Fate and risks of potentially toxic elements in wastewater-fed food production systems—the examples of Cambodia and Vietnam

Non-treated wastewater is used for irrigation of aquatic food production systems in the peri-urban areas of the major cities in Southeast Asia. This paper complement the knowledge on agricultural soil-based crops irrigated with low quality water, by reviewing the research findings on the wastewater-fed aquatic productions with special focus on heavy metals and other potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the production systems of Hanoi in Vietnam and Phnom Penh in Cambodia. In Hanoi, sediments in the wastewater exposed rivers of Hanoi were reported to be polluted with PTEs, in particular with Cadmium (Cd). The river sediment had a high retention capacity for PTEs which seems to prevent the transport of PTEs to the wastewater-fed production systems. In Phnom Penh, domestic and industrial wastewater is pumped into the Cheung Ek Lake located south of the city. A major part of the water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.) consumed in the city is produced in the lake. The concentrations of some PTEs were elevated at the wastewater inlets to the lake compared to concentrations at the lake outlet and at the control site. Water spinach is by far the major vegetable produced in the wastewater-fed systems in Hanoi and Phnom Penh, but did only contain PTEs in concentrations within or slightly above the concentration range observed for water spinach grown in agricultural soil not exposed to wastewater. PTE concentration in fish grown in wastewater-fed systems in Hanoi and Phnom were low. However, mean PTE concentrations in liver and skin of some fish were high. Consumption of muscle tissue from fish produced in wastewater-fed systems in Hanoi and Phnom Penh resulted in an estimated intake of PTEs amounting to less than 9% of the tolerable intake. It was concluded, that the PTE concentrations in fish and water spinach from Hanoi and Cheung Ek Lake in Phnom Penh constituted low food safety risks for consumers.     

Availability and use of feed resources in crop–animal systems in Asia

Feed resources and nutrition constitute the principal technical constraints to ruminant production in Asia. Four main categories of feed resources are potentially available for use in smallholder crop–animal systems. These are pastures (native and improved grasses, herbaceous legumes and multi-purpose trees), crop residues, agro-industrial by-products (AIBPs), and non-conventional feed resources (NCFRs). Priorities for the use of crop residues in terms of nutrient potential and animal species are indicated. Of the technologies developed to improve the nutritive value of crop residues, more attention has been given to chemical treatment of cereal straws than to supplementation. However, a failure to demonstrate cost-effectiveness has discouraged on-farm adoption. The production of fodder from food crop systems and the establishment of multi-purpose trees and shrubs are potentially important for insuring adequate feed supplies for ruminants and improving soil fertility, but there has been limited adoption on small farms to date. Equally, there is significant potential for the more effective use of locally-produced AIBPs and NCFRs, all of which are under-utilised currently.     

A bio-economic model of small-ruminant production in the semi-arid tropics of the Northeast region of Brazil: Part 2—Linear programming applications and results

Survey data covering production systems for mixed farms in the Northeast region of Brazil has been synthesized within a linear programming (LP) framework. The resulting model contains activities covering the production of cattle, sheep and goats, and a vector of alternative cropping activities. Farm resources include two categories of grazing land, planted forages, family labour, two categories of hired labour, and working capital. The major livestock activities represented in the region were included as production options.Initial results did not discriminate between categories of available grazing resources. Therefore, cattle, by virtue of their higher dressing percentages and higher price per kilogram, were the optimal livestock species. A series of adjustments was then carried out to reflect types of feed resources and patterns of animal species selectivity. Optimal farm solutions for a representative traditional-production unit found objective function levels close to those found by farm surveys, but discrepancies between model results and the actual farm situations for sheep and goat activities. Model results excluded small-ruminant breeding activities because of the low net offtake at weaning levels assumed in the model. Data that became available after these initial model runs showed a higher net offtake level, and these revised coefficients resulted in optimal LP results very close to those actually found on farms.The model was then used to simulate the response of activities and farm economic performance to ‘good’ and ‘bad’ years defined by ± half standard deviation from mean annual levels of precipitation. Model results indicated much higher variability of farm income in response to weather than that found with changes in levels of technical efficiency of sheep and goat production.     

