Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Food and Feeding Habit of Some Selected Fish Species from Lower River Benue, Makurdi, Nigeria
No full textStudies on food and feeding habit of chrysitchthys nigrodidgitatus, Bagrus bayad and Synodontis clarias was conducted from July 2018 to June 2019 using frequency of occurrence, numerical and gravimetric methods the result of this investigation revealed that Bagrus bayad had 40%, full stomach,31.6% empty stomach 10% quarter full stomach,16.80% half full stomach and 1.6% three quarter full stomach. Chrysitcthy nigrodigitatus had 26.03%, full stomach ,47.65% empty stomach 1.14 quarter full stomach,14.43% half full stomach and 2.42% three quarter full stomach. Synodontis clarias had 31.62%, full stomach ,30.88% empty stomach, 10.29% quarter full stomach,19.85% half full stomach and 7.35% three quarter full stomach. Chrysitchthys had the lowest number of full stomachs (26.03) and highest number of empty stomachs (47.65) Stomach content in B. bayad for frequency of occurrence method ranged from 1.93-17.76,C. nigrodigitatus 3.06-15.24 and S. clarias 7.17-27.91 .Numerical method B. bayad ranged from 5.48-17.81,C.nigrodigitatus 8.22-17.81,S.clarias 6.85-26.03. Gravimetric method B. bayad ranged from19.13-95.88, C. nigrodigitatus 25.00-93.48 and S.clarias 8.70-30.43. The result of the index of relative importance showed that the food content from B. bayad ranged from 0.05-1.87,C.nigrodigitatus 0.3-1.47,S.clarias 0.13-1.3 respectively with animal parts been the highest and the lowest been plant parts this showed that these fish species are omnivores and a top predator
Methane (CH₄) Fluxes in Mangrove Sediments of Negeri Passo, Inner Ambon Bay: Implications for Climate Change
No full textMangrove ecosystems play a significant role in carbon sequestration. However, the accumulation of organic matter in mangrove sediments undergoes decomposition, which triggers the release of CH₄ gas flux. This study aims to analyze the CH₄ gas flux in the mangrove sediments of Negeri Passo, Inner Ambon Bay. Gas sampling was conducted using a cylindrical chamber at three observation stations. Gas was collected using a syringe five times at 30-second intervals. The gas concentration was analyzed using gas chromatography, while the CH₄ flux was calculated using a flux equation that considers the regression slope, chamber volume and area, temperature, gas molecular weight, ideal gas constant (R), and time constant based on the gas sampling interval. The results showed that the average CH₄ concentration was 22.46 ppm. The highest concentration was found at Station 2, with 33.33 ppm, and the lowest at Station 3, with 14.40 ppm. The average CH₄ flux was 3.2194 mg/m²/h. The highest CH₄ flux was observed at Station 3, with 4.8727 mg/m²/h, while the lowest was at Station 1, with 1.3421 mg/m²/h. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the mangrove ecosystem in Negeri Passo has a relatively higher CH₄ flux compared to other locations within the Inner Ambon Bay area. Additionally, the significant carbon sequestration potential, as indicated by the Tier 1 model approach, suggests that this mangrove ecosystem plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation. These findings highlight the dual role of the mangrove ecosystem in Negeri Passo, acting as both a carbon sink and a source of CH₄ emissions, emphasizing the need for further research to balance its sequestration potential with methane release dynamics
Six Social Evolutions of Sustainable Swidden Agricultural Design in the Indonesian Highlands
No full textThe research developed a sustainable model for farmers transitioning to the Indonesian highlands using design thinking. The study used a qualitative methodology with a systematic literature review approach. The data came from journals indexed by Sinta, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus in the last decade. Data analysis used Evidence-Based Software Engineering (EBSE) while data analysis techniques with design thinking models include six social evolutions empathy, exploration, elaboration, exposure, execution, and expansion. The findings of the study showed the stages of empathy are social, cultural, and economic challenges of highland farmers in Indonesia. The exploration stage explored satellite technology and agroforestry, supporting nature preservation and improving farmers' welfare. Through elaboration, the development of training modules and technological support ensure long-term sustainability. The exposure phase of policy testing and community outreach introduced the benefits of agroforestry practices, while execution emphasizes the implementation of collaborative policies between farmers, governments, and related institutions. Lastly, expanding the implementation of solutions has proven to be effective in involving the younger generation and building a network of sustainable farmer communities in various regions in Indonesia. The implications of research with a design-based thinking approach create a more effective and relevant solution to the needs of local farmers. Further research explores the role of digital technology in supporting sustainable agriculture as well as further evaluation of the long-term success of implemented policies
Agronomic Practices Adopted by the Maize (Zea mays) Farmers in Horowpathana DS Division in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
