Agriculture, Volume 14, Issue 6 (June 2024) – 96 articles

The long-term use of fertilizers and pesticides in conventional cultivation has resulted in a decrease in soil productivity and vegetable yields in greenhouses. However, there is little research exploring the changes in soil organic carbon and the microbial community mediated by soil aggregates, or their impacts on soil productivity. This study investigated the properties of soil aggregates, including the levels of organic carbon fractions, microbial community, and enzyme activity with the three aggregate classes: microaggregates (<0.25 mm), small macroaggregates (2–0.25 mm) and large macroaggregates (>2 mm) under conventional cultivation (CC), integrated cultivation (IC), and organic cultivation (OC) in greenhouses. The results showed that (1) OC and IC promoted the formation of small macroaggregates and enhanced aggregate stability compared to CC; (2) SOC in the three size fractions of OC increased by 92.06–98.99% compared to CC; EOC increased by 98.47–117.59%; POC increased by 138.59–208.70%; MBC increased by 104.71–230.61%; and DOC increased by 21.93–40.90%, respectively; (3) organic cultivation significantly increased enzyme activity in all three particle-size aggregates and increased the relative abundance of bacteria in microaggregates as well as the relative abundance of fungi in small macroaggregates. Structural equation model (SEM) analysis revealed that organic farming practices fostered the development of smaller macroaggregates, elevated microbial and enzyme activities within soil aggregates, and facilitated the conversion of soil nutrients and carbon sequestration. Therefore, long-term organic cultivation increases soil carbon content and vegetable yield in greenhouses by increasing the proportion of small aggregates. In conclusion, long-term organic cultivation in greenhouses improves soil structure, increase soil fertility and vegetable yield, and has a positive impact on the environment. Organic cultivation increases soil fertility and contributes to maintaining ecological balance and protecting the environment in greenhouses. Full article

China’s urban–rural dichotomy has resulted in a widening gap between urban and rural areas, posing significant challenges to rural development. This study aims to investigate the spatio-temporal differentiation and driving mechanisms of rural industry integration within the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle in China. Using panel data from 2011 to 2020, we employed the entropy weight TOPSIS method to construct a comprehensive index that charts the evolution of rural industry integration across various districts and counties. Additionally, we utilized fixed-effect and spatio-temporally weighted regression models to analyze the underlying driving forces behind this integration. Our findings reveal a dynamic and varied landscape of rural industry integration, with different levels of depth and breadth across various subsystems. Spatially, we observed a transition from a dispersed to a more concentrated agglomeration pattern within the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle. This shift suggests a diffusion effect emanating from core metropolitan areas, as well as an attracting force exerted by adjacent metropolitan circles. In terms of drivers, market demand, openness level, financial development, policy support, and agricultural insurance breadth significantly contribute to rural industry integration. However, technological progress and rural human capital exhibit a weaker correlation. Notably, our models identified pronounced spatial–temporal heterogeneity among these influencing factors, highlighting a nuanced and dynamic relationship between them. Overall, our study emphasizes the crucial role of rural industry integration in bridging the urban–rural divide and fostering sustainable agricultural development and rural revitalization. The insights gained from this research provide valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to optimize rural development strategies and unlock the potential of integrated rural industries. Full article

The importance of forecasting crop yields in agriculture cannot be overstated. The effects of yield forecasting are observed in all the aspects of the supply chain from staffing to supplier demand, food waste, and other business decisions. However, the process is often inaccurate and far from perfect. This paper explores the potential of using expert forecasts to enhance the crop yield predictions of our global-to-local XGBoost machine learning system. Additionally, it investigates the ERA5 climate model’s viability as an alternative data source for crop yield forecasting in the absence of on-farm weather data. We find that, by combining both the expert’s pre-season forecasts and the ERA5 climate model with the machine learning model, we can—in most cases—obtain better forecasts that outperform the growers’ pre-season forecasts and the machine learning-only models. Our expert-informed model attains yield forecasts for 4 weeks ahead with an average RMSE of 0.0855 across all the plots and an RMSE of 0.0872 with the ERA5 climate data included. Full article