Why invest in minor projects in sub-Saharan Africa? An exploration of the scale economy and diseconomy of irrigation projects

It is well-known that major irrigation projects have a strong scale economy, handicapping irrigation development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) because of the difficulty in formulating large-scale projects. Using project-level investment cost and performance data of major and minor irrigation projects, this paper examines the causes of the economy of scale phenomenon. We find that strong scale economy exists not only for major but also for minor projects, i.e., small- and micro-scale, projects. This is largely because of the existence of indivisible overhead costs such as high-opportunity-cost human resources for planning, designing and engineering management and supervision. We also find that large differences between major and minor projects in the absolute level of overhead as well as construction costs creates a strong scale diseconomy and results in better performance of minor projects. The advantage of minor projects holds even when their higher risk associated with the water source is taken into consideration. We argue that there is an urgent need to promote irrigation development in SSA through developing minor projects, and to reduce the heavy burden of overhead costs by developing the capacity of human resources at the national, local and farmer levels in the fields of irrigation engineering, irrigation agronomy, institutional development, and micro water management technologies.     

Importance of calcium in irrigation with saline-sodic water — A viewpoint

Saline irrigation waters dominant in sodium salts limit the potential yield of agricultural crops directly by affecting physiological functions of plants and/or indirectly by degrading the soil environment. The vital role of calcium in the regulation of ionic relations in plants and in improving the soil physical condition offers the possibility of combating salinity by both physical manipulation of the soil environment and genetic manipulation of the plant.This paper discusses the physiological role of calcium as related to salt tolerance of crops and also its influence on the structural improvement of salt affected soils. Other aspects covered include the availability of soil calcium to plants and a formula to calculate calcium requirements. Future research needs on the use of calcium in irrigating with saline-sodic water are also indicated.     

Air mixing fans in a broiler building —Their use and efficiency

The effects were measured of air mixing fans on vertical temperature distribution in a clear span livestock building with heaters. The destratification which occurred was quantified in terms of mixing efficiency. The optimum numbers of fans used in several arrangements were determined and their mode of use, i.e. whether blowing upwards, downwards or horizontally, is discussed with recommendations. The most efficient method of mixing the air in a 12m wide clear span building of the type used for these tests, is with one 1·5 m diameter ceiling fan, blowing upwards at maximum speed, for each 12 m length of building.     

Survival of the fittest—genetic algorithms versus evolution strategies in the optimization of systems models

The use of numerical optimization techniques on simulation models is a developing field. Many of the available algorithms are not well suited to the types of problems posed by models of agricultural systems. Coming from different historical and developmental backgrounds, both genetic algorithms and evolution strategies have proven to be thorough and efficient methods in identifying the global optimum of such systems. A challenging herd dynamics model is used to test and compare optimizations using binary and real-value genetic algorithms, as well as evolution strategies. All proved successful in identifying the global optimum of this model, but evolution strategies were notably slower in achieving this. As the more successful innovations of each of these methods are being commonly adopted by all, the boundaries between them are becoming less clear-cut. They are effectively merging into one general class of optimization methods now termed evolutionary algorithms.     

Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil at Southeastern Edge of Anabasis salsa in Junggar Basin北大核心CSCD

【Objective】Soil is heterogenous and its physical and chemical properties vary spatiotemporally. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an experimental study on the physical and chemical properties of soil in Anabasis salsa in Gobi region at the southeastern edge of Junggar basin.【Method】We measured organic matter, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, electrical conductivity, pH and water content in soil at locations 5 cm and 10 cm from the center of shrubs, and 20 cm from the outer edge of shrubs.【Result】In horizonal direction, there was no significant difference in organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, electrical conductivity, pH and water content in the 0~50 cm soil at all locations. In vertical direction, the organic matter and total phosphorus in the proximity of the Anabasis salsa decreased monotonically along the soil profile, while the total nitrogen increased first with the depth followed by a decrease. Both electrical conductivity and pH increased with depth, and soil moisture peaked somewhere within the soil profile.【Conclusion】Our results showed that the physical and chemical properties of soil in Anabasis salsa did not show significant change in lateral direction but varied erratically in the vertical direction. © 2019 Authors. All rights reserved.     

