AgriScience and Technology

Comparative Analysis of Cadastral and Market Values of Agricultural Plots in Armenia

Paruyr Efendyan, Tigran Hovhannisyan, Nane Khudaverdyan — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0400

The procedure for conducting cadastral assessment of agricultural lands, cadastral net income from agricultural lands in the Republic of Armenia are determined by the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Armenia dated July 3, 1997 No. 237 “On approval of the data of the state land cadastre of agricultural lands and unsuitable lands of Republic of Armenia”. The article provides a comparative analysis of the cadastral and market values of agricultural lands in the Republic of Armenia. It clearly states that the cadastral and market values of agricultural lands very often differ from each other several times. The current cadastral values for agricultural lands are outdated and fail to reflect various factors that influence market values. These factors include land rights and restrictions, location, area, dimensions, contour, slope, irrigation, and others, none of which are adequately considered in the calculation of cadastral values for agricultural plots.

Research and Development of a Mechanism for Fixing the Hydraulic Cylinder for Controlling the External Working Element of a Garden Milling Machine and Determining its Optimal Parameters

Seryozha Papyan; Gevorg Harutyunyan — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0400

The article is devoted to improving the operation of the control system of the remote soil-cultivating working element of the garden milling machine (patent of the Republic of Armenia, No. 2993 A, 16.02.2016), as a result of which it becomes possible to bypass the working element of thick-trunked trees and trees deviated from the row line, as well as slippages and other obstacles, with simultaneous near-trunk processing. Based on the research of the Scientific Research Institute for Agricultural Mechanization and Automation of the Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU), a control system for the remote working body of a tillage machine (patent of the Republic of Armenia, AM20230106Y, 01.07.2024) has been developed and implemented. To fix the hydraulic cylinder piston in intermediate positions, depending on the total value t of the tree trunk diameter, the width of the protective zone and the amount of overlap of the treatment, a mechanism for adjusting the length of the slider was investigated and developed and its optimal parameters were determined. For the purpose of practical regulation of the slider length for specific values of t, a corresponding nomogram was constructed.

Justification of the Software Kinematic Parameters of a Horticultural Autonomous Robotic Platform

Arshaluys Tarverdyan, Albert Grigoryan, Artur Altunyan — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0400

The article discusses the issues related to the development and creation of a multifunctional horticultural robotic platform. The necessity of developing a robotic platform best suited to the soil and climatic conditions of the Republic of Armenia is substantiated. A multifunctional robotic platform has been proposed and developed for the cultivation of vineyards and orchards. It is designed for inter-row and inter-vine (inter-trunk) soil cultivation, weed mowing and shredding, fertilization, pest and disease detection, assessment, and chemical control. The platform is equipped with four independently controlled wheels. Kinematic and force analysis of the running gear of the developed robotic platform has been conducted. As a result of these analyses, expressions have been derived that will serve as the foundation for programming the electroniccomputer control system of the platform’s running gear. These expressions will be used to control the torque movement and angular velocity of all the driving wheels, as well as the rotation of the wheel axes during turning. This approach enables the creation of a robotic platform›s running gear that ensures high mobility, adherence to the designated route, and prevents wheel slippage and skidding during turns. This aspect is particularly important for ensuring the reliability and longevity of the machine, as well as minimizing the damage caused to the cultivated soil by the wheels.

Dynamics օf Soil Moisture Deficit and its Impact on Irrigation Water Demand: A Case Study of Kotayk Region

Gurgen Yeghiazaryan, Razmik Danielyan — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0400

The research is dedicated to the justification of irrigation water demand to ensure the efficient use of irrigated lands in the context of climate change. To this end the dynamics of climate indicators from 1991 to 2023 at the «Yeghvard» meteorological station has been studied, and the total water consumption (evapotranspiration) together with the dynamics of the soil moisture has been calculated. To characterize the degree of annual dryness in conditions of insufficient moisture zones, years with 50 %, 75 %, and 95 % percentile of atmospheric precipitation during the vegetation period were used as reference points for calculations. Given the importance of the issue, the research was conducted using the example of semi-desert gray soils in the Kotayk region. The soil moisture deficit was calculated for both the vegetation period and the entire year. The calculations show that over the past five years, the soil moisture deficit in irrigated semi-desert gray soils in the Yeghvard area has exhibited a negative trend, resulting in a reduction of active soil moisture reserves by 1.410–4.400 m³/ha. This finding supports the observation recorded in recent years within irrigation systems that farming enterprises are using 2 to 3 times more irrigation water than the established norms.

