Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry
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Correlations between Tree/Shrub Diversity and Herbaceous Biomass with Soil Physico-chemical Properties under Acacia saligna Canopy
No full textAcacia saligna (A. saligna) is originated from South Western Australia, and it was brought to the Tigray region of Ethiopia in 1972 with the intention of restoring the ecosystem and conserving soil and water. This study aims to evaluate the correlations between tree/shrub diversity and herbaceous biomass with some soil physico-chemical properties under Acacia saligna canopy and away from the canopy in Atsibi Wemberta district, Tigray, Ethiopia. For collecting of vegetation data, herbaceous cover and soil sample, twelve A.saligna tree stands were used as a replication.Woody species identification, herbaceous cover and biomass production were collected under the canopy of A.saligna and 50 m away from the canopy at 1 m2 for woody species, and 0.25 m2 for herbaceous cover, and biomass production. Soil samples were taken using auger at 20 cm soil depth under the canopy and in the canopy gap A.saligna. The species richness under the canopy of A.saligna was positively insignificant correlated with pH (r = 0.48, p = 0.11), availability of phosphorus (Av.P) (r = 0.16, p = 0.63), total nitrogen (TN (r = 0.12, p = 0.7) and Silt (r = 0.71, p = 0.009). However, it is also negatively correlated with soil organic carbon (SOC (r = -0.06, p = 0.85), and sand (r = -0.77, p = 0.003). The Pearson’s correlation matrix in the canopy gap of A.saligna showed that, Shannon diversity index is insignificantly positively correlated with SOC (r = 0.19, p = 0.53), Av.P (r = 0.46, p = 0.12), availability of potassium (Av.K) (r = 0.43, p = 0.16) and TN (r = 0.13, p = 0.69). However, species richness and Shannon diversity index have insignificantly negatively correlated with pH(r = -0.13, p = 0.68, r = -0.15, p = 0.63) and sand (r = -0.23, p = 0.51, r = -0.44, p = 0.14), respectively. In the canopy gap of A.saligna, the herbaceous biomass was positively correlated with Av.K (r = 0.47, p = 0.12), silt (r = 0.39, p = 0.20), and clay( r = 0.37, p = 0.24), but the Pearson’s correlation matrix between herbaceous biomass and some soil parameters in the canopy gap is observed to be insignificantly negatively correlated with pH (r = -0.24, p = 0.44), SOC (r = -0.04, p = 0.9), Av.P (r = -0.34, p = 0.28), and TN (r = -0.33, p = 0.31).The species richness, Shannon diversity indexes and herbaceous biomass were insignificantly positively correlated with pH under the canopy of A.saligna, but for similar parameters in the canopy gap was observed negatively insignificant correlated with pH. Overall, the small positive correlation found in the current study between same soil physico chemical and diversity indexes under the A. saligna canopy suggests that the presence of these large A. saligna trees may increase soil nutrient availability through litterfall. The study found clear relationships between plant density and Shannon diversity with herbaceous biomass in Acacia saligna's canopy gap and beneath its canopy. In particular, both settings showed a substantial negative connection between herbaceous biomass and plant density, suggesting that increased plant density tends to diminish herbaceous biomass. On the other hand, a strong positive association was seen between Shannon diversity and herbaceous biomass, indicating that higher species diversity is linked to higher herbaceous biomass. Therefore, it is imperative to manage and conserve A. saligna and the woody species growing beneath the canopy in order to preserve and strengthen the favorable connections that exist between diversity indexes and the physical and chemical characteristics of soil
Reevaluating Shifting Cultivation in Northeast India: Balancing Traditional Practices, Sustainability, and Development
No full textShifting cultivation, particularly the jhum system, has been a long-standing practice in Northeast India, sustaining the livelihoods of indigenous communities. This paper aims to reevaluate the enduring practice of shifting cultivation in Northeast India, acknowledging its deep historical roots, vital role in sustaining tribal livelihoods, and dynamic adaptation amidst socioeconomic change. Tracing its origins to the Neolithic era, shifting cultivation has evolved from a subsistence-based model to one generating modest surpluses, remaining integral to food security and cultural identity in rural tribal communities. Various research papers and government reports have been studied thoroughly from 1985 to 2023 to examine the evolving perceptions of shifting cultivation, considering both its economic and environmental implications. While often criticized for contributing to deforestation, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss, recent research suggests that the practice can be more sustainable than traditionally assumed, especially when fallow cycles are maintained. The jhum system promotes biodiversity conservation through its use of mixed cropping and the protection of endemic species. However, challenges such as insecure land tenure and inadequate policies have hindered the adoption of alternative farming practices. This study emphasizes the significance of blending traditional ecological wisdom with contemporary agricultural techniques to bolster food security, conserve biodiversity, and enhance community well-being. The findings demonstrate that, when bolstered by sustainable interventions such as homestead production systems that honor indigenous values, shifting cultivation continues to serve as a crucial livelihood for tribal communities in Northeastern India, fostering rural development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability
Analysis of Rainfall Distribution in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka
No full textInvestigating the dynamics of rainfall has become very crucial in managing water resources efficiently for sustainable development. The present study aimed to analyze the rainfall distribution in Kurunegala district. Historical rainfall data collected from four gauging stations were subjected to both mathematical and statistical analysis. In addition, trends of rainfall, probability of exceedance and meteorological drought conditions were studied. Rainfall distribution in the district shows high variations. Bathalagoda records the highest mean annual rainfall of 1843 mm. The corresponding values for Wariyapola, Mediyawa and Siyambalagamuwa are 1629 mm, 1315 mm and 1222 mm, respectively. Rainfall is concentrated only in certain months in a year. Annual rainfall exceedance at 50% probability is 1825 mm at Bathalagoda. The corresponding figures for Wariyapola, Mediyawa and Siyambalagamuwa are 1662 mm, 1284 mm and 1226 mm, respectively. Mediyawa, Wariyapola, and Siyambalagamuwa show a decreasing trend in annual rainfall while Bathalagoda shows an increasing trend. Southwest monsoonal (SWM) and 2nd inter-monsoonal (IM2) rainfalls show a decreasing trend at all gauging stations. Mediyawa and Bathalagoda show a positive trend in both 1st inter-monsoonal (IM1) and Northeast monsoonal (NEM) rainfalls. A negative trend in Maha seasonal rainfall is observed in all regions except Bathalagoda. A positive trend of Yala seasonal rainfall is observed at Mediyawewa and Bathalogoda. Further, severe drought conditions were experienced in the recent years at Wariyapola, Mediyawa, and Siyambalagamuwa. Compared to other regions, rainfall at Mediyawa and Siyambalagamuwa highly deviates from the long-term mean. In the study area, rainfall distribution shows a cyclic pattern over time. However, the amount of rainfall received in the recent years is lower than the amount received in the immediate past decade at all stations except Bathalagoda. Hence, proper management decisions based on rainfall distribution patterns is vital for the efficient management of water resources while guaranteeing sustainable agricultural production in this district
Evaluation of Bread Wheat (Tritium aestivum L.) Genotype in Multi-environment Trials Using Enhanced Statistical Models
No full textIn varietal selection field trials, spatial variation and genotype by environment (GxE) interaction are frequent and present a major challenge to plant breeders comparing the genetic potential of several cultivars. To consistently select superior cultivars that increase agricultural production, bread wheat breeding studies must be evaluated using efficient statistical techniques. By modeling the interactions of geographical field trends and genotypes by environment interaction, this work aimed to forecast the genetic potential of bread wheat varieties across settings and improve selection tactics. The dataset utilized in this investigation consisted of sixteen multi-environment trials (MET) that were carried out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with two replications arranged in plot arrays of rows and columns. The findings showed that the factor analytical and spatial models were effective ways to analyze the data for this study under the linear mixed model. By ranking average Best Linear Unbiased Predictions (BLUPs) within clusters, the 16 bread wheat environments were grouped into three mega environments (C1, C2, and C3) based on yield. This served as a selection indicator. Ranking average BLUPs helped in the selection of superior and stable genotypes. The first cluster (C1)'s mean BLUP values were used to score the genotypes' performance; C2 and C3 were excluded because of their limited genetic variety and low genetic connection with the other trials. The genotypes with the highest potential based on this cluster were EBW192346 and EBW192347, chosen for a subsequent verification study to release a variety. The estimates for variance component parameters ranged from 0.013 to 3.024 for genetic variance and from 0.072 to 0.37 for error variance. Hence, scaling up the use of this efficient analysis method will improve the selection of superior bread wheat varieties
Graphical Analysis of Multi-environmental Trials for Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grain Yield Based on GGE Bi-Plot Analysis