Verticillium dahliae (Vd) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) are two major fungal pathogens that infect tomato plants, causing significant challenges in their control since both pathogens can persist in the soil for several years even in the absence of a host plant and no effective fungicides are available at present. This study investigated the efficacy of two biocontrol formulations, Clonotri (containing Trichoderma and Clonostachys microorganisms) and Strepse (comprising Streptomyces and Pseudomonas microorganisms), against Vd and Fol and their impact on tomato fruit quality and yield under greenhouse conditions. The pathogenicity experiment demonstrated that the Clonotri formulation, containing Trichoderma and Clonostachys spores, significantly reduced Fusarium wilt disease by 32% compared to the control group. However, in the Vd pathogenicity experiment, the formulations did not exhibit disease reduction, although treatment with Strepse, containing Streptomyces and Pseudomonas microorganisms, resulted in a preserved total fruit number when compared to uninfected plants. Analysis of fruit quality attributes revealed no significant differences among the various interventions. Furthermore, Fol infection in the first fruit set significantly increased fruit firmness, while Vd infection resulted in elevated levels of total soluble solids in fruits. These findings demonstrate that the evaluated biocontrol formulations provide a degree of protection against fungal wilt pathogens in tomato plants and can increase yield in greenhouse conditions while having minimal impact on overall fruit quality attributes. Full article

Cadmium is the main heavy metal contaminant of food in the world. The extent of cadmium pollution in peanut in China remains unclear. To determine the cadmium pollution level in peanut, samples from the main producing regions in China were assessed. The findings revealed that the cadmium pollution level in Chinese peanuts was relatively low. Moreover, the Aflatoxin Rhizobia Couple B. amyloliquefaciens, B. laterosporu, B. mucilaginosus, E. ludwiggi (ARC-BBBE) microbial inoculants on cadmium contamination in peanut were evaluated. The fertilization methods were categorized into conventional fertilization and conventional fertilization supplemented with 60 kg/hectare of microbial inoculant ARC-BBBE as the base fertilizer. The cadmium contents in the soil and peanut plant parts were detected and analyzed. The results demonstrated that the microbial inoculant ARC-BBBE significantly reduced the total cadmium content in peanut, as well as the available cadmium and exchangeable cadmium in soil. Furthermore, the pH and urease and alkaline phosphatase activities in soil were significantly enhanced, suggesting that the microbial inoculant ARC-BBBE decreased cadmium content in soil and reduced the cadmium uptake by plants through a combination of the action of the bacteria itself and the secretion of extracellular substances. This ultimately achieves the goal of reducing the cadmium content in peanut seeds. Full article

Russula griseocarnosa, an edible and medicinal mushroom abundant in nutrients and notable bioactivities, is predominantly grown in the broad-leaved forest with trees of the family Fagaceae in southern China. This species forms ectomycorrhizal associations with plant roots and cannot be artificially cultivated currently. Previous research indicates a strong correlation between the growth of R. griseocarnosa and factors such as the host plant, climate variables (specifically mean temperature and precipitation from June to October), and the rhizosphere microbiota of its habitat. However, comprehensive studies on the fundamental biology of this species are lacking. The interaction between R. griseocarnosa and its host plant, as well as the mechanisms underlying the microbial community dynamics within its habitat, remain ambiguous. The limited repertoire and diversity of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) in R. griseocarnosa relative to saprophytic fungi may contribute to its recalcitrance to cultivation on synthetic media. The specific core enzyme and the substances provided by the host plant to facilitate growth are yet to be elucidated, posing a significant challenge in the artificial cultivation of R. griseocarnosa. The habitat of R. griseocarnosa harbours unique microbial communities, indicating the presence of potentially beneficial microorganisms that could be exploited for artificial propagation and conservation efforts. However, the lack of definitive functional verification experiments hinders the realization of this promising prospect. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the nutritional profile and health benefits of R. griseocarnosa, emphasizing recent developments in its isolation, molecular ecology, and artificial cultivation. Additionally, it explores prospective advancements in R. griseocarnosa research, aiming to enrich our foundational understanding for applied purposes and fostering progress in the realm of ectomycorrhizal edible mushrooms. Full article

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver with rich active components, such as flavonoids, lignans, polysaccharides, is used as a medicinal plant. Unfortunately, its popularization and cultivation are limited due to its low-temperature sensitivity. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of different doses of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation (UV-1, UV-2, and UV-3) and low-temperature (LT) stress, both applied individually and in combination, on the photosynthetic properties, biochemical parameters, and the contents of salicylic acid in E. ulmoides plants. The results showed that UV-B radiation alone significantly reduced photosynthetic performance and soluble total sugar content, as well as causing increases in soluble protein, proline, and superoxide anion content and antioxidant activity including SOD, POD, CAT, total phenol, and total flavonoid content. The leaf thickness and photosynthetic parameters significantly increased, as well as a significant decrease in SOD activity and soluble sugar, proline, and superoxide anion content after 14 days of none-UV-B radiation exposure. UV-B combined with LT significantly improved photosynthetic properties, Chl content, and soluble sugar content but significantly decreased proline content. Principal component analysis showed that salicylic acid was the key factor in improving LT tolerance, and UV-2 radiation showed the best LT resistance. We aim to provide new ideas and a theoretical basis for the directional cultivation and LT stress tolerance research of E. ulmoides. Our findings demonstrate that the combined effect was more positively helpful in improving the ability to resist LT tolerance via the improvement of photosynthetic ability and the increase in soluble sugar and salicylic acid content in E. ulmoides. Full article

