Search Results (48)

This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of biodegradable (BD) mulching film in onion cultivation, with a focus on plant growth, yield, soil environment, weed suppression, and film degradation, in comparison to conventional polyethylene (PE) film and non-mulching (NM) treatment across multiple regions and years (2023–2024). The BD and PE films demonstrated similar impacts on onion growth, bulb size, yield, and weed suppression, significantly outperforming NM, with yield increases of over 13%. There were no consistent differences in soil pH, electrical conductivity, and physical properties in crops that used either BD or PE film. Soil temperature and moisture were also comparable regardless of which film type was used, confirming BD’s viability as an alternative to PE. However, areas that used BD film had soils which exhibited reduced microbial populations, particularly Bacillus and actinomycetes which was likely caused by degradation by-products. BD film degradation was evident from 150 days post-transplantation, with near-complete decomposition at 60 days post-burial, whereas PE remained largely intact (≈98%) during the same period. These results confirm that BD film can match the agronomic performance of PE while offering the advantage of environmentally friendly degradation. Further research should optimize BD film durability and assess its cost-effectiveness for large-scale sustainable agriculture. Full article

Agricultural water resource management is increasingly challenged by climate variability, land degradation, and socio-economic pressures, particularly in the Mediterranean region. This study, conducted in 2023–2024 within the REACT4MED project (PRIMA initiative), addresses sustainable water use through a comparative analysis of organic and conventional farms in the Stornara and Tara area (Puglia, Italy). The research aimed to identify critical indicators for sustainable water management and develop ecosystem restoration strategies that can be replicated across similar Mediterranean agro-ecosystems. An interdisciplinary, participatory approach was adopted, combining technical analyses and stakeholder engagement through three workshops involving 30 participants from diverse sectors. Fieldwork and laboratory assessments included soil sampling and analysis of parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, soil organic carbon, nutrients, and salinity. Cartographic studies of vegetation, land use, and pedological characterization supplemented the dataset. The key challenges identified were water loss in distribution systems, seawater intrusion, water pumping from unauthorized wells, and inadequate public policies. Soil quality was significantly influenced by salt stress, hence affecting crop productivity, while socio-economic factors affected farm income. Restoration strategies emphasized the need for water-efficient irrigation, less water-intensive crops, and green vegetation in infrastructure channels while incorporating also the native flora. Enhancing plant biodiversity through weed management in drainage channels proved beneficial for pathogen control. Proposed socio-economic measures include increased inclusion of women and youth in agricultural management activities. Integrated technical and participatory approaches are essential for effective water resource governance in Mediterranean agriculture. This study offers scalable, context-specific indicators and solutions for sustainable land and water management in the face of ongoing desertification and climate stress. Full article

Conflicts between humans and Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) have intensified due to urban and agricultural expansion, reducing natural habitats and pushing macaques into human settlements. This review examines strategies for managing human–macaque coexistence in Japan. Since the 1970s, urbanisation and deforestation have led to increased macaque migration into populated areas, resulting in property damage, crop loss, and, in some cases, aggressive encounters. The growing macaque population underscores the urgency of effective management programmes. Strategies include preventive measures, such as weeding to limit food sources, habitat modification, and community-based interventions to reduce attractants. Non-lethal deterrents, including visual and auditory scare tactics, trained guard animals, and electric fences, have been implemented to discourage macaques from entering human spaces. Physical barriers, such as fences and buffer zones, provide long-term mitigation but require maintenance and community cooperation. Fertility control, including sterilisation and hormonal contraception, offers a long-term population management solution but presents logistical challenges. Lethal control and capture-relocation, though controversial, remain options for particularly problematic individuals. Additionally, integrating One Health and One Conservation approaches into macaque management allows for a holistic strategy that considers disease risks, ecological balance, and ethical implications. A balanced management plan that incorporates multiple strategies, community participation, and continuous monitoring is crucial for mitigating conflicts and fostering sustainable coexistence between humans and macaques. Full article

