Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Growth and Development of Rare Tree Species Sterculia villosa Linn. in Districts, Meerut and Bulandshahr, U.P., India
No full textThe present study was carried out in Districts Meerut and Bulandshahr from May 2014 to September 2019. The mature, dried and healthy seeds of Sterculia villosa were collected from Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary, District Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 100 seeds were sown in 10 pots containing mixture of soil: manure 3:1 ratio. The germination started seven days after sowing in the month of May. The total germination percentages were observed 80% within 21 days. 12 Months, old saplings were transplanting into the areas of Meerut and Bulandshahr. The results indicate that the status of germination, saplings growth and development of all stages of Sterculia villosa is fairly rapid. I had recorded 6 years old growth of Sterculia villosa 249 cm. in botanical garden of C.C.S. university Meerut. It is concluded that the aim of the present study is to spread awareness towards the conservation and established of the rare beautiful tree species Sterculia villosa in Meerut and Bulandshahr districts. The study benefited to biodiversity and silviculture in those areas, where the species is now not found
Comparative Effects of Different Levels of Kolgrace Organic Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield Attributes of Greengram (Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek) in the Screenhouse
No full textAim: To investigate growth and yield response of greengram to different levels of Kolgrace organic fertilizer with a view to determining the most favorable application rate for greengram production.
Study Design: Completely randomized design (CRD) with treatments replicated five (5) times.
Place and Duration of Study: Screenhouse of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, between July to November 2016.
Methodology: Six levels of kolgrace organic fertilizer were used (0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 4.00 and 8.00 t ha-1). Top soil (0 -15 cm) was collected from the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agronomy, and leached of nutrients by soaking and washing in water for 24 hours. 2 kg of air-dry soil was mixed with the appropriate fertilizer rate and filled in each pot. 3 seeds were sown per pot and thinned to 1 seed at 2 weeks after sowing (WAS). Chemical analysis of air-dry soil sample and Kolgrace fertilizer were done at the soil chemistry laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, to ascertain their elemental composition. Soil particle size distribution [1], Soil pH [2], exchangeable K and Na [3], exchangeable Mg and Ca [4], exchangeable acidity [5], organic matter and organic carbon [6], available P [7], Nitrogen [8] and micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) [4] were determined.
Results: Application rates were significant (p<0.05) for all the traits measured. 0.5 t ha-1 was significantly higher in plant height (39.5), number of pods (7.0) and dry pod weight (4.98). Application rate of 1 t ha-1 was higher in number of leaves (18.0) although was comparable to application rate of 0.5 t ha-1.
Conclusion: Application rate of 0.5 t ha-1 was best for three of the five traits measured and is hereby recommended
Effects of Seed Size on the Germination and Early Growth of African Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.)
No full textThe effects of seed size on the germination and early growth of A. digitata were assessed. Seeds were sourced locally within the University of Ilorin Campus. One hundred viable seeds were selected from each of the size classes. The seed weight, length, breadth, and width were measured for all the selected seeds. Mean weight, length, breadth, and thickness were: 0.62 g, 9.16 mm, 7.45 mm, and 5.85 mm, respectively for small seeds. 0.41 g, 9.54 mm, 7.68 mm, and 6.03 mm, respectively for medium seeds; and 0.44 g, 9.92 mm, 7.89 mm, and 6.21 mm, respectively for large seeds. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD). Seed dormancy was broken through the acid scarification method by soaking in H2SO4 at 70% concentration for 20 minutes with constant stirring. Variables of interest include: leaves number, seedlings height, collar diameter and leaf area. Based on the results of this finding, medium and large seeds germinated in 7 days after sowing while small seeds germinated in 10 days after sowing. Large seeds had the highest germination percentage (55%), followed by medium seeds with 27%. The small seeds were the least in terms of germination rate (21%). There was no significant difference in mean seedling heights, collar diameters and number of leaves among the seed size classes (P˃0.05). Mean leaf area significantly differed among the three size classes (P˂0.05). The result showed that large seeds gave best germination at a shorter period than the medium and small seed sizes. Thus, large seeds of A. digitata are recommended in propagation activities involving the species
Assessment of Forestry Extension Service Delivery among Rural Farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria
No full textThis study assessed forestry extension service delivery among forest farm communities in Plateau State, Nigeria with the aim to identify the forestry extension services available to rural farmers; examine the level of farmers’ satisfaction with forestry extension service delivery and identify the perceived constraints to forestry extension service delivery in the study area. The population for this study consists of all the rural forest farm families in Plateau State. Due to the enormity of the population, a sample size of 214 respondents was selected. Multi stage sampling technique was used in the selection of sample for the study. Primary data were generated through the use of structured questionnaire and interview techniques. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics as well as likert scale. Results revealed the mean age of the farmers to be 39 years. Majority (61.0%) of the respondents were males with most (85.0%) of them married. Majority (53%) of the respondents had primary education with an average farm size of 2.5 hectares. mean household size 9 persons with majority of them (87.0%) deriving their income from agriculture. Agreater percentage (93.0%) of the respondents acquired their farmlands through inheritance. The mean annual income of the farmers was ₦ 82,742. Forestry extension services available to farmers in the study area include; information on forestry laws, awareness campaign against bush burning, distribution of horticultural seedlings, audio-visual shows, method/result demonstration, information on improved forest management practices, training on raising of seedlings, etc. Farmers expressed dissatisfaction with the level of forestry extension service delivery in the study area. The perceived constraints to forestry extension service delivery in Plateau State includes; lack of funding of extension services and inadequate number of extension agents. The study recommends increase in funding of the Agricultural Development Programmes to alleviate the problems of inadequate staff and insufficient training
Assessment of Forestry Laws Compliance among Farmers in Rural Forest Communities of Plateau State, Nigeria
No full textThe study assessed compliance with forestry laws among rural farmers in rural forest communities of Plateau State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of this study were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of the rural forest farm families in the study area, examine the level of awareness of forestry laws in the study area, ascertain the level of compliance with forestry laws in the study area and identify the perceived constraints to forestry laws compliance in the study area. The population of the study consists of all the farmers in the rural forest communities of Plateau State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total number of 216 respondents for the study. Data for the study was garnered using structured questionnaire designed in line with objectives of the study. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics and five point likert rating scale. Log it regression was used to test the hypothesis of the study. Findings revealed that the mean age of the farmers was 39 years with majority (61.0%) of them being male. The result also revealed that 85.0% of the respondents were married with majority (57.0%) of the respondents having non-formal education. The average household size of the respondents was 7 persons and average farm size of 2.5 hectares. The result further shows that only 49.0% of the farmers had contact with extension agents between 1 and 5 times in the last one year. Results indicate that farmers’ level of compliance with forestry laws in the study area was poor. The few forestry laws complied with in the study area were: law prohibiting the pasturing or grazing of cattle in the forest reserve (X=3.02), law prohibiting the erection of buildings or roads in the forest reserve (X=3.85) and law prohibiting kindling of fire in the forest reserve (X=3.54).Constraints to compliance with forestry laws includes; Perceived lack of fairness of tree tenure (79%), lack of alternative economic opportunities (87%), as a constraint to forest law compliance in the study area, lack of awareness of forest laws (71%), increased demand for agricultural land (42%), general lack of perceived legitimacy (33%), Corruption in government institutions (28%) and weak law enforcement (5%). The null hypothesis was rejected. The study recommends that, a zero tolerance policy on non-compliance with forestry laws should be put in place to checkmate indiscriminate exploitation of forest resources
Impact of Cultural Practice, Socio-economic Level and Environment on the Profitability of the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Niger (West Africa)
No full textPhoeniciculture, or date palm cultivation plays a major socio-economic and ecological role. However, few studies have quantified the drivers of date palm cultivation and its socio-economic and environmental benefits in West African Sahel. Therefore, this study assessed the effect of anthropic and environmental factors on quantitative and qualitative production of dates palm in Niger. We conducted an ethnobotanical survey to collect data in the Sahelian and Saharian zones of Niger. We used permutation regression test to assess the influence of climatic conditions, fidelity of cultural practices implementation and the socio-economic level of producers on the date palm profitability. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the economic parameters and the geographical position of palm groves were also estimated based on the Spearman rank permutation test. A total of 60 producers were surveyed in ten villages of Sahelian and Saharian zones known as two main phoenicicultural areas in Niger. This analysis showed that date palm production varies quantitatively and qualitatively across agro-ecological zones. The study revealed also that ethnic groups influence the quantitative aspect of date palm production (P = 0.023), by socioeconomic parameters (P = 0.005) and by the index of fidelity to the cultural practice implementation (P = 0.035). The date palm production varies quantitatively (P = 0.001) and qualitatively (P = 0.033) according to the agro-climatic zones. The Spearman rank test shows a significant correlation between the quantitative and qualitative production, the geographical position of the palm groves and the depth of the water table. The profitability of the date palm seems not to be up to the phoenicicultural potential that can be the consequence of the poor implementation of the cultural practices, the socio-economic level of the producers and the environmental conditions
Effect of Coconut Water on Pre-Sowing Treatments Additive on Seed Germination and Initial Seedlings Growth Performance of Kamagong (Diospyros discolor)
