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The pandemic crisis has created significant challenges for small farms, leading to increased energy costs, higher prices for feed and nutrients, unreliable supplies of chemical fertilizers, and disruptions in product sales markets. These factors have collectively compromised the operational viability and economic sustainability of small-scale agricultural enterprises. To address these challenges, this paper explores the concept of a self-sufficient farming system, focusing on locally producing most of the resources needed to sustain operations and reduce dependence on external sources. A self-sufficient integrated pisciculture farming system is proposed and evaluated, promoting an autonomous circular model that prioritizes environmental sustainability. This system incorporates the integration of local livestock into fish diets, production of renewable energy sources, and efficient water and sludge management to reduce reliance on external resources. The detailed methodology used to evaluate sustainability indicators objectively demonstrates that the proposed system can be self-sustainable and autonomous; however, it requires considerable initial investments that can be recovered within at least six years. Optimizing the energy management plan can reduce daily power consumption by up to 25%. However, local conditions may challenge the efficiency of photovoltaic–hybrid energy production, requiring slight oversizing of the system. The research indicated that rearing carp with cereal-based feed mixtures produces growth results comparable to those achieved with commercially purchased feed. The indicators of resource efficiency, reliability, flexibility, productivity, environmental impact, and social impact were met as expected. The weakest indicator was the technology's potential for scalability, due to its strong dependence on various regional factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the efficacy of biofertilizers and biopesticides for horticultural applications presents numerous challenges, given the need to balance effectiveness with environmental and economic factors. Achieving these goals requires rigorous research into advanced technologies and formulations capable of effectively replacing or complementing traditional chemical inputs, without compromising crop yield or quality. The present study aimed to develop a versatile and yet accessible hybrid percolation–sonication system and method, designed to optimize polyphenol extraction from nettle and sage plants. The resulting extracts were combined and applied on organic tomato crops, to evaluate their biofertilizer and biopesticide effectiveness, in comparison to conventional chemical inputs. Operating the equipment in a hybrid percolation–sonication system led to a 36% increase in polyphenols extraction for nettle and a 29% increase from sage. Regarding the effect on tomatoes, data showed that plants treated with biofertilizer extracts were over 42.88% more productive than control samples and 17.67% more productive than tomatoes treated with chemical fertilizers. Tomato plants treated with biofertilizers grew approximately 10% taller and developed stems that were 5% thicker compared to those treated with chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaponics combines hydroponics and recirculating aquaculture elements. Conventional hydroponics requires mineral fertilizers to provide plants with the necessary nutrients, but aquaponics systems use available fish water, rich in fish waste, as nutrients for plant growth. Another advantage of these combinations is that excess nutrients do not have to be removed by periodic exchange of freshwater enrichment, as is practiced in aquaculture systems. The system results in a symbiosis between fish, microorganisms and plants and encourages the sustainable use of water and nutrients, including their recycling. Within this synergistic interaction, the respective ecological weaknesses of aquaculture and hydroponics are turned into strengths. This combination substantially minimizes the need for nutrient input and waste removal, unlike when they are used as separate systems, so in the article we have a presentation of the evolution of aquaponic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating degraded or contaminated lands into food production chains poses significant challenges and expenses. This study explores a novel technology for cultivating vegetables on degraded lands employing vegetal substrates in the form of bales. These multi-layered vegetal structures are strategically designed to offer essential support, nutrients, water, warmth, and protection against pests for the cultivated plants. The fertile layer within these structures was produced through composting vegetable waste produced from horticulture. The protective surface of the bale was made from a mixture of agricultural wastes, ensuring both a resilient structure and permeability. The structure was enhanced with two layers made of recycled cotton, aimed at retaining moisture efficiently. The research showed that the adopted