No full textMaize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop globally and a vital crop in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Dry and Intermediate zones. This survey was conducted to assess the major challenges faced by maize farmers and the agronomic practices they adopt in the Horowpathana area of the Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka. A total of 60 farmers from 12 Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey, and descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. The findings revealed that the majority of maize farmers were aged between 36 and 40 years, with both men and women engaged in cultivation. The majority of farmers were educated, yet a significant proportion did not use organic fertilizers, relying primarily on chemical fertilizers. Herbicide use was common, with all farmers applying it to control weeds after planting maize. The study identified several challenges faced by farmers, including adverse weather conditions such as drying and high winds, which were reported by 18.3% of the farmers. Strong winds were found to cause significant damage to maize plants, particularly during the rainy season. Additionally, farmers experienced financial constraints, spending significant amounts on land preparation, chemicals, seeds, labor, transportation, and harvesting, leading to a low-income economy. Price fluctuations of maize grain, lack of storage facilities, and high transportation costs were also major issues affecting the marketing of maize. Biotic and abiotic constraints, such as weeds, drought, low soil fertility, and high input costs, were identified as key factors limiting production. The study concluded that most farmers did not adhere to recommended management practices, resulting in severe yield losses. Therefore, it is crucial to implement awareness programs to encourage proper management practices, ensuring the sustainability of maize production and safeguarding the local economy
Allelopathic Effects of Litchi chinensis on Mung bean and Soybean in Agroforestry System
No full textBackground: A pot experiment was conducted to demonstrate the allelopathic effect of the litchi tree (Litchi chinensis) on two crops such as mung bean (Vigna radiata) and soybean (Glycine max). The experiment was conducted at the Agroforestry Research field of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh. Five treatments were applied in this experiment, and they are: T1 (topsoil at the base of litchi trees), T2 (soil in the root zone of litchi trees), T3 (soil mulched with dry litchi leaves), T4 (soil irrigated with aqueous litchi leaf extract) and T5 (control, i.e., fresh garden soil). A factorial randomized complete block (RCBD) design with four replicates was used in this experiment. There were 40 pots in total.
Results: The results of the study showed that all treatments in the experiment inhibited the germination and growth of both mung beans and soybeans compared to controls. The germination inhibition and growth parameters of mung bean and soybean varied according to soil collected from different plant parts and root zone locations of different trees. The allelopathic effect of litchi trees was in the following order: T3 (soil mulched with dry leaves) > T4 (soil irrigated with aqueous leaf extract) > T1 (topsoil at the base of the tree) > T2 (tree root zoon soil) > T5 (control).
Conclusions: Litchi leaves have a stronger allelopathic effect than litchi ground or root zone soil. Again, dried leaves have stronger allelopathic effects than green (fresh) leaves. Therefore, regular washing of dried leaves is very important for litchi-based agroforestry systems. On the other hand, between the two crops, soybeans were more suppressed than mung beans
Effect of Seed Extraction Period and Germination Temperature on Viability of Pinus patula Under Controlled Conditions
No full textA number of coniferous species have demonstrated varied cone responses to the temperature intensities for seed release and subsequent seed germination behaviour. This study investigated the interactions of cone physical characteristics (weight and width), exposure duration (6,12 and 24 hours) at a fixed extraction temperature (65°C) and the germination temperature (22, 27 and 32°C) on seed quality of Pinus patula. The experimental design was a factorial experiment (4×3×3) laid down in a completely randomized design (CRD), with thirty-six treatments replicated 3 times. Analysis of the difference in means from the three factor effects from ANOVA was performed using R Statistical software. Where significant differences were observed, post hoc tests were carried out to separate means using the Tukey test at 5 % significance level. Results showed significant (p=0.001) differences in germination performance as a result of cone characteristics, extraction exposure periods, and germination chamber conditions. Seeds extracted from heavy cones and exposed to germination temperature of 32℃ demonstrated the highest germination percent at 90% while the lowest was 20% from light cones exposed to similar germination temperature conditions. Negative and significant correlation coefficients were observed in germination of seeds from narrow and light cones, thus cone sorting for heavy and wide cones was recommended for better germination performance of P. patula seed germplasm
Phytoecological Investigation of Undergrowth in the Former Plantation of Guarrea cedrata (A. CHEV.) Abandoned PELLEGR in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve, DR Congo
No full textThe present research paper aims at characterizing and comparing understorey phytoecological diversity between the Martineau and Blanc-étoc methods in the abandoned former Guarrea cedrata (A. CHEV.) PELLEGR plantation, with a view to increase the adequate policy (strategies) in order to complete knowledge gaps of these ones. The experimental devices used are 50*50 m (Martineau method, 2023) and 50*50 m (Blanc-étoc, 2023). All understorey species which reached a diameter greater or as equal as with 5,0 cm were numbered according to Letouzey (1982). In order to specify the phytoecological spectra (biological types, morphological types, diaspora types, temperament, leaves size and types). We used catalogue flora of vascular plants from Kisangani Districts and Tshopo Province in DR Congo. After analysis, it has been shown clearly that sarcochores, mesophylls, shade-tolerant species, simple trees and leaves are more or heavily observed and there is heterogeneity of understory species. It is noticed that the Martineau method has got 38 species and 22 families. Whereas Blanc-étoc, 30 species and 15 families. This proves that there is common remark between the two methods for ecosystem
