Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Assessment of heavy metals concentration in water and Tengra fish (Mystus vittatus) of Surma River in Sylhet region of Bangladesh
Get PDFThe study was carried out to assess the concentration of heavy metals in water and Tengra fish (Mystus vittatus) of the Surma River, the largest water basin ecosystem covering the north-eastern parts of Bangladesh. Water and Tengra fish (M. vittatus) samples were collected from a total of six sampling stations in which three sampling stations were in Sylhet district and the rest three were in Sunamganj district. Samples were collected from February 2017 to June 2017 on a monthly basis. Water and Tengra fish (M. vittatus) samples were analyzed for the detection of heavy metals viz., lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for the detection of heavy metals after digestion of the samples. Pb and Cr were detected from both water and Tengra fish (M. vittatus) samples collected from all the six sampling stations of Sylhet and Sunamganj district. But, Cd was not found both in water and Tengra fish (M. vittatus) during the study period. This study concluded that the detected concentrations of metals (Pb and Cr) in the studied Tengra fish (M. vittatus) muscles were accepted by the international legislation limits and are safe for human consumption. But in water, Pb is the only metal that potentially poses the ecological risk to the water body as it exceeds the acceptance level recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). Consequently, close monitoring of metals pollution of the Surma River is recommended with a view to minimizing the health risk of the population that depend on the river for their water and fish supply
Species Selection Index (SSI): A novel tool designed for bio-resource selection under Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism
Get PDFThis investigation was designed for the use of species selection index (SSI) for bio-resource selection under access and benefit sharing mechanism. The bio-resources are being utilized by different industries for manufacturing various end products. Uttarakhand is known for its bio-resources having highly medicinal properties. But, these bio-resources are on the verge of extinction because of over-exploitation. These bio-resources are not being utilized in a sustainable manner. Access and Benefit-sharing is the mechanism by which a species would benefit both producer and traders apart from the conservation. Selection of the concerned species from the area to be considered for ABS mechanism is a tedious work. In this paper, an attempt has been made to solve this issue. The objective was to formulate a methodology for the selection of native species for ABS. A novel method (Species Selection Index) has been formulated for this purpose. Study was conducted at organization, industry and village level. Different species from Uttarkashi, Pauri and Haridwar of Uttarakhand has been analysed by this method and compared with each other. Positive and Negative criteria were considered for the selection and based on the result Terminalia chebula and Zanthoxylem armatum was suggested for ABS. Therefore, The SSI can be used in the selection of any bio-resources to be considered for ABS mechanism or for any other developmental project. More SSI value means more suitable species to be considered for project related activity
Investigating the vertical garden applications in Konya City, Turkey: A case study
Get PDFVertical garden applications have made serious contributions to the environment not only in terms of aesthetics but also in terms of functionality. In this study, vertical garden samples found in Konya city were examined by being photographed in their places. In order to examine the satisfaction of users, the questionnaire which includes questions under the determined headings (socio-economic structure, field uses, and plant elements, plant species) was applied on a voluntary basis. By calculating the universe size according to the population, a questionnaire composed of 28 questions was applied to 400 people randomly selected from people living in the city of Konya. Frequency distribution analysis of the obtained results was performed using SPSS 20 software. According to the results of the study, vertical gardens are perceived as an aesthetic element in Konya city. People accept that vertical gardens are high-cost applications. When the applications abroad are considered, it can be stated that the applications in Konya city are in the beginning phase
Adoption of certain improved varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in seven different provinces of Nepal
Get PDFThis study used farm level data to analyze the adoption of improved wheat varieties in Nepal. The seven districts each having the highest wheat area coverage in their respective provinces was selected. Pre-tested interview schedule was used to collect the primary information. The relevant literatures were reviewed for secondary information. The simple random method of sampling was used and 651 samples were taken. Descriptive statistics, probit regression and indexing were applied. This study showed that 94.1% of the area was covered by the improved wheat varieties, while 3.3% by local and 2.6% by the Indian varieties. In addition, of the improved varieties, NL 297 had the highest area coverage (30.88 %) followed by Vijay (23.24%), Gautam (12.95%), NL 971 (8.94%) and Aditya (5.34%) respectively. Probit econometric model revealed that membership of organization (1% level of significance), subsidy by the government (1% level), gender of the household head (5% level) and family member in foreign employment (10%) significantly determined the adoption of improved wheat varieties developed after NARC establishment. The indexing identified and ranked- lack of availability of quality improved seeds (I= 0.75) as the first followed by poor availability of fertilizers (0.65), labour shortage (0.61), lack of proper irrigation (0.55) and lack of agricultural machines (0.45) that were associated wheat production in study site. The concerned government institutions should assure the availability of quality improved seeds and fertilizers to the farmers; the subsidy on irrigation and agricultural machines allied with financial grant could attract the farmers towards wheat cultivation which ultimately contributes to increase wheat productivity
