Agriculture

28 pages, 3429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Effective Microorganisms and Clinoptilolite on Gut Barrier Function, Intestinal Health and Performance of Broiler Chickens during Induced Eimeria tenella Infection

by Artur Ciszewski, Łukasz S. Jarosz, Marcin Kalinowski, Agnieszka Marek, Zbigniew Grądzki, Sebastian Grabowski, Marcin Hejdysz, Sebastian Nowaczewski and Anna Rysiak

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2176; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122176 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2349

Abstract

The prohibition of certain coccidiostats in poultry has created a need to seek an alternative to control Eimeria infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of effective microorganisms (EM) in a multi-strain probiotic (Bokashi^®), with clinoptilolite as [...] Read more.

The prohibition of certain coccidiostats in poultry has created a need to seek an alternative to control Eimeria infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of effective microorganisms (EM) in a multi-strain probiotic (Bokashi^®), with clinoptilolite as a feed supplement on the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins and redox enzymes in the caecal tissue of chickens infected with E. tenella. The integrity of the intestinal barrier was tested by determining the concentration of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) in the chicken’s serum. A total of 600 1-day-old Ross 308 male chickens received diets with a 0.5% or 0.8% concentration of the probiotic together with clinoptilolite. The experiment used 5 treatment groups, and a control group, each with 5 replicates with 20 birds. The results indicate that the use of the 8 kg/t of feed multi-strain probiotic together with clinoptilolite in the diet of poultry caused a significant reduction in the number of E. tenella oocysts in the faeces and caecum and significantly improved the growth rate of chicken broilers infected with E. tenella. In addition, the probiotic and clinoptilolite enhanced antioxidant processes in the caecal mucosa and reduced oxidative stress induced by E. tenella infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Nutrition Quality on the Health, Productivity, and Performance of Livestock)

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12 pages, 1551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Survival and Feeding Behavior of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Adults on Common Cover Crops in Citrus

by Justin George, Ramdas Kanissery, Mahesh Bashyal, Blessy Tamayo and Lukasz L. Stelinski

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2175; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122175 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1891

Abstract

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the bacterial pathogen responsible for citrus greening disease. To explore the possibility that cover crops in citrus groves may serve as refuges for this pathogen vector during unfavorable host conditions, [...] Read more.

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the bacterial pathogen responsible for citrus greening disease. To explore the possibility that cover crops in citrus groves may serve as refuges for this pathogen vector during unfavorable host conditions, psyllid feeding was investigated on six common cover crop species and citrus using electrical penetration graph (EPG) recordings and behavioral bioassays. EPG recordings showed that the proportion of time spent by D. citri feeding on xylem was similar or higher on all tested cover crops (17%–32%) compared to the positive control (12%), the preferred host, Citrus macrophylla. Very little to no phloem feeding was observed on cover crops by the adults. In the choice assays, more D. citri adults settled on buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) than on the host, C. macrophylla, 24 h after release. No-choice assays showed that the citrus cover crop species evaluated extend the survival of D. citri up to 8 d because of xylem feeding. Our results indicate that some cover crop species may be less suitable refuge sites for D. citri than others, but none served as breeding sites or supported more than 8 d of survival. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Ecology and Pest Management in Agriculture)

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19 pages, 5673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimentally Based Numerical Simulation of the Influence of the Agricultural Subsurface Drainage Pipe Geometric Structure on Drainage Flow

by Zhe Wu, Chenyao Guo, Haoyu Yang, Hang Li and Jingwei Wu

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2174; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122174 - 18 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1747

Abstract

The geometric structure of corrugated plastic pipes affects performance in agricultural subsurface drainage systems. To explore the influence of pipe geometry on flow field characteristics and the characterization of water movements, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) steady-state subsurface drainage model based on computational [...] Read more.

The geometric structure of corrugated plastic pipes affects performance in agricultural subsurface drainage systems. To explore the influence of pipe geometry on flow field characteristics and the characterization of water movements, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) steady-state subsurface drainage model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). An analysis of the CFD and sand tank results indicated that the proposed model can accurately simulate the subsurface drainage process (R² = 0.99). The corrugation structure parameters of the drainpipe, including the outside diameter, corrugation valley width and corrugation height, were taken as the objects for this study, and the influence of corrugation parameters on drainage discharge was orthogonally analysed. During drainage, the soil water initially collects in the corrugation valley and then approximately ninety percent of the water flows into the pipe through the bottom perforations; increasing the contact face area between the corrugation valley and soil can increase the flow rate of the drainpipe and the water table height above the pipe, which decreases the intersection position of the pipe and water table. The results of the analysis of the range and variance of the orthogonal experiment showed that the order of the primary and secondary factors influencing the drainage discharge was the outside diameter, corrugation valley width and corrugation height, with the outside diameter being most critical influencing factor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulation and Regulation Technology of Water and Salt Migration in Saline-alkali Dryland)

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17 pages, 1379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biostimulants Application on Olea europaea L. in Mediterranean Conditions Increase the Production and Bioactive Compounds of Drupes and Oil

by Aurora Cirillo, Lucia De Luca, Giulia Graziani, Marco Cepparulo, Christophe El-Nakhel, Maria Giordano, Youssef Rouphael, Alberto Ritieni, Raffaele Romano and Claudio Di Vaio

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2173; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122173 - 18 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1913

Abstract

Over the years, the use of biostimulants has become increasingly widespread due to their proven efficiency in improving plant productivity and quality of fruits and mitigating the effects related to environmental stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect [...] Read more.

Over the years, the use of biostimulants has become increasingly widespread due to their proven efficiency in improving plant productivity and quality of fruits and mitigating the effects related to environmental stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of three biostimulants on oil yield, production of drupes per plant, and nutraceutical components of olive drupes and oil (total polyphenols, anthocyanins, and fatty acids %) for “Racioppella” cultivar trees growing in South Italy (May–October 2021). The biostimulants used were: a tropical plants extract (A) containing amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, phytochelatins, macro- and microelements, a glycine betaine-based product (B), and a Trichoderma spp.-based biostimulant (T). The three biostimulants were compared with a control thesis (C) treated only with water. T treatment increased the polyphenols content of olive drupes by 41.04% compared to C. A and B treatments increased polyphenols content by 21.87% on average compared to C. All three biostimulants showed positive effect by increasing the amount of polyphenols in olive oil compared to C:T showed an increase of 32.19%, B 7.76%, and A 19.78%. Biostimulant application proved useful in boosting fundamental parameters that determine better drupe and oil in terms of antioxidant capacity and nutraceutical potential, other than an increased production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)

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23 pages, 4496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Trihelix Gene Family in Asian and African Vigna Species

by Shweta Kumari, Dhammaprakash Pandhari Wankhede, Sneha Murmu, Ranjeet Maurya, Sarika Jaiswal, Anil Rai and Sunil Archak

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2172; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122172 - 18 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1704

Abstract

Trihelix transcription factors play a crucial role in varied stress responses as well as in the growth and development of plants. The role of trihelix transcription factors in the non-shattering phenotype in domesticated rice is known. The Vigna group of crops has different [...] Read more.

