Search
Search Results
-
Comparative analysis of maize weed control system and the competitive effect of sorghum
97-104Views:355In our investigation we used different weed control technologies in the different phenology states of the maize. The experiment have been
carried out in Hódmezővásárhely, in the Experiment garden of the Pilot farm of University of Szeged Faculty of Agriculture, on meadow
chernozem soil, on 24 m2 plots, in 3 replications, randomized blotch design. The experiment can be regarded as 15 weed-control strategies
where, in addition to the untreated control, six chemicals or chemical-combinations are applied (Spectrum 720 EC, Motivell Turbo D,
Stellar + Dash HC, Clio + Akris SE + Dash HC, Clio + Dash HC) in five different times (pre, early post, post and two late post) and eight
mechanical weed-control technologies were used. Hoeing took place connected to the herbicide treatments in different times: until 2-3-leave
age weedless, in 3-4-leave age hoed once, from 3-4-leave age weedless, in 6-7-leave age hoed once, from 6-7-leave age weedless, in 8-leave
age hoed once, from 8-leave age weedless.
Our results were assessed by chemical efficiency examination, maize length measurement, corncob-length and fertility examination,
Sorghum plant-number determination and yield weighing carried out in four periods. The data were evaluated by a one-factor analysis of
variance and a two-factor linear regression analysis. -
Understanding leptin’s influence on calf development: A review of metabolic and reproductive mechanisms
145-153Views:721Leptin, a hormone primarily produced by adipose tissue, regulates the energy balance, metabolism, and reproductive functions. This review explores leptin's role in calf development from embryogenesis to puberty. Leptin expression is strongly influenced by the nutritional status, with circulating levels dependent on adipose tissue mass and modulated by metabolic hormones such as insulin and glucocorticoids. It plays a regulatory role in the embryonic cell division, adipogenesis, and postnatal energy metabolism. Additionally, leptin modulates appetite, the growth hormone secretion, and the reproductive system maturation. Its presence in the colostrum and milk highlights its significance in the early calf development, influencing the neonatal metabolism and immune function. As calves approach puberty, leptin serves as a key metabolic signal for reproductive maturation. A deeper understanding of leptin’s multifunctional role in calf development could contribute to improved livestock growth and reproductive management strategies.
-
Measuring methods of the efficiency of university technology transfer
21-29Views:255Nowadays, the socio-economic role and function of universities as well as their relationship with the industry, are more than ever in the focus of both the political and the academic spheres. The importance of knowledge and technology transfer is increasingly stressed in various economic development plans and strategies. The increased interest is due to the fact that universities are located at the crossroads of education, research and innovation, which might be crucial for the country's economic competitiveness. The commercialization of university research results is a well-defined task of technology transfer offices. Measuring the efficiency and successfulness of such offices is a difficult, but not impossible task. The present article aims to analyze the existing literature on measuring the efficiency of technology transfer activities and to introduce the most commonly used measuring methods of effective technology transfer. The article attempts to answer the question how to measure the efficiency of technology transfer by reviewing the available international literature and by analyzing secondary data.
-
A growth model to predict body weight and body composition of broilers
17-24Views:542Models predicting the nutrient partitioning and animal performance have been developed for decades. Nowadays, growth models are used in practical animal nutrition, and they have particular importance in precision livestock farming. The aim of the present study was to introduce a broiler model and to provide examples on model application. The model predicts protein and fat deposition as well as the body weight of an individual broiler chicken from digestible nutrient intake over time. Feed intake (FI) and the digestible nutrient content of the feed are inputs as well as some animal factors like: initial BW, feed intake at 1 and 2 kg of BW, precocity and mean protein deposition. The protein and energy metabolism is represented as in the classical nutrient partitioning models. The protein deposition (PD) is driven by digestible amino acid supply and is under “genetic control”, the so-called potential PD limits the actual PD if protein is oversupplied.
