On-farm assessment of eucalypt yield gaps - a case study for the producing areas of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The concept of yield gaps provides a basis for identifying the main sources of production losses, caused by water or management deficiencies, which may help foresters and forest companies to better plan and make decisions in their areas. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the magnitude and the major causes of yield gaps of eucalypts, being this the most planted forest genus in Brazil, in different producing regions of the state of Minas Gerais that has the largest planted area. To these ends, potential (Yp) and attainable (Ya) yields were simulated using the agroecological zone model (AEZ-FAO) adapted and calibrated for Brazilian eucalypt clones. Actual yield (Yr) data were obtained from 22 sites located in the state of Minas Gerais from 2009 to 2016, considering an average forest rotation of 6.7 years and plantings occurring between 2002 and 2010. From this, the total yield gap (YGtot), yield gap by water deficit (YGwd), and yield gap by sub-optimal management (YGman) were determined. The YGwd ranged from 37 to 69 m3 ha-1 year-1 across the 22 sites assessed, with an average value of 55 m3 ha-1 year-1. On the other hand, the YGman ranged from zero (optimal management) to 31 m3 ha-1 year-1. The eucalypt yield gap in commercial areas of Minas Gerais state was mainly caused by water deficit, which represented 77% of the total yield gap. On the other hand, the deficiencies in forest management accounted for 23% of the total yield gap.

A smartphone-based apple yield estimation application using imaging features and the ANN method in mature period

Apple yield estimation using a smartphone with image processing technology offers advantages such as low cost, quick access and simple operation. This article proposes distribution framework consisting of the acquisition of fruit tree images, yield prediction in smarphone client, data processing and model calculation in server client for estimating the potential fruit yield. An image processing method was designed including the core steps of image segmentation with R/B value combined with V value and circle-fitting using curvature analysis. This method enabled four parameters to be obtained, namely, total identified pixel area (TP), fitting circle amount (FC), average radius of the fitting circle (RC) and small polygon pixel area (SP). A individual tree yield estimation model on an ANN (Artificial Neural Network) was developed with three layers, four input parameters, 14 hidden neurons, and one output parameter. The system was used on an experimental Fuji apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Red Fuji) orchard. Twenty-six tree samples were selected from a total of 80 trees according to the multiples of the number three for the establishment model, whereby 21 groups of data were trained and 5 groups o data were validated. The R2 value for the training datasets was 0.996 and the relative root mean squared error (RRMSE) value 0.063. The RRMSE value for the validation dataset was 0.284 Furthermore, a yield map with 80 apple trees was generated, and the space distribution o the yield was identified. It provided appreciable decision support for site-specific management.(AU)

A smartphone-based apple yield estimation application using imaging features and the ANN method in mature period

ABSTRACT: Apple yield estimation using a smartphone with image processing technology offers advantages such as low cost, quick access and simple operation. This article proposes distribution framework consisting of the acquisition of fruit tree images, yield prediction in smarphone client, data processing and model calculation in server client for estimating the potential fruit yield. An image processing method was designed including the core steps of image segmentation with R/B value combined with V value and circle-fitting using curvature analysis. This method enabled four parameters to be obtained, namely, total identified pixel area (TP), fitting circle amount (FC), average radius of the fitting circle (RC) and small polygon pixel area (SP). A individual tree yield estimation model on an ANN (Artificial Neural Network) was developed with three layers, four input parameters, 14 hidden neurons, and one output parameter. The system was used on an experimental Fuji apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Red Fuji) orchard. Twenty-six tree samples were selected from a total of 80 trees according to the multiples of the number three for the establishment model, whereby 21 groups of data were trained and 5 groups o data were validated. The R2 value for the training datasets was 0.996 and the relative root mean squared error (RRMSE) value 0.063. The RRMSE value for the validation dataset was 0.284 Furthermore, a yield map with 80 apple trees was generated, and the space distribution o the yield was identified. It provided appreciable decision support for site-specific management.