Trihelix transcription factors play a crucial role in varied stress responses as well as in the growth and development of plants. The role of trihelix transcription factors in the non-shattering phenotype in domesticated rice is known. The Vigna group of crops has different degrees of shattering phenotypes in different species. To understand the evolutionary conservation or divergence of the trihelix gene family in important Vigna species here, the genome-wide identification and characterization of the trihelix gene family in four Vigna species including the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), mung bean (V. radiata), adzuki bean (V. angularis) and rice bean (V. umbellata) was performed. A total of 39, 35, 41 and 50 trihelix genes were identified in the cowpea, mung bean, adzuki bean and rice bean, respectively. The trihelix genes in each of the four Vigna species were classified into five subgroups: GT, GTγ, SH4, S1P1 and GTδ. The members of each subgroup shared similar patterns of gene structure and motif across the four species. The cross-species positional relationships of the cowpea, adzuki bean and mung bean vis-a-vis rice trihelix genes were studied. Further, the Ka/Ks ratio for the trihelix genes in the four Vigna species indicated the purifying or stabilizing selection of the family. The gene expression analysis of the trihelix gene family in the cowpea showed that most of the genes express in at least some of the seed and/or pod developmental stages, although at varying degrees. Based on detailed bioinformatic analysis, a potential target for gene editing towards a possible non-shattering phenotype in the four important Vigna crops was discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Genetics and Genomics to Enhance Crop Production, towards Global Food Security)

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13 pages, 763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Feed Efficiency and Its Relationship with Egg Quality in Two Purebred Chicken Lines and Their Reciprocal Crosses

by Jinmeng Zhao, Jingwei Yuan, Yuanmei Wang, Aixin Ni, Yanyan Sun, Yunlei Li, Hui Ma, Panlin Wang, Lei Shi, Pingzhuang Ge, Shixiong Bian, Yunhe Zong and Jilan Chen

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2171; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122171 - 17 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1444

Abstract

Crossbreeding is normally applied to improve the economical traits of chickens. However, feed efficiency and its relationship with egg quality have rarely been explored in crossbreds. Herein, White Leghorn and Beijing You chickens were selected to generate purebreds (WW, YY) and reciprocal crossbreds [...] Read more.

Crossbreeding is normally applied to improve the economical traits of chickens. However, feed efficiency and its relationship with egg quality have rarely been explored in crossbreds. Herein, White Leghorn and Beijing You chickens were selected to generate purebreds (WW, YY) and reciprocal crossbreds (YW, WY), which were evaluated in terms of daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and residual feed intake (RFI) at 43 to 46 and 69 to 72 weeks of age, respectively. We found that WY was more efficient than YW in both laying periods. The correlation analysis showed that RFI was highly correlated with DFI (0.49 to 0.84) but unrelated to egg mass, and FCR was negatively correlated with egg mass (−0.77 to −0.43) in both purebreds and crossbreds. Moreover, RFI was not correlated with egg quality traits within each genetic group, except for the egg yolk ratio (0.27) in WW. FCR was negatively correlated with eggshell weight and thickness (−0.33 to −0.19) in WW and WY. Compared to FCR, selection for RFI could improve feed efficiency without significant changes in egg mass and quality in chickens. These findings provide new insights into the improvement of feed efficiency using rational parental lines in chicken crossbreeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)

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13 pages, 2420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect Mechanism of Solar Radiation on Maize Yield Formation

by Yunshan Yang, Guangzhou Liu, Xiaoxia Guo, Wanmao Liu, Jun Xue, Bo Ming, Ruizhi Xie, Keru Wang, Shaokun Li and Peng Hou

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2170; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122170 - 17 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1983

Abstract

Solar dimming due to global climate change is becoming increasingly more common in some agricultural areas. Such low-light stress inhibits maize ear number, kernel number per unit area (KN), and kernel weight (KW) as vital yield components. However, which yield component factors are [...] Read more.

Solar dimming due to global climate change is becoming increasingly more common in some agricultural areas. Such low-light stress inhibits maize ear number, kernel number per unit area (KN), and kernel weight (KW) as vital yield components. However, which yield component factors are most important for yield formation under low-light stress remains unknown. In this study at Qitai Farm in Xinjiang, China, in 2019 and 2020, we planted three maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars (Denghai 618 (DH618), Xianyu 335 (XY335), and Zhengdan 958 (ZD958)) at two densities (7.5 × 10⁴ (D1) and 12 × 10⁴ (D2) plants ha⁻¹). We used four shading treatments (85% (S1), 70% (S2), and 50% (S3) natural light and no shading (CK)) from the three-leaf stage until maturity to create different light conditions. KN was the key factor that directly affected yield under low-light stress. For every 100 MJ m⁻² decrease in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), the KN decreased by 803.2 kernels per m² . When the PAR was >674.3 MJ m⁻² , KW tended to stabilize at 36.2 g/hundred kernels and the growth rate was 5.82 g/100 MJ m⁻² per hundred kernels. DH618 and XY335 KNs were more sensitive to lowered solar radiation than ZD958. When density increased, DH618 required fewer light resources than the other cultivars to produce an equivalent amount of photosynthates for kernels. Therefore, in the face of climate change, particularly solar dimming, there is an urgent need to breed maize cultivars, such as DH618, with low-light stress tolerance and high grain yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)

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17 pages, 951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization of Apple Orchard on Soil Mineral Nitrogen Content, Yielding of the Apple Trees and Nutritional Status of Leaves and Fruits

by Wojciech Kowalczyk, Dariusz Wrona and Sebastian Przybyłko

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2169; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122169 - 17 Dec 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2881

Abstract

Contemporary trends in horticulture are aimed at limiting the use of mineral fertilizers to the necessary minimum, which is to guarantee adequate profitability of production while maintaining high-quality fruit and at the same time preventing environmental pollution. Thus, in the presented study, we [...] Read more.

