Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Effect of zinc and boron on the performance of rainy season local potato variety “Sete” (Solanum tuberosum L.) at Rukumkot, Rukum East, Nepal
Get PDFA field experiment was carried out at Rukumkot, Rukum East, Nepal during the rainy season of 2021 to study the effect of boron and zinc on vegetative growth and yield parameters of the local “Sete” variety of potato. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications, and 7 treatments i.e., control, boron @2kg/ha soil application, zinc @4.5kg/ha soil application, boron @2kg/ha + zinc @4.5kg/ha soil application, 0.1% boron spray, 0.1% zinc spray and 0.1% boron+ 0.1% zinc spray. The highest tuber yield per hill and productivity was reported in boron @2kg/ha + zinc @4.5kg/ha soil application i.e., 2888.52 grams and 27.51 ton/ha, respectively. A similar result was shown by zinc @4.5kg/ha soil application. Plant height (26.33cm, 46.57cm), number of branches (4.85, 12.02) and number of leaves per plant (30.05, 73.70) were significantly high in boron @2kg/ha + zinc @4.5kg/ha soil application at both 45 DAP (days after planting) and 60DAP. Soil application of only boron, only zinc and boron + zinc increased the total yield of tubers by 10.23%, 24.66% and 25.66%, respectively over the control. The foliar application of only boron, only zinc and boron + zinc increased the total yield of tubers by 4.22%, 2.07% and 12.37%, respectively over the control. Hence, research suggested combined soil application of zinc and boron at the rate of 4.5kg/ha and 2kg/ha, respectively over the foliar cum solitary application of micronutrients for increasing number of medium and large sized tubers and get an overall high yield of potato
Production systems and contributions of grain legumes to soil health and sustainable agriculture: A review
Get PDFSustainable development of agriculture is essential, and there is unanimity that diversification of the cropping systems could support sustainable production. Grain legumes are essential in farming systems in terms of food and nutrition security and income generation. Under legume-based cropping systems, these crops are a potential remedy to pest and disease issues, low nutrient supply, biodiversity protection, and food and nutrition insecurity. In this chapter, we highlight the production systems of legumes and their use in sustainable agricultural production. Specifically, we have looked at the benefits of having a legume cropping system in the agroecosystem, production, and farming systems. The function of legumes in improving the potential of crop productivity is a promising approach to tackling the challenges of poor crop yields and improvement in sustainable production. Due to health and environmental benefits, the focus should shift to breeding grain legumes that can fully express their biological nitrogen fixation and other potentials under abiotic and biotic limitations
Culture suitability of stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in homestead tank: Selection of suitable stocking size
Get PDFThe present experiment was conducted for a period of 150 days to assess the effects of different stocking size on growth and production of stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) in three homestead cemented tanks (12×10×4 ft). Three different size groups of fish viz., 3.79±0.11, 3.09±0.13 and 2.53±0.18 cm was stocked at treatment T1, T2 and T3, respectively at a stocking density of 5000 individuals/tank each with three replications. Fish were feed twice daily with floating feed containing 35-40% protein at the rate of 15-10% for 1st 60 days, 8-6% for 2nd 60 days and 5-2.50% for rest of the culture period. The water quality parameters were within the suitable ranges for the fish culture. Mean weight gain (g) of stinging catfish was 49.03 ± 1.04, 36.72 ± 1.59 and 28.09 ± 0.41g, specific growth rate was 1.76 ± 0.02, 1.70 ± 0.04 and 1.66 ± 0.05 %/day in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Food conversion ratio was 3.45 ± 0.82, 3.31 ± 0.10 and 3.30 ± 0.06 and survival rate were 90.67 ± 1.51, 88.20 ± 2.62 and 87.56 ± 1.26% in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Higher stocking size also resulted in a significantly higher economic output in the form of benefit cost ratio (BCR) at T1 (2.13 ± 0.05) and the lowest at T3 (1.21 ± 0.03). The findings of the present study revealed that the highest weight gain and BCR was found in T1 which dictates that larger stocking size has a significant impact on better production
Profitability and prospects of crop insurance of some selected crops in Kishoreganj district of Bangladesh
Get PDFCrop insurance is an essential tool for managing risk in agriculture. The primary goal of this study was to investigate how farmers felt about crop insurance and their willingness to pay for it. . The study was conducted to profile the socioeconomic characteristics, measure the profitability of crops, assess farmer’s willingness to pay crop insurance, and determine the factors that influence willingness to pay (WTP). A total of 107 farmers were chosen at random from Kishoreganj district in Bangladesh. The data were collected through a field survey using a semi-structured interview schedule. Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient method was used. The study found that the majority of farmers have only had primary education or less. About one-third of the respondents could make savings of ten to twenty thousand taka each year. The most profitable crops were vegetables, jute, and wheat. Rice’s profitability, however, was hardly positive. Factors such as age, education, occupation, net income, and cultivable area have a positive correlation with the WTP for crop insurance for all crops except rice. However, the uptake of crop insurance is still relatively low in Bangladesh, and more efforts are needed to increase awareness and promote the benefits of crop insurance among farmers