Communication exposure of sub-assistant agriculture officers (SAAOs) towards e-agriculture in Khulna district of Bangladesh
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to determine the extent of communication exposure of the Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers towards e-agriculture in Khulna district of Bangladesh. Study was conducted in the five selected upazilas of Khulna city viz., Rupsa, Dighalia, Phultala, Dumuria and Batiaghata which consist of 108 agricultural blocks. A sample of 100 Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers (SAAOs) was selected from these blocks. Data were collected following a structured pretested interview schedule. Findings revealed that most 60% of the SAAOs had low communication exposures to e-agriculture. Correlation analysis indicates that age, income and service experience had negative significant relationship with communication exposures of SAAOs to e-Agriculture. Training exposure and knowledge on e-agriculture had positive significant relationship with their communication exposures towards e-agriculture. The enter method of regression analysis revealed that knowledge on e-agriculture, training exposure and monthly income described 77.5 percent variation in the communication exposure of SAAOs. The estimates indicated that knowledge on e-Agriculture had strongest (β=0.479) contribution to the variance of communication exposure to e-Agriculture. On the other hand, monthly income had contributed to the variance of communication exposure of SAAOs towards e-Agriculture in negative direction (β=-0.156). Mobile phone was the highest preferred device in using e-Agricultural media by the SAAOs. “Unfamiliarity of extension workers with e-agriculture application” was the main personal constraint and “lack of training on e-agriculture” was the main organizational constraint which might have led to low communication exposure of SAAOs towards e-agriculture
Effects of organic and inorganic fertilizer combination with insect netting on the production of Indian spinach (Basella alba L.)
Get PDFBest horticulture management has been practiced to reduce the quantity of inorganic fertilizer applications with insect net for higher production of Indian spinach (Basella alba L.). The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during February to May, 2016. Two factors experiment were conducted on insect nettings (Factor A): control (N0), Netting (N1) and different fertilizers (Factor B): control (F0), Vermicompost 10 t/ha (F1), Vermicompost 15 t/ha (F2), 2/3rdof F2+ 1/3rdof F4 (F3), Inorganic fertilizer (F4). Combination of insect net and combined of organic and inorganic fertilizers (N1F3) gave the significantly higher growth and yield of Indian spinach (B. alba) compared to other treatment combination. The maximum vine length (77.71 cm), after 45 days after sowing was found in N1F3 and it was 72% higher vine length of Indian spinach compared to control. The highest yield of Indian spinach was 38.67 t/ha in N1F3 which was, 80% higher yield compared to control (7.77 t/ha). The treatment combination of N1F3 provided maximum leaf numbers per plant and leaf length of Indian spinach. Organic and inorganic fertilizer application together where reduced amount of inorganic fertilizer technology for crop production can be practiced as a sustainable technology for better growth, yield and quality of a plant, also to improve the soil health and environment in long run
Chemical quality attributes of mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) as affected by altitude and fruit bearing position in Kavre, Nepal
Get PDFMandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) occupies a prominent position in the total fruit sector of Nepal. A study was conducted to assess chemical quality parameters of mandarin in Kavre district of Nepal, during February 2018. Three altitudes (1410, 1540 and 1670 m.asl) and four bearing positions of fruits (East, West, North, and South) in each tree were taken, from southern facing slope of local mandarin orchard under normal farmer managed practices. Fruits from each sector were scored for TSS, pH, TA and ascorbic acid content. The result showed that the TSS (14.6o Brix), pH (3.37), and TA (0.06%) were recorded higher in the mandarin harvested at an altitude of 1410 m.asl. TSS/TA (23.81) and ascorbic acid content (35.96 mg/100g) were recorded highest in mandarin fruit harvested from 1670 m.asl altitude. Similarly, TSS/TA (21.13) was recorded higher in mandarin on eastern canopy of tree. TA (0.91%) and ascorbic acid content (37.54 mg/100g) were recorded higher in mandarin fruit harvested from western canopy. TSS (15.0o Brix) and pH (3.41) were highest in mandarin of southern canopy. The combined effect of altitude and fruit bearing position had significant effect on pH (P = 0.008), TA (P=0.012), TSS/TA (P = 0.014) and ascorbic acid content (P<0.001). Mandarins at southern bearing position located at 1540 m.asl and lower altitude were comparatively of good quality than of the upper altitude. Since the main chemical attributes for maintaining quality of mandarin, mandarin located at an altitude of 1540 m.asl followed by mandarin located at 1410 m.asl were promising than mandarin of higher altitude
