Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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Assessment of Agricultural Vulnerability to Flood in Ngaski, Kebbi State, Nigeria
No full textThe assessment of agricultural vulnerability to flood in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria was carried out. The study made use of ASTER data of 2017 with spatial resolution of 30m, topographical map at a scale of 1:50,000, monthly rainfall data for 35 covering the study area and soil map at a scale of 1:50,000. Thematic maps for soil, rainfall and elevation were produced converted to raster data in GIS environment. Each data set in a single map was given weight by pair-wise comparison; reclassification of each map was done based on the weights generated from the pair-wise comparison of each dataset. The results showed that the rainfall recorded in the study area ranges from 950mm to 1150mm and this is categorized between high and very high under the pair-wise comparison rating. The elevation is such that parts of the study area had high elevation that ranges between 226m and 255m and low elevation that ranged between 125m and 167m giving room to flooding. The soil types in the study area are such that encourage flooding coupled with high amount of rainfall on one hand and the high and low elevations experience across the study area. For the farmers to sustain agricultural activities as a result of flooding, they practiced mixed farming, shifting cultivation, terrace farming, fallow and arable farming. The above farming systems were practiced by the farmers to alternate, avoid or take advantage of the floods. In conclusion, the study recommends the use of more resistant seedlings and crops to flooding, channelization of the river should be carried out by the government to reduce the level of flooding across the study area among others
Accessibility of Agroforestry Farmers to Credit Facilities on Poultry Egg Production in Oyo State, Nigeria
No full textPoultry egg production is an economically viable investment among Agroforestry farmers in Southwestern Nigeria but paucity of funds and high cost of inputs are major problems in their business operations. This study focused on the effects of accessibility and non-accessibility of Agroforestry farmers to credit on poultry egg production. Data were randomly collected from 120 poultry farmers with a structured questionnaire which comprised of 60 credit beneficiaries (CB) and 60 non-credit beneficiaries (NCB) Agroforestry farmers. The data were analyzed with mean, percentages, frequency distribution, logit and multiple regression analyses. The results of the analyses indicated that the mean age of the CB and NCB Agroforestry farmers were ±46 and ±56 years respectively. Majority of the farmers were married CB (77.4%) and NCB (81.0%). The logit regression analysis revealed that the age of the respondents had a positive relationship with access to credit at 5% level of significance. Multiple regression model for credit accessed farmers indicated that age, family size, drug quantity are positively related to output and are significant at 10% and 1% levels. Multiple regression result for NCB farmers shows that the quantity of drug used is positively related to the egg output at 1% level. The hypotheses tested show that there was a significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics and the egg production in the study area and; between the output of farmers who are credit beneficiaries and non-credit beneficiaries. The major constraints to poultry production in Agroforestry system were limited finances, high cost of inputs and poor quality of day old chicks. Accessibility to formal credit facilities has a key role to play in Agroforestry poultry farming. Individuals, Governments and NGOs should therefore facilitate empowerment of youths in poultry egg production
The Effect of Different Energy Source on the Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings
No full textThis study was aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of different selected energy feed stuff namely; Maize (DT1), Guinea corn (DT2), millet (DT3), and wheat (DT4) on the growth performance and body composition of African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell) fingerlings. This energy feedstuff in addition with other feed ingredients was used to formulate four (4) isonitrogenous and isoenergy diets at 40% crude protein. The energy feedstuffs were formulated at 36.31%, 38.26%, 37.09% and 40.05% level of inclusion respectively. The experiment in the ponds used a set of 2 hapas with mesh size 2 mm in each pond measuring 1.62 m2, therefore replicating the experiment 2 times in a completely randomized design The evaluation of the physical parameters revealed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in moisture, ash, lipid, fibre, protein and nitrogen free extract among the treatment (diets). The diet with maize (DT1) has the highest growth rate followed by diet containing millet (DT3), guinea corn (DT2) and diet containing wheat (DT4) had the lowest growth rate. This study, revealed that, among the energy feedstuffs evaluated maize (DT1) produced better growth parameters and could be recommended for on-farm aqua-feed
Enrichment and Biopelletization of Phosphate Solubilizing Diazotrophic Bacterial Isolates Using Earthworm as a Tool
No full textAims: The beneficial role of earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae in enhancing the populations of two phosphate solubilizing diazotrophic isolates viz., Bacillus sp. (DT) and Azotobacter chroococcum (DT), isolated from the rhizosphere of finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L) Gaertn] was studied.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were conducted at the campus of M/s. Chaitra Biofertilizers and Chemicals (P) Ltd, Mysore, between January – June 2018.
