Mechanical behavior of sands reinforced with shredded face masks

The rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased municipal waste in the form of used face masks (FMs), which pose a global threat to the environment. To mitigate this, the study explores the applicability of shredded FMs as alternative reinforcing material in sands. Laboratory-grade Ottawa sand and naturally collected sea sand are adopted as the base sands for testing. The primary physical properties of the base materials and the FMs are first examined, and the soil particles are imaged via scanning electron microscopy. Thirty consolidated undrained (CU) triaxial compression tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of the weight fraction of FM, FM length, and the initial effective mean stress on the undrained shear strength parameters of the sands. The experimental results proved that FM inclusion can lead to a substantial improvement in the undrained shear strength of the sands;however, such improvement was sensitive to the initial effective mean stress, with higher undrained shear strength gains associated with lower initial effective mean stress. For a given FM content, the critical state ratio and angle of friction at the critical state increased with the FM length. Finally, the results revealed that FM-reinforced sands exhibit dilative and strain-hardening behaviors.

Consortium biofertilizers to economise nutrient use and sustain productivity in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Climate change events and the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to focus the significance of cassava as a supplementary food crop worldwide. However, the high yield potential of the crop necessitates timely and adequate enrichment of the soil with nutrient inputs. Consortium biofertilizers offer a viable option for reducing intensive fertilizer use to sustain soil health and productivity in cassava. The efficacy of a liquid consortium biofertilizer, specifically a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Mix - I, in economizing nutrient use in cassava was evaluated in a 4 x 3 factorial randomized block design, replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of combinations of four levels of biofertilizers and three levels of nutrients. Biometric and yield observations were recorded, and soil properties were analyzed before and after the harvest of the crop. The results showed that the liquid biofertilizer consortium at a concentration of 5% + 75% of the recommended dose, with 37.5:37.5:75 kg NPK/ha as chemical fertilizers, recorded significantly superior tuber yield in cassava. Considering the economics, the application of the PGPR liquid formulation (5%) thrice (basal, 2 and 4 MAP) along with 37.5:37.5:75 kg NPK/ha, or at a concentration of 2% with 50:50:100 kg NPK/ha, realized higher benefit-cost ratios and can be recommended for use in cassava.

Re-evaluating the precision of yield targets set by MOET app v.2.0

This paper presents the evaluation results of the yield target setting precision of the revised MOET App (v.2.0), following the inclusion of the correction factors generated from rice biomass correlations between MOET and nutrient omission plot setups obtained from 2017 to 2018. The project started with trainings on MOET kit and MOET App use for the seed production personnel across PhilRice stations in Nueva Ecija, Negros, Bukidnon and Agusan in 2018 DS. Included in the trainings were the establishment of MOET kit tests and generation of variety- and site-specific recommendations via the MOET App for several nationally or regionally recommended varieties (NSIC Rc 122, 160, 216, 218, 222, 238, 286, 300, 358, 402, 436, 440, 442, 480, PSB Rc18 and PSB Rc82) that each PhilRice station intended to produce in the succeeding 4 cropping periods from 2019 to 2020. Relative yield advantages and economic benefits from using the MOET App fertilizer recommendations over PhilRice' current fertilizer management in seed production per station were monitored every cropping while the precision evaluation of yield target setting was done after the last cropping of 2020 WS. In 2019, relative yield advantages averaged 0.43t ha-1 in DS and 0.25t ha-1 in WS. In 2020 DS, an average relative yield advantage of 0.63t ha-1 was obtained across stations and 0.93t ha-1 in 2020 WS in Nueva Ecija only due to travel restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic benefits of using the MOET App showed an average of 0.50t ha-1 and 0.65t ha-1 yield increase over the seed production units' fertilizer management in DS and WS, respectively. While savings in fertilizer cost were better realized during the WS at an average of Php 4,126.34 ha-1 season-1 across stations. Results of the precision evaluation of the yield target showed marked improvements with a 95.24% probability of achieving 17% higher grain yields than the target set by MOET App v.2.0. However, the overall normalized Root Mean Square Error (nRMSE) of 38.14% exceeded the range for a fairly acceptable fit with the model due to large gaps between target and actual yields obtained from DS field trials.

