Pub Date : 2024-05-18DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14050781
Xiuli He, Wenxin Liu
When studying the coupling coordination relationship between agricultural eco-efficiency and urbanization, it is crucial to consider food security, especially in a populous country like China. This paper focuses on 31 provinces in China as the research units, covering the time period from 2000 to 2020. Based on the concept of agricultural eco-efficiency, an evaluation index system was developed to include undesirable outputs (carbon emissions), and agricultural eco-efficiency scores were calculated using the SBM–DEA model. An urbanization evaluation index system, covering six dimensions and twelve indexes, was constructed. A comprehensive index of urbanization is measured using the entropy method. On this basis, a coupling coordination model was applied to quantify the relationship between agricultural eco-efficiency and urbanization at the provincial scale in China. The results showed that the agricultural eco-efficiency of all provincial units in China exhibited an overall trend of improvement. Average efficiency followed a spatial pattern of majority grain-consuming areas > grain production–consumption balance areas > majority grain-producing areas. The level of coupling between agricultural eco-efficiency and urbanization is generally low. Currently, no regions have reached the stage of synergy or high-level coupling. Most regions are currently in an antagonistic stage with a coupling degree of 0.3 < C ≤ 0.5. The classification of coupling coordination levels changed from four levels of “severe imbalance”, “moderate imbalance”, “mild imbalance”, and “primary coordination” to “moderate imbalance”, “mild imbalance”, “primary coordination”, and “intermediate coordination”. The level of “severe imbalance” disappeared, the level of “intermediate coordination” appeared, and the level of “mild imbalance” became the largest scale level. From the perspective of food security, the proportion of grain production in the categories of “primary coordination” and “intermediate coordination” was less than 10%, and these provinces never achieved self-sufficiency in food production. The proportion of grain production at the “mild imbalance” level reached 62.4%, while the per capita grain production at the “moderate imbalance” level reached 846.7 kg. Provinces with lower levels of coupling coordination have stronger food security capabilities. It can be observed that the weaker the coupling coordination between agricultural eco-efficiency and urbanization, the higher the food self-sufficiency. Based on the research results above, we discussed strategies to enhance agricultural eco-efficiency in majority grain-producing regions by focusing on technological progress and technical efficiency. Additionally, we analyzed approaches to achieve grain self-sufficiency in regions characterized by a high level of coordination between agricultural eco-efficiency and urbanization, considering both production and trade dimensions.
{"title":"Coupling Coordination between Agricultural Eco-Efficiency and Urbanization in China Considering Food Security","authors":"Xiuli He, Wenxin Liu","doi":"10.3390/agriculture14050781","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050781","url":null,"abstract":"When studying the coupling coordination relationship between agricultural eco-efficiency and urbanization, it is crucial to consider food security, especially in a populous country like China. This paper focuses on 31 provinces in China as the research units, covering the time period from 2000 to 2020. Based on the concept of agricultural eco-efficiency, an evaluation index system was developed to include undesirable outputs (carbon emissions), and agricultural eco-efficiency scores were calculated using the SBM–DEA model. An urbanization evaluation index system, covering six dimensions and twelve indexes, was constructed. A comprehensive index of urbanization is measured using the entropy method. On this basis, a coupling coordination model was applied to quantify the relationship between agricultural eco-efficiency and urbanization at the provincial scale in China. The results showed that the agricultural eco-efficiency of all provincial units in China exhibited an overall trend of improvement. Average efficiency followed a