scholarly journals Robotic strawberry harvest is promising but will need improved technology and higher wages to be economically viable

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Timothy Delbridge
Keyword(s):  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Robotic Systems ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Popular Press ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Technical Parameters ◽  
Wage Rates ◽  
Development Teams ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Improved Technology

While the prospect of robotic harvest in strawberry production has received much attention within the strawberry industry and the popular press, there is little available information on the economic feasibility of this technology. It is not clear how close the industry is to being able to profitably adopt robotic harvest systems; also unclear is the relative importance of wage rates, robotic harvest efficiencies and machinery field speeds on the adoption threshold. This study aims to clarify these issues by estimating the net income to strawberry production under robotic harvest scenarios, and comparing the values to standard enterprise budgets for strawberry production in California under different wage rates for harvest labor. Results confirm that robotic harvest remains economically unviable under current wage rates and the field speeds and harvest efficiencies achieved by leading robotic harvest development teams. However, results indicate that with expected increases in wage rates in the coming years, and with modest improvements in the technical parameters, use of robotic systems will likely become profitable in some form.

Economic Comparison of Mechanical and Chemical Weed Control

Weed Science ◽  
1968 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
David L. Armstrong ◽  
J. K. Leasure ◽  
Mitchell R. Corbin
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Small Item ◽  
Mechanical Methods ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Complex Decision ◽  
Selection Of

The problem in determining the economic feasibility of mechanical, chemical, and combination weed control methods in corn (Zea mays L.) is a complex decision involving many factors. The effects of cost, yield, timeliness, and alternative uses of labor are the factors considered in comparing various methods of weed control in this study. Costs of weed control operations range from $2.84/A for two cultivations to $10.45/A for the most intensive, mechanical-chemical operation studied. Most common weed control methods have costs of approximately $3 to $4/A. Yields range from 83 bu/A for two cultivations to 96 bu/A with the highest cost chemical-mechanical weed control methods. All yields used in this study are supported by agronomic studies and are indexed on the basis of 100 bu/A for weed-free conditions. The consideration of both yields and costs does affect the selection of a weed control method. Considering only these two factors, mechanical methods have a slight advantage over chemical weed control methods. Penalizing mechanical methods because of delay or timeliness characteristics gives chemical methods an advantage by as much as $3.00/A. Alternative uses of labor, even though a common argument in selecting chemical or mechanical methods, is a very small item and has only moderate effects on the changes in net income.

POTENCIAL DE ENERGIA SOLAR PARA A IRRIGAÇÃO NO MUNICÍPIO DE BARBALHA-CE

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Francisca Valdelice Pereira Silva ◽  
Hernandes Oliveira Feitosa ◽  
Claudio Faustino Pereira ◽  
João Alvino Sampaio Silva ◽  
Erialdo Oliveira Feitosa
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Photovoltaic System ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Financial Return ◽  
Pv Systems ◽  
Historical Series ◽  
Alternative Means

Atualmente há uma preocupação na utilização de energia solar como meios alternativos, tendo em vista a viabilidade para implantação dos sistemas fotovoltaicos. Sendo de extrema importância nos tempos atuais devido à necessidade de utilização de novas fontes de energia renováveis. O objetivo desse trabalho é analisar a viabilidade econômica do uso da energia solar na agricultura familiar irrigada no município de Barbalha. O trabalho foi desenvolvido a partir de dados coletados na Estação Climatológica, localizada em Barbalha, numa série histórica de 30 anos, esses dados foram inserido num programa computacional Retscreen para analisar a viabilidade de projetos, foi feita uma simulaçao do sistema fotovoltaico para geração de energia acionando um conjunto motobomba de 1,0 cv para transportar água a uma caixa com capacidade de 1000 l á 6 m de altura, em seguida será realizada a irrigação por gotejamento de forma gravitacional numa área de 1 há cultivado com milho. Os resultados foram que o sistema só terá um retorno financeiro em 18,5 anos, passando essa energia solar para os agricultores verificamos que somando todos os custos do agricultor será de R$ 7710,00 com uma receita bruta de R$ 11963,52 durante dez meses período em que se podem cultivar dois ciclos de milho irrigado, obtendo uma receita liquida de R$ 4253,52. Assim, o agricultor poderá pagar o investimento da energia fotovoltaica em menos tempo. O sistema mostra-se vantajoso nestes aspectos e abre uma interessante perspectiva de aproveitamento mais eficiente da energia solar na irrigação.Palavras-chave: energia solar; sistemas fotovoltaicos; viabilidade econômica. SOLAR ENERGY POTENTIAL FOR IRRIGATION IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BARBALHA-CEAbstract: Currently there is concern in the use of solar energy as alternative means in order to implement the viability of PV systems. It is of paramount importance in the present times due to the necessity of use of new renewable energy sources. The aim of this study is to analyze the economic feasibility of using solar energy in irrigated family farming in the municipality of Barbalha. The work was developed from data collected in the Climatological Station, located in Barbalha, a historical series of 30 years, this data is inserted into a computer program Retscreen Software to analyze the feasibility of projects, it was made a Simulation of the photovoltaic system for generating energy driving a pump of 1.0 hp to carry water to a box with 1000 l capacity with 6 m high, then will be held drip irrigation of gravity form an area of 1 is cultivated with milho.Os results were the system will only have a financial return approximately 18.5 years, passing this energy for farmers we found that adding all the farmer's cost will be R $ 7,710.00 with gross revenues of R $ 11,963.52 for ten month period in that can grow two cycles of irrigated corn, obtaining a net income of R $ 4,253.52. Thus, the farmer can afford the investment of photovoltaics in less time. The system seems advantageous in these aspects and opens an interesting perspective more efficient use of solar energy for irrigation. Keywords: solar energy; photovoltaics; economic viabilit.

