Production Systems Research Articles

Cropping and Pruning Systems of Primocane Raspberries in the Subtropical Climate

Raspberry production is limited to cold temperate areas of high latitude due to the requirement of low temperatures for flowering and fruiting from most cultivars. However, primocane cultivars, as they are less demanding in cold conditions, represent a possible alternative that suits regions with a subtropical climate. The cultivar Heritage primocane raspberry was investigated in the Cwa climate, in three production systems (PS), during two crop cycles. In PS1, canes were hard pruned at ground level after primocane fruiting. In PS2, canes were tipped to promote subapical bud break for a second harvest. In PS3, canes were tipped again after the second harvest to induce a third harvest. PS1 had the lowest yield, however, after two cycles; in plants of this system it was observed the highest root weight, and starch content. Raspberries subjected to subapical pruning show lower carbohydrate storage in the root system. The production systems had little influence on fruit qualities, in both cycles. The cultivation of cv. Heritage raspberry primocane, in the subtropical Cwa climate can be carried out with sequential pruning, allowing for the production of commercial fruits with harvests distributed over the months, without any reduction in the postharvest quality of the fruits produced.

Selection of tomato genotypes for organic production systems

ABSTRACT The development of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties adapted to organic production systems is crucial for meeting the demand for organic food and for supporting the sustainable agricultural sector. This study aimed to rescue, evaluate genetic diversity and select tomato genotypes suitable for growing under organic production conditions. To achieve this, the work involved assessing nine table tomato genotypes from different varietal groups in two environments (greenhouse and open field organic conditions). Morpho-agronomic and physical-chemical quality characteristics were evaluated. The experimental design used was a randomised block design with four replications. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, means tests, and Spearman’s correlations. Furthermore, hierarchical dendrograms and principal component analysis were performed to assess morphological variability between genotypes in each of the environments. Dissimilarity dendrograms revealed different clustering patterns under greenhouse and field conditions. In general, the genotypes grown in the greenhouse showed higher commercial yields and organoleptic quality, as well as an earlier crop cycle. The Jumbo, Santa Clara and Kada Gigante genotypes exhibited characteristics that were considered to make them suitable for organic cultivation in both environments, especially in the open field. Gaúcho Marmande presented characteristics (vegetative and physico-chemical) that made it suitable for the open field, while Coração-de-Boi, Bocaina and Roquesso were recommended only for greenhouse cultivation.

Rice-pigeon pea biochar influences nutrient cycling, microbial dynamics, and onion performance in organic production system: insights from Alfisols of the Eastern Plateau and Hill Region of India

Rice-pigeon pea biochar influences nutrient cycling, microbial dynamics, and onion performance in organic production system: insights from Alfisols of the Eastern Plateau and Hill Region of India

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Control in Furrow-Irrigated Rice with Fluridone

Abstract Herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth is creating additional challenges for producers choosing to adopt a furrow-irrigated rice production system due to the absence of a sustained flood, enabling extended weed emergence. Fluridone has been shown to control Palmer amaranth effectively in cotton production systems and was recently registered for use in rice. Experiments were initiated in 2022 and 2023 to evaluate 1) Palmer amaranth control and rice tolerance to preemergence- and postemergence-applied fluridone at a 0.5x (84 g ai ha-1) and 1x rate (168 g ai ha-1) on a silt loam soil and 2) the effect of various herbicide programs containing fluridone on Palmer amaranth biomass, seed production, and rough rice grain yield. Preemergence applications of fluridone at a 1x rate in combination with clomazone resulted in 84% control of Palmer amaranth 21 d after treatment (DAT). Fluridone, in combination with clomazone preemergence, caused up to 36% rice injury 21 DAT; however, early season injury did not negatively affect rice yields. Palmer amaranth biomass and fecundity were reduced with herbicide programs that included fluridone plus florpyrauxifen-benzyl, and, in some instances, there was no Palmer amaranth biomass or seed production following multiple applications of both herbicides. Fluridone- and florpyrauxifen-benzyl-based herbicide programs achieved effective control of Palmer amaranth when applied timely, but injury to hybrid rice is enhanced with preemergence applications of fluridone that are not permitted with the current label.

