Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International
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Smart Agricultural Technologies for Sustainable Food Production under Climate Change Pressures
No full textClimate change is a major challenge to international food security, and hence, new strategies need to be developed to ensure sustainable food production. This paper comprehensively examines how artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have been applied in agriculture to determine their suitability in enhancing productivity, resource utilisation and environmental sustainability in diverse climate conditions. A systematic review of scholarly 55 peer-reviewed studies (2014-2025) has demonstrated that AI- and IoT-based solutions have been used to increase the efficiency of irrigation, optimise nutrient and pest management, and mitigate climate risks. These technologies help in greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and chemical application reduction and also enhance crop yields. Although these have these advantages, the smallholder farmers have been limited in adopting them due to high cost, lack of technical expertise and infrastructural setbacks. These solutions should be scaled fairly with the help of policy support, capacity-building efforts, and environmentally friendly technological designs. The results highlight the opportunities of smart agriculture to support the development of sustainable, climate-resistant food production across the world
Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation through Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Practices: Evidence from Coffee Farming Households in Southwestern Uganda
No full textParticipatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) practices play a major role in enhancing the adoption of climate adaptation measures. A convergent parallel mixed-method design was therefore used to determine the contribution of PM&E practices in enhancing climate change adaptation among coffee farming households in Ntungamo district, southwestern Uganda. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 385 respondents who were selected from a population of 724 farmers using Krejice and Morgan (1970) table. The respondents were selected from district council members, steering committee members as well as coffee farmers from the sub-counties of Ihunga and Kibatsi. These categories of respondents were chosen because of their regular interaction with climate change measures while utilizing M&E practices at the district level. The data were analyzed using correlation, regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods to assess the strength, association, and linkage of PM&E practices and climate change adaptations. This type of analysis was appropriate because the study data were non-parametric. Results showed that participatory planning, needs assessments, monitoring with farmers, farmer-to-farmers exchange visits, and, participatory evaluation were positively and significantly (p=0.00) correlated with planting of the recommended shade trees in their coffee fields as well as soil and water conservation practice as interventions for adapting to climate change. However, regular data collection had a weak negative but significant correlation with farmers’ access to timely climatic information (r=-.155; p=0.00), use of soil and water conservation practices as a means of climate change adaptation (r=-.158; p=0.00) as well as farmers knowing the management of pests and diseases (r=-.178; p=0.00). This implies that most of the assessed PM&E practices enhance the planting of shade trees as well as the use of soil and water conservation practices as interventions for adapting to climate change in the coffee agro systems. The findings of this study therefore provide an informed basis for designing climate change adaptation strategies and formulation of policy recommendations at local Government level. This is vital for the various practitioners, implementers and actors in embracing the bottom–up approaches M&E in the execution of climate change interventions. We therefore recommend increased participation of coffee farmers in local Government planning, monitoring, and evaluation discussions deliberations This bottom-up approach will increase farmers’ ownership and commitment to better adoption, implementation, and sustainability of climate change interventions, ultimately enhancing smallholder livelihoods
Management of Soil Borne Diseases in Groundnut through IDM Modules
