Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Not a member yet
236 research outputs found
Sort by
Carbon stock assessment of Rani community forest in Makawanpur district and its role in climate change mitigation
No full textAccurately measuring forest carbon (C) stocks is crucial for evaluating Community Forests\u27 contribution to mitigating climate change and for bolstering Nepal\u27s carbon-based payment systems. In order to determine the importance of Rani Community Forest in Makawanpur District for mitigating climate change, this August 2024 study evaluated the forest\u27s capacity to store carbon. In accordance with the MoFSC Guideline for Forest Carbon Measurement (2010), 31 concentric circular plots were sampled. Aboveground and belowground biomass carbon stocks were estimated following national guideline-recommended allometric equations, and Soil organic carbon (0–30 cm) was analyzed using the Walkley–Black method (1934). Results showed that total vegetation biomass was 292.21 t ha⁻¹, corresponding to total vegetation carbon stock 137.33 t ha⁻¹ where trees/poles contributed 91.98% of vegetation carbon. As a result, the total SOC stock was 79.73 tha⁻¹, with an average soil bulk density of 1.23 g cm⁻³ and a SOC content of 2.17%. The maximum SOC was found in the 0–10 cm layer, and a one-way ANOVA showed significant variations in SOC throughout depths (p <0.004). A significant positive correlation (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) between SOC and aboveground vegetation carbon indicated strong vegetation–soil linkages. The total carbon stock of 217.05 t ha⁻¹ corresponds to 796.57 t ha⁻¹ Carbon-dioxide (CO2,) demonstrating substantial carbon sequestration potential. These findings emphasize the critical role of Community Forests in Nepal\u27s climate mitigation strategies and their potential contribution in REDD⁺ and carbon financing mechanisms
Evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids for growth, yield and yield attributing traits in Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
No full textHybrid maize plays a crucial role in enhancing maize productivity in Nepal due to its higher yield potential and superior agronomic performance compared with open-pollinated varieties. The objective of this study was to identify high-yielding maize hybrids suitable for winter planting under the Terai conditions of Nepal. A total of ten maize hybrids were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications during the winter season of 2024-25 at Rampur, Chitwan. The results revealed significant differences (p<0.01) among hybrids for growth parameters, including days to 50% anthesis, days to 50% silking, plant height, and ear height. Yield and yield-attributing traits, such as thousand-kernel weight, number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row, cob length, and cob diameter, were also found significantly affected by hybrid differences (p<0.01). The highest grain yield was recorded for KWM92/KWM93 (10,076 kg ha-1), followed by KWM91/KWM93 (9,892 kg ha-1), Winner (NMH8352) (9,878 kg ha-1), CML581/CML582 (9,168 kg ha-1), and CML581/CML612 (8,778 kg ha-1). These results indicate that the identified hybrids possess high yield potential and can be promoted as promising candidate hybrids for winter maize production in the Terai region of Nepal
Effect of different phosphorus levels and varieties on the productivity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) at Khairahani, Chitwan, Nepal
No full textA field experiment was undertaken during the summer season of 2023 at Khairahani, Chitwan, with the objective of evaluating the effect of different phosphorus levels on the growth, yield attributes, and grain yield of two cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) genotypes and determine the optimum phosphorus dose for higher productivity under rainfed lowland conditions. Two cowpea genotypes, namely Surya and Gajale, and four phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg P₂O₅/ha) were evaluated in a two-factor factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The height of the plants, the index of leaf area, the length of the pods, and the number of pods on one plant were, however, not affected at all by the cowpea varieties or the phosphorus levels. The Gajale variety along with the highest phosphorus level (60 kg P₂O₅/ha) recorded the maximum number of grains per pod (12). On the contrary, grain yield was heavily depending on the variety and the phosphorus application, with the Gajale variety produced the highest yield (1.19 t/ha) and at 60 kg P₂O₅/ha (1.24 t/ha), followed by 40 kg P₂O₅/ha (1.13 t/ha). The interaction between cowpea varieties and phosphorus levels was observed to be statistically significant and thus, the Gajale variety with 60 kg P₂O₅ /ha obtained the maximum grain yield (1.35 t/ha). Hence, it can be stated that the cultivation of Gajale variety with the application of 60 kg P₂O₅/ha under rainfed lowland conditions in eastern Chitwan is the producer of cowpea productivity in the highest way possible
Induction of short stature and early maturity in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) through mutagenesis
