Agricultural Production Potential Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL AND LEGAL STATUS OF LAND ON THE EFFICIENCY OF LAND USE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION COOPERATIVES

The article considers changes in the legislation on the circulation of agricultural land, which are aimed at stimulating the development of property institutions and land leases, as well as modern trends in the organizational and legal relations between owners and tenants of agricultural land. The contribution of the resource potential of agricultural production cooperatives to the development of the resource base of agriculture has been assessed using the example of the Udmurt Republic. Factors of organizational and legal order have been identified, which affect the level of development of internal production cooperation. The impact of organizational and legal factors concerning the registration of land plots on the effectiveness of agricultural production cooperatives has been analyzed and assessed. The factor that characterizes the relationship between the level of legal registration of land and the efficiency of land use is justified. It is recommended to apply this factor to adjust various estimates of land turnover. There is a weak relationship between the organizational and legal forms of land management and the profitability and current liquidity of cooperatives in relation to the municipal districts of the Udmurt Republic. Conclusions are drawn on the state and trends of development of intra-industrial cooperation.

RESOURCE PROVISION OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES IN THE REGION AGRISPHERE

Introduction. The regions of Ukraine have different natural resource potential, which requires determining the relationship and dependence between its quantitative and qualitative characteristics and the effectiveness of socio-economic development of the region. In each territory, a certain relationship and integrity of the components of its potential is formed, which determines the level of competitiveness of the territory. At the same time, the problems of resource development of competitive advantages of the agrisphere of the region remain unresolved and require additional study. The purpose of this article is study of the peculiarities of resource provision of competitive advantages in the agrisphere of the region. Results. The article substantiates the concept of ensuring the competitiveness of the agrisphere of the region provides for the establishment of certain parameters of socio-economic, natural-ecological and institutional components, and substantiation of directions and ways to achieve them. The study found that the primary goals in the formation of competitive positions in the agrisphere of the region are: increasing the competitiveness of agricultural production in the region by ensuring the rational use of natural resource potential and the introduction of new resource-efficient technologies; reducing costs and improving the quality of agri-food products through the introduction of mechanisms for vertical and horizontal integration; increasing the level of employment of the rural population in the region; motivation of interests of agricultural producers, etc. The key conditions and factors contributing to the formation of competitive advantages of the agrisphere of the region are the following: increasing the level of sectoral differentiation of the economy; increasing the amount of investment in the agricultural sector of the region; introduction of innovations and formation of innovation environment; optimization of operational processes in the agrisphere of the region and increase of the level of actions coordination of the agrisphere subjects; stimulating domestic and external demand for agri-food products, etc. Conclusions. The implementation of the regional resource conservation policy requires the regio-nal authorities to strengthen control over the state of the environment, the introduction of new resource-efficient (low- and zero-waste) technologies in the field of agricultural production. Ratio-nal use of natural resource potential of agricultural production and ensuring environmental safety is one of the most important conditions for expanded reproduction in the agrisphere of the region. Key words: resource provision, competitive advantages, competition, agricultural production, regional development, agrisphere of the region.

КОМПЛЕКСНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ФІНАНСУВАННЯ РОЗВИТКУ АГРАРНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

On the basis of the analysis of tendencies and the state of formation of financial resources of agricultural enterprises, the problems and priority directions of forming the policy of financing the development of the agricultural sector have been identified. The purpose of the article is a comprehensive analysis of the state of financing the development of agricultural enterprises in order to generate information for developing a flexible policy for financing the development of agricultural production potential. Object of research - sources of financing the activities of agricultural enterprises. Methods used in the study: generalization, comparison, logical and meaningful, induction, deduction and analysis. The hypothesis of the study consists in the analytical assessment of the state and tendencies of providing financial resources to agricultural enterprises in order to formulate a flexible policy for financing the development of the agricultural sector. Summary of the main material: the dynamics of the use of investment resources, the structure of the loan portfolio and the credit load of agricultural enterprises are analyzed, the evaluation of bank financing programs in cooperation with international financial institutions and the efficiency of use of working capital of the agricultural sector. This made it possible to identify the dominant factors in accelerating the circulation of current assets and the choice of financing policy for agricultural enterprises in the agricultural sector. Originality and practical significance of the study. On the basis of the analysis of the state of provision of financial resources of the agricultural sector and evaluation of their effectiveness, measures that will contribute to the choice of rational policy of financing of agricultural enterprises are substantiated. Conclusions of the research: The choice of sources of financing from the point of view of cost concept and formation of flexible policy of financing of development of agrarian enterprises based on the scenario approach is substantiated