Contemporary trends in horticulture are aimed at limiting the use of mineral fertilizers to the necessary minimum, which is to guarantee adequate profitability of production while maintaining high-quality fruit and at the same time preventing environmental pollution. Thus, in the presented study, we investigate the effect of diversified nitrogen fertilization on soil mineral nitrogen content during vegetation season, yielding of apple trees and the nutritional status of apple leaves and fruits. We compared several ammonium nitrate treatments as well as growth without fertilization as a control. The results of our study show that under the conditions of humus-rich soils and with appropriate agrotechnics, N mineralization from the organic matter available in the soil may completely cover demand of apple trees for this component. Achieved outcomes clearly revealed that nitrogen fertilization in the amount of 100 kg N · ha⁻¹ on the entire soil surface carries a real risk of groundwater contamination, and the same nitrogen dose applied within the grassland does not bring any production effects, therefore it should be considered as unjustified. Obtained results revealed that in a rationally managed, fully fruiting apple orchard, the annual dose of N should not exceed 50 kg N∙ha⁻¹. This dosage of N should fully secure the nutritional needs of apple trees, guaranteeing their high yield and complete safety for the environment. What is important is, nitrogen fertilization strongly affects macroelemental composition of apple leaves and fruits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of Environmental Factors on Fruit Quality)

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16 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Increasing Dietary Manganese from an Organic Source on the Reproductive Performance of Sows

by Clint E. Edmunds, Alyssa S. Cornelison, Chantale Farmer, Christof Rapp, Valerie E. Ryman, Wes P. Schweer, Mark E. Wilson and C. Robert Dove

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122168 - 17 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1760

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary manganese on the reproductive performance of sows. Sows (n = 39; 231 ± 8 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three dietary levels of supplemented Mn (CON: 0 ppm [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary manganese on the reproductive performance of sows. Sows (n = 39; 231 ± 8 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three dietary levels of supplemented Mn (CON: 0 ppm Mn; PRO20: 20 ppm Mn; PRO40: 40 ppm Mn). The experimental treatments were initiated at breeding and continued through two parities. The sows were blocked by parity within each farrowing group. The data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using the MIXED procedure of SAS with diet as a fixed effect and block as a random effect. The lactation feed intake increased in the PRO20 sows compared to the CON and PRO40 sows (p < 0.05). The PRO20 and PRO40 sows farrowed piglets with improved average daily gain from birth to weaning (CON 214 g/day; PRO20 237 g/day; 220 g/day; p < 0.05) compared to the CON sows. The milk fat content was lower in the PRO20 (5.5%) and PRO40 sows (6.1%; p < 0.05) compared to the CON sows (7.8%), possibly due to increased milk demand. Supplementary dietary Mn throughout two gestation and lactation cycles led to improved birth weights and pre-weaning growth of piglets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Nutrition and Productions)

14 pages, 5569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Subsurface Drainage on Soil Salinity and Groundwater Table in Drip Irrigated Cotton Fields in Oasis Regions of Tarim Basin

by Yuhui Yang, Dongwei Li, Weixiong Huang, Xinguo Zhou, Zhaoyang Li, Xiaomei Dong and Xingpeng Wang

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2167; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122167 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1743

Abstract

As one global issue, soil salinization has caused soil degradation, thus affecting the sustainable development of irrigated agriculture. A two-year study was conducted in 2018 and 2019 to identify the effects of subsurface drainage spacing on soil salinity and groundwater level, the latter [...] Read more.

As one global issue, soil salinization has caused soil degradation, thus affecting the sustainable development of irrigated agriculture. A two-year study was conducted in 2018 and 2019 to identify the effects of subsurface drainage spacing on soil salinity and groundwater level, the latter of which is in a high-water table in drip irrigation cotton fields in the Tarim Basin oasis in southern Xinjiang, China. Three subsurface drainage treatments, with a drain spacing of 10 m (W10), 20 m (W20), and 30 m (W30), respectively, and a drainage-absent treatment (CK), are tested. With CK, soil salinity in the 0–60 cm layer was accumulated within a year. In contrast, the subsurface drainage reduced the soil salinity at a leaching rate of 10–25%. When decreasing the drain spacing, it was found that the soil desalination rate increased significantly (p < 0.05) with good repeatability. Experimental results showed that the fitting equation of the soil salinity leaching curve could accurately describe the soil salinity leaching pattern of drip irrigation, and thus could be further used to inversely determine the theoretical drip irrigation leaching quota for those soils with different salinity degrees. As such, subsurface drainage could effectively control the groundwater table. Compared with CK, subsurface drainage deepened the groundwater table and mitigated the fluctuation of the groundwater level. These effects were strengthened by reducing the drain spacing. Correspondingly, the influence of the fluctuation of the groundwater table was reduced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulation and Regulation Technology of Water and Salt Migration in Saline-alkali Dryland)

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16 pages, 740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deteriorating Harmful Effects of Drought in Cucumber by Spraying Glycinebetaine

by El-Saied E. Metwaly, Hatim M. Al-Yasi, Esmat F. Ali, Hamada A. Farouk and Saad Farouk

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2166; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122166 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1923

Abstract

In order to alleviate the shortage of irrigation water in dry regions, refining water use efficiency (WUE) is a key issue in sustainable productivity. Furthermore, glycinebetaine (GlyBet) is a vital osmoprotectant produced in crops for improving drought tolerance; however, little is known about [...] Read more.

In order to alleviate the shortage of irrigation water in dry regions, refining water use efficiency (WUE) is a key issue in sustainable productivity. Furthermore, glycinebetaine (GlyBet) is a vital osmoprotectant produced in crops for improving drought tolerance; however, little is known about its role in improving plant WUE under field conditions in non-accumulating plants such as cucumber. In order to elucidate the effectiveness of GlyBet concentrations (0, 2000, 4000, and 6000 mg/L) in mitigating the deleterious effects of drought (e.g., well-watered (1250 m³/fed), moderate drought (950 m³/fed), and severe drought (650 m³/fed)), field experiments were conducted at Elmia village, Dakahlia, Egypt in the 2020 and 2021 seasons on vegetative growth, some physiological attributes, as well as yield and quality. Drought considerably decreased vegetative growth, yield and its components, leaf relative water content, and photosynthetic pigment concentrations compared with well-watered plants while increasing electrolyte leakage. The most harmful causes were severe drought. However, exogenous spraying with GlyBet substantially boosted the mentioned attributes, but reduced electrolyte leakage within well-watering. Commonly 6000 mg/L contributed to the maximum growth and productivity, preserving cucumber plant water status above other concentrations or untreated plants. Under extreme drought, the application of 6000 mg/L GlyBet had a beneficial effect on moderating the damage of water deficit on cucumber plant growth and productivity. Overall, using GlyBet as a cost-effective and eco-friendly biostimulant six times (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 days from sowing) has the potential to mitigate drought damage while also increasing yield; however, more research is needed to determine the optimal rate and timing of application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Utilization of Humic Substances and Organic Waste in Green Agriculture)

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8 pages, 1608 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effects of Nursery Container Color and Spacing on Root Zone Temperatures of ‘Soft Touch’ Holly

by R. Hunter McBrayer, Jeremy M. Pickens, Anthony L. Witcher, Daniel E. Wells and Jeff L. Sibley

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122165 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1380

Abstract

Newly up-potted ‘Soft Touch’ Japanese hollies (Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’) were grown in Mobile, AL in 1.5 L containers to evaluate the effects of growth from black or white container colors and container spacing (jammed or spaced) in relation to root zone [...] Read more.