In the field of crop research, the study of roots involves many challenges, particularly the lack of effective methods for identifying crop roots. To deal with this problem, this study proposes a solution strategy: in applying strontium to crop leaves, the roots of different crops are distinguished. In this study, we applied strontium ions to the leaves of hydroponically grown wheat, and these strontium ions were partially absorbed by the leaves and transported to the roots. Therefore, the strontium concentration of roots was significantly increased through the foliar application of strontium. After mixing the treated wheat with the untreated wheat root, the greater the biomass of the wheat root applied with strontium ions, the higher the strontium concentration in the mixed root. Based on this phenomenon, we can establish the relationship between wheat root biomass and strontium concentration in mixed roots through linear fitting. Furthermore, we can also use the relationship between root biomass and root length to establish the correlation between strontium concentration in mixed roots and the root length of wheat with strontium ions. After measuring the strontium concentration of the mixed roots to be distinguished, the root biomass and root length of wheat applied with strontium ions can be calculated according to the equation obtained through linear fitting. The accuracy of this method was verified through a comparison with the actual value and the existing root staining method. The results show that the coefficient of determination (R²) of the root biomass estimation equation obtained through linear fitting reached 0.83, which is statistically significant (p < 0.01). The Pearson correlation coefficient with the measured value was more than 0.9, showing a very high correlation and significance. The root length estimation equation derived from the relationship between the root biomass, strontium concentration and root length was compared with the real root length value and the root length value obtained using the staining method. The Pearson correlation coefficient also exceeded 0.8 and reached a statistically significant level (p < 0.01). This study confirms that strontium ions can be absorbed and transported to roots through wheat leaves and successfully developed a new method for predicting the length of wheat roots, providing an effective new tool for wheat root research. Full article

The present study evaluated the inclusion of fumaric acid and essential oil blends (EOBs) containing anise, cedarwood, clove, cumin, eucalyptus, garlic, ginger, lavender, lemongrass, nutmeg, oregano, and peppermint at different proportions on in vitro dry matter (DM) disappearance (DMD), fiber fraction disappearance, the efficiency of microbial production, and the total volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Ten treatments without (control treatment) or with different EOB/fumaric combinations were used in the study with eight replicates. The EOB inclusion level was 200 μL/g of feed (total mixed ration, (TMR)) while fumaric acid was administered at 3% of the TMR (DM basis). The highest DMD, in vitro true degradable DM, partitioning factor (PF₂₄), and in vitro apparent degradable DM were recorded for the fumaric only treatment and the control. Neutral detergent fiber disappearance was reduced with the inclusion of EOB/fumaric combinations. The production of microbial mass and undegraded DM were higher (p < 0.001) for all EOBs and EOB and fumaric treatments. The inclusion of EOB and fumaric combinations reduced (p < 0.001) the total gas production, methane, and ammonia, with a higher PF₂₄ value noted for EOB3 treatment. The inclusion of individual EOB1 containing garlic, lemongrass, cumin, lavender, and nutmeg in a ratio of 4:2:2:1:1 or combined with fumaric acid yielded the highest propionate concentration across all treatments. We concluded that EOBs decreased methane production and nutrient degradability with better results with the individual EOB1 or EOB1/fumaric combination, which showed a potential enhancement in energy production. Full article

Physical, physiological, and biochemical traits control critical seed functions such as germination, longevity, persistence, and seedling establishment. These traits are diverse between and among species, and they are also controlled by the environment in which the seed originated. Therefore, screening seed traits and understanding their roles in seed functions is crucial to facilitate the economical use of resources in collecting, sorting, and conserving seed materials of agronomical and ecological importance. We hypothesized the existence of physical and biochemical traits in sea oats seeds that can be used as proxies to predict viability and vigor to develop underpinnings for survival after non-optimal storage conditions. Using multispectral imaging and optical oxygen-sensing analyses, we evaluated the physical and biochemical traits of Uniola paniculata L. (sea oats) seeds collected from the US Atlantic and Gulf coastlines. Our results showed that several traits correlate to aging stress survival in sea oats seeds. These results confirm the potential of using physical and biochemical screening to predict seed quality while offering insights into extended seed longevity periods. Therefore, exploring and analyzing the physical and biochemical properties of seeds could reveal salient markers that contribute to viability and longevity. Full article

