2024, Vol. 22, Special Issue 1

Selle kollektsiooni püsiv URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10492/9343

Sirvi

Nüüd näidatakse 1 - 19 19

Effect of substrate moisture level on cloudberry seedling growth and development after propagation
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Āboliņa, L.; Osvalde, A.; Karlsons, A.
Experimentation of cloudberry cultivation has recently started in Latvia. Propagation is an essential part of cloudberry cultivation strategy, and it is an important step to ensure cloudberry survival and high vitality in field conditions. Optimal moisture conditions have to be determined for seedling development in the greenhouse. Potted cloudberries, cultivar ‘Nyby’, were grown at four different relative moisture levels of the substrate (in percent of the full waterholding capacity of the peat) - 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80%. Physiological measurements were taken once every week, including the concentration of total a and b chlorophyll in SPAD units and stomatal conductance in mmol m-2s-1. Morphological parameters, such as the number of leaves per pot, leaf size (cm), number of winter buds and visual score (from 1 to 5) were measured at the end of the vegetation season. Results revealed significant differences between the substrate moisture treatments for chlorophyll content in leaves, winter bud development and visual scoring. The authors note that slightly higher results were found for all parameters for the 80% treatment, following the tendency of increased plant vitality in higher moisture levels. This study indicates that a relative moisture of at least 70% of the full water-holding capacity of the peat is necessary for successful cloudberry growth and development under greenhouse conditions.
Resistance of the soft winter wheat varieties to pests and their productivity in the northern forest-steppe zone
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Polishchuk, S.; Holyk, L.; Havryliuk, N.; Kuzmenko, L.; Shtakal, M.; Tkachenko, N.; Bulgakov, V.; Ivanovs, S.; Rucins, A.
There are highlighted the results of research in order to determine the field and laboratory resistance of the winter wheat varieties in a competitive variety testing at the National Scientific Centre Institute of Agriculture of NAAS (2016–2020) against pests, and the level of their productivity is assessed. Among the studied varieties of winter wheat, varieties with complex resistance were found: to cereal aphids, wheat thrips powdery mildew and brown leaf rust - variety Efektna; to cereal aphids, wheat thrips and leaf rust - varieties Polisianka, Pyriatynka, Krasunia Poliska, Vodohrai, Kesariia Poliska, Myroliubna, Romanivna, Pamiati Hirka, and standard Lisova Pisnia St. When varieties were grown without the use of fungicides, insecticides and growth regulators, their yield varied over the years from 2.99 t ha–1 to 10.71 t ha–1. The best varieties of soft winter wheat in terms of their productivity were identified in the northern Forest - Steppe zone, which are included in the State Register of the plant varieties, suitable for distribution in Ukraine - Kesariia Poliska (7.67 t ha–1), Pyriatynka (7.10 t ha–1), Myroliubna (7.08 t ha–1), Merezhka (6.77 t ha–1), Kraeivyd (6.71 t ha–1), Pamiati Hirka (6.61 t ha–1), Polisianka (6.51 t ha–1) and Efektna (6.36 t ha–1). Consequently, with proper selection of the winter wheat varieties, it is possible to significantly limit the harmfulness of pests and diseases, to reduce the amount of the used pesticides, to increase the grain productivity, and to improve its commercial and seed quality.
Investigation of microbiological processes during long-term storage of grey forest soil samples
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Malynovska, I.; Bulgakov, V.; Rucins, A.
