Safe Farm Research Articles

Telling Tales: Using Vignettes to Overcome Optimism Bias in Farm Health and Safety Attitudinal Studies

ABSTRACT Objective Measuring attitudes of farmers to safe farming practices using quantitative causal relationship approaches is central to improving understanding of (un)safe practices. This knowledge is important in the development of effective farm safety interventions. However, the accuracy of quantitative attitudinal studies in explaining farmers’ decision-making faces a potential measurement challenge, i.e. a high level of optimism bias. In this paper, we present research that develops and tests farm safety attitudinal questions that are framed around “real-life” farming practices with the objective of reducing optimism bias. Methods We apply construal level theory (CLT) to support the design of vignettes that reflect common risk scenarios faced by farmers. Applying qualitative analysis of 274 fatal farm incidents that occurred in Ireland between 2004 and 2018 we identify the occupational behaviors (what farmers do), social (who are farmers), spatial (where farming takes place), and temporal (when farming happens) dimensions of risks resulting in most deaths. The results informed subsequent co-design activities with farm safety experts and farm advisors to develop “real-life” scenarios, attitudinal questions, and response options. The questionnaire was piloted and subsequently implemented to collect data from a sample of 381 farmers with either tractors or livestock. The results of the survey were compared to previous attitudinal research on farmer’s attitudes to safety in Ireland to establish if there was as follows: i) increased variance in the responses, and ii) a statistically significant difference in the attitudes of respondents compared to the results reported in previous studies. Results The findings established that when farmers were provided with real-life scenarios, their responses were less optimistic and more varied, i.e. there was a greater range of responses, compared to previous studies. Conclusion Applying CTL to the development of attitudinal survey instruments anchors attitudinal questions within farming specific occupational, social, spatial, and temporal contexts. The use of vignettes that draw on real-life scenarios offers the potential for improved design of surveys that seek to understand farmer/worker practices. The results suggest that this approach can improve the measurement of attitudes to farm safety.

Geologic considerations in agrochemical use: impact assessment and guidelines for environmentally safe farming

Geologic considerations in agrochemical use: impact assessment and guidelines for environmentally safe farming

Safe Farming: Ultrafine Bubble Water Reduces Insect Infestation and Improves Melon Yield and Quality.

Melon pest management relies on the excessive application of pesticides. Reducing pesticide spraying has become a global issue for environmental sustainability and human health. Therefore, developing a new cropping system that is sustainable and eco-friendly is important. This study found that melon seedlings irrigated with ultrafine water containing H2 and O2 (UFW) produced more root hairs, increased shoot height, and produced more flowers than the control irrigated with reverse osmosis (RO) water. Surprisingly, we also discovered that UFW irrigation significantly reduced aphid infestation in melons. Based on cryo-scanning electron microscope (cryo-SEM) observations, UFW treatment enhanced trichome development and prevented aphid infestation. To investigate whether it was H2 or O2 that helped to deter insect infestation, we prepared UF water enrichment of H2 (UF+H2) and O2 (UF+O2) separately and irrigated melons. Cryo-SEM results indicated that both UF+H2 and UF+O2 can increase the density of trichomes in melon leaves and petioles. RT-qPCR showed that UF+H2 significantly increased the gene expression level of the trichome-related gene GLABRA2 (GL2). We planted melons in a plastic greenhouse and irrigated them with ultrafine water enrichment of hydrogen (UF+H2) and oxygen (UF+O2). The SPAD value, photosynthetic parameters, root weight, fruit weight, and fruit sweetness were all better than the control without ultrafine water irrigation. UFW significantly increased trichome development, enhanced insect resistance, and improved fruit traits. This system thus provides useful water management for pest control and sustainable agricultural production.

