scholarly journals A Survey of Planning and Adoption of Zero Runoff Systems in Greenhouse Operations

HortScience ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 608a-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen-fei L. Uva ◽  
Thomas C. Weiler
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Management ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Increase Production Efficiency ◽  
Investment Size ◽  
Zero Runoff

Adopting technology to achieve environmental stewardship is a high priority among greenhouse industry members. Zero runoff crop production systems can protect surface and ground water and use water, fertilizer, and labor resources more efficiently. However, scarce capital and fear of new technology are impediments to change. Our objectives were to characterize decision making and profitability related to zero runoff systems. Managers of 80 greenhouse operations with zero runoff systems in 26 states participated in a survey designed to gather information on the costs–benefits of adoption and production changes and issues related to zero runoff systems for greenhouse operations. The survey results revealed that some adjustments of production practices were essential when adopting zero runoff systems. It also appeared that greenhouse operators believe they are achieving the intended outcomes and efficiencies from their investment. Size of the operation appeared to be closely linked to the growers' willingness to adopt this new technology. Important reasons for making the decision of adopting zero runoff systems were to improve quality of productions, cut production costs, increase production efficiency, and respond to public concern for the environment. Two thirds of the operators surveyed found that special employee training in the operation of zero runoff systems was required. Most employers found in-house training was adequate for their needs. Operators verified that a significant learning curve slows implementation of zero runoff production Adjustments of cultural practices coupled with good production management were keys to growing zero runoff successfully.

scholarly journals A New Technology for Smooth Blasting without Detonating Cord for Rock Tunnel Excavation

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (19) ◽  
pp. 6764
Author(s):  
Chunde Ma ◽  
Weibin Xie ◽  
Zelin Liu ◽  
Qiyue Li ◽  
Jiaqing Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Efficiency ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Critical Distance ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Emulsion Explosive ◽  
Tunnel Face ◽  
Tunnel Excavation ◽  
Rock Tunnel ◽  
Smooth Blasting

In this paper, the aim is to achieve safe, rapid excavation of an extra-long, large-cross-section highway tunnel in Eastern Tianshan, as well as to reduce production costs, simplify production processes, reduce cycle time, and improve production efficiency. In this study, we explored a new technology for smooth blasting without a detonating cord. A series of sympathetic detonation experiments were conducted in the tunnel face to determine critical distances. The critical distance for No. 2 rock emulsion explosive under blasthole constraints was successfully measured to be approximately 1.0–1.1 m. Based on the critical distance, a new charging structure was designed for tunnel excavation. To assess the influence of the new charging structure on blasting performance, its economic benefits, and its feasibility, full-section tests were performed in the East Tianshan Tunnel. The application of the new charging structure produced good smooth blasting results. It not only simplified the charging process and produced smooth blasting without detonating cord in peripheral holes, but also guaranteed normal excavation, an appropriate tunnel profile, and reasonable overbreak and underbreak volumes. This had remarkable economic benefits and possesses better promotional value.

scholarly journals An Examination of the Economics of Sustainable and Conventional Horticulture

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 687-691
Author(s):  
Robin G. Brumfield
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Price Premiums ◽  
Organic Systems ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Adverse Impacts ◽  
The Cost

Since World War II, U.S. agriculture has reduced production costs by substituting petrochemicals for labor. Adverse impacts from chemical intensive agriculture include increased pest levels, groundwater and surface water contamination, soil erosion, and concerns about harmful levels of pesticide residues. Sustainable farming programs such as integrated crop management (ICM) and organic farming encourage farmers to use systems that reduce the adverse impacts of chemical agriculture. However, before farmers adopt an alternative system, they must determine that economic benefits from the alternative farming activities exceed the costs incurred. Unfortunately, relatively few studies have compared the cost of organic crop production with conventional production systems. Results of these studies are mixed. In some studies, organic systems are more profitable than conventional systems with organic price premiums, but are not economically viable without price premiums. In one long-term study, the organic system was more profitable than a conventional one if the cost of family labor was ignored, but less profitable if it was included. In some studies, net returns were higher for ICM than for conventional or organic systems, but in others, they were higher. Results also vary on a crop by crop basis.

Does use of draft animal power increase economic efficiency of smallholder farms in Kenya?

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 290-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.M. Guthiga ◽  
J.T. Karugia ◽  
R.A. Nyikal
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Smallholder Farms ◽  
Land Preparation ◽  
Animal Power ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

AbstractDraft animal power (DAP) has been identified as an environmentally friendly technology that is based on renewable energy and encompasses integration of livestock and crop production systems. Draft animal technology provides farmers with a possibility to cheaply access and use manure from the draft animals and farm power needed to apply renewable practices for land intensification. Compared to motorized mechanization, DAP is viewed as an appropriate and affordable technology especially for small-scale farmers in developing countries who cannot afford the expensive fuel-powered tractor mechanization. However, it is apparent that there is no consensus among researchers on how it affects crop yields, profit and production efficiency when applied in farm operations. This study addressed the question of whether using DAP increases economic efficiency of smallholder maize producers in central Kenya. Results of the study are derived from a sample of 80 farmers, 57% of whom used draft animals while 43% used hand hoes in carrying farm operations. In the study area, draft animals are almost exclusively used for land preparation and planting, with very few farmers applying them in the consecutive operations such as weeding. A profit function was estimated to test the hypothesis of equal economic efficiency between ‘DAP’ and ‘hoe’ farms. The results showed that farmers who used DAP obtained higher yields and operated at a higher economic efficiency compared to those who used hand hoes. The analysis underscores the viability of DAP in increasing profitability of small-scale farms; however, other aspects of the technology, such as affordability of the whole DAP package, availability of appropriate implements and skills of using the technology, must be taken into account when promoting adoption of DAP technology.

