Search

Due to the importance of the winter wheat crop, in ensuring the food needs of the population, and for increasing the average and total production, it is necessary to ensure a high economic efficiency of the use of energy in agriculture, by increasing the degree of mechanization in production processes, the development of irrigations, the substantial increase in the quantities of chemical fertilizers used, the creation of new varieties and hybrids that are more productive and of higher quality, increases direct and indirect energy consumption. In order for this share not to increase, given the substantial growth in agricultural production, it is necessary to apply a complex of measures that ensure, along with the increase in the economic efficiency of energy use, a minimum energy consumption per unit of product or per unit area. Conserving soil and preventing soil degradation has become imperative in our efforts to ensure food security, protect biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems. The purpose of establishing this experiment was to compare the results regarding the production achieved in the wheat crop, the expenses incurred, the incomes achieved and the profitability of the crop both in ecological and conventional systems. In the conventional system, the incomes were higher so, the yields were higher. The energy efficiency of the two culture systems analyzed was another aspect studied. For realize one unit of product it was consumed 0.108 kwh in conventional system while, in organic variant it was consumed 0.184 kwh, witch mean a better energetic efficiently for conventional one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dreaded sensation of pain in the dental chair has a significant impact on children's behavior. This study aimed to compare and contrast the perception of pain and patient behavior between the use of INJEX and the conventional syringe needle technique during pulpotomy among children. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was designed and conducted among pediatric dentistry patients aged 6–12 years old. Fifty-eight children were divided into two groups, conventional syringe needle and INJEX, using simple randomization method applying the sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelope method of allocation concealment. Anesthesia was administered to the groups as local infiltration by a single operator following routine behavior guidance techniques. After 3 min, pulpotomy was performed using the standard protocol. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale and Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBS) were used to assess the intensity of pain, while the Frankl behavior rating scale (FBRS) was used to assess the children's behavior. Results: During anesthesia, most of the participants in the INJEX group (median = 3) had higher FBRS scores compared with the conventional syringe needle group (median = 2), and the difference was very highly significant (p-value < 0.001). Analyzing the FLACC scores during local anesthesia administration revealed a high statistical significance (p-value < 0.01) across the two groups. A very high statistically significant difference (p-values < 0.001) with higher WBS scores for pain intensity was seen in the group using conventional syringe needles. Conclusions: INJEX administration significantly reduced the intensity of pain experienced by the children and helped maintain a positive attitude among them during pulpotomy. It provided a positive and comfortable experience for both the child and the practitioner. Therefore, it can serve as an excellent alternative to conventional needle anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spring wheat was grown on a loess-derived Luvisol under the conditions of two farming systems (conventional and organic) and five forecrops (sugar beet, spring barley, red clover, winter wheat, and oat) over the period 2021–2023. In the conventional system, mineral NPK fertilization and pesticides (herbicides, fungicide, insecticide, and retardant) were applied at the recommended rates for wheat. Mechanical weed control was also used (double harrowing). In the organic system, the organic fertilizer Humac Agro was applied and the fields under the wheat were harrowed twice. No plant protection products were used under organic farming conditions. The organic system was proven to have an effect on reducing spring wheat yield, on average by 23%, compared to the conventional system (the grain yield was, respectively, 4.59 t ha−1 compared to 5.96 t ha−1). In spite of the lower yield potential, the organic cultivation of spring wheat significantly improved the quality and health-promoting parameters of this cereal grain. Except for the total nitrogen and potassium content, the organic system contributed to a significant increase in the grain content of total dietary fiber (by 0.89 p.p.), o-dihydroxyphenols (by about 19%), and polyphenols (by about 12%), and increased the content of the following elements: Se, Mg, Ca, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn. Among the forecrops, red clover and sugar beet had the most beneficial effect on grain quality (including the amino acid composition and EAAI index), followed by oat (especially under organic farming conditions). The other wheat forecrops (spring barley and winter wheat) clearly deteriorated the yield and quality of spring wheat grain. To sum up the obtained research results, appropriate management of organic spring wheat cultivation (forecrop sugar beet or red clover, Humac Agro fertilizer) contributes to high grain nutritional quality relative to the conventional system and also reduces the yield gap relative to conventional farming.

