2023

Selle valdkonna püsiv URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10492/8643

Sirvi

Nüüd näidatakse 1 - 20 114

Accuracy of waste stockpile volume calculations based on UAV Photogrammetry
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Künnapuu, Rauno; Kokamägi, Kaupo; Liba, Natalja; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Chair of Environmental Protection and Landscape Management; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering. Chair of Forest and Land Management and Forest Industry
In environmental supervision, it is necessary to measure waste piles volume to determine whether the activities of the waste manager comply with the established requirements. The aim of this research is to determine whether the model, formed from images collected with low-priced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) - not with Real Time Kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (RTK GNSS) capability - is sufficiently accurate to carry out waste-related surveying. Data collection took place in spring 2021 at the Aardlapalu transhipment station in Tartu County. The objects of the research were an unscreened composting pile and a covered composting pile. In the fieldwork, terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetric flight were carried out. The reference value was the volume of the model formed from the data of laser scan. The volumes of all models formed by the photogrammetric method were within the permissible difference of 10% provided by law. The most accurate results were obtained from the covered composting pile with an overlap of 70% × 70% and 21 ground control points (GCPs). Using these parameters, the absolute error of the model was 1.48 m³ and the relative error was 0.65%. The most inaccurate results were obtained from the unscreened composting pile with an overlap of 80% × 80% and 21 GCP-s. The research confirmed the hypothesis that sufficient accuracy to calculate waste piles volumes can also be achieved by using a cheaper UAV and camera and with software not specially designed for photogrammetry, design, and drawing.
Adaptation of Syrah wine grape cultivar to changing climatic conditions of the Bekaa valley, Lebanon
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Ghantous, G.; Popov, K.; El Sebaaly, Z.; Sassine, Y.N.
Climatic factors play a key role in determining the suitability of a given region for specific cultivars and wine types and the responses of individual grapevine cultivars to climate are of utmost importance for activity planning and decision making in viticulture. The study investigated the effect of climate conditions from 2006 till 2018 on the performance of cv. Syrah cultivated in two vineyards in Lebanon; Kanafar (at 1,020 m.a.s.l) and Mansoura (at 850 m.a.s.l). Cluster analysis based on climate indicators divided years into two clusters; in Kanafar (cluster 1: 2006–2015, cluster 2: 2016–2018) and in Mansoura (cluster 1: 2006 to 2008, cluster 2: 2009 to 2018). Solar radiation (May-June) and average wind speed (July-August-September) were the most influential predictors in Kanafar and Mansoura, respectively. In Kanafar, average yield and weight of 200 berries decreased by 21% and 22.7 g respectively in cluster 2, but in Mansoura only average yield increased by 3.7% in cluster 2. Total soluble solids and titratable acidity were not significantly affected by the shift in climate conditions at both vineyards, however total anthocyanin potential was significantly lower in Kanafar (by 114.2 mg kg-1 ) and higher in Mansoura (by 353.4 mg kg-1 ) in cluster 2. Total polyphenolic richness was only affected in Kanafar (reduction by 42 mg GAE g-1 in cluster 2). Syrah performance was more negatively affected by the changing climate conditions at Kanafar rather than Mansoura vineyards and it seems to better adapt to climate conditions of Mansoura overcoming the shift in climate that occurred after 2008 there.
Agrobiological assessment of productivity and nitrogen fixation of vegetable soybean (edamame) in the conditions of Forest-Steppe of Ukraine
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Yatsenko, V.; Yatsenko, N.; Karpenko, V.; Poltoretskyi, S.; Lazariev, O.; Kravchenko, V.; Chynchyk, O.; Vyshnevska, L.; Tretiakova, S.; Kozyrsky, D.