Impact analysis of front line demonstrations on horsegram in Bhilwara district of Rajasthan (India) under rainfed condition

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. K. Sharma ◽  
S. K. Sharma ◽  
C. M. Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Impact Analysis ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Rainfed Condition ◽  
Benefit Cost Ratio ◽  
Yield Gaps ◽  
Semi Arid Region ◽  
Benefit Cost ◽  
Improved Technology

During the period from 2006 to 2011, 80 frontline demonstrations were conducted on the horsegram production technology to transfer the technologies among the farmers of Bhilwara district in semi-arid region of south Rajasthan with the objective to evaluate the economic feasibility of technology transfer and adoption. Adoption of improved technology had significant impact on seed yield vis-a-vis yield gaps in horsegram. Improved technology enhanced horsegram yield from 294 kg/ha (farmer’s practice) to 537 kg/ha (improved practice), an overall increase of 40.83%. There was a wide yield variation between potential and demonstration yields of horsegram mainly due to technology and extension gaps. Extension yield gaps varied to the extent of 96 to 180 kg/ ha whereas technology yield gaps varied from 288 to 413 kg/ ha. Technology index varied from 34.91 to 50.06 %, which indicate for further scope of improvement in productivity of horsegram in the region. The marginal difference between benefit-cost ratio of improved practice and farmer’s practice proves of adoption of improved technologies by the farmers. However, to further bridge up the gap between technology developed and technology transferred, there is a need to strengthen the extension network besides emphasis on specific local recommendations.

scholarly journals Assessment of Yield Gaps and Economics through Frontline Demonstration in Participatory Mode on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Eastern Zone of Haryana

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Munish Leharwan ◽  
Mohar Singh ◽  
Rakesh Kumar ◽  
Pankaj Kumar Saraswat ◽  
Yogesh Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vital Role ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Production Potential ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
Eastern Zone ◽  
Yield Gaps ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Improved Technology ◽  
Extension Gap

Background: Cluster frontline demonstration (CFLD) with improved technology plays a vital role in enhancing the production potential of pulses as well as socio-economic level of farmers and it also proved that it improves soil heath through crop diversification by optimizing diversified microhabitats that benefit soil microbial community. Methods: KVK, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal (Haryana) conducted 220 demonstrations on chickpea variety HC-1 and HC-5 over an area of 80 ha during Rabi season 2017-18 to 2020-21. The demonstrated technology was improved variety HC-1 and HC-5, optimum seed rate and spacing, seed and soil treatment with bio-fungicide and application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) module for the management of diseases and insects. Result: The result of the CFLDs showed that on an average yield of chickpea seed under improved technology, ranged from 11.41 q/ha to 20 q/ha which was 25.06 per cent more as compared to farmer practices. The study depicted, the mean technology gap of 9.01 q/ha, the mean extension gap of 3.70 q/ha and the mean technology index of 36.7 per cent. The study concluded that from one hectare a net income of Rs. 47565/- can be obtained, additional return of Rs. 10404/, effective gain of Rs. 8289 and B:C ratio obtained were 2.63 under incorporation of improved technology as compared to local check. By conducting CFLD of proven technologies, yield of crop could be enhanced to a great extent with ultimately increment in the income level of small and marginal farmers.