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of different crop production systems (organic, integrated, and conventional) on the yields of several spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. A field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Experimental Station of the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Osiny (Poland) in three consecutive growing seasons (2014, 2015, and 2016). Two factors were included in the experiment: the crop production system (organic, integrated, and conventional) and spring wheat cultivars (Kandela, Izera, Ostka Smolicka, and Waluta). The crop production system significantly differentiated the yield, health, and weed infestation of the spring wheat. Wheat yield in the conventional system (6.12 t·ha−1) was higher than in the organic system (3.68 t·ha−1) by 67%, whereas, in the integrated system (7.61 t·ha−1), it was greater than in the organic system by 109%. The lower yields in the organic system were mainly due to fewer ears per m2 and a smaller 1000-grain weight. In the organic system, we also observed a higher infestation of wheat by foliar fungal pathogens and weeds compared with the conventional and integrated systems. The spring wheat cultivars differed in yield structure and resistance to infestation by fungal pathogens. The Waluta and Izera cultivars performed well in all systems but yielded the best in the integrated and conventional ones. The Kandela cultivar was the most suitable for the organic system, as it achieved the highest yield (4.16 t·ha−1). This was mainly due to its ability to form a compact canopy with relatively high ear density, a large 1000-grain weight, and the highest resistance to fungal pathogens. The results for cultivars' performance in the organic system may be useful for farmers in decreasing yield gaps in relation to integrated and conventional systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the analysis of the profitability threshold of bell pepper cultivation in the solar system in conventional farming and organic farming with proposed for the crop year 2022/2023. Thus, by using a system of indicators (specific indicators, result indicators and profitability indicators, production costs, capitalization prices and the degree of profitability per product unit can be estimated. Economic profitability is evaluated in terms of the use of production framework technologies in the production process and the rational use of raw materials, human and financial resources with the aim of obtaining low-cost and high-quality products. Agribusiness actions will always be based on crop profitability. The findings of the undertaken study can favourably influence farmers, giving them the opportunity to adjust their existing farm resources and capacities to achieve higher yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential for the development of Snakehead farming (Channa striata Bloch, 1793) is still very large, not only by using simple technology (conventional) but also using the biofloc method. This study aims to determine the effect of water quality parameters on the growth of snakehead fry that is reared using biofloc and conventional methods. This research was conducted by comparing snakehead fry rearing using the biofloc method and conventional method with details of treatment 1 (P1) using the biofloc method with as many as 6 replicates and treatment 2 (P2) using the conventional method as many as 6 replicates. DO variable does not affect length gain in biofloc and conventional treatments (p>0.05). The pH variable did not affect weight gain in biofloc and conventional treatments (p>0.05). The variables of pH, DO, Temperature, and ammonia together affect the length gain in bioflok and conventional treatments (p0.05). Based on the mean comparison test (independent t-test), the mean water quality in terms of pH and DO in the biofloc and conventional treatments were different, with the mean pH in the conventional treatment higher than in the biofloc treatment, while the mean DO in the biofloc treatment was higher than the conventional treatment. Based on the mean comparison test (independent t-test), the mean temperature, ammonia, length, and weight growth of snakehead fry in biofloc and conventional treatments are the same.

The paper reports an extensive assessment of the load frequency control (LFC) technique, effectively utilized for frequency regulation in the power system. The scope of LFC is to restore the mismatch between the load and generation in each control area and minimize the transient deviations with zero steady-state error in advance. This paper addresses the structural design, methods, and methodologies carried out in conventional, deregulated and microgrid systems used widely to suppress the frequency deviations occurring in the power sector for various reasons. It enumerates the recent trends and approaches in designing different market models and proposes control strategies for structures integrated with renewables and flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS) devices. This critical research also imposes the need for frequency regulation for the microgrid systems that include distributed energy resources and related findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was set up in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to examine the influence of nursery growing methods and growth medium on fever, tea germination, and seedling development. Two nursery growth methods (Conventional-CON and Float tray system FTs) and six different growing medium (pine bark, peat moss, coco peat, vermiculite, sand, and cattle manure) were used. ANOVA was used to compare treatment means, and means were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at a 5 % significance level. The nursery growing method and growth material exhibited a strong interaction regarding the germination index, germination percentage, seedling height, leaf area, root length, density, and final crop stand. The float tray approach yielded the greatest germination index for peat moss and the lowest for cattle manure. In the float tray method, peat moss and coco peat had the highest germination percentages, whereas cattle manure had the lowest. Under the float tray technique, the tallest seedlings emerged in peat moss and the smallest in coco peat. Peat moss had the most leaf area in the float tray system, whereas coco peat had the least in the conventional technique. Peat moss in the float tray system had the highest root length density while coco peat in the conventional technique had the lowest. Peat moss in the float tray system had the highest final crop stand, whereas seedlings in the conventional and float tray systems had nothing. based on the findings, it is recommended that fever tea seedlings be grown on peat moss using the float tray method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All over the world, construction accidents and respiratory diseases are among the most important problems. The prefabricated system is an introduction to reduce emissions and accidents during the construction phase. However, there is a lack of research that proves the superiority of the prefabricated system in terms of both dust health impacts and accident risks simultaneously. Therefore, this study conducts an assessment in terms of dust health impacts and accident risks to compare the prefabricated system and the conventional system. This research is carried out in the following steps. (i) collection of data, (ii) calculation of dust emission, (iii) health impact assessment, and (iv) calculation of accident risk. The conventional system produced 5,454,527.43 kg of dust, had a willingness to pay $12,631.40, and caused 4.87 × 102 injuries and 8.05 × 102 fatalities, while the prefabricated system produced 2,711,423.72 kg of dust, had a willingness to pay $6282.02, and caused 3.45 × 102 injuries and 5.69 × 102 fatalities. The results show that when the prefabricated system is applied instead of the conventional system, the dust emission, health impact, and risk level can be reduced by 38.59%, 43.04%, and 29.03%, respectively. This study contributes to previous knowledge when decision-makers select prefabricated systems over conventional systems. Furthermore, it provides insights into the health and safety impacts of both construction methods and the necessary measures to mitigate these impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) remains an under exploited global market niche by farmers in the tropics. Therefore, a study was conducted in two consecutive years to determine the agronomic performance of soybean under different management systems in the humid tropics. The study was carried out during the late cropping season (July–Nov.) in 2020 and 2021 on the organic research plots of the Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research, Nigeria. The six management practices (MP) evaluated were MP1 – Control, MP2 – NoduMax, MP3 – Organic fertilizer, MP4 – NoduMax + Organic fertilizer, MP5 – Conventional, MP6 – Conventional + NoduMax in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Data were collected on phenology, nodulation, grain yield and yield attributes of soybeans. Number of days to full bloom (R2) and physiological maturity (R7) were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by MP in both years, except R7 in 2021. Inoculation with NoduMax (MP2) enhanced nodule number at 8 and 9 weeks after sowing (WAS) during the wetter year 2021. Number of branches and seeds per plant, seed weight per plant and grain yield were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by MP in both years. Soybean grain yield recorded under MP3 and MP4 ranged between 1,198.8–1,962.0 kg/ha in both years and compared well with the average yield values in Nigeria (926.9 kg/ha) and Africa (1,348.0 kg/ha), and significantly below the world (2,784.2 kg/ha). Therefore, MP3 and MP4 can be recommended for potential resource-constrained organic soybean farmers in the humid tropics.

