Effects of Enclosure on Grassland Ecological and Economic Benefits in Northern China

Grasslands in northern China serve the country as both an ecological barrier and a livestock production base.There,installing enclosures has been becoming the major grassland restoration measure adopted by many local governments.However,the effects of restoration on both ecological and production benefits of grassland remain unclear for implemented grassland restoration policies.Therefore,a representative rangeland in northern China,the Maodeng pasture in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region was selected as the study area,and remote sensing monitoring analyses were carried out to quantify the ecological benefits and economic benefits from 2015 to 2021.The results showed that:1) in terms of ecological benefits,the grassland area with a grassland coverage rate of more than 60% accounts for 32.3% of the regional area,and 86.4% of its grassland grew significantly better than the same period in2015,showing a significant improvement in grassland growth.Using the average amount of carbon per unit area as the ecological benefit evaluation index,it increased by 27.1% to 32.48Tg C/yr from 2015 to 2021.2) In terms of economic benefits,both theoretical grass production and livestock carrying capacity increased from 2015 to 2021.Compared to 2015,the theoretical grass production in 2021 increased by 24.8% to 71 900 t.The livestock carrying capacity reached 52 100 sheep units in 2021,nearly 11 000 sheep units more than that in 2015.During the study period,multiple economic indicators(on a per capita basis of permanent residents) for the pastoral area of Xilinhot City to which the Maodeng pasture belongs,have grown steadily.Per capita total income rose from 29 630 yuan(RMB) in2015 to 62 859 yuan(RMB) in 2021.Relying on grassland resources to develop the pastoral ecology also broadens the potential economic development space.Overall,the establishment of the reserve and the experiment of implanting an enclosure policy have had a significant and positive impact on Maodeng pasture’s development from both an ecological and economic perspective.With the support of scientific evidence,enclosure policy can be extended to more than 110 000 km~2 of grasslands in northern China with similar precipitation and temperature conditions,enhancing the productive and ecological potential of grasslands.The above research results will contribute to the scientific formulation of grassland pasture quality improvement plans in northern China.

Integrated assessment of yield,nitrogen use efficiency and ecosystem economic benefits of use of controlled-release and common urea in ratoon rice production

Controlled-release urea(CRU)is commonly used to improve the crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE).However,few studies have investigated the effects of CRU in the ratoon rice system.Ratoon rice is the practice of obtaining a second harvest from tillers originating from the stubble of the previously harvested main crop.In this study,a 2-year field experiment using a randomized complete block design was conducted to determine the effects of CRU on the yield,NUE,and economic benefits of ratoon rice,including the main crop,to provide a theoretical basis for fertilization of ratoon rice.The experiment included four treatments:(i)no N fertilizer(CK);(ii)traditional practice with 5 applications of urea applied at different crop growth stages by surface broadcasting(FFP);(iii)one-time basal application of CRU(BF1);and(iv)one-time basal application of CRU combined with common urea(BF2).The BF1 and BF2 treatments significantly increased the main crop yield by 17.47 and 15.99%in 2019,and by 17.91 and 16.44%in 2020,respectively,compared with FFP treatment.The BF2 treatment achieved similar yield of the ratoon crop to the FFP treatment,whereas the BF1 treatment significantly increased the yield of the ratoon crop by 14.81%in 2019 and 12.21%in 2020 compared with the FFP treatment.The BF1 and BF2 treatments significantly improved the 2-year apparent N recovery efficiency,agronomic NUE,and partial factor productivity of applied N by 11.47-16.66,27.31-44.49,and 9.23-15.60%,respectively,compared with FFP treatment.The BF1 and BF2 treatments reduced the chalky rice rate and chalkiness of main and ratoon crops relative to the FFP treatment.Furthermore,emergy analysis showed that the production efficiency of the BF treatments was higher than that of the FFP treatment.The BF treatments reduced labor input due to reduced fertilization times and improved the economic benefits of ratoon rice.Compared with the FFP treatment,the BF1 and BF2 treatments increased the net income by 14.21-16.87 and 23.76-25.96%,respectively.Overall,the one-time blending use of CRU and common urea should be encouraged to achieve high yield,high nitrogen use efficiency,and good quality of ratoon rice,which has low labor input and low apparent N loss.

