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The natural shift towards a new agricultural strategy targeting at the rational use of available natural resources is marked by more economical soil cultivation methods. Innovative trends in crop production include, among other practices, the partial or complete elimination of moldboard plowing, the avoidance of vertical mixing of the arable layer, minimal soil disturbance by agricultural machinery, and a reduction in soil degradation and erosion. (Research purpose) The paper explores the application of technological approaches, processes, and technical systems developed in accordance with contemporary concepts of production processes in crop cultivation. (Materials and methods) The development of soil cultivation technologies is associated with the shift from extensive agriculture to natural resource management systems that leverage natural or nature-mimicking processes, resulting in lower entropy production than technogenic methods. New approaches, such as no-till systems, should be based on the concept of symbiosis between plants and soil microorganisms, and their interaction with environmental conditions and factors. (Results and discussion) To ensure optimal conditions for the preservation and development of biocenoses within the root-occupied soil layers, it is proposed to use submersible pneumatic hydrodrills capable of subsoil processing, loosening, and aeration through compressed air pulses. This process is followed by irrigation, fertilizer application and hydrogel integration. The most promising and appropriate agricultural technologies, technical systems and tools are those that maximize the genetic potential of plant productivity and facilitate the interaction between biomachine systems and natural processes. These approaches aim to achieve the highest and most rational synergistic effect. (Conclusions) In accordance with modern concepts in crop cultivation, technological processes and technical systems have been developed and substantiated based on the concept of symbiosis between plants and soil microorganisms. These systems utilize subsoil processing, loosening, and aeration through pulses of compressed air.

Northeast China is an important commercial grain base for China, but also the largest japonica rice production area. However, N, and K fertilizer application and unreasonable application times are prominent contradictions that restrict the development of japonica rice. This study aimed to investigate how to rationally apply N and K fertilizers to affect grain filling and ultimately increase the quality of the rice. In this field study, two N application levels and three K application ratios were set in 2020 and 2021 using Shennong 265 (SN265) and Meifengdao 61 (MF61). We found that the final seed growth and filling rate of SN265 were higher than those of MF61, and their filling characteristics were slow in the early stage and fast in the later stage, with large fluctuations. Appropriate reductions and increases of N and K fertilizer applications, respectively, in the early stage could improve grain filling. Compared with SN265, MF61 had a 3.2% increase in head rice rate, lower amylose and protein content, a decrease of chalkiness degree and chalkiness percentage by 23.96 and 34.00%, respectively, and more reasonable protein components. With the N application increase, the processing quality improved, the amylose and protein content and chalkiness increased, the protein components increased except for the milled rice glutelin, and the rice taste value decreased. At low N levels, increasing the proportion of K application was consistent with the effect of increasing N. The taste value of SN265 decreased linearly with the increase in the ratio of N application to pre-application of K, the highest taste value was obtained when the N fertilizer was applied at a rate of 180 kg ha−1, and the ratio of before and after K fertilizer application was about 1:2. The taste value of MF61 decreased linearly with the N application increase and showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing with the K application increase in the early stage. The taste peak gradually shifted back with the N application increase, and the highest taste value was obtained when N fertilizer was applied at 180 kg ha−1; the ratio of before and after K fertilizer application was about 3:2. By constructing the grain-filling quality evaluation system, the characteristic parameters of superior and inferior grains at the early and late stages of grain filling, respectively, greatly affected the rice taste value. Additionally, the percentage of the rice grain weight at the maximum grain-filling rate to the final rice grain weight (I) of superior grains, glutelin content, and value of the RVA profile characteristics were all critical reference indicators for rice taste quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this research is to develop and evaluate a cost-effective, innovative agrivoltaic system that optimizes land use by simultaneously producing agricultural products and generating electricity on the same land. In this regard, a highly transparent concentrator agrivoltaic system that utilizes the spectral splitting property is developed. The system consists of a Fresnel lens coated with a dichroic thin film and a receiver made of silicon solar cells. In this system, the sunlight is first focused by a Fresnel lens and then split into two spectral ranges by the dichroic film: (i) photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), which passes through the film and can be utilized by the plants, and (ii) the remaining spectrum, which is reflected to the receiver to generate electricity. Cherry tomatoes and mint were planted under the system. The results showed that the receiver reduces the intensity of the focused radiation by almost 3.28 times. The optical efficiency of the receiver is 83.1 % and the electricity generated is up to 18.1 W. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) under the agrivoltaic system ranges from 229 to 778 μmol/m2 s, while the daily light integral (DLI) varies between 13.5 and 27 mol/m2.d. Cherry tomatoes grown in the shade of the agrivoltaic system are larger, heavier and have a deeper red hue, while the mint plants have larger, greener, and longer leaves. In addition, the agrivoltaic system provides cooler soil temperatures, ranging from 3.66 °C to 9.53 °C, and retains 5.7 %–8.4 % more moisture, resulting in less water consumption. The total initial cost of the system was USD 587 and included the agricultural and photovoltaic components and maintenance. Over a period of ten years, the cumulative costs are likely to amount to USD 1165. However, the system has strong economic potential, starting at an annual income of USD 27 and expected to exceed USD 15,000. This analysis indicates a favorable return on investment that should pay for itself within six years.

By 2050, the global population is anticipated to reach 10 billion, marking a significant 34% increase and raising concerns regarding food availability. Challenges such as the recent pandemic, which led to workforce and input shortages in agriculture, have made it difficult for many countries to maintain adequate food self-sufficiency (SSL). It is crucial to explore various farming methods to ensure that food remains available and affordable, especially in urban areas where over 55% of the population resides. Traditional agriculture faces issues like poor soil and excessive fertilizer use, which harm the environment. These factors threaten sustainable agriculture and food security, particularly in urban environments. Adopting sustainable soilless technology can enhance urban agriculture by providing a controlled environment for producing healthy food and addressing these challenges post-pandemic. This review, utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, a widely recognized and rigorous method for conducting systematic reviews, focused on urban agriculture, specifically soilless technologies, as emerging trends in crop cultivation. It examined conventional and cutting-edge urban production systems aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. The review examined soilless farming techniques such as aeroponics, hydroponics, and aquaponics, highlighting their environmental impact, resource efficiency, and water usage. It carefully considered the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies compared to conventional soil-based farming. Furthermore, the review showcased the successful cultivation of various fresh vegetables and fruits using soilless technologies, each with advantages supporting urban agriculture and overall food security. The findings suggest that these innovative strategies hold promise in fostering sustainable urban agriculture and ensuring food security during a pandemic. These results lay the groundwork for establishing a framework to assess the sustainability of urban agricultural strategies and their practical application in real-world scenarios.