The overlooked spatial dimension of climate-smart agriculture.

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and sustainable intensification (SI) are widely claimed to be high-potential solutions to address the interlinked challenges of food security and climate change. Operationalization of these promising concepts is still lacking and potential trade-offs are often not considered in the current continental- to global-scale assessments. Here we discuss the effect of spatial variability in the context of the implementation of climate-smart practices on two central indicators, namely yield development and carbon sequestration, considering biophysical limitations of suggested benefits, socioeconomic and institutional barriers to adoption, and feedback mechanisms across scales. We substantiate our arguments by an illustrative analysis using the example of a hypothetical large-scale adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) in sub-Saharan Africa. We argue that, up to now, large-scale assessments widely neglect the spatially variable effects of climate-smart practices, leading to inflated statements about co-benefits of agricultural production and climate change mitigation potentials. There is an urgent need to account for spatial variability in assessments of climate-smart practices and target those locations where synergies in land functions can be maximized in order to meet the global targets. Therefore, we call for more attention toward spatial planning and landscape optimization approaches in the operationalization of CSA and SI to navigate potential trade-offs.

Prospects for development of Russian agricultural industry in the context of export-oriented strategy implementation in the agro-industrial complex

The research concept consists in the development of theoretical and empirical approaches for analysis and assessment of Russian agricultural production development trends in the context of exportoriented strategy implementation in the agro-industrial complex. The research is conducted using complex of methods of mathematical modeling in economics, including extrapolation methods (linear and non-linear trend models for analyzing the time dynamics of production and economic variables), scenario forecasting, Delphi approach. The projected parameters of the export potential of Russian agricultural production are developed and represented in the paper. Based on the data of 2009-2018, the development state is analyzed and trends become visible of the farm stock structure by farming categories in the Russian Federation and staple food production, including meat, milk, vegetables, potatoes, grain and sunflower. Three forecasting scenarios of staple food production per capita in the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025 are developed and proved (base case, best-case and worst-casescenarios).

The Role of Agriculture in the Formation of Macroeconomic Indicators of National Economy

The most significant and negative trend for national economy of some countries is the decline in farm production and share of agriculture in the total gross value added, as well as decrease in fixed investment and labor and production potential of agriculture. Negative processes in reproduction of farming fixed capital puts forward the need for a deep analysis of the situation. It is also necessary to identify opportunities to overcome the crisis and create conditions for sustainable economic growth of the farm sector of the national economy. This study is devoted to the research of the macroeconomic indicators dynamics that characterize the role of agriculture in the national economy, as illustrated by indicators of Russian Federation. Using the method of analytical alignment of time series, models of the gross value added share, fixed assets, fixed investments, the number of people employed in agriculture in the total national indices were developed and analyzed. The patterns and trends of the Russian economy in the long-term dynamics of 1990–2017 were also investigated.

Prospects for New England Agriculture: Farm to Fork

AbstractThis paper summarizes a multi-state, multi-year study assessing the potential for local agriculture in northern New England. While largely rural, this region's agricultural sector differs greatly from the rest of the United States, and demand for locally produced food has been increasing. To assess this unique economic landscape, researchers and Cooperative Extension at the Universities of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont investigated four key areas: (1) local food capacities, (2) constraints to agricultural expansion, (3) consumer preferences for local and organic produce, and (4) the role of intermediaries as alternative local food outlets. The project included input from local farmers, Extension members, restaurants, and the general public. We present the four research areas in a sequential, overlapping fashion. The timing of our research was such that each step in the process informed the next and can be used as a template for assessing a region's potential for local agricultural production.