Newly up-potted ‘Soft Touch’ Japanese hollies (Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’) were grown in Mobile, AL in 1.5 L containers to evaluate the effects of growth from black or white container colors and container spacing (jammed or spaced) in relation to root zone temperature. Two treatments, container color and container spacing, were evaluated and root ratings were reported. At termination, an interaction was observed in growth from 43 to 141 days after potting between container color and spacing. Both white container treatments and the black-jammed treatment experienced 36% and 21% more growth than black-spaced plants. Root ratings for white containers (jammed and spaced) were 42% greater than for black-spaced. Black-jammed root ratings were 25% greater than black-spaced. Black-spaced containers experienced the greatest number of time intervals over the critical temperature of 39 °C when compared to other treatments. Results suggest that ‘Soft Touch’ holly may be grown at final spacing when using white containers and have little impact from elevated root zone temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Soilless Culture in Horticultural Production)

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21 pages, 59357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Application of a Crossed Multi-Arch Greenhouse in Tropical China

by Jian Liu, Xuyong Wu, Fangyuan Sun and Baolong Wang

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2164; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122164 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3791

Abstract

Deep analysis and demonstration of the developed crossed multi-arch greenhouse were conducted from the perspectives of conceptual design, architectural and structural design, functional design, loading parameters, and structural internal forces. The results show that the crossed multi-arch greenhouse combines the ventilation area between [...] Read more.

Deep analysis and demonstration of the developed crossed multi-arch greenhouse were conducted from the perspectives of conceptual design, architectural and structural design, functional design, loading parameters, and structural internal forces. The results show that the crossed multi-arch greenhouse combines the ventilation area between the floor-standing round-arch greenhouse and the unsuitable operation area under the arch bars into one to form a multi-span crossed arch structure with good ventilation and heat dissipation, land savings, and fine mechanical behaviors. The main arch structure uses 32.4% less steel and 25% less foundation volume than the control greenhouse under the same load, which can save about CNY 10,184.00/667m² of investment according to the current cost level. In the meantime, ventilation simulation analysis of the developed crossed multi-arch greenhouse was carried out using the software Design Builder. A comparison shows that, under the condition of no wind and breeze (1 m/s) in summer, the setting of the ventilation channel has obvious advantages for the heat dissipation of the greenhouse, and the average temperature is about 2 °C lower than that of the greenhouse without a ventilation channel; under the breeze condition, the temperature in the crossed multi-arch greenhouse is more evenly distributed than that of an ordinary round-arch greenhouse with ventilation channels. Considering the greenhouse function, building cost, using effect, and other evaluation factors, the crossed multi-arch greenhouse can meet the production environment requirements of tropical coastal areas (rain protection, sunshade, and ventilation), with obvious structural advantages, good typhoon resistance, and low construction costs, which is a preferable choice of greenhouse type. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Agricultural Engineering Technologies and Application)

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12 pages, 559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does COVID-19 Affect Farmland Prices? How and Why?

by Brian Lee, Po-Yuan Cheng, Lih-Chyun Sun, Yi-Ting Hsieh and Hung-Hao Chang

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2163; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122163 - 15 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1423

Abstract

COVID-19 has profoundly impacted the global economy, particularly the agricultural sector. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the relationship between COVID-19 and the farmland market. A few descriptive studies have speculated about the impact of COVID-19 on farmland prices but presented [...] Read more.

COVID-19 has profoundly impacted the global economy, particularly the agricultural sector. However, relatively little attention has been paid to the relationship between COVID-19 and the farmland market. A few descriptive studies have speculated about the impact of COVID-19 on farmland prices but presented no quantitative evidence. This study provides quantitative evidence on the causal effect of COVID-19 on farmland prices using the difference-in-differences method with population-based data on farmland transactions in Taiwan. While prior descriptive studies argued that increased farmland prices associated with COVID-19 were largely driven by macroeconomic conditions, we found that the onset of COVID-19 increased farmland prices by 5.1%, even after controlling for macroeconomic conditions and parcel-level farmland characteristics. Furthermore, we found that government payments are likely responsible for these increases in farmland prices. Financial assistance easing the economic burdens of the agricultural sector can also stabilize farmland prices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Food Consumption, Public Policy, and Farm Household Economics)

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12 pages, 794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Different Host Plants Distinctly Influence the Adaptability of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

by Wenbin Jiang, Qian Cheng, Changhao Lu, Wenlong Chen, Degang Zhao and Yingqin He

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2162; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122162 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1613

Abstract

Piercing–sucking insects are prominent phloem-feeding insect pests and understanding their feeding behavior and life characteristics plays a crucial role in studying insect host adaptability. The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is one of the most prominent pests in tobacco-growing areas around [...] Read more.

Piercing–sucking insects are prominent phloem-feeding insect pests and understanding their feeding behavior and life characteristics plays a crucial role in studying insect host adaptability. The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is one of the most prominent pests in tobacco-growing areas around the world. This study evaluated the adaptability of M. persicae to five host plants: tobacco, radish, Chinese cabbage, Brassica oleracea, and rape using the electropenetrography, age-stage, two-sex life table and population dynamics. The results demonstrated that the feeding behavior of M. persicae differed significantly according to the target hosts. M. persicae exhibited reduced pathway activities and increased phloem sap ingestion on radish, whereas the opposite was observed on Chinese cabbage. Additionally, the mechanical difficulties of M. persicae mouthparts in the probe pathway phase were significantly lower on tobacco and radish than on other host plants. Life table parameters indicated that for M. persicae reared on radish, preadult duration, longevity, and total preoviposition increased significantly and the fecundity was the highest. Furthermore, the net reproductive rate (R₀) increased significantly. The population number of M. persicae on radish after 15 days was significantly higher than that on other hosts, except for tobacco. Although M. persicae can successfully survive on the five plants, our results demonstrated that radish is the optimal host. These results provide significant information for understanding the population dynamics of M. persicae and on different host crops integrated management strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocontrol of Plant Pests and Pathogens)

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17 pages, 2065 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utility of Deep Learning Algorithms in Initial Flowering Period Prediction Models

by Guanjie Jiao, Xiawei Shentu, Xiaochen Zhu, Wenbo Song, Yujia Song and Kexuan Yang

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2161; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122161 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1432

Abstract

The application of a deep learning algorithm (DL) can more accurately predict the initial flowering period of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco. In this research, we applied DL to establish a nationwide long-term prediction model of the initial flowering period of P. orientalis and [...] Read more.

