Tag Archives: sustainable agriculture

997-1010 M. Bardadi Bendaha, Y. Benmimoun, B. Bekkouche, F. Kherbouche and K. Miloudi
Experimental investigation of corona discharge as a green technology for improving sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench seed germination
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Experimental investigation of corona discharge as a green technology for improving sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench seed germination

M. Bardadi Bendaha¹*, Y. Benmimoun², B. Bekkouche¹, F. Kherbouche² and K. Miloudi³

¹Laboratory of Renewable Energies and Electrical Systems, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Abdelhamid Ibn Badis, Mostaganem, 27000, Algeria
²Laboratory of Science and Technology of Water, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Mustapha Stambouli, Mascara, 29000, Algeria
³Laboratory of Biological Systems and Geomatics Research, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Mustapha Stambouli, Mascara, 29000, Algeria
*Correspondence: mourad.bardadibendaha@univ-mosta.dz

Abstract:

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is a vital cereal crop widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions due to its notable drought tolerance and adaptability. Enhancing germination efficiency is crucial for improving crop establishment and overall productivity. This study explores the effects of negative DC corona discharge treatment (a non-thermal plasma-based seed priming method) on the germination. Sorghum seeds were exposed to voltages of 14, 18, 22, and 26 kV for durations of 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes, with germination monitored over five days. After 24 hours, treatment at 22 kV for 15 minutes resulted in a 500% increase in germinated seeds compared to the control (18 vs. 3). By 48 hours, 18 kV for 15 minutes led to 40 germinated seeds versus 15 in the control group, marking a 166.7% improvement. The trend continued at 72 hours, with 44 seeds germinated under 22 kV for 15 minutes compared to 25 in untreated samples (76% increase). The 96-hour observation showed 44 germinated seeds at 22 kV for 5 minutes versus 28 in control (57.1% increase), while by 120 hours, 14 kV for 15 minutes produced 48 seeds compared to 32 in the control (50% increase). These results demonstrate that corona discharge treatment effectively accelerates early germination and enhances seed vigor, particularly under moderate voltage (14–22 kV) and exposure durations of 10–15 minutes, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly strategy to boost sorghum crop performance.

Key words:

corona discharge, food security, germination enhancement, seed priming. sorghum bicolor, sustainable agriculture

1436-1464 C.A. Arredondo, A. Guerrero Arredondo, C.E. Arrieta Gonzalez, V. Rajamani and S. Sarkar
Agrivoltaics: a paradigm for sustainable dual land use – an overview
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Agrivoltaics: a paradigm for sustainable dual land use – an overview

C.A. Arredondo¹*, A. Guerrero Arredondo², C.E. Arrieta Gonzalez¹, V. Rajamani³ and S. Sarkar⁴

¹Universidad de Medellín, Facultad de Ingenierías, Grupo de Investigación en Energía - GRINEN, Carrera 87 N°30 – 65, Medellín, Colombia
²Universidad de Medellín, Facultad de Ingenierías, Grupo de Investigación en Energía - GRINEN, Estudiante Ingeniería en Energía, Carrera 87 N°30 – 65, Medellín, Colombia
³Fachhochschule Dortmund, Mechanical Engineering, Sonnenstraße 96, DE44139, Dortmund, Germany
⁴RV College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mysore Rd, RV Vidyaniketan, Post, Bengaluru, IN560059 Karnataka, India
*Correspondence: caarredondo@udemedellin.edu.co

Abstract:

Agrivoltaic systems is an emerging solution that combines agricultural production with photovoltaic energy generation on the same area. This paper synthesizes findings from approximately 251 peer-reviewed studies, technical reports, and real-world applications to explore the classification, benefits, and implementation of agrivoltaics systems globally. Case studies from Japan, France, Africa, and Latin America reveal yield increases above 10% for certain crops under partial shading and energy production outputs of up to 1.5 MW ha^-1, depending on the panel type and configuration. The overview also examines key technological developments, such as bifacial modules and smart irrigation, which improve efficiency and resource management. Additionally, it discusses the economic, environmental, and social benefits and identifies the main barriers to widespread adoption. By evaluating current challenges and future perspectives, this overview provides a comprehensive synthesis of how agrivoltaic systems contribute to sustainable energy and food production, highlighting their global relevance, integrating emerging technologies, and emphasizing the policy frameworks that support successful deployment.

