Caraka Tani: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture
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Value Chain Analysis of the Broiler Industry in the Southern Sector of Ghana
Full text linkThe livestock subsector especially broiler production plays a significant role in the livelihood and food security in Ghana. Several researchers in developing nations have employed value chain methodologies to investigate the linkages and the interactions of the various actors in the poultry sector. However, none of these studies comprehensively captured each actor’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, as well as the governance structure and profitability of the broiler industry. This paper fills this gap by analyzing the governance structure, value addition, determinants of profitability and prospect of the broiler industry using 290 respondents (180 broiler producers, 65 distributors and 45 retailers) from the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Bono Regions of Ghana. The study adopted the scoring analytical technique, net farm income (NFI), the modified Cobb-Douglas function and the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) matrix for the analyses. The results revealed producers as the key governors with the highest value addition and return on investment. Distributors and processors on the other hand form informal cartels to monopolize their activities to increase bargaining power. Whilst credit access, education, business training, age and feed type influenced profitability, the broiler industry is threatened by high importation of frozen chicken, high taxes, lack of capital access and high cost of operation. The study recommends that the government should pursue measures to minimize the cost of operations through input-tax exemptions and reduce the importation of chicken products. Stakeholders should invest in input supply, processing technologies and transportation facilities to boost local production for profit gains
The Potential of Rhizophagus intraradices, Bacillus thuringiensis Bt BMKP and Silica for Anthracnose Disease Control in Shallot
Full text linkAnthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a prevalent disease that poses a significant threat to shallot production in Indonesia. To mitigate this issue, the use of biological agents presents an alternative for disease control, reducing the inherent risks associated with the use of chemical pesticides. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the potentiality and mechanism of the biological agents (Rhizophagus intraradices and Bacillus thuringiensis) combined with silica. These agents were evaluated both individually and in combination to suppress the development of anthracnose in Tajuk variety shallot. The study was conducted in the laboratory and greenhouse, arranged in a completely randomized design with six treatments and three replications. The ability to suppress pathogenic fungi was determined based on in vitro antagonism tests of B. thuringiensis, disease severity, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers and the percentage of mycorrhizal fungal infections. Furthermore, the mycorrhizal infection on plant roots was observed using staining methods. The results showed that the Bt BMKP isolate was included in the B. thuringiensis strain RC9 group with the capacity to inhibit C. gloeosporioides in vitro by 18.88%. The combination treatment of R. intraradices, B. thuringiensis and silica reduced infection from anthracnose by 15.52% compared with control. These three treatments also significantly increased the agronomic performance of shallot up to six weeks after planting compared to control and other treatments
Macronutrient Contents and Yield of Cocoa Resulting from Two Different Rejuvenation Techniques
Full text linkCocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of Indonesia’s leading and important export commodities. The cocoa plant rejuvenation techniques aim to increase cocoa production and quality. Ring budding and side grafting can rejuvenate old and unproductive cocoa plants. Therefore, this research was conducted with objectives: 1) to record macronutrient contents, yield components and yields of three cocoa clones, KKM 22, RCC 70 and RCC 71, rejuvenated with ring budding and side grafting, 2) to determine the best techniques in rejuvenation program for old cocoa stand based on nutrient contents, yield components, and yields indicators of three cocoa clones. This research was carried out from November 2020 to January 2021 at Cocoa Plantation, North Segayung Production Unit, Pagilaran Company. The results showed that ring-budded plants had the highest N nutrients content in leaves, stem organic-C production capacity, pods number per stand per year, dry weight bean per stand per year and dry weight bean per hectare per year, which was significantly better than side grafted plants. The macronutrient of total parts (leaves, stem, and root) trend was leaves > stem > root. The trend of macronutrients in cocoa were organic-C > N > Ca > K > Mg > P. Based on the macronutrient content of cocoa tissue, KKM 22 have a higher content of organic-C, N, P, K, Ca, and Mg compared to RCC 71 and RCC 70. The budding ring technique was the best in the rejuvenation program for old cocoa stands based on nutrient contents, yield components, and yield indicators of three cocoa clones
Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Fermented Manure as a Fertilizer to Support Azolla microphylla Growth Rate
