Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Effect of various biochar on selected soil properties and agronomical parameters of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) at Rupandehi, Nepal
No full textBiochar is rich in carbon and obtained by carbonization of biomass heated at 300-1000°C under limited oxygen which improves the soil properties and yield of various crops. This study aimed to determine the changes in soil properties and agronomical characteristics of okra by biochar prepared from different feedstock. The research was conducted in randomized blocks and replicated thrice, with treatments; control, wood ash (WA), rice husk biochar (RHB), bamboo biochar (BB), Ashoka leaves biochar (ALB), coconut husk biochar (CHB), and sawdust biochar (SB), applied at 18 t/ha. Biochar-incorporated soil and the biochar were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, P2O5, K2O, and organic matter, and the soil for bulk density, particle density, and porosity. Agronomical parameters like plant height, fruit size, and yield were also recorded. The biochar incorporation modified the soil's chemical properties and significantly decreased bulk and particle density. The highest reduction of 10.9% in bulk density (1.22gm/cm3), and 4.4% in particle density (2.39gm/cm3) were observed in ALB and SB incorporated soil respectively. ALB (50%) followed by BB (49%) showed a significant increase in soil porosity compared to the control (45.18%). BB (15.7cm) significantly increased the fruit size compared to the control (14.06cm) followed by ALB (15.5cm). ALB (8.16t/ha) significantly increased the yield of okra relative to control (7.82t/ha). The findings suggest the use of ALB and BB to improve soil properties and yield in the long run
Heavy metal concentrations in water from Bakkhali River estuary, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
No full textHeavy metals contamination of water is considered as severe global issues for developing countries like Bangladesh. Because heavy metal pollution ruined aquatic ecosystem especially fish diversity which contribute important share on economy of a country. The present study designed to investigate the contamination level of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in surface water of Bakkhali river estuary in Bangladesh. The decreasing order of metals concentration was Cu>Zn >Cr>Pb>Cd with the mean value of 2.6> 0.825 > 0.355 > 0.056 >0.003 mg/L, respectively. The results showed a significant seasonal variation of heavy metals concentration in water. Higher contamination occurred during post monsoon, while lower during the monsoon season. Among the all studied heavy metals Cu concentration was higher (2.6 mg/L) and lower (0.003 mg/L) concentration was Cd. Metal concentrations in water samples exceeded the safe limits of drinking water which indicated that the water from this estuarine river is not fully safe for using/drinking. The study area was not entirely polluted in terms of all metal concentrations. But level of metal concentration in polluted sites supposed risk to ecological health. The findings of present study recommended that continuous monitoring of water should be aimed to evaluate the risk which could help to maintain healthy coastal ecosystem and improve management strategy of this estuarine river
Performance evaluation of advanced durum wheat genotypes under irrigated condition at Bhairahawa, Nepal
No full textA field research was carried out at the National Wheat Research Program (NWRP) in Bhairahawa, Nepal in 2022 to investigate elite durum wheat genotypes and key traits contributing to grain yield. The experiment was performed in an alpha lattice design with two replications. Thirty distinct durum wheat genotypes were assessed, focusing on fourteen quantitative traits including days to booting, days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, spike length, peduncle length, number of tillers per square meter, number of spikes per square meter, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, thousand kernel weight, grain yield, biomass yield, chlorophyll content. The studied genotypes were grown under irrigated condition. Genotype NL1779 attained the highest grain yield of 3828 kg/ha, followed by NL1769 (3784 kg/ha), NL1772 (3726 kg/ha), NL1789 (3640 kg/ha) and NL1784 (3570 kg/ha). Principal components analysis revealed that eight traits were the major loadings on the first two principal components that describe 53.4% of the total morphological variance at irrigated condition. Cluster analysis grouped the different genotypes into four clusters, with each cluster showing variation in performance for different traits under irrigated conditions. Cluster III is characterized by genotypes exhibiting the highest grain yield, biomass yield, spike length, number of grains per spike, and number of spikes per square meter. Notably, the high-yielding genotypes NL1779, NL1769, NL1772, NL1789, NL1784, and NL1773 identified within this cluster could serve as potential candidates for inclusion in the national breeding program. These superior genotypes could be recommended for irrigated environment after further evaluation. Integrating them into national breeding programs offers an opportunity for genetic improvement, contributing to establishing a robust durum wheat production system in Nepal, meeting the growing demand for durum wheat products while promoting dietary diversity and sustainable agriculture
Examination of the diversity in pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) growth accessions in south-eastern Nigeria
