Assessment of Farmers’ Perception about Crop Residue Burning in Haryana

The study was conducted in 2019-2020 to assess the perception of the farmers on cropresidue burning (CRB) in Haryana. A total of 180 farmers from three purposively selecteddistricts, namely Karnal, Kurukshetra, and Fatehabad from Haryana, were chosen to collectdata. Stratified random sampling was employed in the selection of blocks, villages, andrespondents. For measuring farmers’ perception, a scale was constructed using Likert’smethod of summated ratings. Farmers perceived CRB as an economical and viable optionand considered it an efficient practice. Most farmers did not perceive the happy seeder asfeasible since it needed a high horsepower tractor. Farmers’ perception was positively andsignificantly correlated with education, operational land holding, and annual income (P<0.05).Hence, there is a need to promote community-based approaches like custom hiring centre,bio-mass-based power plants, mushroom cultivation, etc., through extension and advisoryservices. It may lead to adopting alternative crop residue management options and mitigatingresidue burning in the long run.

Effects of Two Varieties and Fertilization Regimes on Growth, Fruit, and Silymarin Yield of Milk Thistle Crop

Milk thistle is an alternative crop to winter cereals for southern Europe as this species is drought tolerant and its fruits contain silymarin. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of two varieties and fertilization regimes (sheep manure and inorganic fertilizer) on crop productivity. A two-factor experiment was conducted in a randomized split-plot design with three replicates. The varieties were Palaionterveno and Spata, while the fertilization treatments were control, sheep manure, and calcium ammonium nitrate applied at 75 and 125 kg N ha−1. Variety and fertilization significantly affected plants development and productivity, as well as oil and silymarin yield. The use of manure and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer increased rosette diameter, oil and silymarin yield, above-ground biomass, and fruit yield. The influence of inorganic fertilization, regardless of the application dose, was more apparent than organic fertilization. Moreover, variety significantly affected plants growth and silymarin content, as well as silymarin composition. The variety Spata had the greatest silymarin content, reaching 4.40%, and a high silybin B concentration. In conclusion, the selection of a suitable variety is important for achieving high fruit and silymarin yields, while inorganic nitrogen fertilization can maximize the productivity of the milk thistle crop.

Profitability Analysis of a Four Crop Based Cropping Pattern in Bogura Region of Bangladesh

Farmers in the Bogura region benefit significantly from the systematic use of crop rotation. The experiment was performed at the Shibganj, Bogura, in 2015-16 and 2016-17 to create a potato-Boro-radish-T. Aman rice crop sequence that would compete with the potato-Boro-T. Aman rice crop sequence. Primary objectives of the experiment were to determine the cost of producing enhanced Potato-Boro-Radish-T. Aman rice and compare it to current potato-boro-t. aman rice. There were two patterns: Current Cropping Pattern Potato (BARI Alu-8)-Boro (BRRI dhan 28)-T. Aman (BRRI dhan-49) and Alternative Cropping Pattern Potato (BARI Alu-25)-Boro (BRRI dhan 28) -Radish (Rocky)-T. Aman (BRRI dhan-57). The research revealed that an alternative cropping pattern required average crop duration of 315 days to complete one cycle in a year, implying that a four multiple cropping sequence was economically viable to replace the current cropping pattern. In terms of mean REY, the total grain/tuber yield was 42.80 t/ha/year, which was 66% greater than the current pattern (25.76 t/ha/year). The overall production efficiency (185.14 kg/ha/day), usage of land (86.16%), and engagement in the population (660 man-days/ha/year) of the alternative cropping pattern were 45, 7, and 41% higher, respectively, than the current cropping pattern. Alternative cropping patterns had the gross benefit of 274911 Tk./ha/year, indicating that they were sparingly sustainable. The alternative crop sequence also improved crop strength, growers' real understanding, technique, profits, and engagement. Furthermore, by trying to incorporate T. aman straw into soil with an alternative cropping pattern, it promotes soil health. As a result, farmers in Bangladesh's Bogura region may employ a different planting pattern on their variable land in order to boost production and profitability while also creating jobs.

