Assessment of improving irrigation efficiency for tomatoes planted in greenhouses in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam

This study was conducted to investigate the developmental processes of tomato plants in greenhouses covered with polyethene agricultural film that applied a smart irrigation system. The study tested applying different irrigation water levels (IWLs) of 60, 80, 100, and 120% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). Based on the findings for the tomato rows sampled to collect information about leaf area, biomass, and yield, maximal growth of tomatoes varied from 80 to 90 days after transplanting (DAT) for all IWLs. Among the applied IWLs, approximately 80% of ETc was recorded as the most appropriate for the crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area index (LAI), and yield, while the IWLs with 60%, 100%, and 120% of ETc also gave an equivalent output. The results of this work can provide useful information for farmers to make the right decisions about the amount of irrigation water to use.

Design and Fabrication of Cost-Effective Agriculture Machine

Mulching has long been used to conserve soil moisture, manage weeds, modify soil temperature, and create a microclimate for plants. There are a variety of strategies for improving crop growing conditions, including increasing productivity and reducing the amount of water necessary to grow the crops. However, mulching paper, also known as agricultural film, is one of the most effective ways to cover the soil and keep the crop in the right environment This mulching paper comes in a varietyof varieties, but because plastic mulching is well-known for requiring less effort, we've chosen to work on an automatic mulching paper laying machine that also includes a drip laying attachment. Moisture in the soil is critical for crop survival in arid environments. Mulching with plastic paper film around theroot area of plants prevents weed growth while also storing water and preventing soil dehydration, however this method takes a lot of money and time. So the 'Mulching paper laying machine with hole punching' will save money and time because it will handle both chores at once, laying mulching paper and punching holes in the ground. A body, a mainframe with hoeing blades, hole punching wheels, drip role holder, and punching mechanism make up the plastic mulch laying machine. The mulch was laid on the prepared plantation bed by the machine in conjunction with the drip pipe. This will lay mulch onthe bed without destroying it, as well as punch the holes to the desired dimensions. The product might be used in agriculture to grow tomatoes, watermelons, muskmelons, and other hybrid varieties of crops. Bylowering the capital cost and time of laying the mulching paper using the most convenient way, as well as installing the drip irrigation pipe in one pass of the machine, it will be simple for the farmer. (Key words: agriculture, mulching paper, weed control)

Degradation Mode of PBAT Mulching Film and Control Methods During Its Degradation Induction Period

: The plastic film plays an important role in China's agricultural production. However, the large-scale use of plastic film has also produced a very serious problem of agricultural film pollution. Biodegradable polymers have attracted much attention because of the environmental pollution caused by traditional plastic mulching film. The most typical one is poly (butylene adipate co butylene terephthalate, PBAT). Poly (Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) is a kind of aliphatic–aromatic polyesters with excellent biodegradability and mechanical processing properties. Therefore, it has been rapidly developed and widely used in the industry. However, there are clear requirements for the degradation period of agricultural film. At present, the degradable materials available on the market are difficult to meet the requirements of all crops for their degradation period. In this paper, the basic properties，degradation process and ways to delay the degradation of PBAT are reviewed to improve the degradation period of plastic film prepared by using this kind of material. Among them, the degradation process includes photodegradation, biodegradation and hydrolysis. The ways to delay the degradation include adding chain extender, light stabilizer, anti-hydrolysis agent and antibacterial agent. These can provide a theoretical basis for the research and development of biodegradable film with controllable degradation cycle. The future research and development of biodegradable polymers mainly focus on controllable degradation rate, stable degradation cycle, new materials and reducing research and development costs.