No full textThe aim of the study was to compare the growth rates of various pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) accessions. Pumpkins from Aku I, Aku II, Awka, Ifite-Ogwari Nsukka I, and Nsukka II were the various accessions. A field study was conducted at the Ifite-Ogwari Campus of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Anambra State. The experiment was laid out using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. As experimental sample units, two (2) of the middle-most plants in each polybag were cut off and tagged. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze data on vegetative growth factors at a 5% probability level and the treatment means were divided using the least significant difference (LSD 0.05). The result of the experiment revealed that all of the pumpkin accessions performed similarly in terms of the amount of time it took for them to emerge after sowing, their percentage of emergence, and their overall vegetative growth. None of the accessions were statistically different with respect to their emergence and growth parameters. However, the growth parameter evaluations were dominated, on average, by pumpkin accession from Nsukka (I and II) pumpkins. In addition, the Aku II pumpkin had the shortest days-to-emergence (3.33 days) and the greatest mean percentage of emergence (100%). Conversely, Aku I pumpkin consistently performed the lowest when it came to the factors that were looked at. For a comprehensive characterization of C. maxima, additional research at the molecular and genomic levels is advised including a greater number of accessions
Potential of natural coagulants for bioremediation of persistent organic pollutants in wastewater in sub-Saharan Africa: A review
No full textSub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a significant user of pesticides, relying on agriculture for economic development. Pesticides and agrochemicals contribute to the presence of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in the environment. This review addresses knowledge gaps in monitoring and quantification of POPs, the application of natural coagulants for bioremediation, and associated environmental and health risks in SSA. Findings reveal inconsistencies in monitoring methods and analytes, hindering the identification of temporal trends. Legacy POPs show decreasing concentrations in soil/sediment and aquatic organisms, while some POPs increase in water, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Some river systems exceed acceptable ranges for PCBs according to USEPA standards. PFASs, particularly PFOA and PFOS, are prevalent. Natural coagulants, like Moringa oleifera and chitosan, are gaining popularity for water treatment due to their environmental sustainability and effectiveness in POP remediation. Trivalent cations in natural coagulants show promise for POP bioremediation. However, challenges remain in scaling up natural coagulant applications for commercial water treatment. This review highlights the need for standardized monitoring procedures and emphasizes the potential of natural coagulants in POP remediation efforts
Performance of kharif maize under conservation tillage in silty clay loam soil
No full textMaize is a major staple food as well as potential cash crop for millions of people, mostly grown in the winter season in Bangladesh under conventional tillage practice. But huge area of cultivable land remains fallow in kharif-1 season in Sylhet region as well as other parts of Bangladesh. Hence, we aimed to identify the best variety and tillage method to grow maize in silty clay loam soil in kharif season. An experiment was conducted to study the performance of six maize varieties in the Kharif-I season (summer) under three tillage methods in silty clay loam soil of Eastern Surma-Kushiyara floodplain (AEZ-20). The experiment was arranged in RCBD with three replications to observe yield contributing traits and yield performance of maize. Among the varieties, BARI Hybrid Maize-16 showed the highest yield attributes and grain yield followed by BARI Hybrid Maize-13 and BARI Hybrid Maize-9. Based on tillage, the maximum number of leaves per plant, cob length and diameter, kernel rows per cob, kernels per row, kernels per cob, highest grain yield, and stover yields were recorded in conventional tillage. Therefore, considering the yield and tillage methods, BARI Hybrid Maize-16 showed the best yield performance under conventional tillage in the kharif-I season in silty clay loam soil of Eastern Surma-Kushiyara floodplain of Bangladesh
Fish biodiversity status and threats of Chinadi Beel in Bangladesh
No full textThis study examined the fish fauna of Chinadi Beel in Bangladesh in terms of diversity, quantity, and state of conservation. A pre-tested questionnaire and a direct catch evaluation survey were employed to conduct the study in the beel. In the examined beel, a comprehensive count of 3,360 fish specimens, encompassing 52 distinct fish species from 8 orders and 19 families, was documented. Cypriniformes was identified as the dominating order among the 8 orders examined, accounting for 51.49% of the total. Out of 52 fish species about 31 least concern (59.61%), 8 endangered (15.38%), 6 vulnerable (11.54%), 6 near threatened (11.54%) and 1 critically endangered (1.92%) species were observed according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The study utilized population diversity indices, specifically the Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H'), Margalef species richness (d), Pielou's evenness index (J'), and Simpson dominance index (c), to assess the species diversity, richness, and evenness of fish which value were found to be 2.50, 4.30, 0.90, and 0.30, respectively. Chinadi Beel has the capacity to function as a significant reservoir of fishing resources and a repository of genetic information for many fish species. However, the present study emphasized several anthropogenic and environmental issues, such as unregulated fishing, agricultural pollutants, illegal or harmful fishing, the construction of infrastructure for development, and climate change. Hence, it is highly recommended to implement ecosystem-based fisheries management that actively involves the local population in order to guarantee the long-term preservation of these water bodies