A smartphone-based apple yield estimation application using imaging features and the ANN method in mature period

ABSTRACT: Apple yield estimation using a smartphone with image processing technology offers advantages such as low cost, quick access and simple operation. This article proposes distribution framework consisting of the acquisition of fruit tree images, yield prediction in smarphone client, data processing and model calculation in server client for estimating the potential fruit yield. An image processing method was designed including the core steps of image segmentation with R/B value combined with V value and circle-fitting using curvature analysis. This method enabled four parameters to be obtained, namely, total identified pixel area (TP), fitting circle amount (FC), average radius of the fitting circle (RC) and small polygon pixel area (SP). A individual tree yield estimation model on an ANN (Artificial Neural Network) was developed with three layers, four input parameters, 14 hidden neurons, and one output parameter. The system was used on an experimental Fuji apple (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Red Fuji) orchard. Twenty-six tree samples were selected from a total of 80 trees according to the multiples of the number three for the establishment model, whereby 21 groups of data were trained and 5 groups o data were validated. The R2 value for the training datasets was 0.996 and the relative root mean squared error (RRMSE) value 0.063. The RRMSE value for the validation dataset was 0.284 Furthermore, a yield map with 80 apple trees was generated, and the space distribution o the yield was identified. It provided appreciable decision support for site-specific management.

Rendimento de grãos e eficiência no uso de água de arroz irrigado em função da época de semeadura / Grain yield and water use efficiency in irrigated rice according to sowing date

Uma das práticas desafiadoras de manejo é aumentar a produção de arroz utilizando menos água. O experimento foi realizado nas safras de 2010/11 e 2011/12 na área experimental da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. O objetivo foi avaliar o rendimento de grãos e a eficiência do uso de água na semeadura no início e final da época recomendada. Os tratamentos foram as épocas de semeadura (01/10/10 e 01/12/10) safra 2010/11, e (27/09/11 e 07/12/11) safra 2011/12, com cinco repetições, e a cultivar utilizada foi a 'IRGA 424'. Não houve diferença no volume de água aplicado entre as épocas de semeadura, com volume médio de 5757 e 8420m³ ha-1, respectivamente, para safra 2010/11 e 2011/12. A época de semeadura afetou o rendimento de grãos, com rendimento de 13 e 24% a mais nas semeaduras do início da época (01/10/10 e 27/09/11), comparado às semeaduras do final da época (01/12/10 e 07/12/11), respectivamente. A semeadura realizada no início da época recomendada (início de outubro) proporciona maior rendimento de grãos e maior eficiência no uso de água.

One of the challenging management practices is to increase rice production using less water. The study was conducted during the harvest of 2010/11 and 2011/12 in the experimental field of Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The objective was to evaluate the yield and water use efficiency at sowing at beginning and end of the recommended time. Treatments were at planting dates (10/01/10 and 12/01/10) 2010/11 harvest, and (9/27/11 and 12/07/11) 2011/12 harvest, with five replicates, the cultivar used was the 'IRGA 424'. There was no difference in the amount of applied water between sowing times, with an average of 5757 and 8420m³ ha-1, respectively for season 2010/11 and 2011/12. The sowing date affected grain yield, with yields of 13 and 24% more in the beginning of the sowing season (10/01/10 and 9/27/11) compared to the end of the sowing date (12/01/10 and 12/07/11), respectively. Sowing early in the recommended period (early October) provides greater yield and more water use efficiency.

Rendimento de grãos e eficiência no uso de água de arroz irrigado em função da época de semeadura

One of the challenging management practices is to increase rice production using less water. The study was conducted during the harvest of 2010/11 and 2011/12 in the experimental field of Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The objective was to evaluate the yield and water use efficiency at sowing at beginning and end of the recommended time. Treatments were at planting dates (10/01/10 and 12/01/10) 2010/11 harvest, and (9/27/11 and 12/07/11) 2011/12 harvest, with five replicates, the cultivar used was the 'IRGA 424'. There was no difference in the amount of applied water between sowing times, with an average of 5757 and 8420m³ ha-1, respectively for season 2010/11 and 2011/12. The sowing date affected grain yield, with yields of 13 and 24% more in the beginning of the sowing season (10/01/10 and 9/27/11) compared to the end of the sowing date (12/01/10 and 12/07/11), respectively. Sowing early in the recommended period (early October) provides greater yield and more water use efficiency.