The application of a deep learning algorithm (DL) can more accurately predict the initial flowering period of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco. In this research, we applied DL to establish a nationwide long-term prediction model of the initial flowering period of P. orientalis and analyzed the contribution rate of meteorological factors via Shapely Additive Explanation (SHAP). Based on the daily meteorological data of major meteorological stations in China from 1963–2015 and the observation of initial flowering data from 23 phenological stations, we established prediction models by using recurrent neural network (RNN), long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU). The mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and coefficient of determination (R²) were used as training effect indicators to evaluate the prediction accuracy. The simulation results show that the three models are applicable to the prediction of the initial flowering of P. orientalis nationwide in China, with the average accuracy of the GRU being the highest, followed by LSTM and the RNN, which is significantly higher than the prediction accuracy of the regression model based on accumulated air temperature. In the interpretability analysis, the factor contribution rates of the three models are similar, the 46 temperature type factors have the highest contribution rate with 58.6% of temperature factors’ contribution rate being higher than 0 and average contribution rate being 5.48 × 10⁻⁴, and the stability of the contribution rate of the factors related to the daily minimum temperature factor has obvious fluctuations with an average standard deviation of 8.57 × 10⁻³, which might be related to the plants being sensitive to low temperature stress. The GRU model can accurately predict the change rule of the initial flowering, with an average accuracy greater than 98%, and the simulation effect is the best, indicating that the potential application of the GRU model is the prediction of initial flowering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Vision Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Smart Farming)

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14 pages, 9864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spider Mites Detection in Wheat Field Based on an Improved RetinaNet

by Denghao Pang, Hong Wang, Peng Chen and Dong Liang

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122160 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1645

Abstract

As a daily staple food of more than one third of the world’s population, wheat is one of the main food crops in the world. The increase in wheat production will help meet the current global food security needs. In the process of [...] Read more.

As a daily staple food of more than one third of the world’s population, wheat is one of the main food crops in the world. The increase in wheat production will help meet the current global food security needs. In the process of wheat growth, diseases and insect pests have great influence on the yield, which leads to a significant decline. Wheat spider mites are the most harmful to wheat because they are too small to be found. Therefore, how to use deep learning to identify small pests is a hot spot in modern intelligent agriculture research. In this paper, we propose an improved RetinaNet model and train it on our own dataset of wheat spider mites. Firstly, the wheat spider mites dataset is expanded from 1959 to 9215 by using two different angles and image segmentation methods. Secondly, the wheat spider mite feature detection head is added to improve the identification of small targets. Thirdly, the feature pyramid in FPN is further optimized, and the high-resolution feature maps are fully utilized to fuse the regression information of shallow feature maps and the semantic information of deep feature maps. Finally, the anchor generation strategy is optimized according to the amount of mites. Experimental results on the newly established wheat mite dataset validated our proposed model, yielding 81.7% mAP, which is superior to other advanced object detection methods in detecting wheat spider mites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)

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12 pages, 776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Industrial Sotol Production in Mexico—A Life Cycle Assessment

by Juan Manuel Madrid-Solórzano, Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz, Eduardo Martínez Cámara, Julio Blanco Fernández and Emilio Jiménez Macías

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2159; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122159 - 15 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1719

Abstract

Sotol is a distilled spirit made in the north of Mexico produced from the wild plant Dasylirion wheeleri. Although sotol was awarded the Designation of Origin (DO) in 2002 and has an economic influence on the DO region, its environmental profile has [...] Read more.

Sotol is a distilled spirit made in the north of Mexico produced from the wild plant Dasylirion wheeleri. Although sotol was awarded the Designation of Origin (DO) in 2002 and has an economic influence on the DO region, its environmental profile has not been determined. For that reason, this paper reports a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of the industrial sotol production process in the Mexican state of Chihuahua to determine any significant environmental impacts caused by sotol production from raw material acquisition to the packaging stage. The LCA was modeled using SimaPro 8.5.2 software (PRé Sustainability, Amersfoort, The Netherlands) and the environmental impacts were calculated using the CML-IA baseline v3.03/EU25 impact assessment technique. The findings reveal that sotol beverage manufacturing considerably affects three of the eleven impact categories selected and that the harvesting and bottling stages have the greatest negative environmental impact of all the sotol production stages. According to empirical data, one bottle (750 mL) of sotol results in a higher carbon dioxide value than any other spirit evaluated in earlier LCA studies, with white, rested, and aged sotol generating 5.07, 5.12, and 5.13 kg CO₂ eq, respectively. Other drinks, such as mescal, classic gin, and whisky generate only 1.7, 0.91, and 2.25 kg CO₂ eq, respectively. In conclusion, sotol distillery companies should start to decrease road transport of raw materials used in the packaging stage and begin to cultivate sotol instead of extracting it from the wild as strategies to achieve cleaner production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green and Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystem)

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15 pages, 4832 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computational Model for the Dynamic Characterisation of a Trunk Shaker

by Pedro Sanchez-Cachinero, Rafael Luque-Mohedano and Rafael R. Sola-Guirado

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2158; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122158 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2000

Abstract

The development of trunk shaker machines over the years has been based on test-error methods in field. Mathematical or computational models have been studied with great simplifications. This paper presents a method for modelling the dynamic behaviour of a trunk shaker with a [...] Read more.

The development of trunk shaker machines over the years has been based on test-error methods in field. Mathematical or computational models have been studied with great simplifications. This paper presents a method for modelling the dynamic behaviour of a trunk shaker with a test bench. Two mass configurations were used on the test bench as well as two different vibration frequencies on the trunk shaker. Acceleration values were recorded at different points of the system. The binomial shaker-post was computationally modelled, and its dynamic response was analysed based on a modal and transient study with a series of proposed simplifications. The results of the simulations were compared with experimentally recorded acceleration values. In both cases, a linear response to mass and frequency variation was observed in the acceleration that the shaker performed. There was a high correlation in the effective accelerations (error < 4%) between experimental and computational studies measured in the trunk shaker. However, there were higher errors when the post was used in the test in the post structure points. The greatest uncertainty in the model may lie in the assumption of contact between the attachment pad and the post, but if this is not carried out, it makes convergence in the computational calculations very difficult. The method has proved its worth in determining the dynamic behaviour of these machines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Harvesting Technology in Orchards)

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35 pages, 4476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Phosphorus Fractionation and Bio-Availability in a Calcareous Soil as Affected by Conocarpus Waste Biochar and Its Acidified Derivative

by Mutair A. Akanji, Munir Ahmad, Mohammad I. Al-Wabel and Abdullah S. F. Al-Farraj

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2157; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122157 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1674

Abstract

Biochar possesses more profound effects on the availability of soil P in acidic soil than in alkaline and/or calcareous soil, mainly due to P fixation. Therefore, biochar derived from Conocarpus waste (BC) was acidified with sulfuric acid to produce acidified biochar (ABC) and [...] Read more.

