• Title/Summary/Keyword: agricultural challenges

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Outdoor Applications of Hyperspectral Imaging Technology for Monitoring Agricultural Crops: A Review

  • Ahmed, Mohammad Raju;Yasmin, Jannat;Mo, Changyeun;Lee, Hoonsoo;Kim, Moon S.;Hong, Soon-Jung;Cho, Byoung-Kwan
    • Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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    • v.41 no.4
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    • pp.396-407
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    • 2016
  • Background: Although hyperspectral imaging was originally introduced for military, remote sensing, and astrophysics applications, the use of analytical hyperspectral imaging techniques has been expanded to include monitoring of agricultural crops and commodities due to the broad range and highly specific and sensitive spectral information that can be acquired. Combining hyperspectral imaging with remote sensing expands the range of targets that can be analyzed. Results: Hyperspectral imaging technology can rapidly provide data suitable for monitoring a wide range of plant conditions such as plant stress, nitrogen status, infections, maturity index, and weed discrimination very rapidly, and its use in remote sensing allows for fast spatial coverage. Conclusions: This paper reviews current research on and potential applications of hyperspectral imaging and remote sensing for outdoor field monitoring of agricultural crops. The instrumentation and the fundamental concepts and approaches of hyperspectral imaging and remote sensing for agriculture are presented, along with more recent developments in agricultural monitoring applications. Also discussed are the challenges and limitations of outdoor applications of hyperspectral imaging technology such as illumination conditions and variations due to leaf and plant orientation.

Environmentally Friendly Hybrid Power System for Cultivators

  • Kim, Sang Cheol;Hong, Young Ki;Kim, Gook Hwan
    • Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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    • v.39 no.4
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    • pp.274-282
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    • 2014
  • Purpose: In this study, a hybrid power system was developed for agricultural machines with a 20-KW output capacity, and it was attached to a multi-purpose cultivator to improve the performance of the cultivator, which was evaluated using output tests. Methods: The hybrid system combined heterogeneous sources: an internal-combustion engine and an electric power motor. In addition, a power splitter was developed to simplify the power transmission structure. The cultivator using the hybrid system was designed to have increased fuel efficiency and output power and reduced exhaust gas emissions, while maintaining the functions of existing cultivators. Results: The fuel consumption for driving the cultivator in the hybrid engine vehicle (HEV) mode was 341 g/KWh, which was 36% less than the consumption in the engine (ENG) mode for the same load. The maximum power take off output of the hybrid power system was 12.7 KW, which was 38% more than the output of the internal-combustion engine. In the HEV mode, harmful exhaust gas emissions were reduced; i.e., CO emissions were reduced by 36~41% and NOx emissions were reduced by 27~51% compared to the corresponding emissions in the ENG mode. Conclusions: The hybrid power system improved the fuel efficiency and reduced exhaust gas emissions in agricultural machinery. Lower exhaust gas emissions of the hybrid system have considerable advantages in closed work environments such as crop production facilities; therefore, agricultural machinery with less exhaust gas emissions should be commercialized. However, the high manufacturing cost and complexity of the proposed system are challenges which need to be solved in the future.

Balancing Water Supply Reliability, Flood Hazard Mitigation and Environmental Resilience in Large River Systems

  • Goodwin, Peter
    • Proceedings of the Korea Water Resources Association Conference
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    • 2016.05a
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    • pp.1-1
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    • 2016
  • Many of the world's large ecosystems are severely stressed due to population growth, water quality and quantity problems, vulnerability to flood and drought, and the loss of native species and cultural resources. Consequences of climate change further increase uncertainties about the future. These major societal challenges must be addressed through innovations in governance, policy, and ways of implementing management strategies. Science and engineering play a critical role in helping define possible alternative futures that could be achieved and the possible consequences to economic development, quality of life, and sustainability of ecosystem services. Science has advanced rapidly during the past decade with the emergence of science communities coalescing around 'Grand Challenges' and the maturation of how these communities function has resulted in large interdisciplinary research networks. An example is the River Experiment Center of KICT that engages researchers from throughout Korea and the world. This trend has been complemented by major advances in sensor technologies and data synthesis to accelerate knowledge discovery. These factors combine to allow scientific debate to occur in a more open and transparent manner. The availability of information and improved communication of scientific and engineering issues is raising the level of dialogue at the science-policy interface. However, severe challenges persist since scientific discovery does not occur on the same timeframe as management actions, policy decisions or at the pace sometimes expected by elected officials. Common challenges include the need to make decisions in the face of considerable uncertainty, ensuring research results are actionable and preventing science being used by special interests to delay or obsfucate decisions. These challenges are explored in the context of examples from the United States, including the California Bay-Delta system. California transfers water from the wetter northern part of the state to the drier southern part of the state through the Central Valley Project since 1940 and this was supplemented by the State Water Project in 1973. The scale of these activities is remarkable: approximately two thirds of the population of Californians rely on water from the Delta, these waters also irrigate up to 45% of the fruits & vegetables produced in the US, and about 80% of California's commercial fishery species live in or migrate through the Bay-Delta. This Delta region is a global hotspot for biodiversity that provides habitat for over 700 species, but is also a hotspot for the loss of biodiversity with more than 25 species currently listed by the Endangered Species Act. Understanding the decline of the fragile ecosystem of the Bay-Delta system and the potential consequences to economic growth if water transfers are reduced for the environment, the California State Legislature passed landmark legislation in 2009 (CA Water Code SS 85054) that established "Coequal goals of providing a more reliable water supply for California and protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Delta ecosystem". The legislation also stated that "The coequal goals shall be achieved in a manner that protects and enhances the unique cultural, recreational, natural resource, and agricultural values of the Delta as an evolving place." The challenges of integrating policy, management and scientific research will be described through this and other international examples.

