Mechanical properties decay and morphological behaviour of biodegradable films for agricultural mulching in real scale experiment

The use of plastic materials in agriculture causes the serious drawback of huge quantities of waste. The introduction of biodegradable materials, which can be disposed directly into the soil, can be one possible solution to this problem. Biodegradable materials are actually innovative materials; therefore, their physical properties must be evaluated in relation to their functionality during the use in field. In the present research results of experimental tests carried out on biodegradable films used in strawberries protected cultivation are presented. The decay of some relevant physical parameters of biodegradable films during the cultivation period was monitored by laboratory tests (SEM analysis, mechanical tensile tests and infrared reflectance spectroscopy). Infrared spectroscopy clearly indicated that the mechanical degradation starts from the starch component of the material. Tensile tests showed that the value of elongation at break of biodegradable materials decreased in some cases by 300% after 10 days of field application.     

Agro-industrial waste enzymes: Perspectives in circular economy

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted each year, equivalent to approximately one-third of world production. Agri-food wastes are the source of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and other essential minerals that have been exploited for value-added products by the development of biorefineries and sustainable business as important elements of circular economies. The innovation and materialization of these types of processes, including the use of disruptive technologies on microbial bioconversion and enzyme technology, such as nanotechnology, metabolic engineering, and multi-omics platforms, increase the perspectives on the waste valorization process. Lignocellulolytic enzymes, pectinases, and proteases are mainly used as catalyzers on agri-food waste treatment, and their production in house might be the trend in near future for agro-industrial countries. Another way to transform the agri-food wastes is via aerobic or anaerobic microbial process from fungal or bacterial cultures; these processes are the key to produce waste enzymes.     

节能型日光温室增加效益的途径及其可持续发展

从结构优化、优质、高产、节能等几方面论述了节能型日光温室增加效益的途径及其可持续发展问题．     

贵州高原喀斯特山区农业生态旅游开发研究雏议

本文就农业生态旅游的定义，研究目的、方法学、任务及战略进行了论述，并以贵州高原喀斯特山区为例，对开发其农业生态旅游中的一些基本问题，借助多学科与系统分析方法进行分析和讨论。最后，对贵州高原存在的主要农业生态旅游资源类型作了划分，认为只有在保护自然与文化资源同时维持环境质量的前提下，通过农业生态旅游开发，发展多样化经济，提高人均收入，才能确保资源合理开发与经济的可持续发展。     

毕节地区农业科学研究所图书资料室的现状及发展对策

分析了毕节地区农业科学研究所图书资料室的现状和存在的问题,从图书资料室的馆藏文献、网络化、数据库、服务体系及人才队伍建设等方面提出了发展对策。     

The enormity of the zinc deficiency problem and available solutions; an overview

The societal cost of micronutrient deficiency (MND) or the “hidden hunger” is in millions of dollars/year, reducing the GDP of some countries by as much as 11%. Zn is an important micronutrient for both plants and animals. An estimated 17% of the world population, or around 1.1 billion people, are at the risk of zinc (Zn) deficiency. The deficiency has been related to adverse pregnancy outcomes, stunted growth, premature deaths, immune system dysfunctions, neuro-behavioral disorders, and recently with the failure to recover from COVID-19. These health risks associated with Zn deficiency have compelled FAO and WHO to recommend Zn fortification of diet. Correcting Zn deficiency is a challenge due to several reasons. Close to half of the agricultural soils are Zn deficient, and chemical Zn fertilizers are costly and ineffective. Developing Zn-rich crops through plant breeding and genetic engineering is challenging. Zn-dense diet is costly and cannot be implemented in the low-income region most affected by Zn deficiency. Lack of consensus among regulatory bodies on defining and diagnosing Zn deficiency in plants and Humans. Awareness and other sociocultural issues. Among the most important available solutions are zinc biofortification of the cereal crops, use of zinc biofertilizers, development of Zn-efficient crops with reduced phytate content. The use of Zn supplements, dietary modification, and diversification, especially with fish, are proposed as the most accessible and affordable solutions. Awareness programs in areas suffering the most from Zn deficiency are required. Despite the suggestions from FAO and WHO, global efforts to combat Zn deficiency matching those for combating diseases like HIV are not in place. Coordinated efforts of the international community, especially policy-makers, agricultural scientists, dieticians, physicians, and others, are required to address the issue of hidden hunger.     

Recent advances in biodegradable matrices for active ingredient release in crop protection: Towards attaining sustainability in agriculture

Climate changes, emerging species of plant pests, and deficits of clean water and arable land have made availability of food to the ever-increasing global population a challenge. Excessive use of synthetic pesticides to meet ever-increasing production needs has resulted in development of resistance in pest populations, as well as significant ecotoxicity, which has directly and indirectly impacted all life-forms on earth. To meet the goal of providing safe, sufficient, and high-quality food globally with minimal environmental impact, one strategy is to focus on targeted delivery of pesticides using eco-friendly and biodegradable carriers that are derived from naturally available materials. Herein, we discuss some of the recent approaches to use biodegradable matrices in crop protection, while exploring their design and efficiency. We summarize by discussing associated challenges with the existing approaches and future trends that can lead the world to more sustainable agricultural practices.     

凉山州用地与养地结合模式浅析

通过对凉山州不同地区、不同生产条件用地与养地模式的探讨,提出了应采取的农业耕作法则,总的目的是达到土地生产能力的持续稳定提高,为人类提供丰富的食品资源,满足人类生产、生活和社会发展的需求。     

我国水资源可持续发展模式探讨

分析了我国水资源特征，针对中国水资源发展所面临的问题，运用可持续发展理论，说明我国水资源发展走可持续发展道路是唯一选择，并提出具体发展模式。     

广西石山地区生态农业现状及评价

广西石山地区位于桂西北和桂西南,自然条件较恶劣,农业生产较落后,经济发展缓慢,部分村屯处于封闭式半自给的小农经济,部分群众的温饱亟待解决。我们拟从资源利用现状,农、林、牧、副、渔各业发展的状况以及农田生态系统的功能,立体农业的模式等方面,应用生态学和生态经济学的观点予以分析和评价。