Role of women in pond fish farming and fish consumption situation in a selected area of Bangladesh
Get PDFIn Bangladesh, aquaculture makes an important contribution to rural livelihoods for food security, nutrition security and cash income. Small-scale fisheries typically depend on men and women’s roles. The Bangladesh fisheries sector is seen as a male domain and the contribution of women is poorly recognized. This study is concerned with the contribution of rural women in different activities of pond fish farming, profitability of pond fish culture, fish consumption level of the sample households and problems and constraints in pond fish farming. For achieving these objectives, 60 women pond fish farmers were selected randomly from Muktagacha upazila of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh. Primary data were collected personally from respondents through a sample survey with the help of a structured and pre-tested interview schedule. Both tabular and econometric techniques were used to analyze the collected data. The major findings indicated that a total working hour in a season (six months) was 418 of an average 12 decimal pond sizes. Men contribute 62.68% (262 hours) and women contribute 37.32% (156 hours) of the total working hours in a season. The per hector/season production, gross return, gross margin and net return were Kg.18188, Tk. 1655108, Tk.740736 and Tk. 654202, respectively. Undiscounted benefit-cost ratio was found 1.65 in the study area. Average per capita fish consumption was 69.01 gm/day, which was higher than the nation average of 44.65 gm/person/day. The main problems faced by the respondents were high feed cost, disease, high labour demand, high cost of a pond excavation, etc. This research concludes that women play a significant role in pond fish farming and achieving household nutrition security. The government and policy makers should acknowledge the women’s contribution in different farming activities and make appropriate policy for women entrepreneurship development in Bangladesh which will lead to achieve sustainable development goals
Influence of N and P fertilizer rates on yield and yield components of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Sekota District of Wag-Himira Zone, North Eastern Ethiopia
Get PDFA field experiment was conducted to study the performance of bread wheat sown under different nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizer rates during 2017 main cropping season on farmer’s field at Weleh and Sayda, North eastern Ethiopia. Factorial combinations of four nitrogen (10.25, 20.5, 41 and 60.5 kg ha-1) and four phosphorous (23, 46, 69, and 92 kg ha-1) rates were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The result showed that using a different N and P rate of fertilizer had no significant effect (P≥0. 05) on the number of total and effective tillers in both locations. Similarly, at Sayda, different rate of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers did not show a significant effect on biomass yield, Straw yield, and grain yield. On the other hand, plant height was significantly affected by the interactions of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. While days to 50% heading, days to 90% maturity, number of kernels per spike and thousand kernel weight were significantly affected by different rate of nitrogen fertilizer. Besides that, spike length and number of kernels per spike were significantly affected by phosphorus fertilizer application. Since the homogeneity of error variance was significant, it indicates that both locations were not combined together, rather it was done separately. According to the partial budget analysis, the combination of 20.5N and 23P kg ha-1 was economically feasible at both locations. For future conducting of the researches in different seasons and location is important for sound recommendation
Effects of different fertilizers on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in summer season in Chitwan, Nepal
Get PDFAn experiment was conducted in the Horticulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University to demonstrate the effects of different fertilizers on the yield and yield parameters of okra (var. Arka Anamika). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of seven treatments and three replications. The various treatments used in the experiment were goat manure, sesame cake, mustard cake, synthetic fertilizer (NPK), poultry manure, vermicompost and untreated control. The required dose of nitrogen was fulfilled by the fertilizer itself whereas insufficient amount of phosphorous and potassium was fulfilled by addition of single super phosphate and muriate of potash respectively. The fertilizers were applied on the basis of recommendation given by the Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC). The effect of poultry manure on number of open flowers and number of fruits at 40 DAS was found superior. The effect of poultry manure on plant height, number of leaves, plant diameter was found superior at 50 DAS. Goat manure produced the superior result on number of open flowers at 50 DAS. Poultry manure on the number of leaves and plant height produced the significant result at 60 DAS. Synthetic fertilizer responded well to number of fruits at 60 DAS. Sesame cake produced the superior results at 70 DAS on number of buds. Poultry manure responded well to all the parameters and produced the yield of 200 qt./ha with the BC ratio of 1.77. This experiment suggests the farmers to use the poultry manure to get the highest economic return. Vermicompost and mustard cake producing the superior and significant yield in this research are not recommended as they have low BC ratio unless effective measures are encouraged to reduce the cost of this fertilizers