Intensive agriculture is the chief cause of soil degradation, particularly in regions with low soil organic carbon status, such as semi-arid southern India. In the quest to attain sustainable yield and improved soil quality, conservation agriculture (CA) is being advocated and adopted globally, including in India. In this experiment, CA was implemented to investigate the synergistic impacts of tillage and weed management on soil quality index and system yield and to identify a remunerative treatment combination that can sustain system yield and enhance soil quality. Contrasting tillage practices (main plots) included the T₁: conventional tillage with cotton–conventional tillage with maize–fallow, i.e., no Sesbania rostrata (Farmers’ practice), T₂: conventional tillage with cotton–zero tillage with maize–zero tillage with Sesbania rostrata and T₃: zero tillage with cotton + Sesbania rostrata residues–zero tillage with maize + cotton residues–zero tillage with Sesbania rostrata + maize stubbles. Weed management tactics (sub-plots) were W₁: chemical weed control, W₂: herbicide rotation, W₃: integrated weed management and W₄: single hand-weeded control in a split-plot design with cotton–maize–Sesbania cropping system over 3 years, in a split-plot design. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using the soil quality index (SQI)-CAL Version 1.0 software tool to extract minimum datasets from measured soil properties. A total of 40 soil variables were analyzed at 60 DAS and after the maize harvest, then subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and subjected to PCA in soil quality index (SQI)-CAL software as to choose variables, minimum dataset and obtain soil quality index. The following soil properties, soil organic carbon (SOC), silt fraction, available soil zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), potassium (K), nitrogen (N), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil carbon to nitrogen (C:N) and cation exchange capacity (CEC), were selected as indicators based on correlations, calculated PCA and adept opinions on texture and lime concretions of experimental soil. The soil quality index improved by 23.34% in the T₃W₄ compared to T₁W₁. The system yield was 51.79% higher with the adoption of T₃W₃ compared to T₃W₄ combinations. Therefore, considering both system yield and soil quality index, T₃ and W₃ were remunerative and the best treatment combination among all others to sustain both soil and crop productivity in this region. Full article

Corn-soybean strip intercropping, which fully utilizes land resources and has high total yield and soil fertility, has become a modern agricultural cultivation mode that is actively promoted. In order to solve the weed problem in corn-soybean strip intercropping, the agricultural technology requirements cannot be met by traditional pre-mixed spraying machines, so a direct injection dual-path inline mixing system was designed for the corn-soybean strip intercropping mode. The system was integrated to improve its installation convenience and universality, and was capable of fulfilling the requirements for the simultaneous application of two types of pesticides at varying mixing ratios. The system mainly consists of a water solvent injection module, glyphosate (pesticide for corn) inline mixing module, and a fomesafen (soybean pesticide) inline mixing module. First, the detection rules of the mixing ratio of related pesticides based on the electrical conductivity measurement principle were studied. Then, the working characteristics of the designed direct injection dual-path inline mixing system were studied through experiments using different pesticides and mixing ratio adjustment ranges. The mixing uniformity test showed that the designed direct injection dual-path inline mixing system had good mixing uniformity, and the maximum uniformity coefficient of the mixing ratio was 9.7%. The stability test showed that the mixing ratio of the designed dual-path inline mixing system was relatively stable, with the maximum standard deviation of the mixing ratio accounting for about 2.2% of its average value, and the maximum average deviation was less than 1.5%. The precision and response time test showed that the designed dual-path inline mixing system had an average deviation of the mixing ratio of less than 2.7% under the condition of a step signal target mixing ratio, and the response time was a maximum of 3.4 s. The results show that the designed dual-path inline mixing system has good performance, and the research findings provide a reference for the design and optimization of inline mixing systems. Full article