scholarly journals Rapid ascents of Mt Everest: normobaric hypoxic preacclimatization

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Tannheimer ◽  
Raimund Lechner
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Supplemental Oxygen ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Hypoxic Training ◽  
Rate Of Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Rapid Ascent ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Inspired Oxygen

Abstract Background Acclimatization to high altitude is time consuming. An expedition to Mt Everest (8848 m) requires roughly 8 weeks. Therefore it seems very attractive to reach the summit within 3 weeks from home, which is currently promised by some expedition tour operators. These rapid ascent expeditions are based on two main components, normobaric hypoxic training (NHT) prior to the expedition and the use of high flow supplemental oxygen (HFSO2). We attempted to assess the relative importance of these two elements. Methods We evaluated the effect of NHT on the basis of the available information of these rapid ascent expeditions and our experiences made during an expedition to Manaslu (8163 m) where we used NHT for preacclimatization. To evaluate the effect of an increased O2 flow rate we calculated its effect at various activity levels at altitudes of 8000 m and above. Results So far rapid ascents to Mt Everest have been successful. The participants carried out 8 weeks of NHT, reaching sleeping altitudes = 7100 m and spent at least 300 h in NH. At rest a flow rate of 2 l O2/min is sufficient to keep the partial pressure of inspired oxygen (PIO2) close to 50 mm Hg even at the summit. For ativities of ~80% of the maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO2max) at the summit 6 l O2/min are required to maintain a PIO2 above 50 mm Hg. Discussion NHT for preacclimatization seems to be the decisive element of the offered rapid ascent expeditions. An increased O2 flow rate of 8 l/min is not mandatory for climbing Mt Everest. Conclusions Preacclimatization using normobaric hypoxica (NH) is far more important than the use of HFSO2. We think that NHT will be widely used in the future. The most effective regimen of preacclimatization in NH, the duration of each session and the optimal FIO2 are still unclear and require further study.

Information-efficient robotic control

Robotica ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oded Maimon ◽  
Mark Last
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Systems ◽  
Autonomous Robots ◽  
Discrete Event ◽  
Information Economics ◽  
Robotic Systems ◽  
Robotic Control ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Discrete Event Control ◽  
Available Information

SUMMARYThe work demonstrates a new approach to design of a level of intelligent control of robotic systems. The analytical model results in operational decisions. The structure of these decisions make them readily available to be implemented as an expert system. The approach is applied to a case study of mobile supervisory robots. The model presented here was motivated by manufacturing robotic systems and a type of autonomous robots that collect information at different sites for safety and other control purposes. The robot actions are directly affected by the obta~ned data. At each site the amount of available information (and thus the correctness of the robot decision) can be increased if the robot keeps collecting data at that site for a longer period of t~me. This means a delay in reacting and in reaching next site and accordingly, a decrease in the general amount of robot's information on the whole system.The method of finding an economic amount of information collected by a robot at each site is based on the theory of controlled discrete event stochastic systems developed in our earlier works. This theory combines he basic concepts of discrete event control extended to stochastic systems with some aspects of information economics.

scholarly journals Climate Change 1995

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 275
Author(s):  
Gregory T. Watts
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
United Nations Environment Programme ◽  
Intergovernmental Panel ◽  
International Agencies ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation ◽  
Current State ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation Strategies ◽  
Nations Environment

Climate Change 1995 is a scientific assessment that was generated by more than 1 000 contributors from over 50 nations. It was jointly co-ordinated through two international agencies; the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme. The assessment was completed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) with a primary aim of reviewing the current state of knowledge concerning the impacts of climate change on physical and ecological systems, human health, and socioeconomic factors. The second aim was to review the available information on the technical and economic feasibility of the potential mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Techno-economic assessment of using wind power system for tribal region of Gachsaran in Iran

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-307
Author(s):  
Ali Mostafaeipour ◽  
Mojtaba Qolipour ◽  
Mostafa Rezaei ◽  
Hossein Goudarzi
Keyword(s):  
Wind Power ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Remote Areas ◽  
Economic Method ◽  
Useful Life ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Tribal Region

