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Long-Term Impacts of Cultivation and Residue Burning Practices on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Contents in Cambisols of Southwestern Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
65-72
Received:
28 March 2015
Accepted:
14 April 2015
Published:
24 April 2015
Abstract: Soil organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (N) are important indices for evaluating land management system, so that assessing the management effects on soil OC and total N dynamics is essential for addressing sustainable land productivity and environmental quality issues. This study was carried out to determine the impact of long-term agricultural practices on the distribution and contents of OC and total N in Cambisols of Abobo, southwestern Ethiopia. Three adjacent fields: Cultivated field with continuous residue burning (CB), Grassland with annual burning (GB) and the Virgin land with native vegetation (VL) were used in this study. The soil in VL was used as a reference to assess extent of changes in soil OC and total N contents. Composite soil samples were collected from four soil depths (0-15, 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 cm) of each land units, in the triplicate sites. A one-way ANOVA and correlation coefficient analysis were used to test the mean differences of the soil OC and total N contents in each soil depth, and to determine their degree of association with other soil variables. The result revealed that the existing management practices significantly affected soil OC and total N contents in all the studied soil depths. The depletion of soil OC and total N from CB and GB fields were up to 83 and 66%, respectively, as compared to those in the VL. Changes in soil OC and total N were more pronounced in the top 30 cm depth of soil, although significant reduction observed in the 30- to 60 cm depth. The contents of deeper soil layers (45-60 cm) in burned and burned/cultivated sites were comparable, implying that immediate fire/tillage impacts were restricted to the near surface soil depth. The overall results suggest that the existing land management is not sustainable; hence, proper residue management is imperative in order to sustain the soil quality and maintain long-term productivity of the farmland.
Abstract: Soil organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (N) are important indices for evaluating land management system, so that assessing the management effects on soil OC and total N dynamics is essential for addressing sustainable land productivity and environmental quality issues. This study was carried out to determine the impact of long-term agricultural...
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Grapevine Farming and its Contribution to Household income and Welfare among Smallholder Farmers in Dodoma Urban District, Tanzania
James Lwelamira,
John Safari,
Patrick Wambura
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
73-79
Received:
2 April 2015
Accepted:
15 April 2015
Published:
27 April 2015
Abstract: High incidence of poverty in semi-arid region of central Tanzania is one of the major development challenges in the area. This has mainly been caused by failures of major crops due recurrent drought. Production of high value horticultural crops under irrigation such as grapes could be one of the strategies to reduce the severity of poverty levels and food shortages in the area. A cross-sectional study was carried out in Dodoma urban district to (i) assess the role of grapevine farming on household income and welfare of small scale farmers, (ii) examine the factors that affect grapevine farming, and (iii) identify strategies for improving grapevine farming. Household food security status and consumption expenditure were assessed and used as proxy indicators of the household welfare. The study involved a total of 252 respondents (126 grape farmers and 126 non-grape farmers). Data were collected through interviews using semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 20. Results show that grape farming contributes to more than one third (35.6%) of total household income and plays an important role in household welfare. Average household consumption expenditure for grape farmers was twofold higher than that of non-grape farmers (173,833 vs. 84,485 TZS;t = 13.3, p< 0.001). Score on household food insecurity index for grape farmers was 8.51 being lower than 11.9 for non-grape farmers (t = -5.7, p< 0.05). Nevertheless, there are a number of challenges in grape farming. These include low price of grapes, high costs of inputs, limited access to market, prevalence of pests and diseases, inadequate storage facilities and limited access to quality seedlings. This study gives insights into grape farming as a mitigation strategy of food shortage and the overall household welfare under the changing environmental and socio-economic circumstances.
Abstract: High incidence of poverty in semi-arid region of central Tanzania is one of the major development challenges in the area. This has mainly been caused by failures of major crops due recurrent drought. Production of high value horticultural crops under irrigation such as grapes could be one of the strategies to reduce the severity of poverty levels a...
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Physiochemical Parameters Analysis to Get an Upgraded Composting System
Edson Edain González-Arredondo,
Juan Carlos González-Hernández,
Jorge Rodríguez-López,
Christian Omar Martínez-Cámara
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
80-85
Received:
5 April 2015
Accepted:
17 April 2015
Published:
27 April 2015
Abstract: Physicochemical determinants parameters were analyzed in different stages of organic matter decomposition, using various chemical and biological treatments: Manure, Legumes, Mineral solution, and Vermicompost. Specifically, we studied the importance of decisive physicochemical parameters for obtaining an improved composting system. To do this, were used different techniques, such a C/N ratio, pH, organic matter content, atomic absorption to determining concentration of several mineral, ashes quantification for moisture content and temperature measurement. The vermicompost was the most effective treatment for decomposition of matter, achieving speed up the composting process just 35 days, accounting for 5 months the minimum estimated time to have a complete degradation using a conventional composting system, this represents a decrease of 23.3%, values obtained mainly from C/N ratio were close to 25:1 (25%), a final pH of 8.2, a percent of organic matter lower than 48%, and a concentration of minerals and heavy metals within the norm.