technological solution can yield a 30-40% improvement in production of tomato and eggplant. Moreover, it demonstrates high adaptability, being easily applicable for crops establishing in contaminated, degraded environments, or even on concrete surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereals are essential for human nutrition. Unfortunately, the worldwide demographic evolution (continually increasing) makes it difficult to maintain the security of this food source. To overcome this situation, increasing the yield of these species is necessary. The aim of the present research is to make a comparative economic analysis between different varieties of winter barley, winter wheat and triticale varieties in the period 2018-2023 at Agricultural Research and Development Station (ARDS) Secuieni, Neamt County, Romania. The economic indicators taken into consideration were: yield, production value, production cost, total expenditures, gross and net profit. The data were processed and statistically interpreted based on variance analysis, coefficient of variation, using Microsoft Excel and ANOVA 2013 programs. The results regarding yield showed that on the first place is winter wheat with an average yield of 7,413 kg · ha-1, the second place is winter barley with an average yield of 6,340 kg · ha-1, and the last place is triticales, with an average yield of 6,145 kg · ha-1. From an economic point of view, winter wheat is on first place, with a net profit of approximately double compared to the other two cereals. The net profit was 3,109 lei · ha-1 for winter wheat, 1,766 lei · ha-1 for winter barley, and 1,635 lei · ha-1 for triticale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microgreens represent a healthy alternative in nutrition, due to their high nutritional value and unique sensory characteristics. The light, the temperature or the density influences the photosynthetic and metabolic activity of microgreens, having a beneficial effect on their nutritional quality. In 2023, an experiment was carried out with microgreens from a hemp variety at IULS Iasi. This explored two growing environments, controlled versus uncontrolled (growth chamber versus window) and seven different seeding densities ranging from 40 to 280 microgreens/100 cm². The results revealed that the variant with 280 microgreens/100 cm² in the growth chamber recorded the highest fresh matter of 12.864 g/100 cm², while the variant with 40 microgreens/100 cm² in the growth chamber presented the highest content of chlorophyll pigments (13.1 CCI). The highest value of vitamin C (58.0 mg/100 g product) was found in D160 variant and the highest content in total soluble solids (4.33°Bx) belongs to the D200 variant, both from the growth chamber. Results underline the importance of selecting appropriate growth conditions and seeding densities for optimizing the qualitative and quantitative properties of hemp microgreens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is a technical plant that manages to adapt very well to unfriendly environments, even in polluted or poor in nutrients soils and may serve in the near future as an important raw material for the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, the plant is growing rapidly, producing large amounts of biomass and offers the possibility to be harvested up to 2 times a year, therefore presents a high potential to be used in the field of biofuel production. The plant's capacity to multiply easily by developing small tubers in the soil, allowing the production of economically advantageous crops, can be considered an advantage for biofuel producers, however this feature might be a drawback for agricultural land owners considering the very invasive behavior. The present paper aim to assess two Jerusalem Artichokes crops established on marginal soils, assessing productivity and the extensive impact on the ecosystem, paying a special attention to plant invasiveness tendencies.

The challenges we face today envisaging environmental protection, starting from global warming and climate change, up to natural resources depletion, creates opportunities for developing new technologies for biofuel production. Considering that most biofuels used at the moment are based on energy-intensive crops, the question arises whether occupying large areas of land to the detriment of food is justified or not, especially as these crops generally deplete the soil of nutrients. In the present paper we propose a different approach for assessing an easily adaptable energy plant named Sweet Sorghum, that can grow with low input requirements, in difficult growing conditions, on contaminated or poor-nutrient and dry soils, and yet having a high productivity potential. Our research directions are targeted towards identifying the best opportunities for producing bioethanol from Sweet sorghum testing different varieties and sustainable planting conditions. We have been established several experimental cultures and evaluated the potential for producing biofuels using different techniques, such as juice extraction and fermentation and lignocellulose processing.

