Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Effect of integrated weed management practices on the growth, yield, quality and economic of onion (Allium cepa L.)
Get PDFA field study was conducted at research field of Spices Research Sub-Centre (SRSC), Faridpur, Bangladesh to find out the efficacy of weed management practices on the growth, yield, quality and economics of onion with the variety BARI Piaz-6. Thirteen treatments such as: T1-control as check (no weeding), T2-weed free, T3-one hand weeding (HW) at 45 days after transplanting (DAT), T4-two HW at 25 and 45 DAT, T5-three HW at 25, 45 and 65 DAT, T6-pre-emergence (PE) spray of pendimethalin 33 EC @ 330g a.i/litre + one HW at 45 DAT, T7- PE spray of pendimethalin 33 EC @ 330g a.i/litre + two HW at 45 and 65 DAT, T8- post emergence (POE) spray of pendimethalin 33 EC @ 330g a.i/litre at 25 DAT + one HW at 65 DAT, T9- PE spray of oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC @ 235g a.i./litre + one HW at 45 DAT, T10- PE spray of oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC @ 235g a.i./litre + two HW at 45 & 65 DAT, T11- POE spray of oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC @ 235g a.i./litre at 25 DAT + one HW at 65 DAT, T12- PE spray of pendimethalin 33 EC @ 330g a.i/litre + POE spray of oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC @ 235g a.i./litre at 45 DAT + one HW at 65 DAT and T13- PE spray of oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC @ 235g a.i./litre + POE spray of pendimethalin 33 EC @ 330g a.i/litre at 45 DAT + one HW at 65 DAT were compared by randomized complete block design with three replications. The study revealed that the weed management treatments under the study significantly influenced all parameters except total soluble solid content of onion bulb. Weed density had reverse effect on growth, development and yield of onion. Among the weed’s infestation, Cyperus rotundus (55-60%), Echinochloa crusgalli (10-15%) and Chenopodium album (8-10%) were predominant. The highest weed density (137.25 weeds/m2) were recorded from the T1. The lowest weed density (15.24 weeds/m2) were observed from T13. The T3 had the least weed control efficacy (23.56%). The maximum fresh yield (19.49 t/ha) of onion bulb were obtained from T2 followed by T13 (19.31 t/ha). The highest benefit-cost ratio (2.19) was calculated from the T13 closely followed by T12 (2.18). From this study it was concluded that Pre-emergence application (PE) application of oxyflourfen or pendimethalin + post-emergence (POE) application of oxyflourfen or pendimethalin at 45 DAT (days after transplanting) + once HW (hand weeding) at 65 DAT and also PE of oxyflourfen or pendimethalin + twice HW at 45 & 65 DAT exhibited good performance to control weeds in onion field
A survey of Avifauna in aquatic habitat and their adjoining areas of Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, India
Get PDFThe present study deals with the observation of avifauna in the aquatic habitat and their adjoining areas of Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, India. The present study was carried out from January 2020 to December 2020. We have recorded a total of 145 avian species belonging to the 54 families during the study period. Among this, a total of 113 residents and 32 winter visitor species were identified. The percentage of resident and winter visitor avian species was 78.08% and 21.91%. During the study period, we also reported the four avian species viz., River Lapwing, River tern, Great Hornbill, and Alexandrine Parakeet are under the Near Threatened (NT) category and one species, namely Red-headed vulture is critically endangered according to IUCN Red data book. Thus, the findings of this study suggest that the selected study area has avifauna diversity of utmost importance which should be conserved by implementing specific strategies
Determination of soil fertility constraints in two paddy soils of the western highland zone of Cameroon
Get PDFInformation on soil fertility status and variability are essential in understanding the potential of soils and their management interventions in agriculture. The present study aimed at examining the soil quality or fertility of two paddy soils with different productivity in the Western Highland Zone of Cameroon. Twelve soil samples were collected in each of both study location at a standard depth of 0-30 cm and analyzed to find soil texture, Organic Carbon (OC), basic cations (Calcium Ca, Magnesium Mg, Potassium K and Sodium Na), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), soil pH, phosphorus (P), and Total Nitrogen (TN). Most measured soil characteristics showed different degrees of variability in soil nutrients ranging from low to very high in both soils. Both soils were acidic (pH <5.5), consistently deficient in total nitrogen, phosphorus, basic cations, and had high OC and CEC. Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis were used to identify appropriate soil quality indicators. P and Na in Koutaba and P, Mg, and CEC in Santchou constituted minimum data set (MDS) and accounted for 94% and 100% of the quality variation among soils. A Soil Quality Index (SQI) was developed base on the MSD method, Santchou and Koutaba received SQI of 0.48 and 0.73. The paddy soils of Koutaba were more fertile than those of Santchou. The low level of P and Mg were considered to be the major constraints limiting the productivity in both locations. These results suggest that, the management of inherent soil properties is based on-site specific situations
Use of high-speed rotary tiller and power tiller operated seeder for onion (Allium cepa L.) cultivation
