bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive discounting control: a new aeration control method.
Authors: Darby J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Aeration is a common and flexible grain storage tool that is experiencing increased demand in Australia at present. This is due to interest in drying wet grain, preserving specific quality attributes, non-chemical insect suppression, and preventing spoilage during storage. For most benefits, an aeration system must change the grain moisture or temperature at the time of inloading to suitable levels throughout the whole store. Different levels are required for different aims. The grain-conditioning performance of any aeration system is dependent on the local weather, and a key part is the control of the air-selection process. The climate of most grain-producing areas across Australia allows properly sized aeration equipment to condition grain to beneficial moistures and temperatures, if the air-selection process is controlled accordingly. However, control methods that specifically target moistures and temperatures are not currently available. A new aeration-control method that conditions grain to moisture and temperature targets is described in this paper. This new method is called adaptive discounting control (ADC) and will implement all modes of aeration: drying, cooling and maintenance. The method offers the capacity to target out-turned grain moisture and/or temperature conditions, high thermodynamic efficiency, a 'user friendly' interface, and a simple but sound technical basis. The ADC method is based on the sequential propagation of fronts through the grain bulk until the target average grain condition is achieved. A 'discounting' action adjusts the air-selection process to maximize the propagation rate and 'smooth out' the grain conditions at the target values selected. The air-selection process is linked to the size of the aeration system without feedback sensing by entering some basic system parameters during installation of the controller. Some results are presented of two trials carried out in different locations in Australia for drying and cooling actions. Results to date illustrate that the method is effective. Commercial licences with 3 companies are being pursued for manufacture of the control method.
Commercial development of STORECHECK, fully integrated PC-based aeration monitor, controller and decision support for UK grain stores.
Authors: Cook D. A. , Watts P. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Laboratory and field experiments demonstrated the feasibility of accurately controlling low-volume aeration and monitoring physical conditions, integrated with decision support. The system under development comprises sensors networked to PC software that can be operated remotely, with feedback for fan relays. Logged temperatures in CSV format allowed detailed record keeping and analysis using Microsoft Excel software. Automatic fan control based on grain/ambient differentials achieved the fastest cooling profile, falling well within the cooling rate recommended for UK grain stores. Alternative methods for avoidance of condensation were evaluated. Accurate online moisture content measurement was achieved by psychrometry. Sample decision-support modules to provide an encyclopaedia and risk assessment were constructed and evaluated. The developing system is commercially available from Robydome Electronics Ltd., UK under the brand name of STORECHECK.
QualiGrain expert system for stored grain quality maintenance: planning optimal storage technical routes.
Authors: Ndiaye A. , Ndiaye S. , Fleurat-Lessard F. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The maintenance of cereal quality is a complex problem due to the interaction between biotic and abiotic factors in the stored grain ecosystem. The biotic factors (germination, insects, moulds and mites) provide information on the quality of the grain. The abiotic factors (time, temperature, moisture content, impurities and insecticides) influence the dynamics of biotic factors and provide information on grain storage conditions. The planning problem is to control the abiotic factors with a view to keeping storage conditions safe. The QualiGrain preventive approach includes four steps: assessment of the initial quality and condition of the grain; planning the optimal storage technical route; monitoring grain condition during storage; and re-planning the storage technical route if the grain condition drifts out of safe storage conditions. In the planning module, we use the biotic factors as state variables, the abiotic factors as control variables and the storage actions as actions of the plan. A storage action (drying, cooling, cleaning, treating with an insecticide or selecting a bin) is executable if the equipment and/or chemical(s) needed are available. 'Dry grain using the medium drier MD1 to reach 14.5% of moisture content' and 'Store grain in the vertical bin VB4', for example, are executable storage operations. The planning method is hierarchical, with two levels: (a) generation of generic storage plans, and (b) refining the generic storage plans taking into account time, the equipment available and the consumables allowed. An optimal storage technical route gives a plan of the storage actions to be executed during the storage period with the estimated safe storage interval after each action of the plan. A prototype of an expert system, QualiS, has been developed, running on Windows on a personal computer. The advice afforded by the decision support system has been validated by storage specialists before and after pilot-scale experiments in Denmark and the UK.
The performance of an isothermal desiccant bed system for cooling stored grains.