Impact of Credit in Rural Settlements of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of credit from the National Agrarian Reform Program (PNRA) on the income of family plots allocated by the National Institute of Agrarian Reform (INCRA) in the state of Minas Gerais, aiming to identify the correlation between the credit provided and the income generated. Theoretical Framework: Credit programs aimed at family farming enable the development of their activities in a sustainable, regulated manner and in compliance with environmental preservation, facilitating the construction and improvement of production systems according to each producer’s needs. Method: The study uses data collected from the RADIS/UFMT Project, in agrarian reform settlements in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, were processed and systematized using the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) regression model, with the use of Stata 16® software. Results and Discussion: The most accessed credit line by the beneficiaries was the Semi-arid line. The hypothesis that credit granted by the National Agrarian Reform Program (PNRA) is positively correlated with the income of plots allocated to families settled by INCRA is confirmed, showing an approximate 19% increase in the income of plots compared to those without access to credit. That is, for every R$1.00 of credit provided to the plot, there is an approximate increase of R$0.19 in income.

Rice Production in Water-Scarce Environments: A Review of Conservation Agriculture Techniques

Rice is a critical crop for global food security, but its production is increasingly threatened by water scarcity. Conservation agriculture (CA) techniques have been identified as a promising approach to address this challenge. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on CA techniques for rice production in water-scarce environments, focusing on their effects on soil health, water productivity, and rice yields. We examine the evidence from various studies and identify the constraints and opportunities for adoption among smallholder farmers. Our review highlights the potential of CA techniques to improve rice production in water-scarce environments, but also emphasizes the need for further research and support to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. By promoting the adoption of CA techniques, we can enhance the resilience of rice production systems and contribute to global food security.

Sustainable Nitrogen Management in Rice Farming: Spatial Patterns of Nitrogen Availability and Implications for Community-Level Practices

Sustainable nitrogen management is crucial for long-term food security and environmental protection in rice farming systems. However, the spatial patterns of nitrogen availability at the community level remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective sustainable management strategies. This study introduces a novel application of spatial autoregressive analysis to investigate available nitrogen distribution in paddy soils across a rice farming community in Kyoto, Japan. Soil samples from 61 plots, including organically farmed ones, were analyzed for available nitrogen and various physicochemical properties. Contrary to the hypothesis of high variability between adjacent plots, significant positive spatial autocorrelation in available nitrogen was observed, revealing previously unrecognized community-level patterns. The spatial Durbin model outperformed traditional regression approaches and revealed complex spatial interactions in soil properties. Water-soluble organic carbon and humus content showed strong but opposing effects, with a positive direct impact but negative spatial interaction, suggesting topography-driven accumulation processes. Water-soluble nitrogen exhibited reverse patterns with negative direct effects but positive spatial interaction, indicating potential nutrient transport through water movement. These findings highlight the importance of considering both direct and indirect spatial effects in understanding soil fertility patterns, challenging the conventional plot-by-plot management approach. This methodological advancement provides new perspectives for more effective, community-scale soil management strategies in rice farming systems. Moreover, it demonstrates an innovative approach to maximizing the value of outsourced soil analysis data, providing a model for more comprehensive utilization of such data in agricultural research. By enabling more targeted and efficient nitrogen management practices that consider both plot-level processes and landscape-scale interactions, this study potentially contributes to the development of more sustainable and resilient rice production systems.