Safe Farming: Ultra-Fine Sparkling Water can Reduce Insect Pests and Increase Melon Yield and Quality

Melon pest control relies on over-application of pesticides. Reducing pesticide spraying has become a global issue for environmental sustainability and human health. Therefore, it is important to develop a new growing system that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. This study found that melon seedlings irrigated with ultrafine water containing H2 and O2 (UFW) produced more root hairs, increased branch height, and produced more flowers than the control irrigated with reverse osmosis (RO) water. Surprisingly, we also found that UFW irrigation significantly reduced aphid infestations in melons. Based on cryoscanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) observations, UFW treatment enhanced trichome development and prevented aphid infestation. To investigate whether it was H2 or O2 to prevent insect damage, we prepared UF enriched water with H2 (UF+H2 ) and O2 (UF+O2 ) alone and irrigated the melons. Cryo-SEM results show that UF+H2 and UF+O2 can increase the density of trichomes in melon leaves and petioles. RT-qPCR showed that UF+H2 significantly increased the gene expression level of the trichome-related gene GLABRA2 (GL2). We grow muskmelons in plastic greenhouses and use ultrafine water-rich hydrogen (UF+H2 ) and oxygen (UF+O2 ). The SPAD value, photosynthetic parameters, root weight, fruit weight, and fruit sweetness are all better than those without ultrafine water irrigation of comparison. UFW significantly promoted the development of trichomes, enhanced insect resistance, and improved fruit traits. The system therefore provides useful water management for pest control and sustainable agricultural production.

The combination of nanotechnology and potassium: applications in agriculture.

Potassium fertilizer is indispensable for ensuring crop production, which in turn supports global food supply and safe farming practices. Potassium resources are primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to a current shortage of affordable potash and severe soil deficiencies in certain regions of the Southern Hemisphere. There is a shift away from mined salts in favor of locally available potassium resources. Utilizing potassium-rich silicates, for instance, could be a viable option to address this situation. The imperative of enhancing crop productivity and quality necessitates either increasing potassium availability or utilizing potassium more efficiently. Geneticists may find the development of plants that use potassium more effectively to be a valuable pursuit. Nanomaterials are increasingly becoming part of people's professional lives as a novel material category. This technology is gradually finding applications in agriculture to boost crop yields while reducing environmental pollution. This paper reviews the applications of common potassium-containing materials, explores the effects and mechanisms of nano-fertilizers on plants, and offers insights into future applications of nano-potassium fertilizers in agriculture. All in all, the application of nanotechnology in the production and utilization of potassium fertilizers is both necessary and effective. However, there are still many gaps in the current field of nano-potassium fertilizer application that require further research. It is hoped that this review can serve as a valuable reference for researchers working in this field.

Design and implementation of a wireless communication-based sprinkler irrigation system with seed sowing functionality

This study addresses the critical health risks faced by farmers owing to the use of harmful chemical pesticides in agriculture. The primary objective is to create an effective solution to minimize these risks and reduce the use of pesticides. To achieve this, a smart irrigation system has been implemented by connecting various sensors, such as moisture sensors and thermal imagers through the Internet of Things. These sensors collect vital data on crop moisture levels and thermal images that are securely stored in a cloud-based system. The data collected were subjected to extensive analysis to ensure accurate pesticide use and to identify specific pests affecting crops. In addition, the smart irrigation system includes an Android phone for remote monitoring and pesticide spray detection, thus offering a convenient remote-based operating system for farmers. This innovative system not only proved to be cost-effective but also proved to be significantly more efficient than traditional methods, resulting in reduced labor costs. Importantly, it not only addressed the health risks associated with pesticide use but also led to a significant reduction in overall pesticide use in agriculture. This research provides a comprehensive and effective approach to address the health risks farmers face from harmful pesticides, thereby promoting sustainable and safe farming practices for the future.

Impact of Homestead Farming on Rural Economy of Indian Sundarban

Homestead farming system (HFS) is mainly a need-oriented, self-provisioning, integrated, multi-species, economically sustainable and environmentally safe farming system around the house. In order to understand the contribution of HFS to household income and to devise ways to maximise returns from HFS, a survey was conducted covering 480 households in three blocks (Kakdwip, Namkhana and Sagar) of South 24-Parganas district of West Bengal located in Sundarban. Out the households surveyed, 91% come under the marginal category having less than 1 ha of landholding in which 0.1 ha was used for homestead farming. 28% income of total 480 households were contributed by HFS that comprised of aquaculture (54%) followed by animal husbandry (37%) and horticulture (9%). The 22% of total households who practised betel vine cultivation in homestead land earn an additional gross income of Rs.75, 000/annum. More than 40 local varieties of horticultural crops and more than 25 fish species are cultured in HFS. However, due to inadequate supply of input and improper management, the quality and quantity of produces were not optimum. The study has clearly indicated the potential of sustainable intensification of HFS for increasing production and income of poor households in rural areas, and it would lead to poverty alleviation.