Uma das práticas desafiadoras de manejo é aumentar a produção de arroz utilizando menos água. O experimento foi realizado nas safras de 2010/11 e 2011/12 na área experimental da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. O objetivo foi avaliar o rendimento de grãos e a eficiência do uso de água na semeadura no início e final da época recomendada. Os tratamentos foram as épocas de semeadura (01/10/10 e 01/12/10) safra 2010/11, e (27/09/11 e 07/12/11) safra 2011/12, com cinco repetições, e a cultivar utilizada foi a 'IRGA 424'. Não houve diferença no volume de água aplicado entre as épocas de semeadura, com volume médio de 5757 e 8420m³ ha-1, respectivamente, para safra 2010/11 e 2011/12. A época de semeadura afetou o rendimento de grãos, com rendimento de 13 e 24% a mais nas semeaduras do início da época (01/10/10 e 27/09/11), comparado às semeaduras do final da época (01/12/10 e 07/12/11), respectivamente. A semeadura realizada no início da época recomendada (início de outubro) proporciona maior rendimento de grãos e maior eficiência no uso de água.

Rendimento de grãos e eficiência no uso de água de arroz irrigado em função da época de semeadura

One of the challenging management practices is to increase rice production using less water. The study was conducted during the harvest of 2010/11 and 2011/12 in the experimental field of Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The objective was to evaluate the yield and water use efficiency at sowing at beginning and end of the recommended time. Treatments were at planting dates (10/01/10 and 12/01/10) 2010/11 harvest, and (9/27/11 and 12/07/11) 2011/12 harvest, with five replicates, the cultivar used was the 'IRGA 424'. There was no difference in the amount of applied water between sowing times, with an average of 5757 and 8420m³ ha-1, respectively for season 2010/11 and 2011/12. The sowing date affected grain yield, with yields of 13 and 24% more in the beginning of the sowing season (10/01/10 and 9/27/11) compared to the end of the sowing date (12/01/10 and 12/07/11), respectively. Sowing early in the recommended period (early October) provides greater yield and more water use efficiency.

Uma das práticas desafiadoras de manejo é aumentar a produção de arroz utilizando menos água. O experimento foi realizado nas safras de 2010/11 e 2011/12 na área experimental da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. O objetivo foi avaliar o rendimento de grãos e a eficiência do uso de água na semeadura no início e final da época recomendada. Os tratamentos foram as épocas de semeadura (01/10/10 e 01/12/10) safra 2010/11, e (27/09/11 e 07/12/11) safra 2011/12, com cinco repetições, e a cultivar utilizada foi a 'IRGA 424'. Não houve diferença no volume de água aplicado entre as épocas de semeadura, com volume médio de 5757 e 8420m³ ha-1, respectivamente, para safra 2010/11 e 2011/12. A época de semeadura afetou o rendimento de grãos, com rendimento de 13 e 24% a mais nas semeaduras do início da época (01/10/10 e 27/09/11), comparado às semeaduras do final da época (01/12/10 e 07/12/11), respectivamente. A semeadura realizada no início da época recomendada (início de outubro) proporciona maior rendimento de grãos e maior eficiência no uso de água.

Eficiência agrícola da produção de soja, milho e trigo no estado do Rio Grande do Sul entre 1980 e 2008

Agricultural efficiency (EA) is used as an indicator of the level of regional agricultural development, reflecting, by mean of the ratio between actual and achievable yields, the crop technology level. Based on that, the objective of this study was to evaluate the EA for soybean, corn and wheat crops in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 1980 and 2008, identifying the main factors which conditioned it. EA was obtained by the relationship between the achievable yield (PA) and actual crop yield (PR). PR was obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) data base. PA was obtained by estimating the potential yield (PPf) with the FAO Agroecological Zone method, penalized by the water deficit for each crop phase. Average EAs for corn, soybean and wheat crops were 54, 61 and 43%, respectively. On the contrary of the majority of location, in Santa Rosa, São Borja and Veranópolis EA values were negative for soybean crop. The main factors that contributed to the increase of EA, in the majority of the locations, were: change on the soil use and fertility; use of agricultural machinery; prices paid for commodities; investments in research and development; climatic risk zoning; and plant breeding.