A systematic review of IoT technologies and their constituents for smart and sustainable agriculture applications. (Special Issue: Technology and innovation for a post COVID recovery and growth: the contribution of industry and academia.)

Due to the world's rapid population expansion, the demand for food is anticipated to increase significantly during the coming decade. Traditional farming practices cannot meet the need for the food crop. Conventional farming methods use resources like land, water, herbicides, and fertilisers rather inefficiently. When it comes to making the most effective and sustainable use of resources to increase production, automation in agriculture is garnering a lot of interest. How people and machines operate on farms has been changed by integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) with numerous sensors, controllers, and communication protocols. A comprehensive literature review of the key technologies involved in smart and sustainable agriculture, viz. various sensors, controllers, communication standards, IoT based intelligent machinery, were compared and presented. These sensors were continuously producing a significant quantity of data on the agricultural field. These data were transmitted to the central control unit for analysis to meet the demands for water, fertiliser, pesticides, etc. The architecture and importance of data analytics in agriculture IoT, case studies of current agricultural automation utilising IoT, key challenges and open issues in agriculture IoT technology were discussed. The findings provide support for the selection of IoT technologies for specific applications.

Sustainability assessment of crops' production in India: empirical evidence from ARDL-ECM approach

PurposeThe study aims to evaluate the long- vs short-run relationships between crops' production (output) and crops' significant inputs such as land use, agricultural water use (AWU) and gross irrigated area in India during the period 1981–2018.Design/methodology/approachThe study applied the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to estimate the co-integration among the variables. The study uses the error correction model (ECM), which integrates the short-run dynamics with the long-run equilibrium.FindingsThe ARDL bounds test of co-integration confirms the strong evidence of the long-run relationship among the variables. Empirical results show the positive and significant relationship of crops' production with land use and gross irrigated area. The statistically significant error correction term (ECT) validates the speed of adjustment of the empirical models in the long-run.Research limitations/implicationsThe study suggests that the decision-makers must understand potential trade-offs between human needs and environmental impacts to ensure food for the growing population in India.Originality/valueFor a clear insight into the impact of climate change on crops' production, the current study incorporates the climate variables such as annual rainfall, maximum temperature and minimum temperature. Further, the study considered agro-chemicals, i.e. fertilizers and pesticides, concerning their negative impacts on increased agricultural production and the environment.