Effect of supplementing bacterial probiotics on microbial protein synthesis, blood indices and rumen ciliate protozoa population of lactating crossbred cattle in Nepal
Get PDFIn recent times, the dairy industry in Nepal has been recognized as a burgeoning agro-industry, successfully meeting the domestic demand for fluid milk. Nevertheless, further efforts are necessary to achieve self-sufficiency in dairy products. To enhance milk production, alongside breed improvement and health management initiatives, nutritional interventions have been identified as crucial. In this context, a study was conducted in Rampur, Chitwan, focusing on the supplementation of diverse strains of bacterial probiotics in lactating crossbred cattle to evaluate their effects on microbial protein synthesis, animal health assessed through blood indices, and changes in rumen fauna. The findings of the study revealed that the inclusion of bacterial probiotics resulted in notable improvements in the overall excretion of purine derivatives. Specifically, the individual excretion of allantoin, xanthine, and hypoxanthine significantly increased (p<0.01) in the group supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus, while uric acid levels remained unchanged. Consequently, microbial nitrogen supply and absorption also showed a significant increase within the same group. However, blood hematological and biochemical parameters remained unaffected across all treatment groups. Moreover, the supplementation did not induce any notable changes in the individual or overall population of rumen ciliate protozoa. The study underscores that the use of L. acidophilus can enhance the overall protein economy of the rumen, thus potentially reducing production costs by substituting expensive sources of dietary protein for lactating crossbred dairy cows
Effects of dietary Cu nanoparticles on growth performance, physiology and bioaccumulation in Asian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus)
Get PDFThe present investigation was conducted to determine the optimal dietary Cu-NPs requirement of Asian walking catfish, Clarias batrachus (7.46 ± 0.15 cm; 5.28 ± 0.10 g) by feeding with diets supplemented with different concentrations of Cu-NPs (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg) and control group. Each experimental diet was hand-fed to triplicate groups of fish for 60 days in glass aquarium. Results showed that fish group fed with 20 mg/kg Cu-NPs in feed exhibited highest (P < 0.05) growth performance and feed utilization compared to the control group. However, increased level of Cu-NPs from 30 to 50 mg/kg in feed significantly reduced the growth performance. Significantly higher protein and lipid were also recorded at 20 mg/kg Cu-NPs supplemented group. Haematological parameters, serum lipid and enzymatic profile were found to influence significantly with the addition of Cu-NPs in feed compared to the control group. Based on the polynomial regression analysis between FW, WG and SGRW against dietary Cu-NPs levels, the optimal dietary supplementation of Cu-NPs for C. batrachus were estimated to be ranged between 19.98 to 20.05 mg/kg per diet, respectively. Bioaccumulation of Cu was the highest in liver compared to muscle and serum, whereas the highest Cu accumulation was observed at 50 mg/kg Cu-NPs supplemented group. The findings of the present study will be helpful for formulating nutrient rich low cost catfish feed
Graded level of nitrogen and mulching effect on growth and yield parameters of tomato in Arghakhanchi, Nepal
Get PDFA field experiment was carried out to find out the effect of different levels of nitrogen and mulching on growth and yield parameters of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.) var. VL443 at commercial tomato farm in Sandhikharkha, Arghakhanchi from February – June 2022. The eight treatments were laid out in two factorial RCBD with three replications. The treatment combinations were T1 (Non-mulching with 0 kgha-1), T2 (Non-mulching with 50 kgha-1), T3 (Non- mulching with 100 kgha-1), T4 (Non-mulching with 150 kgha-1), T5 (Mulching with 0 kgha-1), T6 (Mulching with 50 kgha-1), T7 (Mulching with 100 kgha-1), and T8 (Mulching with 150 kgha-1). Growth parameters, yield, and yield attributing traits were recorded. The result indicated that the 150 kgha-1 dose of N application contributes to the higher plant height (178.13 cm), the number of leaves (47.83), fruit length (72.50 mm), fruit diameter (58.83 mm), Individual fruit weight (71.67 g) and yield (2.51 kg/ plant). Similarly, plastic mulch contributes significantly higher plant height (173.6 cm), the number of leaves (47.30), fruit length (68.84 mm), fruit diameter (54.20 mm), Individual fruit weight (72.52 g) and yield (2.53 kg/ plant) as compared to non-mulched condition. Furthermore, fruit yield per hectare in mulching with 150 kg-1 plot was significantly higher in comparison to non-mulching with 0 kgha-1 plot. So, the application of 150 kgha-1 nitrogen along with plastic mulching is recommended to increase the yield of tomatoes under the plastic tunnels in Arghakhanchi