An Integrated Stochastic Optimization and Simulation Approach to SERU vs. Assembly Line Manufacturing Systems

This research compares SERU manufacturing systems to traditional assembly lines, focusing on the impact of uncertainty in task processing time on production output. The study considers worker skill levels and team identity, using a stochastic mixed integer linear programming approach to model uncertainty and optimize workforce allocation. Discrete event simulation is then integrated to evaluate performance using five key performance indicators (KPIs). Results show that SERU systems outperform traditional lines in terms of throughput when uncertainty is considered. The integrated approach provides more reliable performance data than deterministic optimization alone. The study also highlights the advantages of SERU systems when worker skill levels and team identity are factored in. This research fills a gap in the literature by proposing a stochastic optimization approach that considers uncertainty and worker skill levels, and by integrating stochastic optimization with simulation for comprehensive analysis. This approach provides valuable guidance for production managers in optimizing production systems.

Impact of farm mechanization on crop productivity and economic efficiency in central and southern Oromia, Ethiopia

IntroductionFarm mechanization has multi-dimensional impacts on agricultural production systems like economic efficiency and productivity, thereby improving the quality of life in the farming community by reducing work drudgeries. However, these impacts were not studied empirically in Ethiopia. Hence, this research was initiated to estimate the level of economic efficiency, and productivity of wheat and barley, and the impact of farm mechanization on economic efficiency and productivity of wheat and barley.MethodsThe analysis was done for 232 and 257 wheat and barley producer farmers respectively who are selected from the Arsi and West Arsi zones. The stochastic frontier model was used to estimate economic efficiency while augmented inverse probability weighted (AIPW) was used to estimate the impact.Results and discussionBased on the result, it is apparent that farm mechanization has a significant positive impact on wheat productivity while the percentage change in average treatment effect for the barley was not statistically significant. Farm mechanization also affects wheat and barley economic efficiency positively. Hence, we recommended the wider use of farm mechanization to improve economic efficiency and productivity. Therefore, policy design should focus on ways to avail farm machinery easily like establishing farm mechanization service centers and facilitating credit services for mechanization service renders.

Parameter Analysis of Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis System by Numerical Simulation

Anion exchange membrane electrolysis, which combines the advantages of both alkaline electrolysis and proton-exchange membrane electrolysis, is a promising technology to reduce the cost of hydrogen production. The present work focused on the study of the electrochemical phenomena of AEM electrolysis and the investigation of the key factors of the AEM hydrogen production system. The numerical model is established according to electrochemical reactions, polarization phenomena, and the power consumption of the balance of plant components of the system. The effects of operation parameters, including the temperature and hydrogen pressure of the electrolyzer, electrolyte concentration, and hydrogen supply pressure on the energy efficiency are studied. The basic electrochemical phenomena of AEM water electrolysis cells are analyzed by simulations of reversible potential and activation, and ohmic and concentration polarizations. The results reveal that increasing the operating temperature and hydrogen production pressure of the AEM electrolyzer has positive effects on the system’s efficiency. By conducting an optimization analysis of the electrolyzer temperature—which uses the heat energy generated by the electrochemical reaction of the electrolyzer to minimize the power consumption of the electrolyte pump and heater—the AEM system with an electrolyzer operating at 328 K and 30 bar can deliver hydrogen of pressure up to 200 bar under an energy efficiency of 56.4%.

Agronomic and socio-economic drivers of fertilizer use and crop productivity in smallholder wheat production systems in Ethiopia

Agronomic and socio-economic drivers of fertilizer use and crop productivity in smallholder wheat production systems in Ethiopia

Effects of goosegrass (Eleusine indica) competition on strawberry growth and yield

Abstract Goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] is one of the most problematic weeds in plasticulture strawberry [Fragaria × ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier (pro sp.) [chiloenis × virginiana]] production systems in Florida. A 2-yr trial was implemented to evaluate the effects of different E. indica densities on strawberry growth and yield. Eleusine indica densities evaluated were 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.8 plants m−2 equally distributed on the plastic-mulched bed top within the strawberry transplant holes. Eleusine indica density did not affect E. indica height or biomass. However, E. indica seed production was positively correlated with E. indica density in Season 1 and negatively correlated with E. indica density in Season 2. A negative linear regression was observed between E. indica density and strawberry yield in both seasons. For each increase in E. indica plants per square meter, strawberry yield was reduced by 316 and 2,356 kg ha−1 for Seasons 1 and 2, respectively. Our results highlight the importance of achieving adequate E. indica management to minimize yield losses.

