International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology (IJARIT)
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Estimation of soil erosion and risk assessment in Somalia
Full text linkSoil erosion is a pressing issue that threatens environmental stability and agricultural productivity across the globe. In Somalia, where the population already contends with severe socioeconomic and environmental challenges, the effects of erosion compound problems like food insecurity and land degradation. This study investigates erosion patterns and identifies areas prone to soil loss, aiming to provide actionable insights for improving land use practices and resource management. The research employs advanced analytical tools to study how erosion factors are distributed geographically. Data such as terrain characteristics, rainfall intensity, vegetation cover, soil quality, and land usage are systematically analyzed. Cutting-edge modeling techniques, supported by historical erosion trends, help to develop accurate predictions about future soil loss, offering a robust basis for creating effective intervention strategies. The findings show that many regions in Somalia are highly susceptible to erosion, particularly where unsustainable human activities such as overgrazing, deforestation, and improper farming methods are prevalent. These insights underscore the urgent need for targeted policies to mitigate erosion and protect valuable soil resources. By forecasting potential erosion scenarios, this research equips decision-makers with the tools needed to prioritize interventions that enhance agricultural output, preserve ecosystems, and ensure long-term sustainability. This research aids policymakers, land managers, and stakeholders in formulating focused, evidence-based plans for soil conservation and sustainable land use, ultimately facilitating the preservation and enhancement of Somalia\u27s natural resources and agricultural resilience.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 111-121, December 202
Establishment of an effective photobioreactor for growing microalgae: A review
Full text linkThe premise that microalgae could be used to produce landscapes of biofuel, nutrition, and bioremediation is gaining popularity. The four main factors influential to microalgae growth are light, CO2, nutrients, and process conditions-including temperature and pH. Compared to other open systems such as ponds, control and efficiency in flat plate and tubular type photobioreactors are much higher. A photobioreactor needs to be developed to enhance the mass transport, and light penetration, and to reduce contamination. Every kind of photobioreactor has its advantages and limitations in using the airlift, bubble column, and stirred tank. Thus, the use of hybrid bioreactors makes it possible to eliminate individual limitations. This review discusses and analyzes the features of photobioreactor systems, their drawbacks, and the progress achieved in the field of microalgae production.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 153-162, December 202
Exploring the role of chitosan in enhancing poultry production: Benefits and applications
Full text linkChitosan (a chitin derived biopolymer) has gained enormous attention due to its potential uses in broiler and layer production. Chitosan is a natural, nontoxic, and biodegradable substance that has several benefits in poultry, i.e., it improves poultry growth, health, and overall productivity. The present review paper explores the versatile roles of chitosan in poultry, exploring its use as an immune-modulator, growth promoter, and natural antimicrobial and antioxidant feed additive. Chitosan biopolymer is reported to boost the immunity FCR (feed conversion ratio) and reduce the chances of diseases working as an antimicrobial compound. Chitosan enhances nutrient digestibility and absorption, maintains gut health, and controls the intestinal microflora. Dietary use of chitosan is well documented to improve meat quality, feather growth, and egg quality as an alternative to synthetic growth promoters and antibiotics. Therefore, this review intends to gather scientific evidence about using chitosan on production performance, health and well-being of poultry and minimizing the impact of production on the environment for sustainable and environmentally healthy production. Moreover, the prospects for research on chitosan in poultry production are also discussed, stressing the need to optimize chitosan applications and address existing limitations.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 22-38, June 202
Comprehensive assessment of physicochemical quality, heavy metals, and ecological risks in the Someshwari river water, Netrokona, Bangladesh
Full text linkThis study aimed to assess the physicochemical quality of water, the presence of toxic heavy metals, and the associated ecological risk in the trans-boundary of the Someshwari River as it enters Bangladesh through Netrokona District. Samples were collected over the period from June 2021 to May 2022 from five distinct locations. The investigation examined the current status of various physicochemical parameters of the water, including color, odor, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), electric conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and alkalinity, as well as the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Mn). The findings of the study revealed that temperature, pH, DO, BOD, TDS, EC, and total alkalinity were within established standard limits. The pH values across all water samples exhibited variation within the range of 7.60 to 7.80. Additionally, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Mn were found to be within acceptable