Strategies and Economic Benefit Analysis for Productive Landscape of Rape Flower Sea in Cold Regions

The cold regions are located in high latitudes and cold climates.The local excellent ornamental plant resources are relatively scarce.The plant species that are suitable for both ornamental and productive benefits of landscape of flower sea construction are also even fewer.Therefore,it is imperative to introduce and screen the plant resources suitable for cold regions to create the landscape of flower sea.The rape,an oilseed crop,was used as a research object in order to create a productive flower landscape with both ornamental and economic values in cold regions.Four rape flower varieties,Qingza No.5,7,9,and 11,were introduced from Qinghai Hufeng Agricultural Science and Technology Group Co.,Ltd.They were planted in the experimental practice base of Northeast Agricultural University in three batches.Development characteristics and seed yield of rape flowers on different sowing dates were studied.The fuzzy probability method was used to comprehensively evaluate the varieties.The results showed that the rape flowers grew well in Harbin City during the experimental sowing period,which could form a good landscape of flower sea and had a considerable rapeseed yield.It could be widely used in cold urban and rural areas,such as Harbin City.In view of the experimental results,the strategies of creating a productive landscape of rape flower sea were proposed and the economic benefits were analyzed.It could change the status quo of a uniform landscape of flower sea in cold regions,help the development of rural tourism,and promote local economic income.

Analysis of Economic Benefits Brought by Industrialization of Natural Enemy Insects

In the field of biological control of agricultural and forestry pests,natural enemy insects play an important role,constituting the core of modern integrated pest management(IPM)strategy,providing solid support for the zero growth goal of chemical pesticide use,and helping the sustainable development of green agriculture.The rise of the natural enemy insect industry has become a key driver of the transformation of green agriculture,injecting vitality into the sustainability and ecological protection of agriculture.With the increasing concern about food safety,environmental protection and ecological balance all over the world,the application scope of natural enemy insects as biological control means is constantly expanding.Its unique ecological adaptability and environmentally friendly characteristics help to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides,ensure the safety of agricultural products and maintain ecological diversity.The purpose of this study is to analyze the current situation of natural enemy insect industry,evaluate its cost and benefit,emphasize its great significance in promoting the transformation of green agriculture,improving production efficiency and promoting ecological protection by drawing lessons from foreign successful experiences,and explore an efficient and sustainable new agricultural development model.

Influential Factors on Economic Benefit of Rice Farmers

[Objective] This study was to provide references for the improvement of agricultural economic benefit by analyzing the main factors on influencing the economic benefit of rice farmer. [Method] Field survey was carried out on 300 rice farmers in Suizhou, Wuxue and Xiaogan of Hubei Province. Through the descriptive statistics to the production input and output data of the sample farmers, the econometric model was established to conduct empirical test on the economic benefit of rice farmer and the influential factors. The optimal production scale for rice farmer was also estimated, and through the theoretical and empirical analysis of the optimal production scale, countermeasures were put forward with the aim to promote economic benefit of rice farmer. [Result] The application of fertilizer affected the economic benefit most, followed by the planting area; food policy, farming population and average economic income per capita had significant effects on the economic benefit of rice production; economic benefit was beneficial for cost control. [Conclusion] This study had great practical and instructive significance for stabilizing national food production, ensuring regional and national food safety.

Analysis on Waxy Corn/Soybean Intercropping Pattern and Economic Benefit

The research mainly analyzed effects of waxy corn/soybean intercropping on yields of the two crops, as well as agronomic characters, and the economic benefits of the mode. The results showed that although yields of waxy corn and soybean went down by 21.19% and 31.04% per unit area, land equivalent ratio（1.48） kept higher than 1, suggesting the intercropping improves land use rate. Besides, due to the practice of intercropping, many characters of waxy corn grew, but of soybean declined. The economic benefits from high to low were waxy corn/soybean intercropping, monoculture of waxy corn, and monoculture of soybean.