No full textBread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a crucial crop in Ethiopia, and breeders test newly developed elite lines for superiority to existing cultivars to boost national productivity. The study was undertaken during the 2021–22 to 2022–23 cropping seasons at seven environments in optimum moisture areas of Ethiopian using 36 diverse and advanced bread wheat genotypes to evaluate the GEI by the graphical method of GGE biplot and to identify the genotypes with high mean yield performance and stability. Field experiments were conducted at the Adet, Asasa, Kulumsa, and Sinana research centers in Ethiopia. The experiments were planted in an alpha lattice design replicated three times in six rows of 2.5m long. Row-to-row distance and distance between blocks were 0.2m and 1.5m, respectively. The analysis of variance revealed that genotype, environment, and their interaction showed a highly significant effect on the yield as reflected in the GGE model and the GGE model indicated the suitability of the genotypes EBW202136 (33), Boru (1), and EBW202172 (12), with high mean yield and stability, whereas the genotypes EBW202185 (16) and Deka (36) produced high mean yield, but unstable. Likewise, the genotypes EBW202164 (27) and EBW202192 (29) produced low mean yield and unstable. The AMMI analysis of variance for grain yield across the environments showed that 17.26% of the total variation was attributed to genotypic effects, 64.03% to environmental effects, and 18.71% to GEI effects. Two mega environments were identified based on GGE biplot analysis and the which-won–model indicated the adaptation of genotypes Boru (1), EBW202159 (4), EBW202172 (12), EBW202171 (19), and EBW202136 (33) to first mega-environment and genotypes EBW202157 (3), EBW202166 (5), EBW202160 (6), EBW202162 (9), EBW202185 (16), Dursa (17) and Deka (36) in the second. These approaches allowed the identification of stable and high-yielding genotypes (EBW202136 (33) and EBW202172 (12)) which can be included in the national verification program, with a plan to release a new variety, and other genotypes with high yield could be utilized in breeding programs to further improve grain yield in bread wheat
Effectiveness of Tagum City Agrivolving Fund (TAF) Program for Rice Farmers in Davao del Norte, Philippines
No full textThe main objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the Tagum City Agrivolving Fund (TAF) program for rice farmers. A mixed-method research design was employed for this study. The sample of 150 rice farmers from six farmers' associations in Davao del Norte was determined using stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a survey questionnaire that was validated by experts. The collected data were analyzed and interpreted using frequency, mean, and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of the farming population in the study consisted of older individuals, aged 41 years old and above. The gender distribution among the respondents in the Tagum City Agrivolving Fund Program showed a slightly higher representation of male farmers. Most farmers had relatively small to moderate-sized households and low monthly incomes. Furthermore, the majority of farmers were elementary graduates. They owned the land they cultivated, with small to medium-sized farm lots ranging from 1 to 5 hectares. Additionally, the program had a significant positive impact on the mean volume of rice production, which potentially improved the farmers' income. The results also indicated that the repayment terms of the Tagum City Agrivolving Fund (TAF) Program were consistently observed and perceived as very high in terms of program practices. Moreover, the effectiveness of the program in terms of access to credit, loan size, interest rate, repayment terms, and availability of technical support was reported as very high, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in empowering and facilitating agricultural endeavors. However, the rice farmers in the Tagum City Agrivolving Fund (TAF) Program faced challenges such as insufficient financing for rice production, low return on investment, delayed action on the needs of rice farmers, and scarcity of water supply
Effects of Different Levels of Gamma Radiation on Growth and Yield Characteristics of Groundnut
No full textOne of the key strategy for improving the crops is plant mutation breeding, which generates a large germplasm pool to improve crop characteristics. In this field experiment, the effects of different levels of gamma radiation on the growth and yield characteristics of groundnut were investigated. "Gamma chamber 1200 Cobalt-60" research irradiator was used to irradiate the groundnut seeds. Two experiments were conducted, with the first exposing the seeds to gamma radiation levels ranging from 0 to 100 Gy, and the second exposing them to levels from 0 to 500 Gy. Irradiated seeds were sown in poly bags and kept under shade. After 2 weeks, seedlings were transplanted in an open field using a Randomized Complete Block Design with five replications. Growth and yield parameters were collected, and statistical analysis was carried out using SAS 9.1 software, with treatment means compared using DMRT at 0.05 level. Results from experiment one showed no significant (P ≥ 0.05) differences among treatments. However, in experiment two, treatments showed significant differences in the measured variables. Seeds exposed to 200 Gy had increased shoot fresh weight (123.3%), root fresh weight (69.8%), number of pods (46%), 100-seed weight (47.7%), and total yield (65.6%). The study recommends 200 Gy as a more suitable level of gamma radiation to create desirable characteristics in groundnut. In conclusion, gamma radiation can be an effective tool for inducing mutations in plants for crop improvement. The findings of this radiation study could contribute to the improvement of new cultivars of groundnut with desirable traits, such as increased yield and improved plant growth
Household Wood Requirements and the Substitution Potential of Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) Available to Peasants in Forest Areas of Cameroon: A Case Study in Ebolowa 2
No full textAims: The aim of this study is to assess people's perceptions of bamboo's potential to replace wood.