Investigation of a decrease in the viability of microorganism cells in the soil samples, stored for a long time in an air-dry state, has both theoretical and practical significance since in agrochemistry and the soil science it is a custom to store the soil samples for many years and decades, taking it as an axiom that the properties of these samples remain unchanged. To find out what are the patterns of survival of microorganisms of various ecological-trophic, functional and systematic groups, their viability was studied in samples of gray forest soil, stored for 32 months in an air-dry state. It has been shown that the number of microorganisms of most groups decreases by 42–94 times, the number of polysaccharides-synthesizing microorganisms decreases maximum- by 3,993–18,210 times, depending on the agricultural practices, used in a stationary experiment. the number of spores and cysts decreases. The microorganisms which have the least decrease in the number of colony-forming units of micromycetes and Azotobacter as groups that have forms of surviving unfavourable conditions during storage are spores and cysts. In addition, the physiological and biochemical activity of micromycetes decreases significantly, compared to their activity in the original (initial) fresh soil. During storage the number and share in the total number of melanin-synthesizing micromycetes sharply decreases from 65.8–94.6% to 2.48–5.17%. When storing soil in an air-dry state, the rate of decline in the number of microorganisms depends on the functional affiliation of the group and on agrotechnical techniques that were previously used in the stationary experiments: liming, application of mineral fertilizers, ploughing in the by-products of the predecessor crop in the crop rotation, and the biomass of the sideral crop. The organic matter, ploughed into the soil, promotes the survival of ammonifiers, mineral nitrogen immobilizers, Azotobacter and polysaccharide-synthesizing microorganisms. Ploughing in of crop by-products reduce the number and proportion of melanin-synthesizing micromycetes. Verification of the obtained data, using long-term stored soil samples, is not permissible since microbiological processes occur in the soil during which the soil microbiota consumes the macro- and microelements, present in it, organic and organomineral complexes, including humus.
Influence of petroleum products on the state of microbiocenosis of soil during short and medium terms of pollution
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Malynovska, I.; Bulgakov, V.; Olt, Jüri; Rucins, A.; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Forestry and Engineering
Bioremediation by autochthonous microbial communities is currently considered the main and most environmentally secure way how to remove petroleum products from contaminated soils. To study the possibilities to control the processes of biodegradation of aviation kerosene by indigenous communities of the soil together with plants and in the presence of a cometabolite (glucose), a model experiment was carried out with concentrations of aviation fuel from 0 to 20%. Soil without the addition of petroleum products served as reference. The state of the microbial community was studied 1 and 21 days after the addition of the petroleum products. It has been established that the soil contamination with petroleum products within one day leads to quantitative and qualitative changes in the state of the microbial cenosis, and the phytotoxicity of the soil significantly increases. At low concentrations of the petroleum products (1%) the occurrence of microbiological processes in the soil slows down, and at high concentrations (20%) they intensify. It has been shown that an increase in the number of polysaccharide-synthesising bacteria increases not only the absolute amount of degraded petroleum products from 0.240 to 1.88 g kg-1, but also their relative share from 6.33%. Growing plants and adding easily accessible substrates to the soils contaminated with petroleum products ensures more active destruction of pollutants (by 63.6 and 45.5%, respectively) compared to the soils without phytocenosis and the addition of exogenous substrates.
Wind power equipment for small farms and households
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Beresnevich, V.; Cerpinska, M.; Irbe, M.; Viba, J.
This article deals with the development of small-sized wind power equipment as a viable solution for decentralized renewable energy production. To improve operational specifications of conventional turbine models with rotating blades, it is proposed to use a new design of wind power plant synthesized on the base of a closed loop conveyor equipped with flatshaped blades. In this design, blades are mounted on a belt with an opportunity to move together with it in one straight line direction. Air flow interaction with flat blade that performs translation motion is studied by computer simulation using a superposition principle. In accordance with this approach, a fast-chaotic motion of air particles (Brownian motion) is separated from the slow-directed air motion, with the given average velocity. Dynamic analysis of flat blade interaction with air flow is performed for the stationary air flow with constant speed and also for non-stationary flows with wind gusts. Optimization of the system parameters is made using the generated power as a criterion. Simulation results confirm the serviceability and efficient operation of the proposed conveyor type wind power equipment. It can be mounted on the roofs of buildings or rooftops of vehicles, also device is befriended to nature and people.
In search of the best technological solutions for creating edible protein-rich mutants: a multi-criteria analysis approach
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Berzina, I.; Raita, S.; Kalnins, M.; Spalvins, K.; Kuzmika, I.