Agrobiological evaluation of vegetable soybean cultivars (Glycine max var. Shirofumi) according to a complex of economically valuable traits for introduction in the conditions of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine it was carried out with the aim of selecting the source material and selecting promising breeding forms according to morpho-biological and physiologicalbiochemical characteristics. The research was conducted in the conditions of the educational and production department of Uman National University of Horticulture during 2020–2022, collection cultivars of different ecological and geographical origins were used. The cultivars ‘Sac’ (166.00 g plant-1 ), ‘Vesta’ (139.33 g plant-1 ), ‘Fiskeby V’ (133.33 g plant-1 ), and ‘Fiskeby V-E5’ (146.67 g plant-1 ) possessed a large mass of edamame beans. The maximum yield of edamame beans was formed by plants of the ‘L 380-2-13’ (12.67 t ha-1 ), ‘Vesta’ (12.33 t ha-1 ), ‘Sac’ (13.20 t ha-1 ), ‘Fiskeby V’ (13.97 t ha-1 ), and ‘Fiskeby V-E5’ (14.53 t ha-1 ). Weather conditions during the period of research significantly influenced the yield and biochemical composition of edamame varieties. The yield of edamame beans ranged from 5.40 t ha-1 in 2020 (min) to 22.40 t ha-1 in 2021 (max), and the coefficient of variation by varieties was at the level of 19–41%. This phenomenon is explained by the minimum amount of precipitation in 2020 and the high amount in 2021, which is confirmed by the hydrothermal coefficient during the period of intensive pod growth (VII–VIII) - 2020 - 0.3; 2021 - 1.3 and 1.1 respectively for the month. The protein concentration in Edamame beans was in the range of 27.94–36.29%. A higher protein content relative to the standard was noted in one sample - ‘Karikachi’ - 36.29%. Minimal accumulation of oligosaccharides was noted in ‘Sac’ and ‘Astra’ cultivars, which indicates their suitability for consumption. Promising cultivars were identified by the amount of fixed nitrogen - ‘Sac’ (168.00 ± 4.32 kg ha-1 ), ‘Astra’ (161.67 ± 2.36 kg ha-1 ) and SybNYYSOH 6 (158.19 ± 4.56 kg ha-1 ). The conducted regression analysis showed close relationships (from moderate to functional) between various indicators of the development and productivity of the nodulation apparatus of edamame cultivars. The evaluation of the collection cultivars of vegetable soybeans, their use according to the variability of morphological features and productivity made it possible to single out the ‘Sac’ among the introduced collection cultivars based on a set of valuable traits for use in the selection process to create new cultivars of vegetable soybeans.
Agronomic and physiological response of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids to plant density in the dry and wet Middleveld of Eswatini
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Malaza, S.C.; Tana, T.
One of the factors limiting yield of maize in Eswatini is use of non-optimum plant density for the different maturity group of maize hybrids in different agro-ecologies. Thus, an experiment was conducted at Malkerns (wet Middleveld) and Luve (dry Middleveld) in Eswatini to determine the effects of plant density on growth, yield components and grain yield of maize hybrids. Factorial combinations of three maize hybrids [SC 403 (early maturing), SC 621 (medium maturing), SC 719 (late maturing)] and five plant densities (41,667; 44,444; 47,619; 50,000, and 57,143 plants ha-1 ) were evaluated in Randomised Complete Block Design in three replications. The results showed that Malkerns had significantly higher crop growth rate (CGR) between V12 and R6 growth stages, relative growth rate (RGR) between V6 and V12 growth stages, mass of thousand kernels (395.60 g), aboveground dry biomass (22.71 t ha-1 ) and grain yield (7.67 t ha-1 ). Among maize hybrids, SC 719 produced significantly the highest CGR (18.37 g m-2 per day) between V12 and R6, aboveground dry biomass (23.05 t ha-1 ), number of kernels per m2 (2074), and grain yield (7.49 ha-1 ). Moreover, SC 719 grown at Malkerns recorded significantly the highest leaf area index (LAI) at V6, and the highest CGR (31.35 g m-2 per day) between V6 and V12 and the tallest plants. The highest density of 57,143 plants ha-1 produced the highest LAI, aboveground dry biomass (21.53 t ha-1 ) and grain yield (7.17 t ha-1 ). Thus, late maturing maize hybrid SC 719 and plant density of 57,143 plants ha-1 (70 cm × 25 cm) can be used to enhance the productivity of maize in the Middleveld of Eswatini.
