University of Minnesota, Duluth
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Influences of Mining on Water Quality
No full textStudy Objectives: 1. Review the literature on the relation of mining and ore processing to downstream water quality. 2. Summarize the findings of case studies on the effects of mining activities on water quality. 3. Assess the feasibility of a large scale statistical analysis on the relation of mining on downstream water quality. Case studies: Has Treatment Decreased Heavy Metal Load in the Upper Arkansas River? [and] Characterization of Heavy Metals in the San Juan River
Assessing the influence of farmers' socio-economic orientation on the adoption of recommended soil fertility management practices
No full textThis study examines how the socio-economic orientation of smallholder farmers influences their soil fertility management decisions. Smallholder farmers, numbering 100 from the Sekyere South District in the semi-deciduous forest and the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) District in the coastal savannah agroecological zones of Ghana, respectively, were involved in the study, which adopted the mixed-methods approach to assess their knowledge and awareness of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship (4RNS) and Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) strategies. A semi-structured survey instrument was used to explore how socio-economic factors such as level of education, age, land tenure, and access to technical and financial support influence the farmers’ soil fertility management decisions. The results revealed that 57.9% of farmers were aware of the ISFM, while 43.2% were aware of the 4RNS, indicating an information deficit. Nonetheless, about 77.6% of the farmers expressed the willingness to implement both soil fertility management approaches, contingent upon receiving sufficient technical training and financial assistance. The results confirmed that inadequate financial resources, limited access to technical expertise, educational attainment, and land tenure insecurity constrained, especially youthful and female farmers, from adopting recommended soil fertility management practices. Thus, farmers with higher levels of education were more likely to implement recommended soil fertility practices, while those without stable land tenure were less motivated to adopt the recommended soil fertility management strategies. The study demonstrated that the socio-economic orientation of smallholder farmers greatly influenced their adoption and investments in soil fertility management practices
Market hurdles and cooperative pathways: Transforming smallholder dairy cattle farming in Tanga region, Tanzania
No full textThis study investigates the determinants of cooperative participation among small-scale dairy farmers in Tanga Region, Tanzania, where cooperative involvement remains low despite its potential to enhance productivity and resilience. Grounded in Collective Action Theory (CAT), Social Capital Theory (SCT), and Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DOI), the study surveyed 302 dairy farmers using multistage sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Probit regression model. The results indicate that several factors significantly influence cooperative membership. Being male increases the likelihood of participation by 13 percentage points (p < 0.05), suggesting persistent gender disparities. Herd size and milk production both positively affect participation-each additional cow increases participation by 2 percentage points (p < 0.1); while every extra liter of milk adds 1.9 percentage points (p < 0.01). Participation in crop farming raises the probability by 23.7 percentage points (p < 0.01), reflecting how income diversification supports cooperative engagement. Importantly, farmers facing constraints in accessing veterinary services are 94.1 percentage points more likely to join cooperatives (p < 0.01), underscoring the value of cooperatives in providing livestock support. The model shows good explanatory strength (Pseudo R² = 0.286; Wald chi² = 503.87, p < 0.01). These findings highlight the need for gender-inclusive strategies, expanded veterinary services, and policies promoting integrated farming. Strengthening cooperative frameworks can improve participation and drive inclusive growth in Tanzania’s dairy sector
Building sustainable futures: the bio-based fertilizer case-study
No full textBio-based fertilizers (BBFs) can be a solution for converting agricultural waste into new products useful for increasing organic matter in the soil, thus reducing the consumption of mineral fertilizers. This can contribute to the ecological transition launched by the European Commission for the coming decades. Scenario analysis is an effective tool to assess the factors that can affect the development of the agri-food supply chain, evaluating the effects of their possible evolutions. The aim of this work is to draw plausible future scenarios for the BBF supply chain and to strengthen the consistency evaluation process of these scenarios. We built the scenarios considering both the literature and findings from stakeholder consultations. We then verified their consistency by adopting the Cross-Impact Balances (CIB) method, along with other techniques to better evaluate the consistency and plausibility of the narratives. The analysis provides stakeholders with information to evaluate possible future trends in the BBF supply chain. Monitoring the evolution of the identified drivers and maintaining constant and periodic discussions among stakeholders constitute the prerequisites for supporting the desirable future development of BBFs
Rebuilding strategies for food self-sufficiency: Portugal’s past patterns and future ambitions
No full textThis study analyses Portugal’s wheat productive capacity, exploring the reasons behind its recent steady decline despite achieving self-sufficiency in the 20th century. Using Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), which proved to be highly effective in the development of forecasting models, the research provides valuable insights for countries facing similar challenges in defining production strategies. By employing this approach, decision-makers can improve resource allocation, ensure food security, and foster a resilient agricultural sector. The findings highlight the importance of understanding wheat production dynamics within the European Union and aligning national strategies with the Union’s goals and policies. The analysis indicates that achieving self-sufficiency is possible, supported by productivity improvements and increased cultivation areas. However, realizing significant production growth demands the adoption of sustainable strategies. This research contributes to shaping informed agricultural policies, enhancing decision-making processes, and promoting a more sustainable and efficient food production system to meet future challenges
Economic viability of implementing a hydroponic system for lettuce using PRONAF resources in Matão-SP.