Electrostatic techniques have introduced innovative approaches to devise efficient tools for pest control across various categories, encompassing pathogens, insects, and weeds. The focus on electric discharge technology has proven pivotal in establishing effective methods with simple device structures, enabling cost-effective fabrication using readily available materials. The electric discharge-generating devices can be assembled using commonplace conductor materials, such as ordinary metal nets linked to a voltage booster and a grounded electric wire. The strategic pairing of charged and grounded conductors at specific intervals generates an electric field, leading the charged conductor to initiate a corona discharge in the surrounding space. As the applied voltage increases, the corona discharge intensifies and may eventually result in an arc discharge due to the breakdown of air when the voltage surpasses the insulation resistance limit. The utilization of corona and arc discharges plays a crucial role in these techniques, with the corona-discharging stage creating (1) negative ions to stick to pests, which can then be captured with a positively charged pole, (2) ozone gas to sterilize plant hydroponic solutions, and (3) plasma streams to exterminate fungal colonies on leaves, and the arc-discharging stage projecting electric sparks to zap and kill pests. These electric discharge phenomena have been harnessed to develop reliable devices capable of managing pests across diverse classes. In this review, we elucidate past achievements and challenges in device development, providing insights into the current status of research. Additionally, we discuss the future directions of research in this field, outlining potential avenues for further exploration and improvement. Full article

Addressing the challenges of complex structure, limited modularization capability, and insufficient responsiveness in traditional hydraulically driven inter-plant mechanical weeding equipment, this study designed and developed an electric swing-type opening and closing intra-row weeding control system. The system integrates deep learning technology for accurate identification and localization of cabbage, enabling precise control and dynamic obstacle avoidance for the weeding knives. The system’s performance was comprehensively evaluated through laboratory and field experiments. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that, under conditions of low speed and large plant spacing, the system achieved a weeding accuracy of 96.67%, with a minimum crop injury rate of 0.83%. However, as the operational speed increased, the weeding accuracy decreased while the crop injury rate increased. Two-way ANOVA results indicated that operational speed significantly affected both weeding accuracy and crop injury rate, whereas plant spacing had a significant effect on weeding accuracy but no significant effect on crop injury rate. Field experiment results further confirmed that the system maintained high weeding accuracy and crop protection under varying speed conditions. At a low speed of 0.1 m/s, the weeding accuracy was 96.00%, with a crop injury rate of 1.57%. However, as the speed increased to 0.5 m/s, the weeding accuracy dropped to 81.79%, while the crop injury rate rose to 5.49%. These experimental results verified the system’s adaptability and reliability in complex field environments, providing technical support for the adoption of intelligent mechanical weeding systems. Future research will focus on optimizing control algorithms and feedback mechanisms to enhance the system’s dynamic response capability and adaptability, thereby advancing the development of sustainable agriculture and precision field management. Full article

The decline in the number of essential farmers has become a significant issue in Japanese agriculture. In response, there is increasing interest in the electrification and automation of agricultural machinery, particularly in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study focuses on the development of an electric vehicle (EV) crawler-type robot designed for weed cultivation operations, with the aim of reducing herbicide use in organic onion farming. Weed cultivation requires precise, delicate operations over extended periods, making it a physically and mentally demanding task. To alleviate the labor burden associated with weeding, we employed a color camera to capture crop images and used artificial intelligence (AI) to identify crop rows. An automated system was developed in which the EV crawler followed the identified crop rows. The recognition data were transmitted to a control PC, which directed the crawler’s movements via motor drivers equipped with Controller Area Network (CAN) communication. Based on the crop row recognition results, the system adjusted motor speed differentials, enabling the EV crawler to follow the crop rows with a high precision. Field experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of the system, with automated operations maintaining a lateral deviation of ±2.3 cm, compared to a maximum error of ±10 cm in manual operation. These results indicate that the automation system provides a greater accuracy and is suitable for weed cultivation tasks in organic farming. Full article

