Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International
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Impact of Improper Waste Disposal on Surface and Ground Water
No full textPollution in water occurs when harmful substance (often chemicals or biological) contaminate streams, river, lakes, oceans or other bodies of water, degrading water quality and rendering it unhealthy to humans, animal and the environment. The widespread problem of water pollution is jeopardizing our health. Water pathogens, in form of disease-causing bacteria and viruses from human and animal waste, are a major reason of illness from contaminated drinking water. Owing to the improper treatment facilities, waste is often discharged into the surface and ground water sources. Water bacteria can be limited by recycling used plastic, standard disposal of chemicals, oils or non-biodegradable items and proper collection and transportation of solid waste to a processed disposal site. In addition, waste water should be treated properly to prevent adverse health risk of the user of both surface water and ground water in the aquatic ecosystems
Correlation Analysis among Growth, Wood Density, and Seed Traits in Gmelina arborea: A Comprehensive Study
No full textThis study explores the intricate relationships among morphological traits, wood properties, and seed characteristics in Gmelina arborea across eight natural and planted populations in Madhya Pradesh. The research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these interconnections, offering valuable insights for forest management, conservation, and breeding programs. Significant positive correlations were observed among several traits, highlighting their interdependence. For instance, crown height was strongly correlated with total tree height and crown width, indicating that trees with larger crowns tend to grow taller and exhibit higher wood density, a critical determinant of timber quality. Similarly, wood density showed positive correlations with girth at breast height (GBH) and branch thickness, suggesting that trees with thicker stems and branches produce denser, more robust wood. Seed traits also displayed notable correlations, with larger fruits associated with heavier seeds, which in turn showed greater viability and potential for seedling vigor—key factors for regeneration and commercial plantations. In contrast, some inverse relationships were identified, such as between crown height and 100-seed weight, indicating possible trade-offs where taller-crowned trees may yield lighter seeds. This integrated analysis emphasizes the importance of selecting key morphological and wood traits as indicators for superior timber quality and enhanced growth performance. The findings demonstrate the practical relevance of morphometric and seed traits in breeding programs and sustainable forestry practices. By using these traits as selection criteria, the study supports the development of more productive Gmelina arborea plantations, contributing to improved timber quality and sustainable forest management
Efficacy of Bat Guano as a Plant Fertiliser on Growth of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) in Sustainable Agriculture
No full textSynthetic/chemical fertilizers has been rapidly increased due to extensive agricultural activities to meet the demand for food to sustain an ever-expanding global population which has become a pressing concern. There is a need for development of sustainable agricultural practices which promote the use of natural fertilizers to improve soil health and support high value crops for cultivation. Bat guano, an organic fertilizer composed of bat excrement, has gained attention as a promising substitute for synthetic fertilizers, offering numerous benefits to plants and soil health as it’s highly rich in nutrient contents. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), a versatile annual herb, with multifarious uses can be used for exploring natural fertilizers for enhancing quality and crop productivity. Hence present study was under taken to examine the impact of bat guano application on the growth and productivity of fenugreek. Amongst all the treatments, the highest germination was recorded in 50% guano with soil amendments treatment resulting in 99% germination rate followed by 100% guano (96.3%). Least germination rate was observed in control with only 85.3%. Also, 50% was best treatment with maximum plant height of about 16.3 cm within 4 weeks period compared to vermicompost (15.9cm) and control (11.3cm). Similarly, leaves number per plant was also maximum in 50% guano (10.33 leaves/plant) followed by vermicompost (10 leaves/plant). NPK content of plant and soil were also analysed using standard techniques which provides valuable insights into the existing soil composition, enabling informed decisions on how to use bat guano effectively to correct nutrient deficiencies and support optimal crop growth. Further studies are recommended to assess the benefits from the use of Bat Guano as a plant fertilizer in sustainable agriculture
Effect of Bio-slurry Fertiliser on the Nutritional Quality of Shade Net Grown Swiss Chard
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the type of bio-slurry fertiliser produced from various feedstock sources that could improve the nutritional properties of shade net-grown Swiss chard.