Authors: Thorpe G. R. , Chen L. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This paper describes a system that is based on an open-cycle desiccant bed cooling system that can reduce the wet-bulb temperature of ambient air. The energy consumption of the device is approximately 0.7 kWh of electrical energy per tonne of grain cooled and the thermal energy consumption is approximately 35 MJ per tonne. It is estimated that this thermal energy can be supplied by transpired solar collectors that have an area of 0.1 m2 per tonne of grain cooled.
Assessment of a relative-humidity sensor for the monitoring of moisture-content changes in stored malting barley through sorption equilibrium models.
Authors: Ndiaye A. , Berhaut P. , Niquet G. , Jacobsen E. E. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

We have assessed a relative humidity sensor in five storage bins equipped with temperature sensors and filled with malting barley. Three bins were aerated with ambient air and two were not aerated. The moisture content (m.c.) of grain was measured and also calculated from automatically measured relative humidity and temperature, using the modified Chung-Pfost equation and a new one, the Jacobsen equation. The Jacobsen equation gives better results than the modified Chung-Pfost equation. The greatest discrepancy was under adsorption (cooling aeration) conditions. The difference from the measured moisture content is +2.3% m.c. to the calculated moisture content using the modified Chung-Pfost equation and +1% m.c. using the Jacobsen equation; a gap of 1.3% m.c.
Wet maize (Zea mays L.) drying under continuous nitrogen flow.
Authors: Valentini S. R. de T. , Cia P. , Muñoz V. R. S. , Castro M. F. P. P. M. de , Vitali A. de A. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The adoption of a combined system for drying and storage of grain using continuous nitrogen flow is a technological advance that combines distinct steps of pre-processing. This results in a reduction of postharvest costs, as continuous flow is applied directly to the freshly harvested grain, stored in drying silos, where it is kept until put on the market. The present work aims to evaluate the efficiency of continuous N2 flow at ambient temperature, at a concentration of 99%, in the drying of freshly-harvested maize with an initial m.c. of 19.5% (wet basis). The flows applied were 4 and 8 litre/minute, and drying was achieved in a minimum of 24 h and a maximum of 144 h. As N2 has low vapour pressure, it is necessary to first establish the flow pressure of the gas and then to recirculate it through the product to achieve uniform drying and avoid overdrying the grain in the lower layers. From the results, it is concluded that N2 had drying potential in a combined system for drying and storage of maize. Further studies have to be carried out to verify the effect of N2 flow during drying, and later in storage under modified atmosphere, on toxigenic moulds and insect pests.
"Silobag": evaluation of a new technique for temporary storage of wheat in the field.
Authors: Bartosik R. E. , Rodriguez J. C. , Malinarich H. E. , Maier D. E. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

During the past five years, Argentine farmers have faced a shortage of storage capacity and high costs of sending grain to the elevator during the harvest. To reduce costs and get some extra profit through grain segregation, farmers in increasing numbers are choosing to store grain in the field in 67-m long plastic 'silobags', each holding approximately 200 tonnes of grain. During 2001, more than 1.5 million tonnes of maize, soyabeans and wheat were stored this way, and it is expected in the coming years that this will increase to approximately 7 million tonnes. In January 2001 (summer) two bags were filled with wheat at 12.5 and 16.4% average moisture content. The grain was stored in the field for six months until winter. Temperature, moisture content, test weight, germination, baking quality, CO2 concentration and insect activity were the main evaluation parameters. Wheat stored at 12.5% moisture content suffered no deleterious effects in any of the quality parameters during storage. Wheat stored at 16.4% moisture content was negatively affected with respect to baking quality and seed viability. There was no increase of the grain temperature due to self-heating, and no insect activity was detected during the storage period.
Management of community grain stocks in dryland areas of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Authors: Jayaraj K. , Reddy T. , Adolph B. , Hodges R. J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

In Indian villages, many households rely for their food security on the government-sponsored Public Distribution System (PDS) that offers relatively poor quality rice or wheat at low prices. However, even in the medium term, the cost of public sector grain management to ensure food security is unsustainable. For this reason, central and state authorities in India have encouraged research into policy and practical guidelines for village-level food security. The approach was to develop grain banks with groups of landless women in dryland areas of Andhra Pradesh, India, where the cereal staple is Sorghum. These self-help groups were formed with the help of a local NGO. The research partners in this exercise were seeking to understand the situation, characteristics and needs of the village communities, recognizing that any initiative in community storage should be developed through a process in which demand is established and the way of working elaborated within the group. The sustainability of this approach will become apparent over next few years. The strong emphasis on group formation and the development of appropriate systems by the group itself should encourage a high degree of "ownership" and give a greater chance of success than experienced with grain banks in the Sahel since the 1970s.