Research in agriculture is a promising field, and crop prediction for particular land areas is especially critical to agriculture. Such prediction depends on the soil, minerals, and environment, the last of which has been short-changed by changing climatic conditions. Consequently, crop prediction for a particular zone presents difficulties for farmers. This is where machine learning (ML) steps in with techniques that are widely applied in agriculture. This work proposes a weighted stacked ensemble (WSE) method for the crop prediction process. It combines two base learners or classifiers to construct the WSE, which is a single predictive ensemble model, using weighted instances. The experimental outcomes show that the proposed WSE outperforms other classification and ensemble techniques in terms of improved crop prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The floatable TiO 2 /Bi/CC exhibited higher ammonia activity than powder TiO 2 /Bi. • The newly relay photocatalysis mechanism (N 2 → NO 3 − → NH 3) took place on TiO 2 /Bi/CC. • The Bi component in TiO 2 /Bi/CC promoted the NO 3 − → NO 2 − step occurring spontaneously. • The photocatalytic N 2 fixation product solution was successfully applied in lettuce cultivation. The floatable photocatalyst at N 2 -water interface allows the adequate supply of N 2 reactant and the utilization of photothermal energy for photocatalytic N 2 fixation, however, the presence of non-volatile NO 3 − product poses a challenge to the stability as it easily covers the catalytic active sites. Herein, a floatable TiO 2 /Bi/CC (Carbon cloth) photocatalyst was designed, in which the non-volatile NO 3 − can be transformed to the volatile NH 3 via the newly synergistic relay photocatalysis pathway (N 2 → NO 3 − → NH 3) between TiO 2 (N 2 → NO 3 −) and Bi (NO 3 − → NH 3). Attractively, the spontaneous NO 3 − → NO 2 − step occurs on Bi component to promote the relay pathway performing. Therefore, TiO 2 /Bi/CC system displays better long-term stability than TiO 2 /CC, and moreover, it achieves a higher NH 3 yield of 8.28 mmol L−1 h−1 g−1 (i.e. 4.14 mmol h−1 m−2) than that 1.46 mmol L−1 h−1 g−1 for TiO 2 /Bi powder. Importantly, the N 2 fixation products by TiO 2 /Bi/CC effectively promote lettuce growth and enhance lettuce nutrient contents, which further validates the feasibility of this system in large-scale application of crop cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in technology have revolutionized various sectors, including agriculture, which serves as the backbone of many economies, particularly in Asian countries. The integration of new technologies and research has consistently aimed to enhance cultivation rates and reduce reliance on manual labor. Two key technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), have emerged as pivotal tools in automating processes, providing recommendations, and monitoring agricultural activities to optimize results. While traditional soil cultivation has been the preferred method, the increasing urbanization trend necessitates alternative approaches such as hydroponics, which replaces soil with water as the medium for crop cultivation. Having many significant advantages, hydroponics serves a crucial role in achieving efficient space utilization. To get a higher density of plants in a confined area hydroponic approach provides water, nutrients and other essential elements directly to the plant's root. To utilize the hydroponic system more effectively, our proposed method, integrating AI and IoT helps to provide suitable crop recommendations, monitor the parameters of the plants and also suggest the necessary changes required for gaining optimal parameters. To ensure optimal resource allocation and maximize yields we have used machine learning models and trained them to recommend suitable crops from the given parameters and also refer to the changes in parameters that are needed for better plant growth. We have used the crop recommendation dataset from the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture to train our proposed machine-learning model. Our selected machine learning algorithms to predict the best crops are Random forests, Decision trees, SVM, KNN, and XGBoost. Our research combines AI and IoT with hydroponic systems to streamline crop recommendations, automate monitoring processes, and provide real-time guidance for optimized cultivation. Among them, the Random forest algorithm outperformed other algorithms with an accuracy of 97.5%.