spatial pattern of majority grain-consuming areas > grain production–consumption balance areas > majority grain-producing areas. The level of coupling between agricultural eco-efficiency and urbanization is generally low. Currently, no regions have reached the stage of synergy or high-level coupling. Most regions are currently in an antagonistic stage with a coupling degree of 0.3 < C ≤ 0.5. The classification of coupling coordination levels changed from four levels of “severe imbalance”, “moderate imbalance”, “mild imbalance”, and “primary coordination” to “moderate imbalance”, “mild imbalance”, “primary coordination”, and “intermediate coordination”. The level of “severe imbalance” disappeared, the level of “intermediate coordination” appeared, and the level of “mild imbalance” became the largest scale level. From the perspective of food security, the proportion of grain production in the categories of “primary coordination” and “intermediate coordination” was less than 10%, and these provinces never achieved self-sufficiency in food production. The proportion of grain production at the “mild imbalance” level reached 62.4%, while the per capita grain production at the “moderate imbalance” level reached 846.7 kg. Provinces with lower levels of coupling coordination have stronger food security capabilities. It can be observed that the weaker the coupling coordination between agricultural eco-efficiency and urbanization, the higher the food self-sufficiency. Based on the research results above, we discussed strategies to enhance agricultural eco-efficiency in majority grain-producing regions by focusing on technological progress and technical efficiency. Additionally, we analyzed approaches to achieve grain self-sufficiency in regions characterized by a high level of coordination between agricultural eco-efficiency and urbanization, considering both production and trade dimensions.","PeriodicalId":503580,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture","volume":"113 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141125758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-18DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14050780
Khaled Abdeen Mousa Ali, Sheng Tao Li, Changyou Li, E. A. Darwish, Han Wang, T. Abdelwahab, A. E. M. Fodah, Y. F. Elsaadawi
Chickpeas hold significant nutritional and cultural importance, being a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are a staple ingredient in various cuisines worldwide. Peeling chickpeas is considered a crucial pre-consumption operation due to the undesirability of peels for some uses. This study aimed to design, test, and evaluate a small chickpea seed peeling machine. The peeling prototype was designed in accordance with the chickpeas’ measured properties; the seeds’ moisture content was determined to be 6.96% (d.b.). The prototype was examined under four different levels of drum revolving speeds (100, 200, 300, and 400 rpm), and three different numbers of brush peeling rows. The prototype was tested with rotors of four, eight, and twelve rows of brushes. The evaluation of the chickpea peeling machine encompassed several parameters, including the machine’s throughput (kg/h), energy consumption (kW), broken seeds percentage (%), unpeeled seeds percentage (%), and peeling efficiency (%). The obtained results revealed that the peeling machine throughput (kg/h) exhibited an upward trend with increases in the rotation speed of the peeling drum. Meanwhile, the throughput decreased as the number of peeling brushes installed on the roller increased. The highest recorded productivity of 71.29 kg/h was achieved under the operational condition of 400 rpm and four peeling brush rows. At the same time, the peeling efficiency increased with the increase in both of peeling drum rotational speed and number of peeling brush rows. The highest peeling efficiency (97.2%) was recorded at the rotational speed of 400 rpm and twelve peeling brush rows. On the other hand, the lowest peeling efficiency (92.85%) was recorded at the lowest drum rotational speed (100 rpm) and number of peeling brush rows (4 rows). In the optimal operational condition, the machines achieved a throughput of 71.29 kg/h, resulting in a peeling cost of 0.001 USD per kilogram. This small-scale chickpea peeling machine is a suitable selection for small and medium producers.
