Tag Archives: agriculture.

xxx M. Änäkkälä, A. Lehtilä, P.S.A. Mäkelä and A. Lajunen
Application of UAV multispectral imaging for determining the characteristics of maize vegetation
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Application of UAV multispectral imaging for determining the characteristics of maize vegetation

M. Änäkkälä¹*, A. Lehtilä²³, P.S.A. Mäkelä⁴ and A. Lajunen¹

¹University of Helsinki, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Koetilantie 5, FI00790 Helsinki, Finland
²Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI00790 Helsinki, Finland
³University of Helsinki, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Sciences (HELSUS), Yliopistonkatu 4, FI00100 Helsinki, Finland
⁴University of Helsinki, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Latokartanonkaari 5, FI00790 Helsinki, Finland
*Correspondence: mikael.anakkala@helsinki.fi

Abstract:

Interest in forage maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation for livestock feed has grown in northern conditions. In addition, it is important to develop methods and tools to monitor crop development and other characteristics of the crop. For these purposes UAVs are very efficient and versatile tools. UAVs can be equipped with a variety of sensors like lidar or different types of cameras. Several studies have been conducted where data collected by UAVs are used to estimate different crop properties like yield and biomass. In this research, a forage maize field experiment was studied to examine how well the aerial multispectral data correlated with the different properties of the vegetation. The field test site is located in Helsinki, Finland. A multispectral camera (MicaSense Rededge 3) was used to take images from five spectral bands (Red, Green, Blue, Rededge and NIR). All the images were processed with Pix4D software to generate orthomosaic images. Several vegetation indices were calculated from the five spectral bands. During the growing season, crop height, chlorophyll content, leaf area index (LAI), fresh and dry matter biomass were measured from the vegetation. From the five spectral bands, Rededge had the highest correlation with fresh biomass (R² = 0.273). The highest correlation for a vegetation index was found between NDRE and chlorophyll content (R² = 0.809). A multiple linear regression (MLR) model using selected spectral bands and vegetation indices as inputs showed high correlations with the field measurements.

Key words:

agriculture., maize, multispectral images, UAV, vegetation index

439-450 K. Bumbiere, S. Sereda, J. Pubule and D. Blumberga
The role of energy management in the agricultural sector: key prerequisites and impacts
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The role of energy management in the agricultural sector: key prerequisites and impacts

K. Bumbiere*, S. Sereda, J. Pubule and D. Blumberga

Riga Technical University, Faculty of Electrical and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Azenes street 12/1, Riga LV 1048, Latvia
*Correspondence: ketija.bumbiere@rtu.lv

Abstract:

Agriculture is one of the most energy-consuming sectors in the EU’s economy. Implementing sustainable agriculture to reduce GHG emissions and increase energy efficiency through energy management is a crucial strategy to tackle climate change. In this paper, the role of energy management in the agricultural sector is studied, and experiences from Europe and the world have been considered. Literature analysis regarding the chosen topic has been conducted, including the methodology of energy management plan development and its implementation in the case study of Latvia. Data from Latvia’s agricultural and other sectors have been analysed and compared. Latvia’s Inventory Report regarding GHG emissions in the agricultural sector was reviewed, and all emission sources in the agricultural sector were highlighted. The primary purpose of the study is to find out if energy management were introduced in an agricultural company, what would be the potential GHG emission, energy savings and additional advantages. Two companies working in Latvia were surveyed, and potential emission and energy consumption reduction measures in agriculture that would be applied to companies were developed. The research showed that by implementing the basic principles of energy management, it would be possible to reduce the average energy consumption by 17%. If measures are applied to reduce GHG emissions from agricultural companies, the average emissions would be reduced by 43%.

Key words:

agriculture., benchmarking, energy efficiency, GHG emissions, indicators, sustainability

261-274 R. Kägo, P. Vellak, H. Ehrpais, M. Noorma and J. Olt
Assessment of power characteristics of unmanned tractor for operations on peat fields
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Assessment of power characteristics of unmanned tractor for operations on peat fields

R. Kägo¹²*, P. Vellak¹², H. Ehrpais²³, M. Noorma² and J. Olt¹

¹Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Technology, F.R. Kreutzwaldi 56/1, EE51014 Tartu, Estonia
²Milrem Robotics, Betooni 1, EE11415 Tallinn, Estonia
³University of Tartu, Tartu Observatory, Observatooriumi 1, EE61602 Tõravere, Estonia
*Correspondence: riho.kago@emu.ee