No full textThe present work was carried out to find out effective IDM module for the management soil borne diseases in groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.). Groundnut, is one of the most important oil seed crop of India is affected by several soil-borne diseases viz., collar rot, stem rot and pod rot etc. Seed and soil borne diseases causes severe seedling mortality resulting in the patchy crop stand mostly in the sandy loam soils and reduces yield from 25 to 50%. The study was conducted for development of IDM module for management of soil-borne diseases using fungicides and biocontrol agents. Among the nine modules tested, module with deep summer ploughing with mould board plough + Soil application of Trichoderma @ 4kg/ha enriched in FYM + Seed treatment with Tebuconazole 2DS 1.5 g/kg of seeds followed by seed treatment with PGPR @ 625 g for per kg seeds + Soil application of Trichoderma @ 4 kg/ ha enriched in 250 kg FYM/ha at 35 and 70 DAS recorded significantly highest seed germination (87%), significantly lowest Collar rot incidence (5.31%), Stem rot incidence at harvest (11.0%), Pod rot incidence (2.60%) and at the same time this treatment also showed significantly highest pod (1521 kg/ha) and haulm yield (3235 kg/ha), respectively as compared to control and rest of the treatments. Soil-borne diseases can be managed by integrating cultural practices like deep summer ploughing by MB plough before sowing, seed treatment with Tebuconazole 2 DS 1.5 g/kg seeds followed by soil application of Trichoderma @ 4 kg/ha enriched in 250 kg FYM at 35 and 70 DAS and would be effective against reducing soil borne pathogens of groundnut such as collar rot, stem rot and pod rot
Yield Response of Onion (Allium cepa L.) to Integrated Application of Inorganic (NPS/Urea) and Organic Fertilizers at Fafan Research Center, Somali Region, Ethiopia
No full textOnion (Allium cepa L.) is an economically important vegetable in Ethiopia, especially in irrigated areas like the Somali Region. However, its productivity remains low due to declining soil fertility and poor nutrient management. This study was conducted during the 2023/2024 cropping season at the Golajo site of the Fafan Agricultural Research Center to evaluate the effects of integrated nutrient management on the growth and yield of onion. A field experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, testing factorial combinations of three NPS/urea fertilizer rates (0, 50/50, 100/100, and 150/150 kg/ha) and three farmyard manure (FYM) levels (0, 10, and 20 t/ha). The onion variety ‘Hadramout’ was used. Results showed that both NPS/urea and FYM significantly influenced phenological traits, growth parameters, and yield components. The highest plant height (64.78 cm), leaf number (15.58), leaf length (55.13 cm), and average bulb weight (135.3 g) were recorded with the highest combined fertilizer rates. The maximum total bulb yield (17.34 t/ha) and marketable yield (17.21 t/ha) were also obtained under this treatment. Conversely, control plots without fertilizer showed the lowest values across most parameters. The findings highlight the importance of integrated nutrient management in enhancing onion productivity and suggest that combining 150/150 kg/ha of NPS/urea with 10–20 t/ha of FYM is an effective strategy. To validate these findings, additional trials across multiple locations and seasons are recommended. The integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers offers a sustainable strategy for enhancing soil fertility, increasing crop yield, and improving farm profitability
Probability Analysis of Critical Dry Spells of Beed and Jalna Districts of Marathwada Region
No full textInformation on dry spell analysis plays an important role in proper utilization of available rainwater resources. In the present study, probability analysis of critical dry and wet spells along with onset and withdrawal of rainy season was estimated for Beed and Jalna districts of Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Results indicated that, the average date of OEM was 20 June and 11 June and its withdrawal was 14 Oct and 22 September were observed in Beed and Jalna respectively. Data on average number of first, second and third critical dry spell (CDS) were also estimated and is indicated that a greater number of CDS i.e. (04) were observed in Jalna. Similarly, data on wet spells indicated that, Jalna accounts 108 wet spells and 94 wet spells were observed in Beed district. Results on Fortnightly dry spell probability analysis showed that, Mean duration of critical dry spell for Beed and Jalna district was observed as 18.93 was highest during second fortnight and 13.96 days was highest during seventh fortnight. These findings are helpful to study area for understanding the events of occurrence of dry spell and wet spell for effective agricultural planning and to decrease the adverse effects of dry spell at sensitive crop development stages, for water resource management