Analysis of Results from Experimental Research on a Combined Plow for Flat Tillage and Parameter Optimization

Aramayis Yesoyan, Gevorg Karapetyan — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0400

A combined machine has been proposed, consisting of an improved front plow design, special-profile disc batteries, and a roller through justifying the necessity of plowing and emphasizing the application of minimal soil cultivation technologies. Laboratory and field experiments have been conducted to study the structural, energy, and technological indicators of the proposed machine, as well as to outline ways to eliminate its technological shortcomings. The optimal angles of attack for individual discs of the disc batteries have been determined, considering traction resistance and cultivation quality as optimizing factors.

The Impact of Soil Tillage Methods, Fertilizers of Various Origins and Bentonite on the Yield and Quality of Winter Wheat

Karen Gharakhanyan, Meruzhan Galstyan — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0400

The article presents the results of a three-year study on the effects of different soil cultivation methods, equivalent doses of mineral fertilizers and biohumus, and the timing of bentonite application on the yield and quality indicators of winter wheat. Based on field experiments and production trials, it was substantiated that in the conditions of non-irrigated agriculture in Hrazdan region of Kotayk Province, cultivating winter wheat by loosening the soil to a depth of 10-12 cm (instead of conventional plowing to 22-25 cm or zero-tillage) contributes to the regulation of soil aeration, water properties, and nutrient regime. As a result, crop yield increases, and quality indicators improve. At the same time, laboratory studies revealed that the autumn application of bentonite at a rate of 3 tons/ha, on the background of equivalent doses of mineral fertilizers and biohumus, had a more favorable effect on the yield and grain quality of winter wheat grown in non-irrigated conditions compared to spring application of bentonite under the same background conditions.

Monitoring the Onset of Phenological Phases “Stem Elongation” and “Heading” of Winter Wheat in the Republic of Armenia Using Remote Sensing Methods

Igor Sereda — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0400

Winter wheat constitutes a significant share of Armenia’s grain production, but can be severely affected by the spread of fungal diseases. According to recent scientific studies, methods based on the dynamics of spectral signatures of crops allow for the timely detection of early signs of crop diseases, prevention of epidemiological threats, and minimization of economic losses. The paper addresses the problem of determining optimal monitoring periods for phytopathogens across the republic of Armenia using these methods. The study covers various regions of Armenia, taking into account their climatic and agronomic characteristics, as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), weather conditions and digital elevation model. The data show potential for determining the timing of key phenological stages in winter wheat development, which is essential for this type of monitoring. Cartographic materials have been created to indicate recommended start dates for monitoring, based on average data from 2018-2024. The paper also outlines necessary steps to improve the outcomes of the proposed methodology, as well as key actions for implementing this approach in practice.

The Study of Lentil Samples from Global Collection in Different Agroclimatic Conditions of Ararat and Gegharkunik Regions

Gayane Shaboyan — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0400

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), is a valuable and accessible source of plant proteins. Thanks to their symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, they help in the accumulation of nitrogen in the soil. In the climatic conditions of the Ararat and Gegharkunik regions, lentil samples from ICARDA collection were studied, including: plateflat forms Flip2006-4L, Flip2007-12L, Flip2007-15L, Flip2006-10L, Flip2007-3L, Flip2007-30L; drought-resistant Bilsen-365, EP-54; early-maturing Flip2005-42L, Flip 2005-53, Sellfrom LL1 767, Flip2006-79L; frost-resistant Flip2003-30L, Flip 2007-26L, AKM-46, Flip2005-25L. For the lentil samples, the climatic conditions of the Gegharkunik region proved to be more favorable, and the samples Flip2007-12L, Flip 2007-15L, and Flip2007-3L demonstrated 21 %, 35 %, and 14 %, higher yields compared to the Ararat region, respectively. In the Ararat region, the highest yield among all studied samples was shown by the drought-resistant Ep-54. The mentioned varieties are recommended for use in breeding work and production sowings.

