scholarly journals Development of a Push-Type Liquid Fertilizer and Pesticide Sprayer

Author(s):  
Fadeyibi, A., ◽  
Akpenpuun, T. D. ◽  
Issah, A. M.

Low yield, insect, pest and weeds competing with crops are challenges in crop production systems in Nigeria. This research was carried out to design and developed a push-type wheel operated liquid fertilizer/ pesticide sprayer. The materials used for fabrication were selected based on the design assumptions, calculations and sourced locally. The sprayer was mechanically operated through the rotating shaft of the cartwheels using a slider-cranks mechanism. An accumulator was provided to create the required pressure of continuous spraying action. The sprayer possesses two tanks of 16 L each, a wheel, a coup-able stand, eight nozzles and an adjustable height depending on the crop height. The sprayer can cover 4.8 hectares per day, effective field capacity of 1.13 ha/h, theoretical field capacity of 1.24 ha/h. and field efficiency of 91%. The developed sprayer consumes less time, cost effective, high efficiency and the users will just have to pull the cart and the whole mechanism will be operated with ease.

2002 ◽  
Vol 92 (12) ◽  
pp. 1356-1362 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. N. Martin ◽  
C. T. Bull

Soil fumigation with methyl bromide plus chloropicrin is used as a preplant treatment to control a broad range of pathogens in high-value annual crop production systems. In California, fumigation is used on approximately 10,125 ha of strawberry production to control pathogens ranging from Verticillium dahliae to root pruning pathogens such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, or Cylindrocarpon spp. In addition to pathogen control, fumigation also causes an enhanced growth response of the plant and reduces weed pressure. The development of successful, long-term cost effective biocontrol strategies most likely will require the development of an integrated systems approach that incorporates diverse aspects of the crop production system. Although application of single microbial inoculants may provide some level of control for specific production problems, it will be a challenge to provide the broad spectrum of activity needed in production fields.


2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago Libório Romanelli ◽  
Marcos Milan

The approach of material embodiment in agricultural production systems is important because it determines the convergence of inputs (indirectly, the natural resources) to the field. Additionally, material flow is the basis for both environmental (energy analysis, emergy synthesis, life-cycle analysis and carbon inventories) and economical analyses. Since different materials cannot compose a single index, generally these flows are not shown, making comparisons among approaches difficult. Another aspect that makes comparisons difficult is the definition of the boundary of the studied system. If these boundaries differ, results will also be different, hiding actual distinctions among systems. The present study aims to suggest an arrangement of existing models to determine material flow in agricultural production systems. The following steps were considered: i) the adoption of a diagram language to represent the analyzed system; ii) determination of the material flow for directly applied inputs; iii) determination of the material flow for indirectly applied inputs, which included: determination of the effective field capacity; fuel consumption; machinery depreciation; and labor. Data on fuel consumption were compared with the models presented. The best model applied was a fixed parameter based on engine power (0.163 L kW-1 h-1). The determination of the material flow for maize silage production presented similar results as those obtained in regional databases.


Weed Science ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (SP1) ◽  
pp. 570-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micheal D. K. Owen

Herbicides have been the principal means of weed control in developed countries for approximately 50 yr because they are the most cost-effective method. Such general use of herbicides has resulted in weed resistance to herbicides, which continues to be a growing problem. Within the past decade, the evolution of resistance to the once-dominant herbicide glyphosate has resulted in major concerns about the future ability to control weeds in many crop systems. Moreover, many weed species have evolved resistance to multiple mechanisms of herbicide action. Given the dearth of new herbicides with novel mechanisms of action, it appears inevitable that weed management programs will need to be supplemented by the use of tactics other than herbicides. However, the inclusion of more diversity for weed management also introduces complexity, cost, and time constraints to current crop production systems. This paper describes broadly the considerations, opportunities, and constraints of diverse weed management tactics to address the burgeoning problems with herbicide resistance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 195-195
Author(s):  
Alan Rotz