Beneficial Farming Practices and Assistive Technologies for Veterans and Limited Resource Farmers

Farmers need support. Along with financial support, there is a need to receive knowledge, skills, and resources to address how to perform safe farming practices, including physical and mental health limitations. This study assessed participants’ knowledge and beliefs related to critical farming practices needed to live safe and sustainable lifestyles. Workshops were delivered face-to-face and online, covering a range of farming practice topics such as assistive technologies and mental health. Data were collected via online surveys. Results found that respondents needed more information on Farm Safety and Health, and many reported little energy and feelings of hopelessness. It was concluded that participants would benefit from more specialized training to be sustainable. Recommendations for future studies include more workshops and training programs based on education and demonstrations on how best to live healthy and safe lifestyles.

We need to keep an eye on avian influenza.

H5N1 avian influenza viruses of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/96 lineage have been circulating in wild birds for many years, have inflicted significant economic losses on the poultry industry and have caused zoonotic infections since 1997. However, the recent spread of avian H5N1 virus to the Americas and its detection in mammals have raised concerns about its pandemic potential. Recent evidence of transmission of avian H5N1 viruses among mammals raises concerns about their pandemic potential. We need to increase our awareness and preparedness, and should also be thinking about safe farming practices to prevent the emergence of concerning pathogens in the future.

Ensuring safety in agriculture: Challenges, risks and measures to improve efficiency

The article is devoted to the issues of ensuring security in the field of agriculture. The article analyzed the great challenges facing agriculture, the risks arising in the process of agricultural activity, as a result, it was concluded that security in the field of agriculture can be ensured by balanced provision of all types of national security that intersect in this area: labor safety, food, ecological. The article highlights the main external and internal threats facing agriculture, defines the requirements for safe farming, taking into account threats and types of security. In conclusion, the main results of the work are presented and conditions are proposed that allow organizing efficient and safe agriculture.

Empowering smallholder bitter gourd farmers in Rizal, Laguna, Philippines towards sustainable and safe farming practices

Excessive use of pesticides in high-value crops proves detrimental to both health and the environment. This action research aims to evaluate farmers’ food safety practices as basis in introducing interventions to empower them toward the adoption of good agricultural practices for safe and sustainable farming. In this study, bitter gourd farmers (n=30) from Rizal, Laguna, Philippines were randomly sampled and surveyed. Current agricultural practices of the farmer participants and sustainability gaps in production were determined to assess the factors that contribute to their existing knowledge. Based on the results, socio-economic variables such as age, income, poverty, years of farming, and tenancy arrangement were found to be associated with GAP-related practices. Most of the farmers were aware of the importance of reading the product label of pesticides before application, wearing protective equipment, and routine monitoring. Moreover, a training intervention that focused on the identified sustainability gaps was provided. Farmers were trained in integrated pest management, internal control system on pesticide use, and keeping records to equip them towards safe and sustainable farming. Training, monitoring, and other extension activities should be provided occasionally to the farmers for continuous adherence to these sustainable practices.

Sinergitas Pos UKK, Gapoktan, Desa dan Puskesmas Dalam Mewujudkan Desa Safety Farming

The farmer’s behavior in Demangan Village is not safe and healthy in carrying out agricultural activities especially on pesticide use starting from mixing, spraying, washing the equipment and dispose the pesticide bottles. Therefore, efforts are needed to form a safe farming village in three years by involving two partners, they were the Pos UKK Demang Jaya Sehat and Gapoktan Demang Jaya. In the third year, the partners have not been able to carry out the work program independently, the synergy with the government and community health center is needed. The community service team helps activities through the FGD method and assistance with partners, governments, and community health centers. At the end of the activity, an evaluation of the achievements and obstacles to be followed up. Based on the activities that have been carried out, the government and community health centers contribute to the partner’s work program such as fulfilling facilities (utilization of village halls for meetings, crooked land for planting lemongrass, and BUMDES for the operation of Pos UKK and sales citronella oil), funding (purchase of materials and completeness of RSBP), human resources (assistance, monitoring, education, and active participation), and administration (data provision). So partners can carry out work programs properly, the role of the Pos UKK as implementing basic health services and Gapoktan as organic farming actors. Synergy is needed to maintain program sustainability.