Soil Nutrients Drive Function and Composition of phoC-Harboring Bacterial Community in Acidic Soils of Southern China.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is an important factor that limits the agricultural production potential in acidic soils. The bacterial phoC gene encodes non-specific acid phosphatase (ACP), which participates in the mineralization of soil organic P and is therefore important for the improvement of soil P availability. However, the function and community population of phoC-harboring bacteria and their driving factors in acidic soil remain largely unknown. For this study, 51 soil samples and 207 plant samples were collected from four locations in the acidic soil region of southern China. Quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing were employed to analyze abundance and community composition of phoC-harboring bacteria. The results showed that soil P availability was the important nutrient element limiting the growth of both plants and soil bacteria. Soil ACP activity was clearly higher than alkaline phosphatase, indicating the important effect of phoC-harboring bacteria in acidic soils. ACP activity and phoC gene abundance showed a significant positive correlation, and both were closely related to soil available P, total carbon, and total nitrogen. The dominant genera of phoC-harboring bacteria involved Cupriavidus, Stenotrophomonas, and Xanthomonas. Compared to land-use pattern, sampling location, and soil parent material, soil property played a more important role in affecting phoC-harboring bacterial community structure, where N-related variables including soil NO -N, NH -N, and C/N ratio appeared to be the main factors. These findings suggest that phoC-harboring bacteria should provide an important contribution to soil P availability in acidic soil, and its function and community composition were strongly associated with soil nutrients.

Differentiation in the production potential and efficiency of farms in the member states of the European Union

This paper contains an evaluation of the differentiation of the production potential and efficiency of farms in the member states of the European Union in 2013–2016. To this end, a taxonomic method – Hellwig’s development measure – was used. The study was based on data from the European Union Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). The study results indicate that member states such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg, Belgium, the United Kingdom and Slovakia were characterised by the best agricultural production potential. The first four member states also showed the highest efficiency with regard to the utilisation of production factors. On the other hand, low and average potential and efficiency were characteristic of farms in most of the new member states.

Characterization and determination of phenotypic similarity among Cucurbita moschata accessions from northeastern Brazil

Butternut pumpkin is a cucurbit species of great economic and social importance for the Northeastern Region of Brazil. About 500 accessions are maintained in the Active Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Tropical Semiarid. This great potential for agricultural production has stimulated research on the characterization and study of the species' divergence, with a view to identify promising preserved accessions for breeding programs. The purpose of this study was to detect similarity groups among the 73 C. moschata accessions from the above-mentioned Cucurbit Germplasm Bank. Seed descriptors were used to observe the relationship between collection site and formation of divergent groups. Twenty-four seeds per accession and six multicategorical descriptors were used to generate a Jaccard similarity matrix and an UPGMA dendrogram. The formation of two major groups with four subgroups each, with a minimum phenotypic similarity of 31.5 and 35.8%, respectively, was observed. In conclusion, wide variability and no relationship between site collection and phenotypic similarity were observed among the accessions.