No full textMabolo (Diospyros discolor), which is an indigenous species locally known as Kamagong, is popularly called “iron-wood”. With over-exploitation, these species are now threatened and are becoming extinct. Hence, it is the only way to conserved and save this economically valuable species by using nursery techniques with appropriate pre-sowing treatments. Therefore, the present study was attempted to evaluate the effect of coconut water on pre-sowing treatments additive on seed germination and initial growth performance of Kamagong (D. discolor). The seeds were extracted and subjected to the following treatments for 12 hours: Soaking in 100% water which is the control (T1), soaking with 50% of coconut water and 50% water (T2), and soaking in 100% coconut water (T3). The results showed that T3 had the highest germination mean value (78.33%), mean seedling height (11.80 cm) and mean number of leaves (2.04). By contrast, T2 (50% coconut water + 50% water) obtained the least germination mean value (76.67%), mean seedling height (11.63 cm) and mean number of leaves (2.00). However, there were no significant differences in the germination percentage, seedling height and number of leaves among all treatments at (p ≤ 0.05). The seeds subjected to T2 and T3 were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) better than seeds subjected to T1, having a mean root collar diameter (RCD) value of 3.98 mm, 3.75 mm and 3.48 mm, respectively. In terms of leaf measurements, the seedlings subjected to T2 and T3 had the highest leaf width value of 5.18 cm and 4.97 cm, respectively, whereas the seedlings subjected to T1 had the significantly lowest leaf width of 4.88 cm. Moreover, there was no significant effect among all treatments in terms of leaf and root length. Furthermore, it was observed in the study that fungal pathogens should also be taken into account as the pathogens are associated with the reduction of the germination percentage of the D. discolor seeds. Also, the study found out that seeds treated with 50% and 100% coconut water positively influenced the germination and initial seedling growth performance of D. discolor
Comparison of Non-linear Growth Curve Models in Non-descript California and New Zealand Rabbits Reared in the Tropical Conditions of Nigeria
No full textNonlinear functions of body weight at different age intervals were used to estimate the growth pattern in New Zealand White and California rabbits. Gompertz and Logistic functions of 3 and 4 parameters were fitted to Age-weight data matrix. Age-weight records of New Zealand White and California rabbits from birth were monitored to 56 days to estimate the average growth curve for each breed. The weight difference between breeds was consistently in favor of California rabbits as compared to New Zealand White. It was concluded that the Gompertz and logistic models were both parsimonious and adequate in describing the growth patterns of New Zealand White and California rabbits in the tropical conditions of Nigeria
On-station Performance Evaluation of Indigenous Breeds of Cattle for Dairy Production Systems in Nigeria
No full textThis study was aimed at evaluating on-station performance of indigenous breeds of cattle for milk yield and body conformation traits. The data for the study came from four hundred and fifty (450) genotypes (Bunaji, Friesian X Bunaji and Gudali) of cattle reared on-station from 1995 through 2012. Morphometric variables measured were BW: Body weight (Kg); BL: Body Length (cm); HW: Height at withers (cm); CW: Chest width (cm); HG: Heart Girth (cm); Rumwi: Rump width (cm); TL: Teat Length (cm); RUH: Rear Udder Height (cm); UC: Udder Circumference (cm); TY: Total Yield (Litres). There variations in morphometric traits and milk yield among the genotypes of cows. Bodyweight was significant and highly correlated with total yield in milk for all the genotypes of cows. The accuracy of predicting total yield in milk using morphometric traits was best in FriesianXBunaji (76.24%) followed by Bunaji (70.43%) while Gudali had the least prediction classification (62.06%). It is concluded that performance differences among the indigenous cattle indicate genetic diversity exists among the genotypes
Perception of Forest Stakeholders on Logging Ban in Cross River State, Nigeria
No full textThe study examined the perception of forest stakeholders on the ban on logging in Cross River State, Nigeria. The research was carried out from October, 2014 to January, 2015. Data was collected through the administration of structured questionnaire to 351 respondents that were randomly selected from four forest stakeholders, including: forest communities, Forestry Commission staff, timber dealers and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on environment. One local government area was selected purposively, from each of the three senatorial districts of the state. Findings shows that majority (86.9 percent) of the respondents were males, in the age brackets of 30-50 years, while 8.5 percent were in the age brackets of 20-29 years of age. Most of the respondents (62.4 percent) had secondary education, while farming, civil service, trading and logging, constitute 81.8 percent of the respondents’ occupation. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents from forestry commission (100 percent), timber dealers (100 percent), forest communities (98.3 percent) and NGOs (96.2 percent) were aware of the ban on logging. Most of the respondents from forestry commission (42.3 percent), timber dealers (41.4 percent), forest communities (45.0 percent) and NGOs (38.5 percent) agreed that the reason behind the ban on logging was to protect and conserve the State’s remaining forests. Findings revealed that the ban on logging did not reduce timber exploitation as claimed by 65.4, 74.3, 55.5 and 61.5 percent of the respondents from forestry commission, timber dealers, forest communities and NGOs respectively. Furthermore, 65.4, 95.7, 87.8 and 53.8 percent of the respondents from the stakeholders affirmed that prices of sawn wood increased during ban. Result also indicated that there was a significant increase (P< 0.05) in the prices of sawn wood during the ban. Majority (96.2, 61.4, 86.9 and 61.5 percent) of the respondents attested that some people who depend on logging activities, lost their means of livelihoods and majority (92.3, 85.7, 91.3 and 96.2 percent) of the respondents agreed that taskforce members were corrupt. Again, majority of the respondents from forestry commission (69.2 percent), timber dealers (90.0 percent) and forest communities (59.0 percent) agreed that they want the ban on logging lifted