By 2050, the global population is anticipated to reach 10 billion, marking a significant 34% increase and raising concerns regarding food availability. Challenges such as the recent pandemic, which led to workforce and input shortages in agriculture, have made it difficult for many countries to maintain adequate food self-sufficiency (SSL). It is crucial to explore various farming methods to ensure that food remains available and affordable, especially in urban areas where over 55% of the population resides. Traditional agriculture faces issues like poor soil and excessive fertilizer use, which harm the environment. These factors threaten sustainable agriculture and food security, particularly in urban environments. Adopting sustainable soilless technology can enhance urban agriculture by providing a controlled environment for producing healthy food and addressing these challenges postpandemic. This review, utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA) framework, a widely recognized and rigorous method for conducting systematic reviews, focused on urban agriculture, specifically soilless technologies, as emerging trends in crop cultivation. It examined conventional and cutting-edge urban production systems aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. The review examined soilless farming techniques such as aeroponics, hydroponics, and aquaponics, highlighting their environmental impact, resource efficiency, and water usage. It carefully considered the advantages and disadvantages of these technologies compared to conventional soil-based farming. Furthermore, the review showcased the successful cultivation of various fresh vegetables and fruits using soilless technologies, each with advantages supporting urban agriculture and overall food security. The findings suggest that these innovative strategies hold promise in fostering sustainable urban agriculture and ensuring food security during a pandemic. These results lay the groundwork for establishing a framework to assess the sustainability of urban agricultural strategies and their practical application in real-world scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to understand the spatiotemporal changes in patterns of tropical crop cultivation in Eastern Thailand, encompassing the periods before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our approach involved assessing the efficacy of high-resolution (10 m) Sentinel-2 dense image time series for mapping smallholder farmlands. We integrated harmonic regression and random forest to map a diverse array of tropical crop types between summer 2017 and summer 2023, including durian, rice, rubber, eucalyptus, oil palm, pineapple, sugarcane, cassava, mangosteen, coconut, and other crops. The results revealed an overall mapping accuracy of 85.6%, with several crop types exceeding 90%. High-resolution imagery demonstrated particular effectiveness in situations involving intercropping, a popular practice of simultaneously growing two or more plant species in the same patch of land. However, we observed overestimation in the majority of the studied cash crops, primarily those located in young plantations with open tree canopies and grass-covered ground surfaces. The adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were observed in specific labor-intensive crops, including rubber and durian, but were limited to the short term. No discernible impact was noted across the entirety of the study timeframe. In comparison, financial gain and climate change appeared to be more pivotal in influencing farmers' decisions regarding crop cultivation. Traditionally dominant crops such as rice and oil palm have witnessed a discernible decline in cultivation, reflecting a decade-long trend of price drops preceding the pandemic. Conversely, Thai durian has seen a significant upswing even over the pandemic, which ironically served as a catalyst prompting Thai farmers to adopt e-commerce to meet the surging demand, particularly from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in sustainable agriculture, and their importance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivation cannot be underestimated. This review article aims to comprehensively explore the diverse roles of microorganisms in sustainable biofortified common bean cultivation. Biofortification refers to the process of increasing the nutrient content in crops, which helps combat deficiencies in iron, zinc, and vitamins in the human body. Biofortified beans have better agronomic characteristics and offer higher micronutrient content compared to conventional crops. We examine the contribution of various microbial communities in nitrogen fixation, soil structure improvement, nutrient recycling, and disease suppression. Understanding the interaction between beneficial microorganisms and biofortified common bean plants enables us to develop ecologically sound and sustainable approaches to optimize crop productivity and improve nutrition and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide while reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brevibacillus laterosporus (B. laterosporus) is widely distributed in nature and demonstrates significant potential for applications in biological control, environmental protection, agricultural production, and clinical medicine. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of B. laterosporus in crop cultivation and animal feeding, as well as an examination of the antimicrobial peptides produced by B. laterosporus and their antibacterial mechanisms. B. laterosporus enhances crop cultivation by secreting hydrolases to improve nutrient absorption capabilities, synthesizing hormones to promote crop growth, and producing proteins to inhibit the reproduction of harmful organisms. B. laterosporus has been used to improve animal production by regulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria through the secretion of various antimicrobial peptides. The bactericidal activity of Brevilaterins secreted by B. laterosporus is attributed to their ability to bind to lipopolysaccharide/lipid II molecules on the cell membrane, thereby altering permeability. Brevilaterins also inhibit bacterial reproduction by affecting relevant gene pathways in the cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria. These pathways include ATP synthesis, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, membrane transport, and cellular metabolism. In conclusion, B. laterosporus exhibits substantial potential as a probiotic activity in crop and animal production. However, applications of B. laterosporus in animal production could be improved, necessitating further research to elucidate the underlying probiotic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) stands as a valuable agricultural commodity, witnessing an increasing market inclination toward environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly products. The current literature on the environmental impact and profitability of saffron cultivation is limited, underscoring a notable gap in comprehending the sustainability aspects of this crop. This study utilized a comprehensive multi-model approach to assess the sustainability of annual saffron cultivation, representing the first global detailed evaluation, conducted within a European context (Southern Italy). Energy analysis, physical and monetized life cycle assessment (LCA), and life cycle costing (LCC) were used for a cradle-to-farm gate assessment. One hectare of cultivated saffron, one saffron production yield (stigma, corm, and flower), and 1 kg of stigma yield were used as functional units. The total energy input was 65,073 MJ ha−1, being 33% direct, 67% indirect, 72% renewable, and 28% non-renewable. The majority (55%) of energy is derived from corm production. For 1 kg of saffron the energy efficiency, specific energy, and productivity were 2.98, 4.64 MJ kg−1, and 0.22 kg MJ−1, respectively, while these values dropped significantly for 1 kg of stigma. The multi-indicator LCA analysis using the ReCiPe 2016 model revealed significant contributions to various environmental impact categories. Results align with prior research, pinpointing fertilization and mechanical operations as the primary drivers of diverse environmental impacts. A noticeable carbon intensity was estimated, with a relevant contribution from corm production and human labor, aspects overlooked in previous LCA studies. Saffron cultivation maintains economic viability, with production costs at EUR 98,435 per ha−1 and a net return margin of EUR 172,680 per ha−1, bolstered by the high market price and by-product revenue. Monetization of LCA results revealed that external costs were EUR 15,509 per ha−1, being only 14% of the total cost. Investments in improving yield and resource efficiency have the potential to increase the eco-efficiency of saffron cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the effects of different fertilization practices, including chemical and organic fertilizers, on CH4 and N2O emissions in various crop cultivation systems in Kazakhstan. The research focuses on three staple crops: wheat, barley, and corn, which are commonly grown in the region. A randomized complete block design field trial was conducted with three replications for each crop, totaling 27 plots. Gas sampling was carried out five times between June and September 2021, with cylindrical gas sampling chambers inserted into the soil at a depth of 10 cm. The concentrations of CH4 and N2O were analyzed using GS-MS. Results reveal that all three crops exhibited moderate to high CH4 and N2O emissions, with corn consistently displaying the highest emissions. Both chemical and organic fertilizers led to increased emissions of CH4 and N2O compared to control plots. The organic fertilizer treatment occasionally showed slightly higher emissions compared to chemical fertilizer treatment. However, the differences in CH4 and N2O concentrations between fertilized and unfertilized plots were not drastically significant. Notably, environmental factors, such as soil moisture and temperature, played a more prominent role in influencing CH4 and N2O production than the type of fertilizer applied. These findings underscore the significance of optimizing fertilization practices to minimize greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining crop productivity and promoting sustainable agriculture in Kazakhstan.