Methodology: To the glass jars containing three week old partially decomposed green leafy material and cow dung, 0.5 gram of lignite based phosphate solubilizing diazotrophic isolates were added. To this eight medium sized earthworms were allowed and moisture is maintained at 50-60%. The population of isolates in the gut of earthworm and vermicasts were estimated on 2nd, 20th, 40th and 60th day by dilution plate method using Pikovskaya’s and Jensen’s agar medium
Results: The population of Bacillus sp. (DT) and A. chroococcum (DT) increased by 22.14, 42.14 and 97.62 percent in the fore gut, mid gut and hind gut regions respectively while A. chroococcum (DT) by 24.05, 41.19 and 110.95 percent as compared to their initial population in the feeding material. Both the isolates increased enormously in the vermicasts up to 40th day and thereafter declined as recorded in 60 days old vermicasts. Bacillus sp. (DT) increased by 196.91 and 247.16 percent in 20 and 40 day old vermicasts and decreased by 54.72 percent on 60th day while A. chroococcum (DT) recorded an increase of 217.34 and 270.77 percent and thereafter declined by 41.18 percent in 60 days old casts.
Conclusion: The earthworm can be used as a tool for secondary level multiplication and biopelletization of the isolates to produce enriched vermicompost for use in finger millet cultivation. It also indicated that the vermicasts should be applied soon after it is harvested
Biology and Dispersal of the Watermelon Bug Coridius viduatus (F.) (Heteroptera: Dinidoridae) on Different Cucurbit Crops, in North Darfur State, Sudan
No full textThe watermelon bug, Coridius viduatus (F.) is a real threat to watermelon Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) in western Sudan, where over 80% of the population relies economically on agriculture. In order to overcome this constraint, a study was carried out at University of Alfashir, North Darfur State, to investigate biology, food preference and dispersal of watermelon bug. A survey was conducted on season (2013/2014) to determine the movement and dispersal of the watermelon bug in the area around Alfashir. Biology of the bug was studied under laboratory conditions, preoviposition, oviposition, incubation and post oviposition periods were calculated. Food preference and non-preference by the bug to four watermelon varieties and tow cucurbit ones were also evaluated; a field experiment was conducted, a randomized complete block design was used. The field survey results indicated that there was a regular movement from plant shelters, mountain crevices and soil cracks to the field crop and back again to aestivation sites. Results showed that the bugs preferred improved watermelon varieties (Crimson, Sugar baby and Congo) to the local watermelon variety (Saphinga), the different life cycle stages of the bug were determined. The bug aestivation shelters were determined, local watermelon varieties could be cultivated however further work should be done to improve their productivity
Influence of Weather on Sugarcane Mealybugs and Their Natural Enemies
No full textAn experiment was conducted in two insect-prone areas viz., Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute (BSRI), Pabna and Regional Sugarcrop Research Station (RSRS), Thakurgaon to study the influence of weather on sugarcane mealybugs and their natural enemies during the 2013-14 cropping season. A positive linear relationship was observed between mealybugs infestation with and relative humidity 51% (R2=0.514) but a negative correlation was found with temperature and rainfall. The infestation was higher at Thakurgaon than at Pabna during almost entire cropping season but a little higher at Pabna in November. At Pabna, the lowest infestation (6.30%) was recorded in May and the highest (34.71%) in November. At Thakurgaon, the lowest infestation (7.48%) was found in May and the highest (29.30%) in September. Results revealed that per cent loss in weight of sugarcane was 4.76 to 36.50 at 10% and 100% infestation level in Pabna. On the other hand, 6.57 to 33.55% loss of cane weight was caused at 10% and 100% infestation level in Thakurgaon. The results proved that, as expected, weight loss generally increases with a stronger level of infestation. Different natural enemies viz., parasitic wasps, ladybird beetles, hover flies, brown lacewings, spider, Cryptochaetum sp. were found to be abundant in the study plot during the month of June to August
Effects of Different Types of Organic Fertilizers on the Nutrients and Anti Nutrients Composition of Amaranthus caudatus and Amaranthus cruentus
No full textAims: To evaluate the effect of different types of organic fertilizers on the nutrients and anti nutrients composition of Amaranthus caudatus (Samaru local variety) and Amaranthus cruentus (NH84/452).
Study Design: A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used for the experiment.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out in the nursery of a homestead garden at No 20, Isaiah Balat Street, Sabo GRA, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Methodology: The study consists of seven treatments which includes control (no fertilizer), 5 t ha-1 and 10 t ha-1 poultry manure, 5 t ha-1 and 10 t ha-1 sewage sludge, 35 kg ha-1 and 70 kg ha-1 NPK compound fertilizer and also with two varieties; Amaranthus caudatus (Samaru local variety) and Amaranthus cruentus (NH84/452) with factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. At maturity, the leaves were harvested and prepared for laboratory analysis for both nutrients and anti-nutrient composition. Proximate composition was determined according to A.O.A.C protocol. Water soluble vitamins were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) while the metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).
