Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Status of farm mechanization and its impact on maize production in Jhapa District, Nepal
Get PDFA survey research was carried out in 2020 in maize zone, Jhapa to identify and analyze the status of farm mechanization and its impact in the maize production. Kankai Municipality and Jhapa Rural municipality were purposively selected for the study as these areas were under the command area of prime minister agriculture modernization project, project implementation unit, maize zone Jhapa. Thereafter, a total of 70 samples were selected using random sampling method. Thirty-three samples were selected from Kankai Municipality and remaining thirty-seven were selected from remaining Jhapa rural municipality. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire, focal group discussion and key informant interview whereas secondary data were obtained through a review of relevant literature. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data. It was found that the status of mechanization was still in the initial phase in the study area. Results showed that mechanization was limited to two cultural operations namely tillage and threshing of which only in case of tillage, farm machineries were adopted by more than ninety percent of the respondent farmers while in case of sowing more than ninety percent of respondent didn’t use any modern equipment. Insect and pest in maize field was major problem faced by the farmers. Therefore, productivity of maize in Kankai area was higher as compared to Jhapa area as adoption of mechanization was higher in Kankai area
Impact of irrigated and non-irrigated cropping systems on soil physicochemical properties in a small-scale irrigation farming system in Eastern Uganda
Get PDFThis study evaluated the impact of irrigation and cropping on soil physicochemical properties at Kyekide small scale irrigation farm in Jinja district, eastern Uganda. Treatments included Land-use systems under perennial and annual cropping with and without irrigation for over 20 years. The hypothesis was that there were insignificant differences in physicochemical properties of the soil under irrigated and non-irrigated cropping systems. Soil physical properties except hydraulic conductivity was not significantly different with irrigation and cropping. The pH of the soils ranged from moderately acidic to neutral pH (5.17-7.40), with irrigated soils tending to be more neutral than non-irrigated soils. SOM content was higher in the irrigated soils and perennial soils than in the non-irrigated and annual soils. The soils were moderately deficient in N and severely deficient in P (mean values =0.175% N and 1.183mg kg-1 P) compared with the critical of 0.2% and 15 mg kg-1, respectively. Irrigated soils had a significantly higher Na+ content than non-irrigated soils, with a mean value of 2.985cmol/kg. The K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ contents were higher in irrigated and perennial soils than non-irrigated and annual soils. The study suggested monitoring the soils under an irrigation scheme to prevent degradation due to increased salt accumulation or chemical fertility decline. Overall, monitoring of soil quality is vital in irrigation schemes to monitor the impacts of water on the environment
A review on maize-finger millet relay cropping in hills of Nepal: Prospects and constraints
Get PDFMaize (Zea mays) and Finger millet (Elusine corocana) are two key staple crops grown in the hills of Nepal. These crops are planted in a relay intercropping system developed by farmers since the dawn of time. The unique example of cereal-cereal intercropping with its cropping system and cropping pattern at different altitudes is reviewed along with the yield comparison of direct-seeded and transplanted finger millet with maize. Relay cropping is the planting of second crop in the same land area before the harvest of first crop with the goal of higher productivity by sharing the available resources. Considerable research has been done on maize and millet but there has been a limited approach to their cropping system. This paper reviews the existing system of cropping, its prospects, and its constraints. The prospects of maize/finger millet cultivation are pronounced in the form of yield increment, economic and efficient use of available resources, insurance against crop failure, and reduced insect, pest, and weed incidence. Although this cropping system has benefits, it exhibits limitations as well which are competition between crops, lack of suitable varieties, labor-intensive system, and soil-nutrient loss. As maize and finger millet are the main food crops in hilly terrain, it is urged to provide the focus and encouragement regarding their sustainable and modern approaches by developing and disseminating crop growing and management technologies. 
