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Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate and Time of Application Affected Yield and Quality of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) at Tepi, Southwestern Ethiopia
Behailu Mekonnen,
Weyessa Garedew
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, July 2019
Pages:
126-132
Received:
6 May 2019
Accepted:
24 June 2019
Published:
4 July 2019
Abstract: Turmeric is one of the most widely grown spice crop in southwestern part of Ethiopia. However, the yield and quality of this crop is low due to many factors. In 2016/2017 main cropping season, an experiment was conducted to determine the effects of nitrogen rate and time of application on yield and quality of turmeric at Tepi. The study consists of five nitrogen rates (0, 46, 69, 92, 115 kg ha-1) and five split applications time (full dose at emergence, half at emergence + half at lag growth stage, 1/3rd at emergence + 1/3rd at lag growth stage + 1/3rd at tillering stage, 1/4th at emergence + 1/4th at lag growth stage + 1/4th at tillering stage + 1/4th at slow growth stage, and 1/5th at emergence + 1/5th at lag growth stage + 1/5th at tillering stage + 1/5th at slow growth stage + 1/5th at maturity stage ). A split plot design with three replications was used by assigning nitrogen rate as main plot factor while time of application as sub-plot factor. The result revealed that mother and finger rhizome number, mother and finger rhizome weight, fresh rhizome yield and oleoresin content were significantly affected by the interaction effects of nitrogen rate and time of application. The highest value for the variables measured was recorded at three equal split application of 115 kg N ha-1 (1/3rd at emergence + 1/3rd at lag growth stage + 1/3rd at tillering stage). Three times split application of nitrogen produced more yield and better quality as compared to the two times of application in turmeric; the most commonly known time of nitrogen application in many crops. Therefore, turmeric producer in southwestern Ethiopia should apply 115 kg N ha-1 nitrogen in three times split application to maximize their turmeric yield and quality.
Abstract: Turmeric is one of the most widely grown spice crop in southwestern part of Ethiopia. However, the yield and quality of this crop is low due to many factors. In 2016/2017 main cropping season, an experiment was conducted to determine the effects of nitrogen rate and time of application on yield and quality of turmeric at Tepi. The study consists of...
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Modernization of the Energy System of an Enterprise
Alexey Vladimirovich Sklyar,
Tatyana Evgenievna Marinchenko
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, July 2019
Pages:
133-138
Received:
8 April 2019
Accepted:
20 May 2019
Published:
16 July 2019
Abstract: Energy saving in any enterprise is an actual problem associated with the rising cost of energy. In this case, the cost of electricity is among the most expensive components. One of the most effective ways to save electricity is to use energy-saving technologies and modernize energy systems, including using “small” energy systems. The task was to modernize the energy system of the Cherepovets poultry farm in order to reduce energy costs. After completing the cycle of work on a comprehensive assessment of possible options, production verification and implementation, the most effective way to reduce the cost of electricity was the method of upgrading the energy system based on "small generation" means using traditional fuels. The modernization allowed the Cherepovets poultry farm to annually generate up to one-third of its own electricity through a mini-combined heat and power station (mini-CHP) and keep the cost of the kWh generated three times lower than that in the grid. It confirmed the possibility of sharing the poultry farm and grids of its 6 (10) kV transmission lines and transformer substation on the territory of the farm.
Abstract: Energy saving in any enterprise is an actual problem associated with the rising cost of energy. In this case, the cost of electricity is among the most expensive components. One of the most effective ways to save electricity is to use energy-saving technologies and modernize energy systems, including using “small” energy systems. The task was to mo...
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Determinants of Smallholder Farmers Market Participation and Outlet Choice Decision of Agricultural Output in Ethiopia: A Review
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, July 2019
Pages:
139-145
Received:
11 June 2019
Accepted:
24 July 2019
Published:
12 August 2019
Abstract: The majority of farmers in Ethiopia are smallholder farmers. However, smallholder farmers Participation in markets remain low due to range of resource constraints such as capital, inputs and technology and their exposure to risk. Therefore, this paper was aimed to review different literature determinants of smaller holder farmers’ market participation and outlet choice decision in Ethiopia based on desk review method. The review reveals that demographic and socio-economic factors, institutional factors, market factors, technological factors, transaction cost and risk were determinants of smallholder farmers’ market participation decision in Ethiopia. On other hand, the determinants of smallholder farmers’ market outlet decision also reviewed. Accordingly, household characteristics, transaction costs, product characteristics, household asset and trusts on buyers were determinants smallholder farmers’ market outlet choice in Ethiopia. Therefore, government and concerned bodies should improve rural infrastructure, smallholder farm productivity through technology, market information, promotion of farmer associations to enhance market participation and outlet choice small holder farmers in Ethiopia.