Biomass is abundantly present in diverse ecosystems, and is considered to be a highly valuable energy source worldwide due to its high diversity. Agricultural residues contribute substantially to the overall biomass potential. Although all agricultural residues can be used as fuel, their range is limited in practice by the possibilities of production, compaction, transport and use. The present paper presents a technology and the associated technical equipment developed and tested by INMA Bucharest for processing Miscanthus biomass that can be used for various energy purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of antibiotics in large quantities against the combat of pests in soils, indicates an increased remanence of them, which leads to major environmental risks. After entering in the soil, antibiotics are subjected to a succession of biogeochemical processes under the action of multiple environmental factors: absorption, migration, transformation, degradation or nutritional prosperity of plants. In order to know the current state of the environment and the effects of antibiotics it is essential to discover procedures for improving the degradation and combating the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Research in recent years on the extraction of antibiotics from the soil is based on complex processes, such as: Soxhlet extraction, ultrasonic extraction or accelerated solvent extraction. Soil residue was determined using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, being the equipment that provides the highest accuracy in the analysis of polar compounds in very low concentrations. The purpose of the paper is to find an efficient and ecological solution for the elimination of antibiotics from soils and to highlight the evaluation of the contaminated land regarding the antibiotic residues and the impact on the composition of the bacterial community. Information about the effects of antibiotics accumulated in soil, persistence, resistance and sensitivity to chemical and microbiological substances, degradation and results related to soil fertility and crop production are highlighted.

A directional response for a partially filled tank with agro-food liquids incorporates the motion of the free surface due to roll and longitudinal accelerations into the dynamic tank model. This paper presents an analysis of efficaciousness of different designs of baffles for two different tank, to limit the impact of the response given by the liquid on the tank walls. In this paper modelling of the behaviour of the cross-section circular and ellipsoidal tank with baffles, partially filled with liquids agro-food, was developed, which performs a braking-in-a-turn manoeuver. Two different tank truck models have been used to simulate the sloshing effect of agro-food liquid cargo. Is also studied the two geometric models of the tank was done by using SolidWorks and simulating the behaviour of the tank ANSYS-CFX. In this study, there were simulated and modeled two models of tank-type “X”, respectively type “Y” used for the storage and transport of liquid agro-food products, namely water, for different speeds (v = 14m / s and v = 20m / s) and two filling levels of the tank trucks (40% and 80%). The results obtained were compared the behaviour of the tank partially filled into a braking-in-a-turn manoeuver, in which the total values of the deformations that appear as a result of the impact due to the movement of the liquid inside the tank trucks.

According to clause 4.4 of the ISO 17043:2010 standard, the development of the statistical project is of particular importance in the competence testing process. The criteria used in choosing the type of statistical design are clearly stated in ISO 17043 and their implementation depends on the proficiency testing provider. According to ISO 13528:2015, it is important that the statistical design is appropriate for the type and purpose of the proficiency testing scheme (PT). Entities participating in PT, according to ISO 17025:2018, must be aware of the statistical project from the stage of registration to the scheme. The aim of the study was to identify the effect produced by the choice of the assigned value in the calculation of the performance indicator of a laboratory when using the same test object. The paper presents the influence of the assigned value in the evaluation of the testing performance of laboratories according to the recommendations of the international standard ISO 13528 regarding the statistical calculation of the z–score. The study was carried out by simulating the z–score for a number of 30 participants who analyzed the ash content of wheat flour. The z–score was calculated for two assigned values (CRM value and consensus value). For the same standard deviation, significant differences were found between the z–score values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the preparationand storage of grains, seed cleaning is a highly important phase. There has been extensive research regarding the cleaning and classifying grains. The grain seeds are usually contaminated right from the harvest with the seeds from other plants, with other materials (soil, plant residues, etc.) or even with their own degraded seeds. Since they are the same size and weight, they are difficult to be sorted mechanically. The degree of seed purity may be significantly increased by optical sorting after dedusting and mechanical sorting. The separation of seed mixtures by colour is achieved by using photoelectric devices, which, being sensitive to differences in the intensity of the reflected light beam, emit pulses that are used to carry out orders to separate the seeds of the wrong color. This article emphasizes the