Effects of Rice-duck Mutualism on Diseases Insect Pests and Weeds and Economic Benefits

[Objective] Study on the effects of rice-duck mutualism on weeds and insects pests and economic benefits of paddy field. [Method] Comparison of the incidence of weeds, sheath blight and insects pest under rice-duck mutualism, conventional cultivation and control treatment, the yield and economic benefits were analyzed under the 3 treatments. [Result] Average occurrence of weeds in rice-duck mutualism group decreased by 2.33 and 52.0g ind/m^2 compared with that in conventional cultivation and control treatment ; the control rate of mutualism was up to 75% against rice hopper, but just between 25% -60% against rice leaf roller and Chilo suppressalis. The rates of diseased plant and diseased bell against rice sheath blight were higher and disease indices were lower compared with control group. The yield of mutualism group was identical with conventional cultivation, Which was greatly higher than that of control group. The results suggested an higher economic benefits and lower cost benefit ratio for rice-duck mutualism treatment. [Conclusion] Rice-duck mutualism gives birth to a positive effect to control the diseases, insect pests and weeds, as well as to economic benefits, providing basis on extension of rice-duck mutualism system.

Study on Environmental and Economic Benefits of Rice and Wheat Rotation with Swine Manure-Straw Returning

[Objective] The aim was to investigate the application effect of swine manure-straw returning and to determine the best mode. [Method] A field experiment under rice and wheat rotation with different swine manure-straw treatments was con- ducted to study the growth characters and output of rice and wheat, calculate the economic benefit and carbon dioxide emission reduction, and analyze the best mode of swine manure applying-straw returning. [Result] The swine manure-straw returning was conducive to the growth of crop, the highest outputs of rice and wheat were on the treatment of ＂30% swine manure and 20% straw and 50% chemical fertiliz- er＂, they were 7 874.57 and 6 427.00 kg/hm^2, and saved cost about 5 146.35 Yuan/hm^2, increased input 5 312.56 and 3 931.93 Yuan/hm^2, the greenhouse gas e- mission reduction was 1.30 t/hm^2 （calculated according to carbon dioxide on a dry basis）. [Conclusion] The treatment of ＂30% swine manure and 20% straw and 50% chemical fertilizer＂ was the best mode of swine manure-straw returning.

Analysis on Survival Rate and Economic Benefit of Apostichopus japonicus Larvae Reared by Raising Water Temperature

In order to control the spawning quality and improve the economic benefit of Apostichopus japonicus Selenka, the indoor temperature and light control methods were employed for artificial maturation, spawning and hatching of A. japonicus, and the larval survival rate, disease incidence rate and economic benefit were analyzed. The results showed that compared with those of conventional temperature-reared larvae, the survival rate of raised temperature-reared larvae was increased by 15.8%, the disease incidence rate was reduced by 10.2%, and the economic benefit was improved by 21.6%. These results will provide theoretical basis and technical support for the artificial breeding of A. japonicus.

Study on Environmental Risk and Economic Benefits of Rotation Systems in Farmland of Erhai Lake Basin

This study was designed to find out an optimised planting system of reducing non-point （source） pollution by analyzing the reasons and the factors of influence non-point pollution in farmland of Erhai Lake basin. The results showed that incomes, residual nitrogen in soil, and the loss of nitrogen in surface water in rice-garlic system were higher than those in rice-fava bean system. There were positive correlations between the nitrogen loss of farmland, nitrogen inputs, residual nitrogen in soil, and incomes of farmland. Economic benefits and environment benefits are both appropriate, if the area of rice-garlic system would be reduced to 53% and the area of rice-fava bean system increased to 36% of total cropping area in the investigated watershed. Adjustment of planting structure and introduction of reasonable rotation systems is considered an effective measure of controlling agricultural non-point pollution in watersheds of Erhai Lake.