Multi-agent model-based intensification-driven tabu search for solving the dual-resource constrained flexible job shop scheduling

ABSTRACT In today's rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, the efficient allocation of human resources is crucial for optimizing production systems. This paper addresses the dual resource-constrained flexible job shop scheduling problem (DRCFJSP) by implementing a Multi-Start Tabu Search-based Multi-Agent Model (MuSTAM). MuSTAM considers a set of initial solutions that are run in parallel using an intensification technique. The main objective of MuSTAM is to reduce the completion time (makespan), which is an important metric in workshops. The proposed model is composed of two classes of agents: a supervisor agent named MainAgent and a set of tabu search agents called TabuAgents. The MainAgent launches the system, collects inputs, generates the initial population, creates TabuAgents based on the number of solutions in the initial population (PopSize), and displays the best solution. Each TabuAgent receives a solution from the initial population and then conducts a concentrated search around its neighbourhood space by applying the intensification technique of tabu search. TabuAgents cooperate and communicate with each other to enhance search quality. Numerical tests are performed during the experimental phase to compare MuSTAM with ITS based on well-known benchmark instances of the DRCFJSP. The results demonstrate that MuSTAM is effective in terms of makespan and CPU time.

Adaptation of calves in the transition from intensive to dual-purpose system during extreme drought

Objective: Evaluate the adaptation of calves in the transition from intensive to dual-purpose system during extreme drought. Design/methodology/approach: The study was carried out in Tamaulipas, Mexico with calves in transition from an Intensive Production System (IPS) in Ciudad Victoria to a Dual-Purpose System (DPS) located in Altamira. Two groups of Swiss×Gyr×Holstein cross calves were analyzed, control group (CG; n = 8) born in DPS, and the adapted group coming from IPS (GA; n =6), zoometric measurements were recorded: height at the withers, length of the animal, chest circumference, pelvis length, pelvis width, height at the rump, body condition and weight, the blood concentration of betahydroxybutyrates (BHB) and glucose were measured. An ANDEVA was carried out with a factorial design and a correlation analysis. Results: There were differences between GA and GC (P < 0.01), as well as in the date factor (P < 0.01). Blood concentrations of BHB and glucose had no difference between groups (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation (R = - 0.47; P < 0.05) between BHB and body condition. Limitations on study/implications: Although the dual-purpose system is very versatile, in the study area only 33% of ranchers manage it, due to the accentuation of drought and climate change. Findings/conclusions: The calves showed adequate development with good adaptation in the transition from SPI to SDP, although there was an effect of the factors, the calves responded favorably to management

Crop rotation and fungicides impact microbial biomass, diversity and enzyme activities in the wheat rhizosphere

