Avaldamisel

Selle kollektsiooni püsiv URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10492/3352

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Nüüd näidatakse 1 - 20 34

Agronomic performance and berry composition of four Cabernet Sauvignon clones under semi-arid viticultural conditions
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Deis, L.; Quiroga, A.M.; De Rosas, M.I.; Martinez, L.
Clonal variability in Cabernet Sauvignon provides an opportunity to optimized wine yield and oenological potential under semi-arid conditions where limited water availability and high temperatures can affect grape composition. In this study, we evaluated the agronomic performance and berry characteristics of four clones (7, 15, 169, and 685) grafted onto Paulsen 1103 rootstocks during two consecutive seasons in Argentina. Measurements included plant water status, leaf area, yield components, and berry composition, with particular emphasis on polyphenols and anthocyanins. While no differences in stem water potential were detected, stomatal conductance revealed distinct water-use efficient strategies among clones. Clone 7 showed the highest fertility and productivity but lower polyphenolic content (35% less malvidin 3-glucoside than clone 685), while clone 685 consistently accumulated the highest anthocyanin concentrations despite its lower yield (26% less than 7). Clone 169 combined relatively high yields with intermediate berry composition, while clone 15 showed the lowest productivity with moderate quality parameters. These findings demonstrate that genetic variability among Cabernet Sauvignon clones grown under semi-arid conditions influences both agronomic performance and fruit composition, providing winegrowers with valuable tools for a given environment and to adapt vineyard management to future climate change scenarios.
Agronomic performance of 105 varieties of barley for malting purposes under field conditions using a sustainable approach
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Román-Gutiérrez, A.D.; Rojas-Zamora, U.; Vázquez-Cuevas, G.M.
Barley is widely recognized as one of the four major crops, along with wheat, maize, and rice. Nowadays, these characteristics are as desirable as ever under the sustainable crop production wing. As such, research regarding alternatives for increasing yield and quality production has led to different trends where Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), variety breeding, and the mapping of desirable genetic trends are probably among the main goals within cereal research. Considering the aforementioned, this research aimed to study the main agricultural characteristics of 105 different varieties of barley growing under field conditions following a sustainable agricultural practice protocol, including their resistance against some of the most common threats to this crop (yellow rust, leaf rust, and barley yellow dwarf virus). This included varieties from different regions, and the most commonly used ones by local producers. Results from this study showed that 10.9% of the tested varieties were able to fully grow. More importantly, these included 2 out of 4 locally grown varieties. Regarding plants’ resistance to diseases, all germinated varieties showed similar traits. However, when looking at the seed proximate analysis, five of these varieties were shown to be unsuitable for malting purposes. Overall results showed that a small percentage of varieties (7.61%) meet both disease resistance and malting standards under a sustainable agricultural practice. These results allow for the identification of the strengths of locally produced crops under commonly used agricultural practices as a viable alternative to the use of agrochemicals.
Bee colony weight dynamics during passive wintering period
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Zacepins, A.; Komasilova, O.; Kotovs, D.; Komasilovs, V.; Gailis, J.; Tikuma, B.
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are essential for maintaining ecological balance and enhancing agricultural productivity through their pollination services. Gaining insight into the internal conditions of a honeybee colony is crucial for evaluating its health, productivity, and seasonal dynamics. In the northern countries bee colony activity is divided into two periods: active summer and winter passive periods. Monitoring the weight of honey bee colonies provides valuable insight into their physiological status, food consumption, and survival potential during wintering. This study investigates the weight dynamics of bee colonies throughout the passive wintering period, aiming to better understand colony metabolism and resource utilization under low-activity conditions. Continuous weight measurements were recorded using electronic hive scales. The data were analysed to assess temporal trends in colony mass loss and to identify environmental or management factors influencing these changes. Results showed a gradual decrease in hive weight corresponding to the consumption of stored honey, with the rate of loss varying in response to external temperature fluctuations and colony strength. These findings contribute to improving winter management practices by providing quantitative parameters of weight consumption for assessing colony health and predicting overwintering success.
Biological responses of barley as affected by soil moisture and cationic balance in Brazil
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Pereira, A.B.; Domingues, R.; Caires, E.F.; Mattos, J.V.
