Case Study on the Economic and Environmental Impact of the Introduction of the Variable-Rate Distribution of Fertilizer in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivation
, Andrea Bragaglio 1,*, Carlo Bisaglia 1, Alberto Assirelli 2, Elia Premoli 1 and Simone Bergonzoli 2Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe paper presents a very interesting and important study and its findings. The issue of reducing fertilizer use and its impact on the yields is highly relevant in the context of green transition and ensuring food security in the times of climate changes.
The study verified the impact of changes in fertilizer distribution on the wheat yields. The study was correctly planned and conducted. The results are consistent with similar studies and can serve as policy recommendations.
The paper is well written, all the steps of the study are described in detail and the results are compelling. There is no need for any modifications.
Author Response
Estimable reviewer, in the attached pdf our reply
Best regards
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe priority of modern technologies is economic feasibility and environmental safety. Modern farms and scientific enterprises focus their main resources on these aspects. In this regard, the research conducted by the authors is relevant.
The title of the article matches the content.
The authors did not indicate the results of the study in abstract. A lot about the design of the experience. The abstract should be rewritten.
When describing the research methods, the authors did not indicate with what instruments they measured weather conditions. There is no information about how many years alfalfa has been grown and how many times the mass has been mowed. There is no clear information about the type of soil and quality indicators: humus, nutrient content, etc.
There is no technology for growing wheat, there are only general phrases. There is no clear idea of the depth of processing.
It is necessary to indicate by what criteria the dose of nitrogen only and its quantity were determined.
The methodology lacks a clear experimental scheme, as well as other doses of fertilizers. They become visible in the discussion section.
The literature given in the text does not comply with the rules. If there is more than one source, then they are given separated by commas in the same square brackets.
Drawings of different quality and texture. They need to be brought to a single format. It's unclear why some are black and white. It is impossible to evaluate the results obtained in the study from the pictures.
There is no statistical processing of data. There are only deviations from the average results.
Author Response
Estimable reviewer,
in the attached pdf our reply
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsComments in the attached pdf file.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
Estimated reviewer,
in the attached pdf our reply
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript described the effect of the variable-rate distribution of fertilizer in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation and verify the possibility of some practical application of precision agriculture, showing results achievable with tools, such as the distribution of the spectral index NDVI values that are freely available. The subject is interesting and results can provide an advance in current knowledge for to ensure effective and environmentally friendly fertilization activities in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation.
At the end of the abstract, a conclusion must be written - the practical usefulness of the results.
The Material and Method section needs to be improved.
What variety of wheat is sown? Have to be specified on Line 99. Is the same wheat variety sown in the two-year period 2018-2020?
On Line 92 and 93 During the cultivation observation period, data on air temperatures and rainfall were collected. How meteorological data was collected for the period?
On Line 96, the authors indicated information about the physical-mechanical characteristics of the field, but did not provide information about the nutrient content of the soil. Before introducing urea, it is good to indicate information about the content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and pH, organic mass in the soil in the experimental field.
This study verify the effect of fertilizer distribution satellite-acquired images, but has not yet tested the performance of the method on utilizing drone-based RGB imaging technology. Future research can further extend the application scope to verify the effectiveness of the method in a wider range of scenarios.
It would be necessary for the authors to highlight more clearly in results discussion and in conclusion what is new in the manuscript. What is the practical utility of this research?
Figure A2 needs to be improved. Remove lines from within.
The listed references are appropriate, but some of them are not put on MDPI format. The authors should edit according to the journal’s requested format.
Author Response
Estimated reviewer,
in the attached pdf our reply
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 4 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsI accept that the manuscript is sufficiently improved.