Preface

The 2nd Agrifood System International Conference (ASIC)Professor Jurnalis Kamil Convention Hall, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, 8-9 November 2022"Research advancement and innovations in agroecology and smart agrifood systems.”The 2nd Agrifood System International Conference (ASIC 2022) was successfully held on 8-9 November 2022. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, this event was held virtually via the zoom platform, directly from Professor Jurnalis Kamil Convention Hall, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. This event was organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Andalas, Indonesia, and became a part of the event to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the faculty. The theme of the ASIC 2022 was: "Research advancement and innovations in agroecology and smart agrifood systems.”There have been numerous revolutions in agriculture, which have improved competency and led to record-breaking yields and gains. The latest process is "smart farming,” contributing to humanity's survival and future prosperity. Smart farming presents numerous prospects for pervasive interconnection and database computer technology as part of Industry 4.0. Smart farming is the idea of agricultural practice in a creative manner while utilizing cutting-edge technology to improve the quantity and quality of agricultural goods. New methods to assure global food safety are part of the future of the food manufacturing industry. It enables farmers to boost yields more effectively and efficiently. Fertilizers, labor, seeds, and water are just a few resources that can be saved. Smart farming has supporting applications, including land management, selection of varieties, minimizing synthetic fertilizers and pesticide inputs, and replacing them with environmentally friendly inputs. Research and related technological innovations have been carried out but have yet to be adopted and properly integrated.The main objective of this conference was to provide a venue for exchanging knowledge, scientific advancement, and innovative ideas among researchers, academicians, governments, and organizations. The scope includes plant breeding and crop production, soil management, plant protection and food safety, the socio-economic of agriculture and natural resources, and all topics related to agriculture. The committee received more than two hundred paper s coming from 46 institutions, national and international. We encourage student presenters from undergraduate to doctoral programs to present their papers;hence, around 25% of s come from them.The conference program was divided into two main segments: plenary and parallel. The plenary session invited 13 speakers from within and outside the country and was attended by 610 participants during the two days' activities. On behalf of the committee, we greatly appreciate the seven speakers contributing and sharing their knowledge at this event: Dr. Silvain R Perret, Scientific Director of CIRAD, France;Mr. Pierre Ferrand from FAO, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific;Prof. Norman Uphoff, SRI Scientist from Cornell University, USA;Dr. Jauhar Ali, Rice hybrid breeder from IRRI, Philippines;Dr. Trevor A. Jackson, Plant protection scientist from IAPPS/ Coordinator Region XII;Prof. Shamshuddin Jusop, Soil Science Scientist from UPM, Malaysia;and Dr. Wahono: Drone creator from UMM, Indonesia. We also introduced five invited speakers from the Faculty of Agriculture: Dr. Irawati Chaniago - Crop Production;Dr. Dini Hervani - Plant Breeding;Dr. Eka Candra Lina - Plant Protection;Dr. Yuerlita - Socio-economics of Agriculture;Dr. Hery Bachrizal Tanjung - Agricultural Extension. In addition, we have provided an online workshop conducted as a side event on successfully publishing an article in IOP-EES Proceeding.Finally, let me express my sincere gratitude to all presenters, participants, and committee members who contributed significantly to this event's success. Special thanks go to the Rector of Universitas Andalas and the head of the research institute and community service of Universi as Andalas for all the support during the event. We hope to deliver the 3rd ASIC in 2024.Warmest regards,Dr. My SyahrawatiChairperson of the Organizing CommitteeList of Documentations, Conference Committee, Conference Schedule, Parallel Schedule, List of Presenters are available in this Pdf.

FERTILIZERS USE EFFICIENCY: WESTERN BALKAN

У кризним ситуаци)ама, као што je текуки сукоб у Укра]ит, питате учинковитости инпута у полопривредно] производти поста]е врло знача]но. У том контексту, главни цил овограда jeутвр'ивате нивоа ефикасности примене 'убрива у землама Западног Балкана. Истовремено, фокус овог рада je здравле землишта у региону, као и зависност региона од увоза "убрива.. Резултати су показали да je ефикасност 'убрива века у региону него у ЕУ. Ме'утим, с обзиром на високу зависност од увоза и наjвjeроватниje продужете кризе, дати су одре'ени предлози за поболшате ситуацsе. Заклучци овог рада могу бити од користи креаторима полопривредне политике као и полопривредним произво'ачима.Alternate :In the case of the crisis, such as the current conflict in the Ukraine, the question of input effectiveness in agricultural production has become very important. In that context, the main objective of this paper is to find the level of fertiliser efficiency in the Western Balkan countries. The paper also aims to discuss health of the soil in the region and its dependence on fertilisers imports. Results showed that fertilizer use efficiency is higher in the region than in the EU. However, considering the high dependence on imports and the most likely prolongation of the crisis, certain suggestions for improving the situation were given. This conclusion can be useful for the creators of the agricultural policy as well as for agricultural producers.

Reuse of Sludge as Organic Soil Amendment: Insights into the Current Situation and Potential Challenges

