Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Effects of Irrigation Depth and Interval on Reproductive and Yield Components of Cucumber in Ogbomoso, Nigeria
No full textWater scarcity is a challenge to agricultural productivity, especially in tropical regions like Nigeria. This study investigated the effects of different irrigation regimes on the reproductive and yield components of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The experiment employed a split-plot randomized block design with three deficit irrigation depths: D₁ [100% crop evapotranspiration (ETc)], D₂ (85% ETc), and D₃ (70% ETc) as main plots and three irrigation intervals: I₁ (daily), I₂ (every 2 days), and I₃ (every 3 days) as sub-plots. Irrigation depth had minimal effect on days to first flowering, but three-day intervals significantly delayed flowering to 29 days. Moderate deficit irrigation (D₂) produced longer fruits (13.96 cm) compared to full irrigation (D1), while daily irrigation (I₁) resulted in significantly longer fruits (14.17 cm) than longer intervals. Unexpectedly, deficit irrigation (D₃) produced fruits with larger diameter (44.50 mm) compared to full irrigation (43.08 mm). Although not statistically significant, full irrigation (D₁) achieved the highest yield (8,738.79 kg/ha). The interaction between irrigation depth and interval revealed that treatment D₁ x I₁ (100% ETc with daily irrigation) produced the highest yield (9,774.54 kg/ha) and earliest flowering (26.92 days), while D₂ x I₃ resulted in the lowest yield (6,812.01 kg/ha). These results offer critical guidance for optimizing water use in cucumber farming, balancing fruit quality and yield in water-scarce environments
Food Value of Native and Non-Native Tree Species in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
No full textIndigenous and adopted food-bearing trees play a crucial role in ensuring food security during food shortages and on a daily basis in rural and urban communities in Tigray. However, information on their nutritional composition is still lacking. The objective of this study was to assess the macronutrient and mineral content of the most commonly used indigenous and adopted food trees. Fruit samples were selected based on their degree of maturation, health, and disease-free status. Three samples per plant species were collected and analyzed at the Ethiopian Health and Nutritional Research Institute laboratory. The results revealed that protein content was highest in Ximenia americana (8.04 ± 1.1%), followed by Cordia africana (5.09 ± 0.9%) and Ficus sycomorus (4.63 ± 1.0%), with the lowest protein content found in Adansonia digitata (2.02 ± 0.8%) and Hyphaene thebaica (2.44 ± 1.7%). Crude fiber and fat content were highest in Tamarindus indica, with fat content also being highest in Ficus sycomorus. Adansonia digitata had the lowest ash content, while Syzygium guineense had the highest moisture content. Ficus sycomorus fruits contained the highest levels of iron (56.5 ± 5.0 mg/100g), calcium (584.3 ± 14.0 mg/100g), and copper (0.9 ± 0.1 mg/100g), while zinc levels were lower in Hyphaene thebaica and higher in Ficus sycomorus. The potassium and phosphorus contents varied among the species, with Tamarindus indica having 3030.3 mg of potassium and 30.9 mg of phosphorus, Ximenia americana having 2704.0 mg of potassium and 106.6 mg of phosphorus, and other species showing varying amounts. Higher total carbohydrate content was found in Adansonia digitata (71.76%), Hyphaene thebaica (63.31%), Tamarindus indica (62.79%), and Cordia africana (59.28%). The highest energy values (347.2, 283.4, 264.2, and 258.4 kcal/100g) were observed in Tamarindus indica, Cordia africana, Hyphaene thebaica, and Syzygium guineense, respectively. In conclusion, wild and semi-wild edible trees are essential for addressing food shortages and have the potential to combat nutrient deficiencies in the region
Constraints Faced and Suggestions Made by the Cattle Rearers in Management of Milch Cattle during Transition Period
No full textThe study, conducted in 2023-24 in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, investigates the constraints faced and suggestions made by cattle rearers in management of milch cattle during transition period. The research was carried out in Sinnar tehsil of Nashik district, involving 120 cattle rearers from twelve villages, with data collected through personal interviews using a specially designed schedule. Statistical analysis revealed several significant constraints such as, high veterinary medicine costs, low milk rates, and high feed costs. Additionally, many respondents lacked sufficient information on proper management practices during the transition period. Other notable constraints included difficulties in identifying cattle diseases, high incidence of diseases during the transition period, distant veterinary hospitals and unavailability of government veterinary doctors, lack of knowledge about vaccination schedules and calf care, and inadequate veterinary services.