Responses of Seed Yield and Economic Benefit of Winter Oilseed Rape(Brassica napus L.) to Different NPK Ratio and Dose

Field experiments were conducted during 2008-2010 to investigate the ef- fects of NPK fertilization on seed yield and economic benefit of a new hybrid cultivar of winter oilseed rape （Brassica napus L.） - Xiangzayou763, and to determine the optimum NPK ratio and dose in Hunan, China. The results showed that NPK ratio （1：0.50：0.50） with 180 kg/hm2 N, 90 kg/hm2 P2O5 and 90 kg/hm2 K20 was the optimum combination for the highest seed yield （2 231.13 kg/hm2） and economic benefit （9 816.97 Yuan/hm2）, of which 1 641.23 Yuan/hm2 being set for fertilizer in- vestment （VCR=4.11）. Besides, the effects of N, P and K fertilizers on seed yield and oil production of winter oilseed rape were not identical. N had the greatest ef- fect on plant growth of winter oilseed rape, followed by P and K. Total leaf number, green leaf number, leaf length and width, rhizome diameter, branch number, dry weight per plant and other agronomic characters in high N treatments were higher than those in low N treatments. By correlation and path analysis of yield components, the contribution rate to seed yield was found： effective silique number per plant〉seed number per silique〉l 000-seed weight.

Effect of cultivation measures on economic benefit of Larix olgesis pulp forest

According to the cultivating practice ofLarix olgensis pulp plantation, IRR (Internal revenue rate) and NPV (Net present value) were taken as two economic indices to study the effect of cultivation measurements on economic benefit ofLarix olgensis pulp forest. The results showed that the economic benefit of this type of forest is closely related to rotation and site class. Higher economic benefit could be obtained when the rotation is shorter and site class is higher. The planting density also had an obvious influence on economic benefit. On the base of assuring survival rate and conserving rate, the less the fee used in soil preparation and young growth tending is, the higher the economic benefit is. The influence of determined six cultivation measures on economic benefit in sequence was the rotation—site class—density—management fee level—young growth tending intensity—soil preparation methods.

Effect of Labor Skills Training on Industrial Development and Economic Benefits of Winter Potato in Regions Inhabited by Ethnic Minorities : A Case Study of Lancang Lahu Autonomous County

Using three kinds of labor skills training methods(expert team training,recruit training and local agricultural extension center training),based on enterprise planting and farmer planting,this paper analyzes the impact of training methods on the development of potato industry,such as yield,income and planting extension.The results show that the expert team training,recruit training and labor skills training of local agricultural extension center can significantly improve the labor quality and skills,and increase the yield and income of winter potatoes.The expert team training,recruit training and local agricultural extension center training can lift growers out of poverty and improve the willingness of people to plant and extend.The winter potato industry has become one of the pillar industries to shake off poverty and become rich,increasing local economic benefits.Through labor skills training,the winter potato industry has become one of the main industries to improve the quality of the local people and increase economic income,promoting the local people to shake off poverty and become well-off.

Ecological economic benefit in sustainable development

From the concept of ecological economic benefit, I put forward the general formula for the benefit of ecological economy and the appraisal methods of the ecological economy. Theory on ecological benefit and economic benefit is the base of the benefits of ecological economy To some extent the development of ecological economy, theory and practice on eco-agriculture are both the production made from opposition and unify of ecological benefit and economic benefit. This paper discusses the ＂T＂ type saucture, which will give the theoretical bases for enhancing the ecological and economical benefits.

Economic Benefits of Energy Efficiency to the Petroleum Refineries in Ghana: A Case of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR)

<span style="font-family:Verdana;">This study investigates the economic benefits of energy efficiency to petroleum refineries regarding Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Ghana. The study explores lessons relating to the cost of production, energy recovery levels and economic fortunes of the refinery activities and designs a conceptual framework for improving the energy efficiency of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). The study adopted a descriptive design using a quantitative approach to provide a statistical background to investigate the economic benefits of energy efficiency. A sample of 84 was adopted for study from a staff population of 520 working at Tema Oil refinery. In addition to primary data, secondary data on energy supply and consumption values from 2008 to 2019 was gathered. For the primary survey, 84 respondents were sampled from TOR and a structured questionnaire was used to retrieve information. A correlation analysis at P < 0.05 was conducted to test the relationship and significance of energy efficiency and economic benefits to the refinery. The study concludes that there is a linear trend between energy production (supply) and energy consumption. The energy generated in the entire economy of Ghana far exceeds the amount of energy consumed thus raising issues of waste or excesses that calls for better policies and management plan to improve EE. The study also identified that issues of lost energy are critical to the operations of the petroleum industry as the situation is compounded by the inability of the refineries to explore better ways to reduce and manage the waste. The study concludes that a significant and positive correlation between energy efficiency and the economic fortunes of Tema Oil Refinery is necessary for its economic fortunes. The supply of energy should have equivalence to the public consumption of energy.