Farming Practices and Disease Prevalence among Urban Lowland Farmers in Cameroon, Central Africa

Urban growth, coupled with increasing vegetable demand, has led to the utilization of lowlands in Cameroon for agricultural production. This study investigates the factors influencing the farming practices and the prevalence of diseases in vegetable producers through a cross-sectional survey of 130 farmers. Using logistic regression models, we found a positive association between education level and farm size with the overall quantity of fertilizer, both organic and mineral, used. Pesticide usage was positively associated with the number of years a farm had been cultivated, but it was negatively associated with land ownership. However, the number of years that farms had been cultivated was negatively associated with mineral fertilizer applications. In general, the prevalence of waterborne diseases was linked to the education level, while malaria prevalence was linked to the gender of the farmers. The location of cultivated areas significantly influenced the likelihood of reporting malaria and headaches. Despite the associated health risks, vegetable production is necessary for farmers’ livelihoods in the lowlands of Yaoundé. Therefore, policymakers should provide measures to optimize the benefits of urban agriculture, including training in safe farming techniques to minimize the associated health risks.

ДИАГНОСТИЧЕСКОЕ ЗНАЧЕНИЕ РЕАКЦИИ НЕПРЯМОЙ ГЕМАГГЛЮТИНАЦИИ (РНГА) В СРАВНЕНИИ С ИФА И ДРУГИМИ СЕРОЛОГИЧЕСКИМИ ТЕСТАМИ ПРИ ДИАГНОСТИКЕ БРУЦЕЛЛЕЗА КРУПНОГО РОГАТОГО СКОТА

The results of comparative diagnostic studies of blood sera from cattle for brucellosis from farms with different epizootic situations, performed in the laboratory of the Caspian zonal NIVI - a branch of the FGBNU "FANC RD" and the State Budgetary Institution "Kropotkin Regional Veterinary Laboratory", are presented. The diagnostic efficiency of the indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) with the use of erythrocyte antigen was studied in comparison with other serological methods, such as enzyme immunoassay (ELISA), agglutination test (RA), complement agglutination test (RSC), rose bengal test (RBP), immunodiffusion reaction with O-PS antigen (RID with O-PS antigen). In order to determine the specificity of serological tests, 52 blood serum samples from non-vaccinated animals from a safe farm were examined for brucellosis in RNGA, ELISA, RA, RSK, RBP and RID with O-PS antigen. All blood serum samples were tested with negative results. The sensitivity of the tested diagnostic tools was determined using 82 blood serum samples from cows immunized with the B. abortus 82 vaccine from a brucellosis-prone farm. The results of the studies showed that the infection in the herd proceeds in an acute form, as evidenced by a significant percentage of positively reacting to brucellosis of animals in the RID and high titers of RNHA, RA and RSK. Thus, a positive RNHA was obtained in 20 cases (24.4%), ELISA with the test system of LLC SPF "Sibbiotest" revealed 31 sick animals (37.8%), RSK - 20 (24.4%), RA and RBP - 17 (20.7%), ELISA test system from Biok - 15 (18.3%), RID with O-PS antigen - 9 (11%). It is important to note that the RNGA additionally identified animals that respond positively to brucellosis: to ELISA "Biok" - 5 (6.1%), RA and RBP - 3 (3.7%), RID - 11 (13.4%). The results of our studies have shown that the RNGA method is one of the most sensitive tests that allows to identify a high percentage of animals with brucellosis in a dysfunctional farm (24.4% of the studied ones), which is superior to the results of other serological methods. The results of comparative serological studies of bovine blood sera in RNHA, ELISA, RA, RSK, RBP and RID with O-PS confirmed the specificity of the tests and the high sensitivity of the RNHA method with brucellosis erythrocyte antigen.