Climate Change and Its Impact: A Review of Global Strategies for Adaptation and Mitigation
No full textClimate change conveys an existential threat to global ecosystems and human societies, primarily from human activities that amplify greenhouse gas emissions. This review focuses on the drivers, impacts, and responses related to climate change. It highlights the need for adaptation and mitigation to develop in an integrated way and at a pace and scale commensurate with the urgency of the challenge posed. The role of fossil fuel reliance, deforestation, and intensive agriculture in accelerating global warming is well established, and so is its exacerbation of extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and the socioeconomic inequities faced by the most vulnerable, often in the Global South. However, Paris and NDCs measures, such as renewable energy transition, carbon pricing, and carbon capture technologies, are addressed in the article as international frameworks. Simultaneously, adaptation strategies, climate-resilient infrastructure, ecosystem-based approaches, and community-led initiatives are examined for their effectiveness in building resilience. We can learn from successful policy implementations in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Small Island Developing States through case studies on renewable energy integration, adaptive water management, and the utilization of traditional knowledge. Even as they advance, these Climate Solutions are Facing Mass Adoption. Both emphasize the need for mitigation and adaptation to be framed through a justice lens, privileging vulnerable communities and inter-generational justice. It demands enhanced global cooperation, scalable financing mechanisms, and inclusive governance to close implementation gaps. Understandably, addressing the climate crisis must involve systemic transformation, marrying ambitious policy frameworks with on-the-ground innovations to establish a livable world for everybody
Performance of Rice Genotypes in Non Sodic and Slightly-Saline Soils within Taita Taveta County
No full textBackground: A member of the Poaceae family, rice is utilised both for grain consumption and as forage or biomass for energy. It is one of the world’s most important cereal crops, serving as a staple food for over half of the global population.
Aims: Identify high-yielding, stress-tolerant rice varieties suited to slightly saline and non-sodic soils in Taita Taveta County, and develop site-specific varieties and optimum Nitrogen dose to improve rice productivity and reduce reliance on rice imports.
Methodology: A split-plot Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications, tested five rice varieties as the main factor, and seven nitrogen doses as sub-factor, with blocks and plots separated by 2m and 1m wide pathway, respectively. Each subplot measured 5m2 and they were separated by Polythene barriers to prevent nutrient leaching between subplots. Five rice varieties (NERICA 1, CSR 36, KOMBOKA, 17KH090014B, and AT058) were assigned randomly to main plots, while seven nitrogen rates (0-control, 17, 34, 51, 64.5, 83.4, 101 kg N ha⁻¹) formed the subplot treatments. Leaf length, leaf width, and number of leaves were measured at 45 days after transplanting (DAT) from five randomly selected plants per plot, excluding border rows and the central 1 m² area (8), while grain yield, 1000grain weight and dry biomass weight were determined from the middle 1 m² at crop maturity stage.
Results: Soil type, genotype, and season significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected dry biomass, grain yield, 1000-grain weight, leaf area index (LAI), and harvest index. Non- sodic soils supported higher yields for most varieties, with NERICA 1 (1.76 t ha⁻¹) and 17KH090014B (1.35 t ha⁻¹) outperforming others, while AT058 consistently yielded the lowest. On slightly saline soils, 17KH090014B (1.50 t ha⁻¹) and KOMBOKA (1.20 t ha⁻¹) achieved the highest yields. Across soil types, 17KH090014B recorded the greatest biomass (10.21 t ha⁻¹), 1000-grain weight (24.16 g), and grain yield (1.43 t ha⁻¹). Higher yields in NERICA 1 and 17KH090014B were linked to greater LAI and heavier grain weight. 17KH090014B was the most stable variety, especially during the long rains.
