Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Adoption of improved wheat varieties at Kanchanpur, Nepal
Get PDFUsage of improved varieties raises the crop yield. To assess the adoption status of improved wheat varieties in the Kanchanpur district, this study investigated the varietal coverage of wheat along with factors affecting the adoption of improved varieties. A pre-tested interview schedule was administered to interview 90 randomly selected wheat-producing households in Bhimdutta, Bedkot and Dodhara Chandni (Mahakali) municipality. A binary logistic regression was used for triangulating the effect of different variables on the adoption of improved wheat varieties. Besides, descriptive statistics and indexing were also applied. The findings revealed that 80.97% of the area was under improved varieties, two-thirds of which were released varieties. In addition, of the released varieties, Vijay had the highest area coverage (27.97%), followed by Aditya (19.47%), Gautam (18.76%), NL971 (16.42%), BL4341 (13.65%) and others (3.73%), respectively. Further, the adoption of improved wheat varieties was found to be significantly driven by input subsidy (5% level) and access to extension services (10% level). Nevertheless, the adoption was impeded by problems namely; timely unavailability of improved variety seeds followed by lack of knowledge about improved varieties, unavailability of improved variety seeds in local markets, high cost of seeds and poor quality of seeds respectively, as identified and ranked by indexing. In light of these findings, input subsidies to the smallholding farmers, regular advisory and extension services along with participatory training programs relevant to the adoption of improved practices and timely availability of improved seeds are suggested to increase the adoption of improved wheat varieties among the farmers
Impact of biochar and plastic mulch on soil properties in a maize field in Nepal
Get PDFBiochar is a carbon rich product obtained from organic material by a process called pyrolysis. Similarly, plastic mulch protects soil from erosion, conserve water, suppress weed, and makes soil condition favorable for crop growth. The use of biochar and mulch has the potential to boost soil fertility by raising soil pH, increasing water and nutrient holding capacity, improving cation exchange capacity, and increasing microbial population. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar application and plastic mulch on soil properties applied in maize fields with sandy loam soil at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal from 31 March to 6 July 2018. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design having plastic mulch as a main factor and biochar doses as a sub factor with three replications. The main plot is comprised of plastic mulch and no mulch. Similarly, the subplot consisted of four biochar doses i.e., 0 t/ha, 5 t/ha, 15 t/ha, and 25 t/ha. To know the effect of treatments the soil samples were collected at random points in the middle of each plot (to avoid edge effect) from 30 cm depth with the help of a screw auger. Dried, and grounded soil samples were analyzed in the lab. The results indicated that the Bulk density of soil relatively decreased with the plastic mulch but it was significantly higher in plots with biochar. 0 t/ha biochar showed the highest (1.22 gm/cm3) bulk density and the lowest was obtained from 25 t/ha (1.09 gm/cm3). However, soil parameters such as soil pH, Cation Exchange Capacity, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Organic Carbon were relatively higher under plastic mulch over no mulch. In the same way, the potassium content of the soil was significantly influenced by biochar doses, it was the highest at 25 t/ha (741.47 Kg/ha) and the lowest at 0 t/ha (351.60 Kg/ha). However, soil pH, CEC, N, P, and OC were relatively increased with increasing rates of biochar application. Therefore, application rate of 25 t ha−1 biochar and use of plastic mulch in soil is considered as suitable because these efficiently increase soil moisture. In addition to that biochar increase Potassium content, decrease bulk density, and also improves Soil pH, Cation Exchange Capacity, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Organic Carbon of soil
A review of microplastics pollution and its remediation methods: Current scenario and future aspects
Get PDFGlobal plastic production and its use have been omnipresent since the early 19th century. The disposal of plastics undergoes breakdown due to various physicochemical and biological factors that trigger the formation of microplastics (MPs). Due to their hydrophobic properties, structural stability, and functional groups, it is difficult to degrade in natural habitat. The presence of their large surface area also helps to resist the decay of MPs. This review summarizes the recent trends and development of MPs degradation. The method includes biodegradation, various types of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as photocatalytic oxidation, photo-degradation, and electrochemical oxidation, and also discussed the potential health risk factors of MPs and their degradation products. Most of the methods achieved nearly satisfactory performance that degraded the MPs into CO2, H20, and also secondary microplastic particles with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under laboratory conditions, which have been studied by various researchers. It is also evident that the degradation of MPs has many challenges, therefore finding a sustainable approach is an urgent need to deal with the issue of global microplastic pollution. Some suggestions have been highlighted such as toxicity detection of remaining MPs particles after degradation, and analysis of secondary metabolites of microbes secreted during bioremediation that may have a negative impact on the environment. The selective and specific implementation of microbes and photo-catalyst that degrade MPs into useful and nontoxic components
