Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Evaluation of road traffic noise in terms of acoustic comfort on sidewalks at ring road of Konya-Istanbul, Turkey
Get PDFWalking is an activity that can be easily done by many people in urban spaces even in short periods. The most common areas of walking in urban spaces are the sidewalks. In order for pedestrians to travel comfortably in these areas, acoustic comfort should be fulfilled. This study aims to seek an answer to the question of “Can accurate results be obtained by using an alternative method which is more efficient in terms of time, energy, and cost, in noise measurement studies?”. In this study, minimum and maximum noise measurements were made in three different time periods during the day on a part of D300 ring road in Selçuklu district, Konya province, Turkey. The obtained data were subjected to reliability analysis, unreliable data according to Cronbach's Alpha coefficient were not included in the calculations. The reliable data were evaluated in terms of compliance status according to the “Assessment and Management Regulations of Environmental Noise”. As a result of this study, it was determined that even the recorded minimum noise values have a very high potential in terms of exceeding the limit values stated in the related regulations. The results of this study showed that more efficient results can be obtained in terms of time, energy, and cost by the way of short-term (momentary) measurements, compared to the long-term (time-weighted) noise measurements
A review on yield response to nitrogen, potassium and manure applications in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production
Get PDFPotato productivity has stagnated and remained low due to, among other causes, increasing soil infertility and poor nutrient management strategies. To avert this situation, it is essential to have a better understanding of potato response to nitrogen and potassium nutrients. Like other crops, potatoes require an adequate and balanced supply of nutrients for better growth and tuber yields. To achieve that, it is essential to conduct an extensive soil analyses for the entire farm. However, this process is expensive for most resource-constrained farmers. Moreover, the current recommendations used in the region are generic and focuses more on nitrogen than potassium. Hence, there is a need to focus on readily and freely available information for enhanced decision making. The assumption that the soils in the region are fertile and can supply adequate potassium is no longer valid, and now necessitates more actions such as adopting integrated soil fertility and precise application of nutrients within the 4R principles. All these aspects are well covered in this article. We believe the information presented in this manuscript is valuable and give a better foundation for future research and recommendations in potato production
Taxonomic diversity of weed flora in pulse crops growing field at south-western part of Bangladesh
Get PDFPulses are important field crops in Bangladesh and weed infestation in pulses field is a great concern now a days. So, a rigorous field survey was conducted throughout the pulses growing season at pulses grower farmers’ field of south-western part of Bangladesh to know the present status of weed infestation in pulses field. During the survey, fresh samples were collected along with other related information e.g., habitat, location, collection date, flowering time, crop/plant association. Fresh samples were dried well for making herbarium specimens. A sum of 13 weed species under 12 genera and 08 families were collected and documented their uses in various ailments. Among the families, Amaranthaceae is the highest-represented family with 03 species. Among the genera, the largest genera Amaranthus represented by 2 species. Cyperous rotundus, Cynodon dactylon, Chenopodium album, Amaranthus spinosus, Croton bonplandianum, Coccinia grandis are the common and major weed species in pulse crop growing field in south-western part of Bangladesh. The knowledge generated from the present research would be helpful for the management practices of pulse crop associated weeds as well as for getting high economic benefits from beneficial species
Bioremediation of artificially crude oil polluted soil of veritas University Abuja using poultry manure
Get PDFThe removal of hydrocarbon compounds from the environment has always been a difficult undertaking for people all over the world. As a result, remedial efforts are required to safeguard the environment as well as to restore agriculture. This study looked at how poultry manure (dung) could help in the bioremediation of Veritas University's intentionally crude oil polluted soil. The physical properties of the soil and total petroleum hydrocarbon content of the crude oil polluted soil were determined, followed by the isolation and identification of microorganisms present in the soil and poultry manure before and after pollution with crude oil. These analyses were done according to standard operating procedures. Within a six-month timeframe, the natural attenuation and poultry manure amendment option for remediating the crude oil-polluted soil were monitored and the residual hydrocarbon content of the polluted soil after remediation evaluated. There was an overall decrease in pH level during the experimental units containing 4 g amendment, 2 g amendment and the untreated polluted soil in the order 8.4 to 7.1, 8.4 to 7.2 and 8.1 to 6.7, respectively. Temperature was within 27oC and 31oC, the treated soil that contained 4 g dung had an initial moisture content of 58%, and 35% after remediation. The hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria isolated were Pseudomonas species, Staphylococcus species, and Bacillus species, while the hydrocarbon utilizing fungi isolated were Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani and Candida albicans. There was more significant microbial increase in the sample containing 4 g poultry manure treatment than 2 g poultry manure treatment and natural attenuation. Total hydrocarbon quantity significantly decreased after six months with the complete removal of C4, C7, C19 and C37 from the treated sample containing 4 g poultry manure. This indicated that the negative effects of crude oil on the environment can be mitigated by adding poultry manure
