Linker (The Journal of Emerging Research in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)

Development of Integrated Solar-Powered Wireless Smart IoT-based Water Level Monitoring Embedded System

2024-06-24T00:48:24+00:00

Agriculture has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile internet. These advancements have greatly improved farm efficiency and profitability by simplifying operations, reducing costs, and enhancing production management. This progress is especially evident in irrigation, where traditional methods often lead to water waste and inefficiency. Smart farming solutions using IoT are crucial for addressing these challenges. In this study, the researchers developed a prototype for a solar-powered, wireless IoT-based water level monitoring system designed to optimize irrigation in paddy fields. This system included an ultrasonic sensor for precise water level measurement, a microcontroller for data processing, wireless modules for data transmission, and a solar power unit to ensure continuous operation, even without sunlight. They integrated these components and tested the system under controlled conditions to assess its performance. The testing demonstrated that the system could measure water levels with 99.50% accuracy and could operate for up to 15 hours on stored solar energy, even without sunlight. These findings suggest that the system can provide precise, real-time control over water distribution, minimizing waste and improving irrigation efficiency. The broader implications of this research indicate that IoTbased technologies can significantly enhance sustainable farming practices. Efficient water management can help address critical issues such as water scarcity and food security. Future work should focus on detailed cost analysis and real-world field evaluations to ensure the system’s practicality and effectiveness before conducting broader pilot tests in diverse agricultural environments.

Verification of Mungbean and Cowpea in Broiler Chicken Diets

2024-06-24T00:57:02+00:00

The study aimed to investigate the feasibility of replacing the traditional soybean-based protein source with alternative plant proteins, especially mungbean and cowpea, in broiler diets to support outscaling initiatives in Region 02. Soybean, the prevalent protein source in broiler nutrition, poses economic and environmental challenges. This research addresses the growing need for sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. The control group received a conventional soybean-based diet, while the experimental groups were provided with diets in which soybean was totally replaced by mungbean and cowpea. Key growth performance indicators, such as broiler weight, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rates, were monitored throughout the study. The result revealed that soybean was statistically significant among the two alternative protein sources; however, broilers fed with mungbean and cowpea-based diets demonstrated satisfactory weight gain and feed conversion ratios, with no apparent adverse effects on overall health. This study’s findings support the feasibility of reducing dependence on soybean by incorporating mungbean and cowpea as alternative protein sources in broiler diets for outscaling initiatives in Region 02. These findings hold promise for achieving sustainability and cost-efficiency in broiler production, as well as diversifying agricultural practices. While soybeans may show more significant results in terms of traditional metrics such as growth performance indicators, mungbean and cowpea typically had lower production costs compared to soybean. They often require fewer inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, which can contribute to overall cost savings in cultivation. Mungbean and cowpea, being potentially more adaptable to local climates and conditions, can
reduce reliance on expensive imports.

Establishment of an Integrated Agro-Industrial Special Economic Zone on Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST) Model in Isabela State University (ISU), Cabagan Campus, Philippines

2024-06-24T03:01:23+00:00

The existence of a Special Economic Zone in the universities will improve the knowledge and skills of graduates and will create job opportunities for them. Isabela State University Cabagan Campus possesses a potential for KIST development due to its vast land holdings and strategic location. This study aimed to identify the policies and standards of establishing KIST Special Economic Zones to come up with a master plan that follows SEZ standards. Through stakeholder meetings, a proper consultation was made on the magnitude of the development which resulted in the inclusion of desired parks among the residents in the master plan. The survey showed that development shall consist of mid-rise buildings since this is the most preferred type of development among the respondents with mixed-use development for economic benefit. Personal interviews with ecozone development experts were very informative on the restrictions and strategies that may affect the design of the development like the provision of green architecture. The existence of the ISU Cabagan Agro-industrial Center is very important to sustain the needs of the agricultural research and production of the Province of Isabela. It can be concluded that the acceptability of the establishment of KIST ecozone development is highly acceptable from the respondents. All development plans shall follow its carrying capacity to avoid urban sprawl along the university
campuses. This study could be submitted to the SEZ Director of the University for the application of a KIST ecozone development of ISU Cabagan to PEZA.