Agronomic traits determinants of superior varieties and millable cane productivity of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) on dryland, Indonesia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Karimuna, S.R.; Sulistiono, W.; Taryono; Alam, T.; Wahab, A.
Indonesia is one of the sugar-producing countries in the world, with most of the planting area shifted to dryland, sub-optimal. During the development of production, it is necessary to select varieties that are suitable for dryland. This study aimed to determine the adaptation of superior sugarcane varieties on dryland. This study used a split-plot under repeated Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Six superior sugarcane varieties used in this research were Saccharum ‘CMG Agribun ’, Saccharum ‘AAS Agribun’, Saccharum ʻASA Agribunʼ, Saccharum ʻAMS Agribunʻ, Saccharum ʻPS864ʼ and Saccharum ‘Bululawang’. The variables observed were plant height, stem diameter, number of segments, and number of tillers at the age of 13, 15, and 17 WAP (weeks after planting). The results showed that growth parameters, namely plant height at 13 and 15 WAP, number of tillers at 15 and 17 WAP, and stem diameter at 13 and 15 WAP, showed better growth, indicating superior agronomic properties of a sugarcane variety on dryland. Saccharum ‘AMS Agribun’ and Saccharum ‘Bululawang’ varieties, stem diameter, increased with spacing treatment at the early growth of 17 weeks after planting. The Saccharum ‘PS864’ was the best, having the highest average of agronomic values compared to other varieties. The Saccharum ‘PS864’ had the highest plant height and number of internodes. The highest number of tillers was obtained in the Saccharum ‘AAS Agribun’ varieties.
Amino acid composition of milk from Finnish Ayrshire cows and their crossbreeds with the Norwegian Red breed
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Ruban, S.; Merzlov, S.; Matvieiev, М.; Borshch, O.V.; Borshch, O.O.; Bilkevich, V.; Lykhach, V.; Fedorchenko, M.; Bondarenko, L.
The purpose of this work was to study the effect of crossing of Finnish Ayrshire cows with Norwegian Red breed under the conditions of the temperate climate of Ukraine on indicators of the qualitative composition of milk, the content of essential amino acids (EAA) and their biological value. The research was conducted at a commercial farm in the Poltava region (50°02′39″ n.l., 33°51′09″ e.l.) using Finnish Ayrshire cows and their crosses with the Norwegian Red breed. According to the indicators of fat, protein and lactose content in the group of crossbred firstborns, purebred counterparts prevailed by: 0.22; 0.09 and 0.07%, respectively, and the energy value of 1 kg of milk by 0.053 Mcal kg-1 . For milk protein of Finnish Ayrshires, the first limiting EAA (lower than the recommended content in the reference protein) was methionine + cystine (affects the rate of clot formation during cheese making), the content of which was 96.3%. In the protein of crossbred cows EAA in which amino acid score (AAS) was less than 100%, were not detected. Phenylalanine + tyrosine - 143.7% and leucine - 122.1%, which are aromatic amino acids and affect the taste properties of milk, were the most excessive. The protein of crossbreds was characterized by a slightly higher value of the total utilitarian coefficient, compared to purebred counterparts (by 12.77%). Also, the aminogram of the crossbred group was closer to ‘ideal’.
Analysis of environmental conditions in two different Compost Bedded Pack Barn systems for dairy cattle
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Andrade, R.R.; Tinôco, I.F.F.; Damasceno, F.A.; Valente, D.A.; Oliveira, C.E.A.; Oliveira, V.C.; Rossi, G.; Barbari, M.
The objective of this study was to analyse and compare the thermal environment of dairy cattle facilities in an open compost bedded pack barn (CBP) with natural ventilation and closed CBP (without thermal insulation) and climate control system. The research was conducted in a property located in Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais, Brazil. During the summer and for different periods of the day, the following average environmental variables observed inside the facilities were measured: dry bulb temperature, relative humidity and Temperature and Humidity Index (THI). The results were submitted to an analysis of variance to determine the significance of the variables in the different treatments. It was found that the closed and climate control system CBP promoted greater control of the facility's internal microclimate, registering smaller thermal amplitudes and a greater reduction in the animals' exposure time to stressful thermal conditions, compared to the CBP with natural ventilation. However, during summer afternoons, comfort indices indicated moderate stress. It is concluded that the closed CBP, regarding the analysed variables, indicated potential use, provided that a careful study of the climate of the region is carried out before implementation, the factors related to the ambient conditioning and better insulation of the construction are adjusted. The climatic variables inside the open CBP indicated a high stress condition for the animals, suggesting the placement of positive pressure fans and sprinklers properly distributed in the feed alley, to guarantee benefits to the entire area of the animal housing.