importance of introducing new or innovative methods in the seed separation process, especially optical systems. Various ways of sorting were discussed, the design of super interesting sorting systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walnut is a species that can be grown in a temperate climate, has a fruit with a high content of essential nutrients, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and amino acids, necessary to maintain human health and can be consumed both fresh and after processing or maturation. In order to obtain the walnut kernel for direct consumption, the walnut must pass through a whole processing flux. After harvesting, which can be done both manually or using mechanized means, the walnut kernel must be cleaned of both the green coating and the shell. First apply the process of washing and cleaning of impurities and green peel, calibration of nuts, then enter the process of splitting walnuts, separating them, sizing walnut kernels into fractions, cleaning the core of dust and various foreign particles. The last steps can be, drying, packing or storing them depending on how we intend to preserve the nuts (with box or just the core) and market requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry processing industry is one of the most rapidly growing sectors from food industry chain, with large quantities of waste generated every year. Worldwide there were generated over 10 million tons of poultry residues eliminated in present by incineration. Chicken feathers as poultry processing industry waste represents a source of pollution for air, water and soil affecting also human health and the quality of environment. This paper presents the poultry processing industry waste to assess their potential as renewable energy source. The High Heating Value of chicken feathers is 26000 kJ/kg (dry basis) which recommends them as an energy source. Based on the experimental results, the paper proposes some waste to energy conversion solutions for energetic potential recovery of poultry processing industry waste using thermo-chemical processes. Net electric output generation for a poultry processing unit (86 t/day waste) using some energy conversion solutions can reach 4 MW for completely dried product. This solution is an alternative to incineration allowing the poultry processing industry to become its own energy producer with positive impact on expenses with incineration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proficiency testing (PT) and inter--laboratory comparison schemes (ILC) provide laboratories with a useful tool for increasing their testing and calibration standards. These two interlaboratory testing practices are often neglected since they are regarded just as a requirement to fulfill and not an approach for continuous development. Proficiency testing provides for an independent assessment of laboratory findings, in comparison to reference values or the performance of other laboratories. A positive evaluation is a confirmation of the laboratory ability to show high technical competence and provide credibility in the accuracy, reliability, and security of the test data it delivers. This paper aims to analyze Inter--laboratory testing practices, focusing on their benefits and their implementation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide range of novel waste management machinery have been researched recently, due to the growing interest in composting technologies. Applying novel processing technologies for organic wastes has 2 major benefits: size and volume reduction and production of a natural fertilizer that can improve the soil quality and reestablish the properties of the soil where is needed. Due to the generation in high quantities of the organic waste, a rapid, viable solution is needed. The goal of this study was to provide a proof of concept for an urban pre--composting equipment. The advantage of using a bioreactor for the decentralized organic waste treatment is the considerable reduction of the total volume of the waste, allowing a higher quantity of processed material, in safe working conditions for both the environment and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In research and development, demonstration of appropriate quality level is essential. Using an applicable international quality standard and official accreditation/certification is the best approach for laboratories to formally show their quality. A broad range of international and professional organizations recognize and encourage the use of certified reference materials (CRM) in analytical chemistry for quality control objectives. The production of certified reference materials (MRC) for cereals, used in the production of superior flour is generally an expensive and difficult operation. The present paper proposes a new subassembly model that is mounted inside the rotating sieves, in order to separate the grain seeds more effectively according to their size. The proposed subassembly has a high level of customization and adaptation for a wide variety of processes and types of seeds, and can be mounted in the form of a helical coil, a thresher or a harvester. In compared to other seed separation systems, wheat seed sorting equipment that uses cylindrical rotating sieves offers various benefits. Because a more intensive mixing of particles may be performed, cylindrical sorting equipment can be employed with great efficiency in circumstances where a more aggressive processing of the seeds is required. When compared to flat vibrating sieves, it has a relatively simple design, compact size, and low power consumption, as well as cheaper maintenance and repair costs and lower noise levels. The paper presents a new interior element