Soil Salinity and Maize Growth under Cycle Irrigation in Coastal Soils

The coastal regions of eastern China have substantial potential for agricultural production. Freshwater scarcity makes the utilization of plentiful brackish water a vital issue in this area. We aim to assess the effects of cycle irrigation with fresh and brackish water on soil salinity and maize (Zea mays L.). A pot experiment was performed with two typical coastal soils (sandy loam and silt loam) and one local maize cultivar. The maize growing season was divided into three phases (development, mid‐, and later stage). Cycle irrigation was conducted using brackish water (5 g NaCl L−1) during one stage and freshwater for the remaining stages. Cycle irrigation using brackish water at the development stage caused both osmotic and ionic stresses on the maize, leading to significantly‐reduced evapotranspiration (ET), increased stem and leaf Na+/K+ ratio, and stunted growth. The decline of kernel number and 100‐grain weight resulted in severe yield loss. Cycle irrigation with brackish water at the mid‐stage induced less adverse effects on crop growth, while the decrease in kernel number remarkably reduced the yield. Cycle irrigation with brackish water at the later stage minimized the impacts of saline irrigation on soil salinity and maize productivity. Nonetheless, salt leaching by off‐season rainfall and low salinity water and soil salt monitoring should be considered before the next season. Compared to sandy loam soil, silt loam displayed higher soil salinization, and lower maize growth and yield. Additional field research is recommended to facilitate the reliable use of coastal soil and water resources.Core Ideas Cycle irrigation with fresh and brackish water in two coastal soils is studied. Cycle irrigation using brackish water is effective when freshwater is scarce. Brackish water is proposed to be used at maize later reproductive stages. Sandy loam soil is preferable for cycle irrigation compare to silt loam soil.

Does foreign capital really matter for the host country agricultural production? Evidence from developing countries

Despite the high flow of foreign assistance and foreign direct investment (FDI) to developing countries, the potential of agricultural production remains low and stagnant. Accordingly, it is interesting to know how each type of foreign capital (FDI and foreign aid) affects the agricultural output? And what are the most effective forms of aid that increase agricultural production? The main objective of this study is to give answers to these equations using data for 50 developing countries over the 1995–2015 period. Our results indicate, first, that the effect of FDI only (without foreign aid) has a positive and significant effect on agricultural production. Second, we found that the four forms of foreign aids [notably social-infrastructure-aid (SIA), investment aid, non-investment-aid, agriculture–forestry–fishing-aid (AFFA)] have positive and significant effects on agricultural production. Finally, when we introduced both variables in the model, we found that FDI and two types of foreign aids (SIA and AFFA) have positive and significant effects on agricultural production. In conclusion, the synergies inherent between FDI, SIA, AFFA, increase twice the agricultural production.

Prospects for the use of spelt in organic farming

Organic farming is a way to reduce the negative impact of agriculture on nature and humans. It allows for more efficient use of natural resources and providing the population with safe food. Russia has a huge potential for organic agricultural production. Spelt (Triticumdicoccumschrank) as a grain culture is promising for use in organic farming, for expanding the market of organic products, for manufacturing environmentally friendly bakery products.

Value of Forest Ecosystem Natural Potential in the Areal Regional Richness Structure

Value of forest ecosystems’ natural potential is examined as composition of forest resources (timber and non-timber forest products) as natural capital. Also, value is examined as composition of environment-forming and social functions of forest objects as part of ecological potential of forest areas. Regional (national) richness includes all natural resources, all tangible and intangible assets made by nature and humanity in this region. By calculation results, value of forest resources (natural capital of forest ecosystems) is about 12-16% of total value of forest site for commercial forests of Middle Ural. Value of ecological potential is about 84-88% of total. It grows to 92-96% for protection forests. Natural potential of forest ecosystems is comparable to production potential of agriculture, mining or power generation.

Использование энтомопатогенного бакуловирусного препарата для биологического контроля вредителя в Республике Молдова

In many countries in recent years, to use natural entomopathogenic pesticides to control the number of pests. Potential agricultural production loss caused by the activity of pest organisms in the world was always a concern at international level. In many countries were established baculoviral preparations applied in practice in order to reduce the number of pests. In such context, the problem is connected to large application of baculoviral preparations that have become a reality only by elaboration and organization of production of such biological means, work registered after execution of deep biotechnological researches. The aim of the present paper is to discuss the results of two years attempt of biological control of H. cunea populations with a baculoviral product. Materials. For determination of concentration of baculoviral suspensions there were used different methods, especially electronic microscope. The isolation, detection and determination of the biological features of baculovirus isolates were carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods. Results. In the report there are also submitted the results of the joint application of the biological preparation Virin ABB-3. The preparation is based on viruses of nuclear polyhedrosesis and granuoses with cumulative and synergetic action. In such context, the problem is connected to large application of baculoviral preparation that have become a reality only by elaboration and organization of production of such biological means, work registered after execution of deep biotechnological researches. The criterion of stable ecological system and the methods restoration and construction were also analyzed. Testing of the preparation Virin-ABB-3 for control development, II generation, on plants has demonstrated a significant biological efficacy of 91,52% in comparison with that of chemical etalon Lepedocid 100 %. Meanwhile, the experiment in which viruses were used and successfully control of the species H.cunea persistently indicate that the insect viruses play an important role in restoring and constructing stable natural and antropinated ecology system.