Full text linkAzolla (Azolla microphylla) is a potential livestock feed due to its fast-growing and relevant nutrient content. Quail farming generates manure as a by-product that can be used as fertilizer to support plant growth. This study aims to determine the dose effect of fermented quail manure on the growth rate of Azolla, as well as the nutritional content of the resulting Azolla biomass. The data were obtained through observation in 20 Azolla culture ponds according to the design method throughout the research for the Azolla growth rate parameters and laboratory tests to analyze manure and Azolla proximate content at the end of the study. The results showed that treatment of 50, 100 and 150 g m-2 of quail manure gave similarly good effects on the Azolla growth parameters, indicating that the application of quail manure can significantly increase the production of Azolla biomass in culture ponds. The resulting Azolla biomass from all treatments gave a value of 93% to 95% moisture content, 18% to 19% ash content, 36% to 42% protein, 20% to 37% fiber, 2.8% to 4% fat and 5% to 6% carbohydrates. Looking at the big picture, therefore, 100 g m-2 manure treatment is considered the most optimal among the rest. Based on the result obtained, this study can provide an overview of the dose of quail manure that can be used to support the growth of Azolla
Exploring Agricultural Resilience in Volcano-Prone Regions: A Case Study from Mount Merapi, Indonesia
Full text linkMount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active and dangerous volcanoes, experienced a devastating eruption in 2010, causing numerous fatalities and widespread damage to homes and land, especially in areas vulnerable to the volcano’s activity. Despite the inherent risks, many farmers continue to cultivate the region’s land. This study examines the resilience of farmers in the Mount Merapi area in light of the persistent volcanic activity. Employing a qualitative methodology, including in-depth interviews and field observations, the research reveals that farmers’ resilience is shaped by their individual experiences and the contributions of government, private sector, and community actors. Long-term residence in the area has equipped farmers with the knowledge and confidence required to navigate the risks and hazards associated with the volcano. Farmers prioritize their safety but also focus on safeguarding their livestock and other essential resources, which are integral to their livelihoods. The local community is instrumental in supporting farmers and residents in disaster-prone zones, while external organizations offer additional advantages to farmers’ lives. The study proposes that a collaborative effort among all stakeholders is essential for maintaining farmers’ livelihoods in areas susceptible to volcanic activity
Identification of Morpho-Physiological and Yield Traits of Sweet Corn Hybrids at Various Shade Levels
Full text linkThe selection of shade-tolerant sweet corn under intercropping conditions is necessary to provide adaptive superior cultivars for agroforestry systems. Until recently, there have not been many reports of superior varieties of sweet corn tolerant to low light. This study aimed to determine the differences in the morphological, physiological and production responses of 25 hybrid sweet corn genotypes to low light intensity. This study used a nested design with three replications. The factors tested were the shade level (0%, 25%, 50% and 75%) and the genotype of hybrid corn. The results showed that most of the hybrid corn genotypes tested showed an increase in production at 25% shade, while at 50% and 75% shade, they showed a decrease in production. Based on relative production at 25% shade, the genotypes can be split into three groups: sensitive, moderate and tolerant. The tolerant genotype including F1 T8-2A x SM12-2 (G6); Exotic (G13); Talenta (G15); Golden boy (G16); F1 SM12-2 x T9-2 (G20) provided the highest increase in morpho-physiological characters and yields compared to the moderate and sensitive. In all genotype groups, morphological variables (number of leaves, leaf area, stem diameter and relative growth rate), physiological variables (stomata conductance, photosynthetic rate, and total dissolved solids (TDS)), and yield variables (length, diameter, number, weight and unhusked weight of ears) were significantly higher in the no-shade than in the shaded conditions. These findings can be used as a basis for sweet corn planting recommendations under shade condition areas such as in agroforestry systems
Carbon Stock, Carbon Fraction and Nitrogen Fraction of Soil Under Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper Back.) and Non-Bamboo Vegetation