Value of spatial analysis in pest management, from the perspective of a pest control operator.
Authors: Weier J. A. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Spatial analysis to identify and locate stored product insect infestations is a valuable tool, but the economics of the pest control industry mean that its application in retail grocery and pet stores is limited by cost. The possible integration of spatial analysis into smaller scale integrated pest management in this sector is discussed, with some pointers to further research to extend the usefulness of the technique. A trial conducted from 1999-2001 comparing high-density and low-density trapping of Plodia interpunctella in a raw food commodity warehouse to establish moth spatial distribution is described.
Soil quality of organically managed citrus orchards in the Mediterranean area.
Authors: Canali S. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Soil quality can be defined as the capacity of a soil to function, whilst maintaining the environmental quality and promoting plant and animal health. It also refers to the capability of soil to function at present and in the future for an indefinite period of time. Soil quality is a basic concept in the sustainable management of any agricultural system aimed at producing, avoiding or reducing negative effects on the environment, preserving resources and saving energy on a medium- or long-term basis and its assessment might be considered a means for the evaluation of the environmental sustainability of agricultural systems. A study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of the introduction of organic farming system to the environmental sustainability of organic farming in Southern Italy, with the assessmentof soil quality of conventionally and organically managed citrus orchards. The study was carried out by a field survey, based on a comparative approach at a regional basis and by a farm-level experimental trial. The results obtained indicated an increase of the soil quality on organically managed citrus orchards, thus indicating that the introduction of an organic farming management system may contribute to the increase of the environmental sustainability of citrus production in Southern Italy.
Energy balance comparison of organic and conventional farming.
Authors: Dalgaard T. , Kelm M. , Wachendorf M. , Taube F. , Dalgaard R. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This paper presents five examples with energy balance comparisons of organic and conventional farming systems (in crop production and dairy farming) in Denmark and Germany. In general, the examples show that conversion to organic farming leads to a lower total fossil energy use and, consequently, to lower greenhouse gas emissions. However, the exemplified organic farming practices also resulted in a lower amount of production per area of agricultural land, a different product quality, and eventually another product price than per unit of similar conventional products. Therefore, direct comparisons of the two systems are difficult. It is recommended that policy makers include fossil energy issues in the evaluation of impacts from organic compared to integrated or conventional farming systems. The examples from intensive farming systems in Denmark and Germany show promising results, where conversion to organic farming might serve as a measure to conserve fossil energy resources for the use of future generations and for the development of less industrialized areas of the world. The challenge is to find the optimal type and extent of conversion, matched with other environmental and socioeconomic consequences.
The organic market in OECD countries: past growth, current status and future potential.
Authors: Hallam D. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

This paper considers some features of the market for organic foods in OECD countries and the consumer attitudes towards organic products and their implications for future market development. It draws on findings of a major FAO study of world markets for organic fruit and vegetables and on recent preliminary work on market developments for organic meat and dairy products. It is concluded that, in general, further growth in the market for organic foods is to be expected and demand growth might be expected to exceed supply growth, resulting in a continuation of premium prices for organic products. However, this does not preclude the possibility of the emergence of excess supplies and falling prices at particular times and locations. More importantly, expansion of the market involves changes in its nature, and specifically, differences in the attitudes of consumers and the dominant types of business. These are likely to lead to pressure on prices, narrowing the gap between organic and conventional products. They also pose challenges to marketers to attract new consumers and to producers to control costs and improve competitiveness.
Organic agriculture and national legislation in Turkey.
Authors: Özkan M. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Turkey is one of the most suitable countries for organic agriculture due to its ecological and climatological conditions. Organic agriculture in Turkey started in the 1980s due to demand from importing countries. Dried sultanas, apricots and figs were the first exported crops grown organically. Most of the products are grown in the Aegean region. Since then, organic production has expanded to all regions and various crops have been grown. However, dried fruits are still the main products for export. Until 1994, organic agricultural production and exports in Turkey were regulated according to EU Regulation 2092/91. In 1994, a national regulation on organic agriculture was prepared and published in harmony with the EU regulations. The National Regulation of 1994 was revised according to the amendments of the EU Regulation and a new Turkish regulation named "Regulation on Principles and Application of Organic Agriculture" was published on 11 July 2002.
Organic agriculture in Japan: development of a labelling scheme and production policies.
