Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Sustainability, Population and Structure of Woody Species Composition of Taraba State Forests
No full textSustainability, population and structure of woody species composition of Taraba state forests were studied for future management strategies that allow a more sustainable use of woody species and a better conservation of forest ecosystems. The objectives of the study were to study the woody species dominance, important value index and population structure in different ecological zones of Taraba State forests. Data were obtained through woody species survey and the study area was stratified into three ecological zones and two protected areas. Five plots each measuring 50×50 m were sampled in each protected area and two protected areas were also sampled from each ecological zone. A total of 30 plots and 6 protected areas were sampled and all the woody species that occurred in the plots were also sampled. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Tables, percentages, frequency, ANOVA and LSD. A total of 3760 individual woody stands from 60, 34 and 32 species in Montane Forest, Southern and Northern Guinea Savanna respectively were recorded. Strombosia postulate, Pleiocarpa pycnantha, Pericopsis laxiflora, Hymenocardia acida and Ziziphus mauritiana were the dominance species while their corresponding rarest species were Goria sp, Afzelia africana, Elaesis guneensis, Combretum tomentosum and Ficus sur. Strombosia postulate and Pleiocarpa pycnantha were the dominant woody species with high important value indices in Montane forest zone as opposed to Pericopsis laxiflora and Ziziphus mauritiana which dominated the Southern and Northern guinea savanna respectively. The rarest species of Goria sp, Afzelia africana, Elaesis guneensis, Combretum tomentosum and Ficus sur in the study area could be connected to its usefulness as fodder species. The population structure of woody species was found to be very low in the middle diameter classes.The diameter class distribution resembles interrupted “U” shape indicating the removal of merchantable trees. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) among the protected areas and ecological zones due to the low dominance and important value indices. This needs appropriate management techniques to improve forest composition and structure in the study area for sustainability
Assessment of Total Carbon Stock in Swietenia macrophylla Woodlot at Jhenaidah District in Bangladesh
No full textWoodlot plantations are supposed to have a massive outlook in carbon sequestration. Presence of large area woodlot plantations in Bangladesh would store a significant quantity of carbon. The purpose of this study was to determine the carbon stocks in woodlot plantations (Swietenia macrophylla) in Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh. Sixty sample plots of woodlot plantations were purposively selected from three upazilla (Kotchandpur, Kaligong and Moheshpur) of Jhenaidah district. The plot size was 10×10 m. Every individual tree present in the sampling plot was identified up to special level. Diameter at breast height and total tree height were measured for all individual trees in each sample plot. The estimated average tree density was 1340 ± 104.24 stems ha-1ranging between 800 and 2400 stems ha-1. The estimated mean DBH and tree height were 19.52 cm and 12.57 m respectively. The total biomass in Mahogany (Switenia macrophylla) woodlot plantations ranged between 52.48 and 824.44 Mg ha-1 and the basal area in woodlot plantations ranged between 9.92 m2ha-1 and 86.21 m2ha-1. The average total biomass was 287.86 ± 22.64 Mg ha-1 and average basal area was 37.98 ± 2.31 m2ha-1. In this study, the average carbon stock in Mahagony plantation was estimated to 143.93 ±11.32 Mg ha-1 ranging between 26.24 Mg ha-1 and 412.22 Mg ha-1. Three allometric models were developed and validated with equal strength (R2 0.97–0.98) using generalized linear regression. Woodlot plantations in Bangladesh can play a vital role in the UNFCCC’s carbon mitigation and adaptation mechanism. So, the long-term sustainability of woodlot plantations must be addressed
Assessment of Consumption and Income Generation between Palm Wine and Other Industrial Beverages in Cross River State, Nigeria
No full textThe study was conducted to provide information on the level of consumption and income from palm wine and other industrial beverages in Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 82 sampled palm wine retailers in three geopolitical zones in the State. Semi-structured questionnaire, personal observations and focus group discussions were used to obtain data from retailers. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the study showed that consumption level of palm wine per day in the zones were in the order, Northern (33.3 L) > Central (24.8 L) > Southern (19.4 L). However, the consumption levels of palm wine from the Central and Southern Zones were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from each other. The Consumption level of other alcoholic beverages; Harp, Goldberg, Origin, Dry gin, Heineken, Stout, Gulder, and Star per day in the zones were in the order Northern (23.9 L)> Central (20.4 L) >Southern (17.6 L). The income level from palm wine was N1845.54, N1538.40 and N837.60 from the Northern, Central and Southern Zones, respectively. Total Performance Index based on taste, availability, and cost shows that mean daily consumption level of palm wine was higher than all the other alcoholic beverages in the study area. The study recommends that Government and other development stakeholders on economic and environment should play greater role in promoting potential entrepreneurship in palm wine as a viable alternative source of livelihood through creation of awareness and better incentives for sustainable management of this natural forest resource