Abstract: Physicochemical determinants parameters were analyzed in different stages of organic matter decomposition, using various chemical and biological treatments: Manure, Legumes, Mineral solution, and Vermicompost. Specifically, we studied the importance of decisive physicochemical parameters for obtaining an improved composting system. To do this, were...
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Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Coping Strategies at Malindza, a Rural Semi-Arid Area in Swaziland
Siboniso M. Mavuso,
Absalom M. Manyatsi,
Bruce R. T. Vilane
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
86-92
Received:
20 March 2015
Accepted:
1 April 2015
Published:
7 May 2015
Abstract: The objective of the study was to assess the impacts of climate change faced by rural households in the lowveld of Swaziland, using Malindza as a case study area, and further identify adaptation and coping strategies employed by households. A questionnaire was developed and used to conduct interviews from 160 households randomly selected in four rural communities of the study area. Data were analysed with SPSS software, and reported in forms of tables and figures. More or less all the respondents (99%) were aware of climate change and climate change variability, Sources of information included radios (92.5%), television (5.6%) and agricultural extension officers (2%). The information was however considered inadequate and of short term remedy as it was in the form of daily weather forecast. The perceived effects of climate change included crop failure (99%), loss of livestock (99%) and drying of surface water (99%). Only 9% of the households harvested enough maize to last for a year, and the rest (91%) had to rely on buying maize, exchanging it for labour or receiving food aid. The climate change adaptation strategies practiced included contour ploughing (49%), use of organic fertilisers (29%) and crop rotation (20%). Thirty two percent of the households planted hybrid maize seeds and 15% planted open pollinated maize seeds. Another 26% planted both hybrid maize and open pollinated maize seeds. On the other hand, coping strategies practiced included selling or consuming small livestock and chicken (97%), consuming maize left for seeds (93%) and reducing food intake (23%). It was clear that the effects of climate change in rural areas were severe and needed to be addressed before critical damages like loss of human life manifest. The government should ensure that farmer’s knowledge on climate change and variability is increased through education to improve their adaptive capacity.
Abstract: The objective of the study was to assess the impacts of climate change faced by rural households in the lowveld of Swaziland, using Malindza as a case study area, and further identify adaptation and coping strategies employed by households. A questionnaire was developed and used to conduct interviews from 160 households randomly selected in four ru...
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Evaluation of Satellite Rainfall Estimates for Swaziland
Absalom Mganu Manyatsi,
Ntobeko Zwane,
Musa Dlamini
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
93-98
Received:
28 March 2015
Accepted:
18 April 2015
Published:
7 May 2015
Abstract: Swaziland is generally an arid country, with most rains falling during the period of October to March. The long term average annual rainfall ranges from 400 mm in the lowveld to 1,200 mm in the mountainous highveld. Raingauges have been used as reliable source of rainfall data, but the density of these ground based instruments is too low, offering poor spatial coverage. The use of satellite products to estimate rainfall can fill the gap created by poor spatial coverage of ground based instruments. The African Monitoring of the Environment for Sustainable Development (AMESD) project that was launched in 2007 aims to provide African Nations with resources for climate monitoring application through the use of Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite data. In Swaziland, the satellite receiving station was installed in 2012. The satellite rainfall product has not been evaluated in the country. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the rainfall product by comparing it with rainfall data sourced from raingauge. Daily rainfall data were obtained for five weather stations (Big Bend, Malkerns, Matsapha, Mhlume and Nhlangano) for 1998 to 2006. These daily rainfall data were organized in 10-day (dekadal) totals. Dekadal satellite rainfall data were obtained from the local AMESD receiving station for the respective period. The data were exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software for analysis. Person correlation and linear regression tests were performed for average dekadals and yearly data for the five weather stations to compared gauged rainfall and satellite rainfall estimates. The correlation for average dekadal rainfall data was significant at 99% level of confidence for all weather stations. Correlation coefficients and R2 were higher for weather stations in the middleveld (Malkerns and Matsapha). The magnitude of underestimation of rainfall by satellite products was higher during the wet season for weather stations receiving relatively higher rainfall. The correlation between yearly gauged rainfall and yearly rainfall estimates from satellite product was significant at 99% level of confidence for Big Bend, Mhlume and Matsapha. It was significant at 95% level of confidence for Malkerns, and not significant for Nhlangano weather station. The regression models that were developed could be used to adjust rainfall estimates from satellite products to ground (gauged) rainfall for an area or community.