No full textInduced mutagenesis is a pivotal tool for enhancing the genetic diversity and achieving targeted trait selection in pulse crops. In M2 and M3 generations of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik, var. Pant L-406), this study assesses the genetic variability induced in three quantitative traits viz., days to flowering, days to maturity, and plant height. Different concentrations of sodium azide (SA: 0.01%–0.04%), hydrazine hydrate (HZ: 0.01%–0.04%), and ethylmethane sulphonate (EMS: 0.1%–0.4%) were applied to the seeds. The mean values for all the three attributes showed a significant negative change, according to the results. In the M3 generation, 0.3% EMS reduced the flowering by 5.20 days and maturity by 5.60 days, resulting in the most significant decreases in both. With a negative shift of 5.12 cm in comparison to the control, 0.03% SA was the most effective in reducing the plant height. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), broad-sense heritability (h2), and genetic advance (GA) were all consistently higher in M2 generation than in the M3 generation. For flowering in M2 generation, 0.3% EMS produced the highest h2 (60.64%). These results imply that in earlier mutant generations, selection for early maturity and decreased plant height is very successful
Livestock depredation and community responses in Bhimsen rural municipality, Gorkha district, Nepal
No full textConflict between humans and wildlife is a major problem for global wildlife conservation. Conflicts between humans and leopards are common throughout their global range. In Bhimsen Rural Municipality, Gorkha district, Nepal, this study was conducted during 2020-2021 to evaluate livestock depredation by common leopards (Panthera pardus), its causes, and locally implemented mitigation measures. A questionnaire survey was used to triangulate the data from livestock owners\u27 compensation claims submitted to the Division Forest Office (DFO) Gorkha and the Manaslu Conservation Area Office, Manaslu Gorkha (n=113). Goats accounted for the majority of the 91 animals that were killed (mean = 82.5, 91%), followed by cattle (mean = 5, 5.5%) and buffaloes (mean = 3, 3.3%). With the highest monthly losses in December (mean = 15.0) and January (mean = 13.5), depredation peaked in the afternoon (12–5 PM, 33.9%) and late at night (12–5 AM, 20.15%). The conversion of crop land into forest (24.8%), an increase in leopard populations (22.1%), and a decrease in wild prey (20.4%) were the primary apparent causes of the majority of the incidents (58%), which happened within 100 meters of forest edges. Predator-proof corrals (23%) and active guarding (19.5%) were local mitigation measures. The distance from the forest and the incidence of cattle depredation were inversely correlated. The respondents\u27 attitudes toward leopard conservation were favorable. Based on these results, the study suggests improving local conflict-resolution skills and bolstering livestock protection close to forests
Resource use efficiency and profitability of potato production in Syangja district, Nepal
No full textPotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important cash crop and a key contributor to food security in Nepal, but its productivity is limited by inefficient input use and low adoption of improved practices. This study seeks to bridge that research gap by examine the factors of potato production on farms of varying sizes in Syangja district of Nepal. Field survey was conducted from April 2024 to June 2024 in the Galyang, Bhirkot, Waling, and Chapakot municipalities of Syangja district. Primary data was collected from 91 potato farmers, who were then categorized into small scale and large scale farmers according to their area under potato cultivation. The Cobb-Douglas production function and regression analysis were applied. To ensure the validity of the results, t-tests, chi-square tests, and multicollinearity diagnostics using the variance inflation factor (VIF < 5) were conducted. Large-scale farmers demonstrated a 9% lower variable cost (NRs. 18,232 vs. 19,969/Ropani), but comparable profitability (Benefit-cost ratio: 2.09 vs. 1.86). This may be due to the higher bargaining power of small-scale farmers. The presence of overused inputs like seeds, labor, and fertilizer, where (Marginal Value Product/Marginal Factor Cost < 1), lowered efficiency, while transport (β = 0.24), and post-harvest costs (β = 1.09), were revenue drivers. Semi-commercial and commercial systems of agriculture increased production by 237 to 293 kg/ropani (p < 0.05) over traditional agriculture. Among the commonly cultivated varieties, Khumal Ujjwal exhibited the highest production, with average yield of 940.10 kg/ropani. Return to scale was found to be 1.40, indicates thescaled inputs led to higher productivity in potato production. Therefore, it is suggested to provide training and extension supports on proper utilization of inputs, increase scale of production and post-harvest management
Effect of different seed priming methods on seed germination and vigor of okra
No full textOkra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) faces problems of poor germination because of its hard seed coat that restricts water uptake. Seed priming provides a pre-sowing, effective and low-cost technique to enhance germination and seedling vigor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different seed priming methods on the germination and vigor of okra variety ‘Arka Anamika’ under laboratory conditions. This study was conducted in a simple Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications and seven treatments (distilled water hydro-priming, 5% cow urine, 200 ppm GA₃, 10% Trichoderma viride, 10% Pseudomonas fluorescens, 5% NaCl, and an untreated control) from 30 May to 14 June 2024. The parameters measured were germination percentage, germination rate, mean germination time, germination speed index, germination energy, seedling vigor index, root & shoot length and allometric coefficient. Treatments differed significantly from one another. GA₃ priming maintained the maximum germination speed index (61.25), germination energy (74.16%), seedling vigor index (1326.33), and shoot length (24.27 cm) while the highest germination percentage (88.66%) and comparable vigor performance were recorded by Trichoderma viride priming. Cow urine was found to be least effective, although hydro-priming yielded a moderate improvement. The findings of this study suggest that the okra seed primed with 200 ppm GA₃ or 10% Trichoderma viride show better performance in terms of seedling vigor and germination under laboratory conditions