To address these challenges, respondents suggested providing generic animal drugs in each circle, government regulation on milk adulteration and pricing of feed, medicines, and dairy equipment and on-farm demonstrations of improved management practices. Additional suggestions included linking dairy farmers with agricultural universities and institutions, strengthening agricultural extension services and imparting training
Identifying Efficient Marketing Channels for BT Cotton: The Case of Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat, India
No full textThe marketing of Bt cotton is a critical component of the agricultural value chain, especially in regions like Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat. This study was conducted to estimate the marketing costs, margins, and price spread through different marketing channels of Bt cotton in the Devbhumi Dwarka district of the west Gujarat region. Total 120 number of Bt cotton farmers and market functionaries were randomly selected and interviewed for collecting information by using the designed schedule. Two major marketing channels were identified for Bt cotton: Channel-I (Producer → Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)) and Channel-II (Producer → Commission Agent → Ginner → Consumer). In Devbhumi Dwarka district, producers could secure approximately 86.44% of the consumer’s rupee in Channel-I and 82.64% in Channel-II. Consequently, Channel-I was found to be more efficient compared to other channels
Evaluation of Palm Oil Market Dynamics in Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria
No full textThis study examined the analysis of palm oil marketing in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of the palm oil marketers in the study area; marketing channels; determined the marketing costs and return incurred by palm oil marketers in the study area; determined the factors that affect the marketing of palm oil in the area and to determine the constraints experienced by palm oil marketers in the study area. The research employs a public opinion survey using well-structured questionnaire and interview schedule to achieve the specific objectives. Data were collected from 120 respondents in September, 2024, the peak of palm oil marketing in the study area through the administration of a questionnaire and was analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics such as frequency, and percentages and determined multiple regression. The result showed that palm oil marketing is a women-dominated business as revealed by (82.5%) of the respondents were female. The results also indicated that people from the ages of 31 – 40 are more interested in palm oil marketing as they formed the majority with about 50%. The majority (73.8%) of the marketers were married which showed that there were more married people involved in the marketing of palm oil in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State. Also, majority (45%) of the marketers have been in the palm oil business for 5 to 10 years. Furthermore, all respondents had formal education. The majority (60%) of palm oil marketers have household sizes of 2– 4 persons, with majority (42.5%%) earning between N 61,000 – N 80,000 as monthly the income of the majority of the marketers. Also, the result showed that on the average, the total variable cost incurred was N26, 000 while fixed cost amounted to N3, 500, on the return side, the average total revenue amounted to N57, 600, the gross margin of the marketers was estimated to be N26, 100, the profit of N22, 600 while the net return on investment was 0.55% per gallon per day. Result of pricing efficiency ratio of 1.175 and 1.367 for wholesalers and retailers respectively, indicated that wholesalers and retailers quoted prices were under efficient implying that few of them were running the business at a loss. The major constraints affecting palm oil marketers were high cost of transportation, lack of access to credit facilities, substitution by other products among others. The study concluded that palm oil marketing was profitable and solvent with a return on investment of 0.55% and a profit of N22, 600 per gallon per day or (1 gallon =3.7854 liters). The study recommends that there should be an improvement in the transportation system to reduce the high cost of palm oil transportation
Estimation of Litterfall Production of Sonneratia alba and Its Contribution to Carbon Accumulation in Mangrove Sediments in Kailolo Village, Maluku, Indonesia
No full textMangrove ecosystem degradation threatens its ecological functions, including its role in the carbon cycle. This study is essential to estimate the litterfall production of Sonneratia alba and its contribution to carbon accumulation in sediments. The findings can support conservation efforts and the sustainable management of mangroves in Kailolo, Maluku. This study aims to estimate the litterfall production of Sonneratia alba and its contribution to carbon accumulation in mangrove sediments in Kailolo Village, Maluku, Indonesia. The research methods included measuring the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and collecting litterfall using litter traps measuring 70 × 100 cm², placed beneath the canopy of trees with varying DBH. The collected litterfall was oven-dried at 150°C for four hours to determine dry weight, followed by biomass production and carbon estimation using the species' carbon fraction (0.471). The results showed that total litterfall production ranged from 2.26 to 18.83 g/m²/day, primarily consisting of leaves, twigs, and fruits. The highest litterfall production was recorded for trees with a DBH of 27.07 cm (18.83 g/m²/day), while the lowest was observed at a DBH of 17.20 cm (2.26 g/m²/day). Carbon accumulation analysis indicated that carbon input into sediments ranged from 1.06 to 8.87 gC/m²/day, with leaves contributing the most. This study confirms that Sonneratia alba plays a significant role in carbon sequestration within mangrove ecosystems due to its high litterfall production. Therefore, the conservation and sustainable management of mangroves, particularly this species, are essential for climate change mitigation and coastal ecosystem sustainability
Evaluating the Adaptability of Hybrid Onions for Yield and Performance Analysis in Northwestern Tigray