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the techno-economic feasibility of wind power potential for a tribal region located in Gachsaran in the South-West of Iran. Design/methodology/approach Techno-economic feasibility study and analysis of data were conducted by HOMER v2.68 software. Simulations and calculations were performed for 10 kW turbines, 8 Trojan L16P batteries, 12 kW converter and 12 kW generator. To anticipate the pay back period (PBP) or the time required to reach profitability, an engineering economic method named net equivalent uniform annual was applied. Findings The power plant construction cost, including the initial cost, installing, replacing and project operating costs for useful life of 20 years was equal to $40970. The net income of the project for each year was $8538 and the calculations were carried out using interest rate of 18%. Results indicated that PBP was 13 years which is lower than 20 years useful life of the turbine. Therefore, it is economically feasible to use this type of turbine for the nominated region. Originality/value There has not been conducted a research regarding remote areas in Iran; therefore, this study aims at closing this research gap. Moreover, this method could be used for any remote areas in any other developing country.

scholarly journals A Cost-Benefit Methodology for Selecting Analytical Reinforced Concrete Corrosion Onset Models

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
N. Rakotovao Ravahatra ◽  
T. de Larrard ◽  
F. Duprat ◽  
E. Bastidas-Arteaga ◽  
F. Schoefs
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Chloride Ingress ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Maintenance Strategy ◽  
Concrete Carbonation ◽  
Concrete Type ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Reinforced Concrete Corrosion ◽  
Selection Of

This work focuses on predicting corrosion onset induced by concrete carbonation or chloride ingress when using analytical predictive models. The paper proposes a procedure that helps building and infrastructure managers to select an appropriate model depending on the available information and the means granted to auscultation campaigns. The approach proposed combines the costs of input parameters, their relative importance, the benefits brought through obtaining parameters, and the maintenance strategy of the manager. Costs represent the intellectual investment to obtain parameters. This encompasses the time spent to obtain and analyze a result and the required expertise. Relative importance and benefits are obtained from sensitivity analysis. The effect of the maintenance strategy is introduced through a scalar called efficiency of the model. The proposed methodology is illustrated with two case studies where it is supposed that more or less extended information is available. Three concrete qualities are also considered in the case studies. The results highlight that the available data and concrete type have significant impacts on the selection of the most appropriate model.

EVALUATION OF TRANSPLANTING BT COTTON IN A COTTON–WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
MUHAMMAD ASGHAR SHAH ◽  
MUHAMMAD FAROOQ ◽  
MUBSHAR HUSSAIN
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Bt Cotton ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Marginal Rate ◽  
Benefit Cost Ratio ◽  
Cotton Belt ◽  
Benefit Cost

SUMMARYCotton–wheat is an important cropping system in South Asia. Introduction of BT cotton has caused the time conflict between sowing of BT cotton and wheat harvest in this cropping system. Wheat is harvested in late April but the best planting time of BT cotton is mid-March, which indicates a time conflict of 30–45 days between two crops in the region. However, this conflict can be managed by raising the cotton nursery and transplanting 30–45 days old seedlings in the field after wheat harvest. This two years field study was conducted to assess the economic feasibility of transplanting BT cotton in BT cotton–wheat cropping system at two locations (Multan, Vehari) in the cotton belt of Punjab, Pakistan. The BT cotton–wheat cropping systems included in the study were; flat sown wheat (FSW) – zero-tilled cotton (ZTC), FSW – conventional-tilled cotton (CTC), ridge sown wheat (RSW) – ridge-transplanted cotton (RTC) (30 days old seedlings), RSW – RTC (45 days old seedlings), bed sown wheat (BSW) – bed-transplanted cotton (BTC) (30 days old seedlings) and BSW – BTC (45 days old seedlings). BSW produced more grain yield than RSW and FSW during both years at both locations. Likewise, BTC (45 days old seedlings) had higher production at both sites during both years. The overall productivity of BT cotton–wheat, in terms of net income, benefit: cost ratio and marginal rate of returns, was the maximum from transplanting 45 days old cotton seedlings on beds after BSW during both years at both sites. Sowing cotton as ZTC following FSW was the least productive cropping system. In conclusion, transplanting 45 days seedlings of BT cotton on beds during late April after harvest of BSW wheat may be opted to manage the time conflict and improve the productivity of BT cotton–wheat cropping system in Punjab, Pakistan.

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