Key words:

agrivoltaics, climate resilience, dual land use, energy transition, photovoltaic systems, sustainable agriculture

785-804 A. Attallah, W. Hamdi, K. Van den Meersche, A. Souid, D.E. Kucher , O.A. Zakharova, M. Farissi, B. L’ taief, J.A. Messiga, S. Jellali and N.Y. Rebouh
Evaluating the STICS Soil-Crop Model on durum wheat-chickpea intercropping system under the semi-arid conditions of Southern Tunisia
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Evaluating the STICS Soil-Crop Model on durum wheat-chickpea intercropping system under the semi-arid conditions of Southern Tunisia

A. Attallah¹, W. Hamdi¹*, K. Van den Meersche², A. Souid¹, D.E. Kucher ³, O.A. Zakharova⁴, M. Farissi⁵, B. L’ taief⁶, J.A. Messiga⁷, S. Jellali⁸ and N.Y. Rebouh³

¹Gabes University, Higher Institute of the Sciences and Techniques of Waters of Gabes, Zrig, 6072 Gabès, Tunisia
²Eco&Sols, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD, 2 place Pierre Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France
³Department of Environmental Management, Institute of Environmental Engineering, RUDN University, 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Str., RU117198 Moscow, Russia
⁴Department of agronomy and agrotechnologies, Ryazan State Agrotechnological University Named after P.A. Kostychev, 1, Kostychev Str., RU390044 Ryazan Russia
⁵Laboratory of Biotechnology & Sustainable Development of Natural Resources, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Beni-Mellal, Sultan Moulay Slimane University,
Beni-Mellal 23000, Morocco
⁶Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 960,
62223 Abha, Saudi Arabia
⁷Agassiz Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agassiz, BC V0M1A0, Canada
⁸Center for Environmental Studies and Research, Sultan Qaboos University,
Al-Khoud 123, Muscat, Oman
*Correspondence: wissemhemdi@yahoo.fr

Abstract:

Soil-crop models provide critical insights for designing and assessing innovative cropping systems, particularly for improving sustainability in water-limited regions. However, accurately modeling intercropping systems particularly those involving grains and legumes continues to pose a significant challenge in agricultural research. This study focuses on the initial calibration and evaluation of the STICS soil-crop model for a durum wheat-chickpea intercropping system in Mediterranean semi-arid conditions. Field experiments were conducted during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 cropping seasons in the Medenine region, Tunisia, with comparison between the intercropping and monoculture systems. The Model performance was evaluated using Aboveground Plant Nitrogen (AGPN) as an indicator of nitrogen uptake. The STICS model demonstrated satisfactory predictive capacity across most simulations, with efficiency (EFF) values ranging from 0.56 to 0.80. Grain yield predictions were reasonably accurate, as indicated by a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of ≤ 37%, particularly for durum wheat (EFF ≥ 0.55). The model effectively simulated the soil water content, achieving an efficiency (EFF) of ≥ 0.51 and an NRMSE of ≤ 25%, especially in the chickpea plots. However, the predictions of the soil nitrogen stock were less accurate in the chickpea monocultures, with efficiency values ≤ 0.38 and NRMSE ≥ 44%. The intercropping simulations showed moderate accuracy, with efficiency values up to 0.41. These findings highlight the potential complementary interactions between durum wheat and chickpeas in using nitrogen and carbon resources. This study contributes to the development of sustainable agricultural practices tailored to Mediterranean climates, supporting climate adaptation and resource efficiency.

Key words:

carbon, crop modeling, grain yield, nitrogen, soil water content, sustainable agriculture

1434–1445 N. Gunaeni, W. Setiawati, A. Muharam, A.K. Karjadi, R. Murtiningsih, T.K. Moekasan, E. Korlina, A. Hasyim, I.R. Saadah, I. Sulastrini, E. Diningsih and B.K. Udiarto
Intercropping insect repellent plants (irps): a promising strategy for sustainable pest management
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Intercropping insect repellent plants (irps): a promising strategy for sustainable pest management

N. Gunaeni, W. Setiawati*, A. Muharam, A.K. Karjadi, R. Murtiningsih, T.K. Moekasan, E. Korlina, A. Hasyim, I.R. Saadah, I. Sulastrini, E. Diningsih and B.K. Udiarto

National Research and Innovation Agency, Research Center for Horticulture, Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor, Cibinong, ID16915 Bogor, Indonesia
*Correspondence: wiwi024@brin.go.id

Abstract:

In current intensive crop production, the utilization of natural biological control in pest management is not fully maximized, resulting in a significant dependency on the application of insecticides. Insect-repellent plants (IRPs) have become a prominent subject of research and a widely implemented strategy for reducing both pest damage and reliance on chemical insecticides. In this study, intercropping three IRP species, coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.; Apiaceae), celery (Apium graveolens L.; Apiaceae), and bunching onion (Allium fistulosum l.; Amaryllidaceae), in two intercropping systems were assessed for controlling insect pests in chilli pepper. The research was carried out in the experimental field of the Indonesian Vegetable Research Institute (IVegRI) in 2022. The results revealed that intercropping systems of chilli pepper with coriander, celery, and bunching onion significantly reduced plant damage over sole crops. Among the various intercrop combinations, chili pepper intercropped with coriander resulted in the lowest damage of three major pest species on chili pepper, Thrips parvispinus (51.77%), Helicoverpa armigera (47.67%), and Bactrocera dorsalis (40.35%). Furthermore, this effect enhanced the productivity of chili pepper yield (43.27%).