Spatial market efficiency of grain markets in Russia: Implications of high trade costs for export potential

Using a threshold vector error correction model approach, we find the wheat market of Russia to be segmented, with the primary grain export region poorly integrated with the domestic market. Results also indicate that trade costs are high, hindering the spatial market efficiency of wheat markets in Russia. This study demonstrates that an empirical benchmark allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the spatial market efficiency compared to the theoretical benchmark that is normally applied. The study shows that the distinction between grain production and export potential, especially for markets located in peripheral regions of Russia, is essential to correctly identify Russia's future role for global food security. As a general conclusion, apart from increasing agricultural production potential, it is also essential to strengthen spatial market efficiency in the agricultural sector to boost Russia's agricultural export potential and the country's prominent role in global food security.

Understanding the Water–Food–Energy Nexus for Supporting Sustainable Food Production and Conserving Hydropower Potential in China

Optimizing water–food–energy (WFE) relations has been widely discussed in recent years as an effective approach for formulating pathways towards sustainable agricultural production and energy supply. However, knowledge regarding the WFE nexus is still largely lacking, particularly beyond the conceptual description. In this study, we combined a grid-based crop model (Python-based Environmental Policy Integrated Climate—PEPIC) with a hydropower scheme based on the Distributed Biosphere Hydrological (DBH) model to investigate the WFE interplays in China concerning irrigated agricultural production and hydropower potential. The PEPIC model was used to estimate crop yields and irrigation water requirements under various irrigated cropland scenarios, while the DBH model was applied to simulate hydrological processes and associated hydropower potential. Four major crops, i.e. maize, rice, soybean and wheat, were included for the analyses. Results show that irrigation water requirements present high values (average about 400 mm yr-1) in many regions of northern China, where crop yields are much higher on irrigated land than on rainfed land. However, agricultural irrigation has largely reduced hydropower potential up to 50% in some regions due to the substantial withdrawal of water from streams. The Yellow River basin, the Hai River basin, and the Liao River basin were identified as the hotspot regions concerning the WFE interactions and tradeoffs. Further expansion the irrigated cropland would increase the tradeoffs between supporting sustainable food production and conserving hydropower potential in many parts of China. The results provide some insights into the WFE nexus and the information derived is useful for supporting sustainable water management, food production while conserving the potential for hydropower generation in China.

Determination of physico-chemical properties and agricultural potentials of soils in Tembaro District, KembataTembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia

The objectives of this study were to classify the soils of Tembaro district, and to identify its potentials for crop production. Five pits representing a pedon each were opened and profile in each pit was described for its morphological, physical and chemical characteristics according to standard procedures. A total of 20 disturbed soil samples and 16 core ring samples were collected from five representative profiles. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory for texture, BD, FC, PWP, Soil pH, EC, OC, TN, av.P, av.K, exchangeable bases, free and active iron and CEC. The results showed that the proportions of soil separates varied among profile and depth however, soils were all in clay textural class. The BD varied from 1.02 in the surface profile 1 to 1.25 g.cm-3 in the profile 3. Soil pH ranged from 6.8 to 5.4 in the surface horizons of all profiles with further decrease with depth indicating that the soils in the watershed are slightly acidic to moderately acidic. The OM and TN contents ranged from 2.90 to 5.43 and 0.23 to 0.45% in the surface horizon and they were in the low, low to medium and high categories respectively. The corresponding values for the remaining subsoil horizons were in the low categories. In all cases the contents of these parameters decreased considerably with depths. Available P was below critical values for all profiles and depths except for profiles 1 and 4. Exchangeable K was above critical value in all profiles with increasing trend along with depth of all profiles. Exchangeable Mg varied from 2.47 in surface horizon of profile 3 to 3.98 cmolc kg-1 in the surface horizons of profile 4 and increased with depth in all profiles except in profile 1. The observation with exchangeable K and Mg implies that there is leaching phenomenon in the study area. Ca ranged from 4. 35 cmolc kg -1 in profile 5 to 16.50 cmolc kg -1 in profile 1 with inconsistent trend with depth. The CEC from 18.22 cmolc kg -1 soil in surface horizon of profile 5 to 27.43 cmolc kg-1 soil in the surface horizons of profile 1 indicating they are in the medium to high ranges. But inconsistent trend in CEC distribution was observed with depth in all profiles. Based on the data collected from profile description study and soil physicochemical analytical data and according to FAO-WRD soil classification legend, the soil at Ambukuna watershed were classified as Haplic Nitisols (Endoeutric, humic), Haplic Nitisols (Hypereutric, humic), Haplic Nitisols (Endoeutric) and Haplic Nitisols (Epidystric, Humic). Most of the soil physical and some of the chemical characteristics studied could be ranked as good indicating that the area has high potential for agricultural production.

The potential of indigenous agricultural food production under climate change in Hawaiʻi

The value of land-use strategies that increase food production while conserving biodiversity is widely recognized. Many indigenous agroecosystems are productive, adaptive and ecologically principled, but are largely overlooked by planning in terms of their potential to meet current and future food needs. We developed spatial distribution models of indigenous agroecosystems in Hawai‘i to identify their potential past distribution, productive and carrying capacities, and future potential under current land-use and mild-to-severe future climate scenarios. Our results suggest that Hawaiʻi’s traditional agroecosystems could have had production levels comparable to consumption today. Carrying capacity estimates support hypotheses of large pre-colonial Hawaiian populations (>800,000). Urban development has reduced (−13%) traditional agroecosystems but 71% remain agriculturally zoned. Projected effects of three future climate scenarios vary from no change in potential production to decreases of 19% in the driest and warmest end-of-century scenario. This study highlights the food-producing potential of indigenous agriculture even under land-use and climate changes, and the value of their restoration into the future. Indigenous agroecosystems often balance food production with environmental concerns better than industrial approaches, but they are rarely considered for meeting modern food needs. This study uses spatial models and climate scenarios to find indigenous production in Hawaiʻi’s past could meet significant population demands then and, potentially, now, but with lower capacity in the warmest end-of-century scenario.

Migration impact on China’s population dividing line driven by hybrid features: perspectives of climate change and wage gap

The development of China’s population distribution boundary (Hu Line) in the future will have mixed driving characteristics: (1) driven by potential agricultural production in the long term; (2) driven by the wage gap between the eastern and the western provinces in the short term. At the same time, China’s unique pattern of migrant workers has increased the complexity of the issue of population migration between the Hu Line. This paper establishes a population support model based on the Potential Agricultural Production and a multi-regional Computable general equilibrium model considering a transfer mechanism of remittance. Results show that the population proportion caused by climate change in the provinces west of the Hu Line will increase in the long term, but the stability of the Hu Line has not been broken down. In the short term, as the wage-driven migration of western labor force expands, the country’s total economy shows a growing trend, and the wage gap between regions gradually narrows with the expansion of the migration scale. When the migration rate of the western labor force is 30%, the per capita GDP gap between the eastern and western regions of the Hu Line is the minimum, and when the rate is 10%, the per capita income gap between the eastern and western regions is the smallest. Though the rural migrant workers from the western province can improve the living standards of families in the western regions, it has little impact on the national and regional economy overall.