The state of India was situated on fertile land and river deltas with appropriate agricultural land. In 2019, agricultural fields, primarily cropland, occupy more than 40% of the country's total surface area. Moreover, agricultural industry revenues less than 3% of the country's Gross Provincial Product (GPP). While manufacturing has become the country's major financial activity, accounting countries represent half of GPP's revenues. The objective of the study is to find a way to improve the financial profitability and efficiency of farming supply chain networks as follows: (1) Fixation of national-level targets for zonal-level groups information after assessment and forecasts that affect production and distribution of agriculture. (2) Producers risk can be reduced by directing people to multiple factory and industrialization options based on market assessment. (3) Insurance costs and reduction of bank borrowing by standardizing the connection between bankers and producers using the structure to centralise land information. (4), Stabilize the agricultural sector by looking at nearby potential destinations for production and regulation of the Public Distribution System (PDS) flow for the security stock. In this paper, the novel ML target prediction algorithm to inform the farmers about the market target product and improve the relationships between the farmer and bankers for centralizing the information about recent government plans. The crop prediction ML algorithm proposed to improve the revenue of agriculture field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses the need to enhance agricultural management due to rapid population growth in the 20th and 21st centuries. It focuses on integrating sensors and embedded systems to collect data on soil and air conditions, including temperature, humidity, and solar radiation. This information is obtained using ESP32 microcontrollers and stored in a centralized database. This system uses JavaScript and the Leaflet library's interpolation algorithm to create interactive maps, allowing the farmers in the northern region of Paraná, Brazil, to monitor their fields and activate irrigation according to the predefined routines. This innovative system provides a data-driven approach to agriculture and automated irrigation, conferring advantages to the farmers and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nanoparticles play a vital role in environmental remediation on a global scale. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand to utilize nanoparticles in wastewater treatment due to their remarkable physiochemical properties. Methods: In the current study, manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO-NPs) were synthesized from the Bacillus flexus strain and characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results: The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of biosynthesized MnO-NPs to treat wastewater. Results showed the photocatalytic degradation and adsorption potential of MnO-NPs for chemical oxygen demand, sulfate, and phosphate were 79%, 64%, and 64.5%, respectively, depicting the potential of MnO-NPs to effectively reduce pollutants in wastewater. The treated wastewater was further utilized for the cultivation of wheat seedlings through a pot experiment. It was observed that the application of treated wastewater showed a significant increase in growth, physiological, and antioxidant attributes. However, the application of treated wastewater led to a significant decrease in oxidative stress by 40%. Discussion: It can be concluded that the application of MnO-NPs is a promising choice to treat wastewater as it has the potential to enhance the growth, physiological, and antioxidant activities of wheat seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapidly global urbanization and economic growth in the past several decades have resulted in a sharp contraction of arable areas worldwide. However, food supply requirements are quickly increasing due to higher living standards and larger populations. Therefore, food crises are still a major threat to human society. The conflict between farmland areas and the increasing need for essential supplies is becoming acuter in China. Therefore, we suggest that a novel strategy would address the issue, in which temporal and spatial arrangement of wheat sowing dates would be highly focused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northeast China is an important commercial grain base for China, but also the largest japonica rice production area. However, N, and K fertilizer application and unreasonable application times are prominent contradictions that restrict the development of japonica rice. This study aimed to investigate how to rationally apply N and K fertilizers to affect grain filling and ultimately increase the quality of the rice. In this field study, two N application levels and three K application ratios were set in 2020 and 2021 using Shennong 265 (SN265) and Meifengdao 61 (MF61). We found that the final seed growth and filling rate of SN265 were higher than those of MF61, and their filling characteristics were slow in the early stage and fast in the later stage, with large fluctuations. Appropriate reductions and increases of N and K fertilizer applications, respectively, in the early stage could improve grain filling. Compared with SN265, MF61 had a 3.2% increase in head rice rate, lower amylose and protein content, a decrease of chalkiness degree and chalkiness percentage by 23.96 and 34.00%, respectively, and more reasonable protein components. With the N application increase, the processing quality improved, the amylose and protein content and chalkiness increased, the protein components increased except for the milled rice glutelin, and the rice taste value decreased. At low N levels, increasing the proportion of K application was consistent with the effect of increasing N. The taste value of SN265 decreased linearly with the increase in the ratio of N application to pre-application of K, the highest taste value was obtained when the N fertilizer was applied at a rate of 180 kg ha−1, and the ratio of before and after K fertilizer application was about 1:2. The taste value of MF61 decreased linearly with the N application increase and showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing with the K application increase in the early stage. The taste peak gradually shifted back with the N application increase, and the highest taste value was obtained when N fertilizer was applied at 180 kg ha−1; the ratio of before and after K fertilizer application was about 3:2. By constructing the grain-filling quality evaluation system, the characteristic parameters of superior and inferior grains at the early and late stages of grain filling, respectively, greatly affected the rice taste value. Additionally, the percentage of the rice grain weight at the maximum grain-filling rate to the final rice grain weight (I) of superior grains, glutelin content, and value of the RVA profile characteristics were all critical reference indicators for rice taste quality.

IntroductionNanoparticles play a vital role in environmental remediation on a global scale. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand to utilize nanoparticles in wastewater treatment due to their remarkable physiochemical properties.MethodsIn the current study, manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO-NPs) were synthesized from the Bacillus flexus strain and characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.ResultsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of biosynthesized MnO-NPs to treat wastewater. Results showed the photocatalytic degradation and adsorption potential of MnO-NPs for chemical oxygen demand, sulfate, and phosphate were 79%, 64%, and 64.5%, respectively, depicting the potential of MnO-NPs to effectively reduce pollutants in wastewater. The treated wastewater was further utilized for the cultivation of wheat seedlings through a pot experiment. It was observed that the application of treated wastewater showed a significant increase in growth, physiological, and antioxidant attributes. However, the application of treated wastewater led to a significant decrease in oxidative stress by 40%.DiscussionIt can be concluded that the application of MnO-NPs is a promising choice to treat wastewater as it has the potential to enhance the growth, physiological, and antioxidant activities of wheat seedlings.

To integrate the harmless treatment and resource utilization of piled distillers' grains waste (DGW) is a great challenge. Thus, the DGW was industrially composted, and a three-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the agronomic and environmental performances of the compost in maize cultivation. It was well composted to organic fertilizer (OF) within 42 days by the addition of lime, microbial starter, and adjuvant with ventilation and pile-turning. Compared with synthesized fertilizer application (SF), SF+OF increased maize yield, N uptake, utilization efficiency, and economic benefits. OF slowly released N in the early growing stage, which synchronized less N uptake by the young maize seedlings and thus significantly reduced inorganic N (NH4+-N and NO3–-N) levels in the soil. SF behaved oppositely, increasing NH3 and N2O emissions. Total CO2 emissions from the soils varied little between SF and SF+OF, and CH4 emission was very low in all treatments. These results suggested more organic matter depletion in the soil fertilized with only SF than that with SF+OF, and CH4 emission could be overlooked in the maize field. Moreover, SF+OF greatly decreased the emissions of NH3 and greenhouse gases for producing each unit of maize grains, showing better agronomic and environmental performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the effects of different fertilization practices, including chemical and organic fertilizers, on CH4 and N2O emissions in various crop cultivation systems in Kazakhstan. The research focuses on three staple crops: wheat, barley, and corn, which are commonly grown in the region. A randomized complete block design field trial was conducted with three replications for each crop, totaling 27 plots. Gas sampling was carried out five times between June and September 2021, with cylindrical gas sampling chambers inserted into the soil at a depth of 10 cm. The concentrations of CH4 and N2O were analyzed using GS-MS. Results reveal that all three crops exhibited moderate to high CH4 and N2O emissions, with corn consistently displaying the highest emissions. Both chemical and organic fertilizers led to increased emissions of CH4 and N2O compared to control plots. The organic fertilizer treatment occasionally showed slightly higher emissions compared to chemical fertilizer treatment. However, the differences in CH4 and N2O concentrations between fertilized and unfertilized plots were not drastically significant. Notably, environmental factors, such as soil moisture and temperature, played a more prominent role in influencing CH4 and N2O production than the type of fertilizer applied. These findings underscore the significance of optimizing fertilization practices to minimize greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining crop productivity and promoting sustainable agriculture in Kazakhstan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seolhyang variety of strawberry was grown in two gothic greenhouses with one layer and two layers of glazing material and a layer of shading screen. The objective of the study was to optimise strawberry yield using temperature, relative humidity (RH), vapour pressure deficit (VPD), and solar radiation (SR) in a single-layered (1Lgh) and double-layered (2Lgh) single-span gothic greenhouse. Greenhouse climate data were recorded using standard data loggers and sensors. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. During the day, significant differences were observed between the 1Lgh and 2Lgh in terms of VPD and SR, while during the night, significant differences were found in RH and VPD (p<0.01). The yield in the 1Lgh was 3.2% higher than in the 2Lgh, the higher daytime VPD and lower nighttime RH in the 1Lgh may possibly explain this observation. The environmental parameters had significant interaction on yield with resultant R² values of 0.80 and 0.50 for 1Lgh and 2Lgh, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brevibacillus laterosporus (B. laterosporus) is widely distributed in nature and demonstrates significant potential for applications in biological control, environmental protection, agricultural production, and clinical medicine. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of B. laterosporus in crop cultivation and animal feeding, as well as an examination of the antimicrobial peptides produced by B. laterosporus and their antibacterial mechanisms. B. laterosporus enhances crop cultivation by secreting hydrolases to improve nutrient absorption capabilities, synthesizing hormones to promote crop growth, and producing proteins to inhibit the reproduction of harmful organisms. B. laterosporus has been used to improve animal production by regulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria through the secretion of various antimicrobial peptides. The bactericidal activity of Brevilaterins secreted by B. laterosporus is attributed to their ability to bind to lipopolysaccharide/lipid II molecules on the cell membrane, thereby altering permeability. Brevilaterins also inhibit bacterial reproduction by affecting relevant gene pathways in the cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria. These pathways include ATP synthesis, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, membrane transport, and cellular metabolism. In conclusion, B. laterosporus exhibits substantial potential as a probiotic activity in crop and animal production. However, applications of B. laterosporus in animal production could be improved, necessitating further research to elucidate the underlying probiotic mechanisms.