Spatial assessment of agricultural vulnerability in selected municipalities of Karnali Province, Nepal
No full textThis study evaluates Agricultural Vulnerability Indexing (AVI) across the selected municipalities of Karnali province of Nepal characterized by difficult terrain, fragile agricultural systems, and increasing climatic stresses. Using a geospatial approach, six indicators: land use and land cover (LULC), drainage conditions, slope stability, market availability, livestock suitability, and road accessibility were analysed at the ward level. Data were collected from multiple sources using a structured checklist for three municipalities: Simikot (Humla), Dullu (Dailekh), and Bheriganga (Surkhet). Each indicator has been categorized on a scale of 1 to 5 based on its contribution to overall vulnerability, and the AVI which was also normalized between 0 and 1 to generate composite vulnerability scores. The findings indicated that there was considerable spatial variation in vulnerability across the 34 assessed wards. As of result, Simikot-1 recorded a very high AVI exceeding 0.8, indicating the most vulnerable ward. Similarly, high vulnerability was also observed in Dullu (Wards 1, 8, 13), Simikot (Wards 4, 7, 8), and Bheriganga (Ward 13), while Dullu-4 and Bheriganga-7 exhibited the lowest AVI scores. Environmental limitations like unstable slopes, poor drainage, limited farmland, and socioeconomic challenges like weak infrastructure, low technology access, and poverty increase vulnerability; yet communities use traditional indigenous, community-based practices resiliently. The study highlights the value of geospatial and temporal analysis for identifying ward-specific vulnerabilities and informing evidence-based planning. The results offer practical guidance for prioritizing interventions and strengthening agricultural resilience and food security in Karnali Province
Effect of varieties and fertilizer levels combined with biofertilizers on growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in Chitwan, Nepal
No full textAt the Rampur Campus research farm in Khairahani, Nepal, a field experiment was carried out in the spring of 2022–2023 to assess the effects of sunflower varieties and fertilizer treatments combined with biofertilizers on growth and yield. A two-factor Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was used in this study. Two sunflower varieties, namely Sungold-753 and Bharat-709 along with five fertilizer treatments namely F1 – 80:100:60 kg NPK/ha + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and potash-solubilizing bacteria (KSB); F2 – 60:80:40 kg NPK/ha + PSB and KSB; F3 – 40:60:20 kg NPK/ha + PSB and KSB; F4 – 20:40:10 kg NPK /ha + PSB and KSB; and F5 – control. The findings showed that neither variety nor fertilizer treatment had a significant impact on plant height or days to maturity. On the other hand, under the maximum fertilizer dose (80:100:60 kg NPK/ha) combined with PSB and KSB, the leaf area index at 60 days after planting was significantly higher (5.67). Additionally, the largest capitulum weight per plant (175.85 g) was produced by the same treatment. Bharat-709 was the variety with the best grain yield (2.40 t/ha), while the treatment of 80:100:60 kg NPK/ha + biofertilizers produced the highest yield (3.12 t/ha). According to these results, growing Bharat-709 with 80:100:60 kg NPK/ha supplemented with PSB and KSB is a successful method for maximizing sunflower yield in Chitwan, Nepal\u27s agroclimatic conditions
Analysis of profitability and resource use efficiency among banana farmers in Chitwan, Nepal
No full textBanana is a high value crop with immense potential to enhance production through area expansion and improved production practices. This study aimed to investigate the profitability and resource use efficiency of banana enterprises in Chitwan, Nepal. Primary data were obtained from 135 banana growers and 45 traders by using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, along with the Cobb Douglas production function, were used to estimate resource allocation. The study reported average gross profit of 5211.65/kattha and benefit cost ratio of 1.52, indicating that banana farming is profitable. The analysis of resource use efficiency showed the under-utilization of plantation, chemical fertilizers, and micronutrients, while farm-yard manure, labor, pesticide, and irrigation were overutilized. For the optimum allocation of resources, the cost of plantation, chemical fertilizers, and micronutrients needs to be increased by 59%, 14%, and 46%, respectively, while the cost of farmyard manure, labor, pesticide, and irrigation needs to be decreased by 209%, 250%, 194%, and 84%, respectively. Disease, insect and weed infestation were the main problem. during production, while the domination by middle men was found as the major issues for marketing. The study recommends enhancing extension services through better technologies and training in optimizing inputs