The control strategy of a power shift system has a significant impact on the driving stability and comfort of cotton pickers. To prevent the cotton picker from stopping to shift and reduce the jerks while shifting, in this study, the power shift system of a four-speed cotton picker was taken as the research object, and the working principles of the power shift transmission of the cotton picker and the hydrostatic transmission were analyzed. Firstly, the intelligent fuzzy control strategy of the variable pump and dual variable motor displacement of the cotton picker power shift system was designed using a fuzzy algorithm, and two-input and three-output fuzzy controllers were constructed with the engine rotational speed and vehicle speed as the input parameters, and the variable pump displacement, front motor displacement, and rear motor displacement as the outputs. Secondly, the model of the whole vehicle travel drive system of the cotton picker was constructed using co-simulation of Amesim and Simulink. Finally, the influence of the fuzzy shift control strategy and conventional manual shift method on the speed and driving distance of the cotton picker was compared and analyzed. The analysis results show that the fuzzy algorithm-based control strategy of the power shift system of the cotton picker can ensure that the cotton picker travels stably according to the target speed, and effectively reduces the speed fluctuation and jerks while shifting. The results of the study are of great significance to realize the non-stop shifting of the cotton picker as well as improve the stability and smoothness of the shift while driving. Full article

Monitoring soil conditions is of great significance for guiding fruit tree production and increasing yields. Achieving a rapid determination of soil physicochemical properties can more efficiently monitor soil conditions. Traditional sampling and survey methods suffer from slow detection speeds, low accuracy, limited coverage, and require a large amount of manpower and resources. In contrast, the use of hyperspectral technology enables the precise and rapid monitoring of soil physicochemical properties, playing an important role in advancing precision agriculture. Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, was selected as the study area; soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and available nitrogen (AN) contents. Additionally, soil spectral reflectance was obtained using a portable spectroradiometer. Hyperspectral characteristic bands for soil nutrients were selected from different spectral preprocessing methods, and different models were used to predict soil nutrient content, identifying the optimal modeling approach. For SOM prediction, the second-order differentiation-multiple stepwise regression (SD-MLSR) model performed exceptionally well, with an R² value of 0.87 and RMSE of 6.61 g·kg⁻¹. For TN prediction, the logarithm of the reciprocal first derivative-partial least squares regression (LRD-PLSR) model had an R² of 0.77 and RMSE of 0.37 g·kg⁻¹. For TP prediction, the logarithmic second-order differentiation-multiple stepwise regression (LTSD-MLSR) model had an R² of 0.69 and RMSE of 0.04 g·kg⁻¹. For AN prediction, the logarithm of the reciprocal second derivative-partial least squares regression (LRSD-PLSR) model had an R² of 0.83 and RMSE of 24.12 mg·kg⁻¹. The results demonstrate the high accuracy of these models in predicting soil nutrient content. Full article

Worldwide, 1.3 to 2.1 billion tons of agricultural waste are generated yearly, including livestock wastes (i.e., sheep wool), which create several critical environmental issues if not properly treated. In order to reduce the environmental issues related to the management and disposal, their use as natural fibers for green building components has notably developed over the last years. Indeed, sheep wool, which is a natural animal fiber that comes from shearing sheep fleece, is considered to be a problem of increasing concern due to its complex and difficult disposal management. Recently, several researchers have demonstrated that “low-quality wool” (i.e., not appropriate for textile uses) is suitable for the thermal and acoustic insulation of buildings. Indeed, thanks to its thermo-hygrometric and acoustic characteristics, it can be used as a reinforcing fiber for composite materials. In this study, a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based model to locate and quantify both the yearly amount of livestock waste, i.e., sheep wool, and the territorial distribution of sheep farms through their Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, was developed and applied within the selected study area (i.e., the Sicily region). The aim was to identify the territorial areas highly characterized by this kind of waste and therefore most suitable for localizing new shared sheep wool collection centers to sustainably manage the reuse of this waste as a potential green building component. Full article

Modern Solanum melongena varieties have been developed to improve the content of phenolics, sugars, and nutritionally relevant minerals in fruit. However, fruit composition might be altered due to abiotic stresses like salinity. Physiological and fruit quality traits were evaluated in four eggplant landraces under usual irrigation and moderately salty irrigation conditions (80 mM NaCl). Growing parameters measured included root length, leaf surface, and fresh weight, while fruit composition traits included sugars, phenolics, and mineral content determinations. Few differences were observed for agronomic traits, probably due to the mild tolerance of eggplant to salinity. Some varieties showed signs of salt tolerance like an increase in primary root length to overcome salt stress. Glucose was the metabolite more affected by the salt treatment in the fruit, while phenolic compounds and other metabolites studied were not altered. Significant differences were observed in the main minerals Na, K, Ca, P, and Mg, both between genotypes and treatments. Although salinity produced changes in some physiological and developmental traits, the composition of the fruit was not significantly modified for the accessions tested. Mineral, sugar, and phenolic contents were not particularly altered in unripe fruits, indicating tolerance of eggplant varieties to salinity in terms of fruit quality. Full article