No full textThe Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) states that family farming, due to its great economic and social importance, receives public support and incentive policies in Brazil and worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the economic and financial viability of implementing a hydroponic system for lettuce production within a family farming context on a rural property in the municipality of Matão, SP. Hydroponics requires a high initial investment but offers advantages for leafy vegetable cultivation compared to traditional soil cultivation. The study was conducted according to the Brazilian concept of family farming, and to obtain financial resources, the possibility of using financing from the PRONAF Mais Alimentos program, amounting to eighty thousand reais, was evaluated. This credit line provides resources for investments in machinery and equipment with low interest rates, a 3-year grace period, and 10 years for repayment. The economic analysis used Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and discounted payback period. Using the applied methodology and a minimum acceptable rate of return (MARR) of 7%, it was possible to find a project NPV of R$ 101,862.76. The IRR was 30.1% per annum. The return on investment was achieved in just 4 years, demonstrating high viability for project implementation
Cost and sensitivity analysis in silage production
No full textIn order for producers to choose the correct alternatives among different forage sources, it is necessary to know the production cost as well as the factors that most impact cost formation. Therefore, the objective was to survey the production cost, the economic impact, and the productivity losses of corn silage. To this end, seven silage production systems located in the state of São Paulo and 11 systems in the state of Minas Gerais were used. The data collection period was from September 2015 to May 2016. The effective operating cost was composed of expenses for soil analysis, lime, diesel fuel, fertilizers, seeds, herbicides/insecticides, plastic sheeting, inoculants, and miscellaneous expenses. The total cost of producing corn silage in the 2015/16 season was R 104.71 per ton of green matter. Inputs (seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides) were the most significant cost items, followed by harvesting and ensiling, planting and cultural practices, and soil preparation. Sensitivity analysis showed that the cost was 1.92 times higher considering different yields and loss percentages, with the lowest cost being R 157.32
Management for pricing in buffet projects in southern Minas Gerais
No full textIn a highly competitive market, effective cost management is fundamental for correctly pricing projects in the catering and event industry. The objective of this study was to identify the resources used and determine the costs involved in these projects, in order to correctly determine their selling price, using management accounting tools and best practices in project cost management. Information was collected from professionals working in the field through interviews. The results obtained for the selling price took into account the time value of money, using best practices in project management and its tools, which can be used in any type of project and in various areas of knowledge, with a standard of norms, methods, and procedures, thus broadening the systemic view of the entire process to obtain a better result
Economic return of citrus farming versus grain cultivation in the Paranapanema region - SP
No full textGiven the current scenario of the Brazilian economy, agriculture has proven to be attractive and sustainable, especially when compared to other sectors, encouraging new investments in the field. However, for both traditional producers and novice investors, there is a huge variety of crops and production systems available. In this context, the Paranapanema region, in the state of São Paulo, stands out in irrigated grain production, and its citrus farming is constantly growing. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate and compare the economic return of citrus farming with irrigated grain crop rotation. The parameters used were Net Present Value [NPV], Internal Rate of Return [IRR], Net Uniform Value [NUV], Profitability Index [PI], and Discounted Payback. For risk assessment, a statistical evaluation of random numbers generated through the Monte Carlo method was used. The resulting data showed that the orange crop obtained a projected NPV of R 902,977.92, with a 7.05% chance of resulting in a negative net present value. Despite the low probability of obtaining an NPV < 0, there is still a risk that the ventures will present negative intermediate cash flows, and that the producer will be forced to resort to resource reserves or raising capital through rural credit, both alternatives generating impacts on the final result. Given the above, although both projects are viable, citrus farming demonstrated a greater economic return for the rural producer