The authors discuss how the model can be used to simulate the animal response upon different scenarios. Examples are given to show that the diet might be limiting if some animal trait is changed. Applicability of the model has shown through running the model by using different feed strategies (three- vs five-phase-feeding) and variations with animal factors. In conclusion, growth models are useful tools to support decision making for defining the most suitable feeds used in a broiler farm. The model presented in this paper shows a high sensibility and flexibility to test different scenarios. By challenging the model with different inputs, the animal response in terms of changes in body weight and feed conversion can be understood more by studying the shift in deposition of chemical constituents. The examples provided in the present paper shows the benefit of using mathematical models and their applicability in precision nutrition. It can be concluded that the growth model helps to apply “from desired feed to desired food” concept.
-
Genetic and phenotypic basis of goat adaptability across agro-ecological zones: Implications for breeding and conservation
51-58Views:69Goats are among the most adaptable livestock species that can survive in varied agro-ecological zones globally. This resilience is shaped by the interactions between genetic and phenotypic traits. This review assesses the available information on morphology, physiology, and molecular characteristics that enable them to adapt and their implication for breeding and conservation. Phenotypic characteristics, including variation in coat color, the type and density of hair, body size, skin color, and thermoregulation behavior, were observed to be measures of adaptation to heat, cold, and feed scarcity. The review also observed some key candidate genes at the molecular level, including HSP70, EPAS1, FGF5, and MC1R, among others, with pathways that are responsible for heat tolerance, hypoxia response, and metabolic efficiency. The link between environmental pressures and phenotypic variation is examined as a driver for genetic differentiation among local goat populations. Incorporating these phenotypic and genetic insights forms a basis for breeding strategies that are climate-resilient and for safeguarding adaptive genetic resources. This will ensure that goats stay productive and diverse over time, thereby contributing to food security and the current climate change.
-
Development of LEADER in Hungary
37-40Views:225The development of the Hungarian LEADER programme was organised by the Institute of Rural development, Training and Consultancy under the control of the Ministry of Rural Development. Starting the programme without earlier experiences, lead to problems, but these were solved by the efficient work of the organizing institutions. The changing European economical situation makes it necessary to review and update the Local Development Strategies along with opening the programme again. This makes the programme work more effectively with every new turn. Continusing LEADER in Hungary after 2013, by using the hungarian and Western European knowledge, can bring economical and social benefits for rural areas and for the whole nation as well.
-
The Poultry Industry through the Experts’ Eyes
39-42Views:213In my study reveal the situation of the poultry industry. In my research, I used the regularly adopted qualitative method, i.e. the interview. I conversed with the managers of the most important poultry factories, and asked them about the position of the Hungarian poultry sector, the possibility of improving its position, the changes in consumer behaviour, in marketing strategies, means and methods.
The managers talked about the necessity of collaborating between factories. They agreed on the dominance of commercial chains. In their opinion, these prejudice their chances. They emphasized about the increasing role of processed products and the growing number of sell-stimulated marketing means. The consumer behaviour has changed in the last 10 years too, which helps the market of processed poultry products. -
Upgrading breeding value estimation in beef cattle
451-458Views:397This paper gives a summary of the possibility for applying genomic information for breeding value estimation in beef cattle breeding. This process is called genomic prediction and is now widely used in dairy cattle globally as well as in some beef and sheep populations. The advantage of genomic prediction is a more accurate estimate of the genetic merit of an individual at a young age thereby facilitating greater annual genetic gain, predominantly through shorter generation intervals. Genomic predictions are more advantageous for sex-linked (e.g., milk yield), low heritability (e.g., fertility) and difficult-to-measure (e.g., feed intake) traits. The larger the reference population, on average, the more accurate the genomic predictions; additionally, the closer genetically the reference population is to the candidate population, the greater the accuracy of genomic predictions. Research is continuing on strategies to generate accurate genomic predictions using a reference population consisting of multiple breeds (and crossbred). Retrospective analysis of real-life data where genomic predictions have been operation for several years clearly shows a benefit of this technology.
