Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Identification of Ornamental Shrubs that Absorb Air Pollutants at Green Open Area’s, City of Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
No full textAvenue trees, ornamental plants and shrubs are capable of removing a significant amount of air pollutants from the atmosphere and hence should be considered an integral part of any sustainable plan intended at improving air qualityIncreasing the amount of vegetation also functions as a filter and neutraliser of air pollutants.This research uses the observation method with analysis and discussion based on a qualitative descriptive approach. the research location is in a green open area that is congested with traffic in the city of samarinda.The results of the research obtained several ornamental plants that are commonly planted in every green open area, especially parks in areas with heavy traffic. These plants have been recommended as ornamental plants that can absorb air pollutants.Among them, there are 21 ornamental plants that have been recommended by the government and research results as ornamental plants that can absorb air pollutants
Allelopathic Potential of Aqueous Extracts of Wild Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray) and Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) for Controling Weeds and Enhancing Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)
No full textCowpea is an important grain legume in Sri Lanka. Approximately 53–60% of yield losses in cowpea cultivation are attributed to weeds. Chemical weed control (herbicide), is one of the method in weed control in cowpea. Import of herbicide have been prohibited recently since of government policy and the nation's economic problems. As a result, it's critical to identify other suitable alternatives. In this context, a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of aqueous extract of wild sunflower and sorghum on weed control, growth and yield of cowpea. The experiment consisting of five weed control treatments viz T1 (aqueous extract of wild sunflower; 12 L ha-1 ,T2 (aqueous extract of sorghum; 12 L ha-1), T3 (combined application of both wild sunflower and sorghum aqueous extract in a 1:1 ratio; 6+6 L ha-1), T4 (hand weeding), and T5 (unweeded check-control) was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replication in the crop farm of Eastern University, Sri Lanka.. The experiment was conducted from September to November 2022. Hand weeding was done on 21 and 42 DAS while application of aqueous extracts were done on 2, 21, and 35 DAS. Minitab 17 software was used for the statistical analysis, and Tukey's test was used to compare the treatment means. The results revealed that the different weed control treatments had a substantial (P<0.05) impact on weed population & dry weight, growth and yield of cowpea. When compared to the control, hand weeding was found to be most effective to control weeds followed by combined application of aqueous extracts from wild sunflower and sorghum Hand weeding and the combined application of aqueous extracts significantly reduced the number of weeds by 82.98 and 54.39%, respectively. Further, the hand weeding and combined application of extract significantly enhanced yield by 45.09% and 62.85% respectively in comparison to the control (unweeded check). According to the study's findings, it can be concluded that under the condition of Sri Lanka, combined application of aqueous extracts was proved to be more remunerative and sustainable alternate option for weed control in cowpea crop
Analysis of Soil Chemical Properties to Application of Poultry and Cow Manure from Different Housing and Stacking Types Following Telfairia occidentalis (HOOK F.) Production
No full textThis study examines response of different housing and stacking types of poultry and cow manure on soil chemical properties. Soil chemical analysis were examined before and after manure application in order to assess whether manure from different housing and stacking types affected the soil chemical properties. The findings of the study shows manure from different housing and stacking types had significant effect on chemical properties of the soil. Poultry manure was observed to have more significant impact on the chemical properties of the soil than cow manure, and the housing and stacking type of the manure played a role in regulating the levels of nutrients produced as well as total organic carbon levels. The findings suggest that poultry and cow manure application from different housing and stacking types could significantly enhance the organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and potassium content in the soil. This study consequently conclude that manure from different housing and stacking types play significant role in affecting soil chemical properties which in turn improve soil fertility and sustain soil productivity
Carbon Stock Potential of Coconut Plantations in University Campus: A Case Study from Coimbatore, India
No full textThe urgent need to mitigate climate change has prompted researchers to explore various avenues for carbon sequestration. One such avenue is the utilization of natural ecosystems like forests and plantations. Coconut plantations in university campuses play a vital role in carbon sequestration in mitigation of climate change. In this case study, we report the potential of coconut plantation from Bharathiar University campus, India. Four plots of 50 m × 50 m were randomly sampled from the coconut plantation in Bharathiar University campus. Carbon stock of the coconut plantation was calculated based on field survey and allometric equations. A total of 171 trees were recorded from the four plots totalling one hectare (ha) area. The total carbon stock determined for the one ha of coconut plantation sampled from Bharathiar University campus was 31.69 tonne/ha and the mean carbon stock per tree was 0.19 ± 0.06 tonne/tree. We have discussed the carbon stock of coconut tree allocation by above-ground and below-ground parts. This case study highlights the importance of coconut plantations in university campuses in support of curbing the atmospheric carbon concentration. We suggest for plantation of coconut trees in university campuses, that can serve not only as carbon sinks but also contribute to fulfilling the sustainable development goals of the nation