Abstract: Swaziland is generally an arid country, with most rains falling during the period of October to March. The long term average annual rainfall ranges from 400 mm in the lowveld to 1,200 mm in the mountainous highveld. Raingauges have been used as reliable source of rainfall data, but the density of these ground based instruments is too low, offering ...
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Women Economic Empowerment Through Non Timber Forest Products in Gimbo District, South West Ethiopia
Getahun Kassa,
Eskinder Yigezu
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
99-104
Received:
21 March 2015
Accepted:
10 April 2015
Published:
9 May 2015
Abstract: In many communities there are limited income-generating opportunities for women. Fortunately, NTFP activities are one of the few cash-generating opportunities for women in marginalized rural communities. Nevertheless, increasing pressure on forests and biodiversity has increased the pressure on rural women. We investigated the factors influencing the income that women drive from NTFPs collection. In addition, our research also investigated the contribution of NTFPs income for the total annual income of the women and for reducing income inequality in Gimbo District. Two kebeles were selected based on NTFPs availability, level of forest exploitation activities of the people and nearness to road. Data were collected from 120 selected women through structured interviews, focus group discussions, market assessments as well as field observation. Though NTFPs accounted for 53.76% of the annual income for women, its contribution is affected by different factors. A multiple linear regression model was used to identify factors that affect the income from NTFPs. Out of eight variables included in the regression, four variables such as non NTFPs (other) income, time spent in NTFPs collection, proximity to the forest and distance to market significantly affected the income women derive from NTFP activities. The contribution of NTFPs income in reducing income inequality was analyzed by using Gini Coefficient. Comparing the Gini index with and without NTFPs production (income), the income disparity lowered from 0.40 to 0.27 in the inclusion of NTFPs. Therefore, empowering women through NTFP activities can create significant opportunity for women in terms of income and in reducing income inequality. Thus, policy programs should due attention in improving alternative sources of income for women in the study area.
Abstract: In many communities there are limited income-generating opportunities for women. Fortunately, NTFP activities are one of the few cash-generating opportunities for women in marginalized rural communities. Nevertheless, increasing pressure on forests and biodiversity has increased the pressure on rural women. We investigated the factors influencing t...
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Effect of Locally Produced Blood Meal on Growth Performance and Packed Cell Volume of Broiler Chicks
Ufele Angela Nwogor,
Ogbu Anthonia Uche,
Ebenebe Cordelia Ifeyinwa,
Akunne Chidi Emmanuel
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
105-108
Received:
24 March 2015
Accepted:
20 April 2015
Published:
12 May 2015
Abstract: This research evaluated the effect of locally produced blood meal on growth performance of broiler chicks. Three experimental diets were formulated; diet one served as control without blood meal, diet 2 contained 100g of blood meal mixed in 500g of chick mash while diet 3 contained 300g of blood meal mixed with 500g of chick mash. Forty-five broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the three treatments having five birds per cage. Each treatment was replicated three times. The experimental diets and portable water were supplied ad libitium throughout the experimental period for 42 days. At the end of the experiment, birds fed diet 2 (100g blood meal and 500g chick mash) gained more weight having mean weight gain of 3.04g than birds fed with diet 3 (300g of blood meal mixed with 500g of chick mash) having mean weight gain of 2.95g and birds fed with diet 1 (control, no blood meal). Also there was significant difference (P < 0.05) between the packed cell volume of birds feed with diet 2 and those fed with diet 1 and 3. The result of the research indicated that diet 2 enhances growth and boosts the PCV in broiler chicks. Broilers fed with diet two had the highest mean packed cell volume of 41.40%, followed by those fed with diet 3 which had 40.20% while those fed with diet 1 had 37%.
Abstract: This research evaluated the effect of locally produced blood meal on growth performance of broiler chicks. Three experimental diets were formulated; diet one served as control without blood meal, diet 2 contained 100g of blood meal mixed in 500g of chick mash while diet 3 contained 300g of blood meal mixed with 500g of chick mash. Forty-five broile...