No full textA field experiment was carried out in October 2019 in Tselemti District, North Western Zone of Tigray to assess the adaptability of seven registered hybrid onion varieties and one standard check for yield and yield attributing parameters of onion (Allium cepa L.). The tested hybrid onion varieties included MALBEC F1, NEPTUNE, RUSSET, JAMBAR, RED KING F1, RED COACH F1, ANKIN F1, and NASIK RED (Standard Check), and the experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results indicated that the variety significantly impacted all characteristics except for neck thickness and bulb length. MALBEC F1 demonstrated the highest marketable bulb yield, followed by NEPTUNE, RUSSET, JAMBAR, and RED KING F1, yielding 49.81, 49.04, 48.02, 46.49, and 45.65 tons per hectare, respectively. Conversely, the lowest bulb yield was observed in NASIK RED (34.90) and ANKIN F1 (34.04 tons per hectare). Consequently, it is recommended that MALBEC F1, NEPTUNE, RUSSET, JAMBAR, and RED KING F1 hybrid onion varieties are the most adaptable and highest yielding options in the study area
Cost Benefit Analysis of Bale Mangrove Agroecotourism in East Lombok Regency
No full textAgroecotourism has a major contribution to realizing community, however, it hurts the environment as well. Problems that often occur are that management is usually not by the principles of sustainability, resulting in over-exploitation of resources and conflicts between the interests of local communities and tourism managers. Interests of local communities and tourism managers. The method used in this research is the descriptive method. The unit of analysis in this study was Bale Mangrove Agroecotourism located in Poton Bako hamlet, Jerowaru village, Jerowaru sub-district, East Lombok Regency. This study used 62 respondents, determined by the rule of thumbs. The data sources in this study are primary data and secondary data. Data collection will be done using survey techniques, such as conducting direct interviews using data collection tools in the form of a pre-prepared list of questions. This research aims to: analyze social and economic feasibility; analyze sensitivity; analyze total economic value; and analyze development strategies. The results showed: that Bale Mangrove Agroecotourism in East Lombok Regency has a private price of IDR 11,137,425/month, a profit at the social price level of IDR 16,516,350/month, and a divergence value of IDR - 5,378,925 which means it is feasible and has the competitiveness to continue to be developed; Sensitivity analysis shows that the PCR and DCR values are still below one, which means that Bale Mangrove Agroecotourism in East Lombok Regency still has a competitive advantage and comparative advantage; The total economic value of Bale Mangrove Agroecotourism in East Lombok Regency is IDR 1,251,996,209/year; Alternative strategic priorities that can be used to develop Bale Mangrove Agroecotourism are establishing cooperation with various stakeholders, increasing loyalty to tourists, developing tour packages, and adding information boards about protecting the environment at various spots
Optimizing Green Gram-Sorghum Intercropping in Dryland Kenya: The Impact of Double Row Planting on System Productivity
No full textSmall scale farmers in dryland areas normally grow green gram (Vigna radiata L.) under sole crop system. However, studies done on intercropping systems have established that plant arrangement patterns affect crop growth and yield of the companion crops. To advance a better understanding of the effect of crop arrangement in green gram varieties intercropped with sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), two field experiments were conducted in Mwala and Katangi during the 2022 short rains season in dryland areas of Kenya. This study was explored under two intercrop arrangement patterns (Single row; alternate rows of sorghum and green gram; double row, double alternate rows of sorghum and green gram) as well as checks of both sole crops. Four green gram varieties such as KS20, N26, Biashara, and Karembo were intercropped with sorghum variety Seredo. Treatments were placed in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement where crop arrangement system formed the main plots while the green gram variety assumed the subplots and replicated three times. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using R software and treatment means separated by Fisherʼs least significant difference at 5% probability. The results of the present study show that sole green gram recorded the highest yield of 0.9 t ha-1 the same way sole sorghum recorded the highest yield of 2.7 t ha-1. Variety N26 recorded highest yield of 1.0 t ha-1 despite Biashara variety recording higher seed weight than N26 by 29%. Double row recorded a higher area time equivalent ratio of 1.5, and benefit-cost ratio of 4.3. In conclusion, double row of variety N26 was found to be more efficient and profitable for adoption in southeastern Kenya. However, future research could be done across contrasting sites in different seasons and focus on the optimum spacing that can reduce intercropping competition and improve yield performance
Impact of Varied Compost Rates on Arbuscular Mycorhhiza Fungi in Rhizosphere Soils of Capsicum chinense (Habanero Pepper)
No full textThe population and diversity of soil organisms are important factors in maintaining soil fertility and quality. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of varied compost rates on Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi, rhizosphere soils of Capiscum chinense. Soil samples were treated with various concentrations of compost (0 g, 200 g, 400 g, 600 g. 800 g and 1000 g). Systematic method of random sampling was used to collect soil samples from the rhizosphere of the various soils of different compost rates using a spade and hand trowel at a depth of 0-10cm. Results showed significant difference (P<0.05) in the Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AMF) across all compost rates. AMF population ranged from 67 – 100 g/dwt respectively with the highest AMF population observed under 400 g(100 g/dwt, while the lowest AMF population was recorded under 600 g/dwt. Results for microbial diversity showed variation across all compost rates. A total of four AMF species were extracted from the rhizosphere of the soils. Acaulospora spp was the most predominant AMF in the studied soils. Highest microbial diversity was observed under the 1000 g. Conversely, lowest microbial diversity was found under 0 g compost rates. All six compost rates had effect on the AMF population but 1000 g exerted the most effect. These effects could be as a result of compost passive by-product of nutrient uptake, Root structure and soil organisms