Control of water in the soil-plant-atmosphere system is vital to assure maximization of crop yield. Nutrients uptake by the plants is considerably affected by soil moisture mainly because mineral nutrients reach out for roots as a function of mass flux and diffusion. Soil cationic balance might impinge upon calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) uptake by the plant roots. In light of the hypothesis that soil Ca:Mg ratio more suitable for agricultural crops hinges upon soil moisture, the current research aimed to study interrelationships between soil moisture status and cationic balance in soil on biological responsiveness of barley plants. The experiment was conducted in a protected environment and a randomized complete block design was used with three replicates arranged in a 4×4 factorial scheme. Soil water treatments imposed herein were defined as a function of four fractions of maximum crop evapotranspiration (ETm): 60, 80, 100, and 120% ETm along with four ratios between calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg): 1:1, 3:1, 6:1, and 9:1. The parameters evaluated were: plant height, number of tillers, number of ears per plant, number of grains per ear, number of grains per plant, grain weight per plant, and thousand-grain weight. Soil cationic balance did not impinge upon agronomic performance of barley crop, whereas all of response-variables evaluated were highly governed by soil water availability. Conversely, the most adequate soil Ca:Mg ratio to promote the best biological responsiveness of barley grown under a protected environment did not depend on soil moisture levels.
Breaking new ground: floristic diversity and conservation implications in Bordj Bou Arreridj Forests, Algeria
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Belloula, S.; Khababa, N.; Tiet, R.; Amara Korba, R.
This study assessed the floristic diversity and conservation status of two ecologically significant forests in Bordj Ghedir region, southeastern Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria: Ouled Hanneche (10,221.69 ha) and Ouled Khelouf (8,580.47 ha), covering a combined area of 18,802.16 hectares. Field inventories conducted in March 2023 across 13 stations, with 13 plots collected using random sampling methods. We identified 71 plant species from 32 families and 64 genera. The Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families were dominant. Hemicryptophytes and Therophytes were the most abundant life forms, and chorological analysis indicated a predominance of Mediterranean elements. Ecological indices (Shannon H' up to 3.602; Simpson 1-D up to 0.97) confirmed high species richness and diversity, particularly in the Ouled Hanneche forest. Despite this richness, the ecosystems face threats from overgrazing, wildfires, and insect pests. The findings provide a critical baseline for conservation and underscore the need for sustainable management strategies, including protected area enforcement and community engagement, to preserve this unique Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot.
Changes related to storage conditions in the quality of quail eggs of different sizes
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Kryeziu, A.J.; Ramadani, X.; Kamberi, M.A.
This study assesses the impact of storage temperature – ST (4–6 °C and 20–22 °C), storage duration – SD (7, 14, 21, and 28 days), and egg weight group – EWG (A ≤ 10, B = 10.01–11.00, C = 11.01–12.00, D = 12.01–13.00 gram) on the EWL as well as quality attributes of 400 quail eggs. Various parameters were assessed, including egg weight loss (EWL), external quality attributes: egg weight (EW), egg shape index (ESI), eggshell weight (ESW) and eggshell thickness (EST), and internal characteristics: albumen weight (AW), albumen index AI, albumen pH (ApH), Haugh unit (HU), yolk weight (YW), yolk index (YI), yolk pH (YpH), yolk color (YC) and yolk/albumen ratio (Y/A). This comprehensive analysis aimed to provide a thorough understanding of the eggs' physical and internal qualities. The data obtained was analyzed using JMP IN 7, revealing impacts of ST, SD, and EWG on quail eggs quality (P <0.05). The storage temperature parameters not only demonstrated statistically significant differences in AW (P < 0.05) but also in YI, and YpH (P <0.05). Parameters such as AI, YW, ESW, EST, ESI, Y/A, YC, HU, and YpH did not reflect statistically significant differences by ST (P > 0.05). SD had significant impact on AW, AI, ApH, HU, YW, YR, YI, Y/W, YC and YpH (P <0.05). Changes in AW, AI, YW and HU were observed based on EWG (P < 0.05). Furthermore, significant effects (P < 0.05) were found for interactions between ST×SD×EWG on EWL, AW, YW, and Y/A. This research is focused on providing a comprehensive overview of storage conditions, necessary to maintain quality eggs.
