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Effect of nutrient management on growth and yield of two tomato varieties in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) region of Bangladesh
Get PDFThe main goal is to investigate the effect of crop nutrient management on growth and yield of two tomato varieties in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) region of Bangladesh. Two factors experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A was two varieties of tomato namely, V1: BARI 2 and V2: BARI 15. Factor B was different types of fertilizer like F0 (Farmers practices), F1 (vermicompost), F2 (inorganic fertilizer), F3 (combined fertilizer: 3/4 vermicompost+ 1/4 inorganic fertilizers), F4 (control, no fertilizer). Soil characteristics and climatic conditions were recorded. Plant growth, flowering and fruit characters, and yield were found significantly different (p<0.05). The highest plant height, flowering and fruit characters related to higher production were found in BARI 15 (V2) variety influenced by combined application of fertilizer F3 (3/4 vermicompost + 1/4 inorganic fertilizers). The maximum number of flower clusters per plant (9.66), fruit clusters per plant (8.13), individual fruit weight (117.7 g), fruit numbers per plant (51.17) were found in V2F3 and the same parameters were the lowest in V1F4. The results showed the highest production (95.50 t/ha) in V2F3 followed by V2F0 (81.70 t/ha), V2F1 (72.17 t/ha) and V2F2 (68.06 t/ha), and the lowest yield (27.70 t/ha) in V1F4. The highest fruit yield ((95.50 t/ha) found in V2F3 showed 80.84% higher compared to the V1F4 (27.70 t/ha) treatment. Considering the variety, the highest yield (74.05 t/ha) was found in V2 which was 40% higher yield compared to V1. Combined application of vermicompost and inorganic fertilizers performed best as the nutrient management and BARI 15 was found as a suitable variety for the CHTs climatic condition. Hence, the similar type fertilizers proportion can be applied for the other vegetables production in the farmers field for the healthy and eco-friendly environment achievement
Profitability and productivity of drought tolerant Aus rice variety Binadhan-19 in some areas of Bangladesh
Get PDFThe present study was conducted in five districts namely Mymensingh, Ranpur, Pabna, Rajshahi and Chapainwabganj in Bangladesh. The objectives of the study were i) to identify the socio-economic characteristics of Aus rice growers; ii) to estimate profitability and productivity of Binadhan-19 in the study areas; and iii) to find out the major preferences and constraints for the variety cultivation. A total of 200 farmers were randomly selected (40 from each location) to collect the data with a pre-designed questionnaire. The distribution of the farmers by age showed that the mean age for Binadhan-19 cultivated farmers was 43 years. In the study areas among the farmer 86% was educated. Farmers average experience was 20 year and income were Tk. 235066 (USD 2611.84) per year. Per hectare average yield of rice was 1.37 ton. It was estimated that, to produce one kilogram of rice, total cost incurred was Tk. 14 where per kg average selling price of rice was Tk. 17. The average gross return and gross margin of rice cultivation were found Tk. 90679 (USD 1007.54)/ha and Tk. 51290 (USD 559.88)/ha, respectively. Per hectare average net return was Tk. 2459 (USD 27.32) which was found to be highest in Chapainwabganj Tk. 29739 (USD 330.43) and lowest in Rangpur Tk. 12692 (USD 141.02) district. BCR on total cost basis was found 1.37. The highest preference was for neat rice 98% and the highest constrain said by the farmer was crop destroy by animal and bird of paddy for early ripening in Binadhan-19 cultivation
Livelihood pattern and food security of tribal people in a selected area of Bangladesh
Get PDFAsset’s possession and food consumption level of tribal people in Bangladesh express their socioeconomic status. The study was conducted to analyze the socioeconomic characteristics, measure the livelihood assets, and determine the calorie intake level of the sample households. Primary data were collected through field survey using an interview schedule from 60 tribal households. Tabular analysis and capital asset pentagon from DFID livelihood framework were used for data analysis. Household consumption data were converted to per person per day calorie intake level. The major findings of the study were that about 41.67% of the respondents were being 15-29 years of age, 30% respondents’ education was in the secondary level, average family size was 5.81, 40% of the respondents were occupied with agriculture as their primary occupation, average annual income and expenditure were Tk. 258560 (US2826.51), respectively. The livelihood assets were moderate. About 83.34% of the respondents belonged to the poor category and rest 16.67% of the respondents belonged to non-poor category. About 98.33% and 96.67% respondents suggested that, if job opportunity increases and ensure proper education; then their socioeconomic improvement will be faster. So, government and other organizations need to come forward to create more employment opportunity and education facilities for improving their livelihood pattern and food security status
Weed control efficacy of combined application of grass pea and mustard crop residues in T. aman rice