Key words:

chili pepper, insecticide reduction, intercropping, natural biological control, pest management, sustainable agriculture

516–528 M. Rasva and E. Jürgenson
Changes of agricultural producers in Estonia according to the size of land use
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Changes of agricultural producers in Estonia according to the size of land use

M. Rasva* and E. Jürgenson

Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering, Chair of Geomatics, Kreutzwaldi 5, EE51006, Tartu, Estonia
*Correspondence: marii.rasva@emu.ee

Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the changes in Estonian agricultural producers according to the size of the land use. To present the situation in Estonian agriculture, and its recent changes, Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board (ARIB) data from 2011 and 2016 is used. This data shows that agricultural land use area per producer has gone up in Estonia and most of the agricultural land is used by agricultural producers in size groups 400–< 1,000 ha and > 1,000 ha. This means that there is a situation in Estonia, where small number of agrucultural producers are using large area of agricultural land. For excample, the largest agricultural producer was using 27% of agricultural land located in Türi municipality in 2016. As the outcome of the study shows that in Estonia, there is the trend of farm size growth and there is a need to find out if this model of agricultural production guarantees us food and future of sustainability.

Key words:

agricultural producer, Estonia, land use, sustainable agriculture

295–306 A. Zeidmane and T. Rubina
Mathematics education for sustainable agriculture specialists
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Mathematics education for sustainable agriculture specialists

A. Zeidmane¹ and T. Rubina²

¹Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Information and Technologies, Department of Mathematics, Liela street 2, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
²Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of information and Technologies, Department of Computer Systems, Liela street 2, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: Anda.Zeidmane@llu.lv; Tatjana.Rubina@llu.lv

Abstract:

One of the Sustainable Development objectives is to promote life-long learning opportunities for all, but one of the Lifelong Learning competences is mathematical competence, which can be obtained studying mathematics at schools and universities. The question is how much and whether the course of mathematics should be included in the curriculum of the agronomy specialties at universities. The aim of the article is to highlight the insufficient amount of higher mathematics in the education of agriculture specialist in the context of sustainable development.
The objectives of the study: to identify the importance of mathematics for agronomy specialists by analysing the role of the mathematics education for agronomy specialists and to analyse the proportion of mathematics courses in the curriculum of the agronomy programmes in the Baltics States and the Baltic Sea region’s higher education institutions. The mathematics education is important for agronomy specialists in many fields. Agronomy specialists need knowledge and skills in basic mathematics, in statistical analysis and interpretation, mathematical modelling, in scientific methods, in economic analysis. The knowledge and skills in a direct and indirect means is provided by mathematical studies at universities. In order to analyse the proportion of mathematics courses in study programmes of Agriculture, Agronomy and Horticulture, three universities of the Baltic States were compared: the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Aleksandras Stulginskis University (Lithuania) and Estonian University of Life Sciences. For a more comprehensive analysis and comparison several universities from the Baltic Sea region were chosen that provide studies in agricultural sciences. Unfortunately, not all agronomy programmes in the Baltic Sea region contain the higher mathematics course that would help to understand the role of derivatives, integrals, and differential equations in the modelling process, as well as further developing general problem-solving skills.

Key words:

agronomy specialist, mathematics competences, mathematics education, sustainable agriculture

728-736 H. Risku-Norja and M. Mikkola
Systemic sustainability characteristics of organic farming: a review
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Systemic sustainability characteristics of organic farming: a review

H. Risku-Norja¹ and M. Mikkola²

¹MTT Agrifood Research Finland, FIN-31600 Jokioinen, Finland;e-mail: helmi.risku-norja@mtt.fi
²University of Helsinki, Ruralia Institute, Lönnrotinkatu 7, FIN-50100 Mikkeli, Finland

Abstract:

Agriculture for food production has come to crossroads: while conventional agriculture needs to improve environmental and social performance, organic agriculture needs to increase the production volumes and to re-establish the connectedness between producers and consumers. Through re-localising the food production there is an increasing convergence of the farming practices towards sustainable agriculture acknowledging the prospects, advantages and limitations of the different production systems. The aim is to find a combination of production methods that is optimal in given circumstances and to adapt the production system accordingly. Assessment of the environmental impacts should be integrated into the assessment of the overall sustainability. Formulation of the management strategies requires evaluation and integration of research results from many different disciplines, and the focus of the interdisciplinary research should be on food systems and bioregions rather than on the level of farms or farming systems.The present article is a review on today‘s discussion and research dealing withconventional, organic and local farming for food production. The future prospects of organic production to respond to the challenges of advancing global food security and to contribute to overall sustainable development are discussed. It seems that as a developing production mode organic agriculture has a role to play in the green global network of local food systems.

Key words:

organic agriculture, productivistic agriculture, sustainable agriculture, systemic sustainability