Sludge generation as an organic by-product of wastewater treatment has seen a consistent increase worldwide due to population growth and industrial activities. This poses a chronic challenge regarding management options and environmental concerns. The agricultural valorization of unconventional organic materials has become inevitable, especially in semi-arid and arid countries that suffer from depleted soils and shortages in farm manure supply. High-income countries have also been interested in this recycling practice to mitigate landfilling or incineration issues. Sewage and some industrial sludges contain a complex mixture of beneficial and harmful substances, which varies with the origin of effluents. Therefore, sludge land application should be well managed in order to achieve sustainable agro-environmental goals. This review paper focuses on different aspects related to sludge reuse in agriculture, starting by investigating the diversity of sludge types and composition. In addition to the preponderant urban sewage sludge, the less-studied industrial sludges, such as those generated from pulp and paper mills or gas-to-liquid industries, are hereby addressed as well. Then, post-land application effects are discussed in relation to sludge quality, dose, and reuse conditions. The present paper also examines the disparities between guidelines that determine sludge conformity for land application in various countries or regions. Accordingly, special attention is given to increasing risks related to emerging pollutants in sludge such as pharmaceuticals, which have been overused since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. This exhaustive investigation will assist the establishment of sustainable strategies for the safe agricultural reuse of biosolids.

COVID-19 pandemic and resilience in the agricultural sector: a local strategy may solve the global challenges

Agriculture remains a major engine of growth among the majority of developing and underdeveloped countries throughout the globe. But the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 has severely affected all sectors of agribusiness industries. In many parts of the world agriculture production became almost half due to the impact of this pandemic. But in two Himalayan regions of India, Darjeeling and Sikkim, mixed effects were observed during the pandemic period. Although a large number of marginal farmers were severely affected during the lockdown and even in the unlock phases, while a significant number of farmers also gained nominal to a large amount of profit;chiefly because of reliability on complete organic farming including producing organic manure and bio-pesticides by the farmers themselves, lack of competition with imported agricultural commodities into the local market due to the inter-state travel ban, marketization of the agricultural products to the consumers through Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs), NGOs and Sikkim State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation ltd. (SIMFED) and above all creation of the Farmers' Helpline at district levels by the local government bodies to solve the problems of the farmers even in the remotest regions.

The Russian Market of Mineral Fertilizers in Terms of the Pandemic

The purpose of this research is to study the problems and prospects for the development of the Russian market of mineral fertilizers in terms of the pandemic, along with their impact on the dynamics of agricultural development. The article explores the consequences of the pandemic, their impact on the development of the world market of mineral fertilizers and provides forecasts for the development of this sector in the current context. The focus is made on studying the characteristics of the world agrochemicals market, identifying the major global players in this market, along with defining Russia's place in it. The world trade structure of such countries as China, the USA and Russia is studied. The influence of internal problems and institutional transformations of states in the era of coronavirus and their impact on price and structural fluctuations in the agricultural fertilizer market is substantiated. The main emphasis is laid on the study of the factors that allow the Russian producers of agricultural fertilizers to provide full coverage of the needs of domestic farmers. The dynamics of exports and imports of agrochemicals in Russia in terms of the pandemic indicates a decline in foreign trade due to the reorientation to the domestic market. The article specifies the prospects for development of the Russian market of mineral fertilizers in the current economic conditions by increasing the volume of investment activity in the sector, despite the difficult circumstances of the pandemic. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Positive Matrix Factorization as Source Apportionment of Paddy Soil Heavy Metals in Black Shale Areas in Western Zhejiang Province, China

The source apportionment of pollutants is the key to preventing and controlling the pollution caused by heavy metals in soils. The aim of this study was to investigate the main sources of heavy metals in the soils of black shale areas in western Zhejiang, China. Based on geostatistical spatial analysis, this research employed positive matrix factorization (PMF) for the source apportionment of heavy metals in paddy soil. The results showed that contaminated arable soils were concentrated in the western and southern study areas. At least five major sources of heavy metals were screened in this study: natural sources (39.66%), traffic emissions (32.85%), industrial emissions (9.23%), agricultural activities (9.17%), and mining (9.10%). To be specific, Cd was mainly from mining;As originated from agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides;and Hg, as an industrial pollutant, was transported by atmospheric deposition in the study area. The accumulation of Pb, Zn, and Cu was mainly influenced by natural sources and anthropogenic sources, i.e., traffic emissions, while that of Cr and Ni was controlled by natural sources.

Leguminous crop proteins. (L'Accademia per il post Covid-19.)