Study Design: Introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out between April and July 2022 in an agro ecological rainforest zone in Cameroon, more specifically in the Ebolowa 2 Council, where there are significant bamboo resources.
Methodology: 5 villages were chosen for the study, due to their accessibility and proximity to the urban centre. A purposive sampling based on proximity to bamboo stands was applied and 75 households were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire, with 30% of respondents being women. In addition, observations were made directly on the field to identify the uses made of bamboo by peasants in the various villages.
Results: The results show that the collection of firewood is the second greatest anthropogenic threat to the forest after agriculture. An analysis of wood energy requirements shows that they increase with household size. 51.8% of the households sampled consume an average of 2 to 5 50-cm steres, i.e. around 1.6 to 4 m³ of firewood/week. The landscape of the study area is marked by a strong presence of tree nurseries built using bamboo as a substitute for wood. Bamboo is used by 70.3% of the population sampled in the study area. However, the value of bamboo is still very low, given the 5 areas of use identified. Nonetheless, it is seen as a good alternative to wood by 75% of these households.
Conclusion: The results of this study provide a database that can be used to help promote and develop the bamboo sector in rural forest areas of Cameroon
Retracted: Abiotic Stress Responses in Woody Plants: Morphological, Physiological, and Anatomical Features
No full textAbiotic stressors may have intricate and varied impacts on the growth and development of forest trees. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the effects of abiotic stressors, such as flood, drought, severe temperature, salt, heavy metal, combination stresses, and microplastics, on the morphological, physiological, and anatomical features of woody plants. The focus is particularly on evaluating these effects from the viewpoint of the xylem. During abiotic stress, the ability of xylem to transport water declines, which is linked to the control of leaf stomata and the suppression of aquaporin (AQP) function. Concurrently, woody plants maintain control over the dimensions and structure of their roots and leaves in order to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between water intake and evaporation. The anatomical characteristics are modified as well, including increased density of leaf stomata, smaller conduits, and thicker cell walls. Furthermore, various types of stressors elicit distinct responses in plants. For instance, flooding leads to the development of adventitious roots and aeration tissues, while forest fires cause irreparable damage to the xylem. Low temperatures result in tissue freezing, salt stress hinders ion absorption, and exposure to heavy metals induces biological toxicity. Woody plants' growth may be periodically enhanced in conditions of drought, floods, and exposure to heavy metals. The impact of combined stress on the physiological, morphological, and anatomical characteristics of woody plants is not only cumulative. The underlying mechanism behind this phenomenon requires additional investigation, particularly in natural or near-natural environments.
Retraction Notice: This paper has been retracted from the journal
Assessment of Soil Carbon Stock Potential in Different Soil Layers of Grassland Ecosystems
No full textMostly soil carbon stock research is done in areas with natural vegetation, ignoring university campuses. This study assesses soil carbon stocks in different soil layers of grassland ecosystems within the Bharathiar University campus in Tamil Nadu, India. Soil samples were collected from grasslands in four sections (namely, East section, West section, North section, and South section) of the campus and analyzed for carbon content across depths of 0-10cm, 10-20cm, and 20-30cm. Results indicate soil carbon stocks in grassland ecosystems ranging from 1.36% to 2.26%, with notable variations observed among campus sections and soil layers. One-way ANOVA revealed that there is a significant variation in soil carbon stock values among the four sections in the 20-30cm layer (F(3,16)=3.865, p<0.05), but not for the 0-10cm layer (F(3,16)=1.454, p>0.05) and the 10-20cm layer (F(3,16)=3.011, p>0.05). Pearson’s Correlation analysis revealed that the soil carbon stock had no significant relationships with soil pH, Conductivity, and total dissolved solids at all four sections of the university campus, except for a positive correlation between soil carbon stock and total dissolved solids at the East section (r=0.563, p<0.05), and between soil carbon stock and soil pH at the South section (r=0.550, p<0.05). These findings underscore the complexity of soil carbon dynamics in grassland ecosystems of university campuses and emphasize the potential for localized assessments to inform sustainable land management strategies. This study contributes valuable insights into enhancing carbon sequestration efforts at the university campus, useful for global climate change mitigation. Integrating such localized findings into broader environmental policies can optimize carbon management strategies across similar ecosystems globally