Abstract: The majority of farmers in Ethiopia are smallholder farmers. However, smallholder farmers Participation in markets remain low due to range of resource constraints such as capital, inputs and technology and their exposure to risk. Therefore, this paper was aimed to review different literature determinants of smaller holder farmers’ market participat...
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Recycling Polyurethane Materials to Improve Properties of Wood Composite Panels
Xiaosheng Liu,
Yanfang Pang,
Tongtong Cui,
Yan Li,
Enhua Xi,
Xin Liu,
Qi Li,
Hui Wan,
An Mao
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, July 2019
Pages:
146-151
Received:
12 July 2019
Accepted:
4 August 2019
Published:
15 August 2019
Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using polyurethane (PU) foam wastes obtained from automobile shredder residue (ASR) in wood composite panel (fiberboard) production. PU foam wastes from ASR were picked by hand, cleaned by water and acetone, grounded into powders of two sizes (60 mesh and 120 mesh), and dried to remove moisture. The PU powders were characterized by stereomicroscope and then partially replaced pMDI resin at percentages of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% (based on the weight of pMDI resin). The PU powders were mixed with wood fibers to make fiberboards. The results showed that the addition of PU powders increased both the physical and mechanical properties of fiberboards. At replacing percentages from 5% to 30%, the properties of fiberboards increased. However, further increase of replacing percentages (from 30% to 50%) resulted in lower properties of fiberboard. When observed at a magnification of 125 times by a stereomicroscope, PU powders of 60 mesh had more foam features while PU powders of 120 mesh had more particle features. The fiberboards bonded by pMDI resin and PU powders of 120 mesh had better water resistance and mechanical properties than those bonded by pMDI and PU powders of 60 mesh. The use of PU powders in fiberboard production provided a new possible way of recycling PU foam wastes. The fiberboard has advantages of formaldehyde-free, better water resistance, higher mechanical properties, and lower material cost.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using polyurethane (PU) foam wastes obtained from automobile shredder residue (ASR) in wood composite panel (fiberboard) production. PU foam wastes from ASR were picked by hand, cleaned by water and acetone, grounded into powders of two sizes (60 mesh and 120 mesh), and dried to remo...
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Design of Greenhouses with High Light Transmittance: An Implementation in Two Different Conditions
Kivanc Topcuoglu,
Halil Baki Unal
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 4, July 2019
Pages:
152-161
Received:
3 July 2019
Accepted:
5 August 2019
Published:
20 August 2019
Abstract: In periods when greenhouses need heating, heating costs can be reduced if the interior of the greenhouse receives a greater amount of sunlight. For this, the greenhouse surface slope angles need to be increase in such a way that the rays of the sun fall perpendicular to the greenhouse surface in the winter months when they are at a lower angle to the surface of the Earth. In this study, an investigation was made of greenhouse surface geometry which would allow a high level of sunlight penetration in winter conditions in the provinces of Antalya and Muğla, where greenhouse agriculture is widely practiced. The Venlo type glass greenhouse with vertical side surfaces, which is extensively used in the study area, was taken as a reference. Two different models of glass greenhouse were designed with a geometry which would increase the light penetrability of the side wall surfaces, taking account of the global radiation and the hours of sunlight for a six-month period (October to March) in each of the provinces. The geometry of the model greenhouses and the reference greenhouses was compared in terms of mean penetrability to sunlight and the energy values of the sunlight passing through. It was determined that the sunlight penetrability values of the model greenhouses were 7.86% higher than those of the reference greenhouse in Antalya province and 7.36% higher in Muğla province. These results show that the geometry of both model greenhouses was able to benefit at a higher level from the sun’s rays than fixed surface greenhouses. Greenhouses constructed according to the planned geometry will help to reduce the winter heating costs of greenhouse agriculture in mild climates similar to the study area, and help to enable greenhouse production in cooler climates. It is thought that in this way, greenhouse crop production will be possible over a wider area and throughout a longer period of the year.
Abstract: In periods when greenhouses need heating, heating costs can be reduced if the interior of the greenhouse receives a greater amount of sunlight. For this, the greenhouse surface slope angles need to be increase in such a way that the rays of the sun fall perpendicular to the greenhouse surface in the winter months when they are at a lower angle to t...
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