Single-cell protein (SCP) is a promising alternative for replacing plant and animalderived dietary proteins. SCP contains essential nutrients and high levels of essential amino acids (AA). Given the versatility of microbial strains and waste substrates that can be used as feedstocks, many variations of production processes can be explored. Improving these microorganism strains by enhancing their properties and productivity is vital to increasing SCP competitiveness. One of the options to enhance microorganism strains would be by creating mutants with better AA profiles. By using mutagenesis and AA inhibitors it should be possible the create novel strains with improved AA-producing properties. The use of AA inhibitors to promote selective pressure on SCP-producing strains is a novel concept and is not a widely explored approach, therefore, the further development of this method should be explored. This paper used a multi-criteria decision analysis method to evaluate different technological factors vital for creating protein-rich mutants. These factors are microorganism strains, agro-industrial waste substrates used as process feedstocks, AA inhibitors, and mutagenesis methods. Microorganisms Candida utilis and Bacillus subtilis showed the highest potential for being used. Molasses was the ‘closest to the ideal’ substrate to be used as feedstock for SCP production. As the most promising mutagenesis method ethyl methane sulphonate was selected. Glufosinate ammonium and methionine sulfoximine for both bacteria and fungi were identified as the best inhibitors for SCP-rich mutant selection. Identified combinations of optimal solutions for microorganisms, substrates, inhibitors, and mutagenesis techniques should be further investigated and evaluated in laboratory settings. This could help to increase SCP's competitiveness as a sustainable protein source.
Experimental system for investigating processes of shock freezing of meat
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Mironovs, V.; Tatarinov, A.; Abayev, A.; Zemchenkovs, V.
Shock freezing affords reduction of freezing time, production of much smaller ice crystals that preserves the tissue structure and nutritional value of the product. The advantage of using ultrasonic bulk waves for monitoring the freezing process is the ability to trace the dynamics of changes in the properties of the meat tissue directly using ultrasound velocity, attenuation and the waveform shape. The purpose of the study was to create an experimental freezing system with follow up ultrasound propagation parameters in meat specimens during shock freezing. The samples were frozen by the electric pipe-freezing unit Frigo 2F-Zero of REMS with the temperature control by a calibrated thermocouple. Ultrasonic signals were recorded continuously by a custom-made ultrasonic setup in the through transmission mode using a pair of 2.5 MHz transducers mounted on a calliper-based probe. The following trends were observed during the freezing stages. Ultrasound velocity decreased in lean meat and increased in fatty meat with cooling at temperatures above zero. Rapid drop of ultrasonic signals at temperatures below zero associated with the beginning of the crystallization process and the presence of both liquid and crystal components. Ultrasonic signals increased as the samples were completely frozen and ultrasound velocity increased to values close to those in icy bodies. Differences in ultrasonic parameters on a time scale during freezing were revealed for lean and fatty meat samples demonstrating a possibility to investigate specific freezing regimes for different types of meat.
Spatial variability of chlorophyll and NDVI obtained by different sensors in an experimental coffee field
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Silva, S.A.S.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Figueiredo, V.C.; Volpato, M.M.L.; Machado, M.L.; Silva, V.A.; Matos, C.S.M.; Conti, L.; Bambi, G.
The objective of this research was to study the spatial variability of NDVI and chlorophyll sampled by different sensors, as well as to evaluate the correlation between them in a coffee field. The study was carried out on a coffee farm located in the municipality of Três Pontas, Minas Gerais. A sampling grid containing 30 points was created for the study area. Each sampling point was represented by one plant, which was georeferenced by a GNSS RTK. For each sample plant, NDVI and chlorophyll were obtained by the optical and active sensors GreenSeeker and ClorofiLOG, respectively. In addition, it was carried out a flight with an RPA equipped with a passive and multispectral sensor. Using the data obtained by active sensors, a geostatistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the spatial variability of NDVI and chlorophyll. The geostatistical analysis verified the existence of spatial dependence for the two attributes, and thus it was possible to generate spatialization maps through kriging. The images obtained by the passive sensor resulted in five multispectral orthomosaics, making it possible to calculate the NDVI, thus generating a spatialization map of this index. It was possible to observe in the generated maps, points that presented a certain similarity and for this purpose a correlation analysis was carried out for the values of each attribute, sampled directly in the maps, and in different sampling grids (30, 60, 90 and 120 points). By analyzing the Pearson coefficient (R) it was possible to quantify the level of correlation between the data obtained by the different sensors and through the t test it was possible to find significant correlations between them.