Results: The ash, moisture, fat, protein, fibre, carbohydrate and energy of the two varieties were found in the range of 2.58 - 3.06%, 78.78 - 80.69%, 1.04 - 1.49%, 7.49 - 9.67%, 2.41 - 3.29%, 3.02 - 6.46% and 54.72 - 61.52 Kcal/100 g respectively. The micronutrients including β-carotene, vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, iron and zinc were found in the range of 4.79 - 6.68, 14.37 - 40.36, 5.97 - 22.15, 8.37 - 27.99, 10.03 - 13.40 and 5.11 – 941 mg/100 g respectively. The anti-nutrients; tannins, phytate, saponins and oxalate were in the range of 0.33 - 0.69, 0.40 - 0.94, 1.29 - 2.30 and 0.53 - 1.01% respectively
Conclusion: Poultry manure provided higher nutrients on the two varieties of Amaranth when compared with sewage sludge and NPK compound fertilizer. While sewage sludge resulted in the plants having higher anti-nutrients. The application of poultry manures at 10 tons/ha is therefore recommended for farmers to use to obtain more nutritious amaranth
Estimates of Heritability for Enhanced Storage Shelf Life and Early Maturity in Onions (Allium cepa L.)
No full textThirty-seven Onion (Allium cepa L.) genotypes comprising of twelve parents (12) and twenty-five hybrids were evaluated at the Fadama Teaching and Research farm of the Department of Crop Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto during the 2015/2016 dry season. The objective of the study was to estimate heritability, phenotypic coefficient of variation, the genotypic coefficient of variation and environmental coefficient of variation. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. After harvesting, the genotypes were stored for five months under farmers practice. The analysis of the results indicated significant (P < 0.05) difference between the genotypes with respect to plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, leaf area index, percentage bolting, days to maturity, bulb diameter, bulb height, average bulb weight, fresh bulb yield, cured bulb yield, and percentage weight loss after five months of storage. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed. However, cured bulb weight recorded the highest values for both phenotypic (176.57%) and genotypic coefficients of variation (167.67%) followed by percentage bolting with 65.51 and 56.58% respectively. Days to maturity and plant height, on the other hand, recorded the lowest phenotypic coefficient of variation of (11.64 and 12.79% respectively) as well as genotypic coefficient of variation of 11.43 and 9.18% respectively. Percentage loss had the highest heritability (98.01%) while leaf area index had the lowest heritability of 14.11%. At the end of the research, it was concluded that all the characters were highly heritable with the exception of leaf area index
Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Role of Capability Approach in Agribusiness: Evidence from Sri Lanka
No full textDevelopment of agribusiness sector entrepreneurship is one of the critical pathways to obtain high economic growth, poverty reduction and environmental protection in developing countries. Gaps remain towards understanding the entrepreneurial behaviour in agribusiness in developing countries. This is driven for research opportunity to underlies the formation of farmers’ entrepreneurial behaviour, with a particular focus on the development of farm entrepreneurship in developing context. Drawing upon the capability approach, the study examines what capabilities influence to explore opportunities and implement them into action and how those identified capabilities influence entrepreneurship growth in agribusiness sector in Sri Lanka. The study adopted an inductive qualitative case study approach to gathering data from the farmers. The analysis produced 17 actions denoted by the selected farmers. These 17 actions were then related to 04 pillars of capabilities conceptualized by literature; organizational learning, communication, sharing and exchanging knowledge and technological capabilities. Drawing upon the capability approach to explore capabilities that require to pursue and develop entrepreneurial opportunities, this study is offered a new perspective on entrepreneurship theory. The study was the cross-sectional and it was only about three cases, signifying a need to include other agribusiness sectors for further contextualizing the results.  
Ranking of Four Types Fodder as Sole Diet Considering Biological Characteristics and Growth of Local Growing Bulls
No full textAims: In this experiment, evaluation of intake, digestibility and growth performances of local growing bulls by feeding Jumbo-green, Para and German grass based on Index (Mf) of Maize are considered and ranked this fodder accordingly.
Study Design: Completely randomized block design.
Place and Duration of Study: Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka, between July 2016 and September 2016.
Methodology: Biomass production efficiency (Xddm), animal production efficiency (Xap), CH4 emission deduction efficiency (XCH4) and benefit to cost efficiency (Xbc) was considered to identify the biological characteristics of four fodders. Statistical analysis was done through SPSS-17 to evaluate the intake, digestibility and growth of animal. Rank of each fodder was calculated through the equation of Maize index (Mi) = (Xddm + Xap + XCH4 + Xbc)/4.
Results: Aggregation of four arithmetic average efficiency; Jumbo-green, Para and German got 0.42, 0.40 and 0.72 point out of 1.0 point of Mi, respectively. Among four fodders German grass performed best in terms of average daily gain (107 gm/d) and feed conversion ratio (46.9) compared to maize silage (64 gm/d & 58.4, respectively). Weight loss of bulls fed Jumbo and Para has occurred unexpectedly.
Conclusion: In combination of mathematical calculation and statistical evaluation, the rank of four fodders measured as Maize>German>Jumbo-green>Para