-
On the connection between spatial development and sustainable landscape in the Northern Great Plain region
145-148Views:198This paper tries to find connection between sustainable landscape and spatial development policy of the Northern Great Plain region on the basis of specific examples explained in scientific literature. Searching for the common roots of spatial development and sustainability the paper explains two interpretations of sustainability from the view point of landscape, than the most significant element of current landscape change – the polarization of landscapes – will be introduced. This trend in landscape change basically determines the direction of spatial development. This paper analyses the Northern Great Plain region from two different approaches. In the first grouping the region is exposed from the view point of spatial development. In the second partitioning the area is divided into subject matters based on the principles of sustainability and polarization of landscape. This research – analyzing development plans and strategies – considers the current situation within the subject matters.
-
Soil, nutrient, and fertiliser requirements for maize (Zea mays) production: A narrative review
85-97Views:1373Maize (Zea mays) is a key staple crop essential for global food security, with its productivity heavily influenced by soil, nutrient, and fertiliser management. This review examines the requirements for optimal maize production by analysing recent literature on soil properties, nutrient uptake, and fertilisation practices. A systematic approach was used to gather relevant studies from Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on peer-reviewed articles, books, and conference proceedings published in the last 10 years. Keywords such as “maize soil requirements” and “nutrient management for maize” guided the search, and both global and region-specific research were included to capture diverse agricultural systems and environments. Key insights were extracted to understand best practices, challenges, and technological advancements influencing maize yield. The findings provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on soil and nutrient management for maize cultivation, highlighting optimal practices and emerging trends in fertilisation techniques. The review aims to support improved management strategies for yield maximisation and sustainable maize production across various agricultural landscapes, ensuring food security in the face of changing environmental conditions.
-
Decarbonisation and renewable energies in Hungary
89-93Views:407The decarbonisation of the power sector signifies reducing its carbon dependency. The aim of several programmes is making a conversion to a sustainable & low-carbon economy. Some of the targets by the EU are legally binding, thus appear in the national legislation and strategies. To meet the objective, we need to use renewable energy soures expansively.
-
Inhibitive factors of the Local Agenda process in Hungary
151-157Views:189The concept of sustainable development is one of the most fashionable concepts in the world nowadays, but Hungary – 15 years after the Rio conference – is still far behind the times: it is the only country in the EU 25 that has not prepared a national sustainable development strategy.
The situation is not encouraging in the field of local sustainability either. Although there are initiatives that can be described as ones that were prepared in the spirit of local sustainable development, no municipalities have working, formulated sustainability strategies.
One of the most important messages of sustainability is that the consultative process between the local government and the community can have far reaching consequences, which can influence the municipality’s life for a long time. In my paper, I explore the inhibitive factors bearing this duality in mind, as the lack of top-down initiatives together with the low number and the low support of bottom-up approaches have led to this image which is not too flattering for Hungary. I also aim to show, through the example of other countries, how these inhibitive factors can be reduced. -
System of relations between competitiveness and social cohesion in the European Union (2007–2020)
39-45Views:291I my current essay I tried to prove that the European Union modified its economic policy due to the financial and economic crisis and the fierce global competitiveness requirements. The main emphasis was laid on the increase of competitiveness. Competitiveness became preferred
to cohesion and the economic and social closing up of the newly joined Middle-Eastern European countries. The funds for competitiveness for growth and employment increase by 6–7% yearly during the financial perspective between 2007–2013. On the contrary the funds for agriculture and rural development decrease by 3% yearly in this period. The tendency remains unchanged during the financial perspective 2014–2020.
This tendency strengthens the establishment of the two speed Europe concept and causes tensions between the core regions and the peripheries. -
Maize nutrient dynamics: growth, yield and sustainable practices: A narrative review
83-91Views:569Nutrient acquisition is the fundamental regulator of maize (Zea mays) growth, development, and yield. The present narrative review intends to integrate existing information on dynamics of nutrient uptake in maize under scrutiny for understanding how the processes affect growth and yield. We focus on the effective absorption and utilization of macronutrients (N, P and K) and micronutrients that promote plant health, grain development, and stress tolerance. Key determinants of nutrient availability (soil type, pH, organic matter, environment) and physiological or yield impacts of deficiency are studied. Strategies to optimize uptake efficiency precision application of fertilizer, organic fertilizers, and sustainable soil management are discussed. Optimizing these dynamics is central to maize productivity, enhancement and sustainable crop production. This review provides valuable insights into optimizing maize nutrition for improved food security and sustainable crop production.