Integrated and organic nutrient management has become a focal point of current production systems seeking better perspectives on environmental friendliness. The food quality in such a scenario requires special consideration for ensuring safety during consumption. This study was conducted to understand the grain quality of the Bg300 rice variety grown under three fertilizer input systems: conventional (100% N supply with the recommended by the Department of Agriculture (DOA), integrated (50% of N provided with DOA recommended fertilizer + 25% of N supply with organic fertilizer), and 50% of N provided with organic fertilizer in dry tropical irrigated lowland systems in Sri Lanka. The grains were analyzed for proximate composition (moisture content, ash, protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate), micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn), and heavy metals (As, Cd, and Pb). The experiment was arranged as a randomized complete block design and conducted during five seasons, from the 2018-19 wet seasons to the 2020-21 wet seasons. The highest moisture content and carbohydrate content were reported with the organic system. The ash content and protein content significantly (p<0.05) changed with the respective levels of fertilizer in the three input systems. Cadmium and arsenic micronutrients were detected below the permissible level (0.4 and 0.2 ppm), while lead was detected above the permissible level (0.2 ppm). Integrated and organic systems can be used instead of the conventional fertilizer application method without compromising the quality of the rice grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of different crop production systems (organic, integrated, and conventional) on the yields of several spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. A field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Experimental Station of the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Osiny (Poland) in three consecutive growing seasons (2014, 2015, and 2016). Two factors were included in the experiment: the crop production system (organic, integrated, and conventional) and spring wheat cultivars (Kandela, Izera, Ostka Smolicka, and Waluta). The crop production system significantly differentiated the yield, health, and weed infestation of the spring wheat. Wheat yield in the conventional system (6.12 t·ha−1) was higher than in the organic system (3.68 t·ha−1) by 67%, whereas, in the integrated system (7.61 t·ha−1), it was greater than in the organic system by 109%. The lower yields in the organic system were mainly due to fewer ears per m2 and a smaller 1000-grain weight. In the organic system, we also observed a higher infestation of wheat by foliar fungal pathogens and weeds compared with the conventional and integrated systems. The spring wheat cultivars differed in yield structure and resistance to infestation by fungal pathogens. The Waluta and Izera cultivars performed well in all systems but yielded the best in the integrated and conventional ones. The Kandela cultivar was the most suitable for the organic system, as it achieved the highest yield (4.16 t·ha−1). This was mainly due to its ability to form a compact canopy with relatively high ear density, a large 1000-grain weight, and the highest resistance to fungal pathogens. The results for cultivars’ performance in the organic system may be useful for farmers in decreasing yield gaps in relation to integrated and conventional systems.

Background: The dreaded sensation of pain in the dental chair has a significant impact on children’s behavior. This study aimed to compare and contrast the perception of pain and patient behavior between the use of INJEX and the conventional syringe needle technique during pulpotomy among children. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was designed and conducted among pediatric dentistry patients aged 6–12 years old. Fifty-eight children were divided into two groups, conventional syringe needle and INJEX, using simple randomization method applying the sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelope method of allocation concealment. Anesthesia was administered to the groups as local infiltration by a single operator following routine behavior guidance techniques. After 3 min, pulpotomy was performed using the standard protocol. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale and Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBS) were used to assess the intensity of pain, while the Frankl behavior rating scale (FBRS) was used to assess the children’s behavior. Results: During anesthesia, most of the participants in the INJEX group (median = 3) had higher FBRS scores compared with the conventional syringe needle group (median = 2), and the difference was very highly significant (p-value < 0.001). Analyzing the FLACC scores during local anesthesia administration revealed a high statistical significance (p-value < 0.01) across the two groups. A very high statistically significant difference (p-values < 0.001) with higher WBS scores for pain intensity was seen in the group using conventional syringe needles. Conclusions: INJEX administration significantly reduced the intensity of pain experienced by the children and helped maintain a positive attitude among them during pulpotomy. It provided a positive and comfortable experience for both the child and the practitioner. Therefore, it can serve as an excellent alternative to conventional needle anesthesia.