Get PDFAmong different methods of weed control, allelopathy could lead to reduced labor costs and increased efficiency, without any adverse effects on the environment. In this regard, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the allelopathic potential of grass pea and mustard crop residues on weed suppression and crop performance of transplanted aman rice. The experiment consisted of three cultivars of T. aman rice viz., Binadhan-7, BRRI dhan49 and BR11 and five different level of crop residues such as no use of crop residues, grass pea crop residues @ 2.5 t ha-1, mustard crop residues @ 2.5 t ha-1, combined use of grass pea and mustard crop residues @ 1 t ha-1 of each and hand weeding. All crop residues applied in the experiment suppressed weed growth and inhibition at satisfactory level. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Weed population, weed dry weight and percent inhibition of weed were not significantly influenced by the interaction effect of crop residues (grass pea and mustard) and cultivars. BR11 produced the highest grain and straw yield among the treatment combination. The highest numbers of tillers hill-1, numbers of grains panicle-1, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, straw yield were observed in hand weeding, followed by combined application of grass pea and mustard crop residues @ 1 t ha-1 of each treatment. The highest grain and straw yield (4.81 t ha-1 and 7.65 t ha-1) was observed in hand weeding along with variety BR11 and the second highest (4.19 t ha-1 and 7.36 t ha-1) was obtained from combined use of grass pea and mustard crop residues @ 1 t ha-1 of each. The results of this study indicate that hand weeding followed by combined application of grass pea and mustard crop residues @ 1 t ha-1 of each showed potential activity to suppress weed growth
Pests, pathogens, pathogenic diseases, and diseases control strategies of sal (Shorea robusta) in Nepal
Get PDFSal (Shorea robusta) is one of the most indispensable species in Nepal, both ecologically and economically. This paper aims to provide updated guidance for the management and protection of this species in the future from various pests and pathogens. We reviewed 38 articles from Google Scholar and Research gate with keywords "Shorea robusta”, “Hoplocerambyx spinicornis”, “Polyporus shoreae”, “Heart rot”. S. robusta has the most insect fauna among the forest tree species. Out of the 346 insects reported on S. robusta, around 155 species of insects are associated with living trees. Hoplocerambyx spinicornis is the most destructive insect pest, wreaking havoc on S. robusta. Polyporous shoreae is the main cause of root rot in S. robusta, and spreads through root contact or root grafting. Heart rot in S. robusta is caused by the fungi Hymenochaete rubiginosa, Fomes caryophylli, and F. fastuosus. During the harvesting of S. robusta, the majority of the tree was observed to be faulty, resulting in a large amount of waste wood. The best way to determine the pathogen's "Achilles' heel" is to consider its life cycle. The Nepalese famous saying "prevention is better than cure" may be applicable in the management of S. robusta insect pests and pathogens. The current paper critically addresses these issues and argues the need for an improvised package of activities for insect pests, pathogens, prevention, and their control
Efficiency assessment of faecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP): An analytical study
Get PDFThe success of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has increased the number of toilets in India. Treatment of septage and faecal sludge is now a big challenge to main the sanitation and hygiene in the society. Therefore, in the present study an attempt has been made to explore the concept and efficiency of Faecal Sludge Treatment (FSTP) technology. The paper also includes the study of characteristics of faecal sludge and biochar produced from faecal sludge. The efficiency of plant for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) was observed 99.88%, 99.91% and 99.88, respectively. After the treatment all the studied parameters of treated water was found below the standards set by MOEF for FSTP discharge. After dewatering and drying, the faecal sludge is analyzed for calorific value, ash, fixed carbon, volatile matter, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur. Calorific value of faecal sludge ranged from 3339.00 Kcal kg-1 to 3542.00 Kcal kg-1 with an average value of 3419.67 Kcal kg-1. Then the faecal sludge is pyrolysed to produce the energy and biochar. Biochar was analyzed for pH, colour, moisture, bulk density, potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, lead, zinc, cadmium, copper, nickel, chromium, and mercury. All the parameters of biochar were found below the standard limits of Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM), 2016 except bulk density (2.07 g cm-3), potassium (1.02%), and nitrogen (3.09%). On the basis of biochar results, it may be concluded that the sludge produced can be used as manure in agriculture and gardening. Therefore, FSTP is a suitable, sustainable eco-friendly technology for the treatment of faecal sludge and also reduces the chances of soil and ground water pollution
Status of forest soil and necessity of sustainable soil conservation practices of Nepal
Get PDFForests are the fundamental natural resource regarded as the crucial aspect to uplift rural livelihood in Nepal. Forest, not only acquaints us with ecosystem services but also deals with carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling in forest soil, serving the most crucial part of human welfare. However, several human forces such as construction of roads, deforestation, shifting cultivation, overgrazing, and forest fires have decreased the organic matter content and contributed to landslides, erosion and sedimentation in forest. Frequent landslides, soil erosion on the landscape of Nepal is degrading the environment and soil, where 1.7mm of fertile topsoil is lost annually. Considering the fact, present study points to recognize the status of forest soil, its relationship and necessity of sustainable soil conservation practices. Secondary sources of data were used to assemble the related information. Hence, Involvement of different institutions, policy, law, local participation and community-based approach is significantly important in adopting forest soil conservation approaches. Different strategies of carbon sequestration should be maintained by increasing plant cover, enhancing microbes, utilizing agricultural inputs and slowing down the amount of soil disturbances. Likewise, strengthening different thematic areas of Forest Policy 2015 is indispensable in effective implementation of sub sectoral programmes. Forest management strategies incorporating the concepts of carbon storage, buffer strips, terracing, windbreaks, agroforestry, conservation tillage are the major areas highlighted through this paper for further researchers on preserving forest land