A review on biochar as a potential soil fertility enhancer to agriculture
Get PDFBiochar is a carbon rich material produced from the pyrolysis of biomass at high temperature under oxygen deficit condition. It is recently introduced as one of the effective soil amendments with wide range of environmental benefits. This paper summarizes and discusses the effects of biochar on different soil parameters and crop productivity by reviewing scientific studies conducted around the globe. The benefit is derived especially from the improved soil physical and chemical properties through improvement in soil moisture content, soil bulk density, nitrogen uptake and availability and retention of other soil nutrients, but its effect is highly dependent on feedstocks used, pyrolysis temperature and soil types. It has been found to be more effective on infertile and degraded land. Further research is required to completely reveal the capacity of biochar in enhancing the soil characteristics
Studies on plant-parasitic nematodes associated with sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L., Lam.) in Gombe State, Nigeria
Get PDFSweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L., Lam.) is one of the most frequently eaten food crops. Its production is affected by plant-parasitic nematodes as well as biotic factors. This study was conducted to document the different plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) that limit the gainful production of sweet potato in Gombe State. Thirty soil core samples per hectare were collected at random from sweet potato farms in the three local government areas (Nafada, Kaltungo, and Yamaltu Deba) of Gombe state. The Whitehead and Hemming method and identification keys were used for the soil extraction and genera identification of the plant-parasitic nematodes respectively. A total of 15 plant-parasitic nematodes were recovered throughout the surveyed areas among which 7 are considered major nematode pests of global importance. Irrespective of the surveyed locations, Meloidogyne spp., was found to record the highest population density and prevalence value. The frequency of occurrence in Y/Deba and Nafada LGAs shows that Meloidogyne spp., wasthe most occurring (32 %) genera. In Kaltungo LGA however, Scutellonema spp., and Rotylenchusspp., were the most occurring (17 %) genera. There was a high similarity percentage (≥ 68 %) of PPN genera where 8 genera (Scutellonema spp., Nacobbus spp., Pratylenchus spp., Meloidogyne spp., Heterodera spp., Xiphinema spp., Trichodorus spp., and Rotylenchus spp.) were found to be common amongst the surveyed locations. This is the first report of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with sweet potato in Gombe state, Nigeria. Hence, it is critical to educate farmers in the regions about their effects on the crop and how to successfully manage them
Economic analysis of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation in Gorkha district of Nepal
Get PDFA study was conducted to analyze the production economics and factors contributing to the gross return of rice production in the Gorkha district of Nepal in 2020, where a rice block was established under the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PM-AMP). Altogether, 76 rice-growing farmers were selected as a sample by using a simple random sampling technique. Primary data were collected by using a pre-tested interview schedule, while secondary data were collected by reviewing related literature. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, independent sample t-tests, and Cobb-Douglas production function. The results showed that the average landholding was 0.74 ha and the average area under rice cultivation was 0.52 ha, with a productivity of 3 mt ha-1. The findings revealed that the cost of rice production for small farmers was significantly higher (NRs. 171466 ha-1) than that for large farmers (NRs. 132088 ha-1). The study reveals that investment in rice cultivation was economically viable in the study area because the overall B: C ratio was greater than one (1.17). The production function analysis reveals that a 10% increase in expenditure on seeds, total labor, and nutrients, keeping all other variables constant, could increase the gross return of rice by 2.97%, 2.19%, and 0.62%, respectively. The sum of coefficients was 0.56, reflecting a decreasing return to scale. Thus, a 100% increase in expenditure on variables presented in the model caused a 56% increase in the gross return of rice production. The findings suggest that human and bullock labor needs to be replaced by the use of farm machinery. Hence, the cost of cultivation would be reduced with the improvement in production and the gross returns of rice cultivation
Effects of compost quality from non-dairy creamer sewage sludge-solid compost biogas-rice husk char on bok choy mustard (Brassica rapa L.)