This study aims to understand the spatiotemporal changes in patterns of tropical crop cultivation in Eastern Thailand, encompassing the periods before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our approach involved assessing the efficacy of high-resolution (10 m) Sentinel-2 dense image time series for mapping smallholder farmlands. We integrated harmonic regression and random forest to map a diverse array of tropical crop types between summer 2017 and summer 2023, including durian, rice, rubber, eucalyptus, oil palm, pineapple, sugarcane, cassava, mangosteen, coconut, and other crops. The results revealed an overall mapping accuracy of 85.6%, with several crop types exceeding 90%. High-resolution imagery demonstrated particular effectiveness in situations involving intercropping, a popular practice of simultaneously growing two or more plant species in the same patch of land. However, we observed overestimation in the majority of the studied cash crops, primarily those located in young plantations with open tree canopies and grass-covered ground surfaces. The adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were observed in specific labor-intensive crops, including rubber and durian, but were limited to the short term. No discernible impact was noted across the entirety of the study timeframe. In comparison, financial gain and climate change appeared to be more pivotal in influencing farmers’ decisions regarding crop cultivation. Traditionally dominant crops such as rice and oil palm have witnessed a discernible decline in cultivation, reflecting a decade-long trend of price drops preceding the pandemic. Conversely, Thai durian has seen a significant upswing even over the pandemic, which ironically served as a catalyst prompting Thai farmers to adopt e-commerce to meet the surging demand, particularly from China.

Seolhyang variety of strawberry was grown in two gothic greenhouses with one layer and two layers of glazing material and a layer of shading screen. The objective of the study was to optimise strawberry yield using temperature, relative humidity (RH), vapour pressure deficit (VPD), and solar radiation (SR) in a single-layered (1Lgh) and double-layered (2Lgh) single-span gothic greenhouse. Greenhouse climate data were recorded using standard data loggers and sensors. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. During the day, significant differences were observed between the 1Lgh and 2Lgh in terms of VPD and SR, while during the night, significant differences were found in RH and VPD (p