{"title":"Optimization and Prediction of Operational Parameters for Enhanced Efficiency of a Chickpea Peeling Machine","authors":"Khaled Abdeen Mousa Ali, Sheng Tao Li, Changyou Li, E. A. Darwish, Han Wang, T. Abdelwahab, A. E. M. Fodah, Y. F. Elsaadawi","doi":"10.3390/agriculture14050780","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050780","url":null,"abstract":"Chickpeas hold significant nutritional and cultural importance, being a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are a staple ingredient in various cuisines worldwide. Peeling chickpeas is considered a crucial pre-consumption operation due to the undesirability of peels for some uses. This study aimed to design, test, and evaluate a small chickpea seed peeling machine. The peeling prototype was designed in accordance with the chickpeas’ measured properties; the seeds’ moisture content was determined to be 6.96% (d.b.). The prototype was examined under four different levels of drum revolving speeds (100, 200, 300, and 400 rpm), and three different numbers of brush peeling rows. The prototype was tested with rotors of four, eight, and twelve rows of brushes. The evaluation of the chickpea peeling machine encompassed several parameters, including the machine’s throughput (kg/h), energy consumption (kW), broken seeds percentage (%), unpeeled seeds percentage (%), and peeling efficiency (%). The obtained results revealed that the peeling machine throughput (kg/h) exhibited an upward trend with increases in the rotation speed of the peeling drum. Meanwhile, the throughput decreased as the number of peeling brushes installed on the roller increased. The highest recorded productivity of 71.29 kg/h was achieved under the operational condition of 400 rpm and four peeling brush rows. At the same time, the peeling efficiency increased with the increase in both of peeling drum rotational speed and number of peeling brush rows. The highest peeling efficiency (97.2%) was recorded at the rotational speed of 400 rpm and twelve peeling brush rows. On the other hand, the lowest peeling efficiency (92.85%) was recorded at the lowest drum rotational speed (100 rpm) and number of peeling brush rows (4 rows). In the optimal operational condition, the machines achieved a throughput of 71.29 kg/h, resulting in a peeling cost of 0.001 USD per kilogram. This small-scale chickpea peeling machine is a suitable selection for small and medium producers.","PeriodicalId":503580,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture","volume":"119 50","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141125200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The wind sieve cleaner is widely used in the screening system of combine harvesters due to its compact structure and efficient screening capability. In order to study more deeply the feeding load distribution of the combine harvester and the influence of the airflow field on the clearing effect, a mechanical analysis method was adopted to analyze the dynamics of the material in the inclined airflow, and a kinetic model was established. At the same time, the motion state of the material in the airflow field was explored, and combined with the actual orthogonal test, the response surface model of factors and indicators was established. Experimental validation was carried out. It provides an important research foundation and theoretical basis for optimizing the structural parameters of the screening system and improving its operational performance.
{"title":"Research and Experiment on Airflow Field Control Technology of Harvester Cleaning System Based on Load Distribution","authors":"Duanxin Li, Qinghao He, Dong Yue, Duanyang Geng, Jianning Yin, Pengxuan Guan, Zehao Zha","doi":"10.3390/agriculture14050779","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050779","url":null,"abstract":"The wind sieve cleaner is widely used in the screening system of combine harvesters due to its compact structure and efficient screening capability. In order to study more deeply the feeding load distribution of the combine harvester and the influence of the airflow field on the clearing effect, a mechanical analysis method was adopted to analyze the dynamics of the material in the inclined airflow, and a kinetic model was established. At the same time, the motion state of the material in the airflow field was explored, and combined with the actual orthogonal test, the response surface model of factors and indicators was established. Experimental validation was carried out. It provides an important research foundation and theoretical basis for optimizing the structural parameters of the screening system and improving its operational performance.","PeriodicalId":503580,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture","volume":"104 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141124872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-16DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14050770
Elena Georgopoulou, Nikos Gakis, Dimitris Kapetanakis, Dimitris Voloudakis, M. Markaki, Y. Sarafidis, Dimitris P. Lalas, G. Laliotis, Konstantina Akamati, I. Bizelis, Markos Daskalakis, S. Mirasgedis, I. Tzamtzis
The study assesses the direct effects of climate change by 2060, including extreme events, on the productivity of regional crop farming and livestock in Greece, and the broader socio-economic effects on the agri-food and other sectors. Different approaches (i.e., agronomic models, statistical regression models, and equations linking thermal stress to livestock output) were combined to estimate the effects on productivity from changes in the average values of climatic parameters, and subsequently the direct economic effects from this long-term climate change. Recorded damages from extreme events together with climatic thresholds per event and crop were combined to estimate the direct economic effects of these extremes. The broader socio-economic effects were then estimated through input–output analysis. Under average levels of future extreme events, the total direct economic losses for Greek agriculture due to climate change will be significant, from EUR 437 million/year to EUR 1 billion/year. These losses approximately double when indirect effects on other sectors using agricultural products as inputs (e.g., food and beverage, hotels, and restaurants) are considered, and escalate further under a tenfold impact of extreme events. Losses in the GDP and employment are moderate at the national level, but significant in regions where the contribution of agriculture is high.