Get PDFNon-dairy creamer sewage sludge (NDCSS) has high organic matter and nutrients for compost production but NDCSS has a problem for the composting process because it has high moisture and slurry form. Therefore, the composting process of NDCSS requires mixing of other organic materials such as solid compost biogas (SCB) and rice husk char (RHC). Therefore, this study aims to determine the chemical properties of compost from a mixture combination of NDCSS, SCB, and RHC, and to assess compost quality as organic fertilizer from a mixture combination of NDCSS, SCB, and RHC through growth and yield of bok choy mustard (Brassica rapa L). Experiments were carried out in greenhouses from March to September 2019. The research treatment consisted of 7 treatments mixture combination of NDCSS, SCB, and RHC for the composting process, and each treatment was repeated 4 times. The composting process is carried out by anaerobic or fermentation methods. The research layout was used as a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The NDCSS can produce compost with the highest N content, while the RHC will produce compost with the highest P. The mixture combination of NDCSS, SCB, RHC, and the mixture combination of SCB and RC will produce compost with the highest K content. Compost from NDCSS produces the best organic fertilizer because it is able to make the best biomass wet weight and dry weight of bok choy mustard biomass
Elusive fish catch and vulnerable livelihoods: Status of fishing and fisheries industry among marine south coast communities of Kwale, Kenya
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to examine the status in fishing and fisheries industry among marine coastal communities of Kwale along Kenyan coast. In this study, we used a cross-sectional descriptive survey design to examine trends in fish and fisheries resources productivity and diversity and the types of fishing vessels and gears used by fishermen among marine Kwale communities. Quantitative data was collected using household survey questionnaires among fisherfolk households randomly selected from two subcounties in Kwale. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted on purposively sampled respondents to generate qualitative data to corroborate the quantitative survey data. Study established that fishing is still the principal source of livelihood, with 31% of people engaged in fishing as their main source of livelihood and being mainly artisanal fishers. There is a declining trend in fish productivity and diversity during the period 2014 to 2019. Out of all fisherfolks, 96.6% of fishers are commercial artisanal fishermen, selling their fish to different groups. The most preferred fishing vessel is wooden row boats (dhow) at 66.3% preference. There is a general decline in fish productivity within fishing grounds based on catches, indicated by 84.9% of the survey respondents. There is a general decline in fish abundance and diversity among coastal Kwale as indicated by 70.6% of respondents. Eleven (11) types of simple traditional fishing gears were identified, with majority (32%) of fishers preferring handline/hook (Mshipi) as their most preferred type of fishing gear. Destructive fishing gears such as spear guns are still in use despite the government regulations. This study concludes that fishing and fisheries resources among marine communities in Kwale of Kenyan coast is in a general declining trend in terms of productivity, abundance and diversity. This signals excess pressure on fishing resources, requiring immediate effective management strategies to contribute to sustainable marine ecosystems resources utilization. The study recommends enforcement of effective management strategies on fishing and fisheries resources through effective policy formulation and enforcement as well as awareness creation and a mind shift among communities towards alternative livelihood sources to reduce pressure on fish stock
Assessment of zooplankton community in an anthropogenic-disturbance coastal creek, southwest Nigeria
Get PDFIn order to assess the zooplankton community in an anthropogenic-disturbance Badagry creek, Zooplankton and water samples were collected and analyzed bi-monthly from November 2011 to September 2013 in nine stations representing its three different zones using standard methods. Zooplankton was identified to species-level using relevant texts and counted under a Microstar IV Carl Zeiss binocular microscope calibrated at different magnifications. Diversity was determined using Shannon-Weiner (H), Simpson (1-D) and Evenness (e^H/S) indices. Water samples were analysed for temperature, pH, salinity, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, water depth and nitrate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, cluster and Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) at α = 0.05. A total of 56 species comprising 26 species of rotifers, 15 species of arthropoda, 4 species of ciliophora, 3 species of cnidaria, and 2 species of ctenophora, foraminifera, mollusca, protozoa each, with an array of meroplankton / juvenile stages of the order copepod of subphylum crustacea were recorded. Diversity indices were highest (H = 2.20; 1-D = 0.80; e^H/S = 0.27) at station 6 and lowest in station 8 (H = 1.20; 1-D = 0.56) and station 1(e^H/S = 0.14). Salinity/conductivity, nitrate and water depth were significantly different (p < 0.05) among the study stations. CCA revealed salinity/conductivity and nitrate were the most important abiotic factors co-related with the zooplankton abundance in Badagry creek. The moderately low zooplankton communities’ diversity and abundance in Badagry creek point at different natural and anthropogenic factor impacts
Features of small holder goat farming from Chitwan district of Bagmati province in Nepal
Get PDFAn assessment was done to analyze the status of small scale goat production system in Chitwan, Nepal. A semi-structured questionnaire having both open ended and close ended questions were interviewed to 147 farmers (69 males, 78 females). The average goat holding was 5.48±0.15 head with female: male ratio of 6: 5. Mainly women folks in the household were involved in husbandry of the raised goats. In this research, we realized that goats were a valuable commodity for the community in the survey area. Grazing in public forest, fallow lands, tree leaves, shrubs and bushes were the main sources of feed for goats throughout the year. When inquired about vaccination, 92.51% of the farmers did not vaccinate their goats and were not aware about its importance. The high index obtained was for health care constraints, followed by feeding constraints, breeding constraints, miscellaneous and marketing constraints. The findings of this survey are not very encouraging as even from one of the developed parts of the country, small scale farmers raising goats seem to be struggling both in terms of technical and logistic inputs. There is need of awareness on improved care and management practices of goat