A conceptual framework for adoption of conservation agriculture in South Pacific Island countries
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Juttner-Melland, O.E.; Antille, D.L.; Monjardino, M.; Fulton, S.A.T.; Palmer, J.; Tacconi, F.; Misiewicz, P.A.; Barboza da Silva, R.
There is an opportunity, and an urgent need, for transformational change of the current farming systems in South Pacific Island countries (SPIC) to improve soil security, and therefore food, nutrition and income security, and to better adapt to climate change. Tillage-based systems are dominant across some SPIC and reliance on tillage may increase if the use of broad-spectrum herbicides is banned. Increased reliance on tillage, or its inappropriate use in fragile soils, may exacerbate soil degradation processes and lead to increased food insecurity in the region. A potential solution to addressing these problems is conservation agriculture (CA), a regenerative and sustainable farming system that promotes minimum soil disturbance, the maintenance of permanent soil cover and diversification of crop species, and soil conservation. The drivers for and barriers against uptake of CA in SPIC are not fully understood nor are they well documented, which makes it difficult for policymakers to devise effective measures and implement strategies for increased adoption. A conceptual framework to represent CA adoption in the SPIC context is proposed. The framework combined the ADOPT modelling tool (which predicted the time taken to adopt CA and the peak adoption level) with a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis (which synthetised present state and future potential based on expert knowledge and a literature review of CA). ADOPT modelling predicted that 45% peak adoption of CA would be reached after 23 years; however, removing key barriers to adoption could increase uptake to 62% and accelerate it by 13.2 years, reducing the timeframe to fewer than 10 years. Hence, the importance of developing policymakers and leaders’ awareness and understanding of the benefits of CA to facilitate capacity building and drive CA adoption. The developed framework can be tailored for specific target audiences, including policymakers, and research and extension officers, to inform a pathway for long-term CA adoption.
A cost-effective and simplified protocol for fungal DNA extraction using silica-based grinding, without liquid nitrogen or lyophilization
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Benzahra, H.; Mrabti, I.; Grijja, H.; Samdi, A.; Selmaoui, K.; Afechtal, M.
Efficient DNA extraction from filamentous fungi is often hindered in developing countries because of the limited availability of liquid nitrogen and lyophilization, which are widely used for breaking down the fungal cell walls. While the production and storage of liquid nitrogen pose significant environmental concerns owing to their high carbon footprint and associated costs, the adoption of lyophilization is restricted by its substantial operational expenses. To address these challenges, a cost-effective and accessible CTAB-based DNA extraction protocol was developed, utilizing silicon dioxide as an abrasive, along with mortar and pestle grinding. This approach eliminates the dependency on liquid nitrogen and lyophilization. DNA was successfully extracted from the mycelia of Colletotrichum sp.1, Colletotrichum sp. 2, and Penicillium sp. using the developed protocol. Spectrophotometric quantification revealed high average DNA concentrations. Purity was assessed using A260/280 and A260/230 absorbance ratios, which fell within the recommended range, indicating minimal contamination and high-quality DNA. DNA integrity was further confirmed by PCR amplification using ITS1 and ITS4 primers, producing expected amplicons of 594 bp for both Colletotrichum species and 585 bp for Penicillium. This protocol provides a reliable and affordable alternative for DNA extraction from fungal mycelia, enabling broader accessibility to laboratories with limited resources.
Development of an integrated soil quality index under prolonged green manure application of oilseed radish in crop rotation
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Tsytsiura, Y.
Over a 12-year study period, the effectiveness of using intermediate green manuring with oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. oleiformis Pers.) – applied once every two years – was evaluated under conditions of repeated application in the same field within a crop rotation system (including green manuring of crops such as grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.), with three assessment checkpoints in 2014, 2019, and 2025. The results showed that the green-manured treatment, averaged across the entire evaluation period, produced positive changes in the physical and chemical soil fertility parameters within the 0–30 cm soil layer compared with the unfertilized control. Increases were observed in humus content (by 24.65%), water absorption capacity (by 30.04%), easily hydrolyzable nitrogen (by 33.67%), available phosphorus (by 25.72%), exchangeable potassium (by 23.10%), and total porosity (by 25.04%). Decreases were recorded in bulk density (by 19.05%), particle density (by 9.95%), soil hardness (by 33.95%), and pH (by 5.60%). Green manuring also contributed to optimizing the proportion of humic acids in the humus structure by a factor of 1.2 and to achieving a total organic carbon to total nitrogen ratio of 10.36:1, representing an 11.92% increase compared with the control. As a result, the application of green manuring was reflected in an improved integrated Soil Fertility Index, with a value of 0.692 compared with 0.499 in the non-manured control.