Because of the numerous ecosystem services provided by soil, such as elemental cycling, food production, and water filtration and storage, this resource requires special protection to maintain total efficiency of these services. However, standard agricultural practices can have a degrading effect, not only on the physical and chemical properties of soil, but may also threaten soil invertebrate communities. Soil macrofauna, and earthworms in particular, play a critical role in soil ecosystems because their activities affect the availability of nutrients for plants, shape soil structure, and significantly impact organic matter dynamics. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of two systems used in plant cultivation (no-dig and conventional digging). Both used vermicompost as an organic fertilizer and looked at selected characteristics of Lumbricidae groupings and the dynamics of selected soil physicochemical properties. This study was conducted over three years in the same area to ensure that the soil characteristics were the same. The NDG (no-dig) and DG (conventional digging) sites were prepared as appropriate with a perennial hay meadow (MW) used as a control site. An electrical extraction (octet) method was used to collect earthworms. The same six species of earthworm were found at each site: Dendrodrilus rubidus (Sav.), Lumbricus rubellus (Hoff.), Aporrectodea caliginosa (Sav.), Aporrectodea rosea (Sav.), Octolasion lacteum (Örley), and Lumbricus terrestris (L.). Earthworm abundance and biomass were found to be significantly higher at the NDG site compared to DG (NDG > DG; abundance by 24% (p < 0.05), biomass by 22% (p < 0.05)). No significant differences between NDG and MW were shown. Moisture, temperature, and soil organic carbon content likely influenced the abundance and biomass of Lumbricidae. The NDG site showed significantly higher organic carbon and moisture content and significantly lower temperatures than the DG site. The average number of earthworms damaged by digging was 0.85 ind. m⁻², but did not significantly affect the other results. Overall, NDG is preferable to DG for enhancing the earthworm and physicochemical parameters of soil. Full article

Genome selection (GS) technology is an important means to improve the genetic improvement of dairy cows, and the mining and application of functional genes and loci for important traits is one of the important bases for accelerating genetic improvement. Our previous study found that the apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) and AKT serine/threonine kinase 3 (AKT3) genes were differentially expressed in the liver tissue of Chinese Holstein cows at different lactation stages and influenced milk component synthesis and metabolism, so we considered these two genes as the candidates affecting milk production traits. In this study, we found in total six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), three in APOA5 and three in AKT3. Subsequent association analysis showed that the six SNPs were significantly associated with milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, or fat percentage (p ≤ 0.05). Three SNPs in APOA5 formed a haplotype block, which was found to be significantly associated with milk yield, fat yield, and protein yield (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, four SNPs were proposed to be functional mutations affecting the milk production phenotype, of which three, 15:g.27446527C>T and 15:g.27447741A>G in APOA5 and 16:g.33367767T>C in AKT3, might change the transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), and one is a missense mutation, 15:g.27445825T>C in APOA5, which could alter the secondary structure and stability of mRNA and protein. In summary, we demonstrated the genetic effects of APOA5 and AKT3 on milk production traits, and the valuable SNPs could be used as available genetic markers for dairy cattle’s GS. Full article

With the growing trend of arable land abandonment, the potential threat to the security of the food supply has sparked public concern. In order to examine the impact of non-agricultural employment on food security, this study builds linear regression models for research based on panel data from counties in China’s old revolutionary base areas. The empirical results show that, although the impact of non-agricultural employment on total grain production is not significant, it has a significant negative impact on both area and productivity, which indicates that non-agricultural employment poses a challenge to food security. In addition, the study examines the potential benefits of non-farm employment on two aspects of food security, including intensive management and the increase of new business entities. Non-farm employment can also significantly promote intensive management, thereby reducing the food-security challenges brought by non-farm employment, while the benefits of new management entities are insignificant. These findings contribute to the optimization of economic policies related to agricultural development, including exploring land property rights reform systems to promote land transfer, strengthening labor quality improvement in the agricultural sector, and formulating supporting policies to stabilize non-agricultural employment in accordance with local conditions. Full article

