Prediction of Almond Nut Yield and Its Greenhouse Gases Emission Using Different Methodologies

Abstract

The evaluation of a production system to analyze greenhouse gases is one of the most interesting challenges for researchers. The aim of the present study is to model almond nut production based on inputs by employing artificial neural networks (ANNs) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) procedures. To predict the almond nut yield with respect to the energy inputs, several ANN and ANFIS models were developed, evaluated, and compared. Among the several developed ANNs, a network with an architecture of 8-12-1 and a log-sigmoid, and a linear transfer function in the hidden and output layers, respectively, is found to be the best model. In general, both approaches had a good capability for predicting the nut yield. The comparison results revealed that the ANN procedure could predict the nut yield more precisely than the ANFIS models. Furthermore, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in almond orchards are determined where the total GHG emission is estimated to be about 2348.85 kg CO2eq ha−1. Among the inputs, electricity had the largest contribution to GHG emissions, with a share of 72.32%.

Almond (Prunus sp.) Growth and Morphological Properties Affected by Super Absorbent Polymers and Phosphorus and Iron Fertilization

“…The use of SAPs can significantly contribute to increased water uptake by plants, because they is able to absorb high amounts of water and release them gradually for plant use. 10,23 According to our results the three parameters of BL, BLT, and WN were the most affected ones by the experimental treatments as they were affected by single and interaction effects of the experimental treatments. Accordingly, the single and the combined treatments could significantly contribute to the increased growth of branch length and the weight of fresh nuts.…”

“…The results indicated the significant effects of the experimental treatments (singly or in combination) on the measured parameters. The use of SAPs can significantly contribute to increased water uptake by plants, because they is able to absorb high amounts of water and release them gradually for plant use. , …”

“…According to our results the single and the combined effects of the experimental treatments significantly enhanced the growth of the almond orchards by increasing branch length and number and weight of almond nuts. The enhancing effects of the experimental treatments on the growth of almond orchards may be by 1) providing the plants with their required water, P, and Fe, and 2) improving the properties of soil. , The use of SAPs can also enhance the contact of the roots with the soil.…”

“…The enhancing effects of the experimental treatments on the growth of almond orchards may be by 1) providing the plants with their required water, P, and Fe, and 2) improving the properties of soil. 10,23 The use of SAPs can also enhance the contact of the roots with the soil.…”