Sustainable crop production systems should promote large and diverse soil microbial communities to enhance biological soil processes rather than depend solely on chemical interventions that include pesticide applications. Crop rotation increases above-ground temporal diversity which, relative to monoculture, usually increases soil microbial diversity. But comparisons between short and long crop rotations that also include pesticide effects are rare. A 5-yr (2013-2017) field study was conducted to investigate crop rotation and fungicide effects on the soil microbiome and activity. There were nine rotations, with or without fungicide applications, that included four 2-yr rotations (wheat preceded by canola, barley, pea, or flax), four 3-yr rotations where barley or canola were added to the 2-yr rotations, and one rotation where canola and wheat were stacked (canola-canola-wheat-wheat). In 2017, soil microbial biomass, composition, diversity and enzyme activities were measured in the rhizosphere of the final wheat crop in each rotation. Fungicides reduced fungal richness (the number of different fungal taxa) in the wheat rhizosphere (e.g., Chao1 indices of 64.0 vs. 79.9) especially in 2-yr rotations, but rotation length/type and the crops that preceded wheat had different effects on different taxa. Two of the three most predominant prokaryotic phyla, Proteobacteriota and Actinobacteriota, responded differently to rotation length: 3-yr rotations enriched the former (27.4% vs. 20.1% relative abundances), but 2-yr rotations enriched the latter (19.9% vs. 28.3% relative abundances). Relative to oilseed crops preceding the sampled wheat, a field pea preceding crop enriched Actinobacteriota (31.7% vs. 24.8% relative abundances) and the most abundant fungal class, Sordariomycetes (39.1% vs. 22.1% relative abundances), in addition to increasing microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and arylsulphatase activity by 33% and 57%, respectively. Correlations of the relative abundances of fungal or prokaryotic genera with β-glucosidase and arylsulphatase activities were similar (both positive or negative), but they were the opposite of correlations with acid phosphomonoesterase, suggesting a close link between C and S cycling. Besides the nutrient cycling implications of these soil microbial characteristics, there is need to study their biological disease control significance.

Seasonal anestrus of sheep flocks

Objective: To determine seasonal anestrus in relation to the season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables of sheep production systems in Singuilucan, Hidalgo, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: Based on n=41 semi-structured surveys applied to the producers of the study area, a logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the influence of the study variables on the seasonal anestrus of sheep production systems. Results: Thirty-nine production units with seasonal anestrus periods were identified. Seasonal anestrus was influenced by the season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables (P<0.05). The anestrus periods were influenced (P<0.05) by spring (season of the year), range and shed system with concentrate feeding (feeding type), wool sheep (breeds), and the presence or absence of rams in the flock (social environment). Study Limitations/Implications: Determining which variables influence seasonal anestrus will help to develop sheep reproductive programs. Findings/Conclusions: Wool sheep have a seasonal anestrus in spring. The season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables influenced the seasonal anestrus of sheep production systems in Singuilucan, Hidalgo, Mexico.

Economic Sustainability Foraging Scenarios for Ruminant Meat Production—A Climate Change Adapting Alternative

Climate changes affect all agricultural production systems, directly or indirectly, including that of ruminant meat, through the limitation of forage resources sensitive to reduced water regimes and drought. The present paper assessed the economic sustainability of ruminant meat production in the context of climate change, with a particular focus on integrating bioeconomy principles through the use of drought-resistant crops such as sorghum and millet in livestock feed. This study included scenarios for two farm-level models, a sheep fattening farm and a cattle fattening farm, to determine the economic benefit and impact of integrating resilient crops in the total feed ration. The findings showed that the dry scenario system could offer economic and environmental advantages over traditional water-intensive crops like maize. The results demonstrated that replacing maize with sorghum or millet could result in a reduction in feed costs and enhanced economic benefit over the traditional feed system.

Carbon Footprint and Automation in Aquaculture

Objective: This paper proposes research on the state of the art of automation and carbon footprint in aquaculture. Theoretical Framework: The development of electronics and automation, which are so prevalent in everyday activities and industries, has contributed to the advancement of automation levels in aquaculture. The use of electrical sensors could be an alternative for estimating the carbon footprint of aquaculture production systems. Method: The methodology was based on scientific research with a qualitative approach on automation and the carbon footprint in aquaculture and observations made during visits to fish farms and fish technology fairs. Results and Discussion: The levels of automation used in aquaculture are still low compared to other economic activities, especially industry. The use of existing technology in fish farms would raise the level of automation in aquaculture, but this transformation faces challenges on the part of fish farmers, such as: cost of access, difficulty of operation and lack of interest in investing in automation. The use of automation and control techniques could corroborate methodologies for estimating the carbon footprint during the animal rearing phase in excavated ponds. Research Implications: Promote discussion on the use of new technologies and influence research on the theme of carbon footprint and automation in aquaculture. Advance research into the need to expand the use of automation in fish farms. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by reviewing the state of the art of automation in aquaculture, demonstrating the need for research to expand the use of technologies both to automate aquaculture farming and to estimate the carbon footprint during farming.