Prevalence and Exposure to Ergonomic Risk Factors among Crop Farmers in Nigeria

This study examined the prevalence and exposure to ergonomic risks factors among crop farmers in selected states in Nigeria. We used cross-sectional data to provide this evidence. Data were collected with the aid of a standardized questionnaire administered to farmers. A total of 480 smallholder cassava farmers selected across 24 farming communities in Kogi and Kwara states, Nigeria, were engaged in the study. Descriptive statistics and binary regression were used for analysis. About 96% of the respondents reported shoulder pain, 85% reported lower back pain, 82% reported upper back pain, 64% reported neck pain, and 53% reported elbow pain during farming operations. We found that the age of farmers (OR = 2.01) and daily duration of daily chemical spray (OR = 1.17) were risk factors, while previous training on the safe use and application of farm chemicals was found to be a protective factor (α = 0.05). The study identified affordability of farm safety measures and poor access to relevant safety information as top constraints to farmers’ adoption of safe farm practices. We concluded there is a high prevalence of ergonomic risks during cassava operations among respondents. A crop-specific co-designed ergonomic intervention targeted at Nigerian farmers to reduce exposure to ergonomic risks is recommended.

The natural route of infection of guinea pigs from cows with tuberculosis in a cattle farm

The success of the fight against tuberculosis depends on timely and accurate diagnosis, since the identification and removal of animals suspected of the disease from the herd at the very beginning of the development of the infectious process is the main condition for recreational activities. Prevention of tuberculosis is based on the implementation of measures to prevent the introduction of the pathogen into a safe economy. Control of well-being is achieved by checking the number of cattle by intradermal tuberculin test twice a year (in spring and autumn), young cattle from two months of age and cattle of the feeding group - once a year. Carrying out such studies is quite sufficient, since it is known that the delayed-type hypersensitivity state develops 7-45 days after infection of cattle with M. bovis tuberculosis pathogen. The main disadvantage of allergic studies is the well-known fact that the reaction to the intradermal administration of tuberculin indicates only the sensitization of the animal's body by various types of mycobacteria. Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria do not cause pathological changes characteristic of tuberculosis in cattle and even in guinea pigs that are very sensitive to infection. Therefore, when monitoring the welfare of farms, the results of allergic studies are considered indicative, and the reacting animals are suspected of being infected. Decisive in the diagnosis is pathological or laboratory confirmation of tuberculosis in animals killed for diagnostic purposes. There is little data in the literature on the timing of the development of the infectious process and the identification of pathological changes in cattle characteristic of tuberculosis. Data on the timing of the detection of changes characteristic of tuberculosis in guinea pigs with natural infection from sick cows was not found. Previously conducted studies in an experiment on natural infection of cattle with tuberculosis, the authors found that when healthy cows are introduced into a dysfunctional herd, they become infected with tuberculosis with the formation of characteristic pathological changes approximately 12 months after they are kept together with sick animals. In an experiment on natural infection of guinea pigs, the authors found that guinea pigs in the same room with cows infected with M. bovis become infected and develop tuberculosis. Changes characteristic of tuberculosis in experimental guinea pigs are detected 5 months after they are kept together with sick cows. Based on a review of the literature and the results of the studies conducted, the authors propose to use guinea pigs as a laboratory model for reproducing tuberculosis in order to control the welfare of livestock farms in safe farms or to assess the quality of recreational activities in farms with tuberculosis.

МОНИТОРИНГ ЭПИЗООТИЧЕСКОЙ СИТУАЦИИ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ КОПЫТЕЦ КРУПНОГО РОГАТОГО СКОТА В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ ТАТАРСТАН, ИНДИКАЦИЯ И ИДЕНТИФИКАЦИЯ МИКРОФЛОРЫ

The article presents a retrospective analysis of bovine necrobacteriosis in the Republic of Tatarstan in the period from 2011 to 2020. In the bacteriological study of the spicies compositions of microorganisms isolated from purulent-necrotic foci in hoof area of cattle, in the safe farms for this disease, the causative agent of necrobacteriosis was found in 50 % of cases.

