Search Results (473)

This study aims to explore whether the dual-scale management model, formed by integrating service-scale management with land-scale management, can further break through the benefit limits of single land-scale management and unlock additional profit potential in agricultural scale operations. This study used data from a 2024 questionnaire survey of 2166 farming households in Anhui Province and employed a coupling coordination degree model to measure the level of dual-scale management. Subsequently, we utilized OLS regression and mediation effect models to empirically examine the impact of dual-scale management on agricultural operational benefit and their underlying mechanisms. We find that dual-scale management significantly improves agricultural operational benefit. Our measurements show that dual-scale management not only breaks through the upper limit of the optimal operating area inherent in single land-scale management but also yields a greater improvement in agricultural operational benefit than single land-scale management. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that dual-scale management significantly enhances the agricultural operational benefit of farmers in plain areas and farmers with fully developed high-standard farmland. Mechanism analysis indicates that dual-scale management enhances agricultural operational benefit through an endogenous efficiency improvement mechanism and an exogenous risk-burden-sharing mechanism. These findings suggest that fostering a synergistic development system for land-scale management and service-scale management is conducive to improving the economic returns for land scale operators and unlocking new dividend spaces for agricultural scale operation in China’s post-land transfer era. Full article

‘Pera’ sweet orange is a key variety for the Brazilian citrus industry, but orchards rely on a limited number of clonal selections, which restricts adaptability and productivity across diverse environments. This study assessed the agronomic performance of 13 ‘Pera’ selections grafted on Rangpur lime, cultivated under rainfed conditions in subtropical Brazil. From 2002 to 2010, trees were assessed for vegetative growth, cumulative yield, alternate bearing, and fruit quality. Market-specific performance indices were calculated to determine suitability for fresh fruit or juice processing. Substantial genotypic variation was observed across traits, particularly during early orchard stage. Selections such as ‘Morretes’, ‘Seleção 11’, ‘Seleção 27’, ‘Seleção 37’, and ‘IPR 153’ demonstrated high cumulative yield, stable productivity, and favorable canopy traits, supporting their use in both conventional and high-density systems. ‘IPR 153’ combined compact growth with high yield efficiency and excellent fruit quality, while ‘Morretes’ had the highest juice content and broad market adaptability. In contrast, ‘IPR 159’ showed low vigor and yield under rainfed conditions. The results emphasize the value of regionally targeted clonal selection to improve orchard performance and market alignment. The identification of dual-purpose genotypes offers a pathway to diversify citrus production and improve profitability under subtropical growing conditions. Full article

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) forage production recommendations are often developed in natural environments with available water limitations, often resulting in highly variable responses and lower average responses. As farmland ownership changes and agriculture and irrigation technologies become more affordable the amount of irrigated hay production has increased. While much of the agronomic management does not differ between rain-fed and irrigated environments, nutrient use and uptake dynamics may. This requires a reevaluation and potential adjustment of current recommendations to allow for increased yield potential of irrigated production systems without detrimental impacts on the system. The objective of this study was to identify the need for further investigation of nitrogen application rates for forage bermudagrass production under irrigated conditions. Nitrogen applications of 0 to 280 kg N ha⁻¹, in 56 kg increments, were applied at spring green-up and following the first and second harvests. Dry matter biomass, crude protein, and total digestible nutrients increased with increasing nitrogen application rate, while yield and profit maximizing rates both exceeded the typical recommended rate for bermudagrass hay production. The responses noted for increased nitrogen application rates indicate the need for further investigation of N requirements of non-moisture-limited hay production. Full article

Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination generates a concentrated brine byproduct rich in dissolved salts and minerals. This study presents an extensive economic and technical analysis of recovering all major ions from SWRO brine, which includes Na, Cl, Mg, Ca, SO₄, K, Br, B, Li, Rb, and Sr in comparison to conventional mining and chemical production of these commodities. Data from recent literature and case studies are compiled to quantify the composition of a typical SWRO brine and the potential yield of valuable products. A life-cycle cost framework is applied, incorporating capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), and total water cost (TWC) impacts. A representative simulation for a large 100,000 m³/day SWRO plant shows that integrated “brine mining” systems could recover on the order of 3.8 million tons of salts per year. At optimistic recovery efficiencies, the gross annual revenue from products (NaCl, Mg(OH)₂/MgO, CaCO₃, KCl, Br₂, Li₂CO₃, etc.) can reach a few hundred million USD. This revenue is comparable to or exceeds the added costs of recovery processes under favorable conditions, potentially offsetting desalination costs by USD 0.5/m³ or more. We compare these projections with the economics of obtaining the same materials through conventional mining and chemical processes worldwide. Major findings indicate that recovery of abundant low-value salts (especially NaCl) can supply bulk revenue to cover processing costs, while extraction of scarce high-value elements (Li, Rb, Sr, etc.) can provide significant additional profit if efficient separation is achieved. The energy requirements and unit costs for brine recovery are analyzed against those of terrestrial or conventional mining; in many cases, brine-derived production is competitive due to avoided raw material extraction and potential use of waste or renewable energy. CAPEX for adding mineral recovery to a desalination plant is significant but can be justified by revenue and by strategic benefits such as reduced brine disposal. Our analysis, drawing on global data and case studies (e.g., projects in Europe and the Middle East), suggests that metals and salts recovery from SWRO brine is technically feasible and, at sufficient scale, economically viable in many regions. We provide detailed comparisons of cost, yield, and market value for each target element, along with empirical models and formulas for profitability. The results offer a roadmap for integrating brine mining into desalination operations and highlight key factors such as commodity prices, scale economies, energy integration, and policy incentives that influence the competitiveness of brine recovery against traditional mining. Full article

Feeding a balanced diet such as total mixed ration (TMR) is a widely adopted feeding strategy providing a uniformly blended diet of roughages, concentrates, and supplements that enhances ruminant productivity by optimizing nutrient utilization, stabilizing rumen fermentation, and improving microbial activity. Scientific studies have confirmed that TMR increases dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and growth performance in dairy and beef cattle, as well as in sheep and goats. TMR’s advantages include consistent feed quality, reduced selective feeding, and improved feed efficiency. A key benefit of TMR is its ability to promote the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which are the primary energy source for ruminants, particularly propionate. This enhances energy metabolism, resulting in higher carcass yields, increased milk production, and economic benefits compared to conventional or supplementary feeding systems. However, TMR feeding is also susceptible to mycotoxin contamination (e.g., aflatoxins, zearalenone), potential effects on methane emissions, and the need for precise formulation to maintain consistency and optimise profitability. Prevention and good practices, including routine inspection of feed for pathogens and vulnerable ingredients, as well as careful management of particle size and forage-to-concentrate ratios, are crucial in preventing subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and the development of other subclinical diseases. Mycotoxin binders, such as hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate, can also reduce mycotoxin absorption. Another advantage of practicing TMR is that it can support sustainable farming by integrating agro-industrial byproducts, which minimises environmental impact. In conclusion, TMR is a widely adopted feeding strategy that significantly enhances ruminant productivity by optimizing nutrient utilization, stabilizing rumen fermentation, and improving microbial activity, leading to increased dry matter intake, milk yield, and growth performance. It offers key benefits such as consistent feed quality, reduced selective feeding, improved feed efficiency, and enhanced energy metabolism, providing economic advantages and supporting sustainable farming through agro-industrial byproduct integration. However, its implementation requires careful management to mitigate risks, including mycotoxin contamination, potential impacts on methane emissions, and digestive issues like SARA if formulation is not precise. Therefore, for sustainable production, future research should focus on optimizing TMR formulations with alternative ingredients (e.g., agro-industrial byproducts) and precision feeding strategies to enhance livestock health and animal productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Full article

Although the beneficial effects of silicon on plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses are recognized, there is a lack of knowledge regarding its application in field conditions and its direct impact on physiological metabolism, root development, and, most importantly, the economic return of corn production in tropical regions. This study is justified by the need to quantify the effects of foliar silicon application on these variables, providing a scientific and economic basis for optimizing corn productivity and profitability in tropical environments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of silicon on physiological metabolism, root system development, grain yield, and the potential economic return of maize production in a tropical region. The study was conducted under field conditions in two growing seasons (2020 and 2021), using a randomized block design in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement with four replications. The first factor consisted of the maize growing seasons, and the second factor was foliar silicon fertilization (0 (control), 150, 300, 450, and 600 g ha⁻¹). Foliar fertilization with silicon at a dose of 150 g ha⁻¹ increases transpiration rate by up to 9%, net photosynthetic rate by 13%, and grain yield of maize by 10% after two growing seasons, regardless of the water deficit experienced during the crop cycle. At this dose, silicon application is economically viable, yielding the highest differential profit (USD 97.11 ha⁻¹). In conclusion, foliar fertilization with silicon is an agronomically and economically viable strategy for efficient maize grain production during the second growing season in tropical regions. Full article

This study develops integrated bioeconomic management strategies for the common squid (Todarodes pacificus) fishery in Korea’s coastal waters, addressing both biological conservation and economic sustainability amid severe stock depletion and declining fishery profitability. Drawing on recent catch data and cost structures for six Total allowable Catch (TAC)-managed fishery types, common squid-specific economic indicators were estimated using a stepwise cost allocation method. Based on previous research using the Catch—Maximum Sustainable Yield (CMSY) model with limited Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) data, the biomass in 2020 was estimated at approximately 56% of Biomass at Maximum Sustainable Yield (BMSY), indicating an overfished state. Scenario-based simulations identified TAC allocation thresholds at which net profits reach zero, providing a benchmark for adaptive quota redistribution. Results show variation in economic sensitivity and common squid dependency among fishery types: common squid-dependent gears such as offshore jigging and East Sea trawl exhibit high vulnerability, while multi-species fisheries such as purse seine remain resilient. These results provide a basis for developing tailored management strategies for each fishery, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of interventions. Accordingly, policy recommendations include dynamic TAC adjustments, expanded monitoring, introduction of an Individual Transferable Quota system, and coordinated stock assessments with China and Japan. These findings contribute to refining Korea’s TAC system by aligning stock recovery goals with the economic viability of fishing operations. Full article

To optimize the quality and quantity of basil cultivars, this study investigated four varieties of nutrient-rich growing media compared with chemical fertilizers at the recommended dose in the soil-grown system, and commercial growing media (control) for producing holy basil and Genovese basil under greenhouse conditions. The experiment used a completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments and five replications. With greater levels of chlorophyll, T3 and T4 growing media, consisting of top soil, filter cake, long-term/short-term composted chicken manure, coconut coir dust, and rice husk ash at a ratio of 3:2:2:1.5:1.5 v/v, produced the largest fresh yield when used for holy basil and Genovese basil productions, respectively. However, the net profit margin showed no discernible variations from T3–T5 and T2–T6 growing media, respectively. Nevertheless, T3 or T4 and T4 growing media were recommended for holy basil and Genovese basil production, respectively, based on highest productivity and intricacy of preparation, while also ensuring that the product retains its quality in terms of antioxidant bioactive components. In addition to maintaining the biomass of basil plants’ productivity even when they are cultivated in appropriate growing media, Genovese basil needs to be fertilized with organic fertilizer, like chicken manure, following the fifth or sixth harvesting period. Holy basil should be harvested after the fourth harvest period. Full article

This two-part study assesses the impact of biogas inhibition on large-scale waste-to-energy anaerobic digestion (WtE-AD) plants through techno-economic and life cycle assessment approaches. The first part addresses technical and economic aspects. An anaerobic co-digestion system using vegetable waste (FVW) and meat waste (MW) was operated at laboratory scale in a semi-continuous regime with daily feeding to establish a stable process and induce programmed failures causing methanogenic inhibition, achieved by removing MW from the reactor feed and drastically reducing the protein content. Experimental data, combined with bioprocess scale-up models and cost engineering methods, were then used to evaluate the effect of inhibition periods on the profitability of large-scale WtE-AD processes. In the experimental stage, the stable process achieved a yield of 521.5 ± 21 mL CH₄ g⁻¹ volatile solids (VS) and a biogas productivity of 0.965 ± 0.04 L L⁻¹ d⁻¹ (volume of biogas generated per reactor volume per day), with no failure risk detected, as indicated by the volatile fatty acids/total alkalinity ratio (VFA/TA, mg VFA L⁻¹/mg L⁻¹) and the VFA/productivity ratio (mg VFA L⁻¹/L L⁻¹ d⁻¹), both recognized as effective early warning indicators. However, during the inhibition period, productivity decreased by 64.26 ± 11.81% due to VFA accumulation and gradual TA loss. With the progressive reintroduction of the FVW:MW management and the addition of fresh inoculum to the reaction medium, productivity recovered to 96.7 ± 1.70% of its pre-inhibition level. In WtE-AD plants processing 60 t d⁻¹ of waste, inhibition events can reduce net present value (NPV) by up to 40.2% (from 0.98 M USD to 0.55 M USD) if occurring once per year. Increasing plant capacity (200 t d⁻¹), combined with higher revenues from waste management fees (99.5 USD t⁻¹) and favorable electricity markets allowing higher selling prices (up to 0.23 USD kWh⁻¹), can enhance resilience and offset inhibition impacts without significantly compromising profitability. These findings provide policymakers and industry stakeholders with key insights into the economic drivers influencing the competitiveness and sustainability of WtE-AD systems. Full article

