To address the low estimation accuracy of the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) directly induced by imprecise extraction of plant canopy temperature (Tc) from thermal infrared (TIR) imagery, this study used UAV visible imagery of winter wheat under different water and nitrogen regimes to calculate the Green Leaf Index (GLI) for canopy mask construction, which was then overlaid with TIR imagery to extract Tc, and subsequently multi-gradient extreme pixel elimination ratios were applied to identify the optimal method for Tc extraction. Subsequently, the extracted Tc are categorized into distinct pixel distribution intervals based on the standard normal distribution, and the interval-specific Crop Water Stress Index (CWSIF) is calculated using the mean canopy temperature (TF) of each interval. Thereafter, rigorous regression analysis was performed for the derived CWSIF variants against key crop physiological indicators to determine the most sensitive CWSIF values corresponding to each indicator for subsequent practical applications. The results indicate that proper removal of extreme pixels enhanced the consistency between UAV TIR-retrieved temperature and in-situ measured temperature. Excluding 3 % of extreme pixels from both ends of the Tc distribution histogram yielded a relatively optimal level of this consistency, thus enabling more accurate characterization of the actual Tc of crop. CWSIF values derived from the TF across different Tc pixel distribution intervals differed significantly. Regression analysis showed that the sensitive CWSIF corresponding to stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) differed significantly, requiring a comprehensive evaluation integrating multiple physiological indicators. For the scientific diagnosis of crop water status, the entropy weight method was employed to assign weights to the evaluation indicators of Gs, Tr, and Pn. Based on these weights, a linear weighted summation model was used to obtain the comprehensive score. and the optimal CWSIF that reflects the characteristics of multiple physiological indexes was determined for each growth stage: the optimal index was CWSI-0.5 during the jointing stage and flowering stage, and CWSI-0.3 during the filling stage. This solves the problem of inconsistent evaluation of CWSIF by different physiological indicators and improves the pertinence and accuracy of water stress diagnosis. Across all growth stages, the coefficient of determination (R²) between the optimal CWSIF and plant water content (PWC) was consistently higher than that between the traditional CWSIT (CWSI calculated based on the average value of all Tc) and PWC, while the normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) of the former was consistently lower than that of the latter. This indicated that CWSIF can reflect the water status of crop more efficiently and accurately than CWSIT. The findings of this study provide a reliable technical basis for monitoring water stress and implementing staged precision irrigation in winter wheat.
Sabreen Bashir, Navneet Kaur, Agrataben Vadhel
et al.
Abstract Background Cannabis sativa L., renowned for its versatility in pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetic industries, is highly susceptible to several agronomic and environmental factors, particularly herbicides. These chemical agents, while commonly used for weed control, can adversely affect plant growth, physiology, and secondary metabolite production. Understanding the plant’s response to such external stressors is essential for optimizing its cultivation and ensuring the quality of its bioactive compounds. Methods In our current work, we studied the impact of two herbicides- glyphosate and metribuzin on the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of cannabis plants. The secondary metabolite production analysis was carried out using Gas Chromatography-Mass S pectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, in silico studies using molecular modelling and optimization via Density Functional Theory (DFT) were performed, followed by molecular docking. Results It was observed that both herbicides greatly impact overall plant productivity including primary and secondary metabolite production. Further, glyphosate treatment caused an increase in fatty acid synthesis while the contrary was observed in case of metribuzin. Also, herbicide stress leads to the synthesis of cannabidivarol and cannabidiol although they were absent in the untreated group. These findings provide crucial insights for optimizing agricultural practices in cannabis cultivation. Moreover, molecular simulation results showed that both metribuzin and glyphosate bind at the active pocket of Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase (THCA synthase) and offer a mechanistic explanation for the observed variations in Δ9 -tetrahydocannabinol (THC) levels by suggesting that both herbicides inhibit THCA synthase activity, contributing to a deeper understanding of herbicide-plant interactions at the molecular level. Conclusions Our findings indicate that herbicide stress impacts overall cannabis productivity and alters biosynthesis. The stress notably stimulates the production of cannabidivarol and cannabidiol. In addition, molecular docking studies revealed that metribuzin binds to the same active channel as Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA)- the THC precursor, while glyphosate binds at the entrance, thereby hindering THC production. This multifaceted approach guides sustainable farming strategies and has implications for manipulating cannabinoid profiles in pharmaceutical and other industrial applications.
