Tag Archives: agriculture

964-979 D.C. Santos, A.J.V. Pires, A.S. Ribeiro, W.R. Andrade, M.S. Nogueira, I.C. Dutra, G.R.S. Oliveira, M.P. Sousa, W.B.S. Santos, T.R. Paixão, H.S. Silva and S.S. Amorim
Forage potential of six sugarcane cultivars for feeding ruminants
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Forage potential of six sugarcane cultivars for feeding ruminants

D.C. Santos*, A.J.V. Pires, A.S. Ribeiro, W.R. Andrade, M.S. Nogueira, I.C. Dutra, G.R.S. Oliveira, M.P. Sousa, W.B.S. Santos, T.R. Paixão, H.S. Silva and S.S. Amorim

State University of Southwest of Bahia, BR45700-000 Itapetinga, Bahia, Brazil
*Correspondence: amanda.s.ri@hotmail.com

Abstract:

The study evaluated the productive, morphometric, and bromatological characteristics of six sugarcane cultivars (Regional, RB 865536, RB 867515, CTC2, CTC9001, and CTC9004M). The experiment began at UESB and continued at Fazenda Bela Vista, with evaluations conducted 3 to 18 months after planting. A randomized complete block design was used, with six cultivars per cultivar and four replicates. The cultivar CTC2 presented higher levels of lignin and indigestible neutral detergent fiber, while RB 865536 stood out for its hemicellulose content. The average contents of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and corrected neutral detergent fiber did not differ between cultivars, but there was variation in carbohydrate fractions. CTC9001 presented the highest value for fraction A (68.6%), while cultivar Regional and CTC9004M stood out in fraction B1+B2, and CTC2 and CTC9004M in fractions B3 and C, respectively. In the productive characteristics, CTC9004M presented the highest values of natural matter, dry matter, soluble carbohydrates, production and juice efficiency, standing out in yield. Regarding morphometric characteristics, CTC9001 showed advantages in leaf length and diameter, stem diameter, and leaf area, although there were no significant differences in plant height, tiller number, or leaf number. The cultivars have similar chemical and bromatological composition, agronomic characteristics, and growth behavior. CTC9004M demonstrated superior production efficiency, making it the most suitable option for forage use in semiarid conditions. Future studies should evaluate animal performance directly using these cultivars in feeding trials.

Key words:

adaptation, agriculture, Composition, productivity, semi-arid regions

1060-1073 T. Fedoniuk, P. Pyvovar, P. Topolnytskyi, I. Bezvershuk, V. Tereshchuk and I. Puleko
Estimation of temporal and spatial characteristics of oat development parameters using Sentinel-1 backscatter data
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Estimation of temporal and spatial characteristics of oat development parameters using Sentinel-1 backscatter data

T. Fedoniuk¹*, P. Pyvovar¹, P. Topolnytskyi¹, I. Bezvershuk¹, V. Tereshchuk¹ and I. Puleko²

¹Polissia National University, Staryi Blvd., 7, UA10008 Zhytomyr, Ukraine
²Zhytomyr Military Institute named after S.P. Korolyov, Myru Avenue, 22, UA10004 Zhytomyr, Ukraine
*Correspondence: tanyavasiluk2015@gmail.com

Abstract:

The implementation of precision agriculture is an urgent priority for Ukraine’s agricultural sector under climate change and restricted use of unmanned aerial vehicles in border regions. This study aims to clearly define and evaluate the potential of Sentinel-1 radar data in identifying temporal and spatial variations in oat crop density and structure during the growing season under field conditions in Ukraine. The technique encompassed the acquisition of Sentinel-1 satellite images in VV and VH polarizations, data processing by SNAP, field assessments of height, plant density, and phenological development, along with statistical analysis of the association between satellite data and land observations. The study demonstrated that the reflectance coefficient values in VV and VH polarizations fluctuate according to the oat development phase: a reduction in backscattering was noted at the onset of the growing season, followed by an increase during the stem formation and earing phases. The VH/VV ratio is responsive to variations in moisture, plant biomass, and stress conditions. The modelling demonstrated a substantial correlation among planting rate, herbicide application, and polarization markers. The findings validate the efficacy of Sentinel-1 for monitoring crop structure irrespective of weather conditions. This method enables farmers to obtain dependable information for making decisions regarding crop management, timely fertilizer application, or harvesting. The regression model demonstrated a consistent association with a R²=0.61, suggesting the potential for further research utilizing multi-year data to develop integrated yield forecasting models.

Key words:

agriculture, herbicide, plant density, polarization, precision agriculture, Remote sensing

1553-1571 J. Leppälä and R. Rautiainen
Review of farm safety and health risk management tools
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Review of farm safety and health risk management tools

J. Leppälä¹* and R. Rautiainen²

¹Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI00790 Helsinki, Finland
²University of Nebraska, Swanson Hall 3058, Omaha, 68198-5110 Nebraska, USA
*Correspondence: jarkko.leppala@luke.fi

Abstract:

Risk management aims to prevent intolerable risks that could jeopardize a farm’s goals and strategies. Many studies indicate that safety and health risks pose the greatest threats to farm continuity and business sustainability. Even a single injury to a key farmworker could have severe consequences for the whole farm.