Developing a more productive, resource-efficient, and climate-smart rubber agroforestry model is essential for the sustainable growth of natural rubber cultivation. In this study, we evaluated whether a double-row rubber plantation intercropped with the medicinal crop Ficus hirta Vahl. (DR-F) could achieve this goal, using a single-row rubber plantation (SR) as the control. We assessed the feasibility of the DR-F system based on productivity, solar utilization efficiency (SUE), partial factor productivity of applied nitrogen (PFPN), carbon efficiency (CE), net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB), and carbon footprint (CF). No significant difference was observed in rubber tree biomass between the DR-F (10.49 t·ha⁻¹) and SR (8.49 t·ha⁻¹) systems. However, the DR-F system exhibited significantly higher total biomass productivity (23.34 t·ha⁻¹) than the SR systems due to the substantial contribution from intercropped Ficus hirta Vahl., which yielded 12.84 t·ha⁻¹(p < 0.05). The root fresh weight yield of Ficus hirta Vahl. reached 17.55 t·ha⁻¹, generating an additional profit of 20,417 CNY ha⁻¹. The DR-F system also exhibited higher solar radiation interception and greater availability of soil nutrients. Notably, the roots of rubber trees and Ficus hirta Vahl. did not overlap at a 4 m distance from the rubber trees. The DR-F system achieved higher SUE (0.64%), PFPN (51.40 kg·kg⁻¹ N), and CE (6.93 kg·kg⁻¹ C) than the SR system, with the SUE and PFPN differences being statistically significant (p < 0.05). Although the NECB remained unaffected, the DR-F system demonstrated significantly higher productivity and a substantially lower CF (0.33 kg CO₂·kg⁻¹, a 56% reduction; p < 0.05). In conclusion, the DR-F system represents a more sustainable and beneficial agroforestry approach, offering improved productivity, greater resource use efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. Full article

Protected structures with drip fertigation systems have allowed many countries around the world to grow high-value vegetables, such as tomatoes and bell peppers year round, particularly under adverse edaphoclimatic conditions. This paper evaluates the feasibility of tomato and bell pepper cultivation in Sunshine Pacific Limited. Farm in Tanumalala, a commercial farm in Samoa, under a protected cultivation system with drip fertigation. The yield, water use efficiency, establishment and maintenance costs, and the average return per hectare of production were analyzed. Additionally, economic feasibility indicators were estimated using the discount factors of 6.5% and 11%. Results showed that the annual yield of tomatoes (163,500 kg/ha) was higher than bell peppers (103,500 kg/ha). The water use efficiency (WUE) and product water use (PWU) of these two crops in this study were less efficient compared to what was observed in other countries, as indicated by the value of the respective WUE and PWU: 8.38 kg/m³ and 0.12 m³/kg for tomatoes while 5.31 kg/m³ and 0.19 m³/kg for capsicum. Despite the high initial establishment cost, all economic feasibility parameters indicated that the system is profitable, having a BCR ratio of more than 2, and feasible under Samoa conditions, mostly due to the high market price. Thus, this system of cultivation could be an option for growing high-value vegetables in Samoa. However, further research is needed to improve the yield and water use efficiency. Full article

Supply chains are increasingly exposed to sudden disruptive events (SDEs) such as natural disasters and trade wars. We develop a multi-stage game-theoretical model to investigate a novel coping mechanism: when a firm is forced to exit the market because of SDEs, the firm can regain profits by licensing its proprietary production tech to a competitor. We find that, compared with the scenario before SDEs, such events can even increase the profit of each manufacturer under certain conditions. Under certain conditions, the cooperative strategy (i.e., supply chain reshaping) yields a higher supply chain system profit than the non-cooperative strategy. After SDEs, the common manufacturer may either accept or reject cooperation, depending on the customer transfer rate and the cooperation cost. Notably, under the cooperation strategy, the high-tech manufacturer extracts part of the common manufacturer’s profit through patent licensing, and the existence of cooperation cost further contributes to a misalignment between the common manufacturer’s optimal decision and the supply chain system optimum. These findings contribute to the literature by identifying a novel supply chain reshaping mechanism driven by patent licensing and offer strategic guidance for firms and policymakers navigating SDE-induced market exits. Full article