Analysis of scrapie resistance and productivity of Latvian dark head breed old type sheep compliant to the conservation program of the genetic resources
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Bārzdiņa, D.; Kairiša, D.
Since 2002, the European Union has implemented a disease surveillance programme for transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) in small ruminants, which can cause very high economic losses to sheep farmers worldwide. In order to detect susceptibility to this fatal sheep disease, surveillance of this disease has been carried out in Europe for several years. Such a programme was introduced in Latvia in 2004 when the country joined the European Union, so Latvia has been monitoring this potential disease for several years. As this fatal disease has not been detected in Latvia, only a few studies have been conducted on scrapie genotypes in the Latvian Dark Head sheep breed and their effect on sheep productivity traits. The aim of the study was to analyse the productivity of the first lambs of Latvian Dark Head sheep in relation to the scrapie genotype. According to the data analysis, a total of 1531 or 97.7% of the ewes with R1, R2 and R3 scrapie genotypes can be used for future sheep breeding. The average age of all ewes included in the Programme was 5 years and the average fertility was 1.8 lambs. Later in the work, 1,335 Latvian Dark Head ewes with 100% bloodiness were analysed and the average fertility of ewes in the R1 and R3 scrapie genotype groups was 1.6 lambs and 1.7 lambs for ewes in the R2 risk group. In the last 10 years, the implementation of the conservation programme of the old type Latvian Dark Head sheep breed has been successful.
Analysis of the power balance of a solar catamaran
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Berjoza, D.; Jurgena, I.; Einstals, A.
Significant changes are expected in the percentage distribution of vehicles in the world over the next decade. It is planned to gradually replace conventional internal combustion vehicles with electric drive ones, thereby reducing environment impacts and the production of gases contributing to the greenhouse effect. It is necessary to foster similar trends regarding watercraft, replacing the internal combustion engines with electric motors. An experiment used a solar-powered catamaran equipped with a standard electric motor Minn Kota Endura 34, a 450 W monocrystalline solar cell and a 40 Ah lithium iron 12 V battery. A pyranometer was used to measure solar energy. The experiment used a data logger GL 220 that measured the energy flow to the battery and the electric motor. The experiment was conducted in Jelgava on 5 July 2022, with the maximum altitude of the sun reaching 56.7°. The experiment identified that at an average solar intensity of 500 W m-2 on a sunny day, the solar catamaran could be moved by means of solar energy without discharging the batteries at all power settings.
Application of environmentally safe chemical reclamation on an innovative basis in Russia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Ibiev, G.Z.; Savoskina, O.A.; Chebanenko, S.I.; Beloshapkina, O.О.; Zavertkin, I.A.
In the context of world food crisis, potato production and increasing its yield is an urgent topic of research. In agricultural production, one of the most basic directions of increasing production is the introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers. The purpose of the study is to develop agro-methods for the use of environmentally friendly biopolymers when applying mineral fertilizers for the effective cultivation of potato and to determine production efficiency. To end this purpose, two field experiments and one control variant without the use of biopolymers were used in our study to assess the effect of Nutricharge and Growgreen preparations on the yield of Gala potato variety. To obtain reliable experimental results, several of the following requirements were considered: representativeness, accuracy, and compliance with the principle of single difference. Experiment No. 1 - treatment of ammonium nitrate phosphate fertilizer with Nutricharge at the rate of 3 kg per 1 ha. As a result of the Nutricharge biopolymer application, the biological yield of potato increased by 83.5 c ha-1 . Experiment No. 2 - treatment of mineral fertilizers with Nutricharge and Growgreen, 2.5 L ha-1 . As a result of the biopolymers application, the biological yield of potato in this experiment exceeds the control data by 237.5 c ha-1 . At the same time, the yield in the second experiment turned out to be higher than the yield in the first experiment by 154 c ha-1 . An equally important task in conducting this study was to determine, with the help of economic assessment, the production efficiency of biopolymers application. As a result of economic analysis, we found out that the complex use of preparations allowed to reduce the cost of production of 1 ton of potato in the first experiment by 21%, in the second - by 7.7% compared with the control. Cost reduction and revenue increase in the second experiment allowed to make a profit from 1 ha of 298,020 rubles, and in the first - 221,440 rubles. The obtained research data give us reason to say that the use of biopolymers Nutricharge and Growgreen is effective and their scale should be spread throughout the entire region of the country.
