Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Effect of nitrogen and sulphur on the growth and yield of T. Aman rice (BRRI Dhan 87)
No full textEfficient use of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) is crucial for enhancing rice productivity in Bangladesh, where nutrient deficiencies significantly limit yields. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of N and S fertilization on the growth, yield, and soil fertility of traditional T. Aman rice (BRRI Dhan 87). A field experiment was conducted during the 2019 T. Aman season at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 12 N-S fertilizer combinations and three replications. Results revealed that N and S significantly (p<0.05) influenced plant growth, yield attributes, and soil properties. The highest grain yield (5.67 t ha-¹) and straw yield (6.88 t ha-¹) were recorded under the N120S12 treatment, representing a 98.9% yield increase compared to the control (2.85 t ha-¹). The same treatment produced the tallest plants (131.78 cm), highest effective tillers (15.33 hill-¹), filled grains (140.37 panicle-¹), and 1000-grain weight (57.00 g). Post-harvest soil analysis showed improved organic matter (1.42%), total N (0.66%), and available P (27.03 ppm) under N120S12. The findings manifest that an integrated application of 120 kg N ha-¹ and 12 kg S ha-¹ optimizes yield performance and enhances soil fertility while minimizing resource losses. These results provide a sustainable nutrient management strategy for improving rice productivity in Bangladesh in similar agro-ecological zones
Impact of various Rhizobium application methods on production and nodule formation in cowpea
No full textThe study aimed to determine the effect of various Rhizobium inoculation methods on the yield, growth, and reproductive characteristics of two cowpea varieties under field conditions in the tropical region of Tikapur, Kailali. With four replications, the study was carried out in a two-factorial Randomized Complete Block Design from April to August of 2024. Four different Rhizobium inoculation methods were tested on two cowpea varieties, Aakash and Prakash: T1 (Control), T2 (seed inoculation), T3 (seed + soil inoculation), and T4 (soil inoculation). The majority of parameters were significantly influenced by the variety, inoculation methods and their interaction. While Aakash showed better physiological growth, the Prakash variety performed better in reproductive attributes and had a greater grain yield (1.39 t/ha). With the highest plant height (92.74 cm), number of leaves (52.75), branches (5.54), effective nodules (84.69), pods per plant (21.29), seeds per pod (12.10), thousand-grain weight (138.95 g), and grain yield (1.98 t/ha), T3 (seed + soil inoculation) regularly outperformed the other treatments. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between effective nodulation and yield-related traits. These results indicate that integrated Rhizobium treatment may greatly increase cowpea productivity, especially by combining both seed and soil inoculation. The study offers a cost-effective, promising method for enhancing the performance of legumes, which is particularly advantageous for smallholder farmers. To confirm the scalability and consistency of these findings, the study suggests more extensive long-term research in other agro-ecological zones
Impact of varying water-logging durations at various stages of growth on mustard seed yield
No full textWaterlogging significantly affects agricultural growth and development, making it a severe constraint limiting crop production and quality. This study aims to assess the level of water tolerance of standard mustard cultivars while taking into account the influence of varied water-logging durations on mustard seed output. In this study, a randomized complete block design was used to examine the effects of water-logging on the various phases of various mustard varieties under ambient temperature and sunshine circumstances. Binasarisha-9, Binasarisha-11 and BARI Sarisha-14 were the varieties utilized in the experiment, and water-logging treatments were applied at different times of 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours at 55–60 days after sowing (DAS). Data on plant height, branches plant-1, and siliquae plant-1 were taken from 10 randomly selected plants from each plot. The maturity period was counted when 90% of siliquae matured. The seed yield of each plot was recorded after harvest. The result shows that the highest seed yield (1.51t ha-1) was found for Binasarisha-11 under water-logging conditions for 24 hours at 55-60 DAS and almost the same result on seed yield (1.46t ha-1) for Binasarisha-9 was found for the same treatment. Moderate yield at 48 hours water logging was observed whereas there was significant yield reduction for 72 hours water logging. BARI Sarisha-14, Binasarisha-9, and Binasarisha-11 yielded 4.5%, 1.38%, and 11.56% less than non-water-logged situations after 72 hours of water-logging at 55-60 DAS. However, it could be concluded that these results provide valuable insights into the effects of waterlogging on seed yield and can aid in selecting suitable mustard genotypes in flood-prone environments to mitigate the negative effects of climate change
Agronomic performance and farmers' preferences of twelve spring rice genotypes under participatory approach at Kailali, Nepal
No full textThe purpose of this paper was to assess the agronomic performance and farmers’ preferences of spring rice genotypes in collaboration with farmers. This experiment was conducted from February to June, 2023 at Khaira, Bhajani Municipality in Farmer’s Field School. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with three replications, testing twelve rice varieties involving 37 small holder farmers. The individual plot size was 10m × 2m with plant spacing maintained at 20cm × 20cm. The data were analysed using the ANOVA technique in R-Studio software (version 4.0), and Fisher’s Protected LSD test was applied for mean separation. Results revealed that yield and yield attributes along with days to maturity were statistically different among genotypes. Maximum grain yield was found in Chaite-5 (10.75 t/ha) followed by IR16L1831 (10.33 t/ha) which was statistically at par with genotype IR10L118 (10.07 t/ha), while the lowest yields were obtained in Chaite-4 (5.77 t/ha) followed by local check variety Chaini-Local (6.77 t/ha). The findings showed that SVIN-191 (139 days) and Hardinath-5 (138 days) had the highest duration to reach maturity. In contrast, the Chaini-Local variety had the shortest time to maturity, taking only 113 days, while Chaite-4 and IR10L152 required 119 and 122 days, respectively. On participatory varietal selection, the farmer preference score was found maximum in genotype IR10L152 (0.055) followed by a popular variety Chaite-5 (0.047) which signifies these genotypes have certain traits of farmer preference. Moreover, the preference for the genotype IR10L152 above the high-yielding variety Chaite-5 indicates that the farmers in Kailali took several desirable traits into consideration for rice variety selection rather than just high yield