{"title":"Climate Change Risks for the Mediterranean Agri-Food Sector: The Case of Greece","authors":"Elena Georgopoulou, Nikos Gakis, Dimitris Kapetanakis, Dimitris Voloudakis, M. Markaki, Y. Sarafidis, Dimitris P. Lalas, G. Laliotis, Konstantina Akamati, I. Bizelis, Markos Daskalakis, S. Mirasgedis, I. Tzamtzis","doi":"10.3390/agriculture14050770","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14050770","url":null,"abstract":"The study assesses the direct effects of climate change by 2060, including extreme events, on the productivity of regional crop farming and livestock in Greece, and the broader socio-economic effects on the agri-food and other sectors. Different approaches (i.e., agronomic models, statistical regression models, and equations linking thermal stress to livestock output) were combined to estimate the effects on productivity from changes in the average values of climatic parameters, and subsequently the direct economic effects from this long-term climate change. Recorded damages from extreme events together with climatic thresholds per event and crop were combined to estimate the direct economic effects of these extremes. The broader socio-economic effects were then estimated through input–output analysis. Under average levels of future extreme events, the total direct economic losses for Greek agriculture due to climate change will be significant, from EUR 437 million/year to EUR 1 billion/year. These losses approximately double when indirect effects on other sectors using agricultural products as inputs (e.g., food and beverage, hotels, and restaurants) are considered, and escalate further under a tenfold impact of extreme events. Losses in the GDP and employment are moderate at the national level, but significant in regions where the contribution of agriculture is high.","PeriodicalId":503580,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture","volume":" 634","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141127501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study applied direct-contact ultrasound-assisted Vacuum Far-Infrared (VFIR) to dry Cistanche slices, investigating the influence of radiation temperature (45 °C, 55 °C, 65 °C), ultrasonic frequency (20 kHz, 40 kHz, 60 kHz) and ultrasonic power (72 W, 96 W, 120 W) on the physicochemical properties, drying characteristics, and microstructure of Cistanche slices. The results showed that the application of ultrasound had a significant enhancement effect on the drying process, with drying time decreasing as radiation temperature, ultrasonic power, and ultrasonic frequency increased. The drying rate curves under three experimental factors exhibited a brief acceleration stage followed by a deceleration stage. Under different drying conditions, the contents of Iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides in dried products were higher than those under natural drying (ND). Specifically, the content of catalpol at 55 °C, 96 W, 40 kHz (0.56 mg/g) and the content of Leonuride at 55 °C, 96 W, 60 kHz (0.67 mg/g) increased by 1.81 and 1.9 times, compared to ND. The rest of the nutrient content and antioxidant activity increased with the increase in ultrasonic frequency. Compared to ND, ultrasonic-assisted VFIR drying improved the color and rehydration capacity of dried products. Observation of the microstructure revealed that the application of ultrasound made the interior of Cistanche slices loose and porous. In summary, ultrasonic-assisted VFIR drying not only enhances the drying rate but also improves the quality of dried products.