The promotion and biotoxic effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on crop cultivation have drawn much attention over the last decade. The studied species have covered common crops, such as rice, corn, wheat, tomato, and grapes. There was great inconsistency in the previous experiments, including the various species, growth stages, and cultivation methods of crops as well as the various types, dispersion, application, and concentrations of CNTs, resulting in the diversification of test results in the literature. To establish a relatively unified experiment framework for carbon nanotubes, this study first reviewed the progress of the application of carbon nanotubes in following four crop research directions: crop cultivation, stress resistance, physiological index monitoring, and agricultural genetic engineering, and summarized the carbon nanotube parameters used in the literature and their application effects. It was found that the ultrasonic method or carboxylation covalent modification was commonly used to disperse the CNTs for crop cultivation research, which would result that the effective concentration of carbon nanotubes in crop research being unknown. Meanwhile, this kind of non-selectively modified CNTs was used as the type of nano-sized material. There was no significant difference in the effects between NPs and CNTs on the crops. It is still lacking in the unique effects of CNTs on crop growth. Then, the non-covalently modified CNTs were proposed to establish the unique role of CNTs in crop cultivation, for example, they can aggregate at the target sites after CNTs were modified by macromolecules that can be decomposed by special plant enzymes. Biomolecules (e.g., proteins, and nucleic acids), and polymers (e.g., chitosan, PEG, PEI, and PAMAM) can non-covalently be modified on the surface of CNTs, and further used to adsorb the molecules with negative charges, which can be used as carrier or sorbent. In addition, the non-covalent modification caused no defects on the CNT surface, indicating the fluorescence properties of SWCNTs were retained. So, CNTs were often used for DNA/RNA delivery and the development of biosensors. The working principles and application scenarios of selectively modified CNTs were also summarized as: 1) The CNTs were undoubtedly an important research direction for the applications as the carriers of gene transfer. However, the DNAs that were carried by CNTs were difficult to achieve stable gene transformation, in terms of transgenic applications. By contrast, the siRNA-CNTs complexes shared unique advantages, in terms of administration cycle, plant cell uptake, and protection of RNA from degradation during non-transformative gene delivery. One of the future development directions was in the field of agricultural non-transgenic insect-resistant. 2) The surface of SWCNTs was non-covalently modified with a variety of organic substances. The target molecules were then bound to the organic substances. A variety of sensors were obtained using their fluorescence or electrochemical properties. Some of them were more suitable as implantable sensors for the real-time online monitoring of multiple chemicals in plants, compared with the in vitro sensors. The reason was that the CNTs were used to penetrate the cell walls, indicating excellent near-infrared fluorescence properties. There was no biotoxic effect on the crops at appropriate concentrations (and even beneficial to crop growth). Furthermore, the toxicity problem was caused by the accumulation of exogenous toxic substances in the plant, due to the adsorption or ion exchange with the modified CNTs. It was more worthy of investigation than the toxicity problem of CNT itself. Finally, suggestions for the CNTs experiment program in crop research are given, including the selection of carbon nanotubes, the preparation of medium and characterization methods. To sum up, unlike the previous crop cultivation using pristine and covalently modified CNTs, in the future, using non-covalently modified CNTs or non-covalent stacking of CNTs for crop research is an important development direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of agriculture is responsible for the mass conversion of biologically diverse natural environments into managed agroecosystems dominated by a handful of genetically homogeneous crop species. Agricultural ecosystems typically have very different abiotic and ecological conditions from those they replaced and create potential niches for those species that are able to exploit the abundant resources offered by crop plants. While there are well-studied examples of crop pests that have adapted into novel agricultural niches, the impact of agricultural intensification on the evolution of crop mutualists such as pollinators is poorly understood. We combined genealogical inference from genomic data with archaeological records to demonstrate that the Holocene demographic history of a wild specialist pollinator of Cucurbita (pumpkins, squashes, and gourds) has been profoundly impacted by the history of agricultural expansion in North America. Populations of the squash bee Eucera pruinosa experienced rapid growth in areas where agriculture intensified within the past 1,000 y, suggesting that the cultivation of Cucurbita in North America has increased the amount of floral resources available to these bees. In addition, we found that roughly 20% of this bee species' genome shows signatures of recent selective sweeps. These signatures are overwhelmingly concentrated in populations from eastern North America where squash bees were historically able to colonize novel environments due to human cultivation of Cucurbita pepo and now exclusively inhabit agricultural niches. These results suggest that the widespread cultivation of crops can prompt adaptation in wild pollinators through the distinct ecological conditions imposed by agricultural environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is considered the backbone of the Indian economy. But, still, farmers are unable to get sufficient profit due to water scarcity, flooding, storm, insufficient labor, and poor agro marketing. Moreover, modern technologies are not practiced efficiently in farming due to ignorance, high cost, and small land size. The proposed cloud-based framework consists of three key layers i) input layer ii) storage and processing layer iii) application layer. The input layer collects data from various IoT devices like sensors, meters, cameras, robots (for weeding & spraying), drones, and satellite data. The agro-cloud stores and processes the input data from IoT devices at regular intervals of time. Layer 2 aids smart farming namely soil monitoring, crop growth, irrigation management, and pesticide& fertilizer control. Soft computing technologies such as artificial intelligence, neural networks, and machine learning algorithms can be employed to select the appropriate irrigation method based on the type of soil, crop, quality of water, and rainfall. The application layer interacts with the farmers through various applications like graphical user interface systems (GUI), SMS alerts, and IoT-based mobile applications. A farmer advisor mobile App is designed based on the recommended framework for efficient crop cultivation which provides timely information to farmers like formulating land, choosing seeds, planting, plant protection, and plant insurance. Thus, the proposed research aids the farmers in improving crop yield and reducing the workforce and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root system is the only vital organ for plants to contact soil moisture and nutrients and make information feedback. It is of great practical significance to explore the morphological characteristics of the wheat root system and its growth and distribution dynamics in the soil to optimize root configuration to improve wheat yield potential. In this experiment, the main plot was five different planting densities of M1 (4 million plants/hm²), M2 (2.78 million plants/hm²), M3 (2.04 million plants/hm2), M4 (1.56 million plants/hm²) and M5 (1.23 million plants/hm²). Under the condition of uniform sowing, the effect of planting density on root growth of winter wheat at different growth stages was studied. The results showed that the root length density, surface area and root mean diameter of the root with different densities increased first and then decreased with the advancement of the growth process, reaching the peak at the heading stage and decreasing rapidly at the