Story code analysis means to have a focus on signs which contribute to revealing the secondary meanings with a structured methodology. The main problem is to understand how signs with synergic cooperation in the context of short stories avoid text from unilaterality and lead to a plurality of meaning by engaging audiences through referential codes. This essay studies the short story Merry Go Round from the book “Red Gloves” by Sepideh Shamloo. The paper is using a descriptive-analytical approach based on various codes from theorists’ points of view like Schindler or Barthes. Another aspect of the paper is analyzing structural elements that result in positive impacts on the code analysis of the work. Codes reflected in stories demonstrate predominant conventional systems such as social, behavioral, physical, commentary, mythical, spiritual, temporal, and local and they will result in the reproduction of cultural or social patterns in the view of audiences.

Abstract This research evaluated the effects of long-term (30 years) winter cover crops under conventional farming system and no-tillage system on edaphic fauna in a Rhodic Hapludox soil, from Paraná State, Brazil. We used three winter cover crops (black oat, hairy vetch and fallow), and as a reference a fragment of natural forest. Soil monoliths were collected at two times, one during the flowering of maize (April 2013) and the other during the flowering of soybean (January 2014). The extraction of the monoliths was carried out in three layers in the soil profile (0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm). Seventeen taxonomic groups were sampled. The density of the edaphic fauna is inversely related to soil depth. The winter crops associated with the no-tillage system in long-term resulted in fauna densities similar to the natural environment, with a higher density (density increase of 2.2x) at a depth of 10-20 cm in areas with black oat. At 0-10 cm depth, black oat and vetch under no-tillage systems resulted in an increase of 62% and 69% (April 2013) and 46 and 44% (January 2014), respectively, in the density of soil fauna, when compared to the same winter crops in conventional farming system.

This paper presents the results of the authors' own research and literature research on the impact of selected environmental and agronomical factors on the yield of potato grown under the organic system and the possibility of increasing the yield. The results are based on research conducted for several years at the Institute of Plant Breeding and Acclimatization in Jadwisin, Poland. The influence of factors such as soil quality and climatic conditions, selection of varieties, seed potato preparation, irrigation of plantations, complementary fertilization, and protection against the late blight was described. The aim of this work was to indicate which of these factors affect the yield increase and to what extent. It was stated that it is possible to increase the yield of potato tubers grown under the organic system through all of the proposed treatments. In our studies, using drip irrigation and complementary fertilization had the greatest effect (25.5% and 19%, respectively). Seed potato presprouting had a smaller influence (4.3%) on the final tuber yield. In the years with high pressure of the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, the selection of cultivars with high resistance was very important. Most of the agronomical treatments not only improved the total yield of tubers, but also increased the share of tubers with a larger diameter. A very high variability of potato yielding depending on weather conditions and a selection of cultivars was emphasized. We can say that a proper agronomical practice carried out on an organic potato plantation can largely eliminate the yielding gap between a conventional and an organic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the research carried out in 2018–2020 at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, the vigor of seed potatoes from two production systems—organic and conventional—was examined. The characteristics of the tubers and the plants grown from them were assessed. It was found that seed potatoes from the organic system were characterized by features showing symptoms of weaker vigor, i.e., a shorter resting period, a smaller percentage of germinating eyes, a smaller mass of sprouts produced, and a shorter length of the longest sprout. The weaker vigor of seed potatoes from the organic system was reflected in the development and yield of the plants derived from them. It was expressed in weaker emergence, lower stem number, and smaller yield per plot. However, there were no differences in the yield structure. A large varietal differentiation was demonstrated for most of the studied traits. The differences in the vigor of individual cultivars were not related to the length of the growing season. The conditions prevailing in the research years had the greatest impact on the length of tuber dormancy, the percentage of germinating eyes, and the percentage of plant emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All over the world, construction accidents and respiratory diseases are among the most important problems. The prefabricated system is an introduction to reduce emissions and accidents during the construction phase. However, there is a lack of research that proves the superiority of the prefabricated system in terms of both dust health impacts and accident risks simultaneously. Therefore, this study conducts an assessment in terms of dust health impacts and accident risks to compare the prefabricated system and the conventional system. This research is carried out in the following steps. (i) collection of data, (ii) calculation of dust emission, (iii) health impact assessment, and (iv) calculation of accident risk. The conventional system produced 5,454,527.43 kg of dust, had a willingness to pay $12,631.40, and caused 4.87 × 102 injuries and 8.05 × 102 fatalities, while the prefabricated system produced 2,711,423.72 kg of dust, had a willingness to pay $6282.02, and caused 3.45 × 102 injuries and 5.69 × 102 fatalities. The results show that when the prefabricated system is applied instead of the conventional system, the dust emission, health impact, and risk level can be reduced by 38.59%, 43.04%, and 29.03%, respectively. This study contributes to previous knowledge when decision-makers select prefabricated systems over conventional systems. Furthermore, it provides insights into the health and safety impacts of both construction methods and the necessary measures to mitigate these impacts.