{"title":"Effect of Ultrasound-Assisted Vacuum Far-Infrared on the Drying Characteristics and Qualities Attributes of Cistanche Slices","authors":"Bowen Wu, Guojun Ma, Fangxin Wan, Junmin Ma, Zepeng Zang, Yanrui Xu, Ao Chen, Xiaopeng Huang","doi":"10.3390/agriculture14040557","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040557","url":null,"abstract":"This study applied direct-contact ultrasound-assisted Vacuum Far-Infrared (VFIR) to dry Cistanche slices, investigating the influence of radiation temperature (45 °C, 55 °C, 65 °C), ultrasonic frequency (20 kHz, 40 kHz, 60 kHz) and ultrasonic power (72 W, 96 W, 120 W) on the physicochemical properties, drying characteristics, and microstructure of Cistanche slices. The results showed that the application of ultrasound had a significant enhancement effect on the drying process, with drying time decreasing as radiation temperature, ultrasonic power, and ultrasonic frequency increased. The drying rate curves under three experimental factors exhibited a brief acceleration stage followed by a deceleration stage. Under different drying conditions, the contents of Iridoid and phenylethanoid glycosides in dried products were higher than those under natural drying (ND). Specifically, the content of catalpol at 55 °C, 96 W, 40 kHz (0.56 mg/g) and the content of Leonuride at 55 °C, 96 W, 60 kHz (0.67 mg/g) increased by 1.81 and 1.9 times, compared to ND. The rest of the nutrient content and antioxidant activity increased with the increase in ultrasonic frequency. Compared to ND, ultrasonic-assisted VFIR drying improved the color and rehydration capacity of dried products. Observation of the microstructure revealed that the application of ultrasound made the interior of Cistanche slices loose and porous. In summary, ultrasonic-assisted VFIR drying not only enhances the drying rate but also improves the quality of dried products.","PeriodicalId":503580,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture","volume":"19 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140358567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-31DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14040553
Silin Chen, Xiangyu Guo
Green agricultural development opens up a feasible way for China to construct sustainable communities and promote rural revitalization strategies. However, a clear gap on the subject sets apart various regions in China, resulting in off-balance development. This paper, based on the panel data from 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2013 to 2020, established an evaluation index system for China’s green agricultural development levels, measured the green agricultural development in different regions, and applied the log(t) model, the Ordered Probit model, and the Ordered Logit model to identify convergence trends and causes of China’s green agricultural development level club convergence, respectively. Our research found the following: (1) The green agricultural development levels in various regions in China are on the rise, and regional gaps are still significant. The output of green agricultural products is the focus of various regions in promoting green agricultural development. (2) The green agricultural development levels in China’s 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) have converged to four clubs. China is gradually forming a convergence pattern of green agricultural development levels, with the main agricultural production areas as the core. (3) The regional gap at the level of environmental regulation for green agricultural development first narrows, then expands, and then narrows. The intensity of environmental regulation in most areas is in the first stage. This indicates that China should continue to maintain the current intensity and promote green agricultural development levels to converge towards high-level clubs. In addition, the GDP, grain production area, fiscal support for agriculture, and rural human capital can narrow the gaps in green agricultural development levels between regions.
{"title":"Analysis of the Club Convergence and Driving Factors of China’s Green Agricultural Development Levels","authors":"Silin Chen, Xiangyu Guo","doi":"10.3390/agriculture14040553","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040553","url":null,"abstract":"Green agricultural development opens up a feasible way for China to construct sustainable communities and promote rural revitalization strategies. However, a clear gap on the subject sets apart various regions in China, resulting in off-balance development. This paper, based on the panel data from 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2013 to 2020, established an evaluation index system for China’s green agricultural development levels, measured the green agricultural development in different regions, and applied the log(t) model, the Ordered Probit model, and the Ordered Logit model to identify convergence trends and causes of China’s green agricultural development level club convergence, respectively. Our research found the following: (1) The green agricultural development levels in various regions in China are on the rise, and regional gaps are still significant. The output of green agricultural products is the focus of various regions in promoting green agricultural development. (2) The green agricultural development levels in China’s 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) have converged to four clubs. China is gradually forming a convergence pattern of green agricultural development levels, with the main agricultural production areas as the core. (3) The regional gap at the level of environmental regulation for green agricultural development first narrows, then expands, and then narrows. The intensity of environmental regulation in most areas is in the first stage. This indicates that China should continue to maintain the current intensity and promote green agricultural development levels to converge towards high-level clubs. In addition, the GDP, grain production area, fiscal support for agriculture, and rural human capital can narrow the gaps in green agricultural development levels between regions.","PeriodicalId":503580,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture","volume":"115 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140359977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-31DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14040554