Abstract:

In this article, power characteristics of a state-of-the-art unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) are characterised. It is demonstrated that in terms of power characteristics requirements, purpose-built computer aided autonomous UGV systems are capable of replacing systems that utilise conventional tractors in peat field operations, with milled peat extraction operations as a case study. The authors demonstrate the viability of the UGV in achieving optimal mobility capabilities in operating on peatland surface. The UGV of interest was assessed for two operations of milled peat extraction: milling and harrowing. For both operations, the power consumption of the UGV and the drawbar pull of the implements (passive miller and harrower) were measured and analysed. The required drawbar pull values of the investigated implements remained in the range of 4–8 kN, which corresponded to the drawbar power of 14–36 kW. It was found that the UGV of interest is capable of carrying out milled peat operations in terms of traction capacity. However, it was found that the power supply capacity to be insufficient, thus requiring an improved solution.

Key words:

agriculture., automation, drawbar power, drawbar pull, robotic and autonomous systems, UGV

1373-1386 V.Yu. Chernova and B.A. Kheyfets
China food security assessment
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China food security assessment

V.Yu. Chernova¹²* and B.A. Kheyfets³⁴

¹People’s Friendships University of Russia, Moscow, Russia, Faculty of Economics, Department of International Economic Relations, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Str., RU117198 Moscow, Russia
²2State University of Management, Institute of Marketing, 99 Ryazanskiy Prospect, RU109542 Moscow, Russia
³Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 32 Nakhimovskiy Prospect, RU117218 Moscow, Russia
⁴Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, 49 Leningradsky Prospekt, RU125993 Moscow, Russia
*Correspondence: veronika.urievna@mail.ru

Abstract:

Ensuring food security is a strategic goal of any state, especially in the face of population growth. A review of the academic literature showed the presence of problems in ensuring a high level of food security in China: the rigidity of demand for food, limited land resources, structural contradictions between supply and demand. This study proposes an approach to assessing the level of food security, based on the calculation of an integral index consisting of four units of indicators: the sub-index of provision of crop products, the sub-index of productivity, the sub-index of provision of livestock products, and the sub-index of food import dependence. The results show that, in general, the level of food security in China has increased over the period under review, but there are problems in self-sufficiency in crop and dairy products, as well as in an increase in food import dependence. A forecast of the dynamics of the integral index of the food security level and its sub-indices was constructed, which showed that a decrease in the integral index might occur due to a decrease in self-sufficiency in livestock products and import dependence, while the availability of crop products and yields will increase. The study showed that the measures taken by the Chinese government led to some positive changes, but it is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to this problem, to solve which it is necessary to use the potential of all sectors of the food industry.

Key words:

agriculture., COVID-19 restrictions, food markets, food security, government support, import dependence

595–600 O. Shchuklina, R. Afanasiev, I. Voronchikhina, I. Klimenkova and A. Komkova
Differentiated application of nitrogen fertilizers based on optical sensor readings
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Differentiated application of nitrogen fertilizers based on optical sensor readings

O. Shchuklina¹*, R. Afanasiev², I. Voronchikhina¹, I. Klimenkova¹ and A. Komkova¹

¹Federal State Budgetary Institution of Sciences Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Department of Distant hybridization, Botanic street 4, RU127276 Moscow, Russia
²All-Russian Research Institute of Agrochemistry named after D.N Pryanishnikov, Pryanishnikova street 31A, RU127434, Moscow, Russia
*Correspondence: oashuklina@gmail.com

Abstract:

The article considers the method of variable rate application of top dressing with nitrogen fertilizers in spring barley crops in the system of precise agriculture. The principle of is based on the in-process diagnosis of plants state in key phases of development and the introduction of necessary dose of top dressing in specific field areas. To assess the plants state, a GreenSeeker optical sensor, which measures the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). The tailored application of top dressing increases the yield of spring barley grain by 14.2% compared to the application of fertilizers with one calculated rate for the entire plot or field (Skudra, 2017, Hamann, 2020).