Subsurface irrigation with ceramic emitters improves wolfberry yield and economic benefits on the Tibetan Plateau, China

Climate warming has led to the expansion of arable land at high altitudes,but it has also increased the demand for water use efficiency(WUE).To address this issue,the development of water-saving irrigation technology has become crucial in improving water productivity and economic returns.This study aimed to assess the impacts of three irrigation methods on water productivity and economic returns in wolfberry(Lycium barbarum L.)cultivation on the Tibetan Plateau,China during a two-year field trial.Results showed that subsurface irrigation with ceramic emitters(SICE)outperformed surface drip irrigation(DI)and subsurface drip irrigation(SDI)in terms of wolfberry yield.Over the two-year period,the average yield with SICE increased by 8.0%and 2.3%compared with DI and SDI,respectively.This improvement can be attributed to the stable soil moisture and higher temperature accumulation achieved with SICE.Furthermore,SICE exhibited higher WUE,with 14.6%and 4.5%increases compared with DI and SDI,respectively.In addition to the agronomic benefits,SICE also proved advantageous in terms of economic returns.Total average annual input costs of SICE were lower than the other two methods starting from the 8th year.Moreover,the benefit-cost ratio of SICE surpassed the other methods in the 4th year and continued to widen the gap with subsequent year.These findings highlight SICE as an economically viable water-saving irrigation strategy for wolfberry cultivation on the Tibetan Plateau.Thus,this research not only provides an effective water-saving irrigation strategy for wolfberry cultivation but also offers insights into addressing irrigation-related energy challenges in other crop production systems.

Production Mode and Economic Benefit of Improved No-tillage Intercropping with Potato in New Mode Citrus Orchard

[Objectives]In terms of increasing the utilization of land in agriculture and the per unit area yield,intercropping is the most popular farming method.[Methods]Based on the climate and soil conditions in Zhaoqing,this experiment explored the improved mode of no-tillage intercropping winter potato with citrus in the new high-ridge,wide-row and dense-plant cultivation mode citrus orchard.Taking the conventional tillage and film-mulched intercropping as the control,it studied the adaptability of intercropping,evaluated the quality,and analyzed its economic benefits.[Results]The early emergence rate of improved no-tillage intercropping cultivation was slightly higher than that of conventional tillage and film-mulched intercropping,but the difference of final emergence rate was not significant,indicating that improved no-tillage intercropping cultivation could provide excellent potato emergence environment.Under the conventional tillage and improved no-tillage intercropping cultivation mode,the change trend of the potato's plant height,main stem thickness,crown diameter and number of leaflet is the same.The change rule of the crown diameter of the film-mulched intercropping cultivation method is similar to that of the plant height,both have a large increase in the late growth stage.The potato yield of improved no-tillage intercropping cultivation were 22747.5 kg/ha,and the proportions of potatoes of each grade were 11.85%,35.61%,37.63%and 14.91%,respectively.The content of dry matter,Vc,soluble protein,starch and amino acid in the main nutrients of the potato under the improved no-tillage intercropping mode is not significantly different from that of the film-mulched intercropping cultivation.The changing trend of reducing sugar content showed that the reducing sugar content of no-tillage intercropping cultivation was the highest(0.466%).Through evaluating the eating characteristics of potatoes from the flavor,taste,texture and appearance after chewing,the three cultivation methods have little difference.In the no-tillage intercropping cultivation technology,the growth of potatoes consumes part of the nutrients in the soil between the rows of the citrus orchard,but it does not exerts a significant impact on the surrounding citrus trees.Compared with the film-mulched intercropping cultivation,the improved no-tillage intercropping cultivation method does not require the expense of mulched,the cost of fertilizer is low,and labor costs are saved,so a net income of 27075 yuan/ha can be obtained.[Conclusions]From the perspective of orchard intercropping,it has achieved the effect of improving soil utilization and increasing output without reducing the edible quality of potatoes.