Seasonal sequestration capacity of chernozem under different agrotechnological impacts in agrocenosis
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Bulgakov, V.; Gadzalo, I.; Pascuzzi, S.; Demydenko, O.; Holovach, I.; Ihnatiev, Ye.; Olt, Jüri; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Forestry and Engineering
The soil's sequestration capacity is primarily determined by the fine-dispersed fraction of the soil and strongly influences the properties and fertility level of the soil. To assess the sequestration capacity of C-CO2 humus in soil formation and fertility of typical chornozem (black soil), to identify the causes, rates, existing limits of the sequestration capacity decrease, it is important to study the seasonal dynamics of qualitative and quantitative indicators of humus state in time depending on the method of tillage and fertilization in agrocenoses of short rotation crop rotations in the central part of the Forest-Steppe region of Ukraine. During the research, a stationary field experiment was conducted to study the influence of methods of soil cultivation and fertilizer application on the sequestering capacity of chornozem. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the content of humus and to calculate the seasonal reserves of absorbed carbon and phosphorus and to model the absorption capacity of chernozem. When processing with chisel plows and applying fertilizers, the increase in the C-CO2 reserve during the April-July period was +21 t ha-1 (0–0.2 m) and +36 t ha-1 a (0–0.3 m). Under moldboard plowing, the growth tended to increase by 1.52 times (0–0.2 m) and 1.25 times (0–0.3 m), but occurred at a lower quantitative level, and in the period July-September, the change in the humus C-CO2 stock was insignificant, indicating the predominance of C-CO2 sequestration processes in the summerautumn period with chisel plowing. With chisel plowing, the reserve of labile organic substances (LOS) in April exceeded the stock for plowing in the thickness of 0–0.3 m by 4.34–7.67 times (without fertilizers), 1.5–2.76 times (with fertilizers); in July - by 4.59–8.90 times (without fertilizers) and 1.32–3.16 times (with fertilizers); in September - by 4.52–4.04 times (without fertilizers) and by 1.11–1.93 times (with fertilizers), and the C-CO2 stock of the LOS compared to fallow land under chisel plowing without fertilizers in April, July, and September was 1.59–1.78 times, 2.31–3.29 times, and 1.4–1.78 times higher, and under fertilization - by 1.99–2.0, 1.86–4.50, and 1.7–2.6 times, respectively, depending on the seasons. Under fallow land maintenance, the seasonal dynamics of the C-CO2 stock of the LOS is subject to the seasonal dynamics of Porg(LOS). A direct strong correlation was found at the level of R = +0.89 ± 0.02; R2 = 79. In the period April-July, the decrease of Porg(LOS) stock in the thickness of 0–0.2 m was found to be 1.15 times, and in the thickness of 0–0.3 m - 1.1 times. From summer to autumn, the stock of Porg(LOS) was restored, and the stock in the thickness of 0–0.3 m increased by 1.10 times. Conclusions. Trends in C-CO2 stocks of humus and LOS indicate that in the series plowingchiseling-fallow land, the cyclicality index under chisel plowing was closer to the value of the seasonal cyclicality of fallow land than the seasonal cyclicality under plowing, which indicates the restoration of the CI. Trends in C-CO2 stocks of humus and LOS indicate that in the series plowing-chiseling-fallow, the index of cyclicality under chisel plowing was closer to the value of the seasonal cyclicality of fallow land than the seasonal cyclicality of plowing, which indicates the restoration of the ISC. However, the timing of changes in the Porg(LOS) stock indicates that in the series plowing-chiseling-fallow, chisel plowing is directed to fallow land by its seasonal cyclicality. The general regularity of seasonal cyclicality for all parameters of humus condition lies in the fact that a decrease in the values of ISC, as in fallow land or under moldboardless tillage, indicates the ordering of ISC, and an increase in the index of cyclicality to destruction, as under plowing.
Supplementary data to the article " In search of the best technological solutions for creating edible protein-rich mutants: a multi-criteria analysis approach "
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Berzina, Indra; Raita, Svetlana; Kalnins, Martins; Spalvins, Kriss; Kuzmika, Iveta; Riga Technical University, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment
Supplementary data to the article " In search of the best technological solutions for creating edible protein-rich mutants: a multi-criteria analysis approach ".