design that can be adapted to rotating cylindrical sieves with the role of achieving a better separation of seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishment of walnut plantations can be a successful business in the medium and long period of time. In terms of planting technology, maintenance, harvesting and recovery of the walnut kernel, it is not needed for a considerable effort from both the financial and the labor force. Harvesting and peeling walnuts from the green cover can become one of the easiest stages in the exploitation of walnut plantations. In this context, existing walnut harvesting machines and equipment on the market can ensure and meet the farmer's requirements. Self-propelled, or towed walnut harvesters can also be used on sloping land. The existence of nut shakers makes it possible to shorten the harvesting period and increase the harvesting efficiency for large plantation areas. The harvesting period of walnuts differs from one variety to another and even from one tree to another. It can be considered that even at the level of a tree the nuts have different harvesting phases (nuts usually have a massive crown), depending on their position. Depending on the variety that has been planted, and the geographical position of the walnut culture, distinguishes three categories of walnut ripening periods - early, semi-early and late. If the harvesting and preservation of walnuts is done in strict compliance with the harvesting technologies and their preservation, can last for years without losing the taste qualities. Due to the very high demand on the market, the development of a walnut plantation business on large areas can become very attractive. Considering that young walnuts have the crown formed without the intervention of the human factor, we have new evidence that walnut plantations are easy to maintain compared to other types of plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constant pressure to increase food, fiber, and fuel production in order to meet the increasing global demand and prevent malnutrition has put significant pressure on soil resources. Minimal attention to soil protection and conservation, inadequately aggressive management, as well as climate change have resulted in abandoned, degraded, and the expansion of agricultural marginal areas with major agricultural limitations. Agricultural production on degrading land necessitates increasing amounts of chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides with a negative longterm effect. In recent years, many activities have been proposed to improve soil characteristics starting with the change of cultivation methods, grazing, mulching, composting, soil conservation, green manuring, soil remineralization, however no clear strategies are known to integrate all these measures in a unitary way. which helps farmers to restore degraded soils, while obtaining high yields in organic farming. To reverse these trends, fundamental adjustments in productive systems are required, including the implementation of sustainable natural resource management. Our study proposes a strategy that successfully integrates several soil regeneration techniques, as well as design new planning that allow farmers to benefit from the services offered by agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a series of experimental studies on the use of an oleic extract, produced by steam separation utilizing a prototype distillation equipment. The separation process is performed with the use of wet saturated steam under pressure, using as raw material twigs and buds of dwarf silver fir. Since the volatile extracts of aromatic plants do not bring a direct nutritional contribution to the seeds subjected to germination, the germination increase and the root growth of the plants can be obtained only from the exercise of the anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and insect-repellent effect. The use of essential oils in the protection of seeds and rhizosphere is an ecological method because it does not negatively affect the number and frequency of species of useful microorganisms. The nutritional relationship that is established between the seeds treated with volatile oils and the germination bed can be influenced by the changing proportions of microbial populations with beneficial effects on productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent technological development aimed on increasing performances of electrochemical energy storage systems and the new advances of electric motors have created new opportunities for electrical equipment manufacturers in terms of autonomy, performance and stability over time. The development of electric vehicles reported a strong expansion lately, however, electric farm tractors operating in off-road environment are not yet considered interesting for the large equipment manufacturers, due to their high-power operation needs and the small capacity that energy storage systems may offer. One interesting research direction is assessing the opportunity of charging batteries directly in the field, using photovoltaic sources, located close to the land to be processed. In order to address to this important electric vehicle limitation, new technology is needed which will allow the batteries to be charged during the operation of the vehicle, or to recharge near the area to be tilled. Some models are equipped with replaceable battery pack, which can be easily sent on charging and replaced with a new fully charged pack. The present paper examines the ground area requirements for the installation of a photovoltaic station, designed to charge a prototype tractor model, produced by INMA Bucharest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]