Economic analysis of intensive sheep fattening models: application of SWOT and Porter's five forces methods to fatteners in the steppe areas of Algeria
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Benabderrahmane, A.; Souiher, N.; Souiher, K.; Chinoune, S.
The present study provides a comprehensive economic assessment of intensive sheep-fattening systems in the steppe region of Djelfa, Algeria. SWOT analysis and Porter's Five Forces are used in conjunction with advanced multivariate methodologies to create an integrated framework that incorporates economic, strategic, and quantitative viewpoints. Based on a 2024 field survey of 371 farms, three economic models are developed, distinguished by flock size and fattening phase. The results reveal a consistent improvement in profitability with larger flocks: net profit margins vary from 23.81 to 41.88 USD per head, with economic return rates of 64% to 80%. Feed expenses are the largest cost component (43–52%), emphasising producers' reliance on external inputs and vulnerability to feed price volatility. A positive and significant effect of flock size and fattening duration on profitability is confirmed by multiple regression, MANOVA, path analysis, and logistic regression, while price volatility exerts a negative impact. Large-scale enterprises benefit from economies of scale and stronger bargaining positions, whereas smaller farms remain vulnerable. The study calls for: (i) targeted support for small-scale fatteners, (ii) the promotion of sustainable management practices, and (iii) the organization of cooperative value chains to enhance regional competitiveness. By combining economic, strategic, and quantitative perspectives, this investigation offers novel insights into the determinants of profitability and sustainability in sheep-fattening systems across steppe environments.
Effect of different date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) compost modalities on soil parameters in the Algerian Semi-Arid Zone
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Rebai, M.; Guimeur, K.; Boulelouah, N.; Bedjaoui, H.; Haddad, D.
In the vast regions of eastern Algeria, the calcareous soils are characterised by low fertility. Moreover, these soils frequently lack organic matter and essential nutrients, limiting sustainable yield potential. This study aimed to assess the impact of using locally sourced date palm compost with mineral fertilisers on the improvement of soil fertility in a cereal-based system. A field experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with 11 treatments: date palm compost applied at three rates (C1: 30 t ha⁻¹, C2: 50 t ha⁻¹, C3: 70 t ha⁻¹), either alone or combined with monoammonium phosphate (C1M, C2M, C3M: 100 kg ha⁻¹ MAP) or urea (C1U, C2U, C3U: 50 kg ha⁻¹ urea), one treatment with sheep manure at 45 t ha⁻¹, and an untreated control.. The study evaluated the effects of varying rates of date palm compost and mineral fertilisers on soil chemical characteristics at two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm). Results indicated that elevated compost rates, whether applied alone or combined with mineral fertilisers, significantly improved organic matter content, nutrient availability, and soil chemical balance at both depths. Combined treatments C3U (70 t ha⁻¹ compost + 50 kg ha⁻¹ urea) and C3M (70 t ha⁻¹ compost + 100 kg ha⁻¹ MAP) showed the greatest improvements, with C3M identified as the optimal treatment. Integrated date palm compost fertilisation is well-suited to the region's calcareous soils, enhancing nutrient availability, improving soil fertility, and efficiently utilising a locally available resource. These findings suggest that integrating date palm compost with mineral fertilisers is a sustainable approche to improving soil fertility in semi-arid mediterranean systems.
Effects of different spacing and polybag sizes on growth of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) seedlings in the main nursery
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Afandi, A.M.; Halimatul, A.S.; Amanina, N.S.; Norliyana, Z.Z.; Meilina, O.A.; Mohd Shahrin, R.; Nik Khairol, A.M.; Hasnul, A.M.M.