Accurate estimation of available rooftop areas for PV power generation at the city scale is critical for sustainable energy planning and policy development. In this study, using publicly available high-resolution satellite imagery, rooftop solar energy potential in urban, rural, and industrial areas is estimated using deep learning models. In order to identify roof areas, high-resolution open-source images were manually labeled, and the training dataset was trained with DeepLabv3+ architecture. The developed model performed roof area detection with high accuracy. Model outputs are integrated with a user-friendly interface for economic analysis such as cost, profitability, and amortization period. This interface automatically detects roof regions in the bird’s-eye -view images uploaded by users, calculates the total roof area, and classifies according to the potential of the area. The system, which is applied in 81 provinces of Turkey, provides sustainable energy projections such as PV installed capacity, installation cost, annual energy production, energy sales revenue, and amortization period depending on the panel type and region selection. This integrated system consists of a deep learning model that can extract the rooftop area with high accuracy and a user interface that automatically calculates all parameters related to PV installation for energy users. The results show that the DeepLabv3+ architecture and the Adam optimization algorithm provide superior performance in roof area estimation with accuracy between 67.21% and 99.27% and loss rates between 0.6% and 0.025%. Tests on 100 different regions yielded a maximum roof estimation accuracy IoU of 84.84% and an average of 77.11%. In the economic analysis, the amortization period reaches the lowest value of 4.5 years in high-density roof regions where polycrystalline panels are used, while this period increases up to 7.8 years for thin-film panels. In conclusion, this study presents an interactive user interface integrated with a deep learning model capable of high-accuracy rooftop area detection, enabling the assessment of sustainable PV energy potential at the city scale and easy economic analysis. This approach is a valuable tool for planning and decision support systems in the integration of renewable energy sources. Full article

Crop residue management and soil tillage (CRM and ST) are key steps in agricultural production. The effects of different CRM and ST modes on the quality of seedbed, seeding, and harvest yield are not well determined. In this study, the system of maize (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) rotation under ridge-tillage in the semi-arid regions of Northeast China was chosen as the study conditions. Four modes were investigated: deep tillage and seeding (DT and S), stubble field and no-tillage seeding (SF and NTS), three-axis rotary tillage and seeding (TART and S), and shallow rotary tillage and seeding (SRT and S). Results show that the DT and S mode produced the best quality of seedbed and seeding. Among the conservation tillage modes, the SRT and S mode produced the shortest average length of roots and straw, the best uniformity of their distribution in the seedbed, and the highest soybean yield. Both the SRT and S and SF and NTS modes yielded a higher net profit as their cost-effectiveness. When considering only the quality of seedbed and seeding under conservation tillage as a prerequisite, it can be concluded that the SRT and S mode is both advantageous and sustainable. Full article

The rice-wheat rotation is the main agricultural cropping system in Jiangsu Province, playing a vital role in ensuring food security and promoting economic development. However, current research on rice-wheat systems mainly focuses on in-situ controlled experiments at the point scale, with limited studies addressing carbon footprint (CF) and energy balance (EB) at the regional scale and long time series. Therefore, we analyzed the evolution patterns of the CF and EB of the rice-wheat system in Jiangsu Province from 1980 to 2022, as well as their influencing factors. The results showed that the sown area and total yield of rice and wheat exhibited an increasing–decreasing–increasing trend during 1980–2022, while the yield per unit area increased continuously. The CF of rice and wheat increased by 4172.27 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ and 2729.18 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹, respectively, with the greenhouse gas emissions intensity (GHGI) showing a fluctuating upward trend. Furthermore, CH₄ emission, nitrogen (N) fertilizer, and irrigation were the main factors affecting the CF of rice, with proportions of 36%, 20.26%, and 17.34%, respectively. For wheat, N fertilizer, agricultural diesel, compound fertilizer, and total N₂O emission were the primary contributors, accounting for 42.39%, 22.54%, 13.65%, and 13.14%, respectively. Among energy balances, the net energy (NE) of rice exhibited an increasing and then fluctuating trend, while that of wheat remained relatively stable. The energy utilization efficiency (EUE), energy productivity (EPD), and energy profitability (EPF) of rice showed an increasing and then decreasing trend, while wheat decreased by 46.31%, 46.31%, and 60.62% during 43 years, respectively. Additionally, N fertilizer, agricultural diesel, and compound fertilizer accounted for 43.91–45.37%, 21.63–25.81%, and 12.46–20.37% of energy input for rice and wheat, respectively. Moreover, emission factors and energy coefficients may vary over time, which is an important consideration in the analysis of long-term time series. This study analyzes the ecological and environmental effects of the rice-wheat system in Jiangsu Province, which helps to promote the development of agriculture in a green, low-carbon, and high-efficiency direction. It also offers a theoretical basis for constructing a low-carbon sustainable agricultural production system. Full article