Eficiência agrícola (EA) é utilizada como indicador do nível de desenvolvimento agrícola regional, expressando, por meio da relação entre as produtividades real e atingível, o nível tecnológico empregado nas culturas. Com base nisso, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a EA das culturas da soja, do milho e do trigo para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul, entre os anos de 1980 e 2008, identificando os principais fatores que as condicionaram. A EA foi obtida pela relação entre a produtividade atingível (PA) e a real (PR). A PR foi obtida junto ao banco de dados do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). A PA foi obtida pela estimativa da produtividade potencial (PPf), pelo método de Zona Agroecológica da FAO, deflacionada pelo déficit hídrico em cada uma das fases da cultura. Verificou-se que as EAs médias para as culturas do milho, da soja e do trigo para o RS foram iguais a 54, 61 e 43%, respectivamente. Nas localidades de Santa Rosa, São Borja e Veranópolis, a EA para a soja foi, ao contrário das demais localidades, negativa. Os principais fatores que contribuíram para o aumento da EA, na maioria das localidades, foram: mudanças no uso e fertilidade do solo; uso de mecanização agrícola; preços pagos pelas commodities; investimentos em pesquisa e desenvolvimento; adoção do zoneamento de risco climático; e melhoramento genético.

Eficiência agrícola da produção de soja, milho e trigo no estado do Rio Grande do Sul entre 1980 e 2008

Agricultural efficiency (EA) is used as an indicator of the level of regional agricultural development, reflecting, by mean of the ratio between actual and achievable yields, the crop technology level. Based on that, the objective of this study was to evaluate the EA for soybean, corn and wheat crops in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 1980 and 2008, identifying the main factors which conditioned it. EA was obtained by the relationship between the achievable yield (PA) and actual crop yield (PR). PR was obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) data base. PA was obtained by estimating the potential yield (PPf) with the FAO Agroecological Zone method, penalized by the water deficit for each crop phase. Average EAs for corn, soybean and wheat crops were 54, 61 and 43%, respectively. On the contrary of the majority of location, in Santa Rosa, São Borja and Veranópolis EA values were negative for soybean crop. The main factors that contributed to the increase of EA, in the majority of the locations, were: change on the soil use and fertility; use of agricultural machinery; prices paid for commodities; investments in research and development; climatic risk zoning; and plant breeding.

Eficiência agrícola (EA) é utilizada como indicador do nível de desenvolvimento agrícola regional, expressando, por meio da relação entre as produtividades real e atingível, o nível tecnológico empregado nas culturas. Com base nisso, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a EA das culturas da soja, do milho e do trigo para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul, entre os anos de 1980 e 2008, identificando os principais fatores que as condicionaram. A EA foi obtida pela relação entre a produtividade atingível (PA) e a real (PR). A PR foi obtida junto ao banco de dados do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). A PA foi obtida pela estimativa da produtividade potencial (PPf), pelo método de Zona Agroecológica da FAO, deflacionada pelo déficit hídrico em cada uma das fases da cultura. Verificou-se que as EAs médias para as culturas do milho, da soja e do trigo para o RS foram iguais a 54, 61 e 43%, respectivamente. Nas localidades de Santa Rosa, São Borja e Veranópolis, a EA para a soja foi, ao contrário das demais localidades, negativa. Os principais fatores que contribuíram para o aumento da EA, na maioria das localidades, foram: mudanças no uso e fertilidade do solo; uso de mecanização agrícola; preços pagos pelas commodities; investimentos em pesquisa e desenvolvimento; adoção do zoneamento de risco climático; e melhoramento genético.