Analysis of agribusiness performance of top five vegetable farming in East Java

East Java Province is one of vegetable-producing areas; however, performance of vegetable production has not been identified. The performance will be an important indicator of regional agricultural economic development of the region. This paper aims to provide farm analyses of leading vegetable farming in East Java Province. East Java Province is one of the potential production areas for vegetables. Secondary data were collected from the Agricultural District Services of Malang, Blitar and Kediri in 2018. Five vegetables namely chilies (big and small), eggplant, yard-long bean, and tomato, which were considered leading commodities in the region, were selected for these analyses. A factor share approach, which is commonly used for financial analysis of farming systems, was employed in this study. Other financial analytical approaches were also used to alternate selection criteria. As a deterministic approach used in this study, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the profitability of each vegetable commodity. The results show that chili and tomato are more labor-intensive, at which suitable for regions with an abundance of rural labor. Each vegetable has a positive profit, and thus recommended grow vegetables to increase households’ income. Big-chili is superior in terms of absolute profit, and it is recommended that big-chili can be used as the main crop. In terms of R/C-ratio and factor share, eggplant is superior, it is recommended that eggplant can be used as an alternative crop.

How to Install Twines in a Hopyard

Because of the rapidly growing craft beer industry and rising hop prices, the potential of hops as an alternative crop is currently being investigated at the UF/IFAS GCREC. Proper installation of twines is critical to facilitate easier crop management and harvesting. This new article by explains how to install twines on a 18-ft hop trellis. It is part of a series that reviews the challenges of hop production in Florida. Written by Shinsuke Agehara and Christopher DelCastillo; 3 pp.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1418

Reed Canary Grass for Energy in Sweden: Yields, Land-Use Patterns, and Climatic Profile

Research Highlights: (1) Reed canary grass (RCG) is analysed in Sweden compared to willow and poplar for 2001–2020. (2) Each crop presents a different land-use and climatic profile. (3) Average yield records of RCG are similar to willow and poplar. (4) There are divergences between trial-based and commercial yields. (5) Existing land-use change patterns suggest meadow > RCG and RCG > cereal. (6) RCG land area is very sensitive to policy incentives. Background and objectives: RCG is an alternative crop for biomass-to-energy due to high yield and frost tolerance. We assess the cultivation in Sweden by using an extensive compilation of data, with emphasis on the extent of the cultivation, climatic profile, land-use patterns, and productivity. Material and methods: RCG plantations are analysed for 2001–2020. A geostatistical analysis is performed to characterize where it is cultivated and the land uses associated. Climatic, productivity, and yield profiles are compared to willow and poplar plantations from experiments and from commercial plantations. Results: The results show that the cultivation of RCG expanded after 2005, with a maximum of 800 ha in 2009, to then decrease to the current levels of about 550 ha. It is mainly grown in colder climatic areas, with lower agricultural productivity than willow and poplar. Mean yields from trials are 6 oven dry tonnes (odt) ha−1 year−1; commercial yields are 3.5 odt ha−1 year−1. RCG replaces meadow land and then is replaced by cereals when abandoned. Conclusions: RCG is an interesting alternative with similar yields (commercial and trials) as other energy crops, but its success is more sensitive to policy incentives.

Salinity tolerance evaluation of barley germplasm for marginal soil utilization

One greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the tolerance to salinity and water deficit stresses of 184 barley varieties (breeding lines or registered varieties). Also, a 2-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth and yield components of 16 of these varieties, representing tolerant, intermediate tolerant and susceptible ones, grown simultaneously in saline and non-saline soils. In the greenhouse, the K-means cluster analysis shown that 17 varieties were tolerant, 72 varieties intermediate tolerant, 16 varieties intermediate susceptible and 79 varieties susceptible. In the field, soil salinity reduced the germination of the barley varieties except for the varieties ICB 100126, Scarlett and Meteor. Barley varieties grown in the saline soil produced 33.2-to 83.4% lower dry biomass, 0.0-to 78.9% fewer ears and 0.0-to 81.5% lower grain yield than those of varieties grown in the non-saline soil. In the saline soil, the greatest grain yield was provided by the vars. Galt Brea 'S' and ICB 100126 (4.87 and 4.31 t ha-1, respectively), without significant differences between saline and non-saline soils. In most barley varieties, chlorophyll content and photosystem II quantum yield were greater under saline than under non-saline conditions. The results of this research indicated that, in barley germplasm, a remarkable genetic variation exists which would contribute to barley production in saline soils. Highlights - The salinity tolerance of 184 barley varieties was investigated. - There was great variability to salinity tolerance among barley germplasm. - There were barley varieties which grown in saline soil without significant yield reduction. - Barley could be an alternative crop system in soils with increased salinity.