maturity stage. Roots were primarily distributed in 0-40 cm and 0-20 cm soil layers in the soil profile. The root length density in the 0-40 cm soil layer accounted for 85.39 % of the total root length density, the root surface area accounted for 84.59 % of the total root surface area, and the root dry mass density accounted for more than 88 %. In summary, the M2 planting density in this experiment has developed roots, long root length density, high root dry weight density, and good profound root growth and development, which is the best planting density for winter wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in nutrient concentrations in groundwater were investigated to determine the impact of agriculture on water quality in artificial lakes. The study covered three reservoirs in an agricultural area of Wielkopolska (central-western part of Poland). Assessing the agricultural impact required a network of piezometers around the reservoirs, used to determine the degree of groundwater pollution from nutrients supplied to the reservoirs. Moreover, the analysis covered the quality of water in streams flowing into the reservoirs, and in the reservoirs themselves. Field research was conducted every month of the growing season from March to November. The analysis covered land inclination, ground permeability, and soil type. Detailed objectives included: (1) assessment of the agricultural impact on the chemical parameters of ground and surface water quality, and (2) evaluation of the impact of different sources of agricultural pollution on water quality in artificial reservoirs in regards to their management. This study revealed high dynamics of nutrient concentrations, particularly for nitrates and phosphates, in groundwater and surface water. A significant effect of maize cultivation on an increase in nitrate concentrations in the groundwater of the catchment of the Przebędowo Reservoir was evidenced, as well as a substantial effect of the functioning of an animal farm on the quality of groundwaters in the catchment of the Lachotka Reservoir. The nutrient load of agricultural origin in the catchment of the Miedzichowo Reservoir was relatively low. Our study revealed elevated amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, detected more frequently in groundwater than in running waters, which confirms our hypothesis of the importance of groundwater analysis in detecting the source of pollution of the studied lakes. High nutrient concentrations recorded in groundwater leached from arable fields were also observed in the summer period, failing to confirm the hypothesis that the greatest effect of factors would be related to the spring effect of arable fields on water quality (lack of compact vegetation cover, high water level, etc.). Our study also indicated a greater importance of the type of land use than lithology or permeability of deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of a growing world population and limited land, there is an urgent demand for higher productivity of food crops, and cultivation systems must be adapted to future needs. Sustainable crop production should aim for not only high yields, but also high nutritional values. In particular, the consumption of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and flavonoids is associated with a reduced incidence of non-transmissible diseases. Modulating environmental conditions by improving cultivation systems can lead to the adaption of plant metabolisms and the accumulation of bioactive compounds. The present study investigates the regulation of carotenoid and flavonoid metabolisms in lettuce (Lactuca sativa var capitate L.) grown in a protected environment (polytunnels) compared to plants grown without polytunnels. Carotenoid, flavonoid and phytohormone (ABA) contents were determined using HPLC-MS and transcript levels of key metabolic genes were analyzed by RT-qPCR. In this study, we observed inverse contents of flavonoids and carotenoids in lettuce grown without or under polytunnels. Flavonoid contents on a total and individual level were significantly lower, while total carotenoid content was higher in lettuce plants grown under polytunnels compared to without. However, the adaptation was specific to the level of individual carotenoids. For instance, the accumulation of the main carotenoids lutein and neoxanthin was induced while the β-carotene content remained unchanged. In addition, our findings suggest that the flavonoid content of lettuce depends on transcript levels of the key biosynthetic enzyme, which is modulated by UV light. A regulatory influence can be assumed based on the relation between the concentration of the phytohormone ABA and the flavonoid content in lettuce. In contrast, the carotenoid content is not reflected in transcript levels of the key enzyme of either the biosynthetic or the degradation pathway. Nevertheless, the carotenoid metabolic flux determined using norflurazon was higher in lettuce grown under polytunnels, suggesting posttranscriptional regulation of carotenoid accumulation, which should be an integral part of future studies. Therefore, a balance needs to be found between the individual environmental factors, including light and temperature, in order to optimize the carotenoid or flavonoid contents and to obtain nutritionally highly valuable crops in protected cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal toxicity is a major threat to the health of both humans and ecosystems. Toxic levels of heavy metals in food crops, such as grapes, can have devastating effects on plant health and the market value of the produce. Two important factors that may influence the prevalence of heavy metals in grapevines are seasonal change and farming practices. The objectives of this study were (i) to conduct a detailed pioneer screening of heavy metal levels in soils and grapevine leaf tissues in selected wine farms and (ii) to study the influence of season and farming on heavy metal levels in soils and grapevine leaf tissues. Soil and grapevine leaf samples were collected from demarcated areas in selected vineyards in the Cape Winelands region of South Africa. The sampling was conducted in winter and summer from the same sites. The soil and leaf samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques. The pooled data from the farms practising conventional or organic farming showed that seasonal variation had no significant effect (DF = 1, 22; p > 0.05) on the heavy metal contents in the soil. When the soil data from the winter and summer months were compared separately or pooled, the influence of agricultural practice was well-pronounced in As (DF = 1, 22, or 46; p < 0.05) and Cu (DF = 1, 22, or 46; p <0.05). The agricultural practice greatly influenced (DF = 1, 22; p< 0.05) Cu, As, Cr, and Hg uptake, with little effect on Ni, Co, Cd, and Hg leaf contents. Generally, the heavy metals studied (Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were substantially below the maximum permitted levels in plant and soil samples, per the recommendations of the WHO and Er indices, respectively. However, moderate contamination of the soils was recorded for Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb. Remarkably, the Cu levels in the organic vineyard soils were significantly higher than in the conventional vineyards. Furthermore, based on the Igeo index, Cu occurred at moderate to heavy contamination levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in sustainable agriculture, and their importance in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivation cannot be underestimated. This review article aims to comprehensively explore the diverse roles of microorganisms in sustainable biofortified common bean cultivation. Biofortification refers to the process of increasing the nutrient content in crops, which helps combat deficiencies in iron, zinc, and vitamins in the human body. Biofortified beans have better agronomic characteristics and offer higher micronutrient content compared to conventional crops. We examine the contribution of various microbial communities in nitrogen fixation, soil structure improvement, nutrient recycling, and disease suppression. Understanding the interaction between beneficial microorganisms and biofortified common bean plants enables us to develop ecologically sound and sustainable approaches to optimize crop productivity and improve nutrition and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide while reducing the environmental impact of agricultural practices.