The potential role of annual forage legumes in Canada: A review

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. McCartney ◽  
J. Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Annual Legumes ◽  
Alternative Crop ◽  
High Production ◽  
Agricultural Input ◽  
Control Erosion

The need to reduce agricultural input costs while increasing soil fertility has prompted researchers to look for alternative crop production systems that include N fixing crops. Annual legumes can be used in rotations as forages and green manure crops to increase the organic matter and N content of soils and provide soil cover to control erosion and weeds. Despite the benefits of annual legumes, high production costs and scarcity of seed has hindered their use.Key words: Medic, clover, vetch, pea, bean, lentil, forage yield, forage quality

scholarly journals Business Profile of Australian Nurseries

HortScience ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 456E-456
Author(s):  
Robin G. Brumfield ◽  
Peter F. McSweeney
Keyword(s):  
Capital Investment ◽  
Production Management ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Cash Flows ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Increase Production Efficiency ◽  
Chain Stores ◽  
General Terms ◽  
The U.S

We surveyed 22 Australian nurseries in 1995 to: 1) develop a profile of Australian nurseries from a production, management, and profitability perspective; 2) compare the data to relevant U.S. benchmarks; and 3) identify trends and potential areas of improvement in the management of Australian nursery enterprises. The study confirmed that Australian nurseries incur high labor costs (38.8% of sales) that are comparable to United States nurseries, while costs of materials and supplies were lower than their U.S. counterparts. Overall, the costs of the surveyed nurseries appeared lower than their U.S. counterparts. Concerns of managers were directed towards recruiting and keeping labor and marketing rather than increasing capital investment to increase production efficiency. Capital expenditures tended to be funded from internal cash flows rather than external borrowings. Many of the nursery managers used relatively simple performance indicators and most business objectives were stated in general terms. Australian nurseries carried more diverse product ranges than the U.S. nurseries. Many of the nurseries adopted quite vigorous marketing strategies with a stronger emphasis on marketing than in those in the U.S. Concerns about the viability of the industry included oversupply, the growth in chain stores business, factors eroding the demand for nursery products and greater regulation.

scholarly journals Entomophages as a Perspective Direction of Plant Protection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Marinchenko
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Increase Production Efficiency ◽  
Environmental Burden

Increased demand for food to feed the ever-growing population led to the development and adoption of synthetic chemicals as a quick and effective strategy of managing crop pests and diseases. Such agricultural practices have contributed to environmental pollution, which is further affecting food security, human health, and the climate. At the same time, up to 40% of crops die due to pests and plant diseases. Therefore, sustainable crop production and global food security depend on the timely implementation of the latest scientific projects in various fields of crop production including genetics, breeding, agronomy, crop physiology, crop management practices, biotechnology, and even entomology. The introduction of biological agents to protect, control and stimulate the development of agricultural crops is one of the ways of increasing the efficiency and profitability of production, reducing the environmental burden and increasing the competitiveness of producers. This is consistent with the concepts of a green economy and the sustainable development of agriculture. Since the unilateral use of chemicals does not meet today’s requirements, special attention must be paid to preventative, agrotechnical measures, as well as the use of natural factors for regulating the number of pests using parasitic and predatory insects. Domestic biotechnological developments for crop production which increase production efficiency and reduce the environmental burden are discussed. Keywords: plant growing, entomophages, protection, efficiency, ecology, ecology

scholarly journals Analysis and improvement of production efficiency in a construction machine assembly line

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 606
Author(s):  
Alidiane Xavier ◽  
Murilo De Melo Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Assembly Line ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Increase Production Efficiency ◽  
Construction Machinery ◽  
Construction Machine ◽  
Ongoing Development ◽  
Machine Assembly

The increased competitiveness in the market encourages the ongoing development of systems and production processes. The aim is to increase production efficiency to production costs and waste be reduced to the extreme, allowing an increased product competitiveness. The objective of this study was to analyze the overall results of implementing a Kaizen philosophy in an automaker of construction machinery, using the methodology of action research, which will be studied in situ the macro production process from receipt of parts into the end of the assembly line , prioritizing the analysis time of shipping and handling. The results show that the continuous improvement activities directly impact the elimination of waste from the assembly process, mainly related to shipping and handling, improving production efficiency by 30% in the studied processes.

scholarly journals Production Costs of Field-grown Cercis canadensis L. ‘Forest Pansy’ Identified during Life Cycle Assessment Analysis

HortScience ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 622-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles R. Hall ◽  
Dewayne Ingram
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
Cercis Canadensis ◽  
Transport Distance ◽  
Short Run

University researchers have recently quantified the value of carbon sequestration provided by landscape trees (Ingram, 2012, 2013). However, no study to date has captured the economic costs of component horticultural systems while conducting a life cycle assessment of any green industry product. This study attempts to fill that void. The nursery production system modeled in this study was a field-grown, 5-cm (2-in) caliper Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ in the Lower Midwest. Partial budgeting modeling procedures were also used to measure the sensitivity of related costs and potential benefits associated with short-run changes in cultural practices in the production systems analyzed (e.g., transport distance, post-harvest activities, fertilization rates, and plant mortality). Total variable costs for the seedling and liner stages combined amounted to $2.93 per liner, including $1.92 per liner for labor, $0.73 for materials, and $0.27 per liner for equipment use. The global warming potential (GWP) associated with the seedling and liner stages combined included 0.3123 kg of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) for materials and 0.2228 kg CO2e for equipment use. Total farm-gate variable costs (the seedling, liner, and field production phases combined) amounted to $37.74 per marketable tree, comprised of $9.90 for labor, $21.11 for materials, and $6.73 for equipment use, respectively. However, post-harvest costs (e.g., transportation, transplanting, take-down, and disposal costs) added another $33.78 in labor costs and $27.08 in equipment costs to the farm-gate cost, yielding a total cost from seedling to end of tree life of $98.60. Of this, $43.68 was spent on labor, $21.11 spent on materials, and $33.81 spent on equipment use during the life cycle of each marketable tree. As per an earlier study, the life cycle GWP of the described redbud tree, including greenhouse gas emissions during production, transport, transplanting, take-down, and disposal, would be a negative 63 kg CO2e (Ingram et al., 2013). These combined data can be used to communicate to the consuming public the true (positive) value of trees in the landscape.

scholarly journals Editorial: Identifying agri-food research priorities for Spain - 2017 results

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta García ◽  
Ángeles Alonso ◽  
María Luisa Tello ◽  
Marta De la Poza ◽  
Natalia Villalobos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Chain Process ◽  
Food Research ◽  
Forestry Production

Among other functions, the INIA is involved in national and international cooperation in the field of agri-food research. The process of identifying and classifying gaps in our knowledge forms an essential part of this effort. This article describes that process, the tools and the materials used to achieve the final objective, namely, the identification of research priorities in the Spanish agri-food sector in order to deal with the societal challenges posed by society and the stakeholders involved. These challenges, within the context of the bioeconomy, are the sustainability of primary and forestry production systems, the safety and quality of food and bioproducts as well as the competitiveness of farmers and companies in this sector. It is necessary to optimize resource management and means of production along with improved efficiency to guarantee sustainability throughout the value chain process. The main goal, under the current scenario of climate change, is to develop models which lead to a balance between food quality and production costs (competitiveness and economic sustainability), ecosystem conservation and mitigation of the environmental impacts (environmental sustainability) while maintaining the population in rural areas (social sustainability). These models will be based on new technology in both intensive and extensive production systems. They should support the improvement and valuation of traditional products together with the formulation and development of foods with new functionalities and quality while at the same time ensuring safety. As well as satisfying consumer demand, improved knowledge must lead to a more efficient use of our own resources and by-products within the framework of a circular economy, including the development of bioproducts, eco-innovation and eco-design.

scholarly journals Herbicide Resistance: Toward an Understanding of Resistance Development and the Impact of Herbicide-Resistant Crops

Weed Science ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (SP1) ◽  
pp. 2-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
William K. Vencill ◽  
Robert L. Nichols ◽  
Theodore M. Webster ◽  
John K. Soteres ◽  
Carol Mallory-Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Slight Reduction ◽  
Herbicide Resistant ◽  
Concurrent Use ◽  
High Selection ◽  
Herbicide Use ◽  
The Impact

Development of herbicide-resistant crops has resulted in significant changes to agronomic practices, one of which is the adoption of effective, simple, low-risk, crop-production systems with less dependency on tillage and lower energy requirements. Overall, the changes have had a positive environmental effect by reducing soil erosion, the fuel use for tillage, and the number of herbicides with groundwater advisories as well as a slight reduction in the overall environmental impact quotient of herbicide use. However, herbicides exert a high selection pressure on weed populations, and density and diversity of weed communities change over time in response to herbicides and other control practices imposed on them. Repeated and intensive use of herbicides with the same mechanisms of action (MOA; the mechanism in the plant that the herbicide detrimentally affects so that the plant succumbs to the herbicide; e.g., inhibition of an enzyme that is vital to plant growth or the inability of a plant to metabolize the herbicide before it has done damage) can rapidly select for shifts to tolerant, difficult-to-control weeds and the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds, especially in the absence of the concurrent use of herbicides with different mechanisms of action or the use of mechanical or cultural practices or both.

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