Get PDFA field study was carried out to assess the performance of power tiller operated seeder (PTOS) and to compare the yield, quality, maturity and economic traits of onion under different planting methods at Spices Research Sub-Centre (SRSC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Faridpur, Bangladesh with four planting methods as four treatments: T1) ploughing the main field with high speed rotary tiller (HSRT) + direct seeding with power tiller operated seeder (PTOS), T2) ploughing the main field with HSRT + transplanting of seedlings, T3) ploughing the main field with HSRT + direct seeding in line and T4) ploughing the main field with HSRT + direct seeding as broadcasting. Under the study the treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The outcome of the study revealed that the treatments had a significant influence on the characteristics studied accept yield of onion. Different economic traits of onion were varied among the planting methods. The bulbs under direct seeding with the PTOS matured earlier (133.66days) as compared to the transplant (155.54days). All direct seeding methods showed insignificantly higher yields than that of transplants. The maximum yield (15.05t/ha) was recorded from broadcasting method. The yield performance under direct seeding with the PTOS and transplants were 15.08 and 14.92t/ha, respectively. The broadcasting method had very heterogeneous and under-sized bulbs due to uneven spacing and maximum plant population per unit area. In case of economic performance, transplanting method incurred the highest total cost of production. Maximum net return and benefit-cost ratio (2.95) were calculated from direct seeding with PTOS. So, it is concluded that in Bangladesh, direct seeding method with the PTOS may be a good option for getting early crop and maximum economic benefit
Blockchain-based secured traceability system for the agriculture supply chain of ginger in Nepal: A case study
Get PDFFor the past few years, ginger export to India and through India to other countries has become a perennial problem for the farmers and traders. In this paper, we discuss about the impact of blockchain technology in ginger supply chain, which faces intermittent deterring of ginger worth millions in the Nepal-India border. Extensive literature reviews and execution of Delphi method in the study showed that blockchain as an emerging technology capable of transforming the food supply chain maintaining transparency in each step. In this paper, we study the potentiality of blockchain technology in transforming the ginger supply chain system through its potential benefits in Nepalese agriculture. The technology is capable of making various aspects of supply chain like tracing, monitoring and sustainability efficient. Thus, can reduce the trade-trust deficit between nations with technology
Competitiveness of banana value chain along Hetauda-Dumkibas road corridor, Nepal: An eclectic approach
Get PDFGovernment of Nepal has announced a super-zone of banana in Chitwan district and a block in Nawalparasi East district to enhance productivity and commercialization of banana subsector in the Hetauda-Dumkibas road corridor. This study is the first of its kind to analyze the competitive position of banana value chains in the corridor. Using the literature review approach, the paper generated a conceptual framework to assess competitiveness of value chain. A total of 160 producers, 22 traders, 3 wholesale commission agents and 10 agrovets were selected using stratified random sampling method. The pretested semi-structured questionnaires surveys, focused group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted to collect primary data and analyzed using STATA and MS Excel. The study revealed two value chain streams in the corridor- one in Chitwan district and another in Nawalparasi East district. Most of the structure indicators were found similar for both value chain streams. Banana market was monopolistically competitive along both chains. Producers of Chitwan district were more competitive than Nawalparasi East because of their higher benefit cost ratio and higher farm gate price for fingers. The reasons for this were relatively better institutional set up contributing to extension, insurance and training services, and better technological adoption rate in Chitwan district. In addition, the chain stream of Nawalparasi East had relatively lower marketing cost and higher market margin, market efficiency and value addition. The reasons for this were shorter chains and low level of transportation cost. Thus, policy efforts to strengthen local institutions providing extension, training, insurances, market information and credits are recommended to improve the performance of the value chain. In addition, encouraging processing and value addition of bananas should be of concern to development practitioners and policy makers
Physicochemical assessment of leachate from Pokhara landfill site and its impact on the quality of Seti River water, Nepal
Get PDFThe management of municipal solid always poses serious environmental problems on land, air, and groundwater, especially in the case of developing countries. The characterization and assessment of leachates are necessary to understand the water quality in the urban region as well as has enormous importance in sustaining the livelihoods of people in the riverine environment maintaining the ecological balance. Landfill leachate contains thousands of complex components, which contaminate the nearby water bodies, and communities with several hazardous ingredients. The present study was conducted to assess the influence of landfill leachates on the quality of Seti River water. The samples were collected from four stations (Tatopani, Ramghat, Landfill, Below landfill, and Kotre). The samples were analyzed for pH, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, turbidity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity (EC), Cl-, NH3, and PO43- by standard methods. The pH and EC were measured in situ whereas other parameters were analyzed in the laboratory adopting standard protocols. The physicochemical parameters of river water and that of leachates were compared to monitor the level of contamination. The research reveals the landfill to have insignificant pollution of water on matching the parameters with World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values. Regular monitoring of the quality of river water and sustainable management of solid waste is essential for the ecological quality and integrity of the environment in the region. Scientific information obtained by this study could contribute to policymakers for the sustainable management of water quality and landfill in the downstream and urban segments of the river basins