Key words:

agriculture., ammonium nitrate, fertilizers, nitrogen, precision agriculture, spring barley, top dressing

687–697 K. Bumbiere, A. Gancone, J. Pubule and D. Blumberga
Carbon balance of biogas production from maize in Latvian conditions
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Carbon balance of biogas production from maize in Latvian conditions

K. Bumbiere, A. Gancone, J. Pubule* and D. Blumberga

Riga Technical University, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Faculty of Electrical and Environmental Engineering, Azenes 12-K1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: jelena.pubule@rtu.lv

Abstract:

Production of biogas using bioresources of agricultural origin plays an important role in Europe’s energy transition to sustainability. However, many substrates have been denounced in the last years as a result of differences of opinion on its impact on the environment, while finding new resources for renewable energy is a global issue. The aim of the study is to use a carbon balance method to evaluate the real impact on the atmosphere by carrying out a carbon balance to objectively quantify naturally or anthropogenically added or removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This study uses Latvian data to determine the environmental impact of biogas production depending on the choice of substrate, in this case from specially grown maize silage. GHG emissions from specially grown maize use and cultivation (including the use of diesel fuel, crop residue and nitrogen fertilizer incorporation, photosynthesis), biogas production leaks, as well as digestate emissions (including digestate emissions and also saved nitrogen emissions by the use of digestate) are taken into account when compiling the carbon balance of maize. The results showed that biogas production from specially grown maize can save 1.86 kgCO₂eq emissions per 1 m³ of produced biogas.

Key words:

agriculture., bioenergy, biofuels, multicriteria analysis, sustainability

1060–1074 J. McNamara, M. Fox, J. Kinsella and D.O’Connor
Promoting Farmer occupational safety and health (OSH) services through Extension
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Promoting Farmer occupational safety and health (OSH) services through Extension

J. McNamara¹²*, M. Fox¹², J. Kinsella² and D.O’Connor²

¹Teagasc-Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Head Office, Oak Park, R93 XE12 Carlow, Ireland
²School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland
*Correspondence: john.g.mcnamara@teagasc.ie

Abstract:

Strategies for improving OSH in European agriculture are urgently required given the high level of reported injuries and ill health in the sector. The agriculture sector in Europe is enormous in scale and diverse in production systems. A dispersed labour force is deployed in the sector, predominantly using family labour, which is self-employed. Accordingly, a large proportion of the agricultural workforce is outside the scope of EU directives on occupational safety and health (OSH).The aim of this paper is to examine the role and engagement of the discipline of agricultural extension in promoting OSH in agriculture and consider methodologies that this discipline can use most effectively to gain OSH adoption. The paper compares regulatory and extension approaches to consider their respective roles in promoting OSH in agriculture. EU developments related to extension and OSH are then outlined. Regarding extension engagement, findings of a survey among extension and OSH professionals throughout Europe found that OSH is considered an important topic and worthwhile for inclusion in extension but it indicates that currently the level of extension programming is limited. Irish data on OSH extension methodologies indicates that advisors consider that a range of extension approaches are available to motivate farmers on OSH adoption with TV victim testimonials, on-farm social learning discussion groups and on-farm demonstrations having the highest preferences. Data presented indicates that Irish farmers expressed good satisfaction ratings with OSH extension relevance to their farms. Overall, the study advocates giving more consideration of the role of extension in promoting agricultural OSH.

Key words:

agriculture., ergonomics, extension, vacuum regulation

507–519 S. Kodors, G. Lacis, O. Sokolova2,V. Zhukovs, I. Apeinans and T. Bartulsons
Apple scab detection using CNN and Transfer Learning
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Apple scab detection using CNN and Transfer Learning

S. Kodors¹*, G. Lacis², O. Sokolova2,V. Zhukovs¹, I. Apeinans¹ and T. Bartulsons²

¹Rezekne Academy of Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Atbrivoshanas Str. 115, LV-4601 Rezekne, Latvia
²Institute of Horticulture, Graudu Str. 1, LV-3701 Ceriņi, Krimūnu pagasts, Dobeles novads, Latvia
*Correspondence: sergejs.kodors@rta.lv

Abstract:

The goal of smart and precise horticulture is to increase yield and product quality by simultaneous reduction of pesticide application, thereby promoting the improvement of food security. The scope of this research is apple scab detection in the early stage of development using mobile phones and artificial intelligence based on convolutional neural network (CNN) applications. The research considers data acquisition and CNN training. Two datasets were collected – with images of scab infected fruits and leaves of an apple tree. However, data acquisition is a time-consuming process and scab appearance has a probability factor. Therefore, transfer learning is an appropriate training methodology. The goal of this research was to select the most suitable dataset for transfer learning for the apple scab detection domain and to evaluate the transfer learning impact comparing it with learning from scratch. The statistical analysis confirmed the positive effect of transfer learning on CNN performance with significance level 0.05.