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Present Situations and Future Prospects of Sericulture in China

  • Yiren, Li
    • International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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    • v.1 no.2
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    • pp.87-90
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    • 2000
  • This paper has reviewed the China Sericulture history in the 20th century. On the basis of the current sericulture production, sericulture area distribution, problems and challenges, it has been forecasted that China sericulture will be developed as following points: 1) On a stable basis, cocoon production increased gradually to a suitable amount; 2) Quality cocoon production bases established to form a regionalized, industrialized and specialized sericulture structure; 3) With increase of householding rearing capacities, rearing facilities improved; 4) Production efficiency raised and silk product quality improved through technical innovation; 5) New and diversified products developed from Sericultural resources with new and high technologies.

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Nutrient Synchrony: Is it a Suitable Strategy to Improve Nitrogen Utilization and Animal Performance?

  • Yang, Ji-Young;Seo, J.;Kim, H.J.;Seo, S.;Ha, Jong-K.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.23 no.7
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    • pp.972-979
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    • 2010
  • The objective of this paper was to review recent studies on nutrient synchrony and the effects of synchronization of energy and N supply in the rumen on nitrogen utilization and animal performance. Theoretically, synchronization of energy and N supply in the rumen should allow more efficient use of nutrients by rumen microbes, increase microbial protein and fermentation end products, and thus increase available nutrients in the small intestine. Efficient use of nutrients possibly improves animal performance and reduces nutrient excretion to the environment. However, a number of studies showed contradictory results in microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen retention and animal production performance. Since there are additional challenges to nutrient synchrony that must be addressed, further research is required to apply the nutrient synchrony concept directly to the field situation.

Eliminating Waste : Strategies for Sustainable Manure Management - Review -

  • Richard, T.L.;Choi, H.L.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.12 no.7
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    • pp.1162-1169
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    • 1999
  • Modern livestock production facilities face both challenges and opportunities with respect to sustainable manure management practices. Nutrient recycling is constrained by the size of modern livestock operations, the low nutrient density of liquid manures, and the spatial and temporal variability of manure nutrient concentrations. These constraints can and must be addressed or farmers will be increasingly drawn to nutrient wasting strategies such as anaerobic lagoons, wetlands, and other systems designed to treat and discharge nutrients to the environment. Intentional discharge of nutrients is difficult to justify in a sustainable agricultural production system, since replacing those nutrients through chemical fertilization requires considerable expenditure of energy. In contrast, there are several currently viable technologies which provide the homogenization and stabilization needed to successfully compete against chemical fertilizers, including composting, pelletization, and anaerobic digestion. Some of these technologies, particularly anaerobic digestion and composting, also open up increased opportunities to market the energy and nutrients in manure to non-agricultural uses. Future advances in biotechnology are likely to demonstrate additional options to transform manure into fuels, chemicals, and other non-agricultural products.

Direct Payment Policy in Less-favored Areas and Its Challenges in Rural Japan (일본 중산간지역 직불제 추진 실태 및 시사점)

  • Park, Duk-Byeong;Jang, Myun-Ju;Lee, Min-Soo
    • Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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    • v.13 no.2
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    • pp.357-373
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    • 2006
  • The study aims to explore the individual and group agreement of the direct payment of less-favored areas in Japan. This study was conducted by literature review, specialist interview and field visiting. The results of this study were as follows. First, direct payment policy in Japan was consisted of three components which were to maintaining multiple functions, to reorient agriculture sector, and to revitalizing the community activities. Second, the purposes of direct payments with conversion program is to reorient agriculture and revitalize the community activities which were changed from sustaining existing agriculture. Third, the conditions of group agreement is to make a agreement that a group of farmers should make a five-year agreement stipulating activities necessary to prevent the abandonment of farmland and to be more than one hector, and good agricultural practice or other activities favorable or friendly to environment should be implemented. As individual and group agreement, the land area of direct payment was 662,000 ha in less favored areas. In conclusion after direct payment in less favored areas, the abandonment of farmland was mitigated, and the agricultural production activities and community activities had become more vigorous through the discussion for planning their own land in the village.