Eficiência agrícola da produção de soja, milho e trigo no estado do Rio Grande do Sul entre 1980 e 2008 / Agricultural efficiency of soybean, corn and wheat production in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 1980 and 2008

Eficiência agrícola (EA) é utilizada como indicador do nível de desenvolvimento agrícola regional, expressando, por meio da relação entre as produtividades real e atingível, o nível tecnológico empregado nas culturas. Com base nisso, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a EA das culturas da soja, do milho e do trigo para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul, entre os anos de 1980 e 2008, identificando os principais fatores que as condicionaram. A EA foi obtida pela relação entre a produtividade atingível (PA) e a real (PR). A PR foi obtida junto ao banco de dados do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). A PA foi obtida pela estimativa da produtividade potencial (PPf), pelo método de Zona Agroecológica da FAO, deflacionada pelo déficit hídrico em cada uma das fases da cultura. Verificou-se que as EAs médias para as culturas do milho, da soja e do trigo para o RS foram iguais a 54, 61 e 43 por cento, respectivamente. Nas localidades de Santa Rosa, São Borja e Veranópolis, a EA para a soja foi, ao contrário das demais localidades, negativa. Os principais fatores que contribuíram para o aumento da EA, na maioria das localidades, foram: mudanças no uso e fertilidade do solo; uso de mecanização agrícola; preços pagos pelas commodities; investimentos em pesquisa e desenvolvimento; adoção do zoneamento de risco climático; e melhoramento genético.

Agricultural efficiency (EA) is used as an indicator of the level of regional agricultural development, reflecting, by mean of the ratio between actual and achievable yields, the crop technology level. Based on that, the objective of this study was to evaluate the EA for soybean, corn and wheat crops in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 1980 and 2008, identifying the main factors which conditioned it. EA was obtained by the relationship between the achievable yield (PA) and actual crop yield (PR). PR was obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) data base. PA was obtained by estimating the potential yield (PPf) with the FAO Agroecological Zone method, penalized by the water deficit for each crop phase. Average EAs for corn, soybean and wheat crops were 54, 61 and 43 percent, respectively. On the contrary of the majority of location, in Santa Rosa, São Borja and Veranópolis EA values were negative for soybean crop. The main factors that contributed to the increase of EA, in the majority of the locations, were: change on the soil use and fertility; use of agricultural machinery; prices paid for commodities; investments in research and development; climatic risk zoning; and plant breeding.

Níveis de manejo na cultura do milho em dois ambientes contrastantes: análise técnico-econômica

The cropping strategies used on different maize production systems aim to maximize technically and economically the grower's profit at each environmental condition. However, they do not allow a comparative analysis among different management strategies at an specific place neither provide the evaluation of their efficiency at different environments. This work was carried out to assess the technical and economical return of five maize management strategies at two contrasting environments. Two experiments were conducted in Southern Brazil during the growing season of 2000/2001: one in Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, and the other in Lages, Santa Catarina. Five production systems, corresponding to different management levels and grain yield expectations, were tested at each experimental site. S1, S2 and S3 represented management levels to obtain low ( 3 ton ha-1), medium (from 3 to 6 ton ha-1) and high grain yield, respectively. S4 and S5 were designed to optimize grain yield. The grain yield and gross income per hectare increased with the improvement in management strategies at both study sites. In Eldorado do Sul, it ranged from 3.0 to 15.0 t ha-1 and R$ 104.86 to R$ 724.77. In Lages, it varied from 3.2 a 15.9 t ha-1 and 131.27 to 1,093.25. Maize presented higher economical return in Lages than in Eldorado do Sul, specially in the cropping systems proposed to optimize grain yield.