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Salicylic Acid, Phosphorous Acid and Fungicide Sumi 8 Effects on Polyphenol Oxidases Activities and Cassava Resistance to Anthracnose
Seu Jonathan Gogbeu,
Koffi Mathurin Okoma,
Koua Serge Beranger N’Goran,
Dénézon Odette Dogbo
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
109-115
Received:
15 April 2015
Accepted:
29 April 2015
Published:
13 May 2015
Abstract: In Côte d’Ivoire, cassava contributes enormously to improve food security of population by increasing national production and financial resources of vulnerable households. But, plant is attacked by several diseases including anthracnose. This study was done to improve its resistance to anthracnose by stimulating its natural defense following treatment plants with salicylic acid, phosphorous acid and fungicide Sumi 8 as elicitors. Polyphenol oxidases were chosen as resistance marker. Results showed that in the three cultivars (yacé, TMS30572 and I88/00158), yacé was more susceptible to anthracnose (p<0.05; F = 6.83). After treatments, cassava resistance against anthracnose has been improved. Polyphenol oxidases activities were more stimulated in presence of elicitor’s phosphorous acid and salicylic acid. Native-PAGE of polyphenol oxidases revealed 11 isoenzymes including 7 new isoenzymes detected in elicited plants, treated plants contaminated or uncontaminated by Colletotrichum gloeosporioïdes, pathogen of anthracnose. Recent isoenzymes were specific for each cultivar. Their appearance was correlated with plant resistance to C. gloeosporioïdes. In these plants, in particular those germinated directly in elicitation medium, anthracnose symptoms were lessened. These elicitors were thus induced and/or stimulated cassava defense especially polyphenol oxidases activities.
Abstract: In Côte d’Ivoire, cassava contributes enormously to improve food security of population by increasing national production and financial resources of vulnerable households. But, plant is attacked by several diseases including anthracnose. This study was done to improve its resistance to anthracnose by stimulating its natural defense following treatm...
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Breeding Importance of the Hybrid Depression Problem and Possible Ways of its Overcoming
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
116-119
Received:
15 April 2015
Accepted:
1 May 2015
Published:
13 May 2015
Abstract: Widely spread natural negative mutations in the Triticum genus, the divergence of members of the complementary systems of depression, their concentration in different eco-geographical zones, depending on their biotype and variety leading to the appearance of depressive hybrid plants cause serious difficulties in breeding process. To overcome hybrid dwarfism, the impact of mineral fertilizers (N90P90K75) on the growth and development of Dwarf I and Dwarf II wheat hybrids was studied. Creation of suitable growing conditions revealed, that contrary the increase in vegetative mass of hybrid Dwarf I (plant height, number of leaves, weight per plant) and elements of productivity of hybrid Dwarf II (plant height, productive tillering, the length of the main ear, grain yield per plant) in none of the hybrids the overcoming of depression was registered.
Abstract: Widely spread natural negative mutations in the Triticum genus, the divergence of members of the complementary systems of depression, their concentration in different eco-geographical zones, depending on their biotype and variety leading to the appearance of depressive hybrid plants cause serious difficulties in breeding process. To overcome hybrid...
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Soil Fertility Status of Rice Field in Paundi Watershed, Lamjung District, Nepal
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 3, May 2015
Pages:
120-123
Received:
6 May 2015
Accepted:
11 May 2015
Published:
26 May 2015
Abstract: From May to November 2014, a research was carried out to study the soil fertility status of lowland paddy field differed in the cropping system in Paundi watershed, Nepal. A total of 20 soil samples were collected and analyzed, and a household survey was carried out to collect the information regarding soil fertility management practices being adopted along with crops yield. Average annual inputs of the organic manure, urea, Diammonium phosphate (DAP) and Muriate of potash (MoP) were 21 t ha-1, 143 kg ha-1, 116 kg ha-1 and 16 kg ha-1 respectively. Maize field received significantly higher amount of the organic manure, whereas the rice crop received the higher amount of the urea and DAP. Terrace riser slicing and the legume integrations were the other soil fertility management strategies being adopted by farmers. Soils were silt clay loam and were acidic. The soil organic matter in paddy field was low though the level was significantly higher in rice-rice cropping system than that of in rice-maize system. Most of the soils were low in the soil total nitrogen and available phosphorus. Potassium appeared to be low in the study area. Available zinc was found to be adequate in both types of the paddy field. The yield of the wet season rice, dry season rice and maize crop were 3.75, 2.0 and 2.6 t ha-1 respectively. Appropriate soil fertility management practices should be adopted to improve the soil fertility level in the study area.
Abstract: From May to November 2014, a research was carried out to study the soil fertility status of lowland paddy field differed in the cropping system in Paundi watershed, Nepal. A total of 20 soil samples were collected and analyzed, and a household survey was carried out to collect the information regarding soil fertility management practices being adop...
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