Citrus growers' knowledge, attitudes, and implementation towards Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in Palpa, Nepal
No full textThere is a high demand of citrus fruits in mid-hills region of Nepal. To increase its productivity, it is important to incorporate sustainable practices into orchard management. Therefore, the study was conducted in summer 2022 to understand commercial citrus farmers' knowledge on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and correspond production methods of GAP aware farmers with GAP standards in the Palpa, Nepal. Altogether, 64 commercial citrus growers were interviewed with pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires for the data collection. The farmers were categorized into GAP aware and unaware based on the criteria made by the group discussion with the leading farmers and GAP standards. The result revealed that out of ten selected standards, adoption of GAP standards by GAP aware farmers are positive in relation to orchard management practices (99%), plantation (90%), harvest and storage (90%), soil management and fertilization (63%), and hygiene and environment management (61%)— with human welfare (100%) adopted by all of the aware respondents and GAP related to documentation and records (25%) were found to be least adopted. The entire aware respondents agreed to the fact that GAP produced fruit have a better appearance and improved quality, satisfies national and international standards and enhances the export potential of fruits but 97% of respondents didn’t agree that adopting GAP helps in providing incentives or support from governmental organizations. The understanding of GAP among the citrus growers is limited and hence, it is crucial to organize awareness programs and provide supplementary training sessions to enhance their understanding and adoption of GAP practices
Effect of nitrogen levels on growth and yield of popcorn maize (Zea mays var. everta) in Mid Hills, Parbat District, Nepal
No full textA field experiment was conducted from March to July 2020 to investigate the impact of varying nitrogen levels on the growth and yield of popcorn maize in Parbat. The experiment was laid out in single factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising nine levels of nitrogen: 0, 50, 75, 100, 120, 125, 150, 175 and 200 kg ha-1 as treatment with three replications. "Lumle Yellow" variety was cultivated in an acidic (pH 4.9) clay loam soil with moderate levels of total nitrogen (0.19%), high levels of available phosphorus (126.6 kg ha-1), potassium (427.68 kg ha-1), and moderate organic matter content (4.36%). The findings showed that an increased N-level significantly increased plant height and the leaf area index, reaching a maximum at 175 kg N ha-1. While number of cob plant-1 and kernel row cob-1 were non-significant, yield attributing parameters such as cob length, cob diameter, number of kernel rows-1, thousand grain weight, and grain yield were significant and determined to be maximum at 150 kg N ha-1. With subsequent increases in N to 175 and 200 kg N ha-1, the yield-attributing features did not show an increase. The highest grain yield (4.97 Mt ha-1) produced from 150 kg N ha-1 was 98 percent higher than the yield obtained from control (2.5 Mt ha-1) and 28 percent higher as compared to lowest level of N (50 kg ha-1). However, reduction in grain yield was found with increase in N levels above 150 kg ha-1
Effectiveness of pre-emergence herbicides on weed population and yield of boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan58) under different dose
No full textWeed management is crucial for optimal crop performance in rice cultivation. In this respect, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory (AFL), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, from December 2019 to May 2020 and aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various herbicide treatments on weed management and crop performance in rice cultivation, focusing on the variety BRRI dhan58. The study included a control group and various herbicide treatments: half the recommended dose (RD), RD, and a double dose of pendimethalin, bensulfuron methyl + acetachlor, bensulfuron methyl + bispyribac sodium, pretilachlor, and butachlor. Eleven weed species from six families infested the plots. The results showed that double doses of pre-emergence herbicides resulted in lower weed populations (WP) (m-²), reduced weed dry weight (DW) (gm-2), and higher weed control efficiency (WCE %). The highest weed control efficiencies at 30 DAT were 94.58% for Bensulfuron methyl + Acetachlor and 94.38% for Pretilachlor. The double dose of Bensulfuron methyl + Acetachlor achieved the lowest WP and DW and the highest WCE. Crop performance improved significantly with the double dose of Bensulfuron methyl + Acetachlor, resulting in the highest PH, a more significant number of effective tillers (NET) hill-1, 1000-grain weight (TGW), grain yield (GY), straw yield (SY), biological yield (SY), and harvest index (HI). The second-highest GY was observed with the double dose of Bensulfuron methyl + Bispyribac sodium. The study concluded that the double dose of Bensulfuron methyl + Acetachlor was the most effective weed management strategy, leading to the highest grain yield in boro rice. These findings highlight that using a double dose of Bensulfuron methyl + Acetachlor not only offers superior weed control but also maximizes grain yield, making it the most effective weed management strategy for boro rice cultivation and a practical recommendation for farmers seeking to optimize productivity through targeted herbicide application