Agricultural Automation and Innovative Agricultural Systems—2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Delivering the European Green Deal and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has highlighted the importance of achieving agricultural transition via the employment and realization of innovative agricultural systems, digitalization and automation. At present, technological developments are extremely rapid, but are still not implemented sufficiently in the agricultural sector. Innovations and automation are able to ensure the healthy production of food, the sustainable use of resources, and the adaptation and mitigation of climate change with the aim of saving the planet for future generations. Researchers play a crucial role in answering questions and helping to implement innovative adaptations in practice. In this Special Issue, we invite you to share the results of your high-quality research into innovative agrotechnologies, the application of novel preparations and equipment, automation, robotization, digitalization, ICT, sensors in agricultural systems, the application of precision agriculture, smart agricultural engineering in conventional, sustainable and organic crop production, horticulture, animal husbandry, and primary processing.

Prof. Dr. Egidijus Šarauskis
Dr. Vilma Naujokienė
Dr. Zita Kriauciuniene
Guest Editors

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• agricultural machinery
• automation and robotization
• digital agriculture
• precision agriculture
• organic agriculture
• innovation in animal husbandry
• soil management
• sowing, fertilization, spraying operations
• plant care
• harvesting
• application of innovative bio-products
• primary processing
• sensing methods and devices
• validation of automated methods
• energy, economic and environmental assessment

• Agricultural Automation and Innovative Agricultural Systems in Agronomy (16 articles)

Title: The influence of the biological preparation on the productivity of tomatoes
Authors: Sidona Buragienė; Aida Adamavičienė
Affiliation: Affiliation 1: Faculty of Engineering, Agriculture Academy, Vytautas Magnus University, Studentu Str. 15A, Kaunas District, LT-53362 Akademija, Lithuania, [email protected], Affiliation 2: Faculty of Agronomy, Agriculture Academy, Vytautas Magnus University, Studentu Str. 11, LT-53361 Akademija, Kaunas District, Lithuania, [email protected]
Abstract: A tentative abstract: Preliminary summary: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L), a flowering plant of the Solanaceae family, is widely cultivated for its edible fruits. Although botanically a fruit, it is commonly eaten and prepared as a vegetable. Studies show that tomatoes and tomato products can reduce the risk of heart disease and lung cancer. As tomatoes are valuable and popular, our research aims to increase yields using a molasses-based biologic. The study was conducted at the Academy of Agriculture of Vytautas the Great University (Lithuania). Tomatoes 'Betalux' are artificially grown under constant environmental conditions. Tomatoes were grown individually in special containers in 5 different soils and substrates: loam (L), clay (C), sandy loam (SL), compost soil (CS) and coconut fiber (CF). The experiment was performed with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. Two weeks after planting the seedlings, the height, width, chlorophyll index of the plants were measured and their relationship with the yield was analyzed. Measurements were carried out during the entire tomato vegetation.