Despite the exceptional importance of the grain industry in both the global and national economies, a number of systemic problems still persist at the regional level in Ukraine, hindering productivity growth and reducing the profitability of the sector. Grain production forms the foundation of food security, constitutes a significant share of agricultural exports, supports rural employment, and promotes the development of related industries – livestock farming, food processing, and manufacturing. At the same time, the efficiency of its functioning remains vulnerable to a complex set of natural, economic, and organizational factors. The leading among them are climatic conditions, soil quality and fertility, the level of material and technical support, the use of modern innovative agricultural technologies, and the adaptation of farms to the challenges of climate change. The article summarizes the results of studies concerning the relationship between the yield of grain crops and the efficiency of using natural, labor, and production resources. The focus is placed on the influence of crop management systems, as well as ecological and socio-economic factors that determine the spatial differentiation of productivity. The role of climate change, soil degradation processes, farming intensity, and institutional prerequisites for sectoral development are highlighted. Using Lviv region as a case study, the main factors causing differences in grain yield are outlined, and limiting conditions influencing productivity are identified. Special attention is paid to climate forecasts that indicate an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events, changes in the length of the growing season, and rising risks to production stability. These trends require the adaptation of agrotechnologies, optimization of crop structure, and the implementation of resource-saving and soil-protective practices. The results of the conducted analysis make it possible to substantiate a set of recommendations aimed at improving the yield and efficiency of the regional grain industry. Their implementation will contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of agricultural production, enhancing the sustainability of agroecosystems, and ensuring the food security of the state amid ongoing climatic and economic transformations.
Kassa Tarekegn Erekalo, Søren Marcus Pedersen, Tove Christensen
et al.
The aim of this review was to provide an overview of existing farming practices and technologies in Europe by assessing their contribution to climate-smart agricultural (CSA) outcomes. Following the PRISMA protocol, 110 final selected studies were scrutinized. Altogether 74 different practices and technologies were identified. Using an inductive approach, the identified practices and technologies were categorized, and their potential contribution towards contextualized CSA outcomes—productivity, resilience, GHG mitigation, biodiversity improvement, animal welfare support, water and energy use efficiency—was assessed. Among CSA farming practices, this review highlighted legume-based cover crops, crop rotation, intercropping, and crop diversification as having promising potential to achieve CSA outcomes. Among CSA technologies, precision fertilization, crop protection, and irrigation showed promising potential. Moreover, pasture grazing, legume-based feed additives, improved forage production and holistic husbandry management with precision technologies were identified as promising contributors to CSA outcomes. The review emphasizes that the utilization of smart farming technologies and practices in crop and livestock production systems could positively contribute to achieving one or more outcomes. Overall, the GHG mitigation and farm productivity improvement outcomes were relatively well covered in the reviewed literature. Improvements in biodiversity, water and energy use efficiency, and animal welfare outcomes are not well demonstrated within the identified studies.
Chetan Sharma, Sunil Kumar, Shamneesh Sharma
et al.
Abstract Climate change is a paramount problem for humanity, representing a substantial danger to all living organisms. Industrialization, a vital factor for economic progress, has resulted in global warming, posing a threat to the long-term viability of our ecosystem. Currently, a wide range of techniques and technologies are being used to guarantee the preservation of the environment for future generations. This study employed data from the Scopus database to do topic modeling. Authors used latent Dirichlet allocation to extract research themes related to environmental sustainability from a corpus of 4023 research articles published between 1976 and 2022. By utilizing clustering methodologies to analyze the collection of words, Authors successfully forecasted two, five, and ten study subjects, emphasizing specific domains that necessitate additional investigation by scholars. Based on coherence ratings, five subjects have been identified as prospective study areas requiring further scientific exploration. The results of our research emphasize the significance of incorporating environmentally-friendly technologies in different industries to promote a long-lasting and eco-friendly ecosystem. In addition, authors recommend prioritizing implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies, improving the management of ecosystems, encouraging water conservation, promoting agricultural advancements, and advancing renewable energy resources as crucial strategies for protecting the environment and enhancing ecological conditions. This analysis illuminates current research trends in environmental sustainability and potential pathways for future investigation and intervention.