EVALUATION OF AGROCHEMICALS IN SOIL OF CONVENTIONAL AND AGROECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS. At the Contestado Settlement, Lapa, PR, soil samples from agroecological and conventional environments were evaluated against the agrochemicals alachlor, atrazine, chlorpyrifos and trifluralin. For sampling, 3 depths were considered, 10points were selected, 5 in an agroecological and 5 in the conventional environment, with sampling frequency was at 2-month intervals. The samples were characterized according to textural, chemical and fertility parameters and the data were used in the chemometric study (PCA) demonstrating that the environments are different. The method of extraction, identification and quantification was validated at the trace level. The analytes were analyzed by GC-MS/MS, the recovery values were between 83 to 113%, RSD less than 14%, LD equal to 0.01; 0.0028; 0.004 and 002 μg kg-1, LQ equal to 0.04; 0.008; 0.011 and 0.05 μg kg-1, for alachlor, atrazine, chlorpyrifos and trifluralin, respectively. Chlorpyrifos was identified in the Conv3 and trifluralin in the Agro2 and 3 and Conv2 environments. Therefore, the application of pesticides in conventional environments can contaminate agroecological environments. The effect of rain/precipitation on the samples was evaluated by simulation and it was found that the physical-chemical properties of the compounds and the soil have an influence on their behavior in the soil profile.

Soil microbes play a key role in the nutrient cycling by decomposing the organic material into plant-available elements and also by maintaining the soil health. The study of soil microbial hydrolytic activity (SMA) was carried out in a long-term crop rotation (barley undersown (us) with red clover, red clover, winter wheat, pea and potato) experiment in five different farming systems during 2014–2018. There were two conventional systems, with chemical plant protection and mineral fertilizers, and three organic systems, which included winter cover crops and composted manure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the (i) cropping system and (ii) precrops in rotation on the soil SMA. The soil microbial hydrolytic activity was significantly affected by yearly weather conditions, farming system, and crops. In all farming systems, the SMA was the lowest after dry and cold conditions during early spring in 2018. In unfertilized conventional systems, the considerably lower SMA is explained by the side effects of pesticides and low organic residuals, and we can conclude that the conventional system with no added fertilizer or organic matter is not sustainable, considering soil health. In each year, the SMA of organic systems with cover crops and composted manure was 7.3–14.0% higher compared to all farming systems. On average, for both farming systems, the SMA of all the rotation crops was positively correlated with the SMA values of precrops. However, in conventional farming systems, the effect of undersowing on the SMA of the precrop was smaller compared to organic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the authors’ own research and literature research on the impact of selected environmental and agronomical factors on the yield of potato grown under the organic system and the possibility of increasing the yield. The results are based on research conducted for several years at the Institute of Plant Breeding and Acclimatization in Jadwisin, Poland. The influence of factors such as soil quality and climatic conditions, selection of varieties, seed potato preparation, irrigation of plantations, complementary fertilization, and protection against the late blight was described. The aim of this work was to indicate which of these factors affect the yield increase and to what extent. It was stated that it is possible to increase the yield of potato tubers grown under the organic system through all of the proposed treatments. In our studies, using drip irrigation and complementary fertilization had the greatest effect (25.5% and 19%, respectively). Seed potato presprouting had a smaller influence (4.3%) on the final tuber yield. In the years with high pressure of the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, the selection of cultivars with high resistance was very important. Most of the agronomical treatments not only improved the total yield of tubers, but also increased the share of tubers with a larger diameter. A very high variability of potato yielding depending on weather conditions and a selection of cultivars was emphasized. We can say that a proper agronomical practice carried out on an organic potato plantation can largely eliminate the yielding gap between a conventional and an organic system.

In the research carried out in 2018–2020 at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute, the vigor of seed potatoes from two production systems—organic and conventional—was examined. The characteristics of the tubers and the plants grown from them were assessed. It was found that seed potatoes from the organic system were characterized by features showing symptoms of weaker vigor, i.e., a shorter resting period, a smaller percentage of germinating eyes, a smaller mass of sprouts produced, and a shorter length of the longest sprout. The weaker vigor of seed potatoes from the organic system was reflected in the development and yield of the plants derived from them. It was expressed in weaker emergence, lower stem number, and smaller yield per plot. However, there were no differences in the yield structure. A large varietal differentiation was demonstrated for most of the studied traits. The differences in the vigor of individual cultivars were not related to the length of the growing season. The conditions prevailing in the research years had the greatest impact on the length of tuber dormancy, the percentage of germinating eyes, and the percentage of plant emergence.