Calculation of Irrigation Infiltration Recharge Coefficient and Analysis of Influencing Factors in the Lower Reaches of Aksu River北大核心CSCD

【Objective】In order to obtain the irrigation infiltration recharge coefficient in the lower reaches of Aksu river and improve the numerical simulation accuracy of groundwater in the study area,the influencing factors of the irrigation infiltration recharge coefficient in this area were analyzed. 【Method】In this paper,field sampling and indoor irrigation experiments were carried out by selecting representative points under different irrigation schemes,vadose zone thickness and soil structure in the lower Aksu area,and numerical simulation of vadose zone flow was carried out in combination with Hydrus-1d. Hydrus-1d model was used to calculate irrigation inflow under this soil structure by changing irrigation schemes and vadose zone thickness. Change of seepage recharge coefficient. On the basis of the calculation results of the model,the relationship between irrigation schedule,aeration zone thickness and irrigation infiltration recharge coefficient is analyzed firstly,and then the main factors affecting irrigation infiltration recharge coefficient in soil structure are analyzed with the method of model calculation and mathematical statistics. 【Result】The results showed that the irrigation infiltration recharge coefficient ranged from 0.320 to 0.474 under drip irrigation and from 0.408 to 0.561 under border irrigation. The irrigation infiltration recharge coefficient varied under different irrigation schemes,while the irrigation infiltration recharge coefficient decreased with the increase of aeration zone thickness. The main factors affecting irrigation infiltration recharge are soil permeability coefficient,soil bulk density and initial soil water content. 【Conclusion】According to indoor experiment combined with numerical model to calculate the irrigation infiltration coefficient under different irrigation system range, it is concluded that the influence factors of irrigation infiltration coefficient of irrigation system, the thickness of the vadose zone and reflects soil permeability coefficient of soil structure, soil quality and soil initial moisture content, volume for the downstream area irrigation infiltration coefficient selection in arid areas and provides the theory basis for further research. © 2019 Journal of Irrigation and Drainage. All rights reserved.     

The effects of crop load and irrigation rate in the oil accumulation stage on oil yield and water relations of ‘Koroneiki’ olives

The interactions between irrigation rates applied during the oil accumulation stage and crop load were studied in a six-year-old very-high-density Koroneiki (Olea europaea L.) orchard. Five irrigation rates, determined as thresholds of midday stem water potential, were applied from July 1st until harvest in 2008 and 2009 and from July 1st to the end of September in 2010. Oil yield increased with increasing crop load in all the irrigation treatments. Oil yield did not respond to increasing irrigation at very low crop load and the higher the crop load the higher the response to irrigation. There was no response to irrigation at the lowest crop loads, but the higher the irrigation rate the higher the oil yield at high crop loads. The predicted commercial oil yield at common fruit counts increased from 1.99 t/ha at the lowest irrigation rate to 3.06 t/ha at the highest irrigation rate. Stomatal conductance decreased with decreasing stem water potential but leveled off at 30–60 mmol m^?2 s^?1 at stem water potential values lower than ?4.0 MPa. High crop load increased stomatal conductance and decreased stem water potential relative to low crop load at low and medium irrigation rates. The effect of crop load on water relations became evident by the end of August and was well pronounced at the beginning of October. Physiological and irrigation water management implications related to the interactions between tree water status and crop load are discussed.     