-
Towards a new national sustainable development strategy – findings of in-depth interviews
39-46Views:223Hungary’s new national sustainable development strategy is expected to be drawn up by 2012 and social debate for discussion has already been under way. This document provides the basis of all other strategies, programs and plans. I prepared a survey by the method of structured in-depth interviews to explore the opinion of experts engaged in environmental issues and strategy development about sustainable development, the situation of the Hungarian strategy adopted in 2007 and applied indicators. The picture is highly diverse: there is a lack of unified viewpoint even about the concept of sustainability. However, the definition of a common, jointly adopted concept is the first stage in strategy development. Precisely formulated objectives and their related indicators are required for a strategy to fulfill its role – this is the theoretical part of strategic thinking.
-
What does precision crop production hold for the future of soil science and plant nutrition?
411-421Views:344The concept of precision agriculture is straightforward at the scientific level but even basic goals are blurred at the level of everyday practice in the Hungarian crop production despite the fact that several elements of the new technology have already been applied. The industrial and the service sectors offer many products and services to the farmers but crop producers do not get enough support to choose between different alternatives. Agricultural higher education must deliver this support directly to the farmers and via the released young graduates. The price of agricultural land must be higher if well-organized data underpin the production potential of the fields. Accumulated database is a form of capital. It must be owned by the farmers but in a data-driven economy its sharing will generate value for both farmers and the society as a whole.
We present a methodological approach in which simple models were applied to predict yield by using only those yield data which spatially coincide with the soil data and the remaining yield data and the models were used to test different sampling and interpolation approaches commonly applied in precision agriculture. Three strategies for composite sample collection and three interpolation methods were compared. Multiple regression models were developed to predict yields. R2 values were used to select among the applied methods.
-
Thoughts about the connection between spatial development and sustainable landscape at the region of the Northern Great Plain
179-185Views:206This paper tries to find connections between sustainable landscape and spatial development policy of the Northern Great Plain region on the basis of specific examples explained in scientific literature. Searching for the common roots of spatial development and sustainability the paper explains two interpretation of sustainability from the view point of landscape, than the most significant element of current landscape change, the polarization of landscapes, will be introduced. This trend in landscape change basically determines the direction of spatial development. This paper analyses the Northern Great Plain region form two different approaches. In the first grouping the region is exposed from the view point of landscape. In the second partitioning the area is divided into subject matters based on the principles of sustainability and polarization of landscape. This research – analysing development plans and strategies – considers the current situation and the tasks of the future within the subject matters.
-
The role of mediation resources in the operation and development of knowledgeintensive small and medium enterprises
109-113Views:271Address social and economic processes of social capital system between universities and the business sector – because of their special and similar characteristics – major emphasis will be displayed. Knowledge-intensive companies would be hard to imagine functioning without established links with tertiary education institutions and universities can now functions would be unthinkable without displaying the corporate sector sectoral specificities of knowledge and strategies of the university.
Because of the development of knowledge-intensive business activities based on innovation-oriented economic development which are specific to innovative SMEs, funding sources and opportunities. In a typical operating environment of innovation, with sectoral, spatial and temporal factors are constantly changing. These factors are decisive elements in the innovation opportunities, and through this indirectly the success of these enterprises. The resources involved in mediating the markets perceive a high risk to price this innovation activities and their funding. Under the study to try to answer that by optimizing the functions of universities, how and in what form they may have a role in mitigating financial risks.
