Using hyperspectral reflectance to evaluate the impact of irrigation and fertilization on mint

H. Taia¹*, A.S. Bernoussi¹, E. Wozniak², M. Amharref¹ and S. El Azizi¹

¹University Abdelmalek Essaadi of Tangier, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Laboratory CBM-VR, BP. 416, MA90000 Tangier, Morocco
²Space Research Centre of the Polish, Academy of Sciences, Bartycka 18A, PL00-716 Warszawa, Poland
*Correspondence: halima.taia@gmail.com

Abstract:

In agriculture, water and fertilizer are two limiting elements of plant growth. Indeed, the lack or the excess of one of them disturbs the yields in terms of quality and quantity. Optimal irrigation/fertilization and precisely dosed nutrient supply allow fast-growing plants to reach their full potential, offering much larger and better quality yields. To monitor agricultural crop characteristics, Hyperspectral remote sensing provides an opportunity for an efficient nondestructive method. In this paper, we present a method for smart management of water irrigation and fertilizer using remote sensing. For this purpose, a protocol has been developed to detect the effects of nitrogen nutriments and water supply on potted mint by using UV-PIR field spectroscopy. Results suggest hyperspectral remote sensing has great promise to perfect smart agriculture. In fact, with this method, the effect of nutriments and water supply have been clearly detected.

Key words:

A participatory research approach in the development of safety and well-being in horticultural enterprises

T.E.A. Mattila¹*, V.-M. Tuure², U. Ovaska¹, I. Vänninen¹, M. Hokka³, T. Elstob² and R.H. Rautiainen⁴

¹Natural Resources Institute Finland (‘Luke’), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
²TTS Work Efficiency Institute, Kiljavantie 6, 05201 Rajamäki, Finland
³Satakunta TE office, Harjavallankatu 6, FIN-29200 Harjavalta, Finland
⁴University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198-4388, USA
*Correspondence to: tiina.mattila@luke.fi

Abstract:

The process of improving the health, safety, and well-being of workers in the horticulture and agriculture sectors requires new effective means. The aim of this study was to conduct a qualitative evaluation of a participatory co-creative consultation process in order to improve occupational health and safety in horticultural businesses. The study was conducted across twenty-four small-scale enterprises (totalling eighty-two entrepreneurs and workers) from five different horticultural subsectors in Finland. Each business engaged in the development process, starting from the identification of development needs through to individual interviews and process analysis, and continuing with co-creation and the implementation of solutions. The results indicated that participatory consultation, when combined with a process analysis, was perceived as being very productive, particularly in terms of identifying development needs, but also in inspiring the co-creation of solutions and applying them to specific tasks and the working environment. Whilst long-term effects could not be measured, participation in the development process improved subjective well-being and the competence of entrepreneurs in managing well-being in their work setting. The findings suggest that participatory consultation can facilitate improvements in working conditions, which in turn can help to reduce workplace injuries and improve health conditions. The findings also highlighted the need for having a multidisciplinary consultation team, the effective cooperation of all involved parties, and facilitating peer discussions when it comes to resolving identified challenges.

Key words:

agriculture, ergonomics, health and safety intervention, social sustainability