The significance of regulating spacing and polybag size in the primary oil palm nursery lies in ensuring an optimal growth environment for uniform and healthy seedlings. However, current recommendations provide limited quantitative evidence on how reduced spacing and smaller polybags influence seedling performance, leaving gap in a practical nursery management guideline. Therefore, an experiment was carried out in the oil palm main nursery to evaluate different spacing design and polybag sizes up to 14 months after planting (MAP). The spacing arrangement of seedlings significantly affected their growth performance compared to polybag sizes. Spacing below 0.75 m produced tall and etiolated seedlings, with height increasingly by 19.60% at 8 MAP and up to 32.00%at 12 to 14 MAP, accompanied by excessively elongated rachis length which made them unsuitable for field planting and problematic for nursery handling. In contrast, using smaller polybag size of 30 cm × 38 cm (12" × 15") resulted in only minor growth differences compared to the standard polybag, with no negative effect on seedling performance or nutrient content up to 12 MAP. There are specific needs for optimum seedling performance unrestricted by growth competition, minimal risk of etiolation, good survival rate, easy nursery maintenance, and reduced maintenance costs for higher profits. Based on current research findings, seedlings considered appropriate for field planting at 10 to 12 MAP must meet some specific criteria; including a bole diameter ranging between 49 to 64 mm, a total frond production between 11 to 15 per seedling, rachis length of frond 3 between 58 to 93 cm, seedling height within the range of 118 to 179 cm, and a petiole cross-section between 1.48 to 2.10 cm2. These findings support the importance of maintaining acceptable spacing while supporting the use of smaller polybags to reduce costs without compromising seedling quality.
Estimating spring wheat nitrogen use efficiency via proximal and UAV sensing in Northwest Latvia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Jansone, Z.; Bleidere, M.; Putniece, G.
Phenotyping nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is labour-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring destructive biomass sampling. Cost-effective sensing tools provide a promising alternative for rapid assessment of numerous wheat genotypes. In this study, sixteen spring wheat genotypes were evaluated in Latvia over three consecutive years (2021–2023) under two nitrogen fertilization levels (N75 and N150) in a split-split-plot design with two replicates, totaling 64 plots. NUE consistently differed between N rates and was strongly influenced by year-specific environmental conditions, providing contrasting scenarios for testing sensing approaches. To capture this variation, two platforms were tested for spectral estimation of NUE: a low-cost proximal phenomobile equipped with an RGB sensor, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a multispectral sensor. Canopy reflectance was measured at three growth stages (tillering, flowering, and milk development) to calculate 8 proximal and 9 UAV-based visible-spectrum vegetation indices (VIs). Although relationships between VIs and NUE were environmentally dependent, significant and robust correlations were found. Proximal sensing generally provided stronger prediction models, with the Normalized Green-Red Difference Index (NGRDI) and Green Area Index (GA) consistently most predictive across years. The milk development stage (GS75) proved optimal for NUE estimation. Comparisons of NGRDI between platforms demonstrated their compatibility, though UAVs offer higher throughput for large-scale phenotyping. These findings highlight the potential of integrating agronomic evaluation with canopy reflectance traits to support breeding and precision nitrogen management.
Estimation of enteric methane emissions from crossbred beef cattle in Vietnam: a case study in quang Ngai province
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Thao, L.D.; Dung, D.V.; Phung, L.D.; Loi, B.V.
The objective of this study was to estimate methane (CH₄) emissions from four crossbred cattle groups commonly raised in Vietnam: ½ Belgian Blue cattle (BBB × Lai Brahman), ½ Charolais cattle (Charolais × Lai Brahman), ½ Droughtmaster cattle (Droughtmaster × Lai Brahman), and ½ Red Angus cattle (Red Angus × Lai Brahman), from 6 to 18 months of age (n = 4 per group). All animals were fed the same diet and monitored for feed intake and weight gain. Gross energy intake was calculated, and enteric CH₄ emissions were estimated using the Tier 2 methodology of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Dry matter intake, live weight, and enteric CH₄ emissions (kg month⁻¹) increased with age in all groups. The highest values were observed in ½ Charolais, followed by ½ BBB, ½ Red Angus, and ½ Droughtmaster. However, emission intensity (kg CH₄ kg⁻¹ carcass weight or kg CH₄ kg⁻¹ edible protein) was significantly lower in ½ BBB and ½ Charolais compared to ½ Red Angus and ½ Droughtmaster (P < 0.001). Total enteric CH₄ emissions over the 13-month period averaged 67, 69, 61, and 64 kg for ½ BBB, ½ Charolais, ½ Droughtmaster, and ½ Red Angus, respectively. It is concluded that crossbreeding strategies that improve animal productivity can reduce enteric CH₄ emission intensity per unit of product.
Evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines for tolerance to Aluminum toxicity using selection indices
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Zishiri, R.M.; Mutengwa, C.S.; Tandzi, L.N.; Manyevere, A.
Selection of genotypes with better yield performance when exposed to stress (biotic or abiotic) is key objective for every plant breeding program. Aluminum toxicity is one of the significant constraints to maize production in acidic soils in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to identify desirable genotypes with Al tolerance based on selection indices at seedling stage and identify the most effective selection indices under Al stress conditions. 75 Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes were evaluated in CRD with three replicates in the laboratory using a nutrient solution screening method. Additionally, the same genotypes were also screened in the greenhouse arranged in RCBD with three replicates using soil bioassays. The genotypes were exposed to aluminum (Al) toxicity and non-toxic conditions. Data were collected and seven selection indices namely: Stress susceptibility index (SSI); stress tolerance index (STI); geometric mean productivity (GMP); Tolerance index (TOL); Stress Resistance Index (SRI); Percentage Reduction (PCRD); and Mean Productivity (MP) were calculated. Dry Matter (DM) yield under Al toxicity and non-toxic conditions had highly significant (p < 0.001) effects with GMP, STI, SRI and MP, suggesting that these indices have the potential to differentiate genotypes for Al tolerance. Significant and negative correlations were observed between DM and PCRD, TOL, and SSI. Indices that had highly significant and very strong correlations amongst themselves were PCRD with SSI (r = 1.00), and GMP with STI (r = 1.00). The most desirable selection indices that can be used to select tolerant QPM genotypes included GMP, STI, SRI, PCRD, and TOL as they had strong correlations with dry matter under Al toxicity. The tested genotypes were classified into four groups using the principal component (PCA) analysis known as QPM genotypes with high performance under both environments (Group 1), those with high performance under optimum conditions (Group 2), genotypes with high performance under Al stress conditions (Group 3) and those with low performance under both conditions (Group 4). The top five most tolerant maize inbred lines were CML 486, QSY 2, IBL 9, IBL 5 and IBL 4. These tolerant genotypes could be used as parent material for hybridization programs in developing Al tolerant cultivars.
An Explainable AI-Driven Framework for Precision Agriculture: A Comprehensive Survey
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Dhotre, A.D.; Thorat, S.A.; Yelure, B.S.; Jawade, P.B.
This review focuses on crop recommendation systems and provides a thorough explanation of Explainable AI (XAI) in precision agriculture. The paper charts the development of predictive models that have been published in the literature, from straightforward, comprehensible algorithms to extremely accurate ‘black box’ ensemble and deep learning models, as well as their lack of transparency, which may erode farmers' confidence. In order to make these black box algorithms comprehensible and useful, the paper focuses on two XAI frameworks – LIME and SHAP – that are currently in use. The accuracy and explainability trade-off, problems with data heterogeneity, and the requirement for relevant user explanations are just a few of the significant gaps in the evidence base that are highlighted by the paper's synthesis of the research. The paper's concluding remarks provide a potential path toward integrated, reliable, and comprehensible AI systems that will enhance contemporary sustainable agriculture.
Global systematic review of cassava production and meta-analysis of the effects of fertilization on yield
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Promnikorn, K.; Saengnuan, P.; Kittipadakul, P.; Kraichak, E.
Cassava plays a significant role in global food security as a staple food crop for billions of people in developing countries. However, the systematic summary of recent studies on cassava production has not been thoroughly compiled. This study aimed to identify key aspects of cassava production, with a particular focus on the effects of fertilization, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A search of the Scopus database from 1970 to 2022 identified 229 studies on cassava production, of which 83 met the inclusion criteria and were categorized into eight main topics: soil, pest and disease control, genetics and biotechnology, crop management, land, postharvest and physiology, modeling, and environmental factors. The meta-analysis of studies regarding fertilizer application (n = 7) revealed a modest overall effect of fertilization on cassava yield (effect size = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.53–0.96), with micronutrients and macronutrients showing more significant effects compared to organic fertilizers. Additionally, the study found that regional differences influenced fertilization effectiveness, with South America and Southeast Asia showing higher positive responses to fertilization compared to Africa, likely due to varying soil fertility and nutrient limitations. Soil texture also significantly impacted fertilizer efficiency, with silt loam showing the highest fertilizer response. However, the results are based on a limited number of studies, highlighting a critical gap in agricultural research: the lack of comprehensive statistical reporting. This limitation hampers the ability to conduct more robust meta-analyses. Future research should focus on improving statistical reporting practices and exploring region-specific fertilizer strategies to enhance cassava yield sustainably.