Dietary Trials and Gut Candidate Phyla Radiation Bacteria: The Effect of Placebo on the Prevalence of Saccharibacteria in Healthy Armenian Women and Women with Familial Mediterranean Fever

Natalya Harutyunyan, Lena Stepanyan, Lena Malkhasyan, Astghik Pepoyan — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0400

“Candidate Phyla Radiation” (CPR) bacteria, representing ~15 % of bacterial diversity and over 70 phyla, are extremely small bacteria that primarily survive in parasitic or symbiotic forms. CPR bacteria, including Candidatus Brownbacteria, Candidatus Hugbacteria, and Candidatus Saccharibacteria (formerly TM7), were first identified in humans in 2007. They are linked to the microbiota of healthy and diseased individuals, being present in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts. CPR bacteria, such as Saccharibacteria, are associated with dysbiotic conditions like periodontitis and can act as pathogens and potential protectors against inflammatory damage caused by host-associated bacteria.This study aimed to assess the effect of a placebo on gut Saccharibacteria in healthy Armenian women and those with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) disease, a condition with high prevalence in Armenia and often associated with oral microbiota disturbances. Stool samples were analyzed using a culture-independent, high-density DNA microarray method, and statistical analyses were performed with Multibase 2015 Excel Add-in program (NumericalDynamics, Tokyo, Japan). Results indicate that Saccharibacteria respond variably to placebo depending on health status, with some showing significant quantitative or qualitative changes while others remained unchanged. In conclusion, this study confirms the presence of CPR bacteria in the gut microbiota of both healthy women and those with FMF. The distinct responses of intestinal CPR bacteria to placebo highlight the importance of placebo-controlled trials in microbiota research. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the potential role of Saccharibacteria in gut-brain processes and their implications in health and disease.

Sodium Hypochlorite as an Effective Means of Combating Dermanyssus Gallinae Mites in Chickens

Viktor Abrahamyan, Liana Grigoryan, Valeri Grigoryan, Armine Ghazaryan — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0400

The chicken tick Dermanyssus gallinae is widespread across all climatogeographic zones of the Republic of Armenia. The invasion occurs with relatively high intensity in large poultry farms (such as in Arzni, Lusakert, and Jrarat). In 1 cm³ of substrate collected from poultry houses, the number of ticks ranges from 1,100 to 2,800 specimens. These parasites attack birds at night, while during the day they remain in the dust on the walls and under the feed conveyor. To disinfect poultry houses, organophosphate compounds are commonly used. However, these substances are toxic, requiring the removal of birds from the premises before use, which is a time-consuming process. In laboratory and production experiments, we tested a 20 % aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite, achieving 100 % effectiveness. The solution was used without the need to remove the birds from the premises.

Physicochemical Properties and Health Implications of Cow’s Milk from Armenian Manufacturers

Susanna Mirzabekyan, Razmik Mkhitaryan, Lilit Malkhasyan, Astghik Pepoyan — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0400

This study evaluates the physicochemical properties of milk samples from six different Armenian manufacturers to assess their quality and suitability for dairy product production. The milk samples were analyzed for key parameters including pH, fat content, solid non-fat (SNF), density, protein, lactose, salts, and freezing point. Results revealed slight variations in pH, fat, and protein content, with goat milk showing the highest protein, lactose, and SNF levels, and a lower freezing point compared to other milk types. Temperature, fat content, and protein concentration were identified as significant factors influencing milk quality, with implications for dairy product formulation. This research provides valuable insights into the nutritional profiles of Armenian milk and can inform the development of targeted dairy products based on these physicochemical characteristics.