The review employs content and thematic analysis to identify and classify safety and health risk management tools to assist farmers in their important risk management efforts. There is also an increasing need in EU to provide information about social conditionality requirements on farms, which include also terms in farm safety and health management.

A total of 62 risk management tools were analysed. The main typical risk factors in agriculture include machinery safety, livestock safety, chemical handling, and health hazards such as animal dust, gases, noise, biological hazards causing skin and respiratory diseases and ergonomic issues. This study is part of the Strengthening Farm Safety and Health Knowledge and Innovation Systems (SafeHabitus) project. The findings will contribute to the development of a farm safety and health risk management tool database in the SafeHabitus project.

Key words:

agriculture, health, risk management, Safety

738-751 E. Rutabagaya, P. Burny, G.M. Ya-Bititi, E. Bisetsa, I. Mumararungu and J. Rwirahira
Gender and intersectional analysis of agricultural value chains for youth engagement in Rwanda
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Gender and intersectional analysis of agricultural value chains for youth engagement in Rwanda

E. Rutabagaya*, P. Burny, G.M. Ya-Bititi, E. Bisetsa, I. Mumararungu and J. Rwirahira

University of Liege, Faculty of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Department of Economics and Rural Development, Passage des Déportés 02, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
*Correspondence: eugene.rutabagayar@doct.uliege.be

Abstract:

Youth engagement in agriculture is recognized as a quick and effective way to address problems of rural unemployment, poverty and food insecurity. This paper explores factors influencing youth engagement in agricultural value chains across nine districts in Rwanda, focusing on five major crops in Rwanda: maize, Irish potatoes, beans, chilies, and avocados. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including a survey of 635 youth engaged in selected value chains across nine districts in Rwanda, supplemented by key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Results from this study revealed a segmentation of youth engagement in value chains along gender lines, both in the selection of value chains and accross different segments. The study identified differences in the prioritization of needs among different youth social identities in agricultural, along with gender disparities in the ownership and control of productive resources. The study further noted that young women encounter particular barriers limiting their participation in leadership roles in agricultural organizations, including limited skills, restricted mobility, low education, and heavy domestic responsibilities. The study recommends deliberate measures to address these challenges, entailing the introduction of financial solutions to improve youth access to productive resources, affirmative actions to enhance young women’s inclusion in lucrative value chain segments, and awareness interventions to address social norms. Likewise, strengthening governance structures of farmer cooperatives for youth engagement will unlock employment opportunities for young people in agriculture.

Key words:

agriculture, gender, intersectionality, Rwanda, value chains, youth

134-150 T.E.A. Mattila, E. Liski, M. Väre and R.H. Rautiainen
Diminished work ability as a contributing factor for farmer’s interest in switching to organic production
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Diminished work ability as a contributing factor for farmer’s interest in switching to organic production

T.E.A. Mattila¹*, E. Liski¹, M. Väre¹ and R.H. Rautiainen²

¹Natural Resources Institution Finland (‘Luke’), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
²University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, 68198-4388, USA
*Correspondence: tiina.mattila@luke.fi

Abstract:

Previous studies suggest organic producers have diminished work ability, but it is unclear if this is due to pre-existing conditions or work exposures in organic production itself. The current study explored whether diminished work ability is a contributing factor to the interest in switching from conventional to organic production. The study used data from 2018, Finnish farmer questionnaire, analysed by machine learning – based approach and logistic regression modelling. Nearly half (46%) of the survey respondents (n = 2,948) had a diminished work ability score. Seventeen percent (n = 501) of the respondents reported being interested in switching to organic production. Farmers with diminished work ability had greater odds (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.26–1.92) for showing interest in switching. Those growing horticulture and special crops (vs. cereals) (OR 0.55) and those age 55+ years (vs. less than 35) (OR 0.51) showed less interest in switching. The interest in starting or expanding organic production was higher among those who already had an organic agreement on part of their farm (OR 5.7) and those who had other business activities on the farm (OR 1.36). In summary, this study suggests that diminished work ability predicts farmer’s interest for switching to organic production. Measures to protect the health and well-being of farmers and workers during and after switching to organic production is critically important in achieving not only policy goals to increase organic production, but also good quality of life of farmers.

Key words:

agriculture, logistic regression, machine learning, social sustainability, well-being at work

1312-1323 H. Taia, A.S. Bernoussi, E. Wozniak, M. Amharref and S. El Azizi
Using hyperspectral reflectance to evaluate the impact of irrigation and fertilization on mint
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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:

agriculture, field spectroscopy, mint, nitrogen, nutriments, Remote sensing, water

1224-1240 T.E.A. Mattila, V.-M. Tuure, U. Ovaska, I. Vänninen, M. Hokka, T. Elstob and R.H. Rautiainen
A participatory research approach in the development of safety and well-being in horticultural enterprises
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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