Genetic insights on single cross maize hybrid and its importance on maize self-sufficiency in Nepal
Get PDFWhen the world's population rises, total crop production worldwide is not meeting rising food demand. Focus on developing high yielding single cross hybrids of maize that are resource-efficient under diverse soil and climatic conditions is utmost for countries like Nepal. With the aim of exploring genetic reasons for higher hybrid vigor of single cross hybrid of maize, global genetic importance and addressing the emerging issue of needed higher productivity in Nepal to achieve maize self-sufficiency status, comprehensive review work was performed. Research findings explored that; the Heterosis hypothesis has been widely exploited in crop breeding, resulting in a large increase in yield. The ability analysis is of special importance in cross-pollinated crops like maize as it helps in identifying potential parents that can be used for producing hybrids and synthetics. New molecular tools and techniques can complement traditional methods to allow breeders to tackle priority research areas efficiently. Nepal’s reliance on imported hybrid maize seed and grain increased each year as competitive hybrid cultivars became unavailable within the country. Recently, higher yield gap due to lower productivity, being the major concern in Nepal, single cross hybrids are intervention point. For the countries like Nepal, where achieving higher yield of maize to address self-sufficiency is the nationally prioritized issue, single cross hybrids of maize could be the best way to come up
Binamorich-2: A new high yielding Chilli variety of Bangladesh
Get PDFChilli is one of the most important spices as well as cash crop in Bangladesh. This study was undertaken at Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) to characterize the collected germplasm morphologically and select a desirable one for commercial cultivation in Bangladesh. More than fifty chilli germplasm were collected from local and exotic sources were put into evaluation to select desirable ones for directly use as varieties or for future usage as breeding materials. Through observation trials five germplasm were selected considering their better agronomic performance. Selected germplasm was evaluated through different trials at different chilli growing areas of Bangladesh during 2018 to 2020. Recommended cultural management for chilli cultivation was followed. The germplasm, IndoCF-25 produced significantly higher yield both green chilli and dried chilli than control varieties (Binamorich-1 and BARI Morich-1) in most of the trials. Over two years of advanced yield trial and on-farm trial, IndoCF-25 produced higher yield (32.00 t ha-1) while BARImorich-1 produced (12.15 t ha-1). IndoCF-25 was produced the longest plant height (78.8 cm), higher number of fruits (78.8) compared to Binamorich-1 (52.8), longer fruit size (13.95 cm), breadth (5.32 cm) and single fruit weight (11.38 g) compared to the check varieties. IndoCF-25 was found to be moderately tolerant to anthracnose, wilting and mosaic diseases, and also showed lower insect infestation than control varieties. Results of yield trials indicated that IndoCF-25-1 was suitable for cultivation in Bangladesh. Though check variety Binamorich-1 produced the highest yield (34.05 t ha-1) among three tested genotype/varieties, due to the better pungency as well as other quantitative and qualitative performances, BINA has applied for registration of IndoCF-25-1 to the National Seed Board (NSB) of Bangladesh. Consequently, the NSB of Bangladesh registered IndoCF-25-1 as a high yielding better pungent chilli variety in 2020 as Binamorich-2 for commercial cultivation all over Bangladesh
Impact of climate change on the ecosystem of the central Himalayas, Nepal
Get PDFThe threats of climate change are found in both developed and developing countries. Since the impacts of climate change are global, irreversible, and pervasive, it is gaining worldwide attention. High mountains are the first indicators of climate change. However, the idea of what causes climate change effects on multiple ecosystem services remains scattered. This article is meant for information regarding the impacts of climate change on the ecosystem of Nepal. The result shows that climate change causes tree line shifting, change in land cover, extinction of species due to loss of habitat, imbalance in carbon sequestration on the terrestrial ecosystem while eutrophication of water bodies and extinction of endemic fish species was reported from the aquatic ecosystem. Tropical area is considered to be more affected by climate change in terms of Natural disasters and Health impacts. Moreover, different types of ecological modeling can be simulated in the context of Nepal for the prediction and future analysis of the impacts of climate change in the Ecosystem. Therefore, the impact of climate change is crucial and challenging