levels. Notably, no detectable levels of Cr were identified in the river water throughout the three seasons. The HPI values were within the acceptable range, with a range of 42.68 to 92.10 during the pre-monsoon, 26.60 to 48.71 during the monsoon, and 5.57 to 98.00 during the post-monsoon seasons, respectively. Similarly, the HEI values indicated a low level of contamination, with variations from 0.21 to 20.30 in the pre-monsoon, 0.63 to 22.27 in the monsoon, and 5.01 to 33.12 in the post-monsoon seasons, respectively. Mean CD values consistently indicated a lower level of pollution across all three seasons. In summary, the results of this investigation suggest that the water quality in the designated area is suitable for various uses. However, to maintain this water quality, it is strongly recommended that effective awareness programs be implemented to prevent water pollution.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 44-52, December 202
Effect of different moisture content on nitrous oxide production in aggregated soil of Shintoku, Japan
Full text linkAgricultural soils are the major source of the potent greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance, N2O. An incubation study was carried out using the volcanic ash fine textured soil of Shintoku. Soil samples used in this study were taken from managed grassland at Shintoku Experimental Livestock Farm of Hokkaido University in Southern Hokkaido, Japan (N43º05′, E142º51′). Soil aggregates were air-dried, and sieved with 4.5 mm and 2 mm and adjusted the soil moisture of 60% and 80% of field water capacity (FWC). Just after the moistening, the aggregates were incubated for 9 days under a temperature of 20°C. Just after starting the incubation, the flush of N2O production was observed. Similar flushes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitric oxide (NO) productions were also observed. All of the gas productions were higher in larger aggregates with 80% of field water capacity. The concentrations of Water Extractable Organic Carbon (WEOC), NH4+-N, pH and total N were significantly different before and after incubation. Shintoku soil showed a significant correlation between before and after incubation for all soil chemical properties except pH. Especially WEOC and NH4+-N changed immediately after the addition of water and this situation continued during the incubation. Larger aggregates showed higher amounts of NH4+-N and NO3-–N and were responsible for higher N2O production compared to smaller aggregates. In Shintoku the results of N2O-N/NO-N ratio in both moisture contents indicated nitrification as a main process of N2O production. It is very well known that N2O is produced more from the denitrification process than nitrification. Poor aeration and less diffusion of NO3-N and WEOC from the aerobic area to the anaerobic area reduce N2O production in the denitrification process of fine textured Shintoku soil.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 99-110, December 202
Graft success and seedling growth responses of cashew (Anacardium occidentalis) to three concentrations of Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) and scion types
Full text linkCashew is an important tree crop with huge export potential and economic benefits. Seed propagation is a major problem because it takes the crop a much longer time to reach edible maturity compared to vegetative propagation. In addition, true-to-type plants cannot be assured through seed propagation. This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different concentrations of IBA and three scion types on the graft success of cashews. The experimental design for the study was 4 x 3 factorial arrangements in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor was IBA at four different concentrations (0 ml, 750 ml, 1000 ml, and 1250 ml). The second factor was scion types at three levels (soft, semi-hard, and hardwood, respectively). Semi-hardwood cuttings treated with 1250 ml concentration of IBA took shorter days (13 days) to achieve graft success and had the highest percentage graft-take. For all the vegetative parameters studied (plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, root biomass and root length), semi-hardwood cuttings which were treated with 1250 ml concentration of IBA gave the best recordings and also had the highest percentage of survived seedlings after transplanting. In conclusion, for a successful graft success coupled with the corresponding growth of the seedlings, it is best to use 1250 ml of IBA concentration with semi-hardwood scion.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 132-145, December 202
Pre-extension demonstration of black pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.) technologies in selected districts of Ethiopia
Full text linkBlack pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.), known as the "King of Spices," is a high-value crop with significant economic and medicinal importance. This study evaluates the pre-extension demonstration of black pepper technologies in selected districts of Southwest Ethiopia and Gambella Region, focusing on two improved varieties, Gacheb and Tato, under real-world farming conditions. The study involved 66 farmers across Yeki, Sheko, and Godere districts, aiming to enhance farmers\u27 knowledge and skills in black pepper production, management, and post-harvest handling. Data were collected on agronomic performance, economic viability, and farmer perceptions. Results showed that both varieties adapted well to local conditions, with Gacheb exhibiting higher yield potential (2-3 kg/vine/year) compared to Tato (1.5-2.5 kg/vine/year). Economic analysis revealed a benefit-cost ratio of 4.71 for Gacheb and 4.29 for Tato, indicating profitability. Farmers expressed positive perceptions of black pepper\u27s adaptability and financial benefits, ranking it second in priority after coffee. However, challenges such as pests, diseases, and inadequate knowledge in certain cultivation practices were identified. The study recommends capacity-building programs, development of resilient varieties, scaling-up demonstrations, and strengthening research-extension-farmer linkages to promote sustainable black pepper production. These efforts can enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and support the wider adoption of black pepper technologies in Ethiopia.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 70-77, June 202