Effects of Different Sowing and Transplanting Time on Quality and Economic Benefit of Tobacco Variety Yunyan 105

In order to provide references for popularization and application of tobacco variety Yunyan 105,a field experiment was conducted to explore the effects of different sowing and transplanting time on agronomic traits,economic benefit and quality of Yunyan 105. Results showed that the agronomic characters,quality traits and economic benefit of the tobacco were relatively fine with sowing time February 4-14 and transplanting time April 1-10. Index scores of the physical properties of tobacco leaves were greater than 80 scores with sowing time February 14 and transplanting time April 10. The comprehensive index of conventional chemical compositions was 0. 39-0. 73. The harmony of conventional chemical compositions of lower leaves was the best with the comprehensive index of 0. 59 when the sowing time and transplanting time were February 4 and April 1 respectively. As for the middle and upper leaves the comprehensive indexes were respectively 0. 71 and 0. 73 with the sowing time February 14 and transplanting time April 10. The sensory evaluation of smoking quality and economic benefit were February 14 sowing and April 10 transplanting better,its taste of the tobacco leaves was pure and mild,the irritancy and the strength was less,the aftertaste was better,and the output value reached the highest 4 271. 17 yuan/667 m^2. The various sowing and transplanting time had no significant influence on appearance quality of tobacco leaves. The suitable sowing and transplanting time of Yunyan 105 was February 4-14 and April1-10 respectively in Xuanwei tobacco-growing area.

Effects of Maize Silage Harvest Stage on Growth Performance and Economic Benefits of Beef Cattle

[Objectives]This study aimed to investigate the effects of whole-crop maize silage harvested at different stages on growth and economic benefits of beef cattle.[Methods]A total of 30 Simmental crossbred cattle weighing about 378 kg were randomly divided into three groups,respectively fed for 70 days with whole-crop maize silage harvested at milk stage(GroupⅠ),dough stage(GroupⅡ)and physiological maturity stage(GroupⅢ).Moreover,the cattle in all groups were given the same concentrate diet.[Results]There were significant differences in dry matter,crude protein and neutral detergent fiber between whole-crop maize silages harvested at different stages(P<0.05).The dry matter in GroupⅡandⅢwas significantly higher than that in GroupⅠ(P<0.05).The crude protein content peaked in GroupⅡ,up to 6.37%,which was significantly higher than that in GroupⅠ(by 12.74%,P<0.05)and GroupⅢ(by 9.26%,P<0.05).Starch content significantly increased with the postponing of maize harvest(P<0.05).The content of neutral detergent fiber in Group I was significantly higher than that in GroupⅡ(P<0.05)and GroupⅢ(P<0.05).The average daily weight gain in GroupⅡwas 8.53%higher than that in GroupⅠ(P<0.05)and 3.70%higher than that in GroupⅢ(P>0.05).The dry matter intake in GroupⅡwas significantly higher than that in GroupⅠ(P<0.05)and GroupⅢ(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in feed/gain ratio between the groups(P>0.05).The economic benefit in GroupⅡwas the highest,up to 9.99 yuan/day per capita.,followed by that in GroupⅢ,9.79 yuan/day per capita,and that in GroupⅠwas the lowest,only 8.03 yuan/day per capita.[Conclusions]The whole-crop maize silage harvested at dough stage has the best quality and produces the highest economic returns for beef cattle.

An Analysis on the Economic Benefit of Simplified Cultivation Technology for Longan in Hills and Mountains of Maoming City

According to the characteristics of longan cultivated in the hill and mountain regions of Maoming City,this paper analyzed the economic benefit of the simplified cultivation techniques. With 15-year-old Chuliang longan trees as materials,the economic benefit of four kinds of simplified cultivation technologies was compared and analyzed. After nine years of continuous technological application,it was found that the input costs increased by 1. 62%,and the output profits increased by 56. 10%; in input costs,labor cost decreased by 41. 33%,pesticide cost decreased by 24. 19%,and fertilizer cost increased by 33. 57%.