Abstract The dairy and beef cattle industries face a number of environmental challenges related to air and water quality as well as the use of limited resources such as water and fossil energy. Mitigation strategies are available and being developed to reduce environmental impacts, but economical solutions remain a challenge. Assessment of mitigation strategies requires a comprehensive evaluation to assure that benefits in one component are not offset by harm in another. Process-based modeling and life cycle assessment provide tools for conducting this type of integrated evaluation. The most cost-effective strategies often begin with animal feeding. The diet of the animal affects resource use and nutrient excretion where the amount and form of nitrogen and phosphorus excreted affect air and water emissions. National assessments of the U.S. beef and dairy industries indicate where mitigation is most needed. Although greenhouse gas emissions receive most of the concern today, water consumption is another important concern, particularly for producers in drier regions such as the western United States. Over 90% of the water consumed in beef and dairy production is used in irrigated feed-crop production. Therefore, animal diets that use byproduct or other feeds not related to irrigated production can provide large reductions in the water footprint of beef and dairy products. Another emerging concern is that of ammonia emission where beef and dairy cattle may contribute more than half of the national emission inventory. Efficient protein feeding is the most economical and effective step that can be taken to reduce this environmental impact. Simulation of mitigation strategies using production system models provides comprehensive evaluation and prioritization among available and possible options, giving direction toward more sustainable ruminant animal production systems.


Soil Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Liu ◽  
Jingmeng Wang ◽  
Zhaohai Bai ◽  
Lin Ma ◽  
Oene Oenema

Animal production systems provide nutritious food for humans, income and survivability for numerous smallholder farms and transform residues to valuable products. However, animal production is implicated in human health issues (diet-related diseases, zoonosis, antimicrobial resistance) and environmental burdens (ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication of surface waters, biodiversity loss). This paper reviews changes in global animal production and associated nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) flows over the past 50 years, during which time total animal production roughly tripled. Cattle still dominate the world in terms of animal biomass, but the number and total production of pigs and poultry have increased faster. Animal production systems are highly diverse and respond to changes in markets. Specialised systems have become more dominant, especially in developed and rapidly developing countries. The annual production of N and P in manure is similar to the amounts of N and P in synthetic fertiliser produced annually, but manure nutrients are often not recycled effectively and used efficiently by plants. Nutrient losses greatly depend on the system, management and regulations. Nitrogen and P use efficiency (NUE and PUE respectively) at the animal level is in the range 5–45%, depending on animal category, feeding and management. NUE of mixed crop-animal systems may range from 5% to 65% depending on NUE at the animal level, and the utilisation of manure nitrogen and new nitrogen inputs. Potentially, values for PUE are higher than those for NUE. Solutions for improving NUE and PUE in animal production are based on a coherent set of activities in the whole chain of ‘feed production–animal production–manure management’. A high efficiency at the system level is achieved through combination of high NUE and PUE at the animal level and effective recycling and utilisation of manure N and P in crop production. Specific regional regulations (low-emission manure storage and application, proper application limits and timing) greatly contribute to high efficiency at a system level.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-48
Author(s):  
AKM Saiful Islam ◽  
MT Islam ◽  
M Sh. Islam ◽  
AKM Lutfor Rahman ◽  
MA Rahman

Mechanical intervention in crop production is increasing rapidly in Bangladesh. Researchers are finding ways to manage weeds in rice field using suitable mechanical devices instead of conventional hand weeding. A study was conducted to evaluate the field performance of BRRI (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute) power weeder compared to BRRI weeder and hand weeding in the farmers’ field at Rashidpur in Mithapukur upazila under Rangpur district during boro season of 2014-15. Three treatments: T1 = BRRI weeder (BW), T2 = BRRI power weeder (BPW) and T3 = Hand weeding (HW) were used in the experiment. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated in four farmers’ plots. Rice variety BRRI dhan28 was selected for the experiment. The effective field capacity of BW and BPW was found to be 0.06 and 0.09 ha hr-1, respectively. The weeding efficiency was the highest in HW (92%), followed by BPW (78%) and BW (73%). It was found that BW damaged the lowest number of plants (9%) compared to BPW (11%) during weeding operation, although the damaged plants recovered after a few days. BW and BPW reduced 74 and 85% of labor requirement in weeding operation compared to HW. The highest weeding cost was involved in HW (Tk. 4287 ha-1) compared to BW (Tk. 1103 ha-1) and BPW (Tk. 950ha-1). Weed control methods exerted insignificant effect on grain yield. BRRI power weeder and BRRI weeder reduced weeding cost, enhanced weed control and improved the labor efficiency without sacrificing grain yield. The highest BCR was obtained in BPW (1.22) followed by BW (1.16) and HW (1.11). BRRI power weeder and BRRI weeder appeared to be economic, easy and also environmentally safe weed control device in low land rice cultivation. The Agriculturists 2017; 15(1) 40-48


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 629
Author(s):  
Mahfouz M. M. Abd-Elgawad