This research addresses the need to enhance agricultural management due to rapid population growth in the 20th and 21st centuries. It focuses on integrating sensors and embedded systems to collect data on soil and air conditions, including temperature, humidity, and solar radiation. This information is obtained using ESP32 microcontrollers and stored in a centralized database. This system uses JavaScript and the Leaflet library’s interpolation algorithm to create interactive maps, allowing the farmers in the northern region of Paraná, Brazil, to monitor their fields and activate irrigation according to the predefined routines. This innovative system provides a data-driven approach to agriculture and automated irrigation, conferring advantages to the farmers and their families.

The agroforestry system is an important land and resource management system for the socio-economic development of forest-dependent people. We investigate the farming attractiveness and strength of crop cultivation in the agroforestry system by applying the McKinsey analytical tool. Field-level data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The findings show that participants are young and educated, received training, and have large farming experience. Participants strongly agreed on building trust with buyers and disagreed on marketing communication for selling their produce. The McKinsey matrix analysis shows that pineapple (Ananas comosus) and banana (Musa oranta) are leading fruits cultivated in the agroforestry system, with pineapple receiving higher attention compared with banana due to greater market potential. Policies should be implemented to remove the barriers that limit pineapple and banana production and marketing and establish communications between buyers and farmers to sustain production.

Historians have relied for too long on written sources (the letters that Pope Martin I wrote from Cherson, as well as De Administrando Imperio) to assess the economic situation in the Crimea, especially in Cherson, during the so-called Dark Ages (7th to 9th centuries). Many still believe that that city could not have survived without shipments of grain from the outside, particularly from the lands along the southern coast of the Black Sea. Seals of Byzantine officials found in Cherson tell a different story, as they indicate commercial exchanges between the Crimea and Constantinople. If the peninsula participated in trade, something must have been offered in exchange for the goods coming from the Capital. The archaeological evidence strongly suggests that during the 8th and 9th centuries, the hinterland of Cherson, as well as the Kerch Peninsula (eastern Crimea) witnessed rapid economic development, largely based on the cultivation of crops. Silos found on several settlement sites, both open and fortified, suggest a surplus, which was most likely commercialized. If so, the closest markets were across the Black Sea, to the south, primarily in Constantinople. Other commodities, such as wine transported in amphorae, traveled in the opposite direction, across the Sea of Azov and into the interior of Khazaria. In exchange, the peninsula received shipments of grain, which were then re-exported to Constantinople. Far from relying on shipments of grain from the Capital, Cherson and the rest of the Crimean Peninsula in fact supplied Constantinople with food. Numerous vats for the production of fish sauce have been found in Cherson, and many were in operation before 900. A good deal of the garum served at tables in Constantinople between the 7th and the 9th century must have come from Cherson. The archaeological evidence therefore calls for a re-assessment of the economic situation in the Crimean Peninsula during the "Dark Ages". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cultivation business management is a set of human actions that involves the use of money and other resources to use biological natural resources and process them in order to produce goods that can meet needs. Making good use of the house's yard might have financial advantages. When horticulture crops are grown properly, infertile soil can nevertheless provide productive crops. North Sumatra Province's Suka Damai Village, Kuala District, Langkat Regency, and this Community Service were the locations of this activity. Improved cultivation business management and home yard use for planting green plants and kale seeds are the goals of this community service. 1) Educating participants on the proper techniques for planting kale and red shoots. 2) Help the village population learn the right and proper methods for growing kale and red shoots. 3) May boost individual or community income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crop water relationship quantification is conducive to decision-making for regional food safety and resource conservation. However, irrigation water and crop water footprint (CWF) was observed separately in previous studies, which leads to incomplete evaluation of water resource occupation in agricultural system. The crop water resource use (WRU), combining WF and irrigation water accounting, in 31 provinces of China from 1999 to 2018 was estimated in current paper. The driving forces of WRU were analyzed using the logarithmic mean divisia index (LMDI) model, based on its spatial and temporal patterns demonstration. The results showed that national WRU increased from 1051.6 Gm3 in 1999 to 1676.4 Gm3 in 2018, with an average annual growth rate of 2.48%. The provinces with high WRU were mainly distributed in North China and Northeast China. Hebei, Shandong, and Henan jointly contributed 28.9% of the national WRU. In addition, economic level was the largest contributor to promote the growth of WRU, and water use intensity was the most important contributor to inhibit the growth of WRU. Economic level, resource endowment, and population size had a promoting effect on WRU in Northeast, Northwest, North China, and Southeast provinces, while water use intensity, irrigation technique, and urbanization degree showed inhibitory effect in Northeast, Northwest, and Southwest provinces. It is meaningful to combine water footprint and irrigation water use for agricultural water management and conservation. The arid North China Plain should adopt water-saving irrigation and rainwater recycling technologies to control WRU, and the Northeast granary should reduce WRU by strengthening water pollution prevention and improving water resources scheduling to ensure food security and sustainable use of water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to examine indemnity payments to Russian farmers for weather-related loss. Indemnity payments can be made as crop insurance payments or direct payments from budget. The manuscript presents the official data on damage caused by extreme weather and the amount of insurance payments and direct payments to farmers for the years 2005–2021. To process the results of our research, we performed correlation and regression analysis using STATISTICA package. We presented the results of the research in tabular and graphical forms. The research revealed that the average proportion of insurance payments for crop losses in indemnity payments to farmers is 22.1%, and direct payments from budgets of various levels amount to 25.7%. Indicatively, 52.2% of damage remains uncompensated. According to findings, RUB 1 billion in premium subsidies raises insured area by 0.14% under a steady trend, while other factors result in reduction by 1.1%. The paper reviews the barriers that hinder the development of subsidized crop insurance. We propose a series of measures that can promptly improve the current situation, such as the stabilization of the legal framework, a tighter control over insurance rates and the need for authorities to stem corruption. We also note that in setting insurance rates, it is important to consider the farming techniques, selective breeding potential, and adoption of index insurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We analyse social demography, livelihood diversification and land tenure among the Maasai people inhabiting Kenya (three sites) and Tanzania (one site) with contrasting land tenure policies. In Kenya, land was communally owned in the rural Amboseli, fully privatized in the peri-urban Kitengela in Athi-Kaputiei and partially privatized and communally owned in the rural Maasai Mara. In Tanzania, the government owned the land but granted user rights to local villages in rural Simanjiro in Tarangire-Manyara. We interviewed 100 households per site from May to July 2006. There were regional distinctions in social demography, livelihood diversification, hiring herding labour and settlement arrangements, portraying differential transition away from traditional pastoral Maasai society. The transition is most advanced in Kitengela located near Nairobi City, where privatization of land tenure in the 1980s triggered land sub-division, unprecedented land fragmentation and large-scale collapse of the commons, pastoralism and conservation. Land privatization and sub-division in Maasai Mara and Amboseli started in 2000s and were followed similarly by unprecedented fragmentation through fences and accelerated collapse of the commons, pastoralism and conservation, except where wildlife conservancies were later established. We found several differences at the household, regional and national levels. The average age of household heads was lower in Maasai Mara and Amboseli than in Kitengela and Simanjiro. The average number of wives per male household head was lowest in Kitengela, intermediate in Mara and Amboseli and highest in Simanjiro. Correspondingly, the mean number of children per family was lowest in Kitengela, intermediate in Mara and Amboseli and highest in Simanjiro. Household heads were more educated closer to urban centres. Household heads without formal education were thus most common in Amboseli, intermediate in Mara and Simanjiro and fewest in Kitengela. Livelihood diversification was marked in all the sites. Notably, cultivation was widespread and most of those interviewed were interested in crop cultivation. The average number of acres cultivated per household was far higher in Simanjiro than in all the other sites. The mean number of hired herders per household was higher in Kitengela, with the highest number of children enrolled in schools, than in the Mara, Amboseli or Simanjiro. The average number of households per settlement was highest in the Mara, intermediate in Amboseli and Simanjiro and lowest in Kitengela. The marked regional variation in social demography, livelihood diversification and land tenurial arrangements reflects underlying variation in proximity to urban centres, agro-climatological and national developmental and policy environments.

Crop classification is a significant requirement to estimate crop area, structure, and spatial distribution, as well as provide important input parameters for crop yield models. Different techniques were considered in this system and providing betterment in automation. But none of them gave promising results. So here, a Convolutional Deep Neural Network (CDNN) is proposed to identify the crop areas with the help of Synthetic-Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite images as well as the cultivation status of the crop. First, in training phase, the segmented image of the crop is preprocessed using HLS, then feature is extracted using BRIEF, then, they are classified using CDNN. Then after in testing phase, the input SAR image from the database is further processed using MRG algorithm and classified centered on the training results. After classification, the cultivation status of each classified crop can be identified by taking the Euclidean distance (ED) betwixt the standard parameters and resultant parameters of a specific crop. After computing ED, the ED is contrasted with the threshold value and the cultivation status of a particular crop can be identified. The results are analyzed to ascertain the performance shown by the proposed technique with other existent techniques.

Heavy metal toxicity is a major threat to the health of both humans and ecosystems. Toxic levels of heavy metals in food crops, such as grapes, can have devastating effects on plant health and the market value of the produce. Two important factors that may influence the prevalence of heavy metals in grapevines are seasonal change and farming practices. The objectives of this study were (i) to conduct a detailed pioneer screening of heavy metal levels in soils and grapevine leaf tissues in selected wine farms and (ii) to study the influence of season and farming on heavy metal levels in soils and grapevine leaf tissues. Soil and grapevine leaf samples were collected from demarcated areas in selected vineyards in the Cape Winelands region of South Africa. The sampling was conducted in winter and summer from the same sites. The soil and leaf samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques. The pooled data from the farms practising conventional or organic farming showed that seasonal variation had no significant effect (DF = 1, 22; p > 0.05) on the heavy metal contents in the soil. When the soil data from the winter and summer months were compared separately or pooled, the influence of agricultural practice was well-pronounced in As (DF = 1, 22, or 46; p < 0.05) and Cu (DF = 1, 22, or 46; p p< 0.05) Cu, As, Cr, and Hg uptake, with little effect on Ni, Co, Cd, and Hg leaf contents. Generally, the heavy metals studied (Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were substantially below the maximum permitted levels in plant and soil samples, per the recommendations of the WHO and Er indices, respectively. However, moderate contamination of the soils was recorded for Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb. Remarkably, the Cu levels in the organic vineyard soils were significantly higher than in the conventional vineyards. Furthermore, based on the Igeo index, Cu occurred at moderate to heavy contamination levels.

Farming practises have undergone a revolution due to the swift progress in agricultural technology in recent times. The sustainability of our food system is being threatened by global issues like population increase, climate change, and resource scarcity, thus these technologies are becoming more and more important. There are several manual techniques involved in traditional farming. There are a lot of benefits to using AI models in this regard. By using AI, many problems are resolved and the negative aspects of conventional farming are lessened. In agriculture, artificial intelligence may support soil health investigations to gather data, track meteorological conditions, and suggest fertiliser and pesticide applications. Using farm management software helps farmers make better decisions at every step of the cropcultivation process, increasing productivity and profitability simultaneously. This article will go over the many applications of AI in agriculture as well as its limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]