Effects of calcium nitrate levels and soaking durations in cocopeat on the growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) apical rooted cuttings
Get PDFThis study evaluated the effects of treating cocopeat with calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) at different soaking durations on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Apical Rooted Cuttings (ARCs) growth and yield parameters. A greenhouse pot experiment was carried out at the Climate and Water Smart Agriculture Centre of Egerton University, Kenya. An air-dried cocopeat 1.5 kg per treatment, was treated using five soaking durations (12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours) × four levels of Ca(NO3)2 (0, 60, 100 and 150 g) soaked in 15 litres of water. Soil and the untreated cocopeat were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The results showed that there was no significant (P>0.05) interaction effect of Ca(NO3)2 × soaking duration for the number of branches and normalized difference vegetative index. The main effect of 150 g Ca(NO3)2 gave the highest average number of branches (16.13), NDVI (0.89) and plant height (73.51 cm) followed by 100 g of Ca(NO3)2. Soaking duration of 36 hours economically produced the highest growth parameters 12.75 and 61.46 cm an average number of branches and plant height, respectively. Significant (P<0.001) interaction effects were observed for the plant height and all the yield parameters. The interaction of 100 g Ca(NO3)2 and soaking for 36 hours gave the highest mini-tuber yield of 464.67 g plant-1 and an average number of tubers of 21.67 tubers plant-1. Therefore, 100 g Ca(NO3)2 and a soaking duration of 36 hours to treat 1.5 kg of air-dried cocopeat is recommended for higher ARCs yield and yield parameters
Floristic divergence of weeds in rice fields under subtropical condition
Get PDFWeed infestation pattern changes over time for continuous adaptation of similar weed control methods. So, a survey was conducted at Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University from July 2019 to June 2020 to identify the most dominant and abundant weed species as well as to indicate the probable problematic weed in boro and T. aman rice. Seven fields were randomly selected for each of the boro and T. aman rice. The surveys were performed according to quantitative survey technique by using 0.25m2 quadrate with 16 samples from each of the field following the zig-zag method. Sampling was done twice, while the rice plants were at the vegetative stage and at reproductive stage. Fifty one weed species under 23 families were recorded at experimental area of which 42 species (under 18 families) and 38 species (under 20 families) were observed in boro and T. aman, respectively. Poaceae topped the list with 10 species, while Cyperaceae ranked second with six species. The highest number of weed species (no. 42) was observed in boro rice compared to T. aman rice (no. 38). Besides, divergence in the weed composition was also high between both rice fields. Among the 11 abundant weed species, Eleocharis atropurpurea, Echinochloa crusgalli and Monochoria vaginalis were the most frequent and abundant weed species found in both boro rice and T. aman rice. Broadleaves had higher abundance value (246.26% in boro and 332.39% in T. aman) than grasses (188.76% in boro and 146.68% in T. aman) and sedges (164.98% in boro and 120.93% in T. aman). Moreover, the annuals were dominant over the perennials. Therefore, the present results having diversified weed species with different ranks and orders indicated that the weed management strategies should be taken regarding the infestation of dominant weed species of the respective crop
Cereal production trends, nutrient use efficiency and its management practices in agriculture: A review
Get PDFBoosting global food production to meet the escalating demand without distressing the environment is a major challenge of our time. In the present review study, a-59 years global cereal production and fertilizer use trends, nutrients use efficiency (NUE) and some of its management approaches in agriculture were evaluated. Accordingly, the world cereal production increased by 3.4-fold (876.9 to 2979 Mt) from 1961 to 2019, whereas the area of production increased moderately by 1.11 folds. The chemical N, P2O5, and K2O fertilizer consumption in cereal crop production were increased by 9.45 folds (from 6.9 to 65.2 Mt), 4-fold (from 6.6 to 26.3 Mt), and 4.34-fold (from 5.2 to 22.6 Mt), respectively. The estimated world cereal N, P, and K use efficiency is 33%, 16%, and 19%, respectively. The unaccounted 65% of N, 84% of P and 81% of K fertilizer was either remained in the soil or lost to the environment through volatilization, leaching, and run-offs leading to higher environmental and economic costs. Therefore, improving NUE is a crucial step to enhance crop yields, tackle environmental pollution, reduce production costs. Several NUE management approaches were identified such as soil management (use of organic inputs, 4R nutrient stewardship, adoption of modified fertilizer, root-zone nutrient management, etc.), plant management (growing nutrient use efficient cultivars, crop rotation, and so on), integrated soil-crop system management (ISSM), and application of precision agriculture. However, no single management approach solely resulted in higher NUE but rather the combination. Hence this could be applied in agricultural production to improve yield and NUE while minimizing environmental degradation
Effect of biochar and plastic mulch on growth, yield, and yield attributing characteristics of spring maize (Zea mays L.)
