Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Jasmine (Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton): Potential Utilization and Bioactivity
No full textJasminum sambac (Oleaceae) is a multi-functional plant that is used as decoration, traditional medicine, and a source of essential oil. This study aims to explain the botany, bioactivity and essential oil of J. sambac. The research method with online library research is mainly sourced from Google Scholar using the keywords J. sambac, uses of J. sambac and J. sambac essential oil. The essential oil of J. sambac is one of the most expensive oils used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, perfumery and aromatherapy industries. In traditional medicine J. sambac is used to treat dysmenorrhea, menorrhea, ringworm, leprosy, skin diseases, analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative, expectorant, fever, pain and inflammation and cancer. The bioactivity of J. sambac is to suppress lactation, analgesic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, treat wounds, treat ulcers. The distinctive aroma of J. sambac flowers is related to the content of essential oils, namely linalool, α- farnesene, d-nerolidol, geraniol, α-cadinol, benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, 3-hexen-1-ol benzoate, and (Z) -3-hexen-1-ol acetate. The bioactivity of J. sambac as an anti-microbial can be developed as a natural food preservative and also to keep the body fresh
Positive and Negative Impact of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Soil Properties and Nutrient Dynamic
No full textOur study was conducted over the period of two years and explored the impact of nitrogen fertilization and non-fertilization systems on soil health indicators and crop yield. Our study hypothesized that no fertilization coupled with cover cropping would enhance soil health, carbon content, and bulk density. This study found that excessive nitrogen fertilization had negative impact on soil health factors such as bulk density increment and carbon content decline through deeper profiles. In contrast, the no-fertilization system exhibited improved bulk density and better carbon distribution near the soil surface, suggesting that reducing or eliminating nitrogen can promote soil health and prevent long-term fertility decline. The study also highlighted the imbalanced carbon to nitrogen ratio resulting from high nitrogen fertilizer rate can negatively impact soil microbial activity and nutrient mineralization
Allometric Aboveground Biomass Models for Northern Delhi Ridge Forest
No full textBio energy obtained through forest biomass is a promising renewable energy option that provides a more environmentally sustainable alternative to fossil resources by reducing the net flux of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. India, a developing nation is also in the process of building forest biomass models to study the potential of forests in short and long - term carbon mitigation. Earlier, traditional and destructive sampling were the popular methods for the aforesaid purpose. Recently, non - destructive methods have been adopted applying different allometric equations mostly developed outside India. Thus, there was a need to develop non- destructive allometric aboveground (AGB) models complementing the Indian climate. Also, there was a scarcity of domestic/local AGB models for arid, semi- arid, northern tropical thorn forest of India. The objectives of this study were to develop site-specific and mixed- species allometric models to predict AGB, at the Northern Delhi Ridge Forest (NDRF) using nonlinear mathematical functions. The model has a wide scope and can be applied to adjoining areas as well having similar climatic conditions. Three allometric combinations were tried to fit the aboveground biomass data obtained from the ridge forest. A three- parametric Richard’s model (with predictor variable x=D2H) was best fitted to AGB (R2adj= 0.9463) values for larger trees. Meanwhile, for juvenile plants, a three- parametric Richard function was best fitted (R2adj= 0.9733) when (x = DH) was used as a predictor variable. Cross- validation of model parameters exhibited statistical stability
Unlocking the Economic Potentials of Leafy Vegetable: A Case Study of Farmers in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria
No full textThis study analysed the economic potentials of leafy vegetable among farmers in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Primary data were used for this study with a well- structured questionnaire and personal interview for the collection of the data with a sample size of 150 farmers. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and multiple regression analysis. The analysis of the data showed that about two-third of the farmers were male,74.7% married and the majority (58.7%) of the respondents were in their economic active age (41-50 years). Majority (94%) of the farmers were educated with the average farming experience of 14 years. The results also revealed that the major types of vegetables available in the study area were; Africa spinach, Pumpkin, water leaf, jute leaf and bitter leaf. The result on return on investment was 2.31, implying that for every N1 invested on vegetable production, there is a return of N2.31kobo which is an indication that the business is worthwhile. The study also revealed the gender, age of farmers, marital status, level of education and household size were the factors that significantly and positively influence leafy vegetable output in the area. The most serious problems encountered by the vegetable farmers were; inadequate capital, unstable price of vegetables, the incidence of pest, pilfering and theft and inadequate information. Thus, it is recommended that agricultural credit should be provided for vegetable farmers to boost vegetable production
Evaluating the Effects of Biochar and Organic Soil Amendments on Seedling Development of Annona muricata. Linn
