An optimization model for evaluating the economic effect of foliar treatment with biostimulants on spring rape

A. Sarov¹*, K. Kostenarov² and E. Tzvetanova³

¹Institute of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Academy, Department ‘Economics and Management of Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Policy’, Str., ‘Tsarigradsko shose’ No 125, block 1, BG1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
²New Bulgarian University, Department ‘Economics’, Ovcha Kupel 2, 21 Montevideo Blvd, BG1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
³New Bulgarian University, Department ‘Administration and Management’, Ovcha Kupel 2, 21 Montevideo Blvd, BG1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
*Correspondence: angel.sarov@gmail.com

Abstract:

The aim of the study is to evaluate the economic effect of foliar treatment with biostimulants: chitosan, vermicompost and vermicompost + nature-identical growth regulator on organic production of spring rape on organic production of spring rape. Two-years field trials were conducted using a block method with foliar treatment in 2 phenological phases (in rosette and flowering phase). The biological response of the culture at different doses of the biostimulators was investigated. The obtained primary results were used as input data for the construction of an economic-mathematical model for economic evaluation The treatment of spring rape with biostimulators has a positive effect on the yield of the crop. After that, a specific agricultural holding in the region is selected, which will serve as a model on which to construct the optimization model for evaluating the economic efficiency. In this farm, along with the intended crops in the production structure, spring canola is added – controls and treated with BS. The results are optimal after using chitosan in a dose of 500 mL daa^-1. The results of this research show the economic benefits of using biostimulants, which are extremely important for farmers. They are an alternative to the requirements of the European Union’s Green Deal At the heart of the Green Deal is the Farm to Fork (F2F) and the ‘Biodiversity Strategy’ (BS) strategy, which was launched by the European Commission in May 2020 to achieve a fair, healthy and sustainable food system by 2030. Under the F2F strategy, there is a need to reduce reliance on pesticides and antimicrobials, reducing excess fertilization, increasing areas for organic farming, improving animal welfare and reducing biodiversity loss. With the announcement of the goals and intentions of the Green Deal and its manifestations in agriculture, preparations also began for preliminary assessments of the consequences and impact that it will have on the entire food chain and for its transposition into the Common Agricultural Policy. At the same time, science research on alternatives to traditional conventional technologies is increasing. The results of the studies also took into account a set of assumptions for simulations of farm incomes, production and product prices.

Key words:

biostimulants, economic effect, optimization model, spring rape

Analysis of cost and performances of agricultural machinery: reference model for sprayers

T. Yezekyan¹*, F. Marinello¹, G. Armentano² and L. Sartori¹

¹University of Padova, Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, Via dell'Università 16, IT35020, Legnaro, Italy
²Edizioni L'Informatore Agrario srl, Via Bencivenga - Biondani, 16, IT37133 Verona, Italy
*Correspondence: tatevik.yezekyan@phd.unipd.it

Abstract:

Management of agricultural operations is currently rapidly changing caused by increased attention to the concepts of sustainable development and sustainable intensification. Enhancement of productivity and efficiency of agricultural machinery are the leading factors in sustainable agriculture. The complete application and exploitation of engineering advances require the revision of traditional agricultural machinery management process. The definition of the farm fleet (tractors and implements), as well as machinery planning and management, must consider different parameters, including not only the cost of the machines but also their dimensions, weight, working width, needed power, etc. All of this information related to an agricultural machine is eventually influencing the impact on productivity, on the return on the investment, and also on the environment.
The present work is aimed at identifying the most relevant parameters which are influencing costs and performances of sprayers, including tank volume, maximum flow, needed power, weight and price. The different parameters are analysed in a correlation matrix, in order to allow identification of dependencies and to extract reference models.
The study is based on linear and multiple linear regression analysis carried out on technical specifications of about 700 models of sprayers. Relevant correlations were highlighted between price and weight, between weight and tank capacity and in some cases between power and weight. Following such correlations, models have been proposed, which can be implemented in order to support the decision making phases.

Key words: