scholarly journals Mineral-Ecological Cropping Systems—A New Approach to Improve Ecosystem Services by Farming without Chemical Synthetic Plant Protection

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1710
Author(s):  
Beate Zimmermann ◽  
Ingrid Claß-Mahler ◽  
Moritz von Cossel ◽  
Iris Lewandowski ◽  
Jan Weik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Mineral Fertilizer ◽  
Plant Protection Products ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Provisioning Ecosystem Services

The search for approaches to a holistic sustainable agriculture requires the development of new cropping systems that provide additional ecosystem services beyond biomass supply for food, feed, material, and energy use. The reduction of chemical synthetic plant protection products is a key instrument to protect vulnerable natural resources such as groundwater and biodiversity. Together with an optimal use of mineral fertilizer, agroecological practices, and precision agriculture technologies, a complete elimination of chemical synthetic plant protection in mineral-ecological cropping systems (MECSs) may not only improve the environmental performance of agroecosystems, but also ensure their yield performance. Therefore, the development of MECSs aims to improve the overall ecosystem services of agricultural landscapes by (i) improving the provision of regulating ecosystem services compared to conventional cropping systems and (ii) improving the supply of provisioning ecosystem services compared to organic cropping systems. In the present review, all relevant research levels and aspects of this new farming concept are outlined and discussed based on a comprehensive literature review and the ongoing research project “Agriculture 4.0 without Chemical-Synthetic Plant Protection”.

scholarly journals Field assessment of a pulse width modulation (PWM) spray system applying different spray volumes: duty cycle and forward speed effects on vines spray coverage

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Grella ◽  
Fabrizio Gioelli ◽  
Paolo Marucco ◽  
Ingrid Zwertvaegher ◽  
Eric Mozzanini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Pulse Width ◽  
Pulse Width Modulation ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Plant Protection Products ◽  
Field Conditions ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Real Field ◽  
Spray Application ◽  
Spray System

AbstractThe pulse width modulation (PWM) spray system is the most advanced technology to obtain variable rate spray application without varying the operative sprayer parameters (e.g. spray pressure, nozzle size). According to the precision agriculture principles, PWM is the prime technology that allows to spray the required amount where needed without varying the droplet size spectra which benefits both the uniformity of spray quality and the spray drift reduction. However, some concerns related to the effect of on–off solenoid valves and the alternating on/off action of adjacent nozzles on final uneven spray coverage (SC) have arisen. Further evaluations of PWM systems used for spraying 3D crops under field conditions are welcomed. A tower-shaped airblast sprayer equipped with a PWM was tested in a vineyard. Twelve configurations, combining duty cycles (DC: 30, 50, 70, 100%) and forward speeds (FS: 4, 6, 8 km h−1), were tested. Two methodologies, namely field-standardized and real field conditions, were adopted to evaluate the effect of DC and FS on (1) SC variability (CV%) along both the sprayer travel direction and the vertical spray profile using long water sensitive papers (WSP), and (2) SC uniformity (IU, index value) within the canopy at different depths and heights, respectively. Furthermore, the SC (%) and deposit density (Nst, no stains cm−2), determined using short WSP, were used to evaluate the spray application performances taking into account the spray volumes applied. Under field-controlled conditions, the pulsing of the PWM system affects both the SC variability measured along the sprayer travel direction and along the vertical spray profile. In contrast, under real field conditions, the PWM system does not affect the uniformity of SC measured within the canopy. The relationship between SC and Nst allowed identification of the ranges of 200–250 and 300–370 l ha−1 as the most suitable spray volumes to be applied for insecticide and fungicide plant protection products, respectively.

scholarly journals Benefits of crop diversification for biodiversity and ecosystem services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Beillouin ◽  
T. Ben-Ari ◽  
E. Malézieux ◽  
V. Seufert ◽  
D. Makowski
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Global Database ◽  
Meta Analyses

AbstractIncreasing the diversity of cultivated crops, species or cultivars is expected to help preserve biodiversity and enhance ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. But individual local experiments evaluating crop diversification practices and even meta-analytical synthesis of experimental studies are scattered in their scope, quality and geographical focus. In an effort to make sense of this trove of information, we integrate the results of 5,662 experiments representing more than 48,600 paired observations over 80 experimental years, through the compilation of 83 meta-analyses covering more than 120 crops and 85 countries. The diversification strategies analyzed in the literature are diverse and are here regrouped into five broad categories (i.e., agroforestry, associated plants, intercropping, crop rotation and cultivar mixture). Our exhaustive literature synthesis shows that overall, crop diversification significantly enhances crop yields (median effect +13%), associated biodiversity (+24%), and several ecosystem services including water quality (+84%), pest and disease control (+63%), and soil quality (+11%). While these aggregated global results support the many benefits of adopting more diversified cropping systems, we also identified high variability between meta-analyses for most of the diversification practices examined. This strong global heterogeneity highlights the importance of contextual information about agricultural diversification for local decision-making. Our global database provides important insights into the contextual performance of crop diversification practices that can provide this needed guidance to agricultural and environmental decision-making.

scholarly journals Assessing Ecosystem Services Supplied by Agroecosystems in Mediterranean Europe: A Literature Review

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario V. Balzan ◽  
Renata Sadula ◽  
Laura Scalvenzi
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Ecosystem Structure ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mediterranean

Agricultural landscapes in the Mediterranean region may be considered as social-ecological systems that are important for biodiversity conservation whilst contributing to a wide range of ecosystem services. This literature review aims to identify the current state and biases of ecosystem service assessment in agroecosystems within the Mediterranean region, evaluate pressures impacting on agroecosystems and their services, and practices that promote ecosystem service synergies in Mediterranean agroecosystems. A total of 41 papers were selected for analysis from a set of 573 potentially relevant papers. Most of the selected papers focused on supporting, regulating and provisioning services, and mostly assessed ecosystem structure or services in the European Mediterranean context. Literature about benefits and values ascribed to by communities and stakeholders remain limited. Results presented here support the notion of multifunctional Mediterranean agroecosystems and multiple synergies were recorded in this review. Publications dealing with pressures that related to agricultural practices and demographic changes were in the majority and impact on different cropping systems. This review highlights the need to carry out integrated ecosystem service assessments that consider the multiple benefits derived from agroecosystems and which may be used to identify management practices that lead to the improvement of ecosystem services capacities and flows.

Linking the effects of plant protection products on biodiversity and ecological processes to potential impairment of ecosystem functions and services—A multidisciplinary conceptual framework.

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Pesce ◽  
Annette Bérard ◽  
Marie-Agnès Coutellec ◽  
Alexandra Langlais-Hesse ◽  
Mickaël Hedde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Plant Protection Products ◽  
Risk Assessments ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Environmental Sciences ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Scientific Experts

There is growing interest in using the ecosystem services framework for environmental risk assessments of plant protection products (PPP). However, there is still a broad gap between most of the ecotoxicological endpoints used in PPP risk assessment and the evaluation of the risks and effects of PPP on ecosystem services. Here we propose a conceptual framework to link current and future knowledge on the ecotoxicological effects of PPP on biodiversity and ecological processes to their consequences on ecosystem functions and services. We first describe the main processes governing the relationships between biodiversity, ecological processes and ecosystem functions in response to effects of PPP. We define 12 main categories of ecosystem functions that could be directly linked with the ecological processes used as functional endpoints in investigations on the ecotoxicology of PPP. An exploration of perceptions on the possible links between these categories of ecosystem functions and groups of ecosystem services (by a panel scientific experts in various fields of environmental sciences) then finds that these direct and indirect linkages still need clarification. We illustrate how the proposed framework could be used on terrestrial microalgae and cyanobacteria to assess the potential effects of herbicides on ecosystem services. The framework proposed here uses a set of clearly-defined core categories of ecosystem functions and services, which should help identify which of them are effectively or potentially threatened by PPP. We argue that this framework could help harmonize and extend the scientific knowledge that informs decision-making and policy-making.

scholarly journals A Small Versatile Electrical Robot for Autonomous Spraying in Agriculture

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cantelli ◽  
Bonaccorso ◽  
Longo ◽  
Melita ◽  
Schillaci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Management System ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Autonomous Vehicle ◽  
Plant Protection Products ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Innovative Solution ◽  
The Right ◽  
High Degree

Boosting innovation and research in the agricultural sector is crucial if farmers are asked to produce more with less. Precision agriculture offers different solutions to assist farmers in improving efficiency and reducing labor costs while respecting the legal requirements. Precision spraying enables the treatment of only the plants that require it, with the right amount of products. Our research group has developed a solution based on a reconfigurable vehicle with a high degree of automation for the distribution of plant protection products in vineyards and greenhouses. The synergy between the vehicle and the spraying management system we developed is an innovative solution with high technological content, and attempts to account for the current European and global directives in the field of agricultural techniques. The objectives of our system are the development of an autonomous vehicle and a spraying management system that allows safe and accurate autonomous spraying operations.

Occurrence and distribution of earthworms in agricultural landscapes across Europe with regard to testing for responses to plant protection products

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Axel Dinter ◽  
Christian Oberwalder ◽  
Patrick Kabouw ◽  
Mike Coulson ◽  
Gregor Ernst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Protection ◽  
Plant Protection Products ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes

scholarly journals Use of seed coating for chicory sowing

2019 ◽  
pp. 151-154
Author(s):  
N. A. Ratnikova ◽  
A. V. Yanchenko ◽  
T. Yu. Polyanina ◽  
E. A. Evseeva
Keyword(s):  
Plant Protection ◽  
Control Level ◽  
Mineral Fertilizer ◽  
Plant Protection Products ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Net Profit ◽  
Crop Root ◽  
Crops Yield ◽  
Positive Effect

Relevance. When using precision seeders, seeds that are uniform in weight and size are needed. The maximum uniformity of the seeds can be achieved by by pelleting. Thanks to the coating, small chicory seeds increase their size by 8 times or more. In this case, the composition of the shell can include various plant protection products against pathogens, growth stimulants, micronutrient fertilizers. It is advisable to seed the seeds with their initial germination of at least 95%.Material and methods. The article presents the results of a study conducted at the Rostov Vegetable Experimental Station for chicory – a branch of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Federal Scientific Vegetable Center, where seeds with fillers were used for sowing root chicory: Maxim fungicide, treater Prestige, Isabion – liquid organic and mineral fertilizer, Agrogel.Results. As a result, a positive effect of pelleting on the sowing quality of seeds was revealed (germination energy and field germination are higher than in the control, 2% and 0.6%, respectively, and laboratory germination at the control level), effectiveness against root rot during the growing season and during winter storage time, increase in crop root crops yield by more than 30% and ensuring net profit in comparison with the control by 21.4 thousand rubles / ha. At the same time, the level of profitability is increasing by 26%. 

scholarly journals Large-scale study validates that regional fungicide applications are major determinants of resistance evolution in the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici in France

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxime Garnault ◽  
Clémentine Duplaix ◽  
Pierre Leroux ◽  
Gilles Couleaud ◽  
Olivier David ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungicide Resistance ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Quantitative Resistance ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Plant Protection Products ◽  
List Type ◽  
Zymoseptoria Tritici ◽  
Resistance Evolution

SummaryResearch rationale: In modern cropping systems, the near-universal use of plant protection products selects for resistance in pest populations. The emergence and evolution of this adaptive trait threaten treatment efficacy. We identified determinants of fungicide resistance evolution and quantified their effects at a large spatiotemporal scale.Methods: We focused on Zymoseptoria tritici, which causes leaf blotch in wheat. Phenotypes of qualitative or quantitative resistance to various fungicides were monitored annually, from 2004 to 2017, at about 70 sites throughout 22 regions of France (territorial units of 25 000km2 on average). We modelled changes in resistance frequency with regional anti-Septoria fungicide use, yield losses due to the disease and the regional area under organic wheat.Key results: The major driver of resistance dynamics was fungicide use at the regional scale. We estimated its effect on the increase in resistance and relative apparent fitness of each resistance phenotype. The predictions of the model replicated the spatiotemporal patterns of resistance observed in field populations (R2 from 0.56 to 0.82).Main conclusion: The evolution of fungicide resistance is mainly determined at the regional scale. This study therefore showed that collective management at the regional scale could effectively complete local actions.

scholarly journals Advancements of Spraying Technology in Agriculture

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiaz Ahmad ◽  
Aftab Khaliq ◽  
Baijing Qiu ◽  
Muhammad Sultan ◽  
Jing Ma
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Plant Protection Products ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Utilization Rate ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Pesticide Application

Plant protection activities are most important practices during crop production. Application of maximum pesticide products with the sprayer. The application of fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides is one of the most recurrent and significant tasks in agriculture. Conventional agricultural spraying techniques have made the inconsistency between economic growth and environmental protection in agricultural production. Spraying techniques continuously developed in recent decades. For pesticide application, it is not the only sprayer that is essential, but all the parameters like the type and area of the plant canopy, area of a plant leaf, height of the crop, and volume of plants related to plant protection product applications are very important for obtaining better results. From this point of view, the advancement in agriculture sprayer has been started in last few decades. Robotics and automatic spraying technologies like variable rate sprayers, UAV sprayers, and electrostatic sprayers are growing to Increase the utilization rate of pesticides, reduce pesticide residues, real-time, cost-saving, high compatibility of plant protection products application. These technologies are under the “umbrella” of precision agriculture. The mechanized spraying system, usually implemented by highly precise equipment or mobile robots, which, makes possible the selective targeting of pesticide application on desire time and place. These advanced spraying technologies not only reduces the labour cost but also effective in environmental protection. Researchers are conducting experimental studies on the design, development and testing of precision spraying technologies for crops and orchards.

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