Consumer preferences of fast-food items in Mymensingh, Bangladesh
No full textThe goal of the current study was to ascertain Bangladeshi consumers' preferences for fast food items. Data from 80 respondents who were eating fast food in the Mymensingh region were gathered using a purposeful random sample; men made up 52.50 percent of the respondents. The study employed multiple linear regression analysis to determine the primary determinants influencing eating habits among customers. Additionally, descriptive statistics were utilized to determine the demographic characteristics such as age, education, income level etc. of the consumers. Furthermore, the utilization of Likert scale analysis assists in identifying the more favoured reasons why consumers go for fast food. The findings showed that most respondents were government employees with advanced degrees. Nearly 8.75 percent of customers spent more than Tk 2000 (18.22 $) on fast food every month. According to Likert scale research, 47.5% of consumers thought fast food was unhealthy. Consumers in the research region felt generally dissatisfied with fast food, as evidenced by their affirmative responses to seven out of the seventeen questions on the meal. In the Mymensingh District, explanatory factors such education, monthly family income, students, advertisements, and social pressure had the most impacts on the amount of fast food consumed. This research also looked at the critical elements at fast food restaurants and the relationship between customer satisfaction and restaurant service. The results of this study contribute significant knowledge to the literature on the food service sector and offer vital insights for the fast-food business in Bangladesh, indicating areas for development and customer preferences. It will offer insights for businesses to tailor their marketing strategies and menu offerings to align with consumer preferences and health concerns as well as highlights areas for improvement in fast-food establishments to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty because of fast food consumption is becoming more and more appealing these days
Assessment of wheat genotypes for spot blotch (Bipolaris sorokiniana Sacc.) resistance under artificial epiphytotic conditions in the inner terai of Nepal
No full textSpot blotch, caused by (Bipolaris sorokiniana Sacc.) is a significant fungal disease leading to economic losses in wheat (Triticum aestivum), especially in regions with low soil fertility and warm, humid climates, such as the inner Terai of Nepal. A field experiment was conducted at the National Maize Research Program (NMRP), Rampur, Chitwan, during winter of 2021/022 with an aim of identifying wheat genotypes with spot blotch resistance under artificial epiphytotic conditions. Each genotype was sown in a single 2-meter long row alongside susceptible check genotypes (Agra and Morocco) at every 20th row. Aqueous spore suspension of B. sorokiniana was applied twice in border rows during the booting stage at 15-day intervals. Disease severity was assessed four times at five-day intervals using a double-digit scale based on the percentage blighted area on the flag and penultimate leaf, and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated. The results categorized 43 genotypes as resistant, 127 as moderately resistants, 135 as moderately susceptible, 66 as susceptible, and 7 as highly susceptible based on AUDPC. Cluster analysis identified cluster 3 comprising 17 genotypes as superior in terms of disease resistance as well as agronomic parameters. NRN-34 emerged as the top-ranked genotype within this cluster, followed by NAL-73, NAL-94, NAL-12, NRN-34, NAL-57, NAL-43, NAL-82, and NAL-35, exhibiting lower AUDPC values and higher yield-attributing character values. This study will aid breeders in developing spot blotch-resistant and high-yielding wheat varieties by incorporating the identified promising genotypes into further breeding programs
Adoption of post-harvest practices and their influencing factors: A study of ginger growers in Syangja, Nepal
No full textProper ginger post-harvest practices enhance quality, extend shelf life, and ameliorate market access. Prioritizing post-harvest practices in ginger can tremendously increase the market value of ginger in Nepal. Nevertheless, this cannot be done without thorough understanding about the current adoption of post-harvest practices among farmers. So, this study was carried out to know the status of adoption of post-harvest practices in ginger, examine factors associated with adoption, identify and rank major constraints of adoption. The collection of primary data involved 80 ginger growers chosen randomly from altogether 6 wards in Galyang, Waling, and Chapakot municipalities. Data entry and analysis were performed using two software: MS Excel 2021 and SPSS Version 27. The adoption status of ginger post-harvest practices was assessed and quantified using frequency distribution. The chi-square test revealed a significant association between adoption and membership (5%), extension (1%) and training (1%). However, the association between demographic factors like age, gender, education level, experiences in ginger cultivation, and the adoption of post-harvest practices in ginger was statistically non-significant. Moreover, an independent sample t-test and indexing technique were employed. Average adoption index was computed based on which high and low adopters were categorized. Notable advantages emerged for high adopters as they cultivated ginger in larger areas (p < 0.01) and gained higher economic returns (p < 0.05). Five constraints regarding the adoption were ranked through indexing, where a poor marketing system had the highest index value of 0.83, followed by the unavailability of improved processing technologies. In contrast, labor crisis was the least ranked constraint. This study concluded that farmers still follow the traditional methods of ginger post-harvest practices, denoting significant potential for improvement. Thus, offering impactful trainings and support to farmers in line with their recommendations can be the pivotal step towards enhancing the post-harvest practices in ginger sector in Syangja district