Biochar possesses more profound effects on the availability of soil P in acidic soil than in alkaline and/or calcareous soil, mainly due to P fixation. Therefore, biochar derived from Conocarpus waste (BC) was acidified with sulfuric acid to produce acidified biochar (ABC) and incorporated into a calcareous soil planted with alfalfa in order to investigate P availability and fractionation. Additionally, the changes in some other soil chemical properties were investigated. Both BC and ABC were applied at three rates (0%, 2.5%, and 5%) along with P fertilizer application at four rates (0, 75, 150 and 300 ppm). The results showed that acidification remarkably reduced the pH of ABC by 6.84 units. The application of ABC considerably lowered the soil pH; however, it did not significantly increase P availability in the studied soil. Furthermore, BC, especially at a higher application rate, increased the extractable soil K. Similarly, the amendments increased the soil cation exchangeable capacity (CEC) and soil organic matter (OM), where a profound increase was observed at a higher application rate in the case of soil OM. Similarly, soil-available micronutrients were increased over the control, where a more profound increase was observed in soils treated with ABC. The NaHCO₃⁻P (exchangeable) fraction increased with increasing fertilizer application rate while the residual–P decreased. Therefore, BC and ABC could be used to improve soil quality and enhance soil nutrient availability. However, further studies are required on how to significantly improve soil available P in calcareous soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Phosphorus Management in Crops)

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17 pages, 3376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rabbit Manure Compost for Seedling Nursery Blocks: Suitability and Optimization of the Manufacturing Production Process

by Rangling Li, Hongying Wang, Enze Duan, Jiayu Fan and Liangju Wang

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2156; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122156 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3123

Abstract

Using rabbit manure to prepare growing media is an effective method to solve environmental pollution and realize resource utilization. The solution to rabbit manure management is the composting process which could produce compost suitable for seedling nursery blocks, which could improve transplanting efficiency [...] Read more.

Using rabbit manure to prepare growing media is an effective method to solve environmental pollution and realize resource utilization. The solution to rabbit manure management is the composting process which could produce compost suitable for seedling nursery blocks, which could improve transplanting efficiency and seedlings’ survival rate. Seedling nursery blocks were obtained by mixing rabbit manure compost, vermiculite, rice straw, and peat. The effect of cold pressing parameters, including moisture content (25–45%), binder content (1–5%), molding compression ratio (2.5–4.5:1), and strain maintenance time (0–120 s), were investigated on blocks quality (i.e., ventilatory porosity, relaxation density, compressive resistance, and specific energy consumption) through a general rotation combined experiment. These results showed there were significant interaction effects between molding compression ratio and moisture content, moisture and binder content, binder content and strain maintenance time, and molding compression ratio and binder content on block quality. The optimal parameters for manufacturing blocks were that the molding compression ratio, moisture content, binder content, and strain maintenance time were 4:1, 33.5%, 3.1%, and 60 s, and the relaxation density, ventilation porosity, and specific energy consumption were 363.31 kg/m³, 18.72%, and 0.44 J/g, which could achieve emergence performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Utilization of Humic Substances and Organic Waste in Green Agriculture)

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16 pages, 3004 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Aggregate Breakdown with Colloidal Particles Release and Transport in Soil: A Perspective from Column Experiments

by Gang Cao, Bokun Chang, Zhiying Zhou, Liang Hu, Wei Du and Jialong Lv

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2155; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122155 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1423

Abstract

The strongest fortresses often disintegrate from the inside. Likewise, soil internal forces play a critical role in the initial breakdown process of soil aggregate, thus accelerating soil erosion and the release of soil colloid particles. To date, research on the effect of soil [...] Read more.

The strongest fortresses often disintegrate from the inside. Likewise, soil internal forces play a critical role in the initial breakdown process of soil aggregate, thus accelerating soil erosion and the release of soil colloid particles. To date, research on the effect of soil internal forces, especially separating the electrostatic force, and on the process of soil aggregate breakdown with particle release and transport in soil is largely inadequate. Therefore, column experiments were used to investigate the properties of transport and soil particles released from the disintegration of model soil aggregates caused by different levels of electrostatic forces. We found that the increase of electrostatic repulsive pressure was the immediate cause of soil aggregate breakdown, that the highest concentration of released soil particles could reach 808.36 mg L⁻¹, and that the mean particle sizes of the released soil ranged from 100 nm to 300 nm. The particle size distributions and clay mineral composition of the released soil particles were not dominated by the electrostatic force. In practice, the change of external conditions of agricultural soil would lead to the change of soil internal forces, then affect soil aggregate stability. This study aims to provide a micro perspective to understand the release of fine particles from soil matrix and its implication for agricultural soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion Modeling and Monitoring)

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18 pages, 3187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Stoichiometry and Nutrient Reabsorption in Alfalfa Leaves with Different Fall-Dormancy Levels in Northern Xinjiang, China

by Yanliang Sun, Xuzhe Wang, Chunhui Ma and Qianbing Zhang

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2154; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122154 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1329

Abstract

Alfalfa productivity and cold resistance in different regions are influenced by the fall-dormancy level of alfalfa. However, it is unclear whether the stoichiometric characteristics and nutrient resorption efficiency in alfalfa leaves also vary with the fall-dormancy level. In order to further understand the [...] Read more.

