Currently, numerous intelligent maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms are capable of tackling the global optimization challenge of multi-peak photovoltaic output power under partial shading conditions, yet they often face issues such as slow convergence, low tracking precision, and substantial power fluctuations. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a hybrid algorithm that integrates an improved salp swarm algorithm (SSA) with the perturb and observe (P&O) method. Initially, the SSA is augmented with a dynamic spiral evolution mechanism and a Lévy flight strategy, expanding the search space and bolstering global search capabilities, which in turn enhances the tracking precision. Subsequently, the application of a Gaussian operator for distribution calculations allows for the adaptive adjustment of step sizes in each iteration, quickening convergence and diminishing power oscillations. Finally, the integration with P&O facilitates a meticulous search with a small step size, ensuring swift convergence and further mitigating post-convergence power oscillations. Both the simulations and the experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms particle swarm optimization (PSO) and grey wolf optimization (GWO) in terms of convergence velocity, tracking precision, and the reduction in iteration power oscillation magnitude.

Phenotypic analysis of mature soybeans is a critical aspect of soybean breeding. However, manually obtaining phenotypic parameters not only is time-consuming and labor intensive but also lacks objectivity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a rapid, accurate, and efficient method to collect the phenotypic parameters of soybeans. This study develops a novel pipeline for acquiring the phenotypic traits of mature soybeans based on three-dimensional (3D) point clouds. First, soybean point clouds are obtained using a multi-view stereo 3D reconstruction method, followed by preprocessing to construct a dataset. Second, a deep learning-based network, PVSegNet (Point Voxel Segmentation Network), is proposed specifically for segmenting soybean pods and stems. This network enhances feature extraction capabilities through the integration of point cloud and voxel convolution, as well as an orientation-encoding (OE) module. Finally, phenotypic parameters such as stem diameter, pod length, and pod width are extracted and validated against manual measurements. Experimental results demonstrate that the average Intersection over Union (IoU) for semantic segmentation is 92.10%, with a precision of 96.38%, recall of 95.41%, and F1-score of 95.87%. For instance segmentation, the network achieves an average precision (AP@50) of 83.47% and an average recall (AR@50) of 87.07%. These results indicate the feasibility of the network for the instance segmentation of pods and stems. In the extraction of plant parameters, the predicted values of pod width, pod length, and stem diameter obtained through the phenotypic extraction method exhibit coefficients of determination ($R^2$) of 0.9489, 0.9182, and 0.9209, respectively, with manual measurements. This demonstrates that our method can significantly improve efficiency and accuracy, contributing to the application of automated 3D point cloud analysis technology in soybean breeding.

This study aims to develop an effective and reliable method for estimating rice quality indices and yield, addressing the growing need for rapid, non-destructive, and accurate predictions in modern agriculture. Field experiments were conducted in 2018 at the Suiling Water Conservancy Comprehensive Experimental Station (47°27′ N, 127°06′ E), using Longqingdao 3 as the test variety. Measurements included the leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll content (SPAD), leaf nitrogen content (LNC), and leaf spectral reflectance during the tillering, jointing, and maturity stages. Based on these parameters, spectral indicators were calculated, and univariate linear regression models were developed to predict key rice quality indices. The results demonstrated that the optimal R² values for brown rice rate, moisture content, and taste value were 0.866, 0.913, and 0.651, with corresponding RMSE values of 0.122, 0.081, and 1.167. After optimizing the models, the R² values for the brown rice rate and taste value improved significantly to 0.95 (RMSE: 0.075) and 0.992 (RMSE: 0.179), respectively. Notably, the spectral index GM2 during the jointing stage achieved the highest accuracy for yield prediction, with an R² value of 0.822. These findings confirm that integrating multiple indicators across different growth periods enhances the accuracy of rice quality and yield predictions, offering a robust and intelligent solution for practical agricultural applications.