The impact of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts ratio on fermentation and taste of kvass
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Pisponen, Anna; Andreson, Helena; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. Chair of Food Science and Technology
Kvass, a non-alcoholic beverage derived from rye malt or special rye bread through natural fermentation, traditionally involves yeast in the production process. However, the introduction of various lactic acid bacteria (LAB) accelerates fermentation and imparts a distinctive taste and aroma to the kvass. This research aimed to optimize the ratios of LAB to baker’s yeast in kvass to enhance its fermentation, sensory qualities, and physicochemical properties, thereby improving its acidic flavour and overall acceptability. Baker's yeast and three commercial LAB strains were used for fermenting the kvass wort made of dried rye bread. The experimental design focused on four distinct inoculation ratios: 100% LAB, 50% LAB:50% yeast, 80% LAB:20% yeast, and 100% yeast. Key parameters such as pH, dry matter content, and titratable acidity were monitored over 12, 14, and 16 hours of fermentation, with a detailed sensory analysis conducted on the 80:20 LAB to yeast ratio kvass samples that were fermented for 14 hours and then cooled. It was found that varying the ratios of LAB and yeast significantly affected the fermentation process. Extended fermentation times, particularly with higher LAB ratios, led to more pronounced acidity and sensory characteristics. Optimal microbial balances, notably the 80% LAB to 20% yeast ratio, enhanced kvass's flavour profile and physicochemical properties, suggesting a tailored approach to fermentation can improve kvass's quality and consumer acceptance. These variations, alongside significant strain- and species-related differences, highlight the importance of microbial balance in enhancing kvass's acidic flavour and overall acceptability.
Development of innovative energy drink based on cold brewspruce sprout and its comparison to commercial energy drinks
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Karklina, K.; Ozola, L.; Ibrahim, M.N.G.; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. Chair of Food Science and Technology and ERA-Chair for Food (By-) Products Valorisation Technologies
Commercial energy drinks have high content of caffeine and sugar that can lead to various health problems. Spruce sprouts could have beneficial effects on human health. This research aims to prepare alternative energy drinks with less caffeine and sugar that are based on spruce sprout, cold brew, and fruit juice. In the study, three commercial energy drinks were used - RedBull original (RBo), RedBull zero sugar (RBzs), and RedBull Tropical fruits (RBt) - and three spruce sprout - cold brew energy drinks were prepared. The spruce sprout - cold brew energy drinks were - cold brew coffee 96.8% with spruce sprout juice 3.2% (SCB), cold brew coffee 25% with orange juice 71.8% and spruce sprout juice 3.2% (SCBo), and cold brew coffee 25% with apple-aronia juice 71.8% and spruce sprout juice 3.2% (SCBaa). All energy drinks were evaluated for their Vitamin C content, titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, colour evaluation, total phenolic content, and anti-radical activity by DPPH. The results showed that Vitamin C increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 30 times in the spruce sprout - cold brew energy drinks (104–244 mg 100 g-1), compared to its content in commercial drinks (4.23–6.24 mg 100 g-1). Comparing the total phenolic content in commercial energy drinks (6.67–10.69 mg GAE 100 g-1), its content increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 20 times in the spruce sprout - cold brew energy drinks (128.46–253.93 mg GAE 100 g-1). In conclusion, spruce sprout - cold brew energy drinks could be considered as an alternative to commercial energy drinks.
Advancing patient safety competencies in nursing education: an examination of student attitudes
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Sepp, Jaana
In nursing, patient safety is of paramount concern, requiring the development of well-defined competencies among nursing students and the early integration of safety principles into curricula. This study aimed to explore nursing students' perceptions regarding patient safety, offering valuable insights for curriculum developers. The main research questions were: What are the perceptions of nursing students regarding patient safety, and how can this information be useful for curriculum developers in improving students' safety knowledge and developing the curriculum in this direction? The Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire (APSQ III) was employed to gather data due to its established reputation as a comprehensive and reliable instrument for assessing student attitudes in patient safety. The questionnaire was thoughtfully distributed to first-year nursing students with work experience in the healthcare field. The study revealed that students consider patient safety important and perceive its implementation as dependent on multidisciplinary teamwork and error reporting. Based on students' perceptions, nursing educators should increase the presence of patient safety courses in the nursing curriculum, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach and enhancing competencies related to critical thinking. This includes improving skills in error reporting, organizing practical training, and mastering the use of standardized terminology. In conclusion, the study underscores the necessity of redefining nursing competencies, early integration of patient safety principles, the significance of research, and the role of assessment tools in shaping attitudes toward patient safety in nursing education.