Alfalfa productivity and cold resistance in different regions are influenced by the fall-dormancy level of alfalfa. However, it is unclear whether the stoichiometric characteristics and nutrient resorption efficiency in alfalfa leaves also vary with the fall-dormancy level. In order to further understand the differences in nutrient absorption and requirements of different fall-dormant alfalfa, we conducted field trials on 30 different fall-dormancy alfalfa cultivars for 2 consecutive years in 2020 and 2021. We investigated the concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in mature and senescent alfalfa leaves; nutrient stoichiometry ratios; and the coupling relationship between nutrient reabsorption efficiency and dry matter yield. The differences in nutrient reabsorption, fall dormancy, and dry matter yield of different fall-dormant alfalfa, and the correlation between indicators were utilized to further analyze the regulatory mechanisms of nutrient reabsorption in different fall-dormancy alfalfa varieties. The results demonstrated that the nitrogen reabsorption efficiency (NRE) and phosphorus reabsorption efficiency (PRE) of leaves increased first and then decreased with the increase in fall dormancy, whereas the carbon reabsorption efficiency (CRE) showed the reverse tendency. Different fall-dormancy alfalfa varieties significantly affected the dry matter yield and nutrient absorption in the first cut, while the last cut had the lowest variable coefficient and impact. There was a significant decrease in the over-winter survival rate of alfalfa as the fall-dormancy level increased, whereas the over-summer survival rate was less affected by the fall-dormancy level. As the growth year increased, there was a significant decrease in the over-winter survival rate. Among mature leaves, the NRE and PRE showed a significant positive correlation with the C concentration, while they showed a significant negative association with the N and P concentrations. In the same cut, the dry matter yield decreased with the increase in CRE but increased with the increases in NRE and PRE, while there was no significant trend in dry matter yield and nutrient resorption efficiency (NuRE) between different cuts. Taken together, the alfalfa survival rate and dry matter yield were relatively better in the moderate fall-dormancy (fall-dormancy level, FD = 4, 5) types and fall-dormancy (FD = 3) type, with a corresponding increase in the reabsorption requirements for nitrogen and phosphorus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)

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9 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Screening of the Foliage of Eucalyptus Species Harvested in Different Seasons for Modulating Rumen Fermentation and Methane Production

by Egon Henrique Horst, Hajer Ammar, Mohamed Larbi Khouja, Julio Ernesto Vargas, Sonia Andrés and Secundino López

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2153; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122153 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1300

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of five eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. leucoxylon, E. astringens, E. sideroxylon, and E. lehmannii), harvested in spring, autumn, or winter from two Tunisian arboretums, on in [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of five eucalyptus species (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. leucoxylon, E. astringens, E. sideroxylon, and E. lehmannii), harvested in spring, autumn, or winter from two Tunisian arboretums, on in vitro rumen fermentation and methanogenesis. Batch cultures were performed to determine rumen fermentation kinetics and end-product formation after 24 h of incubation. The foliage of the species E. sideroxylon and E. lehmannii showed the greatest digestibility coefficients, whereas E. leucoxylon was the least digestible. Acetate-to-propionate ratio was reduced when E. sideroxylon and E. lehmannii were incubated, and these species were also the most efficient at reducing methane emission. Foliage harvested in winter showed greater digestibility and an increase in the acetate-to-propionate ratio than in other seasons, without an increase in methane emission. Foliage from E. sideroxylon and E. lehmannii showed a potential to decrease enteric methane production without depressing effects on ruminal fermentation. In vivo studies would be necessary to conclusively validate these effects as the first step towards proposing the inclusion of eucalyptus leaves in ruminant diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farm Animals Rumen Digestion, Nutrition and Feed Management)

13 pages, 553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Connection between Circadian Rhythm and Rumen Digestibility of Concentrate and Roughage in Sheep

by Chuntao Zhang, Yan Tu, Tao Ma and Qiyu Diao

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2152; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122152 - 14 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1224

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of circadian rhythm on rumen nutrient digestibility using the nylon bag method and the digestibility characteristics of dietary nutrients during the daytime and at night. It also presents modification suggestions for evaluating the nutritional value of raw feed [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effects of circadian rhythm on rumen nutrient digestibility using the nylon bag method and the digestibility characteristics of dietary nutrients during the daytime and at night. It also presents modification suggestions for evaluating the nutritional value of raw feed materials. The rumen nutrient digestibility was measured and investigated for correlation with circadian rhythm using the nylon bag method. We established a sheep-feeding program to determine the differences in rumen nutrient digestibility between the daytime and nighttime. The digestibility of 18 standard feed samples was investigated in 6 Hu sheep with ruminal fistulas (body weight: 33.59 ± 0.39 kg, 12 months old). Samples were incubated in the rumen for three periods: daytime (12 h, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM), night (12 h, 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM), and the entire day (24 h, 6:00 AM to 6:00 AM). The activities of enzymes amylase, lipase and cellulase were higher during the day than at night. The rumen digestibility of organic matter was significantly higher during the daytime than at night compared to the digestibilities of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE). Among them, the rumen digestibility of DM and CP was higher, but the digestibility of EE was lower during the daytime than at night in cereal feed fed sheep. The rumen digestibility of DM was higher in roughage-fed sheep but lower in rice straw- and corn silage-fed sheep during the day than at night. Circadian rhythms correlate strongly with the activities of major digestive enzymes in the rumen and the rumen digestibility of nutrients. Moreover, the nylon bag method needs to be modified and improved to ascertain the appropriate time for placing the nylon bag in the rumen and thus establish a unified procedure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)

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12 pages, 2247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fall Straw Incorporation with Plastic Film Cover Increases Corn Yield and Water Use Efficiency under a Semi-Arid Climate

by Zhe Zhang, Na Li, Zhanxiang Sun, Guanghua Yin, Yanqing Zhang, Wei Bai, Liangshan Feng and John Yang

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2151; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122151 - 14 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1369

Abstract

Corn straw incorporation in soil has been regarded as an environment-friendly approach for straw utilization. However, straw incorporation has been a challenge under a cold and dry climate due to slow decomposition. This field study was to use a novel approach to incorporate [...] Read more.

Corn straw incorporation in soil has been regarded as an environment-friendly approach for straw utilization. However, straw incorporation has been a challenge under a cold and dry climate due to slow decomposition. This field study was to use a novel approach to incorporate corn straw into the soil during the fall season with a plastic film cover in an effort to enhance the straw degradation, soil water use efficiency, and corn growth and yield. Two-year field experiments were conducted in northeast China to investigate the effects of four treatments on soil properties and corn growth: (1) straw incorporation with film cover, (2) straw incorporation only, (3) film cover only, and (4) control. Soils and corn plants were collected during the growing season and analyzed for soil temperature and moisture, straw degradation, corn biomass, grain yield, and water use efficiency. Results indicated that straw incorporation with film cover increased grain yield by 53% as compared to straw incorporation only and by 102% to control. The straw decomposition under film cover was 20% faster, significantly higher than that of the straw incorporation treatment. In all cases, soil water content before planting, corn water uptake, and corn water use efficiency under straw incorporation with film cover were significantly higher than straw incorporation and control. Surface film cover resulted in 10-day earlier corn tasseling in compared to treatments without film cover. This field study demonstrated that straw incorporation with film cover would enhance straw degradation in soil, improve soil properties, and increase corn yield and water use efficiency, which could be potentially used as a sustainable soil management practice in northeast China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Management of Crops in Arid and Semi-arid Environments)

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22 pages, 5486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Implementation of a Malfunction Detection System for Livestock Ventilation Devices in Smart Poultry Farms

by Seung Jae Kim and Meong Hun Lee

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2150; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122150 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2060

Abstract

Smart livestock farming aims to improve the productivity of livestock through the provision of optimal housing, and it is developed using various sensors and actuators. Ventilation systems play a crucial role in smart livestock farming, including disease prevention and the processing of pollutants [...] Read more.