Organic cultivation of crops is important for improving and maintaining soil health and reducing environmental pollution. The organic sources of fertilizer also have impact on emission of greenhouse gases. A field experiment was conducted during 2015-16 and 2016-17 in organic rice (Oryza sativa L.) field to study the impact of organic farming on Global Warming Potential (GWP).Treatments consisted of eight combinations namely: (T1) non-amended control; (T2) Recommended dose of fertilizers; (T3) FYM; (T4) VC; (T5) FYM + CR; (T6) VC+CR; (T7) FYM + CR + B; and (T8) VC+CR+B. Experimental results revealed that Global Warming Potential (GWP) of various treatments varied from 569.95 kg to 1840.55 kg CO2 eq. ha-1 and 634.66 kg to 1899.20 kg CO2 eq. ha-1 during both years, respectively. Different organic treatment combinations led to about 3.0 to 29.4%reduction in GWP over the conventional system, while 67.78%reduction was observed in control.The order of GWP among different combination of treatments was as follows: Control < VC < FYM < FYM+CR < VC+CR < VC+CR+B < FYM+CR+B < Conventional. This study indicated that replacement of existing conventional systems with various organic practices could reduce GWP of the system and thus needs to be considered for development of sustainable farming systems.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different farm systems on clay dispersion and its relationship with soil chemical properties and the no-tillage system participatory quality index (IQP), in watershed areas in the west of the state of Paraná, Brazil. The farm systems evaluated were: no-tillage; no-tillage with crop succession; no-tillage with soil disturbance; and conventional system. In addition, the farm systems were evaluated for their IQP. Soil samples were collected at 0.0-0.20-m soil depth, in 40 agricultural areas and in 6 native forests considered as references. The degree of clay dispersion, total organic carbon, pH (CaCl2), exchangeable potassium (K+), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable calcium and magnesium (Ca2++Mg2+), and potential acidity (H+Al3+) were determined. A linear multiple regression model was fitted by the method of least squares. The averages of clay dispersion degree per watershed were compared at 5% probability. The farm systems were compared by Scott-Knott’s test. Soil chemical properties showed a higher influence on clay dispersion than the different farm systems assessed. The no-tillage system alone showed the highest content of organic carbon, which was similar to those of the native areas. The conventional system and the no-tillage system with soil disturbance showed a lower IQP and a higher degree of clay dispersion than the areas with the no-tillage system alone. The IQP allows distinguishing the conventional system from the no-tillage system.

Soil microbes play a key role in the nutrient cycling by decomposing the organic material into plant-available elements and also by maintaining the soil health. The study of soil microbial hydrolytic activity (SMA) was carried out in a long-term crop rotation (barley undersown (us) with red clover, red clover, winter wheat, pea and potato) experiment in five different farming systems during 2014–2018. There were two conventional systems, with chemical plant protection and mineral fertilizers, and three organic systems, which included winter cover crops and composted manure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the (i) cropping system and (ii) precrops in rotation on the soil SMA. The soil microbial hydrolytic activity was significantly affected by yearly weather conditions, farming system, and crops. In all farming systems, the SMA was the lowest after dry and cold conditions during early spring in 2018. In unfertilized conventional systems, the considerably lower SMA is explained by the side effects of pesticides and low organic residuals, and we can conclude that the conventional system with no added fertilizer or organic matter is not sustainable, considering soil health. In each year, the SMA of organic systems with cover crops and composted manure was 7.3–14.0% higher compared to all farming systems. On average, for both farming systems, the SMA of all the rotation crops was positively correlated with the SMA values of precrops. However, in conventional farming systems, the effect of undersowing on the SMA of the precrop was smaller compared to organic systems.

Crop rotation with leguminous species in sugarcane cultivation is increasing in the southeastern regions of Brazil. Most of researches done on sugarcane is focused on yield regardless its final product. In the specific case of sugarcane ethanol production, studies rely basically on the economic and sustainable points of view overlooking the energy analysis. This study aimed to evaluate the sugarcane ethanol yield under no-tillage and conventional systems with different green manure treatments on energy efficiency. Sugarcane published dataset was used in the study where different management practices and yield were available. Energy indices from different sources were used to transform all the input into the same unit (MJ). Analysis of energy efficiency was carried out using the indicators: energy balance (EB), energy return over investment (EROI) and Energy Intensity (EI). Analysis of variance and Tukey test at 5% of significance was applied. EB ranged from 148 GJ ha-1 to 216 GJ ha-1, with no-tillage over jack beans system presenting the highest values of EB. EI presented that no-tillage systems over spontaneous vegetation presented the highest and statistically different value (1.03 MJ L-1) compared to the other systems (0.69 MJ L-1 for both no-tillage over velvet beans and jack beans and 0.66 MJ L-1 for sunn hemp). In addition to that, sugarcane yield was statically equal for conventional system and no-tillage over sunn hemp and velvet beans. Energy analysis provided an opportunity to target potential management practices to reduce the consumption of energy to produce the same amount of sugarcane, unable to figure out looking at only the yield (Mg ha-1). Applying energy analysis on the available data, it was shown that sugarcane cultivation with no-tillage and no chemical fertilization with green manure crop rotation is energetically feasible increasing sustainability of sugarcane ethanol production, but it is necessary to highlight the importance to verify the absolute values of EB, EROI and EI indicators along years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Effects of dietary Lactobacillus plantarum (KC426951) on growth and innate responses of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were evaluated in biofloc technology system and stagnant-renewal culture system (SRCS). The 90-day-long experiment contained four treatments: SRCS without probiotic (T1), SRCS with probiotic (T2), biofloc without probiotic (T3), and biofloc with probiotic (T4). The administration dose of probiotic was 2 × 108 CFU kg−1 diet. At the end of experiment, the mean final weights, specific growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and total biomass were significantly (P < 0.05) better in BFT treatments, with no significant effect of probiotic on these parameters in both culture systems. Meanwhile, skin mucosal parameters including total protein (TP), lysozyme (LYZ), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and protease (PRO) activity were significantly enhanced following probiotic supplementation. T4 treatment displayed a significantly higher LYZ and ALP activity in mucus versus other treatments. Also, serum alternative complement activity was significantly heightened in probiotic-supplemented fish. Superoxide dismutase activity in T4 was detected higher than that of SRCS groups. The results of the current study demonstrated the enhancement of some mucosal and serum innate responses of Nile tilapia in both culture systems upon L. plantarum (KC426951) supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facial expressions are one of the ways humans communicate to convey personal emotions to their communication partner nonverbally. Therefore, human facial expressions can be used for various purposes, one of which is knowing customer satisfaction. So far, customers of Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) provide feedback on service quality using only a polling system, namely by filling out a criticism and suggestion form and then entering it in a suggestion box which is distinguished between satisfied and dissatisfied. However, such a method is less effective because it can be easily manipulated by customers and customers are often indifferent to the feedback. So that the improvement of service quality tends to be less effective. This research will design a system that can recognize human facial expressions to determine the level of customer satisfaction with input data in the form of video data taken by a webcam camera with the viola-jones method to detect faces and determine facial patterns. Then the facial data will be classified using the K-Nearest Neighbor method to determine the type of facial expression. Determination of the value of k will determine the success rate of facial expression detection. The processed data will be displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD) and then stored in a MySQL database. The results showed that the accuracy of facial expression detection was 80.77% from 52 facial expression data.