Key words:

agriculture., artificial intelligence, deep learning, fungus, machine learning, Malus, pathogen, precise horticulture, Venturia

2156-2165 S.V. Nikitin, К.S. Shatokhin, V.I. Zaporozhets, N.N. Кochnev, D.S. Bashur, A.V. Khodakovа and V.I. Ermolaev
‘GENETIC LOAD’ and changes in the chronology of early mortality in mini-pigs of ICG SB RAS
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‘GENETIC LOAD’ and changes in the chronology of early mortality in mini-pigs of ICG SB RAS

S.V. Nikitin¹, К.S. Shatokhin²*, V.I. Zaporozhets¹, N.N. Кochnev², D.S. Bashur¹, A.V. Khodakovа² and V.I. Ermolaev¹

¹Institute of Cytology and Genetics of Siberian Department of Russian Academy of Sciences, RU630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
²Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, RU630039 Novosibirsk, Russia
*Correspondence: true_genetic@mail.ru

Abstract:

This paper describes the study of the common factors of mortality of suckling piglets. It is assumed that this parameter is influenced by recessive lethal factors of the genetic load in population. An immediate subject of study was the chronological analysis of mortality in piglets from the breeding group of mini-pigs of ICG SB RAS (Institute of Cytology and Genetics Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences) for the period from 2013 through 2019. The results revealed increased number of dead piglets in the early postnatal period (first five days after farrowing) over this time period. This observation was confirmed by a statistically significant correlation coefficient between the year of birth and the number of animals that died during the first five days of life. Mortality in the period from the 6th day to weaning, on the contrary, decreased to probable accidental death which was non-related to genetic causes. Observed redistribution of mortality may be associated with increased general homozygosity in population and, in part, with the optimization of the excessive for mini-pigs multiple fertility. It is possible that the consequence of the second cause is an increase in mortality and a decrease in multiple pregnancy. It is assumed that in the breeding group of mini-pigs of the ICG SB RAS, there is the process of eliminating excessive lethal ‘genetic load’ and optimizing homozygosity to a level ensuring maximum survival of piglets on the 6th day after birth. Results of regression analysis showed that the mortality of piglets in 2018 reached its maximum level and in future a decrease to the optimum level which is typical for domestic pigs is possible. In general, results of this study suggest that newborn piglets are represented by two types. The first type includes animals whose viability potential determined by recessive lethal ‘genetic load’ is zero – they cannot live outside mother’s body. The second type is represented by animals with a genetic viability potential equal to one –they can die only from accidental death.

Key words:

‘genetic load’, agriculture., genetic viability potential, homozygosity, inbreeding, mini-pigs of ICG SB RAS, mortality, optimization of piglets number

543–553 D.S. Sattarov, S.Kh. Vyshegurov and R.R. Galeev
Monitoring the species diversity of medicinal plants typical for the south slope of Hissar Ridge / Tajikistan /
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Monitoring the species diversity of medicinal plants typical for the south slope of Hissar Ridge / Tajikistan /

D.S. Sattarov¹*, S.Kh. Vyshegurov² and R.R. Galeev²

¹Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Republican Center for Genetic
Resources, Rudaki Avenue, 21/1, TJ734000 Dushanbe, Tajikistan
²Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Novosibirsk State Agrarian University”, Street Dobrolyubova, 160, RU630039 Novosibirsk, Russia

Abstract:

This paper is a summary of literature reviews concerning the diversity of medicinal plants and the results of our many years studies. It includes scientific and practical justifications of the importance of monitoring species diversity of the studied object. Results of monitoring the species composition of wild medicinal plants in some areas of the southern slope of the Gissar Range are specified. As a result of studying 11 gorges (Gazhne, Safedchashma, Gusgarf, Shamal, Obi-Zugora, Gulobod, Yos, Yavroz, Semiganch, Odzhuk, Magov), 174 species of medicinal plants were found that belong to different botanical taxa. This number of plants includes representatives of 106 genera belonging to 46 families, among which representatives of the aster family predominate: Asteraceae (36 species), Rosaceae (19 species), Lamiaceae (16 species), etc. Compared with the number of known plants growing within the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan, the number of species found was 11.6%. In relation to the number of plants that are recognized as medicinal in the world, species diversity of the southern slopes of Gissar Range is less than one percent. However, the number of species is comparable to locations with similar climatic conditions.

Key words:

agriculture., biodiversity, family, Gissar Range, medicinal plants, species