Smart livestock farming aims to improve the productivity of livestock through the provision of optimal housing, and it is developed using various sensors and actuators. Ventilation systems play a crucial role in smart livestock farming, including disease prevention and the processing of pollutants (ammonia and hydrogen sulfide) that are severely detrimental to livestock growth. Malfunctions in animal housing ventilation systems lead to mass mortality events. To address such issues, this study reports the design and implementation for a smart detection system for malfunctions in the ventilation devices installed in animal housing. This system is based on recurrent neural networks (RNNs) and implements the ontology method, considering sensor and controller data as the standard. A semantic sensor network ontology founded on a knowledge base was used to detect malfunctions, and stimulus-sensor-observation patterns were used to determine a sensor network within the smart barn. System activation and RNN model tests were used to test the malfunction detection system, and the error between actual data and predicted values was found to be 0.06889. These findings provide insight into the development of autonomous detection systems for device malfunctions and are essential for the development of smart livestock farming technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)

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17 pages, 997 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Assessment of Soil Quality in Contrasting Land-Use and Tillage Systems on Farm Fields with Stagnic Luvisol Soil in Estonia

by Merit Sutri, Merrit Shanskiy, Mari Ivask and Endla Reintam

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2149; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122149 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1750

Abstract

Soil quality indicates the soil’s ability to provide ecosystem services. Reducing the tillage intensity has been suggested as an alternative to conventional tillage for sustaining soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of soil tillage systems on individual soil quality indicators [...] Read more.

Soil quality indicates the soil’s ability to provide ecosystem services. Reducing the tillage intensity has been suggested as an alternative to conventional tillage for sustaining soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of soil tillage systems on individual soil quality indicators in comparison to those on grassland with Stagnic Luvisol soil in Estonia. Four soil management systems were compared: no-tillage (NT), minimum tillage (MT), conventional tillage (CT) and grassland (G) as a reference. Soil quality indicators included physical (bulk density, water-stable aggregates, porosity, air-filled pores, moisture content, water-holding capacity, penetration resistance and water permeability), chemical (total N, total soil organic C, permanganate oxidisable C, pH, P, K, Ca and Mg) and biological (earthworm abundance) parameters. CT soils had a significantly lower aggregate stability compared to MT and G soils. The higher penetration resistance of CT under an arable layer suggested the presence of a plough pan. NT improved the soil’s physical quality at 5–10 cm, which was indicated by higher moisture content, water-holding capacity and porosity and a lower bulk density, whereas penetration resistance exceeded 2 MPa in the lower part of the topsoil. NT also had significantly lower total soil organic C and total N compared to MT and G. The absence of tillage in the NT and G systems may have improved the soil’s resistance to moisture loss under dry conditions, which, in turn, improved the soil habitability for earthworms a despite higher density. In general, NT or MT stabilised or increased the soil quality compared to CT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)

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15 pages, 2189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sorghum-Based Power Generation in Southern Ukraine: Energy and Environmental Assessment

by Valerii Havrysh, Vitalii Nitsenko and Vasyl Hruban

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2148; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122148 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1695

Abstract

An increase in energy demand, fossil fuel reserves depletion, and environmental issues are primary reasons for renewable energy use, including power generation. Bioenergy is the primary alternative to conventional hydrocarbon fuels. Biomass-based power generation is increasing due to some reasons, including a gradual [...] Read more.

An increase in energy demand, fossil fuel reserves depletion, and environmental issues are primary reasons for renewable energy use, including power generation. Bioenergy is the primary alternative to conventional hydrocarbon fuels. Biomass-based power generation is increasing due to some reasons, including a gradual decrease in the levelized cost of electricity and a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Sorghum is a promising energy crop for semi-arid climate zones, including southern Ukraine. It can be used for both biofuel production and power generation. However, there is a lack of methodology for energy and environmental assessments of sorghum-based power generation. Some possible technologies were analyzed. The novelty of this study is the accounting of energy consumed and carbon dioxide emissions during crop cultivation. We have determined that sorghum-based power plants can generate from 2 to 12 MWh per hectare. Their operation significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions (from 613 to 3652 kg of carbon dioxide per hectare of sorghum silage cultivation). Sorghum-based biogas plants have energy and environmental advantages if they use co-generation technologies and utilize digestate as a biofertilizer. The utilization of digestate (obtained from silage production per hectare) substitutes up to 12.8 MWh of indirect energy. The results obtained can be used by farmers and authorities for bioenergy development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green and Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystem)

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12 pages, 3960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Mechanized Ridge Tillage with Rice-Rape Rotation on Paddy Soil Structure

by Lanting Li, Jiangwen Li, Chaofu Wei, Chaoxian Yang and Shouqin Zhong

Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2147; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122147 - 13 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1524

Abstract

Ridge tillage is one of the essential tillage methods in China. It affects the soil structure by altering the soil-water environment. With the rapid development of agricultural mechanization, the mechanized ridge tillage technology that combines modern mechanized agriculture with conservation tillage has become [...] Read more.

Ridge tillage is one of the essential tillage methods in China. It affects the soil structure by altering the soil-water environment. With the rapid development of agricultural mechanization, the mechanized ridge tillage technology that combines modern mechanized agriculture with conservation tillage has become a pertinent agricultural production technology in the hilly regions. However, to date, the effects of mechanized ridge tillage on soil structure have garnered little attention. In this study, a field plot experiment involving the following four treatments: conventional tillage with rice and winter fallow (CK1), conventional tillage with rice-rape rotation (CK2), wide ridge tillage with rice-rape rotation (BT), and narrow ridge tillage with rice-rape rotation (RT) was conducted to study the effects of mechanized ridge tillage with rice-rape rotation on soil aggregate stability and soil porosity. The results indicated that mechanized ridge tillage could reduce the porosity of pores > 30 μm in diameter and increase the porosity of pores < 0.5 μm. Furthermore, mechanized ridge tillage could increase soil aggregate stability; the order of average mass diameter and geometric average diameter was RT > BT > CK2 > CK1. The BT and RT treatments could increase the agglomeration degree of the soil particles, which followed the order of RT > BT > CK2 > CK1. Therefore, mechanized ridge tillage with rice-rape rotation is effective in enhancing soil structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)

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