Effect of different fertilizer doses on the production of Chaite-5 paddy variety in Dhanusha District, Nepal
Get PDFThe application of inorganic nutrient sources is necessary for proper agricultural growth that can ensure high quality food production. A field experiment was carried out in Hansapur, Dhanusha from March 2021 to July 2021 to study the effect of different fertilizer doses on the growth and yield of rice. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 7 different treatments following three replications. The treatments were named as T1: Control, T2: RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizers - 100:30:30 kg NPK/ha), T3: Double dose of RDF (200: 60: 60 kg NPK/ha), T4: A half dose of RDF (50: 15: 15 kg NPK/ha), T5: 125% dose of RDF (125: 37.5: 37.5 kg NPK/ha), T6: Locally available Azolla (300 kg/ha), and T7: FYM (6 ton/ha), respectively. Different doses of RDF showed a significant effect on growth, yield, and yield contributing characters of Chaite-5 variety. Results of the study showed that the application of a double dose of RDF (200: 60: 60 kg NPK/ha) gave the maximum yield (9.50 ton/ha). It was also recorded that 125% dose of RDF, recommended dose of fertilizers and FYM gave satisfactory results. Results revealed that the highest plant height, effective tillers/hill, panicle number, panicle length, total spikelet/hill, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, and straw yield were obtained from the use of a double dose of RDF (200: 60: 60 kg NPK/ha). It was observed that yield of rice can be increased substantially with the application of higher doses of nitrogenous fertilizers. Hence, a double dose of fertilizer can be the best supplement for improving growth and yield in rice
Assessment of vegetable production by adopting climate SMART agriculture technologies in Chormara, Nawalparasi district, Nepal
Get PDFVegetable production is an economic booster contributing around 9.71% to total Agricultural Gross Domestic Production. So, the research study was performed under the topic “Assessment of vegetable production adopting climate-smart agriculture technologies in Chormara, Nawalparasi district” from March- April 2021 to assess the production of selected vegetables i.e. Cucumber, Tomato, Bitter Gourd, Sponge Gourd, and Chilly adopting climate-smart agriculture technology among 100 households applying simple random sampling. The study revealed that 96% of the total respondents were being affected directly by the ongoing climate change and to tackle such scenario 88% of the total respondents were adopting climate SMART Agricultural technologies including mulching, drip irrigation, cultivation of vegetables under the semi-protected house, quality seeds, etc. to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change with increased crop production. To enhance the productivity of vegetables and meet the food security of the increasing global population, farmers were integrating organic and synthetic fertilizers to attain the sustainability of soil health. It was found that 76% of the surveyed farmers were going through market hindrances like lack of proper market, fluctuation in price structure, and poor marketing channel suggesting an immediate need for a proper marketing system in the study area. The highest net return of USD 17588.53 per hectare and B:C ratio of 5.88 in tomatoes illustrated economic viability in vegetable production. Although vegetable production and marketing in Chormara seem a profitable business, the study suggests an immediate need for adoption and scaling up of successful CSA practices, its extension and proper implementation along with the provision of effective marketing channel and setting of minimum prices for the vegetable products based on the cost of cultivation that may overcome the farmer’s problems
Impact of Rhizobium biofertilizer on agronomical performance of lentil (BARI Masur-6) in Bangladesh
Get PDFExcessive nitrogen fertilizer uses in crop field causes surface water pollution, which has a harmful effect on the ecosystem. The study was conducted to reducing the use of nitrogen fertilizers during cultivation of pulse crop and as an alternative to increase the use of biofertilizers. Rhizobium can fix atmospheric nitrogen to the soil; it can be used as an alternative to urea for the cultivation of lentil (BARI Masur-6). The Rhizobium leguminosarum was isolated from root nodules of lentil (Lens culinaris) plants and cultured in YEMA (Yeast Extract Mannitol Agar) media. The Rhizobium was screened on the ground of physiological, biochemical and environmental conditions. Different doses of urea fertilizers (20, 40, 60, 80 kg ha-1) and liquid Rhizobium were used in experimental plots. The results indicated that biofertilizer with different chemical fertilizer performed higher than application of several level of urea nitrogen fertilizer in respect of plant height, number, chlorophyll content (µg cm-1) and number of nodules plant-1 with variety BARI Masur-6. There was optimum relative growth rate (RGR) also observed. The increase in urea nitrogen levels was the reason for the decline in relative plant growth. Yield and yield contributing characters like number of pod plant-1, number of seed plant-1, 1000-grain weight (g), grain yield (t ha-1), straw yield and biological yield were significantly influenced by biofertilizer application. The assembled application of biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer produced maximum number of harvest index (%) compare to the chemical fertilizers. Significant correlation found with no of nodule, no of seed, seed weight, grain yield and straw yield. Significant correlation also found in chlorophyll content with some yield contributing characters like seed number, seed weight, grain yield and straw biomass. Further significant correlation observed between pod number and seed number, between seed weight and grain yield. Rhizobium can fulfill the alternate source of nitrogen that promoted significant growth and yield of lentil and it was much closer to the farmer’s conventional amount of urea