Full text linkThe type of vegetation and soil organic matter affect the carbon fraction, nitrogen fraction and soil carbon stocks that contribute to the global carbon cycle. Therefore, the calculation of the composition of the fractions in different land covers is very important as a potential indicator of the effect of land management practices on soil organic carbon dynamics and supports the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) and soil carbon storage. This research aimed to determine the composition of the carbon fraction, nitrogen fraction and soil carbon stock in different land cover. There were six types of land cover with vegetations of 10-year-old bamboo, 30-year-old bamboo, 50-year-old bamboo, bulrush, a mixture of brushwood and bulrush, and a mixture of Albizia falcataria and brushwood, each of which was sampled three times. Soil samples were used to determine microbial biomass, particulate organic, humic acid, fulvic acid and soil carbon stock. The six land cover types showed significant differences in all fractions and soil carbon stocks. Fifty-year-old bamboo vegetation has the highest carbon storage of 0.029 g g-1 soil. The stable carbon fraction, in the form of humic acid and fulvic acid, in 50-year-old bamboo vegetation is more excellent than that in other vegetation. This study shows that 50-year-old bamboo vegetation has the potential to sequester carbon and store carbon in forms that decompose slowly, namely humic acid and fulvic acid, in the soil for a longer period
Utilization of Partially Purified Papain Enzyme in Mallika Black Soybean Tempeh Hydrolysate as Umami Seasoning
Full text linkTempeh made from Mallika black soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr. var. Mallika) can be fermented for up to 4 days and can be further optimized by adding partially purified papain enzyme obtained from California variety papaya leaves (Carica papaya (L.) var. California). Enzyme can be added to the hydrolysates to degrade protein into short-chain peptides and free amino acids, contributing to umami taste sensory attributes. The study aimed to determine the best ammonium sulfate fractionation of crude papain enzyme and the best physicochemical characteristics of black soybean tempeh protein hydrolysate. The addition of ammonium sulfate fractionation used was 0% to 80%; fermentation time was 2 to 4 days; and the concentration of enzyme added was 0%(w/v) to 1.5%(w/v). The results showed that the 40% fractioned papain enzyme gave the highest protease activity value (0.98±0.04 U ml-1) and most of the papain enzyme was precipitated in this fraction leaving impurities. The black soybean tempeh hydrolysates with 4 × 1% showed the best physicochemical characteristic because it produced the highest umami substance. The best characteristics were moisture content (17.97±0.46%), glutamic acid content (171.58±5.72 mg g-1) that was caused by a transamination reaction, dissolved protein content (470.66±19.50 mg g-1), degree of hydrolysis (43.64±1.99%) and lightness (46.02±0.97). The umami substance’s amino acids are high in content, such as glutamic and aspartic acids (59.89±0.31 mg g-1 and 26.47±0.09 mg g-1). Sensory evaluation showed that treatment 4 × 1% demonstrated no significant difference in umami intensity with MSG (monosodium glutamate)
Cocopeat Perlite Mixture as an Alternative for Rooted Cuttings Growth Medium of Impatiens hawkeri x platypetala in Indonesia
Full text linkImpatiens hawkeri x platypetala rooted cuttings are typically cultivated using rice husks as a substrate. However, due to the poor water-holding capacity of this medium, Impatiens grows slowly in this environment. A viable alternative is the cocopeat perlite mixture which has a better water-holding capacity compared to the rice husk. Currently, there is no sufficient information available regarding the best growth medium to improve the quality of I. hawkeri x platypetala rooted cuttings in Indonesia. Therefore, this study aimed to obtain the best medium for quality rooted cuttings I. hawkeri x platypetala. The method employed was a randomized complete block design with two factors. The first factor was the Impatiens varieties consisting of Impala Agrihorti, Imadata Agrihorti, and Lavender, while the second was the growth medium, comprised of four levels namely rice husk (control), as well as a mixture of cocopeat with 3%, 5% and 8% perlite. The result showed that there was no interaction between varieties and growth medium. The mixture of 3% perlite in cocopeat exhibited better outcomes compared to other treatments. This medium increased the number and length of roots, stem diameter, plant height, leaves thickness, leaves number and survival rate. Therefore, the addition of 3% perlite in cocopeat could replace the rice husk as a rooted cutting growth medium for I. hawkeri x platypetala
Trap Culture and Colonization of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi from Corn Roots in Tidal Swamps Using Several Host Plants
Full text linkArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are mycorrhizal from the endomycorrhizal group. The fungi live on higher plants' roots by performing symbiotic mutualism. This study aimed to identify AMF spores after trapping in corn roots and the degree of root infection by AMF in several host plants. The study was conducted using tidal swamps soil samples taken from Mulyasari Tanjung Lago Village, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra. The experiment used a randomized block design and three replicates with four host plants as a treatment: corn, soybean, sugarcane (monoculture) and sugarcane-soybean (combination). The results showed that AMF spores found on corn roots after trapping were from the Acaulospora sp. and Glomus sp. groups. Hyphae, vesicles, arbuscules and spores are AMF structures found in the roots of host plants infected by AMF. The percentage of AMF infection in host plant roots ranged from 1.11% to 77.44% where the highest was in maize host plant roots at 77.44% in the form of internal hyphae. The maize host plant has a high potential to be colonized by AMF compared to a mixture of soybean, sugarcane and sugarcane-soybean