Plant-parasitic and entomopathogenic nematodes (PPNs and EPNs) are key groups in crop production systems. This study aims at optimizing nematode sampling and extraction methods to benefit integrated pest management (IPM) through (a) management of PPNs and (b) use of EPNs. The impacts of these methods on PPNs and EPNs to achieve cost-effective and efficient IPM programs are presented. The common misuses of sampling and extraction methods are discussed. Professionals engaged in IPM should consider sampling the reliability level in the light of the intended goal, location, crop value, susceptibility, nematode species, and available funds. Logical sampling methodology should be expanded to integrate various factors that can recover extra EPN isolates with differential pathogenicity. It should seek for the best EPN-host matching. Merits of repeated baiting for EPN extraction from soil and sieving for PPN recovery from suspensions are presented. Their extraction values may be modelled to quantify the efficiency of nematode separation. The use of proper indices of dispersion to enhance the biocontrol potential of EPNs or save costs in nematicidal applications is ideally compatible with IPM programs. Selecting an extraction method may sometimes require further tests to find the best extraction method of the existing fauna and/or flora. Cons and pros of modern sampling and extraction techniques are highlighted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Tak Tha ◽  
Ply Preap ◽  
Seyha Sorl ◽  
Pao Srean ◽  
Visalsok Touch

The use of bioproducts as biostimulants to stimulate plant growth and to increase yields as an alternative to chemical fertilizers are currently being promoted for cost-effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices of crop production systems. The objective of the study was to determine plant growth and productivity of rice responded to Bio Green application. A short growing period (90 – 95 days) OM-5451 rice variety was used in this study. The rice plants were cultivated in the randomized-completed block with two treatments and six replications in the plot of 2 m * 2 m.  Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer was applied once at a rate of 100 kg/ha. For treatment, Bio-green with a solution of 1% (v/v) was weekly applied as foliage spray; and without Bio-Green as control. The results showed the grain yield was 3.7 t/ha in the treatment and 2.83 t/ha in the control, indicating that 36.4% of the grain yield was increased. The Bio-Green could be significantly used as plant biostimulants to promote plant growth and grain yield in rice in Cambodia.


Many experiments have shown that the interactions between the supplies of water and of plant nutrients have large effects on crop production and on the efficiencies of both irrigation and fertilizers. Biological constraints, such as pests and diseases, also affect the returns from these inputs. High efficiency in the use of water is only achieved when crops have access to adequate supplies of nutrients. Similarly, full returns from fertilizers are obtained only when water supplies are sufficient for the needs of the crop; but water applied in excess or at inappropriate times may cause large losses of mobile nutrients, particularly of nitrogen, from the system. Water status regulates the processes of mass flow and diffusion of solutes in soils, which determine nutrient uptake. Water-use efficiency depends on physiological processes in plants and these are affected by nutrients. Nitrogen is often responsible for rapid increases in leaf area so that photosynthesis is increased and evaporation of water from the soil surface is reduced. Potassium ions have a vital role in osmotic processes in the plant, and particularly in stomatal regulation. The effects of drought are often associated with reduced phosphate uptake. Water supplies also regulate the microbiological processes involved in soil fertility, and particularly the biological fixation of nitrogen. Experiments have shown that the method and timing of irrigation affects the efficiency of fertilizers. Therefore the practical management of crop nutrition and irrigation should be carefully coordinated to secure the maximum return from both inputs to the system. Drip (trickle) irrigation systems make it possible to apply both inputs in one operation to the roots of the crop (‘fertigation’) so that maximum fertilizer efficiency is achieved. There is a case for further investigations on subsurface irrigation for appropriate crops and conditions. In the further research that is required to achieve high efficiency in irrigated production systems the emphasis must be on multidisciplinary field experimentation, testing water, fertilizers, and other inputs needed in the system. The experiments will also form a basis for the work needed in both plant physiology and soil science. This research should lead to the development of models of the production systems, which will be used as a basis for the improved recommendations to farmers on the use of water and of fertilizers which are needed to improve food production.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 1122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moses Madende ◽  
Maria Hayes

Crop production systems have adopted cost-effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices to improve crop yields and the quality of food derived from plants. Approaches such as genetic selection and the creation of varieties displaying favorable traits such as disease and drought resistance have been used in the past and continue to be used. However, the use of biostimulants to promote plant growth has increasingly gained attention, and the market size for biostimulants is estimated to reach USD 4.14 billion by 2025. Plant biostimulants are products obtained from different inorganic or organic substances and microorganisms that can improve plant growth and productivity and abate the negative effects of abiotic stresses. They include materials such as protein hydrolysates, amino acids, humic substances, seaweed extracts and food or industrial waste-derived compounds. Fish processing waste products have potential applications as plant biostimulants. This review gives an overview of plant biostimulants with a focus on fish protein hydrolysates and legislation governing the use of plant biostimulants in agriculture.


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