Conclusion: Among the five upland rice varieties used in this study, NERICA1 and 17KH090014B attained higher yields in non-sodic soils, attributed to higher LAI and heavier grain weight. Nonetheless, further research to validate these findings across other regions and seasons, and to develop location-specific recommendations that support national rice development goals, is critical
Nature’s Matchmakers: Insects and their Pollination Services for Crops
No full textInsect pollinators play a pivotal role in global crop production and ecosystem stability. This review emphasizes the diverse contributions of pollinators, focusing particularly on hymenopteran pollinators which helps in increasing crop yields and enhancing crop quality. The economic importance of pollination services is explored, highlighting their substantial contribution to global food production and economic value. Besides honey bees, which are known for their extensive foraging behaviour and exceptional pollination efficiency, the role of wild pollinators like bumblebees, stingless bees, and various solitary bees are also examined, highlighting their complementary role in agricultural systems. The decline in bee populations due to habitat loss and pesticide use underscores the urgent need for sustainable pollinator management practices. This review brings attention to the necessity of conserving both managed and wild pollinators to ensure ongoing agricultural productivity and food security
Effect of Sowing Method and Seed Rate on Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) in the River Nile State, Sudan
No full textAims: Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a nutritionally and economically important crop in Sudan, yet its productivity remains low due to suboptimal agronomic practices. Limited research has addressed the combined effects of sowing methods and seed rates under Sudanese conditions. This study evaluated traditional sowing methods, Sarsaba (SM₁) and Madrab (SM₂), across four seed rates (3.5–18.0 kg ha⁻¹) in River Nile State. The lack of locally validated planting protocols hinders yield optimization, particularly for smallholder farmers. By assessing growth and yield responses, this work identifies optimal practices for sustainable intensification.
Study Design: A factorial experiment arranged in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with four replications.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at Hudaiba Research Station, River Nile State, Sudan (17°34′N, 33°56′E; 350 m above sea level), over two winter cropping seasons (2019–2020 and 2020–2021).
Methodology: The carrot variety Royal Chantenay 2 was cultivated under ridge-based conditions with uniform irrigation and urea fertilization at 120 kg N ha⁻¹. Treatments included two sowing methods—SM₁ (continuous line sowing on ridge crests) and SM₂ (precision hill sowing at 10 cm spacing)—and four seed rates. Growth and yield parameters assessed were plant density (plants m⁻²), root length (cm), root diameter (cm), marketable yield (kg m⁻²), and total yield (kg m⁻²). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and LSD tests (P= 0.05) via the GRAPES statistical platform.
Results: The results showed that the highest seed rate of 18.0 kg ha⁻¹ produced the greatest total yield (5.36 kg m⁻²) and marketable yield (3.49 kg m⁻²), although this rate negatively affected root dimensions, reducing both length and diameter. Conversely, the moderate seed rate of 12.0 kg ha⁻¹ offered a better balance between yield and root quality. Among the sowing methods, Madrab (SM₂) significantly improved marketable yield (3.52 kg m⁻²), while Sarsaba (SM₁) resulted in larger root dimensions, with a mean length of 14.82 cm and diameter of 2.28 cm. The interaction between sowing method and seed rate was generally non-significant (P > 0.05), except for root length, which was notably enhanced under SM₁ at the lowest seed rate of 3.5 kg ha⁻¹. Additionally, seasonal variation was evident, with higher yields obtained in the second season, likely due to more favorable agroclimatic conditions during that period.
Conclusion: The combination of Madrab sowing (SM₂) and a moderate seed rate (12.0 kg ha⁻¹) optimizes both yield and root quality, supporting sustainable carrot production under semi-arid conditions similar to those in Sudan’s River Nile State
Identification of Mutation Point and Trend in Export of Indian Groundnut
No full textThe study aimed to identify structural mutation points and analyze long-term trends in India’s groundnut exports from 2005 to 2024 using time series data on export quantity and value sourced from Trade Map. Pettitt’s test, Buishand’s range test, and the Standard Normal Homogeneity (SNH) test, were applied to detect mutation points, while trend significance and magnitude were assessed using the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator. All three tests consistently identified 2010 as a major mutation year for both export quantity and value. Sen’s slope analysis indicated the highest growth during the full study period, with export quantity increasing by 23.84 thousand tonnes/year and value by 35.24 million USD/year. Trend models revealed that the quadratic model best explained the variation in exports. The findings highlight a structural shift post 2010 and emphasize the importance of strengthening trade strategies and infrastructure to sustain and enhance India’s groundnut export performance in the global market