This application note proposes a novel, low-cost, pH-controlled solenoid-based CO2 dosing device for microalgal and cyanobacterial cultivation systems. The device consists of an Arduino-Uno microcontroller, a (ph-4502c) module, a pH probe, a micro-SD card for data logging, and a relay-controlled solenoid valve. C functions are used to control, and data log the pH and operate the solenoid valve for CO2 dosing in microalgal cultivation systems. With open-source programming, the device can be used for a wide range of applications in both industry and academia. The proposed device is flexible, customizable, and upgradable. This study aims to develop a low-cost pH-controlled, solenoid-based CO2 dosing and data logging device and utilize it for pH control and CO2 dosing in a 200 L outdoor raceway tanks utilized in cultivating and studying the growth of marine cyanobacterium Geitlerinema sp. and Spirulina sp.
Melissa Ward Jones, Joachim Otto Habeck, Mathias Ulrich
et al.
Permafrost-agroecosystems include all cultivation and pastoral activities in areas underlain by permafrost. These systems support local livelihoods and food production and are rarely considered in global agricultural studies but may become more relevant as climate change is increasing opportunities for food production in high latitude and mountainous areas. The exact locations and amount of agricultural production in areas containing permafrost are currently unknown, therefore we provide an overview of countries where both permafrost and agricultural activities are present. We highlight the socioecological diversity and complexities of permafrost-agroecosystems through seven case studies: (1) crop cultivation in Alaska, USA; (2) Indigenous food systems and crop cultivation in the Northwest Territories, Canada; (3) horse and cattle husbandry and Indigenous hay production in the Sakha Republic, Russia; (4) mobile pastoralism and husbandry in Mongolia; (5) yak pastoralism in the Central Himalaya, Nepal; (6) berry picking and reindeer herding in northern Fennoscandia; and (7) reindeer herding in northwest Russia. We discuss regional knowledge gaps associated with permafrost and make recommendations to policy makers and land users for adapting to changing permafrost environments. A better understanding of permafrost-agroecosystems is needed to help sustainably manage and develop these systems considering rapidly changing climate, environments, economies, and industries.
Compost technology is an advanced technology that involves the transformation of organic materials and organic waste/sludge into organic manures/fertilizers. This method was locally applied by many rural farmers in northwestern Nigeria long ago. It has been used by farmers as the best method for soil quality and soil fertility management in dryland and fadama areas of the region. This research paper was built to provide scientific advances in common compost methods in northwestern Nigeria. Approximately twelve (12) different methods were surveyed and explained based on cultural practices and scientific theories. These composting methods include dumping, hole-gathering, burning, container-packed, open-build, farm-tunnel, pond-manure, lake-fill-in, irrigated-bed-in, home-bin, farm-cattle and sheet-composting methods. These sets of methods were provided with specific instructions, fundamentals and theoretical justifications. There have been broad advances in how these methods can be used to generate revenues, create jobs, ensure safe and well-frained environments, improve food security and decrease or to some extent control the spread of malaria and other related human diseases in northwestern Nigeria. This study provides suggestions for better use of organic materials/sludge, development of bioorganic fertilizer industries, and continued revision of sustainable agricultural management with negative chemicals.
Este artigo volta-se para a análise da titulação de territórios quilombolas, temática que ganhou espaço no meio acadêmico, buscando contemplar um aspecto ainda pouco explorado. De maneira geral, os estudos realizados têm focalizado a ação do Executivo Federal na promoção dos direitos territoriais dos remanescentes das comunidades dos quilombolas, o que acaba por invisibilizar a atuação dos demais entes federados. Em função disso, o presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar a atuação de governos estaduais na titulação de territórios quilombolas fazendo uso de dados obtidos por meio de pesquisa documental e da realização de entrevistas com agentes públicos envolvidos na execução da política. As reflexões seguem a abordagem dos Instrumentos de Ação Pública, entendidos por Lascoumes e Le Galés (2012) como um meio de orientar a relação entre Estado e sociedade, o que permitiu apontar os limites e as potencialidades da atuação dos governos estaduais na implementação dessa política pública.