Traditional methods of weed control during field management often result in herbicide waste. Precision herbicide application is crucial in agricultural production. This study presents a monodisperse droplet-generation system designed for precision herbicide application, capable of generating monodisperse droplets induced by an electric field. Droplet-generation experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of capillary tube outlet shape, liquid flow rate, and capillary tube size on the generation of charged droplets. A droplet diameter prediction model was established based on the system parameters. Experimental results indicated that as the applied voltage increased, the droplet diameter decreased, and the droplet-generation patterns transitioned sequentially from dripping, micro-dripping, to unstable dripping modes. In a weak electric field, capillaries with beveled outlets produced smaller droplets with more stable diameter distributions compared to those with blunt outlets. In a strong electric field, the smallest droplet diameter from blunt capillaries was 138.2 μm, whereas from beveled capillaries it was 198.7 μm. Within the design parameter range, droplet diameter was basically positively correlated with liquid flow rate and capillary tube size. By controlling the applied voltage, liquid flow rate, and capillary tube size, stable droplet generation could be achieved within a diameter range of 198.7–2520.8 μm, and the coefficient of variation of droplet diameter under the same working conditions was generally less than 6%. The monodisperse droplet-generation system developed in this study can effectively reduce herbicide usage and improve application efficiency. Full article

Biomass ash is currently attracting the attention of science and industry as an inexhaustible eco-friendly alternative to pozzolans traditionally used in commercial cement manufacture (fly ash, silica fume, natural/calcined pozzolan). This paper explores a new line of research into Marabou weed ash (MA), an alternative to better-known conventional agro-industry waste materials (rice husk, bagasse cane, bamboo, forest waste, etc.) produced in Cuba from an invasive plant harvested as biomass for bioenergy production. The study entailed full characterization of MA using a variety of instrumental techniques, analysis of pozzolanic reactivity in the pozzolan/lime system, and, finally its influence on the physical and mechanical properties of binary pastes and mortars containing 10% and 20% MA replacement content. The results indicate that MA has a very low acid oxide content and a high loss on ignition (30%) and K₂O content (6.9%), which produces medium–low pozzolanic activity. Despite an observed increase in the blended mortars’ total and capillary water absorption capacity and electrical resistivity and a loss in mechanical strength approximately equivalent to the replacement percentage, the 10% and 20% MA blended cements meet the regulatory chemical, physical, and mechanical requirements specified. Marabou weed ash is therefore a viable future supplementary cementitious material. Full article

Weed infestations pose significant challenges to global crop production, demanding effective and sustainable weed control methods. Traditional approaches, such as chemical herbicides, mechanical tillage, and plastic mulches, are not only associated with environmental concerns but also face challenges like herbicide resistance, soil health, erosion, moisture content, and organic matter depletion. Thermal methods like flaming, streaming, and hot foam distribution are emerging weed control technologies along with directed energy systems of electrical and laser weeding. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of laser weeding technology, comparing it with conventional methods and highlighting its potential environmental benefits. Laser weeding, known for its precision and targeted energy delivery, emerges as a promising alternative to conventional control methods. This review explores various laser weeding platforms, discussing their features, applications, and limitations, with a focus on critical areas for improvement, including dwell time reduction, automated navigation, energy efficiency, affordability, and safety standards. Comparative analyses underscore the advantages of laser weeding, such as reduced environmental impact, minimized soil disturbance, and the potential for sustainable agriculture. This paper concludes by outlining key areas for future research and development to enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and affordability of laser weeding technology. In summary, laser weeding presents a transformative solution for weed control, aligning with the principles of sustainable and environmentally conscious agriculture, and addressing the limitations of traditional methods. Full article

Nicosulfuron, despite being a post-emergence herbicide commonly used in corn crops to combat weeds, there is still little information on nicosulfuron toxicity for soil microbiota. Little information exists on the impact of nicosulfuron on the enzymatic activities of soil dehydrogenases (Deh), urease (Ure), catalase (Cat), and alkaline phosphatase (Alp). We used a multiple dose- and time point (7, 14, 21, and 28 days) study design to determine the effect of nicosulfuron on these parameters during the first 28 days post-application. The soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter content (OM), water content, ammonium-nitrogen (NH₄-N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃-N), and available phosphate were also monitored. Ure was the most responsive enzyme to nicosulfuron. This herbicide exerted a transitory dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effect on Deh activity; maximum inhibition occurred at 14 days at doses from the normal recommended dose onward. For Ure, the maximal inhibitory effect started at 7 days of exposure to half the normal recommended dose and continued for another 14 days. The effect on Cat occurred later, whereas Alp activity was affected by nicosulfuron between 7 and 21 days but only for triple the normal recommended dose. OM showed the most consistent relationships with these parameters, being strongly positively correlated with Deh, Cat, and Alp activities. These results indicate that nicosulfuron may alter the soil metabolic activity, thus affecting its fertility. Full article