Evaluation of Carcass, Growth Performance, Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Broiler Chickens Fed Additive of Onion Bulb Peel Powder
No full textThe study evaluated the effect of the powder of onion bulb peel waste (Allium cepa) as feed additives on growth performance, blood profile and carcass features of broiler chickens. A total of 150-day old Arbo acre strains of broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five treatments group with 30 birds in each treatment with three replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were reared on the floor of a pen partitioned into experimental units. The study was conducted in two phases; starter phase (0-28 day) and finisher phase (28-56 day). A basal experimental diet was formulated for the broiler chickens and varying levels of onion bulb peel powder was added as a supplement at 0mg/kg (control), 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg, 75mg/kg and 100mg/kg in diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The results obtained in this study revealed that there was significant difference (p<0.05) in feed intake, body weight, daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, hematological and bio-chemical parameters, carcass weight, non-carcass weight, percentage of carcass cut-part relative to the dressed weight and percentage non carcass relative to live weight between treatment diets. Onion bulb peel powder at 100mg/kg enhanced growth performance, reduced total blood cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein, increased the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and improved carcass yield of the birds. Since the feeding of onion bulb peel powder up to 100mg/kg as feed additives did not constitute nutritional disorder or any adverse effect on heamatological parameters of broiler chickens, it can be concluded that onion bulb peel powder at this level of inclusion is good for broiler chicken production
An Overview of Trees in Smallholder Farmers' Agricultural Landscapes: A Case Study from Sub-Saharan Africa
No full textMany developing countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa, have focused on improving agricultural production at the farm level. Governments have implemented agricultural policies and acts to support various initiatives aimed at generating secure and affordable food for low- and middle-income populations. However, these policies can sometimes lead to more homogeneous landscapes, reducing the diversity of accessible food. As global demand for food increases, farmers are expanding their crops and livestock into new areas. Yet, the inclusion of trees in agricultural landscapes is crucial for maintaining diversity. The objective of this study was to synthesize the benefits of incorporating trees in smallholder farming systems in sub-Sahara Africa. Therefore, the study found increasing evidence that trees can enhance welfare among rural farming households, particularly in sub-Sahara Africa. Incorporating trees into agricultural landscapes offers numerous benefits, including improved household nutrition and food security through enhanced crop yields and diversified diets. These practices also support income generation and livelihood diversification, providing farmers with additional sources of revenue. Moreover, trees contribute to environmental benefits and ecosystem services such as soil fertility, water retention, and carbon sequestration, which are crucial for climate change adaptation and resilience. Additionally, integrating trees fosters the preservation of cultural and traditional knowledge, while promoting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, ultimately creating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system. Moreover, integrating trees into farming landscapes can help address Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2—' No Poverty' and 'Zero Hunger'—by increasing crop yields. This study recommends enhanced awareness campaigns for incorporating trees into agricultural landscapes
Impacts Assessment of Farmers’ Knowledge in Using Pesticides on Agricultural Productivity in Bugesera District, Rwanda
No full textNowadays, the use of pesticides in modern agriculture has increased due to the heightened strain from insects and weeds on animal and crop health. This study aimed to assess the impacts of farmers' knowledge in using pesticides on agricultural productivity in the Bugesera district, the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Data were collected from the fifteen sectors of the study area using questionnaires, with 399 respondents selected through random and purposive sampling techniques. SPSS software was used for data analysis, which was summarized using contingency tables and graphs. Correlation analysis was done to assess the link between farmers' knowledge of pesticide use and agricultural productivity in across sub-locations.
The study revealed that the level of pesticide use in the Bugesera district was very low, at just 17%, and only 22% of farmers had good level of knowledge about pesticide use. Vegetables were the first crops sprayed by farmers, accounting for 82% of the total crop types to which pesticides were applied in the Bugesera district. Moreover, vegetable yields increased from 9t/ha to 9.475 t/ha following pesticide application. The study found a significant positive correlation between farmers’ knowledge of pesticide use and agricultural productivity at the 0.01 level (r=0.509,p<0.01).
Enhanced farmers’ knowledge of pesticide use and the proper application of pesticides can reduce yield loss and boost agricultural productivity. It is recommended that the Bugesera district can provide the incentive scheme to the innovative farmers and encourage them to serve as role models for others.
This would promote the adoption of appropriate pesticide use practices and adherence to sound agricultural principles in chemical pesticide application