O crescimento dos grandes centros urbanos se desenvolve dentro de um sistema de consumo que acarreta problemas socioambientais e territoriais. O presente artigo tem como objetivo levantar informações referentes a organização territorial e o desenvolvimento sustentável e econômico a partir de uma cooperativa de reciclagem. Para compreender as dinâmicas territoriais e dos processos da cadeia de reciclagem, buscou-se conhecimentos acerca dos princípios de Economia Circular como uma ferramenta para o alcance da sustentabilidade social, ambiental e econômica. Para a coleta de dados, utilizou a observação não-participante e aplicação de questionários e entrevistas estruturadas e semiestruturadas junto a cooperativa em estudo. Os resultados apontam que o fortalecimento da cooperativa surge a partir das suas relações sociais instituídas durante o processo de reciclagem. Conclui-se que, da viabilidade de relações dentro do território, pode haver cenários que garantam a circularidade, transformação e valorização dos resíduos.
Abstract: The growth of large urban centers develops within a consumption system that leads to socio-environmental and territorial problems. This article aims to gather information on territorial organization and sustainable and economic development through a recycling cooperative. To understand territorial dynamics and recycling chain processes, knowledge was sought about Circular Economy principles as a tool to achieve social, environmental, and economic sustainability. Non-participant observation and structured and semi-structured questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from the cooperative under study. The results indicate that the strengthening of the cooperative arises from its social relationships established during the recycling process. It is concluded that, from the viability of relationships within the territory, there can be scenarios that guarantee circularity, transformation, and valorization of waste.
Ramachandran Chelliah, Se Jin Park, Sungyoon Oh
et al.
Alternative bio-refinery technologies are required to promote the commercial utilization of plant biomass components. The fructooligosaccharide (FOS) obtained after hydrolysis of the hemicellulose fractions was mainly applied in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Agricultural bi-product is a rich constituent in dietary fibres, which have prebiotic effects on the intestinal microbiota and the host. Herein we explored the impact of FOS on microbiota modulation and the gut homeostasis effect. High fructooligosaccharide recovery was obtained using alkaline extraction techniques. The enzymatic method produced fructooligosaccharides with minor contamination from fructan and glucan components, although it had a low yield. But combining the alkaline and enzymatic process provides a higher yield ratio and purity of fructooligosaccharides. The structure of the fructooligosaccharide was confirmed, according to FTIR, 13C NMR, 1H NMR and 2D-NMR data. Our results could be applied to the development of efficient extraction of valuable products from agricultural materials using enzyme-mediated methods, which were found to be a cost-effective way to boost bio-refining value. Fructooligosaccharides with varying yields, purity, and structure can be obtained.
The current macroeconomic and political conditions, and above all technological progress, mean that in recent years the condition of the cooperative banking sector has been gradually deteriorating compared to commercial banks. The above premises give grounds to claim that the current operating model of the entire group of cooperative banks, as well as of a single cooperative bank, should be redefined. Remaining with the current models of operation of cooperative banks will maintain the trend of sector consolidation, departure from the idea of cooperatives and moving towards models attributed to commercial banks. The aim of the study was therefore an attempt to present one of the possible concepts for the development of a small cooperative bank as an alternative to the consolidation processes of the cooperative banking sector. An attempt was made to answer the question whether there is space for the functioning of a boutique cooperative bank and what a boutique cooperative bank is and what it can be. The focus was on presenting and transferring the concept of a boutique bank to cooperative banks. Examples of the functioning of boutique financial institutions were presented, which were an inspiration to build a model of a boutique cooperative bank. Solutions were analyzed and various variants of the functioning of commercial boutique banks were discussed as examples of the real success of this form of banking activity. On this basis, an attempt was made to present models of functioning of a boutique cooperative bank.