Impact of combining fungicide use with calcium fertiliser for managing maize downy mildew
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Suriani; Mirsam, H.; Endriani; Meithasari, D.; Ariyanti, E.L.
Downy mildew is one of the most destructive diseases of maize worldwide. Disease prevention needs to be done at an early stage of plant growth. Maize is most susceptible to downy mildew between 10 and 45 days after sowing (DAS). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of applying fungicides in the early stages of plant growth combined with the addition of calcium nutrients. The research was conducted in Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, using a randomized block design two factor design. The first factor was five levels of fungicide application frequency, while the second included four fertiliser elements. The downy mildew inoculum source plants were planted and inoculated with Peronosclerospora spp. one month before planting the test genotypes. The results showed that repeated fungicide sprays in the early stages of plant growth effectively suppressed the downy mildew infection by 19.30%. Meanwhile, the first fertilisation at 10 DAS with nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium (NPCa) was the most effective in suppressing downy mildew compared to other fertilisation packages. The treatment combination of three repeated fungicide applications (10, 15, and 20 DAS) with NPCa fertilisation can reduce the incidence of downy mildew by up to 33.23%. However, this combination resulted in lower yields compared to NPK fertilisation. Consequently, further research is required to explore the most effective method for applying potassium and calcium fertilisers.
Impact of the CEMOS AUTOMATIC intelligent system on the field performance and energy efficiency of a CLAAS LEXION 770 combine harvester
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Hristova, G.; Veleva, P.; Patev, T.
Efficient management of combine harvesters is a key factor in modern precision agriculture, where automation and intelligent control systems play an essential role in optimizing operational performance and energy efficiency. This study presents a comparative analysis of the CLAAS LEXION 770 combine harvester operating with and without the CEMOS AUTOMATIC intelligent optimization system during wheat harvesting (Avenue variety). Field experiments were conducted to evaluate key performance indicators, including grain losses, fuel consumption, engine load, and throughput capacity under real harvesting conditions. The results show that the use of the CEMOS AUTOMATIC system improved fuel efficiency by 7–10%, reduced grain losses by 15–20%, and provided more stable machine operation compared with manual control. Furthermore, the intelligent control algorithm optimized the settings of threshing and cleaning systems in real time, resulting in improved productivity and reduced operator workload. The findings confirm that the integration of automated optimization systems such as CEMOS AUTOMATIC significantly enhances the energy efficiency and sustainability of modern harvesting operations.
Influence of anthropogenic factors on humus in Phaeozems of Ashotsk land cadastral district
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Kroyan, S.Z.; Baghdasaryan, S.K.; Markosyan, S.A.; Kroyan, N.S.; Zadayan, M.H.; Markosyan, A.O.
The study was conducted on Phaeozems of the Ashotsk land cadastral region (ALCR), Republic of Armenia. Field investigations compared virgin and long-term cultivated soil variants. Total humus content was determined using the Tyurin method, and the qualitative composition of humus was analyzed according to the Kononova and Belchikova procedure. The results demonstrated that in the plough horizon of cultivated soils, the content and total stock of humic acids, fulvic acids, and non-hydrolyzable residue decreased by 18%, 15.6%, and 17%, respectively. Under prolonged agricultural use, both quantitative and qualitative humus characteristics changed considerably. Compared with virgin soils, total humus content declined by approximately 32%, while humic and fulvic acid fractions decreased by 16–18%. These findings confirm progressive deterioration of humus in cultivated Phaeozems and highlight the necessity of fertility restoration measures. Management practices that may be considered include the application of organic fertilizers (55–65 t ha-1) combined with mineral fertilizers in prescribed doses (N90, P100, K60) and the implementation of minimum or zero tillage within adaptive landscape farming systems.

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