Seeking low environmental impact alternatives to chemical herbicides that can be integrated into a regenerative agriculture system, we developed and tested flat-plate electrode weeding equipment applying ultra-low-energy electric shocks to seedlings in the field. Better than 90% control was achieved for all species, with energy to treat 5 weeds m⁻² equivalent to 15 kJ ha⁻¹ for L. didymum and A. powellii, and 363 kJ ha⁻¹ (leaf contact only) and 555kJ ha⁻¹ (plants pressed to soil) for in-ground L. multiflorum, all well below our 1 MJ ha⁻¹ target and a fraction of the energy required by any other weeding system. We compared applications to the leaves only or to leaves pressed against the soil surface, to seedlings growing outside in the ground and to plants growing in bags filled with the same soil. No previous studies have made such direct comparisons. Our research indicated that greenhouse and in-field results are comparable, other factors remaining constant. The in-ground, outdoor treatments were as effective and efficient as our previously published in-bag, greenhouse trials. The flat-plate system tested supports sustainable farming by providing ultra-low-energy weed control suitable for manual, robotic, or conventional deployment without recourse to tillage or chemical herbicides. Full article

The application of robotics has great implications for future food security, sustainable agricultural development, improving resource efficiency, reducing chemical pesticide use, reducing manual labor, and maximizing field output. Aiming at the problems of high labor intensity and labor shortage in the fields of pesticide application, weeding, and field information collection, a multifunctional and electric field management robot platform is designed, which has four switching steering modes (Ackermann steering, four-wheel steering, crab steering, and zero-radius steering), and its wheel-track can be automatically adjusted. Commonly used spraying booms, weeders, crop information collectors, and other devices can be easily installed on the robot platform. A multi-sensor integrated navigation system including a satellite positioning system, an RGB camera, and a multi-line lidar is designed to realize the unmanned driving of the robot platform in a complex field environment. Field tests have shown that the robot can follow the set route, and tests under simulated conditions have indicated that it can also dynamically correct paths based on crop rows by using a visual system. Results from multiple trials showed that the trajectory tracking accuracy meets the requirements of various field management operations. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple cereal in the diet of more than half of the world’s population. Within the European Union, Spain is a leader in rice production due to its climate and tradition, accounting for 26% of total EU production in 2020. The Valencian rice area covers around 15,000 hectares and is strongly influenced by biotic and abiotic factors. An important biotic factor affecting rice production is weeds, which compete with rice for sunlight, water and nutrients. The dominant weed in Spain is Echinochloa spp., although wild rice is becoming increasingly important. Rice cultivation in Valencia takes place in the area of L’Albufera de Valencia, which is a natural park, i.e., a special protection area. In this natural area, the use of phytosanitary products is limited, so it is necessary to use the minimum amount possible. Therefore, the objective of this work is to evaluate the possibility of using remote sensing effectively to determine the effectiveness of the application of the herbicide cyhalofop-butyl by drone for the control of Echinochloa spp. in rice crops in Valencia. The results will be compared with those obtained by using sterilisation machines (electric backpack sprayers) to apply the herbicide. To evaluate the effectiveness of the application, the reflectance obtained by the satellite sensors in the red and near infrared (NIR) wavelengths, as well as the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), were used. The remote sensing results were analysed and complemented by the number of rice plants and weeds per area, plant dry weight, leaf area, BBCH phenological state, SPAD index values, chlorophyll content and relative growth rate. Remote sensing is validated as an effective tool for determining the efficacy of an herbicide in controlling weeds applied by both the drone and the electric backpack sprayer. The weeds slowed down their development after the treatment. Depending on the phenological state of the crop and the active ingredient of the herbicide, these results are applicable to other areas with different climatic and environmental conditions. Full article