Climate warming has increased the frequency of droughts and excessive precipitation, adversely affecting crop growth, particularly under traditional intensive tillage. No-till improves crop tolerance to extreme events by reducing soil evaporation and improving soil structural stability to enhance soil water storage capacity and crop resistance, but long-term mono-no-till cakes the soil, reducing crop yield. Combining intensive tillage with no-till can compensate for some deficiencies arising from conventional tillage or single no-till. A three-year field experiment was conducted in wet (2020) and normal (2019 and 2021, where a drought event occurred in 2021) years to study the effect of tillage practices on summer maize productivity under different precipitation types. Treatments included conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT), ridge cultivation with no-tillage (RNT), and conventional tillage of winter wheat combined with no-tillage of summer maize (NC). Compared with NT, NC and RNT significantly reduced soil bulk density and increased soil porosity in the 0–20 cm soil layer. Compared with CT, NC and RNT significantly improved aggregate stability, NC increased available soil water storage by 19.7% in the dry season (P < 0.05), and NC and RNT significantly reduced lodging rate in the rainy season. Over the three years, NC and RNT maintained higher maize yields (NC: 10.3 t ha–1 and RNT: 10.0 t ha–1) than CT (9.2 t ha–1), and NC had significantly higher yield stability than CT. Meanwhile, NC and RNT had higher precipitation use efficiency (PUE; NC: 21.2 kg ha–1 mm–1, RNT: 20.7 kg ha–1 mm–1) than NT (20.1 kg ha–1 mm–1) or CT (19.1 kg ha–1 mm–1). In terms of combined productivity, NC and RNT provide a more suitable soil environment for crop growth and maintain higher yield than NT and CT. NC rotation is recommended as the optimal tillage system for sustainable crop production under semi - arid agricultural conditions. RNT can be extended to areas prone to flooding with abundant rainfall. These results offer a benchmark for future studies on regional maize production under climate change.
Ahmad Bahrul Munir, Sri Sundari, Nanang Dwi Wahyono
Tanaman bunga telang (Clitoria ternatea L) merupakan salah satu komoditas pertanian yang berpotensi untuk dikembangkan. SMK Negeri 1 PP Kabupaten Bondowoso merupakan lembaga pendidikan yang saat ini sedang mengembangkan potensi tanaman bunga telang menjadi produk bunga telang celup. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis pengembangan model bisnis produk bunga celup telang. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah responden ahli yang memiliki kemampuan dan kapabilitas dalam memberikan penilaian terhadap aspek pengembangan produk. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dan kuantitatif dengan menganalisis Business Model Canvas dan menghitung expert judgment dengan menghitung perbandingan multiparticipant (geomean). Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 6 aspek pengembangan bisnis pada blok mitra kunci, 3 aspek pengembangan bisnis pada blok aktivitas utama, 5 aspek pengembangan bisnis pada blok sumber daya utama, 4 aspek pengembangan bisnis pada nilai. blok proposisi, 4 aspek pengembangan bisnis pada blok hubungan pelanggan, 5 aspek pengembangan bisnis pada blok saluran, 5 aspek pengembangan bisnis pada blok segmen pelanggan, 3 aspek pengembangan bisnis pada blok struktur biaya, dan 4 aspek pengembangan bisnis di blok aliran pendapatan
O Brasil, maior produtor e exportador de soja do mundo, ainda enfrenta sérios problemas no transporte da soja produzida. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as limitações e os principais problemas do transporte da soja no Brasil, destacando suas principais consequências e os possíveis meios de solução evidenciados pela literatura dos últimos vinte anos. Metodologicamente, o trabalho foi classificado como descritivo e qualitativo, utilizou-se o procedimento técnico de Revisão Sistemática da Literatura e seguiu o protocolo de Cronin et. al. (2008). Os principais achados que revelam as limitações e problemas do transporte de soja no Brasil relacionam-se à falta de estruturas de apoio, os baixos níveis das estradas, a fragilidade nas infraestruturas hidroviária e ferroviária, as más condições dos veículos de transporte e um sistema deficiente de balanças para pesagem. Entende-se que os resultados podem direcionar agendas de pesquisa, especialmente, no tocante à logística e o transporte da soja.