Growth yield performance of different hybrid cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae var. botrytis L.) cultivars in Dang, Nepal
No full textCauliflower is commonly grown in terai and mid-hills during the winter season (September to December), thus known as mid-season cole crop in the context of Nepal. As this cropping period possess favorable environmental condition to grow, and the production cost is comparatively lower and productivity is higher as compared to early and late seasons crop. Farmers are cultivating various hybrid (F1) cultivars to increase the yield and income. Every year, several hybrids are being imported in Nepal and there needs a varietal trial before being recommended at farmer’s field. Thus, this experiment was conducted at horticulture farm of Campus of Live Sciences. Tulsipur, Dang, Nepal for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022 AD) to evaluate the growth and yield attributes of five hybrid cauliflower cultivars. Cultivars viz. Snow Best, Snow Crown, Super White Top, Rami and Damy were treated as treatment and replicated four times in Randomized Complete Block Design. The experiment showed that cultivar Super White Top and Snow Crown had desirable vegetative characteristics, better yield, and higher harvest index as compared to other cultivars. Hence, Super White Top and Snow Crown could be promoted for cultivation in the agro climatic zones related to that of Tulsipur, Dang. Considering the economically important growth and yield attributes Super White Top and Snow Crown were found to be the suitable mid-season hybrid cultivars in Dang condition
Impact of construction activities on the air quality of Agra city, Uttar Pradesh, India
No full textThe current research work was carried out to comprehensively assessed the impact of construction activities on the air quality. Seven sites were chosen along the metro line construction in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, to meet the study's goals. The monitoring was performed for 24 hours at each site using the respirable dust sampler (RDS) with a gaseous sampling attachment. The raw data was processed to calculate the Air Quality Index (AQI). The data obtained indicate that all the examined sites had PM10 (particulate matter having the diameter less than or equal to 10 micron) values above the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQ) values of 100 µg/m3, while SS-05 and SS-06 had PM2.5 (particulate matter having the diameter less than or equal to 2.5 micron) values above the NAAQ values of 60 µg/m3. Values of CO, SO2, and NO2 were discovered to be lower than the NAAQ standard limits. Because PM10's sub index (Si) was found to be the greatest across all locations, it was determined to be the criterion pollutant among all the metrics. Based on the AQI value, the research area's overall air quality was determined to be moderately polluted. At every location, a variety of management techniques, including mist guns, water spraying, and planting, are regularly used to reduce air pollution. Effective implementation of applied air pollution control measures is required to make the air clean and safe for breathing
Comparative analysis of knowledge and management practices of insect pests of maize among IPM adopters and non-adopters in Sindhupalchok, Nepal
No full textIntegrated pest management (IPM) is a decision-based approach that involves optimizing the pest population below the economic threshold by the coordinated use of multiple tactics in an economically and environmentally sound manner. The adoption of IPM in farming practices prevents long-term pest damage by combining biological control, modification of cultural practices, habitual manipulation, and use of resistant varieties. In Nepal, mostly in hilly regions, haphazard chemical pesticide application has inevitable effects on human health, the environment, and the ecosystem. The haphazard chemical pesticide application in Sindhupalchok, Nepal originated mostly due to a knowledge gap in the identification of the stages of the lifecycle of pests, and the distinction between beneficial and harmful insects. To compare the effectiveness of management practices between IPM adopters and non-adopters this study was framed for six months in Sangachokgadi municipality, Sindhupalchok, Nepal. The knowledge gap among the maize growers in Sindhupalchok was assessed using both primary and secondary data collection methods. For primary data collection a comprehensive and structured questionnaire, face-to-face interview, phone call interview, and Key Informant Interview was conducted. Similarly, secondary data was collected from various articles and publications from Maize Zone, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD), Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), and National Maize Research Program (NMRP). The collected data were then analyzed (descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and indexing) by using computer software packages i.e., Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26, and Microsoft Excel 2010. The analyzed data revealed maize growers adopting IPM practices for crop management are known to have significantly better knowledge of the life cycle of pests, were able to distinguish between beneficial and harmful insects, and had knowledge of appropriate fertilizer doses. Further, the findings revealed IPM adopters had better knowledge of chemical pesticide handling which could minimize the chemical hazards among the farmers