Use of compost from a compost barn installation as organic fertilizer
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Laurindo, G.M.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Damasceno, F.A.; Ferraz, P.F.P.; Neto, P.C.; Castro, R.P.; Silva, J.X.; Barbari, M.; Becciolini, V.
Organic fertilization is a profitable option and an environmentally correct alternative. The compost barn confinement system generates an organic material that can be applied to fertilize crops used to produce food for dairy cattle. This work objective is to evaluate the use of this material as an organic fertilizer. For the tests, sunflowers were planted in 15 L pots made up of ¾ soil and ¼ sand, kept in a greenhouse and four doses of fertilizer were tested (0, 5, 25 and 125 g/pot), using organic compost generated by a compost barn with Holstein dairy cows. The tests showed positive results for plant growth and development and for grain production for all doses, with a significant difference only for the 125 g dose, which presented an average number of leaves of 15.96, stem diameter of 12.5 mm and thousand seed weight of 28.63 g. It was found that there was greater plant growth and greater grain filling with an increase in the fertilizer dose, proving the positive effects on the plant of using organic compost from a compost barn.
Use of geostatistical analyses for wheat production areas throung the variables NDVI, surface temperature and yield
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Abreu, A.L.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Morais, R.; Bento, N.L.; Conti, L.; Bambi, G.; Ferraz, P.F.P.
Geostatistics is a crucial tool for data analysis in the field of precision agriculture, allowing the characterization of spatial variability magnitude, optimizing profitability and yield in agricultural areas. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the spatial dependence of the variables yield, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and surface temperature in winter wheat plants. This was achieved through fitting semivariograms with different statistical models and interpolating the study variables using Ordinary kriging. The experiment was conducted at Fazenda Santa Helena, located in the municipality of Lavras in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with a 12-hectare winter wheat crop of the TBIO Calibre variety. Data were collected using a grid sampling method at different stages of wheat plant growth (tillering and elongation). The analyzed variables included yield, NDVI, and surface temperature. Statistical analyses were performed using the R software. Initially, the spatial dependence of the study variables was analyzed by fitting semivariograms using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method and considering spherical, exponential, and gaussian models. The evaluation of errors was carried out through cross-validation, and subsequently, the data interpolation was performed using ordinary kriging with the best-fitted semivariogram model. The results demonstrated a proper fit of semivariograms for the study models, with the spherical model standing out for surface temperature variables (elongation and tillering), NDVI (tillering), and the exponential model for NDVI (elongation) and yield. Therefore, the use of geostatistics is emphasized as an important tool to assist in precision agriculture management in winter wheat crops.
Digital marketing and communication strategies of agri-food enterprises on social media platforms
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Konoplyannikova, M.; Radkevych, L.; Netreba, M.; Bilan, M.; Lorvi, I.; Nahorna, O.
This article explores the dynamic evolution of digital marketing and communication strategies within agricultural enterprises across diverse social media platforms amidst the industry's ongoing transformation. Employing a comprehensive approach, including detailed case studies and a mix of quantitative and qualitative analyses, the study investigates how these strategies enhance online presence, stakeholder engagement, and overarching marketing goals. Utilizing an advanced econometric model, the research uncovers statistical relationships, revealing the quantitative impact of digital marketing and social media on revenue generation for agricultural enterprises. The results highlight the effectiveness of a nuanced blend of content marketing, community building, and targeted advertising in boosting visibility and engagement. Beyond statistics, the study identifies key propositions for optimizing digital strategies in agriculture, emphasizing tailored content, data analytics, and the integration of emerging technologies. By scrutinizing the dynamic interplay between digital marketing and communication dynamics within the agricultural landscape, the research contributes theoretical insights and practical recommendations. Serving as a guiding compass for stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers, the study offers a roadmap for leveraging the transformative potential of digital strategies in the evolving agricultural industry. This research provides valuable guidance for stakeholders aiming to harness the synergies between digital marketing and communication strategies, ensuring a holistic approach to navigating the complexities of the digital landscape within the agricultural sector.