Reactions of anthocyanin rich in maize genotypes to low temperature treatments according to photosynthesis, gas exchange properties, and bio-active compounds
Get PDFLow temperatures during the early growing stages limit the productivity of maize considerably. Investigating responses of different coloured corns (Zea mays L.) to chilling may reveal alternative genotypes which can be preferred under early sowing conditions of water-shortage farming areas. The aim of this study is determining whether the color factor affects the tolerance to chilling in maize and which properties are effective on the low temperature tolerance. We exposed corns with different colours (white, yellow, red, purple) to different temperatures [8°C, 12°C, 16°C, 25°C (control)] and analysed the effects of temperature on morphological, physiological, bio-active properties and stress indicators. Using 14-day old seedlings, we noted that purple corn had the highest seedling length, seedling weight, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll B and total phenolic content in the 8°C and followed by white (photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll A and carotenoids), yellow (transpiration rate, sub stomatal CO2, and total antioxidant activity) and red corns (water use efficiency, total anthocyanin content and proline). On the other hand, white corn maintained its superiority in other treatments, receiving the highest values in 9 of 17 characteristics at 12°C, in 8 of 17 at 16°C and in 10 of 17 in the control. Performance of purple corn in the 8°C was the most remarkable one in all genotypes and treatments. Based on our results, it has been concluded that white and purple corns are more chilling tolerant genotypes and may be alternative for early sowing conditions in drought farming areas
Nursing and management of early produced larvae of Thai pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) using greenhouse concept
Get PDFThis experiment was conducted for the development of nursing techniques of early produced larvae of Thai pangus (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) using Greenhouse concept for a period of 40 days from 10th February to 20th March 2020. The experiment was designed into two treatments (i) Greenhouse pond (GP) and (ii) Control or open ponds (CP) having three replicates each. Greenhouse concept was used for increasing the temperature during the winter month for proper growth and survival of the spawn. For this purpose, three ponds were covered with transparent polyethylene sheet fastened into bamboo frame and three ponds with no such covering. All the nursery ponds were stocked at a density of 20 g hatchling/decimal with 3 days old P. hypophthalmus. After 40 days of nursing period, the highest mean final length, weight gain and survival rate of fry were found to be 9.75 cm, 12.44g and 73.19% in greenhouse pond where in Control ponds it was 6.39 cm, 7.22g and 58.08%, respectively. A significantly higher (p<0.05) mean gross production of 6.07 kg/ decimal was found in greenhouse pond where in Control ponds it was 2.80 kg/ decimal in 40 days of nursing period. Water quality parameters were found to be better with good primary production in the green house ponds due to retaining day light temperature by polyethylene sheet. Results from the present experiment indicated that greenhouse technique can be suitable for the nursing and management of early produced larvae of Thai pangas with proper growth and good survival rate
Alternative fertilization approaches in enhancing crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency: A review
Get PDFThe greatest challenge of our time is to meet the global food demand by producing enough food without harming the environment. Over application and misuse of synthetic fertilizer is a major challenge that results in lower fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), stagnated crop yield, and environmental pollution. In this review study, three alternative fertilization options (AFOs), such as the use of organic fertilizer enhanced-efficiency fertilizer (EEFs), and secondary, and micronutrient fertilizers were evaluated. The adoption of appropriate fertilization practices was believed to improve crop yield and FUE over the conventional fertilization approach. As of late, the use of organic fertilizers has received more attention as a better alternative to counter the challenges posed by the inappropriate use of chemical fertilizers. The formulation of slow or controlled-release fertilizers contributes to preventing nutrient losses by slowing down nutrient release patterns in the soil and allowing better synchrony between crop nutrients requirement and nutrient supply. The use of secondary macronutrients and micronutrient also has considerable importance to improve nutrient uptake, grain yield, and quality. In summary, the review result showed that the adoption of AFOs can enhance crop yield and nutrient use efficiency