Zaibin Wang, Xufeng Wang, Can Hu, Tida Ge, Long Wang, Jianfei Xing, Xiaowei He, Yachuan Zhao
The presence of microplastics in soil has become a significant global concern, posing a threat to environmental, agricultural, and human health. However, the use of various detection methods has led to significant discrepancies in the statistics reported for the abundance of soil microplastics across the available literature, resulting in poor comparability across the available literature. Studies have shown that plastic film residue is among the main primary sources of microplastics in farmland soils. Therefore, we manufactured and selected polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) from plastic film and combined them with soil samples after density separation treatment, forming a spiked test soil sample, which was subjected to density separation and extraction using a ZnCl2 solution. The experiment used visual inspection by stereo microscopy, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectrometry, laser direct infrared imaging, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy for the quantitative analysis of spiked soil. This study systematically assessed and compared these five common soil microplastic detection methods. The results revealed different quantitative detection accuracies across various particle size ranges. Micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed a broader applicable particle size range (20–5000 μm) and higher detection rate (91%), while the detection range (>50 μm) and rate (70%) of visual inspection through stereo microscopy were lower. For the identification of microplastic morphology, laser direct infrared imaging performed better, whereas micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy had the advantage in determining the types of polymers present over micro-Raman spectrometry. The advantages, disadvantages, and detection rates of the above five detection methods were clarified during the detection process. Considering these findings and similar studies, we suggest three combinations of the evaluated methods to optimize the detection of PE-MPs.
{"title":"Comparative Evaluation of Analytical Techniques for Quantifying and Characterizing Polyethylene Microplastics in Farmland Soil Samples","authors":"Zaibin Wang, Xufeng Wang, Can Hu, Tida Ge, Long Wang, Jianfei Xing, Xiaowei He, Yachuan Zhao","doi":"10.3390/agriculture14040554","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040554","url":null,"abstract":"The presence of microplastics in soil has become a significant global concern, posing a threat to environmental, agricultural, and human health. However, the use of various detection methods has led to significant discrepancies in the statistics reported for the abundance of soil microplastics across the available literature, resulting in poor comparability across the available literature. Studies have shown that plastic film residue is among the main primary sources of microplastics in farmland soils. Therefore, we manufactured and selected polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) from plastic film and combined them with soil samples after density separation treatment, forming a spiked test soil sample, which was subjected to density separation and extraction using a ZnCl2 solution. The experiment used visual inspection by stereo microscopy, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectrometry, laser direct infrared imaging, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy for the quantitative analysis of spiked soil. This study systematically assessed and compared these five common soil microplastic detection methods. The results revealed different quantitative detection accuracies across various particle size ranges. Micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed a broader applicable particle size range (20–5000 μm) and higher detection rate (91%), while the detection range (>50 μm) and rate (70%) of visual inspection through stereo microscopy were lower. For the identification of microplastic morphology, laser direct infrared imaging performed better, whereas micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy had the advantage in determining the types of polymers present over micro-Raman spectrometry. The advantages, disadvantages, and detection rates of the above five detection methods were clarified during the detection process. Considering these findings and similar studies, we suggest three combinations of the evaluated methods to optimize the detection of PE-MPs.","PeriodicalId":503580,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture","volume":"36 34","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140358231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-31DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14040556
A. B. Mihovilović, S. Kereša, Boris Lazarević, S. Pintarić, Katarina Martinko, Zvjezdana Marković, Katarina Turkalj, I. Jerčić
In vitro plants that are free of pathogens are crucial for biotechnological breeding methods. The present study investigates the effects of sterilization with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and the addition of Plant Preservative Mixture (PPMTM) to the growth medium on pathogen elimination, germination, and seedling development of the winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety Mara. The sterilization treatments differed in the duration of seed sterilization in 4% NaClO and the PPM concentration added to the growth medium. Pathogenic fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Bipolaris were completely eliminated when the seeds were sterilized in NaClO and placed on growth media with the addition of PPM. Extending the duration of the sterilization treatment with NaClO to 50 min reduced Fusarium contamination, while the interaction between the 50 min sterilization treatment with NaClO and the addition of PPM to the growth medium reduced Alternaria contamination. Our results suggest that PPM could complement sterilization procedures with NaClO in the introduction of highly infected wheat seeds in vitro. Seed germination was not affected by sterilization with NaClO or by the addition of PPM. However, PPM at a concentration of 4 mL L−1 had a negative effect on seedling development.