Phytoremediation is considered an effective strategy for remediation of heavy-metal-contaminated soil in mining areas. However, single-species plants cannot reach the highest potential for uptake of heavy metals due to inhibition of their growth by high concentrations of heavy metals in the soil. Therefore, this study has explored the effects of illite application and two plant species’ co-cropping on soil quality, plant growth, and heavy metal transformation in a soil–plant system. The results reveal that the addition of 1% (mass fraction) of illite significantly enhances soil pH. The co-cropping of Ilex cornuta and Epipremnum aureum is beneficial for improving the organic matter content of the soil. The contents of EDTA-extractable Pb, Zn, and Cu were significantly reduced by 29.8–32.5%, 1.85–5.72%, and 30.0–32.9%, respectively, compared to the control. The co-cropping of Ilex cornuta and Epipremnum aureum promoted enrichment effects of Epipremnum aureum on Pb and Ilex cornuta on Cd (p < 0.05). The co-cropping pattern lowered the biomass of Ilex cornuta and Epipremnum aureum; however, co-cropping of Ilex cornuta and Epipremnum aureum promoted the elimination of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd from the soil at 13.0–75.8%, 11.1–38.2%, 8.39–88.4%, and 27.8–72.5%, respectively. It is concluded that illite application combined with co-cropping of Ilex cornuta and Epipremnum aureum is highly effective for the elimination of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd from contaminated soil. This study provides a theoretical basis and pathway for the restoration of heavy-metal-contaminated soil in mining with the application of bentonite combined with phytoremediation. Full article

To solve the problem of increased grain impurity rate and grain loss rate caused by clogging of sieve holes during the cleaning process of ratooning rice, a spiral step cleaning device was designed, which disturbed the flow field at the sieve holes through vortex in the slot and disrupted the force balance of the blockages at the sieve holes. The device mainly includes a cleaning separation core and a cleaning separation core shell. Firstly, the main parameters of the cleaning separation core were determined, and the critical shear airflow velocity was obtained through theoretical analysis. Through energy loss analysis, the fan wind speed was determined to be 11.5 m/s. Secondly, the CFD-DEM coupling method was used to analyze the flow patterns inside the slot and the movement patterns of blockages on the sieve surface, confirming the effectiveness of vortex guided blockage removal. Finally, a prototype was designed and built for testing, and the results showed that when the wind speed of the fan was 11.5 m/s, the grain impurity rate was 1.35%, the grain loss rate was 2.13%, and the average sieve blockage rate was ≤0.1%. All indicators were better than traditional cleaning devices and could meet the cleaning requirements. During the continuous operation of the spiral step cleaning device, performance indicators such as sieve hole blockage rate remained basically unchanged. Full article

In order to optimize the operating path of orchard mowers and improve their efficiency, we propose an MI-DBO (multi-strategy improved dung beetle optimization algorithm) to solve the problem of full-coverage path planning for mowers in standardized quadrilateral orchard environments. First, we analyzed the operation scenario of lawn mowers in standardized orchards, transformed the full-coverage path planning problem into a TSP (traveling salesman problem), and mathematically modeled the U-turn and T-turn strategies based on the characteristics of lawn mowers in orchards. Furthermore, in order to overcome the issue of uneven distribution of individual positions in the DBO (dung beetle optimization) algorithm and the tendency to fall into local optimal solutions, we incorporated Bernoulli mapping and the convex lens reverse-learning strategy in the initialization stage of DBO to ensure a uniform distribution of the initial population. During the algorithm iteration stage, we incorporated the Levy flight strategy into the position update formulas of breeding beetles, foraging beetles, and stealing beetles in the DBO algorithm, allowing them to escape from local optimal solutions. Simulation experiments show that for 18 types of orchards with different parameters, MI-DBO can find the mowing machine’s operation paths. Compared with other common swarm intelligence algorithms, MI-DBO has the shortest average path length of 456.36 m and can ensure faster optimization efficiency. Field experiments indicate that the algorithm-optimized paths do not effectively reduce the mowing machine’s missed mowing rate, but the overall missed mowing rate is controlled below 0.8%, allowing for the completion of mowing operations effectively. Compared with other algorithms, MI-DBO has the least time and fuel consumption for operations. Compared to the row-by-row operation method, using paths generated by MI-DBO reduces the operation time by an average of 1193.67 s and the fuel consumption rate by an average of 9.99%. Compared to paths generated by DBO, the operation time is reduced by an average of 314.33 s and the fuel consumption rate by an average of 2.79%. Full article