Application of UAV multispectral imaging for determining the characteristics of maize vegetation
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Änäkkälä, M.; Lehtilä, A.; Mäkelä, P.S.A.; Lajunen, A.
Interest in forage maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation for livestock feed has grown in northern conditions. In addition, it is important to develop methods and tools to monitor crop development and other characteristics of the crop. For these purposes UAVs are very efficient and versatile tools. UAVs can be equipped with a variety of sensors like lidar or different types of cameras. Several studies have been conducted where data collected by UAVs are used to estimate different crop properties like yield and biomass. In this research, a forage maize field experiment was studied to examine how well the aerial multispectral data correlated with the different properties of the vegetation. The field test site is located in Helsinki, Finland. A multispectral camera (MicaSense Rededge 3) was used to take images from five spectral bands (Red, Green, Blue, Rededge and NIR). All the images were processed with Pix4D software to generate orthomosaic images. Several vegetation indices were calculated from the five spectral bands. During the growing season, crop height, chlorophyll content, leaf area index (LAI), fresh and dry matter biomass were measured from the vegetation. From the five spectral bands, Rededge had the highest correlation with fresh biomass (R2 = 0.273). The highest correlation for a vegetation index was found between NDRE and chlorophyll content (R2 = 0.809). A multiple linear regression (MLR) model using selected spectral bands and vegetation indices as inputs showed high correlations with the field measurements.
Assessment of the greenhouse gas emissions and energy inputs applying different weed control methods for wheat growing
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Zagorska, V.; Ruciņš, A.; Viesturs, D.; Ivanovs, S.
Economic indicators are often used to evaluate and select technologies, determining the production costs of the product. However, according to the EU's green course, the ecological assessment of technologies is increasingly important. The purpose of the article is to comparatively evaluate two winter wheat weed control methods, which are widely used in Latvia, according to two ecological indicators - the amount of the GHG emissions and the energy consumption, to find out whether these indicators can serve as a criterion for the selection of technologies. These two methods are HA (harrowing), in which weeds are controlled by harrowing and herbicides, HE (herbicides), in which weeds are controlled only by herbicides. The methodology for calculating the mentioned indicators was developed by analyzing several studies by other authors. The total GHG emissions generated are calculated as the sum of five components: emissions, generated for the manufacture and delivery of the machinery used; emissions, generated by the fuel, consumed for implementation of the technology; emissions, generated for the production, delivery and installation of fertilizers; emissions, generated for the production, delivery and installation of pesticides, seed production, delivery and installation emissions. Analogously, the total energy consumption is calculated by summing the components The technologies were implemented on a specific farm, with the machinery of this farm, labor, fertilizers and the plant protection products. It has been established that the technologies differ by the calculated ecological indicators within the range of 1.2–2.6%; moreover, these indicators are lower for the technology with the herbicide spraying, and the technology is simpler to implement. Therefore, it is also more widely used. Since the coefficients for the calculation of the ecological indicators can be applied by the methodology of this article, the characteristics of the technique and the doses of fertilizers and the plant protection agents, used on the farms, are known, the ecological indicators can be used as an additional criterion for the selection of technologies on the farms. The ratio of the energy value and energy consumption of the produced product (the output and the input ratio) was also determined, this indicator for technologies HA and HE being, respectively, 8.30 and 8.41. In comparison with the research by the authors in other countries, from the point of view of the amount of the generated CO2-eq emissions and rational consumption of energy, the analysed winter wheat production technologies are evaluated as moderately efficient, but from the point of view of the energy value of the product produced and the ratio of the energy consumption (the output and the input ratio) - as efficient.