{"title":"The Use of Sodium Hypochlorite and Plant Preservative Mixture Significantly Reduces Seed-Borne Pathogen Contamination When Establishing In Vitro Cultures of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Seeds","authors":"A. B. Mihovilović, S. Kereša, Boris Lazarević, S. Pintarić, Katarina Martinko, Zvjezdana Marković, Katarina Turkalj, I. Jerčić","doi":"10.3390/agriculture14040556","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040556","url":null,"abstract":"In vitro plants that are free of pathogens are crucial for biotechnological breeding methods. The present study investigates the effects of sterilization with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and the addition of Plant Preservative Mixture (PPMTM) to the growth medium on pathogen elimination, germination, and seedling development of the winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety Mara. The sterilization treatments differed in the duration of seed sterilization in 4% NaClO and the PPM concentration added to the growth medium. Pathogenic fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Bipolaris were completely eliminated when the seeds were sterilized in NaClO and placed on growth media with the addition of PPM. Extending the duration of the sterilization treatment with NaClO to 50 min reduced Fusarium contamination, while the interaction between the 50 min sterilization treatment with NaClO and the addition of PPM to the growth medium reduced Alternaria contamination. Our results suggest that PPM could complement sterilization procedures with NaClO in the introduction of highly infected wheat seeds in vitro. Seed germination was not affected by sterilization with NaClO or by the addition of PPM. However, PPM at a concentration of 4 mL L−1 had a negative effect on seedling development.","PeriodicalId":503580,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture","volume":"14 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140358615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-31DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14040555
Md Sharifuzzaman, H. Mun, K. M. Ampode, Eddiemar B. Lagua, Hae-Rang Park, Young-Hwa Kim, Md Kamrul Hasan, Chul-Ju Yang
Vietnam heavily relies on pork as its primary source of animal protein. Traditional farming methods, characterized by small-scale operations, dominate the industry. However, challenges such as rising feed costs, disease outbreaks, and market volatility are prompting many farmers to abandon their businesses. Recognizing the pivotal role of the swine sector in both economic development and nutrition, authorities must intervene to prevent its collapse. In developed nations, smart pig farming, utilizing technologies like sensors and cameras for data collection and real-time decision-making, has significantly improved health and productivity. These technologies can detect subtle indicators of animal well-being, enabling prompt intervention. This review aims to analyze the drivers of Vietnam’s swine farming, identify existing production system flaws, and explore innovative precision farming methods worldwide. Embracing precision farming promises to enhance Vietnam’s competitiveness in export markets and bolster consumer confidence. However, reliance solely on expensive foreign technologies may benefit large-scale farms, leaving smaller ones behind. Therefore, fostering local innovation and validating cost-effective solutions will be crucial for the sustainable growth of small- and medium-scale pig farming in Vietnam.