Outscaling of Rice-Based Farming System (Rice + Duck) in Claveria, Cagayan

2024-06-24T02:22:20+00:00

The threat of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of climate change necessitate outscaling relevant matured technology like a rice-duck farming system that would directly complement and sustain the Department of Agriculture’s initiatives in food security. Hence, a study was conducted at the Municipality of Claveria, in Barangay Union and Mabnang. Two demonstration plots of rice+ducks with a total area of 1,000 m2 were established in both barangays. Ducks controlled weeds and golden apple snails at the same time improved the structure of the soil. From the targeted 100 farmers capacitated, the project exceeded by 35% due to the interest of the community to participate in the riceduck technology. The project launched three Cagayan Valley Duck Delights recipes which opened as business opportunities to farmers and
were transferred to Union and Mabnang Duck Raisers Association and two restaurants from Abulug and Claveria, Cagayan. The result of the project signifies the efficiency of integrating ducks in the irrigated rice ecosystem which is comparable to the yield of rice alone. The study built community awareness that Muscovy ducks are beneficial in rice farming and, likewise, created business opportunities; hence, the project was expanded to four barangays in Claveria, Cagayan with the full support of the Mayor in LGU-Claveria to adopt the introduced technology.

Assessing the Level of Beneficiaries’ Participation: A Case of Medicinal and Food Plants Extension Project

2024-06-24T02:59:45+00:00

The level of participation of the beneficiaires in the medicinal and food plants extension project was assessed using the typology of participation such as passive participation, participation by consultation, functional participation, and empowered participation. All three barangays are within Cabagan, Isabela: Angancasilian, Catabayungan, and Cubag,
consisting of 37 respondents comprising three barangay chairmen, three barangay health workers, and 31 project beneficiaries. Guided survey questionnaire which was translated in vernacular dialect (Ybanag), key informant interviews (KII), and focus group discussions (FGD) were employed during the conduct of the research. The participation of the project beneficiaries resulted in empowerment in the planning stage. However, there was less participation during the implementation phase due to the use of mediated communication. This modality affected the level of participation of the beneficiaries because of the lack of face-toface interaction between implementers and beneficiaries. It also demonstrated empowered participation during the monitoring and evaluation phase. The salient result of this research would be useful in conceptualizing a participatory communication plan for the project by considering an “empowered participation” of the beneficiaries in all its phases to achieve empowerment and sustainability of the project.

Agrilime and Effective Microorganisms as Growth and Yield Enhancer of Soybean (Glycine max L.)

2024-06-20T01:45:43+00:00

Soil health is a fundamental component of sustainable agriculture, directly influencing crop productivity, nutrient availability, and overall plant health. This study on soybean, using agrilime and effective microorganisms as growth and yield enhancers, was conducted at the experiment area of Quirino State University, Maddela, Quirino, from February 1, 2023, to June 2, 2023. Specifically, it evaluated the effects of different treatments on the growth and yield of soybeans and
assessed which treatment combinations achieved the highest return on investment and enhanced the chemical properties of the soil. The study was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications and six treatment combinations. The application of 2 bags 16-20-0 ha?¹ + 7,500 ml EM ha?¹ + 500 kg Agrilime ha?¹ significantly affected the growth and yield of soybean, as well as the chemical properties of the soil in terms of soil pH, nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium. These farm input combinations are potential nutrient management practices to obtain maximum yield in soybean production on acidic soil. This nutrient management practice may not only improve growth and yield but also enhance the chemical properties of the soil.

Diversity and Utilization of Wild Plants and Macrofungi: Its Contribution to Rural Livelihood in Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines

2024-06-20T03:09:53+00:00

Wild plants and macrofungi play important roles in the lives of people in the world especially in upland and rural areas. The presence of wild plants in the community can significantly improve food security and the standard of living of the farmers in the upland agroforestry area in Masipi East, Cabagan. The main objectives of this research study were to determine the diversity, species richness, abundance, and distribution of wild plants; determine the conservation status, endemism, and utilization of wild plants; and determine the actual contribution of wild plants to the livelihood of rural communities. Floristic inventory was employed following the data gathering procedures of FMB technical Bulletin 16-A
or the Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring System (BAMS) for terrestrial ecosystem. Dataset was analyzed using the Paleontological Statistical software version 4 (PAST 4) for the different diversity indices. Results revealed a total of 31 wild plants that were found in the study area at Masipi East, Cabagan, Isabela. It was found that species belonging to families of Malvaceae, Araeceae, and Brassicaceae are the most abundant wild plants in the area. It was noteworthy to mention that 10% of the identified wild plants are categorized as endangered based on the IUCN 2022 Red List of Threatened Species. Percent endemism showed that 42% of the identified wild plants were found to be endemic to the country, while spatial distribution of species in the area revealed that Marakamote (I. triloba L) was found to be the most common species in the area where it was evenly distributed in most of the area being sampled. The utilization of wild plants mainly focused on three aspects such as food, medicinal use, roofing, and basketry making.