No full textThe importance of appropriate growth media for propagation of Annona muricata seedlings cannot be over emphasized. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of biochar and organic soil amendments on seedling development of Annona muricata using different potting media. The treatments were Control; Topsoil only (T0), Mineralized goat dung (T1), Mineralized saw dust (T2), Mineralized poultry dropping (T3) and Mineralized biochar (T4). The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Parameters accessed include seedling height (cm), collar diameter (cm) and number of leaves. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 0.05 significant level. Result shows that Mineralized biochar had the best performance in seedling height, collar diameter and number of leaves with mean values of 26.703±1.5488, 4867±0.22904 and 4.4451±1.55031 respectively. While the least performance in seedling height, collar diameter and number of leaves was recorded in the control with mean values of 19.986±1.1265, 0.3230±0.17363 and 3.6765±1.14724 respectively. However, there were significant differences in seedling heights and collar diameter among the treatment types at 5% level of probability, but the number of leaves was not significant. Annona muricata seedlings thrives excellently in biochar potting media. Hence, the use of biochar potting media should be adopted as the best growth media for early growth and development of Annona muricata seedlings
Effect of Acid Pretreatment of Seeds on the Germination and Early Growth of Albizia lebbek (L) Benth in Makurdi, Benue State-Nigeria
No full textThe seeds of A. lebbeck exhibit physical dormancy, which leads to poor seed germination due to a tough seed coat, which has prevented the species from being domesticated in the study area. Pre-sowing treatments are therefore necessary to increase seed germination and reduce germination period. This study aims at the evaluation of the impact of acid pretreatment on seed dormancy and growing seedlings of A. lebbeck for the establishment of plantations in Benue state, Nigeria, where it is lacking. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with six pretreatments (soaked) with the used of acids. The pretreatments include: sulphuric acid (70 % H2SO4) for 2 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes; nitric acid (70 % HNO3) for 2 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes; and untreated seeds (control); and replicated thrice. Two seeds were sown in each plastic pot and later thinned to one seed per pot after germination. A total of 144 plastic pots were used. The immersion in 70 % nitric acid for 5 minutes as pretreatment of A. lebbeckyielded the highest germination percentage (50%) and immersion in nitric acid for 2 minutes had the highest emergence index (38). According to the study's findings, pre-treating A. lebbeck with 70 % nitric acid breaks dormancy better and promotes faster growth. Thus, it is recommended that pretreatment of A. lebbeck seeds with 70% nitric acid for five minutes before sowing should be adopted to grow the species faster in the study area
Farmers’ Perception of Climate Variability Effects on Arable Crop Productivity in Ondo State, Nigeria
No full textThis study investigated the perceptions of arable farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria, about the effects of climate variability on the production of their crops, as well as the coping methods employed to reduce the perceived consequences. Using a multistage random sample approach, 120 participants were selected for the study. The gathered information was analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation. The average age of the farmers was found to be 48.44 years, and the majority of them hold a postsecondary degree (45%). Findings indicated that a rise in temperature, an increase in precipitation, a longer rainy season, and a shorter dry season were the most noticeable indicators of climate variability. In addition, the majority of farmers reported that a shorter dry season (71.7%), a longer rainy season (65%), a rise in rainfall (55.8%),and an increase in temperature (50.8%) enhanced agricultural output. Crop rotation (83.3%), planting of different crops (82.5%), adoption of mixed cropping (78.3%), moving to a different area (66.7%), use of chemicals, fertilizer, and pesticides (65.8%), different planting dates, increasing farm size, and planting of cover crops (65%), and planting of different varieties (64.2%) are the major coping strategies adopted by the majority of farmers. Additionally, planting different crops varieties at different time, shifting cultivation, expansion in farm size, adoption of routine practices such as irrigation, application of agro-chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides had significant impact on farming experience. This study reveals that farmers are well-informed about climate variability, its dangers and challenges it poses on production, hence, there is need for necessary precautions to manage the risks. It also advises and provides farmers with needed climatic information in form of forecast in order for them to be well informed, prepared, and engage in proactive measures for future planting seasons, as opposed to being only reactive. Therefore, agencies such meterological and association of commercial extension professionals should continue in providing up to date report on climate change and its subsequent effect on crop production
Influence of Anthropogenic Factors on Reforestation Activities in the Ecosystems of the Teaching and Research Forest (FER) of the National School of Water and Forests (ENEF) Mbalmayo in Cameroon
No full textAims: This study, carried out in the Teaching and Research Forest (FER) of the national school of water and forests (ENEF) Mbalmayo, is part of the maintenance and protection of its biodiversity. The general objective is to identify the anthropogenic threats to the ENEF's FER. Specifically, to take stock of the reforestation, and to propose a restoration strategy corresponding to the ecological and social context of the RFM’s reforestation.
