture and soybean seeds showed a trend of first rapidly increasing and then slowly decreasing in the axial direction of the drum. Additionally, the mass showed a distribution feature of large values on both sides and small values in the middle in the radial direction. A lower drum speed, greater threshing clearance, and a smaller feeding rate make the radial distribution of a threshed mixture more uniform. Based on the combination of the crushing rate and unthreshed rate, the optimal working parameter combination was determined to be as follows: a drum speed of 500 r/min, a feeding rate of 6 kg/s, and a threshing clearance of 25 mm. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for the structural optimization and design enhancement of threshing and cleaning mechanisms within soybean combine harvesters.

Climate-Smart Agriculture as an Adaptation Measure to Climate Change in Togo: Determinants of Choices and Its Impact on Rural Households’ Food Security

Climate-smart agriculture is one of the most important actions for agricultural climate change adaptation, especially in Togo, a sub-Saharan African country with a fragile ecology and where agriculture is profoundly impacted by climate change. Using a multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) and a multinomial endogenous treatment effect (METE) approach, we conducted empirical research to identify the factors influencing the adoption decisions of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) and their impact on household food security among smallholder farmers in Togo. The findings of this study revealed that the adoption of CSAPs by farmers is influenced by a range of factors, such as age, marital status, the household head’s gender, engagement in off-farm activities, level of education, farm size, agroecological zone, regional location, land ownership, distance between homestead and farm, access to credit, the presence of agricultural associations and cooperatives, and access to extension agents. On the one hand, the MESR analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between the number of adopted CSAPs and households’ food consumption score. Similarly, greater adoption of CSAPs resulted in a significant reduction in the food insecurity experience scale. On the other hand, the METE model portrayed an increase in acceptable food consumption when households adopted up to three CSAPs. Likewise, it significantly alleviated severe food insecurity. Further results based on the propensity score matching technique showed that the adoption of a crop rotation system, utilization of improved varieties of seeds, plant protection products, inorganic fertilizer, organic fertilizer, and irrigation improved adopters’ food consumption scores while reducing their level of food insecurity.

Root Check: Real-time Plant Health Monitoring and Irrigation Control

Ensuring the stability and profitability of aquatic plants is a critical concern in modern agriculture. This research seeks to develop an intelligent communication system for monitoring plant health. Despite the advanced data visualization and forecasting capabilities of existing technologies, many farmers are not fully utilizing them. Our innovative technology analyzes key factors like temperature and humidity to make informed decisions about water pumping from the generator. System reduces the complexity of managing plant health, converting sensor data into meaningful visuals in platforms like Adafruit Cloud and IoT interfaces. Additionally, the system sends emails to notify farmers about the real time status of the farm. (Saving water and avoiding regular maintenance). Combining ancient farming methods with modern innovations is the goal of the Trans Agriculture technique.