Soybean is a very valuable crop plant and the soybean crop area is continually increasing in the world and in Poland. The effectiveness of soybean cultivation depends on soil and climatic conditions as well as on appropriate tillage. An alternative for plough tillage in the cultivation of soybean is to grow this crop using no-tillage, the popularity of which is constantly growing. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of conventional tillage CT and no-tillage NT on yield, weed infestation and qualitative seed composition of soybean grown under the conditions of the Lublin Upland. A field study was carried out over the period 2009-2012 at the Czesławice Experimental Farm 51° 18′ 23″ N, 22° 16′ 2″ E . The experiment was set up on loess-derived grey-brown podzolic soil as a split-block design in four replicates. The experimental factors were the following tillage systems: conventional tillage CT and no-tillage NT . The soybean cultivar Nawiko was grown in the experiment. The present study showed that the soybean seed yield obtained under CT was higher by 24.3% than under NT. The main reason of the seeds yield decrease in the NT was less soybean plant density. The significant higher number and weight of weeds were recorded in NT, relative to CT. The oil content in seed harvested from the NT plots was found to be higher by 0.3%

Introduction: Owing to certain inherent limitations of earlier reporting systems, "The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology (TPS)" was implemented in 2015 to standardize reporting urine cytology with more stringent cytomorphologic criteria. We share our post-TPS experience, comparing it with the conventional system (CS)., Aim: To assess and compare the cyto-histopathologic/cystoscopic agreement between the conventional and the Paris systems (CS and TPS) for reporting urine cytology., Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional study involving urine samples from 170 patients divided into two groups (CS and TPS). Of the 170 cases, 85 were reported according to the CS, and 85 were reported according to TPS with all the relevant clinical, radiologic, and cystoscopic findings. Using the kappa statistics, both groups were statistically analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and agreement., Results: The sensitivity and specificity for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) as per TPS were 83.33% and 94.59%, respectively, while they were 73.47% and 80.56% for the conventional system. The agreement for HGUC with TPS was 87.06% with a kappa value of 0.7416, while it was 76.5% with a kappa value of 0.53 for the CS. Implementing the TPS minimized usage of the atypical urothelial cells (AUC) category, increasing the clarity in detecting HGUC., Conclusion: TPS provides better agreement with histopathology than the CS for diagnosing HGUC, which is attributable to stringent TPS criteria that prompt cytopathologists to look more diligently for morphologic and numeric criteria., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Organic production and markets are expanding rapidly. A field study was carried to compare effects of different agriculture soil system on productivity of Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa damascena x Rosa gallica. The experiment was conducted on six private arable areas with oil bearing rose in Rose valley, Southern Bulgaria. The selected study area size was 5000 m2 from each private territory. The flowers of R. damascena were picked up in the morning (6:00- 8:00 a.m.), in 3, 4 and 5 phases. The productivity was determined as essential oil content in the blossoms. Soil samples were also collected from every study area from surface horizon 0-30 cm. The samples were analyzed for several soil parameters as, organic matter content, pH values, available nitogen, phosphorus and potassium content. Statistical analysis was done with Unscrambler (Camo, Norway) software packages. The agricultural system of the oil bearing rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) grown has an effect on the essential oil content. The mean value of essential in organic production = 0.026% is statistically proven lower than conventional production = 0.038%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study investigates opportunities to improve the cost competitiveness of the palm oil biodiesel industry in Indonesia. It compares costs and revenues of standalone conventional palm oil and biodiesel production with an integrated system that includes utilisation of biomass residues. Economic metrics, viz. net income, NPV, IRR, payback period and biodiesel breakeven price are evaluated. Sensitivity analyses are carried out to verify how parameter changes affect net income. The results show that the integrated concept with upgraded CPO and biodiesel processing plant (Biorefinery), which simultaneously produces biodiesel, electricity, heat and biofertiliser, can obtain an additional income of 14 USD/t-FFB compared to the Conventional System. The biorefinery system helps to reduce dependency on government subsidy for biodiesel production, and lowers the industry vulnerability to fluctuation of fossil diesel prices. The shift to modern facilities with value chain integration provides a pathway to enhance the share of renewable energy in Indonesia through increased biodiesel production and electricity generation from palm biomass residues. It may also promote resource efficiency and climate change mitigation through reduced emissions from untreated residues and fossil energy carriers. The analysis enhances understanding about potential gains and consequences of more stringent policy implementation in the country. Highlights • The economic performance of different biodiesel production configurations are investigated. • Biorefineries can help reduce costs and increase revenues in the biodiesel production chain. • The biorefinery improves resource and cost efficiency of biodiesel production. • Subsidies can support implementation of biorefineries instead of covering cost gap with fossil diesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agriculture, the farming system significantly affects chemical soil properties. The organic system, which is based among others on the use of natural (organic) fertilizers, promotes increased soil contents of humus, organic C, and micronutrients. The conventional system, in turn, may cause soil acidification if high rates of mineral (particularly nitrogen) fertilization are used. The crop plant species also modifies soil chemistry by providing different (quantitatively and qualitatively) crop residues. The study was conducted over the period 2013–2016 in Czesławice (Lublin Region, Poland). The aim of this study was to determine the content of some chemical components determining the quality of loess soil on which four plant species were grown under organic and conventional farming systems. This research involved the determination of some parameters of the chemical composition of the soil: soil pH, total sorption capacity, humus content, macronutrient (P, K, Mg) and micronutrient (B, Cu, Mn, Zn) content, organic carbon, and total nitrogen content. The content of different forms of nitrogen, N-NO3 and N-NH4, was also determined. The experimental design included two crop rotations (organic and conventional) in which identical plant species were grown: potato—winter wheat—field bean—spring barley. The experiment was established on loess soil with the grain size distribution of silt loam and classified as good wheat soil complex (soil class II). It was carried out as a split-plot design in three replicates, and the area of a single plot was 80 m2. Soil samples were taken using a soil sampling tube from an area of 0.20 m2 (from the 0–25 cm layer) in each plot at the end of the growing season of the specific crops grown. Over the four year study period, it was found that the organic system contributed to an increased soil content of magnesium, boron, copper, manganese, zinc, organic carbon, and total nitrogen. Moreover, organic cropping promoted more favorable soil pH and higher soil humus content. Organic cropping significantly improved the total sorption capacity of the soil compared to conventional cultivation. Moreover, the organic system contributed to a higher soil content of nitrogen in the form of N-NH4 and its lower content in the form of N-NO3. Under the conventional system, in turn, a higher soil phosphorus and potassium content was observed. To sum up, the study confirmed the assumed hypothesis that the organic farming system would contribute to an improvement in the chemical quality indicators of loess soil. Regardless of the cropping system, potato and field bean had the most beneficial effect on soil chemistry, whereas cereal crops showed the weakest effect. Winter wheat and spring barley had an effect on significantly lower total sorption capacity of the soil and a significantly lower soil content of N-NO3 and N-NH4.