Functional Trait and Phylogenetic Diversity of Tree and Shrub Species in Three Tropical Forests across Anambra State, Nigeria
No full textUnderstanding which species coexist, their roles, and interactions enrich our knowledge of local ecosystems; and, the ecosystem services rendered by forests are paramount. Identifying key tree species allows us to assess their contributions to ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil stability, and habitat provision. This research examined the functional trait and phylogenetic diversity of tree and shrub species in three tropical forests in Anambra State. A combination of line transects and plot sampling was used in this study. Field inventory of tree flora was undertaken to collect data. At each location, six plots of 10 m × 10 m each were randomly demarcated using a line cut and the trees within the plots were assessed. The identification and recording of different tree species was carried out according to the Linnaeus taxonomy of species classification. Functional leaf characteristics (dry mass, size and specific area) were recorded for at least two healthy, unshaded adults of the different species. Phylogenetic diversity was determined by constructing phylogenetic trees. All data analysis for this study was performed using the Python programming language. The Statistical Package for Product and Services was used to provide supplementary analyzes such as dendrogram plotting. The metrics of functional diversity, including Rao's squared entropy (Rao's Q), functional richness, functional evenness and functional divergence, for the three plant communities were also presented. Phylogenetic representation of all tree and shrub species included in the analysis of NACF, IFU and UFA, based on species abundance data, revealed several distinct clusters within the dendrogram and some close clusters, indicating close relationships between species in the dendrogram dense cluster. There were also intermediate and distant clusters that showed moderate similarities and differences in relationships, respectively. Overall, the diversity of functional traits examined in this study provides valuable insights into ecosystem functioning. This will be helpful to researchers, and other stakeholders can use this information to model carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and other ecosystem services
Advancing Gender Inclusion in Forest Governance in Selected Communities; Kori Chiefdom, Southern Sierra Leone
No full textIn Sierra Leone, existing cultural norms are believed to limit gender mainstreaming in sustainable forest management. This study investigated women’s involvement in decision making regarding forest governance and management in five communities within Kori Chiefdom Southern Sierra Leone. Respondents were selected using both probability and non-probability sampling methods. Stratified sampling was used to classify key respondents into youth and adults (male and female, based on age classes and gender. Consequently, due to the small populations of selected communities (Kawella, Lagor Kawema, Nyamawabu, Kangahun and Foya), purposive sampling was used to select 100.0% of male and female youth (ages 18 to 35), and adults (age 36 and above). Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedule. Data from respondents was analysed using descriptive analysis and presented in tables and charts. The 2010 Sierra Leone National Forest Policy was analysed using content analysis. Findings revealed that 100.0% of youth, men and women sampled, confirmed that women attend forest-user group meetings and were actively involved in decision making concerning forest governance. Likewise, majority of men sampled (above 56.2%) opined that the chiefs took final decision over forests use in their respective communities. Furthermore, most of the youth (above 50.0%) in each community and men (above 87.5%), with the exception of those in Foya, (25.0% in Kangahun), revealed that women held positions in forest-user groups. Similar proportions of youth and men also confirmed that women actively engage in implementing decisions made regarding forest governance. All, (100%) of women attested that there was no existing gender marginalization in forest governance within the communities sampled. Finally, content analysis of the 2010 Sierra Leone National Forest Policy revealed that there aren’t any women specific - provisions or roles assigned to or reserved for women in any part of the policy document. In conclusion, in spite of the absence policy provisions to promote mainstreaming women’s involvement in forest governance, this research confirmed that women are not hindered from participating in forest decision making and governance in the study areas. It is therefore recommended that women should be given more encouragement to participate in forest decision making and assigned more leadership roles in forest governance
Improve Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crops by Molecular Markers: A Review
No full textAbiotic stressors include things like heat, cold, drought, and salt that plants have to withstand. These are the main and ongoing agricultural challenges that lower crop production. In the end, modifications to components, nutrient control, and biosynthetic ability hinder or even stop plant development. Stress is an environmental factor that, in terms of genetics, prevents full genetic expression. These markers are divided into many types based on their intended use: Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are a great tool for determining stress tolerance, but RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) markers are useful for identifying and screening hybrids based on salinity and drought stress resistance. These markers are also necessary for the QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) mapping of genes linked to stress. These ancestor genes control the production of dehydrins and saltol in response to dryness and salinity, respectively. DNA markers enable the use of innovative approaches and marker modification in marker-assisted breeding to increase tolerance to abiotic stress