Historical dynamics and trends in formation of «Losiny ostrov» National Park forests

In the district part of «Losynyi Ostrov» National Park the state of plantations bound for clear sanitary felling based on the results of an earlier forest pathological survey was studied. 58 plots with a total area of 98,8 hectares, located in the specially protected and recreational zones of the national park, were examined. «Losynyi Ostrov», which has a relatively small area, is located at the junction of the three forest-growing regions; on its territory there is a unique wetland complex of the Yauza river and its tributaries. This led to a wide variety of natural conditions. At the same time, the national park is surrounded by densely populated urbanized areas. Recommendations to create forest plantations in areas with decayed stands were made, being based on the analysis of the historical experience of creating artificial plantations in «Losynyi Ostrov», edaphic and hydrological conditions, as well as considering the designated purpose of forests within each functional zone. 8 variants of forest cultures are proposed for each functional zone. The main and alternative crop options at each site are considered. The substantiation of the species range and the stand composition of pure and mixed crops, which are determined taking into account the designated purpose of forests, the potential of the forest growing conditions of the site, the type of forest, the type of soils and their moisture content, are given. Taking into account the designated purpose of forests, perennial tree species that are resistant to adverse environmental factors and are capable of forming in the future highly productive, recreationally attractive and long-lived plantations, corresponding to the historically formed natural environment of the national park, are preferable. Pine, spruce, linden, oak and larch are suggested as the main species, accompanied with elm and ash. It is concluded that the density of planting crops of more than 2 thousand pieces/ha in the recreational zone is impractical, since such plantings will be more comfortable for recreation. In a specially protected area, the appropriate planting density is 3–4 thousand pieces/ha.

Assessment and Characterization of Reed Canary Grass Plantations for Energy

Research Highlights: (1) Reed canary grass (RCG) is analysed in Sweden compared to willow and poplar for 2001-2020 (2) Each crop presents a different land-use and climatic profile (3) Average yield records of reed canary grass are similar to willow and poplar (4) There are divergences between trial-based and commercial yields (5) Existing LUC patterns suggest meadow&gt;RCG and RCG&gt;cereal (6) RCG land area is very sensitive to policy incentives. Background and objectives: RCG is an alternative crop for biomass-to-energy due to high yield and frost tolerance. We assess the cultivation in Sweden by using an extensive compilation of data, with emphasis on the extension of the cultivation, areas planted, climatic profile, land use patterns and yield levels. Material and methods: All RCG plantations are analysed for 2001-2020. A geostatistical analysis is performed to characterize where is cultivated and the land uses associated. Climatic, productivity and yield profiles are compared to willow and poplar plantations, from experiments and from commercial plantations. Results: The results show that the cultivation of reed canary grass expanded after 2005, with a maximum of 800 ha in 2009 to then decrease to the current levels of about 550 ha. It is mainly grown in colder climatic areas, with lower agricultural productivity than willow and poplar. Mean yields from trials are 6 odt ha-1 yr-1; commercial yields are 3.5 odt ha-1 yr-1. RCG replace meadow land and is replaced by cereals, when abandoned. Conclusions: Reed canary grass is an interesting alternative, growing on colder areas but on similar yield levels than other energy crops. The cultivation is more sensitive to policy incentives

Sustainability of Four Agroecosystems in the State of Veracruz, Mexico

Objective: To evaluate the sustainability of four agroecosystems in the state ofVeracruz, Mexico: sugarcane, maize grain, orange and moringa.Design/Methodology/Approach: Producers that provided information about thecrops’ management were located. Semi-structured interviews were conducted toidentify critical points affecting sustainability, and the indicators were weighted usingthe bottom-up criterion and the PSR model.Results: The most sustainable crop was moringa, and the least sustainable wasmaize for grain. Conventional crops are characterized by being monocultureplantations and demanding large amounts of non-renewable external inputs thatundermine their sustainability. Lack of technical training for producers was identifiedas a critical point.Study Limitations/Implications: The results obtained are limited to the analysis offour production systems and their environmental, social and economic dimensions.Findings/Conclusions: Moringa is presented as an alternative crop with lowenvironmental impact that generates employment and strengthens social capital.