Authors: Yokoi Y. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Policy development on organic agriculture and future perspectives in Japan are discussed. The general public is now greatly concerned about food safety issues owing to the recent incidents of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and the detection of excess pesticide residues and the use of prohibited pesticides. Policies on organic farming and organic food have been developed in terms of the "JAS Organic" accreditation system and technological support of organic farming. While there is potential for further shifts to organic agriculture, more technical support will be needed. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, having shifted agricultural policy to give high priority to consumers, is to provide more administrative as well as technical support for organic agriculture.
From conversion payments to integrated action plans in the European Union.
Authors: Lampkin N. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Organic farming is an approach to agriculture that emphasizes environmental protection, animal welfare, sustainable resource use and social justice objectives, utilizing the market to help support those objectives and compensate for the internalization of externalities. Although organic farming as a concept has existed for over 80 years, only since the mid-1980s has it become the focus of significant attention from policy-makers, consumers, environmentalists and farmers in Europe. In 1991, the EU introduced legislation to define organic crop production (EC Reg. 2092/91) followed by livestock production in 1999 (EC Reg. 1804/1999). Consumer demand for organic food has risen sharply, leading to the active involvement of multiple retailers and substantially higher prices at the farm gate than those received in the conventional sector. A more widespread application of policies for supporting conversion to and continued organic farming came into effect in 1992 when support to organic farming was included as one measure in the agri-environment programme (EC Reg. 2078/92), an accompanying measure of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform. This has been continued under the Agenda 2000 rural development programme (EC Reg. 1257/1999). As a result, policy support for organic farming is now widely available across Europe, in recognition of its contribution to surplus reduction, environmental and rural development policy objectives. These factors have contributed to substantial growth in supply, helping market development by increasing availability of products and raw materials, but in some cases also leading to oversupply problems and downward price pressures. As a consequence, more emphasis is now being placed on the development of action plans at local, national and EU levels, integrating supply-push and demand-pull policy measures. This paper documents the development of the organic sector, reviews the support policies in the various EU countries prior to and after the reforms of the CAP in 1992 and 2000, and discusses likely future directions in policy development.
The influence of the EU Common Agricultural Policy on the competitiveness of organic farming.
Authors: Offermann F. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strongly influences the economic framework of agriculture in the EU, contributing to a significant share of farm receipts. Organic farms tend to receive higher total payments than comparable conventional farms due to support from agri-environmental programmes. However, due to differences in production structures, they receive fewer payments from the general schemes like arable area payments and livestock headage premia, which were introduced as part of the 1992 CAP reform. As yields in organic farming are lower, organic farms are also likely to gain less from the still widespread use of price support measures. Still, the CAP reforms have significantly increased the competitiveness of organic farming relative to conventional farming. While the introduction of direct support to organic farming in all EU member states was probably the single most important change. Modifications of the general support schemes also play a decisive role in this development. The replacement of price support by partly decoupled payments favours extensive farming systems. The introduction of premiums for set-aside has especially benefited organic arable farms. Initial calculations indicate that further decoupling as envisaged in the current discussion of future reforms of the CAP, such as grassland premiums or general uniform area payments, will considerably increase the financial attractiveness of organic farming in the EU.
Norwegian experience with conversion and support payments for organic farming.
Authors: Orlund K. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

The development of organic farming is an integral part of Norwegian agricultural policy. Governmental conversion and support payments to organic farmers have been, and still are, important tools to reach the political goals established for organic farming in Norway. Norwegian experiences with conversion and support payments directed towards organic producers is the main focus of this paper. The paper describes how the subsidy system in Norway has emerged and the impact support payments have had on the development of organic farming. The subsidies are especially effective in increasing acreage demanding productions, but are not effective in enhancing acreage-intensive productions. Conversion and support payments can be effective tools to steer the development in the right direction but they are not effective if used as the only development tools.
Lianas and gap-phase regeneration: implications for forest dynamics and species diversity.
Authors: Schnitzer S. A. , Bongers F. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

In this chapter, the authors focus primarily on the role of lianas in gap-phase regeneration following a treefall, a process that is thought to be important to overall forest regeneration and diversity. A brief background on gap-phase regeneration, outlining what it is and how it is hypothesized to work, is followed by a discussion of the role of lianas in gap-phase regeneration and how lianas can drastically alter the commonly assumed pathway of gap-phase regeneration. In the next section major theories are described and tests of how treefall gaps can maintain species diversity in tropical rainforests. Some applied research is reviewed on the role of lianas in post-logging gaps that are created during forest management and timber harvest.