In our Country, protein crop have undergone a significant reduction since the beginning of the new millennium. Such a drastic reduction in planted areas has led, from an agronomic-environmental point of view, to an unsustainable simplification of crop rotations with serious consequences on the typical crop systems of Mediterranean agriculture. On the contrary, access to the agri-environmental subsidies requires crop rotation for farms requesting access to supplementary aid within the Rural Development Plans. It is worth mentioning that protein crops are also very suitable for "low input" itineraries. For instance, soybeans do not require specific nitrogen fertilizer, while other species perform well with minimum tillage, while others (rapeseed) with new rapid-growth hybrids, are able to assimilate important quantities of nitrates while preserving the rhizosphere from the common nutrient-loss problems. It therefore appears essential to reduce this heavy state of dependence, on the one hand by regaining space for the growing of protein crops, in particular soybean, which has undergone a significant reduction, and on the other, through a diversification of vegetable protein sources.

Summary of N-star nitrogen recommendations in Arkansas during 2021

Seeking to fine-tune nitrogen (N) application, increase economic returns, and decrease environmental N loss, some Arkansas rice (Oryza sativa L.) producers are turning away from blanket N recommendations based on soil texture and cultivar and using the Nitrogen Soil Test for Rice (N-STaR) to determine their field-specific N rates. In 2010, Roberts et al. correlated years of direct steam distillation (DSD) results obtained from 0- to 18-in. soil samples to plot-scale N response trials across the state to develop a field-specific, soil-based N test for Arkansas rice. After extensive small-plot and field-scale validation, N-STaR is available to Arkansas farmers for both silt loam and clay soils. Samples submitted to the N-STaR Soil Testing Lab in 2021 were summarized by county and soil texture, totaled 21 fields across 9 Arkansas counties, and were from 6 clay and 15 silt loam fields. Depressed sample submissions were again observed likely due to another wet spring and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The N-STaR N-rate recommendations for samples were compared to the producer's estimated N rate, the 2021 Recommended Nitrogen Rates and Distribution for Rice Cultivars in Arkansas, and the standard Arkansas N-rate recommendation of 150 lb N/ac for silt loam soils and 180 lb N/ac for clay soils. Each comparison was divided into 3 categories based on a decrease in recommendation, no change in recommended N rate, or an increase in the N rate recommendation. In all 3 comparisons, county, but not soil texture, was a significant factor (P < 0.04) in observed decreases in N recommendation strategies demonstrating variations in the soil's ability to supply N across the state. Further stressing the potential N cost savings opportunities, reductions greater than 30 lb N/ac were recommended by N-STaR in 71%, 50%, and 74% of fields in the standard, estimated, and cultivar comparisons, respectively.

The potential of tobacco in supporting farmers in East Lombok Regency during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Tobacco is a leading commodity that has high economic value. The derivative products from tobacco commodities have contributed greatly to state revenues through excise taxes, employment, and sources of farmers' income. This research aims to;1) explain the characteristics of tobacco farming;2) investigate the economic feasibility of tobacco farming;3) analyze the determinants of tobacco farmers' income. The research was conducted in Suralaga District, East Lombok Regency. The study was conducted from July 2021 to October 2021. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Primary data was collected from 40 tobacco farmers and analyzed by with R/C ratio and multiple linear regression. The results of this study indicate that tobacco farming is declared economically feasible, This result is evidenced by the R/C ratio value is 1.67 > 1. Furthermore, the results of the regression estimation show that determine the income of tobacco farmers are the tobacco production, land area, seed cost, fertilizer cost, pesticide cost, labor costs, and farming experience.

Production and income dynamics of maize farmers in dryland of North Lombok Indonesia before and during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a broad impact on several aspects of human life, one of which is the issue of food sufficiency. Due to social restrictions, the agricultural sector, which plays a role in producing food for humans, may be affected by the pandemic. These restrictions impact the availability of farm labor and the market, both agricultural inputs, and outputs. This three-year study examines the factors that influence the productivity and income of maize farmers in the dry sandy lands of Gumantar village, North Lombok, Indonesia, before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The method used was descriptive quantitative with 50 respondents, determined by accidental sampling. The study results showed variations in land area ownership of respondent farmers, variations in crop productivity, and variations in the form of products sold, such as selling cobs and selling grains. Maize production was more affected by rainfall, fertilizer availability, and pest disturbances than the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the income of maize farmers due to restrictions on the mobility of maize buyers.