The experiment was conducted in a randomised complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications at Pwani University’s integrated biogas Unit. The factors studied were; a) Covers (shade net and open) and the second factor was bio-slurry fertiliser treatments (T1 = No fertiliser, T2 = 100% DAP+100% CAN, T3 =100% Kitchen bio-slurry fertiliser, T4 = 100% Cow dung bio-slurry fertiliser, T5 = 50% DAP -18:46:0 + 50% CAN + 50% kitchen bio-slurry fertiliser, T6 = 50% DAP- -18:46:0- + 50% CAN + 50% cow dung bio-slurry fertiliser, T7 = 50% kitchen bio-slurry fertiliser + 50% cow dung bio-slurry fertiliser). Data were analysed using ANOVA at a 5% significance level. The results indicated that bio-slurry treatments significantly influenced moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannin, oxalates, carotenoids, chlorophyll and phytates compared with the control where no fertiliser was applied. It was also noted that bio-slurry treatment significantly influenced phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and sodium compared with the control. The study concluded that a combination of 50% kitchen waste bio-slurry and 50% cow dung bio-slurry improves the nutritional quality of Swiss chard
Analysing Research on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP): A Bibliometric Approach to Global Trends
No full textThis study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), using Scopus data to explore the chronological and thematic development of the topic from 1964 to 2024. GAP, established to guarantee food safety, environmental sustainability, and economic viability in agriculture, has achieved international acclaim. Nonetheless, investigations on the subject remain disjointed across agronomy, environmental science, and food safety. Good Agricultural Practices study is crucial in discussing global problems like climate change and food security. GAP is a framework to increase sustainable agricultural productivity, minimise the environmental implications, and make production systems resilient to the increasing global challenges. Through an analysis of the research trends, this study emphasises the critical importance of GAP in shaping a sustainable future for agriculture globally. This analysis utilises bibliometric tools like VOS Viewer and Biblioshiny to synthesise and visualise significant contributions to GAP research. 1,732 papers were examined to ascertain prominent authors, major nations, and significant topic trends. The findings indicate a growing emphasis on sustainable crop management, food safety regulations, and the incorporation of new technology like precision agriculture into Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and also show how most of the published evidence on the potential of GAP to help reduce waste in food processing is for developed regions whereas, in developing regions challenges such as limited access to financial resources, lack of knowledge dissemination, and poor infrastructure hamper the proper application of GAP. It\u27s crucial to face these socio-economic challenges to ensure equitable and sustainable agricultural development worldwide. A notable study deficiency remains in investigations centered on developing regions where GAP might exert the most substantial influence. Moreover, socio-economic obstacles, especially those encountered by smallholder farmers in implementing GAP, remain little examined. The study underscores the necessity for more investigation into the long-term impacts of GAP, particularly concerning climate change and global food security. This analysis identifies research gaps and emerging trends, establishing a basis for future studies and policy measures to promote sustainable farming practices globally. There are some limitations, such as the dependency on the Scopus database. Therefore, all the related studies indexed in other databases would not be included. Moreover, the English-language publication bias may mean valuable research done in non-English speaking countries is obscure, leading to potentially neglected global patterns
Studies on Soil Physical Quality of PT Coal Mine Reclamation Land, Sumber Bara Abadi, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, Indonesia
No full textEvaluation of the physical quality of soil on coal mine reclaimed land is needed to monitor and evaluate reclamation activities aimed at restoring and improving soil quality. The results of the evaluation of the quality of the physical properties of the soil are presented as an index of the physical quality of the soil which can be used as input for taking further soil management actions. This research aims to determine the characteristics of the physical properties of the soil and assess the physical quality of the soil on coal mine reclaimed land as outlined in the soil physical quality index (IKFT). This research was carried out from August to November 2022 on the reclaimed coal mine land of PT. Sumber Bara Abadi, Sumber Sari Village, Sebulu District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The method used in this research was a survey. Determining the location of soil samples was carried out using a purposive method based on reclaimed land cover, reclamation age, and slope. Data analysis was carried out directly in the field and soil analysis in the soil laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Mulawarman University. The assessment of the IKFT is carried out after the analysis of the physical characteristics of the soil has been determined. The IKFT is measured by following a three-step procedure, namely identification of indicator data sets, interpretation of indicators, and integration of all indicator scores into one overall IKFT value. The research results show that (1) the physical characteristics of the soil are: soil texture varies between clay, clay loam, and sandy clay loam; Soil porosity is classified as poor and good; stability of aggregate is classified as less stable aggregate to very stable; Soil permeability is relatively slow and moderate; bulk density is classified as medium and slightly dense; surface rocks are abundant; the depth of the solum is classified as shallow and medium; and (2) the physical quality of the soil on reclaimed coal mine land is classified as rather low and moderate with limiting factors including a large amount of surface rock, large bulk density, low solum depth, and low aggregate stability
Degradation of Edible Woody Species Consumed during Periods of Food Shortage and Their Preferences among the Local Population in the Sudano-Sahelian Zones of Niger, West Africa Sahel