Assessment of the relation between the adaptive potential of oilseed radish varieties (Raphanus sativus l. var. oleiformis Pers.) and chlorophyll fluorescence induction parameters
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Tsytsiura, Y.
The possibility of optimization of the system of varietal identification, particularly of cruciferous crops in the breeding programs an urgent task that needs a scientific solution. A system comparison of a complex model for assessing genotypes for plasticity and stability with indicative basic and derivative indicators of the chlorophyll fluorescence induction curve (CFI) is proposed as a possible solution to this problem. 14 varieties of oilseed radish of different ecological and geographical origin were chosen as the object of research. Widely tested indicators of both methodological approaches were applied, taking into account the agrotechnological aspects of the analysis of oilseed radish plants for uniformity and stability. The varietal specificity of the basic indicators of the induction of chlorophyll fluorescence of oilseed radish in response to changes in the stress level of the years of the research period was established. The determined interval of correlation-regression dependencies at the level of -0.382–(-0.658) (p < 0.05–0.01) between the indicators of genotypic stability (Gp), adaptability (bi), and selection value (Sv) and the basic indicators of the CFI curve such as minimal fluorescence (F0), fluorescence of the 'plateau' zone (Fрl), maximal fluorescence (Fm) and fluorescence stationary level (Fst). Direct correlations were determined at the level of 0.652–0.745 (p < 0.01–0.001) in the same comparison system for maximal fluorescence (Fm), fluorescence rise (dFpl), maximum variable fluorescence (Fv), photochemical efficiency (EP), leaf water potential (Lwp), plant viability index (RFd), efficiency of the initial reactions of photosynthesis (Kprp), coefficient of decline of the fluorescence (Kfd). The indicated pair correlation dependences were confirmed by the results of multiple regression analysis for the value of multiple regression coefficients (R) in the interval of 0.793–0.833 (p < 0.05–0.01). On the basis of the obtained data, an integrated version of the assessment of varieties of cruciferous crops is proposed, which allows optimization of the system of varietal identification, particularly of cruciferous crops, in the breeding programs of their pre- and post-registration study, as well as the system of searching for donors and sources of relevant traits in the breeding hybridization programs at various levels. In terms of further research, it will be promising to apply this variant of the analysis to wild species of cruciferous crops in a single complex with their cultural forms to assess the regularities of the formation of adaptations under the directed trait selection process.
Assessment of ‘Complex–co’ preparation efficiency for some cereal crops growth stimulation
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Martirosyan, H.S.; Mikaelyan, A.R.; Asatryan, N.L.; Babayan, B.G.
The problem of obtaining environmentally friendly products, which are free from unwanted compounds that are harmful for human health like residual nitrates is very actual. The solution to this problem should be started from the initial stage of crop cultivation: seed disinfection. For that goal the new organic origin preparation ‘Complex-Co’ was used. In current paper the effect of a new plant growth stimulation preparation of complex influence ‘ComplexCo’, was studied on cereal crops cultivation. It was produced by the acidic processing of winemaking waste product: the natural cream of tartar. Unlike the high risk classical organic and inorganic fertilizers, ‘Complex-Co’ preparation is based on absolutely vital compounds and can be considered ecologically safe. It contains: amino derivatives of natural tartaric acid (TA), coalmine and micro-nutrient elements, which provide the target properties and improve soil behavior. The effect of ‘Complex-Co’ preparation was studied on three common agricultural crops: barley, emmer and triticale. As a result of the experiments and field-trials it was proved as an effective preparation for root and foliar nutrition of crops. After the usage of the elaborated preparation the significant growth stimulation effect was observed for all the tested cereal crops. Also, the disinfection effect of ‘Complex-Co’ preparation was observed for the seeds of the tested plants. The preparation is being recommended for the further research of its effect on various plants cultivation in farms, greenhouses and orangeries.