Bank of industry’s small and medium enterprise programme: an exploratory impact analysis on the livelihood status of poultry farmers in Nigeria
Full text linkThe study evaluated how the small and medium business (SME) program of the Bank of Industry (BOI) affected the livelihood situation of chicken producers in Osun State, Nigeria. Using a two-stage sampling process, data was gathered using a structured interview schedule from 185 beneficiaries (poultry farmers) who were chosen at random from each of the six administrative zones. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze the data, and inferential conclusions were drawn using paired sample t-tests, correlations, and chi-square. The survey found Osun State\u27s small and medium-sized poultry producers now have better living conditions thanks to the BOI\u27s SME programme. It was observed that the programme brought about an increase in innovative thinking and ideas of the beneficiaries. However, there was a significant association between the socio-economic characteristics of the beneficiaries and their livelihood status; it revealed a significant difference (t= 21.424; P ≤ 0.05) in the livelihood status of the respondents before and after the programme, which implies that respondent’s income increases, experience tremendous growth in business output and were able to acquire more assets; hence, the programme should be sustained by successive government’s administration and should be extended to other enterprises.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 88-98, June 202
Impact of agricultural diversity and market accessibility on dietary outcomes for households, women, and children in Bangladesh
Full text linkDiversified agricultural production increases household food diversity, especially in developing nations where subsistence farming is prevalent. The goal of this study was to determine the factors associated with farm production, commercialization, livestock rearing, and socio-demographic status on dietary diversity of households (HDD), women (WDD) and children (CDD). Data were obtained from 300 randomly selected households using two-stage random sampling techniques. HDD, WDD and CDD were measured using 24-hour dietary recall data. A binary logistic regression and negative binomial regression model were applied to find the significant factors associated with HDD, WDD, and CDD. The mean values of HDD, WDD, and CDD were 7.59, 6.62, and 4.74. Cereals were consumed by 99% of participants. The adequate and inadequate HDD of the participants were 49.3% and 50.7%. As farm production increases, the odds of HDD and CDD scores increase by 1.35 units and 18%. HDD and WDD were 0.26 and 032 times lower in households with six or fewer members compared to those with more than six members. The HDD and WDD were 4.33 and 7.92 times higher for attending market participation. The HDD and WDD were 0.16 and 0.36 times lower for the people who reared domestic animals. The WDD was 0.46 times lower for family income less than 25000 taka. The CDD score decreases by 0.61 with attending market participation. Better market access and farm production diversity can be used to increase HDD and WDD, whereas CDD increases with production diversity. The results emphasize the necessity of improving market access, family income and crop-livestock integration for improved nutrition.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 136-146, June 202
Prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among adolescents with suspected genital infection in the Ngiri-Ngiri health zone in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Full text linkAdolescents are among the groups most exposed to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and most likely to resort to self-medication, which constitutes a threat to public health. This study aimed to assess self-medication practices for symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents in the commune of Ngiri-Ngiri in the City of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by interviewing 224 adolescents using ODK software. Data were processed with XLSTAT. Of the 224 adolescents, 34.3% admitted to having symptoms associated with STIs. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics was 45.5%. Of those who self-medicated, 70% attended school, 47% were male, and 53% were female. Of all the drugs used, amoxicillin ranked first, followed by penicillin, vaginal ovules, and tetracycline. The study also showed that some women resorted to phytotherapy. As for the source of information, 70% of teenagers confirmed that they had obtained this information from pharmacy owners, 29% from the community, and 23% from healthcare providers. Given the considerable prevalence of self-medication for symptoms associated with STIs in this environment, health workers and political decision-makers are called upon to pool their efforts to raise awareness of the rational use of medicines to reduce or even eradicate this harmful practice.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 147-154, June 202