Water–yield relations and optimal irrigation scheduling of wheat in the Mediterranean region

Crop yield is primarily water-limited in areas of West Asia and North Africa with a Mediterranean climate. Ten years of supplemental irrigation (SI) experiments in northern Syria were conducted to evaluate water–yield relations for bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.), and optimal irrigation scheduling was proposed for various rainfall conditions. The sensitive growth stages of wheat to water stress were from stem elongation to booting, followed by anthesis, and grain-filling. Water stress to which crop subjected depends on rainfall and its distribution during the growing season; the stress started from early March (stem-elongation stage) or even in seedling stage in a dry year, and from mid-April (anthesis) in an average or wet year. Crop yield linearly increased with increase in evapotranspiration (ET), with an increase of 160 kg for bread wheat and of 116 kg for durum wheat per 10 mm increase of ET above the threshold of 200 mm. Water-use efficiency (WUE) with a yield ≥3 t ha⁻¹ was ca. 60% higher than that with yield <3 t ha⁻¹; this emphasises the importance of that to achieve effective use of water, optimal water supply and relatively high yields need to be ensured. Quadratic crop production functions with the total applied water were developed and used to estimate the levels of irrigation water for maximizing yield, net profit and levels to which the crops could be under-irrigated without reducing income below that which would be earned for full SI under limited water resources. The analysis suggested that irrigation scenarios for maximizing crop yield and/or the net profit under limited land resource conditions should not be recommended. The SI scenarios for maximizing the profit under limited water resource conditions or for a targeted yield of 4–5 t ha⁻¹ were recommended for sustainable utilization of water resources and higher WUE. The time of irrigation was also suggested on the basis of crop sensitivity index to water stress taking rainfall probability and available soil water into account.     

Farmer participation in irrigation – 20 years of experience and lessons for the future

This article examines trends in the understandingof and policies toward farmer participation in irrigationmanagement over the past 20 years, with special attention toexperiences with induced participation and management transferprograms in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Senegal,Columbia Basin USA, and Mexico. Key lessons relate to the valueof social organizers as catalysts; the role of the irrigationagency as partner; and the enabling conditions for participation.As levels of income and infrastructure rise, we can expect moreformal organizations that enable farmers to deal with bankaccounts, service contracts, water rights, water markets, andadvanced technology in irrigation systems. The impact ofparticipation on irrigation performance needs to be evaluated notjust in terms of reductions in government costs, but by whetherimprovement in physical structures and farmers control overwater are great enough to offset the farmers costs ofparticipating.     

Evaluation and Driving Force of Water Resources Carrying Capacity in Dianchi Basin北大核心CSCD

【Objective】The purpose of this paper to explore the coordination relationship between the water resources carrying capacity of the Dianchi Lake Basin and the socio-economic development and environment of the basin. 【Method】Select the water resources, social economy and environment-related indicators to construct a comprehensive evaluation model for the water resources carrying capacity of the Dianchi Lake Basin. The trend of pressure index, bearing capacity index, coordination index and water resources carrying capacity index of the basin from 2011 to 2015 was calculated and analyzed. The factor analysis method was used to further evaluate the water resources carrying capacity of the basin, and the main factors extracted were used. The driving force model of water resources carrying capacity was constructed to identify the main driving forces that affect the water resources carrying capacity of the Dianchi Lake Basin. 【Result】The water resources carrying capacity index of Dianchi Lake Basin showed an upward trend from 2011 to 2015; The main driving forces of water resources carrying capacity in Dianchi Basin were human activity factors and natural factors, including urbanization rate, economic development factors and annual average temperature and annual. Precipitation. GDP per capita and annual precipitation wrer positive drivers, and urbanization rates and annual average temperatures are negative drivers. 【Conclusion】Based on the sustainable development of social economy and the coordinated development of water resources system, the construction of water transfer project from the outer basin to Dianchi Lake Basin should be increased to form a multi-water source combined water transfer pattern, and the population quantity should be controlled on the basis of ensuring vigorous economic development. Establish a sound water resource efficient allocation and unified scheduling scheme for multi-source water supply in the basin water resources system. © 2019 Office of Journal of Irrigation and Drainage, Farmland Irrigation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. All rights reserved.     