Study Design: Forestry Department of the Mbalmayo National Forestry School. More precisely, in the school's teaching and research forest, commonly known as the "forest school". Between May 2021 and March 2022.
Methodology: To achieve this, four plots of 1 hectare each were set up according to the level of degradation caused by the type of human activity. The data collected included an inventory of degraded areas, identification of the threats caused by human activities to FER ecosystems through direct observations in the field, and botanical inventories in the degraded plots. Given that the information on past floristic potential (before the threat) is known, the current inventory data made it possible to assess the threats. Bush fires, the removal of bark by local residents and agricultural plantations are the main threats to the RMF.
Results: The Krustal Wallis test was used to compare the different plots, where a P-value of 0.00 for the Moabi and Bamboo plots means that there is no significant difference between these two sites at the 5% threshold with regard to the threats they face. On the other hand, this test shows that there is a significant difference between the plots in the inaugurated zone (ZI) and the burnt zone (ZB) at the 5% threshold with regard to their significant anthropogenic impacts, with respective P-values of 47% and 88%. These values show, following the determination of importance value indices (IVI), that threats are more severe on polyspecific sites such as inaugurated and burnt sites, as these are more coveted by local populations.
Conclusion: The anthropogenic activities detected in the course of this study were the debarking observed in the Moabi plots, the bush fires encountered in the ZB site and the field activities (agricultural plantations) encountered in the Bamboo site. However, 3,174 trees survived the anthropogenic threats, compared with 1,036 that barely survived. 181 trees miraculously regenerated naturally
Fuel Wood Consumption in Selected Communities in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria
No full textFor proper management of a forest, it is best to harmonise demand and availability of fuel wood. With this, the study estimate the wood consumed as fuel and the factors that influence wood consumed as fuel in selected communities. Four communities were purposively chosen based on fuel wood usage: Ugbolu, Ngegu, Ani-Ngene and Aniwalo. Ninety five questionnaires were randomly administered to harvesters of wood for fuel to obtain information on socio-economic characteristics, amount of fuel wood consumed and species of tree mostly harvested for fuel wood. The results showed that the respondents are mostly male (54.7%) and are within the age-bracket of 42-51 years, with household size of 6-10 persons. The average fuel wood consumed by each household is 0.016-0.081m3 weekly in dry season and 0.012-0.057m3 weekly in rainy season. The total amount of wood consumed as fuel is 13,433.7m3 annually. Tectona grandis, Gmelina arborea Roxb (Gmelina) and Morinda lucida Benth are the species of trees predominantly used for fuel wood. The multiple regression analysis shows that socio-economic characteristics have no influence on wood consumption as fuel
Assessment of the Effect of West African Ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) Seed Extracts on Selected Bacteria of Upper River Benue Surface Water
No full textThis study was conducted to investigate the effects of D. mespiliformis; crude seed, mucilage and seed extracts on some surface water quality parameters and total bacteria count. The experiment was design as a factorial experiment in Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Sample water was collected from Upper River Benue in Jimeta Bridge. D. mespiliformis purchased at Jimeta Market, Yola Adamawa State. The water sample was collected in Jerry cans (50 litters) transported to wet laboratory, Department of Fisheries, School Agriculture, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola where the following physico-chemical parameters were analyzed Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolve Solid, Ionic Concentration, Temperature, Biological Oxygen Demand and Turbidity. However, Total Bacterial Count was analyzed from microbiology laboratory of same University. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Result obtained shows the effect of D. mespiliformis treated surface water on the Physicochemical Parameters and effect of D. mespiliformis Crude Seed, Mucilage and Seed Extracts on Total Bacteria Count. The following bacteria Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were used during the studies with E. coli has highest total bacteria count of 233 and 22 recorded lowest in seed extract, B. subtilis recorded it highest of 164 and 42 reveal as lowest in the seed mucilage while S. aureus has highest of 100 with it lowest of 32 recorded in mucilage. Further study on the efficacy of D. mespiliformis crude seed, mucilage and seed extracts on contaminant water treatment should be done