No full textIn Niger, forest formations constitute a source and a potential reservoir of food products for the populations who use them especially during periods of low food availability. Very little research has been carried out on the woody food species of these formations which contribute enormously to the management of the food gap. This study aimed to fill this gap. It was carried out in two agro-ecological zones of Niger and has the overall objective of providing better knowledge on the ecology of the species as well as on the local perception of their conservation status in the southwest of Niger. The information was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire supplemented by interviews with key informants and preferential classification exercises of the species used. The results show that in total, 37 species are cited as food providers during the periods of food shortage by the local populations, including 26 woody food species in the Sudanian zone, 17 in the Sahelian zone and 11 species common to both zones. The most consumed organs are leaves (39.2% and 43.5%) and fruits (28.8% and 25.5%), respectively in the Sudanian zone and the Sahelian zone. Some collect them from vegetation relics such as savannahs and agrosystems, while others obtain supplies from local markets. Among the species recorded, the most preferred in the Sudanian zone are Adansonia digitata, Vitellaria paradoxa, Tamarindus indica and Parkia biglobosa and those preferred in the Sahelian zone are Maerua crassifolia, Boscia senegalensis, and Balanites aegyptiaca. However, threats have been reported for Adansonia digitata, Vitellaria paradoxa, Maerua crassifolia, Boscia senegalensis and Balanites aegyptiaca and the factors involved are uncontrolled exploitation, droughts, browsing of young shoots. The results of this study constitute a database to assess the availability and the evolutionary trend in terms of threat of the species widely used in the locality
Comparative Pest Resistance of Hot Pepper Hybrids in Organic Farming Systems
No full textThe genetic basis of the hybrid and growing conditions can significantly affect the resistance to certain types of pests in environmental protection. Some hybrids have a thicker fruit skin, higher concentrations of capsaicin (the active ingredient in hot peppers) or that the fruit contains secondary metabolites that repel pests. This is very important in ecological agriculture and environmental protection, where conventional preparations are not used. The degree of resistance of hybrids can also differ according to which types of pests are dominant in the environment. This research examines pest resistance between two different hot pepper hybrids in organic production with identical agro-ecological conditions, nutrition and plant protection. The experiment was planted in the lowland part of Bosnia and Herzegovina at an altitude of 192 m in greenhouse. During a four-month study were monitored two type of hot peppers: hybrids Fortessa and Hungarian. The attack of the five most important pests of pepper were monitored: Frankliniella occidentalis, Ostrinia nubilalis, Aphididae, Panonychus ulmi and Trialeurodes vaporarium. The resistance of the Fortessa hybrid was higher against all of the mentioned pests. Considering that the temperature was very high all trought the vegetation period and without a long period of rainfall, the attack of the mite - Panonychus ulmi was increased. The resistance of Fortesse to Panonychus ulmi is 31% higher compared to Hungarian pepper. The yield of the Fortessa hybrid is 0.52 kg higher per plant compared to Hungarian pepper. The use of genetically more resistant varieties and hybrids in organic production is the main preventive protection in the already limited possibilities of using plant protective products. Cultivation of hybrids in real conditions is the most reliable way to obtain data of plant resistance two different pepper hybrids
Assessment of Technological Knowledge of Input Dealers About Agro Services in Junagadh District, India
No full textAims: (1) To assess the technological knowledge of the input dealers towards agro-services and (2) To ascertain the association between selected characteristics of the input dealers and their knowledge regarding -services
Study Design: An ex-post facto research design was used for the study.
Place and Duration of Study: Junagadh district of Gujarat state
Methodology: Junagadh district comprises nine talukas out of which five talukas viz Junagadh, Keshod, Mendarda, Vanthali, and Maliya hatina were randomly selected for the study because these talukas had enough input dealers. From each taluka, thirty input dealers were selected randomly for the study. Thus, a total of 150 input dealers were selected randomly from five talukas.
Results: More than half (51.34 percent) of input dealers had a medium level of knowledge regarding agro-services followed by (30.00 percent) and (18.66 percent) of input dealers who had high-level and low of knowledge, respectively. The characteristics of input dealers viz., risk orientation, management orientation, economic motivation, and progressivism had a positive and highly significant relationship with their knowledge regarding agro-services. The age of input dealers had a negative and significant relationship with their knowledge regarding agro-services.
Conclusion: A significant majority of input dealers were found to possess a moderate to high level of knowledge regarding agro-services
Impact of Illegal Anthropogenic Activities on the Spatio-temporal Variations in the Distribution of the Defassa Waterbuck Population (Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa, Rüppel, 1835) in the Classified Forest and Game Ranch of Nazinga, Burkina Faso
No full textThe number of defassa waterbuck populations in the Nazinga Classified Forest and Game Ranch is declining. Few studies have been carried out on the distribution of this population. In general, the defassa waterbuck populations as well as other mammals are subject to abusive exploitation linked to anthropogenic activities. This study was to evaluate the influence of anthropogenic activities on the distribution of the defassa waterbuck population in the Nazinga Classified Forest after fourteen years (2006-2019) of collection. For this, the line transect method was used for the census of fauna and indices of the presence of anthropogenic activities. Thus, from these data, the numbers varied from 2434 individuals [95% CI (1074-5512)] in 2006 to 646 individuals [95% CI (292-1430)] in 2019 and the densities of 0.71 [95% CI (0.32) -1.57)] in 2019 to 2.67 [95% CI (1.18-6.04)] in 2006. This population remained a group from 2006 to 2019 in the conservation zone integral in search of tranquility. Indices of poaching, human presence and livestock significantly influence the numbers of this population over time. The results obtained will make it possible to develop the conservation and management plan for hunting resources aimed at preserving the wildlife diversity of the Ranch