Post-harvest practices of horticultural crops in Nepal: Issues and management
Get PDFFruits and vegetables are highly perishable in nature and have a very short shelf-life. During different handling and marketing procedures, there is massive post-harvest loss of horticulture produce, either or both qualitative and quantitative, between harvest and consumption. Factors affecting post-harvest losses differ with topography, varieties of crops, climate, etc. and are difficult to understand. Considering the fact, the present study aims to describe the status of post-harvest losses of horticultural produce and their potential management techniques. Secondary data is used to collect the related information. The demand of high-quality horticulture produce is increasing due to its healthy nutrition. Post-harvest management of the produce includes pre- and post-harvest practices, their handling, packaging, storage, distribution, and marketing. The storage life and marketable quality of the produce can be maximized by limiting (not stopping) the respiration and transpiration through proper control of temperature and relative humidity of the produce. The right selection of packaging materials and technologies play vital role in maintaining product quality and freshness during storage and distribution. Moreover, the innovative techniques like modified active packaging, active and intelligent packaging, controlled atmospheric storage, and use of antimicrobial could extend the shelf life of produce to a significant time. This review mainly focuses on the causes of qualitative and quantitative losses of horticulture produce along with the effective measures to control the losses in Nepalese context. It emphasized on the adoption of innovative technologies to improve the storage life, marketable quality and freshness of the produce
Growth and yield of Bangi (Cucumis melo L.) in charland agriculture affected by micronutrients
Get PDFBangi (Cucumis melo L.) is an important short duration summer fruit crop, it is rich in vitamins and minerals, facilitated to protect from hidden hunger. To expedite the growth attributes and fruit yield of Bangi through micronutrient application for the Charland Agriculture, an experiment was conducted at the farmer’s (Charland) field in two locations viz., Sadar and Belkuchi upazilas of Sirajgong district, Bangladesh. The crop was cultivated following farmer’s management practices in mada(s)/pits (spacing 3.5 m × 3.5 m) in RCBD design with 3 replications. Two fertilizer doses as control (farmers practice; cow dung + NPK) and improved practice (farmers practice + micronutrients), were used as experimental treatments. The application of micronutrients enhanced plant length and other growth descriptors and fruit yield as well; however, locations did not affect the studied descriptors except the number of secondary branches plant–1 and leaf characters. The plant length varied from 148.6 cm to 321.7 cm, the fruit yield (number plant–1) almost quadrupled and size more than double due to improved practice (with micronutrients) resulting in 4–5 times increase the farmer's profit compared to conventional (farmers) practices. Further research on the effect of micronutrients on nutritional quality enhancement (Biofortification) and self-life is suggested for better understanding and nutritional quality improvement processes of Bangi through nutrient management
An overview of multifaceted role of Trichoderma spp. for sustainable agriculture
Get PDFThe excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have caused several negative impacts on the environment and human health. They degrade soil fertility, build up resistance on pathogens, inhibit microbial activities and also enhance greenhouse gas emission. It is impossible and inappropriate to control plant pathogens by using chemical pesticides alone. Emphasize should be given towards organic fertilizers and pesticides to attain sustainability in agriculture. The use of Trichoderma is slowly increasing in the recent years among progressive farmers as an alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Slow rate of multiplication and colonization, susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses, incomplete elimination of pathogens and high cost are the major problems behind its poor adoption among the farmers. To overcome these challenges different strains of Trichoderma should be identified which can multiply and colonize rapidly, least affected by environmental conditions and having wide host range on pathogens. In addition, farmers should be made aware about the importance of Trichoderma in agriculture through various extension facilities for its wide scale adoption. Trichoderma can be the viable and sustainable alternative which acts as biofertilizer, bioremediator and biocontrol agent. Nevertheless, the use of Trichoderma is limited on research activities and its application at farmers' level is not yet satisfactory. Thus, this study based on critical analysis of the research works from worldwide researchers aims to reveal the present scenario of the use of Trichoderma, its importance, modes of action, methods of application and multiplication, challenges for wide scale adoption and its appropriate solutions