{"title":"Smart Pig Farming—A Journey Ahead of Vietnam","authors":"Md Sharifuzzaman, H. Mun, K. M. Ampode, Eddiemar B. Lagua, Hae-Rang Park, Young-Hwa Kim, Md Kamrul Hasan, Chul-Ju Yang","doi":"10.3390/agriculture14040555","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040555","url":null,"abstract":"Vietnam heavily relies on pork as its primary source of animal protein. Traditional farming methods, characterized by small-scale operations, dominate the industry. However, challenges such as rising feed costs, disease outbreaks, and market volatility are prompting many farmers to abandon their businesses. Recognizing the pivotal role of the swine sector in both economic development and nutrition, authorities must intervene to prevent its collapse. In developed nations, smart pig farming, utilizing technologies like sensors and cameras for data collection and real-time decision-making, has significantly improved health and productivity. These technologies can detect subtle indicators of animal well-being, enabling prompt intervention. This review aims to analyze the drivers of Vietnam’s swine farming, identify existing production system flaws, and explore innovative precision farming methods worldwide. Embracing precision farming promises to enhance Vietnam’s competitiveness in export markets and bolster consumer confidence. However, reliance solely on expensive foreign technologies may benefit large-scale farms, leaving smaller ones behind. Therefore, fostering local innovation and validating cost-effective solutions will be crucial for the sustainable growth of small- and medium-scale pig farming in Vietnam.","PeriodicalId":503580,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture","volume":"15 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140359576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-30DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14040550
Gedyon Tamiru Mena, J. Gospodarek
The main reason for adding plants to accompany the main crop is to protect it from pests and diseases. We reviewed the effectiveness of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima L.), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) in this regard. White mustard proximity had a strong positive influence on the occurrence of Syrphidae, parasitoids, Coccinellidae, and Carabidae, as well as on the fertility of Syrphidae and the longevity of parasitoids—all of which are essential for biological pest control. It also reduced many pests and diseases. The influence of S. alba on yield depends on the spacing used and the species of protected plant. Sweet alyssum positively affected the occurrence of Syrphidae, Coccinellidae, Anthocoridae, epigeal, and soil fauna, as well as the longevity of parasitoids and Anthocoridae. Its effect on the crop yield is variable, depending on the references consulted. The sensitivity of L. maritima to Phyllotreta spp. excludes it as a companion plant for hosts of these pests. Coriander positively affected the occurrence of Chrysopidae, Coccinellidae, Staphylinidae, and Aranea, as well as the longevity of parasitoids and the egg-laying of Syrphidae. It also reduced some crop pests. Introduction of the reviewed plants can improve the biodiversity of beneficial entomofauna that can help control pests and reduce diseases, with benefits to crop and yield. The use of synthetic insecticides can thus be greatly reduced, though it is not always possible to avoid them completely.
{"title":"White Mustard, Sweet Alyssum, and Coriander as Insectary Plants in Agricultural Systems: Impacts on Ecosystem Services and Yield of Crops","authors":"Gedyon Tamiru Mena, J. Gospodarek","doi":"10.3390/agriculture14040550","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14040550","url":null,"abstract":"The main reason for adding plants to accompany the main crop is to protect it from pests and diseases. We reviewed the effectiveness of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.), sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima L.), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) in this regard. White mustard proximity had a strong positive influence on the occurrence of Syrphidae, parasitoids, Coccinellidae, and Carabidae, as well as on the fertility of Syrphidae and the longevity of parasitoids—all of which are essential for biological pest control. It also reduced many pests and diseases. The influence of S. alba on yield depends on the spacing used and the species of protected plant. Sweet alyssum positively affected the occurrence of Syrphidae, Coccinellidae, Anthocoridae, epigeal, and soil fauna, as well as the longevity of parasitoids and Anthocoridae. Its effect on the crop yield is variable, depending on the references consulted. The sensitivity of L. maritima to Phyllotreta spp. excludes it as a companion plant for hosts of these pests. Coriander positively affected the occurrence of Chrysopidae, Coccinellidae, Staphylinidae, and Aranea, as well as the longevity of parasitoids and the egg-laying of Syrphidae. It also reduced some crop pests. Introduction of the reviewed plants can improve the biodiversity of beneficial entomofauna that can help control pests and reduce diseases, with benefits to crop and yield. The use of synthetic insecticides can thus be greatly reduced, though it is not always possible to avoid them completely.","PeriodicalId":503580,"journal":{"name":"Agriculture","volume":"53 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140363055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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