The effect of the calibration of the spiral feeder and the type of feed pellets on the precision of its dosing
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Chlebowski, J.; Gaworski, M.; Nowakowski, T.
When feeding dairy cows, there is a need for precise dosing of concentrate feed. The quality of the feed dosing process is influenced by the physical properties of the feed material and the accuracy of the feeder calibration. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of the accuracy of calibration of the spiral feeder and the type of granulated feed on the precision of dosing feed material at the feeding station. The study used a feeding station intended for feeding cattle, equipped with a spiral feeder with a feed rates of up to 1 kg min-1. Three types of feed material with different granule diameters were used for the tests. The characteristics of the feed pellets included their bulk density, diameter and length of the pellets. In the study, the accuracy of the feeder calibration was related to the number of feed mass measurements obtained in the calibration procedure. Options for three and six mass measurements were included. The tests were performed for two feed rates, i.e. 0.3 and 0.4 kg min-1. In order to determine the accuracy of feed dosing by the spiral feeder, the dosing accuracy index was calculated. The research results were subjected to statistical analysis. A statistically significant impact of calibration on the accuracy of feed dosing was found. In the study, increasing the diameter of the granules was accompanied by an increase in the accuracy of its dosing.
Evaluation of phenolic compound composition of Sambucus nigra berries grown in Latvia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Avena, A.; Ozola, L.; Keke, A.
Phenolic compounds in agricultural raw materials can vary within a species and can be affected by a combination of such factors as growing region, weather conditions and fruit ripeness. Climatic differences between the southern, central and northern parts of Europe can cause differences in the phenolic compounds present in the plant. The research was aimed to investigate the phenolic compounds of berries of Sambucus nigra varieties grown for commercial production in Latvia. During the study four elderberry varieties were analysed - ‘Haidegg 17’, ‘Korsör’, ‘Haschberg’ and ‘Emma’. All samples were analysed for total phenolic compound content (TPC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity and individual phenolic compounds. In addition, sample pH and total soluble solids (TSS) were measured. Results showed that ‘Emma’ berry samples had the highest value of TSS content - 10.5% (°Bx) and the lowest pH value - 3.65. The variety ‘Korsör’ showed the lowest TSS content - 8.1% (°Bx) as well as the lowest TPC and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, the variety ‘Haschberg’ showed the highest pH value. The variety ‘Haidegg 17’ stood out with a high TPC. In total six phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the analysed samples - gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. According to the obtained results, it was evident that the indicators for some parameters differ from the information available in the literature about the composition of berries of crops grown in other regions. This suggests that it is worth further researching elder tree varieties grown in northern climate.
Evaluation of photosynthetic variables of Brachiaria brizantha under eucalyptus canopies in a livestock-forestry integration system
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Oliveira, J.R.; Hüther, C.M.; Ricardo, R.A.K.; Donagemma, G.K.; Batista, I.; Correia, M.E.F.; Muller, M.D.; Melo, P.S.; Corrêa, G.M.; Rodrigues, N.F.; Tavares, S.R.L.
Livestock sector generates significant environmental impacts despite its global economic importance. The current challenge is to find sustainable ways of boosting this sector, while mitigating the negative impacts of this activity. In Brazil, degraded pastures are common because of inadequate management, damaging the soil. Integrated livestock-forestry (ILF) systems combine forest species and pastures in the area, incorporating elements of sustainability. In this system, the tree species is related to the productivity of the pasture, as the shade generated by the canopy creates different light conditions, influencing the photosynthetic activity of the forage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the luminosity of the understory of an ILF system on the photosynthetic activity of the forage species Brachiaria brizantha in the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil. Transient chlorophyll a fluorescence and chlorophyll concentration were analysed in forage plants grown in consortium with Eucalyptus urograndis (Clone 1407), with spacing of 4m between trees and 24m between tree rows. Two treatments were established based on light conditions: the control treatment, corresponding to the condition with the highest light corresponded to the pasture row, and the treatment with the lowest light, corresponding to the area under the canopy. The results show that the low light supplied to the forage plant, during the experiment period, under eucalyptus canopies, promotes changes in the intensity of chlorophyll a fluorescence and chlorophyll concentration, indicating low efficiency of the electron transport chain and changes in leaf nitrogen content, due to a possible stress situation.

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