-
Evaluation of Lipizzaner mares’ fertility data in 10 Hungarian stud farms
23-26Views:238Despite numerous studies on the genetic background and performance traits of the Lipizzan breed, fertility characteristics of Hungarian Lipizzan mares have not been systematically examined. This study evaluates the reproductive performance of 220 Lipizzaner mares from 10 Hungarian stud farms, born during the period of 1981 to 2019, using breeding records from 1998 to 2022. The mares were grouped into 25 mare families and 24 birth cohorts. Data on successful pregnancies and foalings were analyzed with respect to age, family affiliation, and breeding year. Results show that mares aged 8–12 years had the highest fertility rates, while a gradual decline was observed after 15 years. Breeding activity increased markedly after 2011, peaking in 2022 with the highest number of matings and foals born. Fertility varied considerably among mare families: some achieved consistently high reproductive success, while others showed low or zero foaling rates despite repeated matings. Hungarian mare families generally produced better fertility results, whereas Fogaras families displayed greater heterogeneity. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring reproductive efficiency in small mare families, as unfavorable fertility trends may jeopardize their long-term viability. These findings contribute to improving breeding strategies and ensuring the preservation of genetic diversity in the Hungarian Lipizzaner population.
-
Competitiveness of the biomethane opposite with the CHP technology of biogas by definite plant size
5-9Views:236The biogas sector has never before aroused so much attention as it does today. Combined heat and power (CHP) reliable and cost-effective technologies that are already making an important contribution to meeting global heat and electricity demand. Due to enhanced energy supply efficiency and utilisation of waste heat renewable energy resources, CHP, particularly together with district heating and cooling (DHC), is an important part of national and regional Green House Gas (GHG) emission reduction strategies.
During my work I am going to use the basic data of a certain biogas plant than I assemble one model from that. Against the CHP technology I am going to plan a biogas cleaning-equipment. During my research it revealed, that in the case of a 1 MW output power plant it is not worthy to deal with biogas cleaning between national conditions. Investigating the quantity of heat recovery in the CHP technology it is obvious, that the net income at 1 m3 biogas is at least 72 times more than the cleaning technology (heat recovery is 0%).
-
Nitrogen Supplying Capacity of Brown Forest Soil under Different Cropping Practices and 0.01 M CaCl2 Soluble Organic Nitrogen
17-23Views:455The best known and most remarkable example of continuous production in Hungary is the Westsik’s crop rotation experiment, which was established in 1929, and is still in use to study the effects of organic manure treatment, to develop models, and predict the likely effects of different cropping systems on soil properties and crop yields. In this respect, Westsik’s crop rotation experiment provides data of immediate value to farmers concerning the applications of green, straw and farmyard manure, as well as data sets for scientific research.
Although commonly ignored, the release of nitrogen by root and green manure crops has a significant impact on soil organic matter turnover. The design of sustainable nitrogen management strategies requires a better understanding of the processes influencing nitrogen supplying capacity, as the effects of soil organic matter on soil productivity and crop yield are still very uncertain and require further research. In the treatments of Westsik’s crop rotation experiment, nutrients removed from soil through plant growth and harvesting are replaced either by fertilisers and/or organic manure. Data can be used to study the nitrogen supplying capacity of soil under different cropping systems and its effect on the 0.01 M CaCl2 soluble organic nitrogen content of soil.
The aim of this paper is to present data on the nitrogen supplying capacity of brown forest soil from Westsik’s crop rotation experiment and to study its correlation with hundredth molar calcium-chloride soluble organic nitrogen. The main objective is to determine the effects of root and green manure crops on the nitrogen supplying capacity of soil under different cropping systems. The nitrogen supplying capacity was calculated as a difference of plant uptake, organic manure and fertiliser supply.
The 0.01 M CaCl2 soluble organic nitrogen test has proved reliable for determining the nitrogen supplying capacity of soils. Brown forest soils are low in organic matter and in the F-1 fallow-rye-potato rotation, the nitrogen supplying capacity was 15.6 kg/ha/year. 0.01 M CaCl2 soluble organic nitrogen content was as low as 1.73 mg/kg soil. Roots and green manure increased the nitrogen supplying capacity of soil by more than 100%. This increase is caused by lupine, a legumes crop, which is very well adapted to the acidic soil conditions of the Nyírség region, and cultivated as a green or root manure crop to increase soil fertility. -
Population genetic results of Hungarian Botrytis cinerea isolates establishing new technologies with decreased chemical usage against grey mould
259-261Views:290Botrytis cinerea causes gray mold on a high number of crop plants. Information about the populations of plant pathogen fungi may help to develop new strategies for the effective and economic crop protection with reduced fungicide usage. Hungarian B. cinerea populations were characterized with using different molecular genetic parameters. B. cinerea group I strains, characterized with high rate of fenhexamid resistance, could be detected only in restricted number. The Hungarian B. cinerea populations were characterized with high genetic diversity, and the regular occurrence of sexual reproduction. These results highlight the importance of rotating different type of fungicide in the plant protection technology against grey mould.