Combining microbial products with different mechanisms of action can produce synergistic insecticidal effects and slow down the development of resistance. This study evaluated the insecticidal activity of mixtures containing the commercial Photorhabdus luminescens (Pl) strain ATCC 29,999, the local isolate Pl 2103-UV, and the commercial Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Bt) ABTS-351 against Spodoptera frugiperda. As the proportion of Bt increased in the mixtures, insecticidal activity increased, with the synergistic ratios reaching 1.98 for ATCC 29,999 and 5.29 for 2103-UV at a1:5 Pl:Bt ratio, representing approximately twofold and fivefold reductions, respectively, in the Bt dosage required for mortality. Hemolymph analysis revealed the highest Pl bacterial loads in the 1:5 treatments within the S. frugiperda hemocoel. Histopathology also showed exacerbated midgut vacuolation in the 1:5 ATCC 29,999:Bt treatment. Whole-genome analysis showed that 2103-UV produced more porins, potentially contributing to its higher insecticidal activity. This study demonstrated that Bt assists the invasion of Pl into the hemocoel and enhances synergistic insecticidal efficiency. The findings provide a reference for integrating Pl with other microbial products to sustainably manage significant and severe lepidopteran pests. Full article

The promotion and use of liquid feeding face the challenge of insufficiently stable delivery. This issue can be resolved, in part, by using the spiral flow produced by a spiral pipe (SPP). The aim of this study is to investigate how the structural characteristics of the spiral pipe affect the flow state of the liquid feed, and for this purpose, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique has been employed and the liquid feed delivery process has been simulated by means of an Eulerian two-fluid model The results reveal a significant improvement in the slurry’s homogeneity as it traveled through a spiral pipe compared with a straight pipe (STP). The swirl number normally increased with the number, length, height, and angle of the spiral pipe’s guide vanes. The solid-phase distribution was more homogeneous when values of N = 1, L = 1D, H = 3/8R, and θ = 20° were used, respectively, and the COV within 10D downstream of the outlet of the spiral pipe was 3.902% smaller than that of the straight pipe. The results of this study can be used as a reference for the design of liquid feed-conveying pipes. Full article

Monitoring the energy inputs and outputs in pig production systems is crucial for identifying potential imbalances and promoting energy efficiency. Therefore, the objective of this study was to measure the energy input, output, and losses during the growing–finishing phase of pigs from 1 September to 1 December 2023. A Livestock Environment Management System (LEMS) was used to measure the temperature, humidity, airflow, and water consumption levels inside the barn, and a load cell was used to measure the body weight of pigs. Furthermore, a bomb calorimetric test was conducted to measure the energy content of pigs’ manure. While calculating energy balance in the experimental barn, it was found that energy from feed and water contributed approximately 81% of the total input energy, while the remaining 19% of energy came from electrical energy. Regarding output energy, manure, and body weight accounted for about 69%, while around 31% was lost due to pig activities, maintaining barn temperature and airflow, and illuminating the barn. In conclusion, this study suggested methods to calculate energy balance in pig barns, offering valuable insights for pig farmers to enhance their understanding of input and output energy in pig production. Full article

Providing sufficient, high-quality food without compromising efforts in climate change and environmental pollution control is a long-term imperative for humanity. Livestock product trade may help bridge the gap in micro-nutrient supply; however, its potential environmental impacts remain underexplored. Using data from 200 countries and 77 different livestock commodities from 1961 to 2019, this study uncovers the impact of livestock trade on micro-nutrient productivity per livestock unit and per feed nitrogen input. Our results indicate that livestock trade has improved productivity for all seven studied micro-nutrients over the past 59 years, except for vitamin A. This improvement has led to a substantial reduction in the number of livestock units and feed nitrogen requirements needed to deliver the same amount of micro-nutrients, thereby reducing related greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen losses globally. Generally, livestock trade has become more optimal and functional in terms of livestock productivity and feed use efficiency, particularly in the most recent decade, although there were slight differences between various micro-nutrients. We recommend continuing and potentially increasing international livestock trade, given the higher efficiency gap between exporting and importing countries; however, this should be structured more appropriately. Full article

This paper presents the design of an integrated potato-planting machine capable of full-film covering, creating micro-ditches on ridges, and covering seed rows with soil. The machine addresses the challenges of traditional methods, allowing for mechanized planting with complete film coverage and individual seed row soil covering. The key components of the prototype were analyzed and designed. This includes the seeding system, the pointed wing-shaped trencher for creating micro-ditches, and the straddling film-mulching device. Additionally, the operating mechanism of these core components was analyzed. Field trials demonstrated an 85% success rate for seed depth placement under the film. The machine also achieved a 90% qualified index for seed potato spacing, with a 6% repetitive seeding rate and a 3% missed seeding rate. Furthermore, the qualified rate for covered soil width on seed rows was 94%, and the qualified rate for covered soil thickness was 93%. The adjacent row spacing achieved an 88% success rate. The degree of mechanical damage to the exposed surface of the mulch film was minimal, at only 30.2 mm²/m². These results meet all the national and industry standards. The successful field trials confirm the effectiveness of the machine in performing integrated fertilization, sowing, ridging, full-film covering, and seed row soil covering. Compared to traditional methods, this machine significantly reduces labor intensity for farmers and enhances the economic value of potato planting. Full article