Increasing crop yield is a significant objective in modern agriculture, with adjusted planting density and rational fertilization strategies standing out as the foremost approaches for attaining such a goal. Through the use of modern artificial intelligence techniques such as genetic algorithms and neural networks, the CPDOS (Crop Planting Density Optimization System), an online intelligent system that can automate the modeling, optimization, and analysis of the two models, was developed in the present study. The goal of the system is to optimize the planting density model and fertilizer application in combination with other computer system development techniques. The CPDOS comprises three main modules: yield density optimization module, optimal planting density range module, and fertilization and planting density optimization module. The three modules are complemented by two modules for data input and result visualization, culminating in the comprehensive process of optimizing planting density and fertilizer allocation through the CPDOS. The CPDOS was tested using potato, corn, and soybean data, and the results show that the optimization effects of planting density and fertilizer application were satisfactory. The CPDOS is an automated crop planting optimization system that integrates algorithms and models and is driven by artificial intelligence technology. The introduction of the CPDOS reduces the barriers to utilizing these algorithms and models, facilitating wider adoption of intelligently optimized planting technology. The platform’s launch will accelerate the swift advancement of this field.

Advancements in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral systems offer robust technical support for the precise and efficient estimation of japonica rice yield in cold regions within the framework of precision agriculture. These innovations also present a viable alternative to conventional yield estimation methods. However, recent research suggests that reliance solely on vegetation indices (VIs) may result in inaccurate yield estimations due to variations in crop cultivars, growth stages, and environmental conditions. This study investigated six fertilization gradient experiments involving two conventional japonica rice varieties (KY131, SJ22) and two hybrid japonica rice varieties (CY31, TLY619) at Yanjiagang Farm in Heilongjiang Province during 2023. By integrating UAV multispectral data with machine learning techniques, this research aimed to derive critical phenotypic parameters of rice and estimate yield. This study was conducted in two phases: In the first phase, models for assessing phenotypic traits such as leaf area index (LAI), canopy cover (CC), plant height (PH), and above-ground biomass (AGB) were developed using remote sensing spectral indices and machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN). In the second phase, plot yields for hybrid rice and conventional rice were predicted using key phenotypic parameters at critical growth stages through linear (Multiple Linear Regression, MLR) and nonlinear regression models (RF). The findings revealed that (1) Phenotypic traits at critical growth stages exhibited a strong correlation with rice yield, with correlation coefficients for LAI and CC exceeding 0.85 and (2) the accuracy of phenotypic trait evaluation using multispectral data was high, demonstrating practical applicability in production settings. Remarkably, the R² for CC based on the RF algorithm exceeded 0.9, while R² values for PH and AGB using the RF algorithm and for LAI using the XGBoost algorithm all surpassed 0.8. (3) Yield estimation performance was optimal at the heading (HD) stage, with the RF model achieving superior accuracy (R² = 0.86, RMSE = 0.59 t/ha) compared to other growth stages. These results underscore the immense potential of combining UAV multispectral data with machine learning techniques to enhance the accuracy of yield estimation for cold-region japonica rice. This innovative approach significantly supports optimized decision-making for farmers in precision agriculture and holds substantial practical value for rice yield estimation and the sustainable advancement of rice production.

With the energy transition and changes in electrical load structures, harmonic distortion in power systems is increasingly threatening grid stability, especially during the integration of renewable energy sources. Active power filters (APFs) are commonly used to improve power quality, but current fluctuations and voltage instability caused by DC-side capacitor charging and discharging hinder effective harmonic compensation. To address this, this paper presents a method combining a variable-step-size adaptive linear predictor with linear active disturbance rejection control (VALP-LADRC). By integrating an adaptive linear predictor (ALP) with LADRC, the proposed method effectively reduces the impact of disturbances on control, improving voltage regulation and harmonic compensation, and enhancing renewable energy grid integration. To address delays during the adjustment of initial parameters in the adaptive predictor, we combine it with a variable-step-size algorithm, significantly improving disturbance rejection and tracking accuracy, while solving voltage drop issues. The simulation results in a photovoltaic grid-connected system show that VALP-LADRC effectively mitigates disturbances, ensures voltage stability, and enhances power quality. This approach offers a promising solution for supporting sustainable development through better renewable energy integration and improved power quality.