Potential health risks of trace metals in muscle tissue of tilapia and catfish from Mozambican markets
Get PDFDue to the toxicity of trace metals and the propensity of fishes to bioaccumulate metals in their tissues, we investigated the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and zinc (Zn) in the muscles of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodidatatus) collected from open markets in Mozambique. Fe and Hg were the most and least bioaccumulated metals in the fishes, respectively. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences between sites for the analytes. Furthermore, we estimated the possible health risks (estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and maximum allowable consumption rate (CRlim)) associated with fish consumption. The concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb exceeded the recommended maximum permissible limits (MPL) in fish samples, ranging between 5.65 – 12.7, 1.05 – 12.9, and 1.88 – 6.45 mgkg-1, respectively, whereas values lower than MPL viz. 5.25 – 18.9, ND – 0.033, and 30.8 – 52.3 mgkg-1 were observed for Cu, Hg, and Zn, respectively. Similarly, the EDI (mgkg-1day-1) were below the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) with decreasing order: Fe >Zn >Cu >As >Cd >Pb>Hg. However, the THQ (mg kg-1) was slightly > 1 for As and Cd in some samples. Moreover, the CRlim (kg day-1) showed a decreasing order of Hg >Fe >Zn >Pb> Cu >Cd >As. Generally, consumers are susceptible to health hazards associated with As and Cd. Hence, regular toxicological monitoring of the fishes from the study area is imperative
Scalability constraints in Disruptive Agricultural Technologies (DATs) along Value Chain on agricultural production in South Sudan
Get PDFScalability known as the capacity of input variables along the Value Chain (VC) to effect transformative changes on agricultural production was evaluated for a farming system in Juba County of Central Equatoria State (CES), South Sudan. These transformative input variables commonly referred to as, Disruptive Agricultural Technologies (DATs) in the form of advisory, material as well as technological variables were shown to positively influence agricultural production from a default state. The objective of this study was to find out how a probability-based Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) software NETICA could be applied to assess as well as upscale the level of agricultural production P(Prodlevel | ) from a data input domain D. Simulation using a 700 kg ha-1 of cowpea yield at 50% Cumulative Probability Distribution (CPD) as a calibrant, the backcasting method showed that, scaling up of marginal probabilities in agrotechnology and financial resources from 0.025 to 0.1 (25% increment) and from 0.015 to 0.03 (50% increment) respectively, while keeping other input variables unchanged, increased cowpea yield from 692.9 to 783.1 kg ha-1 (about 12% increment). Conversely, where no DATs were introduced as in the worst-case scenario, production level was comparatively lower. The BBN model is thus, an indispensable tool that can provide useful information on scaling up agricultural production and hence improve livelihood opportunities in Juba County. However, for sustainable agricultural production, scalability may be constrained by spatial-temporal, environmental and socio-economic imperatives as well as on availability, accessibility, affordability of all input variables
Assessment of nitrate, phosphate and sulphate levels in wastewater from Muhammad Ayuba dam in Kazaure, Jigawa state, Nigeria
Get PDFIn the continuation of the evaluation of the physicochemical parameters of wastewater of Muhammad Ayuba dam in Kazaure, Nigeria, this investigation was carried out for the assessment of certain nutrients parameters i.e., nitrate, phosphate and sulphate that are primarily responsible for the eutrophication. This investigation was conducted during November, 2019 to January, 2020 (Harmattan season) to measure the content of nitrate, phosphate and sulphate ions in the wastewater collected from Muhammad Ayuba dam. During the study, standard techniques were used to determine the content of nitrate, phosphate and sulphate using spectrophotometer at specific wavelengths in determination of parameter of interests. The results obtained indicated that the concentrations were in the range of 78.50 – 88.40 mg/L for nitrate, 55.70 – 62.40 mg/L for phosphate and 91.40 – 100.20 mg/L for sulphate ions, respectively. The contents of nitrate, phosphate and sulphate in the wastewater exceeded the limit set by FAO/WHO for these anions in wastewater with exception of sulphate ions that was below the limit. Pearson correlation (r = 0.484) of the different anions indicated that their level of contamination might be traced to the same source means runoff from fertilizer application. Therefore, the water of the dam is majorly polluted with domestic wastes and absolutely rich in sulphate ions especially detergents from nearby houses. The study also revealed gradual accumulation of anions in the wastewater of the dam suggested more pronounced pollution in it. Thus, regular monitoring of these ions must be required to evaluate their environmental impacts and possible potential risks