-
Energy use – in terms of efficiency
61-66Views:428In the recent decades it has become apparent that the human race can lead to a polluting and energy- wasting lifestyle and the depletion of natural resources and an ecological disaster as well.
Energy efficiency is the realization of the chance to see a wider use of renewable energy. Renewable energy sources can be found in large quantities in Europe. A proper exploitation of these would be important because of the "traditional" energy sources’s sate is very critical in many ways.
The utilization of renewable energy sources depends on many factors. The local natural conditions significantly determine each country's different renewable energy potentials. I find to be important the natural conditions, such as, solar radiation intensity , the number of sunny days per year, the wind conditions , the volume and their energy characteristics of the geothermal power resources , land features , soil and rock quality, the supply of fossil fuels or the nuclear possibilities of energy production. The economic environment is also a major influencing factor for the utilization of renewables. The conditions of price of fossil fuels (natural gas, oil and coal), the price of nuclear fuel production and other energy costs significantly influence the demand for renewables, as well as the level of subsidy and government tax policy. In addition, the international and national programs, objectives, strategies, subsidies and regulatory measures as well as technological factors can have a significant impact.
In my paper I point out the opportunities of renewable energy should be given to live. Nowadays the positive effects of their use is undisputed. In addition to the environmentally friendly produced energy, we should strive for energy conservation and energy efficiency as well. These expectations appear in practice, which can be directly perceived by citizens, in fact we should live accordingly. Furthermore, the environmentally relevant regulations of living conditions should appear as environmental demands.
-
Analysis of the Hungarian National Action Plan for Employment in the Framework of RuralJobs International Project
77-86Views:195Employment and creation of new jobs getting more and more attention both on national and on European level. The examination of this topic is especially important in rural areas of
Europe. There were several European and national researches dealing with this question, and there are new upcoming works which try to find solutions for citizents to decrease unemployment in rural areas. The RuralJobs, EU Framework 7. project presented in the paper is one of these researches. After a short introduction of RuralJobs and the task under workpackage two of the research, which analysis strategies, policies and programmes from the aspect of rural jobs, one of the documents reviewed under this task, the Hungarian National Action Plan for Employment is presented, in line with the most important stages of the EU’s
employment policy. -
Biological potential of plant pathogenic fungi on weeds: A mini-review essay
59-66Views:773The invasion of weeds into productive areas has substantial negative effects on native ecosystems as well as agricultural production systems globally. Consequently, the task of maintaining or restoring these systems will become increasingly challenging without consistent, ongoing management efforts. The intensifying emergence of herbicide resistance in numerous weed species, coupled with the unintended pollution caused by synthetic herbicides, underscores the growing necessity for alternative, environmentally friendly, and sustainable management techniques, such as the utilisation of bioherbicides. Plant pathogenic microbes play an important role in biologically management of weeds, with the utilization of plant pathogenic fungi emerging as a promising area of study for novel research trends aimed at weed management without reliance of herbicides and to mitigate environmental pollution. A potential solution to decreasing pesticide usage involves the development of bioherbicides containing fungal active ingredients. Among the most commonly utilised fungi in bioherbicides are genera like Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Cercospora, Fusarium, Phomopsis, Phytophthora, Phoma, and Puccinia. Increased weed resistance to herbicides has influenced new strategies for weed management, with some fungi from genera such as Colletotrichum and Phoma already employed for weed control. Nonetheless, it is evident from reviews that further research is imperative in this domain, with particular emphasis on analysing the efficacy of each plant pathogenic fungi.