Addressing the issues of low harvesting efficiency and high losses in current pod pepper harvesters, this study presents the design of a bionic comb finger pod pepper picking device and an inclined double-spiral bell pepper harvester to improve the harvest rate and reduce loss rate. Through the utilization of discrete element simulation software EDEM, a discrete element model for pod peppers is established. Additionally, a simulation platform for ground drop loss during pod pepper picking is developed, enabling exploration of the movement trajectory and velocity changes of the pod pepper elements. The study also conducts an analysis on the impact of the speed of the picking rollers X₁, the feeding speed of pod peppers X₂, and the spacing between the two picking rollers X₃ on ground drop losses. Based on the results of the single-factor test, the Box–Behnken response surface test was used to optimize the working parameters of the picking device, which resulted in the optimal combination of the working parameters of the picking device: the speed of the picking rollers was 680.41 rpm, the feeding speed of the pod peppers was 0.5 m/s, and the spacing between the two picking rollers was 12 mm, which resulted in the loss rate of pod peppers on the floor of the ground being 3.526%. Full article

Rice is one of the most significant food crops for human sustenance. Every year, many countries around the world hoard enormous amounts of rice to avert emergencies and guarantee food security and sufficiency. As a result, the inventory of aged rice is growing as the number of inventory years rises. Aged rice stored over three years loses its nutritional value and is no longer suitable for human consumption. There is a pressing need to find a solution to effectively utilize aged brown rice produced from aged rice after dehulling. Developing and utilizing aged brown rice as feed is economical and efficient due to its massive resources and rich nutritional content, which will also lessen food waste while resolving the problem of excessive hoarding of aged rice. This review mainly summarizes the nutritional value, application in feed, and nutritional limiting factors of aged brown rice. It provides a theoretical basis for solving the overstock of aged brown rice and the feasibility of using aged brown rice as feed in a cost-effective way. Full article

Unusual levels of agricultural product waste are becoming one of the issues and dangers that human societies face in their efforts to achieve food security. Therefore, reducing agricultural product waste is one of the main strategies for the optimal use of production resources and support food security. In this study, a multilevel Bayesian technique was used to examine the characteristics of customers and the effects of marketing mix on the waste of selected agricultural products—a subgroup of fruits and vegetables in Mashhad, Iran. Based on this, 368 consumers (at the first level), 53 fruit and vegetable markets (at the second level), and 3 main supply centers of fruit and vegetables in the city (at the third level) were evaluated using the Bayesian multilevel model. The results showed that approximately 56% of food waste variance was caused by differences between consumers, 29% is due to the differences between fruit and vegetable markets, and almost 14% is due to the differences between the main supply centers of Mashhad. Also, the effects of the marketing mix showed that the place of distribution of agricultural products always has an increasing effect on the waste of agricultural products. Moreover, increasing the price of agricultural products reduces waste by consumers and keeps the consumer away from unnecessary purchases. The product factor also has an increasing effect on the waste of agricultural products, and consumers are encouraged to consume more and create more waste. A good way to reduce agricultural product waste is to use solutions that slow down the spoilage process and extend the shelf life of fruit and vegetables. Using an appropriate marketing mix and considering the characteristics of consumers can also control the waste of agricultural products. Full article

In response to the limitations of existing methods in differentiating between vegetables and all types of weeds in farmlands, a new image segmentation method is proposed based on the improved YOLOv7-tiny. Building on the original YOLOv7-tiny framework, we replace the CIoU loss function with the WIoU loss function, substitute the Leaky ReLU loss function with the SiLU activation function, introduce the SimAM attention mechanism in the neck network, and integrate the PConv convolution module into the backbone network. The improved YOLOv7-tiny is used for vegetable target detection, while the ExG index, in combination with the OTSU method, is utilized to obtain a foreground image that includes both vegetables and weeds. By integrating the vegetable detection results with the foreground image, a vegetable distribution map is generated. Subsequently, by excluding the vegetable targets from the foreground image using the vegetable distribution map, a single weed target is obtained, thereby achieving accurate segmentation between vegetables and weeds. The experimental results show that the improved YOLOv7-tiny achieves an average precision of 96.5% for vegetable detection, with a frame rate of 89.3 fps, Params of 8.2 M, and FLOPs of 10.9 G, surpassing the original YOLOv7-tiny in both detection accuracy and speed. The image segmentation algorithm achieves a mIoU of 84.8% and an mPA of 97.8%. This method can effectively segment vegetables and a variety of weeds, reduce the complexity of segmentation with good feasibility, and provide a reference for the development of intelligent plant protection robots. Full article