As práticas culturais recomendadas para cada nível de manejo na cultura do milho visam associar máxima eficiência técnica e econômica nos diferentes ambientes. No entanto, não permitem uma avaliação comparativa entre os níveis de manejo e a análise de sua eficiência em ambientes contrastantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de avaliar o retorno técnico-econômico de cinco sistemas de manejo da cultura do milho, em dois ambientes distintos. Para isto, foram conduzidos dois experimentos: um no município de Eldorado do Sul, localizado na Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul; e outro no município de Lages, região do Planalto Sul de Santa Catarina, no ano agrícola de 2000/2001. Em cada local, testaram-se cinco sistemas de produção (S), equivalentes a diferentes níveis de manejo e expectativas de produtividade. S1, S2 e S3 representaram níveis de manejo para obtenção de baixo ( 3 t ha-1), médio (entre 3 e 6 t ha-1) e alto (> 6 t ha-1) teto de rendimento de grãos, respectivamente. S4 e S5 foram sistemas propostos objetivando potencializar o rendimento de grãos. Nos dois locais, o rendimento de grãos e a margem bruta por hectare aumentaram com a elevação do nível de manejo utilizado, variando de 3,0 a 15,0 t ha-1 e R$ 104,86 a R$ 724,77 em Eldorado do Sul, e de 3,2 a 15,9 t ha-1 e R$131,27 a R$1.093,25 em Lages. A cultura do milho apresentou maior retorno econômico em Lages do que em Eldorado do Sul, principalmente nos sistemas de manejo destinados a potencializar o rendimento de grãos.

Níveis de manejo na cultura do milho em dois ambientes contrastantes: análise técnico-econômica

The cropping strategies used on different maize production systems aim to maximize technically and economically the grower's profit at each environmental condition. However, they do not allow a comparative analysis among different management strategies at an specific place neither provide the evaluation of their efficiency at different environments. This work was carried out to assess the technical and economical return of five maize management strategies at two contrasting environments. Two experiments were conducted in Southern Brazil during the growing season of 2000/2001: one in Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, and the other in Lages, Santa Catarina. Five production systems, corresponding to different management levels and grain yield expectations, were tested at each experimental site. S1, S2 and S3 represented management levels to obtain low ( 3 ton ha-1), medium (from 3 to 6 ton ha-1) and high grain yield, respectively. S4 and S5 were designed to optimize grain yield. The grain yield and gross income per hectare increased with the improvement in management strategies at both study sites. In Eldorado do Sul, it ranged from 3.0 to 15.0 t ha-1 and R$ 104.86 to R$ 724.77. In Lages, it varied from 3.2 a 15.9 t ha-1 and 131.27 to 1,093.25. Maize presented higher economical return in Lages than in Eldorado do Sul, specially in the cropping systems proposed to optimize grain yield.

As práticas culturais recomendadas para cada nível de manejo na cultura do milho visam associar máxima eficiência técnica e econômica nos diferentes ambientes. No entanto, não permitem uma avaliação comparativa entre os níveis de manejo e a análise de sua eficiência em ambientes contrastantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi de avaliar o retorno técnico-econômico de cinco sistemas de manejo da cultura do milho, em dois ambientes distintos. Para isto, foram conduzidos dois experimentos: um no município de Eldorado do Sul, localizado na Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul; e outro no município de Lages, região do Planalto Sul de Santa Catarina, no ano agrícola de 2000/2001. Em cada local, testaram-se cinco sistemas de produção (S), equivalentes a diferentes níveis de manejo e expectativas de produtividade. S1, S2 e S3 representaram níveis de manejo para obtenção de baixo ( 3 t ha-1), médio (entre 3 e 6 t ha-1) e alto (> 6 t ha-1) teto de rendimento de grãos, respectivamente. S4 e S5 foram sistemas propostos objetivando potencializar o rendimento de grãos. Nos dois locais, o rendimento de grãos e a margem bruta por hectare aumentaram com a elevação do nível de manejo utilizado, variando de 3,0 a 15,0 t ha-1 e R$ 104,86 a R$ 724,77 em Eldorado do Sul, e de 3,2 a 15,9 t ha-1 e R$131,27 a R$1.093,25 em Lages. A cultura do milho apresentou maior retorno econômico em Lages do que em Eldorado do Sul, principalmente nos sistemas de manejo destinados a potencializar o rendimento de grãos.