Economic Benefits of Incorporating Arable Crops in Plantation Establishment: A Concept of Agroforestry
No full textFood production is an issue of global concern, it was estimated that about 1.2 billion people are food secured and there is almost 900 million people who are suffering from hunger.This population of people suffering from hunger is high in the Africa region. Hence the reason for various interventions by the developed nations of the world in the Africa region. Therefore the need to research into incorporation of arable crops in plantation establishment, so as to bridge the gap between forestry and agricultural land demand. This study was carried out at settlements around Onigambari forest reserve of Oyo State Nigeria. A multi stage sampling was used in which purposive sampling was used to select four communities where taungya farming is been carried out. Simple random sampling was used to select 25 farmers from each of the participated communities to make up of one hundred selected farmers. Result shown that 82% of the farmers were married having a moderately large household size of between 6 and 8 persons, their household size also helped in their ability to cultivate large land as the result shows that these farmers on the average cultivated between 5-6 acres (49%) and 3-4 acres (30%) which is a large portion of land. Maize and cassava are the majority planted crops by the farmers (maize 91%), (Cassava 87%) cocoyam and melon were also planted. The neighboring market of Ogunmakin in Ogun state boundaring the forest reserve to the south, also enjoy the influx of the arable crops as they were sold in this market at a low cost because of it’s production from nearby forest reserve
The Contribution of Pipper nigrum L. to the Livelihoods of the Main Value Chain Actors in Njombe-Penja Sub-Division of the Littoral Region of Cameroon
No full textThe main objective of this study was to contribute to the sustainable trade of pipper nigrum L. from the forest area of Njombe-Penja for improved livelihoods of the actors involved in the value chain and poverty reduction. Despite the availability and the importance of non-timbers forests products in poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods, food security, and conservation of natural resources, the market chain of Pipper Nigrum L. is still poorly understood as no study has yet been done on the contribution of white pepper to the livelihoods of the main value chain actors in Njombe-Penja sub-division. To achieve this objective, a market prospection and snowball sampling technique was used to identify the main actors of Pipper Nigrum L. in Njombe-Penja sub-division, Mungo Division of the Littoral Region of Cameroon. The main actors identified were stratified based on their role in the value chain (havesters, distributors, wholesalers and retaliers) from which individuals were randomly selected from each group. Surveys was used to capture primary quantitative data from the selected individuals. Before the full-scale study, a pilot test was conducted in Penja which tested the effectiveness of the questionnaires and to make necessary adjustments. To ensure reliability, the same survey protocol was used throughout the study. The questionnaires were also reviewed by other experts in the field. The data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and the Microsoft tool (Microsoft Excel 10). The annual profit margins (considering profits from January to December 2022) was calculated for the main actors as well as the contribution of white pepper to their household incomes.The results reveal that distributors make the highest annual profit margin (20,250,000 FCFA) followed by wholesalers (2,288,541 FCFA), producers (1,248,692 FCFA) and retailers (305,329 FCFA). According to the sample T test the contribution of white pepper to the total household income was statistically significant for all actors. These results suggest that white pepper plays an important economic role in the household economy necessitating the valorization of the Penja white pepper value chain by the government and other development actors
Sustainable Pathways: Exploring Farmers' Perceptions of Cocoa Certification Programme in South-West, Nigeria
No full textThe significance of sustainable cocoa production has been widely studied using various methods and models, however, the farmers’ viewpoints on cocoa certification programme remained largely unexplored. This study attempts to examine the perceptions of farmers on certification programme towards sustainable cocoa production in the South-West, of Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedures were used to collect primary data through the aid of a well-structured questionnaire from three hundred and sixty (360) cocoa farmers (certified and non-certified) in Ondo, Osun and Ogun States. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean and percentage as well as Independent T-test were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that the majority (68.9%) of the respondents were male, and also married which implies that they have access to family labour. The main reason why non-certified cocoa farmers did not participate in the programme is due to inadequate awareness, while the major bodies creating awareness on cocoa certification are the exporters and the License buying agents. The study further revealed that the promotion of good agricultural practices, provision of premium on cocoa beans sold, and access to market linkages were perceived and ranked highest among the certified farmers. The major constraints identified with the programme are pest and disease, delay in premium payment, climate change, and inadequate storage facilities. The results of the T-test revealed that there were significant differences between both the income and the output of certified cocoa farmers and that of non-certified cocoa farmers. The study therefore recommended that more awareness of cocoa certification programmes should be created not only by the cocoa Exporters and Licensed buying agents, but also by Government agencies and institutions, and policymakers should also work to ensure that certified farmers receive fair and competitive premium prices for their cocoa beans