A bio-economic modelling project for small-scale milk production systems in South-East Brazil: Part 2—refinement and use of the model to analyse some short- and long-term management strategies

The further development and use of a bio-economic model to simulate small-scale dairy enterprises in South-East Brazil are reported.The account of animal nutrition has been refined to take account of protein requirements in addition to energy balance. A new version has been developed which allows for the inheritance of production traits.The model has been used to analyse the effects of short-term management decisions on feeding strategies and longer term breeding policies for herd development. It has been used, also, to examine the possibilities of culling for reproductive performance and the effects of a range of growth rates of replacement heifers on overall herd performance.     

Comparative study of Hargreaves’s and artificial neural network’s methodologies in estimating reference evapotranspiration in a semiarid environment

The Penman–Monteith equation (PM) is widely recommended because of its detailed theoretical base. This method is recommended by FAO as the sole method to calculate reference evapotranspiration (ET_o) and for evaluating other methods. However, the detailed climatological data required by the Penman–Monteith equation are not often available especially in developing nations. Hargreaves equation (HG) has been successfully used in some locations for estimating ET_o where sufficient data were not available to use PM method. The HG equation requires only maximum and minimum air temperature data that are usually available at most weather stations worldwide. Another method used to estimate ET_o is the artificial neural network (ANN). Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are effective tools to model nonlinear systems and require fewer inputs. The objective of this study was to compare HG and ANN methods for estimating ET_o only on the basis of the temperature data. The 12 weather stations selected for this study are located in Khuzestan plain (southwest of Iran). The HG method mostly underestimated or overestimated ET_o obtained by the PM method. The ANN method predicted ET_o better than HG method at all sites.     

Effects of Biochar for Abating Salt Stress and Promoting Seeding Growth of Winter Wheat in a Saline Soil北大核心CSCD

The surface soil of the Yellow River Delta is rich in salt, which makes the soil salinized, compact and barren. The salinization hazard with NaCl as the main component directly affects the quality of coastal soil. Adding biochar to saline-alkali farmland can improve soil properties and promote crop growth.【Objective】The purpose of this paper is to clarify the changes of soil salt ions and winter wheat seedling growth after adding biochar to saline soil.【Method】A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of low dose (0~4 g/kg) of Reed carbon on soil salt ions, potassium-sodium ratio in wheat seedlings, potassium utilization efficiency and seedling biomass.【Result】The application of biochar could reduce the salt ions in soil solution, increased the potassium-sodium ratio in the winter wheat seedlings and the potassium use efficiency of the wheat seedlings, and increased the seedling biomass of winter wheat; The salt reduction and the incremental effect under the addition of 4 g/kg biochar use was the most obvious. Compared with CK, the Na+ in soil solution decreased by 9.43%, the K/Na and potassium use efficiency of seedlings increased by 56.80% and 25.48%, respectively, and the biomass of wheat seedling increased by 15.72%.【Conclusion】Biochar application can promote the increase of biomass by holding Na+ in soil solution and increasing K/Na and potassium utilization of winter wheat seedlings. The research can provide a theoretical basis for the process mechanism of biochar for salt reduction and fertilization, increase efficiency and increase yield, and provide preliminary guidance for the feasibility of biochar for salinized soil improvement. © 2019 Office of Journal of Irrigation and Drainage, Farmland Irrigation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. All rights reserved.     

The Use of Brackish and Reclaimed Waste Water in Agriculture: A Review北大核心CSCD

Due to poor water resources management and appropriate water treatment technologies, freshwater resources depletion and water quality deterioration has made reclaimed waste water, brackish water and rainwater, called unconventional water, an important complementary resource for irrigation. However, due to its unique chemical quality, irrigating with unconventional water might lead to some detrimental impact on environment and impose health risks, which has attracted increased attention in both scientific and public community. This paper reviews the current situation of the usage of unconventional water resources for irrigation in both China and beyond, and summarized the potentially ecological risks of unconventional water, as well the national standards for regulating unconventional water irrigation. We also put forwards suggestions to improve safe and sustainable use of unconventional water resources for irrigation. © 2019 Authors. All rights reserved.