Multi-scale modeling of intensive macroalgae cultivation and marine nitrogen sequestration

Multi-scale macroalgae growth models are required for the efficient design of sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally safe farms. Here, we develop a multi-scale model for Ulva sp. macroalgae growth and nitrogen sequestration in an intensive cultivation farm, regulated by temperature, light, and nutrients. The model incorporates a range of scales by incorporating spatial effects in two steps: light extinction at the reactor scale (1 m) and nutrient absorption at the farm scale (1 km). The model was validated on real data from an experimental reactor installed in the sea. Biomass production rates, chemical compositions, and nitrogen removal were simulated under different seasons, levels of dilution in the environment and water-exchange rate in the reactor. This multi-scale model provides an important tool for environmental authorities and seaweed farmers who desire to upscale to large bioremediation and/or macroalgae biomass production farms, thus promoting the marine sustainable development and the macroalgae-based bioeconomy.

СТРУКТУРА ЗАБОЛЕВАЕМОСТИ ПТИЦЫ В ПРОМЫШЛЕННОМ ГУСЕВОДСТВЕ

The article presents the results of studying the structure of poultry morbidity in industrial goose-breeding enterprises: LLC "Poultry farm Kimovskaya" of the Republic of Mari El, LLC "Vurnarets" and OJSC "Brood poultry farm" Urmarskaya "of the Chuvash Republic. All three goose-breeding enterprises during the analyzed period of time were epizootologi-cally safe farms for infectious and invasive poultry diseases. It has been shown that the largest per-centage of diseases of non-infectious etiology in geese are metabolic diseases – up to 94.6 % and of the digestive system – up to 63.3 %, a high proportion of diseases of the egg production system – up to 40.2 %, which is due to the absence of veterinary treatment of poultry preventive measures against these diseases, and the low level of avitaminosis is explained by the active use of vitamin preparations in poultry farms. Most of the diseases occur in young animals: from 76.6 to 97.0 %, among broodstock the incidence in different years ranged from 3 to 23.4 %. Adjustment of thera-peutic and prophylactic treatment schemes for poultry, introduction of modern veterinary drugs can significantly reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases in geese.

СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ РАБОЧИХ ОРГАНОВ ДЛЯ ПОЛОСОВОЙ ОБРАБОТКИ ПОЧВЫ ПО ТЕХНОЛОГИИ STRIP-TILL

When cultivating agricultural crops in the system of soil-protective ecologically safe farming, the Strip-Till technology is effective, which allows you to cultivate the soil in strips in the zone of rows and thereby limit the area of the field subject to loosening. The required indicators for loosening the strips in one pass are achieved by the milling tools. Their disadvantage is increased energy consumption. The purpose of the research is to improve the working units of soil-cultivating cutters for strip tillage in the direction of reducing energy consumption. An innovative milling cutter with different-sized knives has been created, which allows, while maintaining a given quality of soil crumbling, reducing the intensity of excessive grinding of the lower part of the milled layer to small erosive hazardous particles. On soil with a moisture content of 21% and a hardness of 1.6 MPa, comparative tests of the innovative and basic cutters were carried out. In the tests, the factors were changed - the depth of processing was in the range of 8-12 cm and the forward speed was from 0.61 to 1.09 m/s. The test results were presented in the form of mathematical models of the relationship of variable factors with the energy intensity of soil milling with innovative and basic structures. In accordance with the method of optimal planning of a multifactorial experiment, a central orthogonal compositional plan was used. An experiment-planning matrix was drawn up for each of the tested structures. With two factors, it contains a core for 2 × 2 = 4 experiments, four star points and one central experiment. By comparing the models, an average reduction of 15.8% in the energy intensity of strip milling of the soil with the use of innovations with the same quality of soil crumbling was established. This allows us to recommend the innovation for use as part of a complex of soil cultivation and seeding machines for cultivation of crops using Strip-Till technology