This study was conducted over the period 2017–2019 in Czesławice (central Lublin region, Poland). The aim of the present study was to compare chemical soil quality parameters (soil pH, available P and K, organic carbon, and total nitrogen content) and soil enzymatic activity (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, urease, protease) in organic and conventional farming systems. The experimental design included two crop rotations (organic and conventional) in which identical plant species were grown: sugar beet-spring barley-red clover-winter wheat-oats. The loess soil on which the experiment was conducted was characterized by the grain size distribution of silt loam, and this soil was categorized as good wheat soil complex (soil class II). The experiment was set up as a split-plot design in triplicate in plots with an area of 40 m2. Soil sampling was carried out using a soil auger within an area of 0.20 m2 (from the 0 to 20 cm layer) in each plot during the autumn period. Over the 3-year study period, it was found that the organic system contributed to an increased soil content of organic carbon and total nitrogen. Moreover, a significantly higher soil pH value and a favorable narrow C/N ratio were found under the organic system (regardless of the crop species). Under the conventional system, in turn, a higher soil phosphorus and potassium content was observed. Enzymatic tests of the soil in the five-field crop rotation proved significantly higher activity of all the enzymes studied (in particular that of dehydrogenase, protease, and urease) in the organic system relative to the conventional one, regardless of the crop plant. Among the plants grown in crop rotation, sugar beet, and red clover had the most beneficial effect on the activity of the soil enzymes, followed by oats (especially under the organic system). The activity of the studied enzymes in the organic system was positively correlated (statistically significantly) with favorable soil pH, a higher content of organic C, and total N, and C/N ratio.

The aim of the research was to test the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method in improving the biological properties of paddy soil. The indicators of improvement were measured by the number of earthworm feces (cast), and the population of some microbial and nutrient content in the cast. The experiments were performed by comparing the three methods, namely: (1) SRI, (2) semi-conventional, and (3) conventional, using Randomized Completely Block Design. Each treatment was repeated nine times. The experiments were performed in the paddy fields belonging to farmers in Sukoharjo, Central Java. The result showed that the SRI (application of 1 tons ha-1 of vermicompost + 50% of inorganic fertilizer dosage) tends to increase the number of earthworms cast. It is an indicator of earthworm activity in soil. Earthworms cast contains more phosphate solubilizing bacteria (12.98 x 1010cfu) and N content (1.23%) compared to its surrounding soil. There is a close functional relation between earthworms cast with total tiller number. SRI method is better than the other two methods to improve the biological characteristics of paddy soil that has the potential to maintain the sustainability of soil productivity.