Automatic Monitoring of dairy cows’ lying behaviour using a computer vision system in open barns
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Kurras, F.; Gravemeier, L.S.; Dittmer, A.; Kümper, D.; Jakob, M.
Precision Livestock Farming offers opportunities for automated, continuous monitoring of animals, their productivity, welfare and health. The video-based assessment of animal behaviour is an automated, non-invasive and promising application. The aim of this study is to identify possible parameters in dairy cows’ lying behaviour that are the basis for a holistic computer vision-based system to assess animal health and welfare. Based on expert interviews and a literature review, we define parameters and their optimum in form of gold standards to evaluate lying behaviour automatically. These include quantitative parameters such as daily lying time, lying period length, lying period frequency and qualitative parameters such as extension of the front and hind legs, standing in the lying cubicles, or total lateral position. The lying behaviour is an example within the research context for the development of a computer vision-based tool for automated detection of animal behaviour and appropriate housing design.
Bioenergy transition as a strategic mechanism to diversify energy sources in rural areas in Colombia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Villegas, S.; Rocha-Meneses, Lisandra; Luna-del Risco, M.; Arroyave, C.; Arrieta, C.; Arredondo, C.
The growth in population has resulted in an increase in the consumption of goods and services, which has led to a surge in waste generation and the use of fossil fuels. To mitigate the envi-ronmental issues associated with improper waste management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, residual organic matter can be used to produce bioenergy in the form of biogas and biomethane through anaerobic digestion (AD). These biofuels can act as substitutes for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas (NG) and can be utilized for power and heat generation. In Colombia, the current production of biogas is 4 MW, and the government aims to increase its utilization by promoting the inclusion of biogas and biomethane in the energy matrix through a supportive regulatory framework. Studies suggest that the theoretical energy potential of livestock waste in Colombia is estimated to be 2,673 MW, but the current technological conditions allow for the utilization of only 198 MW, with the pork sector contributing 34%. This study examines the legal context and the present state of biogas in the Colombian energy matrix, while exploring the potential of the Colombian pig farming sector for biogas production. The social, economic, and environmental barriers and opportunities faced by this sector in becoming an energy producer during the transition period are also identified. The findings suggest that biogas presents a sustainable energy solution for rural areas of Colombia where pig farming is a prominent economic activity. Biogas can replace traditional fuels like LPG and firewood for cooking purposes or serve as a complementary source for electricity and thermal energy production in non-interconnected zones. This could mitigate environmental issues and reduce the prevalence of respiratory diseases associated with the use of firewood.
Carbohydrate and protein metabolism of marandu grass affected by nitrogen fertilisation and number of cuts
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Seixas, A.A.; Fries, D.D.; Dias, D.L.S.; Santos, I. A.P.S.; Cruz, N.T.; Teixeira, F.A.; Bonomo, P.; Amaral Júnior, F.P.
Understanding the metabolism of tropical grasses in response to management practises imposed in pastoral environments allows for improvements in the management and use of mineral fertilisers. This study aimed to quantify metabolite content in different plant parts of Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha), with a specific focus on the influence of nitrogen fertilisation and its effects following successive cuts. The treatments corresponded to four nitrogen (N) rates (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg N ha-1 ) and the number of cuts (one, two and three cuts). The plants were fractionated into leaves, stems, and roots to assess the content of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), starch, albumin, globulin, prolamin, and glutelin content. N fertilisation influenced the WSC and starch content in different parts of the plant, varying according to the cuts made. In the leaves and roots, fertilisation reduced the content of WSC and starch with one cut, as these were utilised as energy sources for assimilating the excess nitrogen in the soil. There was an increase in the concentration of all protein groups with nitrogen fertilisation in all parts of the plant with one cut. In plants cut two and three times, N fertilisation led to specific increases and decreases in different parts of the plants as an adaptive strategy for allocating resources as the number of cuts increased. Our results broaden our understanding of carbohydrate and protein metabolism in tropical grasses, thereby providing subsidies for the rational use of nitrogen fertilisers.
Carbon and nitrogen uptake in above- and below-ground biomass of cereal crops in the integrated farming system
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Rancane, S.; Lazdins, A.; Zusevica, A.; Zute, S.; Jansone, I.; Damskalne, M.; Zarina, L.; Korolova, J.; Maliarenko, O.
A significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as technologies that ensure removal of CO2 from the atmosphere, are necessary to achieve the set goals for the transition to carbon neutrality. During the crop growth cycle, a significant amount of biomass is produced, and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are captured both by the harvested crop removed from the field and by residues left on the field. The trials were conducted to find out patterns between crop and residues while trying to figure out the amount of captured C and N. In this study data of the most widely grown cereal crops in Latvia are summarized. The data are representative, obtained in different agroclimatic conditions, they vary both by species and variety, by year and fertilizers applied. The mean amount of biomass from cereal crops left on the field was 1,070.9 g m-2 DM, besides, 906.7 g m-2 of that was made up of above-ground (AG) residues and 164.2 g m-2 of below-ground (BG) residues. On average, 471.8 g m-2 C and 14.3 g m-2 N were captured, including: 411.2 g m-2 C and 12.9 g m-2 N by AG residues; 60.7 g m-2 C and 1.4 g m-2 N by BG residues. Regularities between grain yield and residues were found, however, they were not very strong. The dataset should be enlarged to reduce uncertainty. As the data calculated from crop have a greater uncertainty, the GHG inventory should be calculated according to the average AG and BG biomass, which provide more accurate data.
Change in the carbon footprint of Iranians’ food consumption from 1961 to 2019: A decomposition analysis of drivers
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Bashiri, B.; Zehtabvar, M.; Gavrilova, O.; Vilu, Raivo
The study investigates the role of three drivers: population, energy intake per capita, and dietary change on the carbon footprint of food consumption in Iran from 1961 to 2019. Iran was chosen for this analysis because the country has experienced a noteworthy population increase in the past century, and the imposed international sanctions have changed the economic welfare of the nation. Logarithmic Mean Division Index, along with data of FAOSTAT Food balance sheets and carbon footprint per item, were utilized to decompose the impacts of the drivers. The results demonstrated that the carbon footprint of food consumption in Iran increased by 1.6 during this period. We also found that population increase, and energy intake per capita were the main drivers of the carbon footprint of food consumption in Iran while diet change contributed negatively.
Changes in gray forest soil organic matter pools under anthropogenic load in agrocenoses
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Pavlichenko, A.; Dmytrenko, O.; Litvinova, O.; Kovalova, S.; Litvinov, D.; Havryliuk, O.
The relevance of research is determined by a complex of factors that shape the change in the humus system of gray forest soil dynamics (content, total reserves, values variability of labile and stable humus pools, humification processes direction) under the influence of mineral fertilizers and chemical reclamation in the long-term ecotope conditions. The purpose of the research was to assess the impact of systematic anthropogenic loading on changes in soil organic matter pools. Research methods included long-term stationary studies, laboratory determination of organic matter content and humus group composition, and statistical data analysis. It has been proven that liming practically did not contribute to the increase of the total humus content, however, due to the coagulating effect, certain changes in labile and more stable forms of humus substances occurred in its qualitative composition. It has been established that the cultivation of crops сultivation in crop rotation with a purely mineral fertilizer system did not lead to a significant organic matter accumulation in the soil, despite the increase in crop yield levels under appropriate conditions and the accumulation of a larger vegetative mass of root and post-harvest residues entering the soil, but its losses were significantly reduced. The use of organic components (green manure, by-products) in combination with moderate rates of mineral fertilizers on a liming background (humus content 1.63%), provided a clear tendency to expand humus reproduction by 0.16%, compared to the initial level, and by 15% and 12% more than in the version with no fertilizers and just mineral system. Under such a fertilizing system, there is a tendency to increase more stable humic acids. The increase in humification of organic matter was achieved through the application of fertilizers in limed backgrounds. In this case, the humus formation type exhibited characteristics of humate-fulvate, with a value of 0.9, which is characteristic of soils of forest origin in the northern Forest-Steppe region with the presence of soil-forming factors specific to that territory. The article materials are of practical value for agricultural producers in the development of an innovative strategy for preserving the environment safety, and soil fertility under the influence of elements of energy-saving technologies for crops.

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