Evaluation of Rabi Maize-based Intercropping System for Augmenting the Productivity and Profitability of Rabi Maize under Irrigated Conditions of Bihar

Background: A combination of maize and legume, cabbage and potato in intercropping benefits the agricultural production system due to different peak period of growth and synergistic effects, which reflected into yield advantage. In order to reduce nutritional competition and the yield gaps between actual production and production potential for both crops in the intercropping system, more information is required for the optimization of maize-based intercropping systems. So, keeping above fact in mind, the present study was undertaken to find out the suitable rabi maize based intercropping system for augmenting productivity and profitability of maize. Methods: A field experiment was conducted on the farmer’s field of selected villages of KVK Bhagalpur (on-farm trials) during the winter (rabi) season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 on rabi maize to validate, refine and popularize the technology developed at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur (Bihar) and ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), Ludhiana, for enhancing the productivity and profitability of rabi maize. The experiment, comprising four treatments, viz., sole rabi maize (farmer’s practice), maize + potato (1:1 row ratio), maize + vegetable pea (1:2 row ratio) and maize + cabbage (1:1 row ratio), was arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) with five replications. All five farmers selected for experimentation were treated as replications. Result: Experimental results revealed that all three intercropping associations of maize + vegetable pea (1:2 row ratio), maize + potato (1:1 row ratio), maize + vegetable pea (1:2 row ratio) and maize + cabbage (1:1 row ratio) produced significantly higher maize equivalent yields than the sole crop of rabi maize. However, among the intercropping systems, maize + vegetable pea (1:2 row ratio) produced the highest maize equivalent yield (241.0 q/ha) and significantly incurred the highest net return (322093 ₹ /ha), as well as a higher B: C ratio (6.04) than the rest of the intercropping systems as well as sole crop of rabi maize.

Numerical study on a new adjustable multi-hole throttling device for natural gas flooding

Natural gas flooding represents a significant technique for the enhancement of oil recovery, thereby facilitating the efficient utilization of oil and gas resources. In the injection and production system, the throttling gas nozzle is a key component that adjust the injection pressure according to the reservoir’s pressure. However, current throttling gas nozzles utilize a fixed structure, which presents a challenge in achieving online control of flow rate and pressure drop. Therefore, a new adjustable multi-hole throttling device was proposed in this paper, allowing for the regulation of pressure loss by changing the number of flowing holes. In order to gain insight into the operational principles and pressure drop characteristics of this new throttling device, the SST k-ω turbulence model and the NIST physical property model were employed to simulate the supercritical natural gas flow in the nozzle. The results demonstrate that there is an uneven distribution of velocity between the channels of the downhole multi-hole throttling device. The velocity in a single nozzle channel exhibits a trend of initially increasing rapidly and then decreasing, while the pressure exhibits an initial decrease, which is then followed by a slight increase. The pressure drops of the nozzle under different flow rates and flowing hole numbers were acquired, revealing that the pressure drop of the multi-hole throttling device is inversely proportional to the number of holes. The adjustment accuracy of pressure drop and flow rate is higher when the number of holes is between 4 and 6. However, a significant increase in pressure drop occurs when the number of holes is less than 3, resulting in poorer regulation accuracy. Furthermore, a pressure drop prediction model was developed based on the numerical results, which provides guidance for the application and design of the throttling device. In this study, a new natural gas flooding throttling device is proposed, offering a new approach for downhole equipment development. Additionally, this research provides guidance for the practical application and iterative improvement of this throttling device in future use.