Get PDFSpring maize is an important crop to meet the growing demand for maize. Moisture stress is an important yield limiting factor during the dry spring period. Biochar and plastic mulch help in soil moisture conservation and might contribute to the growth and yield of maize. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of biochar application and plastic mulch on growth, yield, and yield attributing characteristics of spring maize (Zea mays L.) in a sandy loam soil at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal in 2018. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design (SPD) with three replications. The Main plots were allocated to the mulching (mulching, and no mulching) while the Subplot was to the biochar rates of 0 t/ha, 5 t/ha, 15 t/ha, and 25 t/ha. There were twenty-four plots of each plot size 4.8 × 1.5 m2. The grounded biochar passed through a 1 mm sieve and was applied in the well-prepared plots two weeks before seed sowing. The maize seeds were sown at 60 cm row to row and 25 cm plant to plant distance. There were no significant effects due to both factors on maize seed emergence, plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, root length, dry matter content, stover yield, and yield attributes. But the yield was significantly influenced by their interactions. Significantly highest grain yield (2.58 t/ha) was obtained from 25 t/ha with plastic mulch followed by plastic mulch with 15 t/ha biochar (2.06 t/ha) and the least was recorded from control plots (1.19 t/ha). From the result, it can be concluded that the application of a higher biochar rate of 25 t/ha with plastic mulch contributes to a higher yield of spring maize
Scope and challenges of mushroom production and their mitigations in Nepal: A review
Get PDFThis review paper aims to discuss and compile information regarding various scopes, challenges, and mitigating measures of mushroom cultivation in Nepal. Overall information on mushroom cultivation comprising its status, scope, and problems is vital for bringing positive change in this sector. Different secondary sources of information were reviewed and analyzed including journals like Elsevier and Springer. In Nepal, the production of mushrooms has increased about 8.23 times over a decade until 2020. Nepal is blessed with a range of ecosystems that really are ideal for mushroom production. Different mushroom species have been commercially cultivated in different parts of Nepal. Mushroom production can be used as an alternative source to overcome food and nutrition security problems and eventually leads to the livelihood improvement of people in developing countries like Nepal. The study revealed that mushrooms can be used to fight several diseases with their nutritional and medicinal properties. The demand for mushrooms is increasing nowadays more than ever. With the implementation of various measures with proper coordination and planning, mushroom cultivation can be proliferated. As a result, the mushroom industry has a lot of potentials to help the country's socioeconomic transition. Nepal can capitalize on this opportunity by enacting appropriate and concrete national mushroom policies and programs
Biochemical composition of some catfishes from a coastal river of Bangladesh in relation to a biometric indicator
Get PDFThe proximate contents (protein, lipid, ash, and moisture) of three catfish species (Pangasius pangasius, Clupisoma garua, and Silonia silondia) were investigated from a coastal river of Bangladesh. The proximate composition was determined using the AOAC (1990) standard procedure. The average length and weight of the fish samples used in the experiment were 21.50 ± 1.61 cm and 65.55 ± 13.12 g; 19.67 ± 0.21 cm and 50.74 ± 3.13 g; 18.2 ± 1.21 cm and 43.40 ± 10.42 g for P. pangasius, C. garua, and S. silondia, respectively. The P. pangasius, C. garua, and S. silondia were rich protein sources, with 20.19%, 18.86%, and 15.24%, respectively. On the other hand, the lipid and ash contents were ranged between 2.11% to 3.07% and 0.52% to 2.28% respectively. The present study disclused water as the most abundant element in fish bodies ranging from 75.05% (P. pangasius) to 79.60% (S. silondia). In log-transformed data, the weight of the fish body had a very significant positive relationship with most of the studied body constituents. In all three fish species, total length in log-transformed data and Fulton's condition factor showed a highly significant positive relationship with most of the studied body constituents. These findings suggest that biological differences like length and weight across species can influence the fishes biochemical composition that should be established
Treatments of common bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with insecticides for managing bean stem maggot [Ophiomyia spp. (Tryon) (Diptera: Agromyzidae)] in SNNPR, Ethiopia
Get PDFBean stem maggot (BSM) is one of the main threatening insect pests that cause significant bean plant mortalities and associated grain yield reductions. The field research work was conducted for three successive years (2018 - 2020) in Burji, southern Ethiopia, to decide the effects of insecticide seed treatment in reducing bean plant mortality and severity/damage caused by BSM and enhancing the grain yield of common bean. The research contained seven treatments and was arrayed in a randomized complete block design with three replicas. In 2018, the lowest seedling mortality (SM) (11.78%) and matured plant mortality (MPM) (21.89%) were registered from Diazinone-treated plots. However, it was not statistically varied from Thiram + Carbofuran (13.33% for SM and 22.22% for MPM). Bean seeds treated with Diazinon considerably reduced initial percent severity index (PSIi) by 79.79% and final percent severity index (PSIf) by 79.98%, followed by Thiram + Carbofuran with PSIi by 55.67% and PSIf by 76.98% over untreated plots. Lowest total number of larvae (TNL) (15.00 and 22.67) and pupae (TNP) (11.00 and 13.67) were noted from Diazinone and Thiram + Carbofuran, in that order. Comparable fashions for SM, MPM, PSIi, PSIf, TNL, and TNP were encountered for these insecticides in 2019 and 2020. Grain yields of 2229.37 and 2213.39 kg ha-1 (in 2018) and 2648.29 and 2503.20 kg ha-1 (in 2020) were attained from Diazinone and Thiram + Carbofuran, respectively. Monetary analysis also affirmed that Diazinone (122,241.67 ha-1) led to a higher monitory advantage over untreated control and other insecticides. Therefore, Diazinon and Thiram + Carbofuran, one of them as an alternative option, could be advised as a seed treatment to the growers for efficient control of BSM and optimization of grain yield