Growth Response of Gmelina arborea (ROB) Seedlings to Cassava Peels as Organic Fertilizer
No full textThe study investigated the effect of cassava peel on the growth and development of Gmelina arborea seedlings. The treatment was made up of cassava peel applied to top soil at 1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, 5 g, 6 g, 7 g, 8 g, 9 g, 10 g. The treatments were replicated three times. The treatments were mixed with 20 kg of soil thereby making a total of thirty three (33). The experiment, which lasted eight weeks, was laid out in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and the following variables were assessed; stem height, stem diameter, leaf length and leaf production. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean separation was carried out using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The result obtained showed that treatment 6 g gave the best response in term of number of leaves with mean 16.35 while treatment 2 g had the least performance with mean 6.67. The treatment 3 g of cassava peel performed best in terms of leaf length with mean 18.00 while 10 g and 8 g treatments had the lowest stem diameter of 29 cm. With respect to plant height, the treatment of 6 g of cassava peel application had the best response with plant height of 46.67 cm, while the least value of 20.67 cm was recorded in treatment 8 g. Hence, the control (0 g) has significant difference from treatment 8 g. In all the variables assessed, the control showed close values with treatment 8 g, 9 g and 10 g. The result shows a higher level of significant difference to the control at p < 0.05. However, it is recommended that when raising Gmelina arborea where the traits, plant height and leaves are of importance, 6 g of cassava peel is better adapted. Hence, the plant could be raised in the absence of any treatment where appropriate soil is used
The Effects of Fish Pond Sediments and Cow Dung on the Early Growth of Afrormosia elata Harms Seedlings
No full textMore often than not, the emphasis is laid on the essence of employing organic manures for raising plant seedlings and even in improving the nutrient status of their growth media for higher productivity. Afrormosia elata has numerous medicinal uses but not very much available. Thus, the study on the effects of fish pond sediments (FPS) and decomposed cow dung (DCD) on the early growth of A. elata seedlings was carried out at the nursery ‘A’ of the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, Nigeria. A. elata seeds were sown in a finely perforated sieve (filled with washed river sand) and seedlings were pricked – out 2 weeks after seedling emergence into polythene pots with varying levels of FPS and DCD. The experimental design was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of nine treatments and eight replicates. Treatments include; T1(2 kg of FPS + 2 kg of topsoil); T2 (2 kg of DCD + 2 kg of topsoil); T3 (1.5 kg of FPS + 2 kg of topsoil); T4 (1.5 kg of DCD + 2 kg of topsoil); T5 (1 kg of FPS + 2 kg of topsoil); T6 (1 kg of DCD + 2 kg of topsoil); T7 (500 g of FPS + 2 kg of topsoil); T8 (500 g of DCD + 2 kg topsoil); and 2 kg of topsoil without any treatment served as control). Morphological parameters such as seedling height, collar diameter and leaf count as well as leaf biomass were assessed and the data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result showed that T3 (1.5 kg FPS + 2 Kg TS) had the best performance in height, leaf area and leaf biomass with mean values of 11.02 cm, 21.65 cm2 and 1.16 g respectively. Though, there were no significant differences amongst the growth parameters assessed for this study. But T3 (1.5 kg FPS + 2 Kg TS) could be employed in raising the seedlings of this plant for faster growth rate
Conservation and Restoration of Endangered Plant Species in the Tropical Forests
No full textIndiscriminate charcoal productions, timber harvesting, demand for farmlands and overgrazing have aggravatedland degradation process in the tropical regions. At each point of this cycle, species are lost and biodiversity is obtainable only in the National Parks, Game reserves, Forest reserves, Wildlife sanctuaries. Forests and its resources are important assets that the tropical regions can sustainably manage for its renewable potentials, environmental benefits and socio-economic importance to mankind. Thus, this paper aim at reviewing past research works to provide profound solutions for conservation and restoration of forests and its products in the mid of financial shortcoming among the developing nations in the tropical regions. Based on this review, endangered plant species such as Prosopis africana, Parkia biglobosa, Khaya senegalensis, Gleditsia assamica, Gymnocladus assamicus, Aquilaria malaccensis and others can be restored; and genetic heredity (with qualitative characteristics) can be sustain for generational use if only we will all ignore the voice that “demands high financial resources for the management of endangered species before it can be conserved and restored”. Even without the provision of financial resources for conservation and restoration of endangered species, with high interest and euphoria among the youths, the young populace can conserved and restored the tropical forests and its biodiversity in the regions. This can be achieved by frequent inclusion of youths in decisions making and the use of non-formal education methods such as drama, playlet, music concerts among others. Therefore, it is recommended that communities around forest reserves in the tropical regions should be economically empowered, so that they can have alternative sources of livelihood that are biodiversity friendly, thus, reducing their dependence on forests and forest products
Effect of Soil Management Investment on Cassava Production in Oyo State, Nigeria