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Effect of temperature on the development of Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

  • Kim, Seonghyun;Park, Haechul;Park, Ingyun;Han, Taeman;Kim, Hong Geuan
    • International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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    • v.35 no.2
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    • pp.106-110
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    • 2017
  • The developmental responses of insects to temperature are important considerations in gaining a better understanding of their ecology and life histories. Temperature dependent models permit examination of the effect of temperature on the geographical distributions, population dynamics, and management of insects. The measurements of insect developmental and survival responses to temperature pose practical challenges that depend. The developmental characteristics of A. diaperinus were investigated at four temperature regimes (20, 25, 30 and $35^{\circ}C$), a relative humidity of 60%, and a light:dark photoperiod of 16:8h. The developmental time from larva to adult was 129.0, 49.8, 40.5 and 31.9 days at temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and $35^{\circ}C$, respectively. Pupal rate was 80.0%, 100%, 83.3% and 91.7% at temperatures of 20, 25, 30 and 35 respectively. There is an increasing need for a standardized manual for rearing this. Pupa had significantly lower weights at $35^{\circ}C$ than at the other temperatures. Female pupae (20mg) were significantly heavier than male (17mg).

Prospect of FTA and Trade of Agricultural Products between Korea and China (한.중 FTA 추진에 따른 농산물교역의 과제와 대응방안)

  • Bae, Ki-Hyung;Cho, Sung-Je
    • International Commerce and Information Review
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    • v.12 no.3
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    • pp.167-195
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    • 2010
  • The global financial crisis, the instability of the global economy since the beginning of the growing economic interests of the countries to adjust to establish a new economic system was set up on occasion. Meanwhile, standing in the international trade environment, multilateral system of international trade for the country as the cumulative fatigue of open markets and trade liberalization as an alternative to lead the free trade agreements between countries. Currently in Korea and China, in addition to the geographical proximity in all areas, including economic exchanges and mutually dependent relationship that is deepening the world's No. 1 exporter in China and overseas investors have become partners. FTA with China by promoting the growth of emerging economies in the Chinese market by securing a stable economic growth of China as a driver of economic growth in the country to utilize the plan is being promoted from. This study is currently being promoted, in a discussion of the FTA's agricultural trade measures to address the challenges and poems. Agricultural trade with other goods to be different from the specificity of the discussion of market opening and liberalization of trade has been recognized in the main essentially nothing. We promote an FTA, according to one review and discuss the background and trends of the agricultural trade in a market, through the analysis of the status and trends and present problems for future bilateral trade negotiations with Korea for agricultural markets and propose countermeasures for. Agricultural trade, during a discussion of the FTA is essentially nothing in the review is expected to expand the bilateral trade in agricultural products, while protecting its agricultural markets to be trying to policy implications.

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Effects of organic amendments on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth and soil chemical properties in acidic and non-acidic soils

  • Yun-Gu Kang;Jun-Yeong Lee;Jun-Ho Kim;Taek-Keun Oh;Yeo-Uk Yun
    • Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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    • v.50 no.4
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    • pp.713-721
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    • 2023
  • Soil acidification challenges global food security by adversely influences soil fertility and agricultural productivity. Carbonized agricultural residues present a sustainable and ecofriendly way to recycle agricultural waste and mitigate soil acidification. We evaluated the effects of organic amendments on lettuce growth and soil chemical properties in two soils with different pH levels. Carbonized rice husk was produced at 600℃ for 30 min and rice husk was treated at 1% (w·w-1). Carbonized rice husk increased soil pH, electrical conductivity, total carbon content, and nitrogen content compared with untreated and rice husk treatments. Furthermore, this study found that lettuce growth positively correlated with soil pH, with increasing soil pH up to pH 6.34 resulting in improved lettuce growth parameters. Statistical correlation analysis also supported the relationship between soil pH and lettuce growth parameters. The study findings showed that the use of carbonized rice husk increased the constituent elements of lettuce, such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphate content. The potassium content of lettuce followed a similar trend; however, was higher in acidic soil than that in non-acidic soil. Therefore, improving the pH of acidic soil is essential to enhance agricultural productivity. It is considered advantageous to use agricultural residues following pyrolysis to improve soil pH and agricultural productivity.