Coverage of Farmers' Issues in Newspapers during COVID-19: An Analysis of Major Kannada Dailies

[...]in this background, the present study aimed to explore the farmers' subjects covered in Kannada significant dailies, the presentation of the problems and which newspaper emphasizes more farmers' issues. In India, 50 per cent of working labourers are involved in agricultural activities, and 68 per cent of household income is dependent on agriculture. Because of COVID-19, they are suffering from marketing their product and earning money for livelihood [1]. Even though various programmers such as renting agricultural equipment, Kisan call centers to guide the farmers, PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana, etc., farmers struggle to get seeds and fertilizers quickly. Since its beginning, newspapers have played a vital role in drawing public and administration attention to many social issues. Many people lost their jobs and returned to their villages to lead safe lives. Because of the inverse migration, villages get infected, and COVID-19 started spreading among village communities.

GARDENPRO-Android Mobile Application for Home Garden Management Using Machine Learning Augmented Reality and IOT

IoT is an important technology for Agriculture. When it comes to machine learning-based decisions related to agriculture the farmers can take precise decisions according to the sensor data collected from IoT. But most people who live in urban areas of Sri Lanka were adopted to agriculture because of COVID 19 pandemic situation. So most of the people have limited space for gardening, and newcomers haven't proper knowledge of what are the crops suitable for their area of garden space and relevant instructions to grow the crops which they like and environment factors needed. And they haven't understood the type of fertilizers that need for the crop. Almost nowadays people haven't much time for watering and care the plants that they like to grow in their garden. Garden Pro Android Application had introduced a feature Machine Learning based crop recommendation system for newcomers to home gardening. By using this feature of the app user can get an idea about crops that are suitable for their garden area, gardening instructions. And soil moisture also fertilizers and the application shows real-time temperature, soil moisture, and humidity, water level required for the crop that collected from IoT sensors and additionally the 3D View of the plants that predicted according to the soil conditions visualize to the user by Augmented reality technology. © 2022 IEEE.

Reducing the dosage of inorganic fertilizer on purple corn plants with application of liquid organic fertilizer

The antioxidant content in purple corn makes this type of corn can be used as a food crop and is important for cultivation during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the factors that must be considered in cultivation activities is nutrients. Continuous application of inorganic fertilizers without the addition of organic fertilizers can reduce soil quality. Improvement of soil quality can be done by adding organic matter, one of which is liquid organic fertilizer. The research design used was a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with 5 treatments in the form of reducing the dose of inorganic fertilizer with levels of 100% (control), 75%, 50%, 25% and 0% of the dose of inorganic fertilizer. Data analysis used variance and continued with the BNJ test (Tukey Advanced Test). The results showed that reducing the dose of inorganic fertilizer by adding BMW liquid organic fertilizer to purple corn had a significant effect on the variable number of leaves, cob length, cob diameter and production. The application of BMW liquid organic fertilizer on purple corn plants was able to reduce 25% use of inorganic fertilizers.

Where did the input crisis originate and what to do to mitigate its impact? [Spanish]

This article examines the increase in prices of farm inputs (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers) in 2021 and the reasons for the increase, including the rise in energy costs, the disruption caused by outbreaks of new variants of COVID-19, and the increase in international freight prices. It is concluded that there are definitely external factors, beyond local control, that are drastically affecting the prices of farm inputs, a situation that directly harms the Colombian agri-food market by significantly increasing production costs due to the high dependence on imported products and raw materials necessary in the national agrochemical and fertilizer industry. There is a need to implement technologies and cultivation practices that lead to the reduction and/or rationalization in the use of inputs, seeking to reduce production costs and increase yields.