No full textThis study examines the effect of soil management investment on cassava production in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State (Nigeria) using cross-sectional data. Data were collected with the use of a structured questionnaire from eighty eight (88) respondents; four villages were randomly selected for the study. The data collected were analysed using descriptive, mean and multiple regression analyses. The results showed that 84.1% of the farmers were male while 15.9% were female, 45.4% were between the ages of 21 and 30 years, 60.2% of the farmers had 1-10 years of farming experience while 33.0% had tertiary education. Fertilizer and manure applications were the major soil management practices used by the respondents; 44.3% of the farmers invested between N11,000 and N20,000 on soil management during the farming season. The regression analyses revealed that farm size and cassava output were positively significant at 10% and 1% respectively while labour used was negatively signed and significant at 10% to the level of soil management investment. It was however, recommended that farmers should be more educated on the appropriate coping strategies for soil management. Hence, farmers should be encouraged by the Government by providing formal credit facilities with no or little interest rate to improve their soil management system in order to enhance productivity in the study area
Adoption of BRRI dhan49 by the Farmers of Bogura Sadar Upazila in Bangladesh
No full textThe research examined the status of adoption of BRRI dhan49 and explored the contribution of the selected characteristics of the cultivators to their adoption of BRRI dhan49. The methodology of this study is an integration of quantitative and qualitative methods based on data collection. Data were collected from 116 BRRI dhan49 cultivators from January 21 to February 20, 2017. Descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were used for analysis. Most of the farmers (78.4%) belong to medium adoption followed by high adoption (11.2%) by the rice cultivators. Among the influential variables, the level of education, annual family income, extension media contact, rice cultivation knowledge and attitude towards BRRI dhan49 were significant contributors and provided 53.8% contribution on adoption of BRRI dhan49. It was also found that 3.4%, 16.3%, 38.8%, 33.7% and 7.8% farmers were innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority and laggards, respectively. It can be concluded that the composite adoption of BRRI dhan49 production technologies is moderate and needs further advancement. Based on the findings, it is recommended that respective authorities should implement and popularize farm-based projects on a massive scale for the adoption of BRRI dhan49
Germination and Seedling Growth Response on Lithocarpus elegans (Fagaceae) Seeds to Pre-sowing Treatments and Fertilizer Application
No full textThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of different pre-sowing treatments of seeds on germination and growth performance of native threatened tree species Lithocarpus elegans at the nursery of Chittagong University, Bangladesh. Seeds were placed to eight pre-sowing treatments e.g. control (PT0), treated with sand paper rubbing (PT1), nicking (PT2), seeds immersed in cold water for 24 hours (PT3), seeds immersed in cold water for 48 hours (PT4) and seeds immersed in cold water for 7 days (PT5), seeds sown at propagator house (PT6), seeds immersed in cold water for 7 days and then sown at propagator house (PT7). Germination percentage was found highest (100%) in seeds sown at propagator house (PT6) followed by seeds immersion in cold water for 24 hours (PT3) (91.11%). For fertilizer dose experiment to seedlings at the nursery level, treatment FT1: 100 kg/ha (0.33679 g urea/pot/seedling) comparing with other treatments FT0: 0 kg/ha (Control), FT2: 200 kg/ha (0.67358 g urea/pot/seedling) showed better performance in case of shoot length, collar diameter, number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, total fresh weight, total dry weight, volume index. Finally, it can be concluded that Lithocarpus elegans seedlings revealed better performances under the seed pre-treatment PT6 (seeds sown at propagator house) and fertilizer dose FT1 (100 kg N ha-1) in growth and biomass production
Evaluating Efficiency of Sampling Schemes in Tropical Natural Forests: Review and Simulation Experience from Kenya
No full textForest measurements, especially in natural forests are cumbersome and complex. 100% enumeration is costly and inefficient. This study sought to find out reliable, efficient and cost-effective sampling schemes for use in tropical rain forest (TRF), moist montane forest (MMF) and dry woodland forest (DWF) in Kenya. Forty-eight sampling schemes (each combining sampling intensity (5, 10, 20, 30%), plot size (25, 50, 100, 400 m2) and sampling technique (simple random sampling, systematic sampling along North-South and along East-West orientations) were generated for testing estimates of forest attributes such as regeneration through simulation using R-software. Sampling error and effort were used to measure efficiency of each sampling scheme in relation to actual values. Though forest sites differed in biophysical characteristics, cost of sampling increased with decreasing plot size regardless of the forest type and attribute. Accuracy of inventory increased with decreasing plot size. Plot sizes that captured inherent variability were 5mx5m for regeneration and trees ha-1 across forest types but varied between forest types for basal area. Different sampling schemes were ranked for relative efficiency through simulation techniques, using regeneration as an example. In many instances systematic sampling-based sampling schemes were most effective. Sub-sampling in one-hectare forest unit gave reliable results in TRF (e.g. SSV-5mx5m-30%) and DWF (e.g. SSV-10mx10m-30%) but not in MMF (5mx5m-100%). One-hectare-complete-inventory method was found inevitable for regeneration assessment in montane forest