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Research Article
The Effect of Soil Moisture Content on the Growth and Photosynthetic Rate of Quercus acutissima Seedlings
Yujie Luo,
Jin Dong,
An Mao*,
Yifu Yuan*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
1-6
Received:
24 December 2024
Accepted:
7 January 2025
Published:
23 January 2025
Abstract: With the increasing severity of global climate change, frequent meteorological droughts have caused changes in the water conditions of plant communities, limiting plant growth and leading to a decrease in plant productivity. In the process of vegetation restoration, the introduction of woody plants is constrained by soil moisture. While managing traditional forest nurturing measures, the study of plant functional traits can reflect the growth status of plants. Based on this, this study focuses on the commonly used tree species, Quercus acutissima, in the process of vegetation restoration in North China. Using greenhouse controlled experiments, the growth performance, biomass allocation, and leaf functional traits of seedlings under different water conditions were measured. The decrease in soil moisture inhibited the growth of Q. acutissima seedlings, resulting in a significant decrease in plant height, base diameter, crown width, and total biomass. The seedlings of Q. acutissima adjusted the biomass allocation of the whole plant and tissues within organs to adapt to water deficit. The increase in the proportion of root biomass and fine root biomass helps plants obtain more water. In order to reduce water loss, the stomata of the leaves are closed, which inhibits photosynthesis and leads to a decrease in organic matter accumulation. The LMA of seedlings is relatively stable, which may be a trade-off between light acquisition and water retention in plants.
Abstract: With the increasing severity of global climate change, frequent meteorological droughts have caused changes in the water conditions of plant communities, limiting plant growth and leading to a decrease in plant productivity. In the process of vegetation restoration, the introduction of woody plants is constrained by soil moisture. While managing tr...
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Research Article
Assessing Various Accessions of Napier (Pennisetum Purpureum) Grass in North Western Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
7-17
Received:
28 December 2024
Accepted:
13 January 2025
Published:
17 February 2025
Abstract: One of Ethiopia's the chief uncertainties with the livestock industry is the year-round scarcity of optimum quality animal feed. To overcame the supply of quality feed cultivation of tropically adapted forage species, which gives a reasonable yield under rain deficit and unstable climatic conditions. Napier grass accessions were evaluated at Pawe and Jawi localtions for their adaptionn and yield performance. Ten Napier accessions with three replications were used in the randomized complete block design of the study. Mean comparisons between accessions were made using the least significant differences and the general linear model was used to analyze data for growth parameters and nutritional quality traits, such as tillering performance, plant height, forage dry matter, leaf and stem fractions, and nutritional quality. Sixty days following the establishment, in September, the first cut was made; forty days later, in October, the second cut was made. For most variables, there was a substantial (P<0.05) difference between accessions, locations, cuts, years, and the interaction impact of location by accessions. While the leaf-to-stem ratio is significant at p<0.05 and the combined mean square for the number of tillers per plant, fresh biomass yield t/ha, and nutritional quality parameters did indicate substantial (p<0.001) variation among Napier accessions, plant height is not significant (p>0.05). In terms of fresh and dry matter yield t/ha, accessions 14984, 15743, and 16791 perform better. Accessions 14984 and local responses (64.72 and 64.95) were the most significant (p<0.001) differences in in vitro dry matter digestibility, followed by 16813 and 15743 (63.5 and 63.3). According to the findings, the ILRI-14984, 15743, and 16791 accessions produced results that were comparable to the standard checks for superior yield and nutritional quality. So we recommended the demonstration of selected accessions for Metekel and Awi mid and low land areas and other comparable agro-ecologies in the country at farmer level was essintal.
Abstract: One of Ethiopia's the chief uncertainties with the livestock industry is the year-round scarcity of optimum quality animal feed. To overcame the supply of quality feed cultivation of tropically adapted forage species, which gives a reasonable yield under rain deficit and unstable climatic conditions. Napier grass accessions were evaluated at Pawe a...
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Research Article
Investigation of the Physicochemical (Viscosity) Properties of Honey Produced in Southwestern Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
18-27
Received:
16 January 2025
Accepted:
27 January 2025
Published:
17 February 2025
Abstract: Honey is a natural sweetener with numerous nutritional qualities which provide substantial livelihood benefits. More clarification about the physical properties would help diversify the local applications critical for human livelihood. However, there is a scarcity of information on the physicochemical (viscosity) quality of honey produced in South-Western Nigeria (SWN). Therefore, this study evaluates the viscosity properties of honey produced in SWN. In a two-stage, sampling procedure, Osun, Ogun and Oyo states were purposively selected because of their prevalent apicultural activities. Three localities were chosen per state. In each of Aba Oka, Oke Onitii, Iyemogun, Iwoye, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Oke Orogun, Forest Resource Management Department, University of Ibadan (FRMDUI) and Badeku, 15 beekeepers were randomly selected and a set of questionnaires was used to obtain information on the viscosity of their harvested honey. Also, an emergent sampling technique was used to obtain capped-comb honey from one beekeeper per locality. The honey collected was analysed for physicochemical [viscosity (Pa.s)] properties following standard protocols. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. TASUED honey viscosity was the thickest, 2000.00±0.00 at 6 rounds per minute (RPM), whereas Oke Orogun was the lightest, 9990.00±0.00 at 6 RPM. Conclusively, TASUED honey was presumed to have the best quality, based on its thickest viscosity.
Abstract: Honey is a natural sweetener with numerous nutritional qualities which provide substantial livelihood benefits. More clarification about the physical properties would help diversify the local applications critical for human livelihood. However, there is a scarcity of information on the physicochemical (viscosity) quality of honey produced in South-...
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Research Article
Stand Density Influences Pulpwood Yield, Soil Fertility and Carbon Sequestration in Semiarid Melia dubia cav. Plantation
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
28-37
Received:
8 January 2025
Accepted:
27 January 2025
Published:
20 February 2025
Abstract: Melia dubia is one of the promising farm forestry tree species in semiarid regions to provide raw materials for industries and to restore the soil fertility, besides contributing to regional carbon budget. An optimal stand density will result in higher pulpwood productivity and ecological restoration. This study aimed to optimize the stand density of Melia dubia plantation in a semiarid region by studying four stand densities, viz., 4444 trees ha-1, 2500 trees ha-1, 2000 trees ha-1, and 2222 trees ha-1, for obtaining higher pulpwood yield and to find their effect on soil fertility. Pulpwood yield in all the stand densities was measured in 3 year old plantations. Physico-chemical properties and available nutrients of the post-harvest soils were compared to the initial status. Carbon sequestration was estimated by the addition of C stocks in the biomass, litter and soil. Results showed that a significantly highest pulpwood yield was obtained with 2222 trees ha-1 (P ˂ 0.05), while the highest carbon sequestration was recorded with 4444 trees ha-1. The nutrient content the post-harvest soil was found to increase compared to the initial stage in all the stand densities. Principal component analysis revealed a positive correlation between stand density and soil parameters like EC, SOC, nutrient contents, and exchangeable cations (P ˂ 0.05). This study concluded that a stand density of 2222 trees ha-1 is optimal for obtaining significantly higher pulpwood yield with Melia dubia plantations (P ˂ 0.05), besides improving soil fertility and carbon sequestration in semiarid regions.
Abstract: Melia dubia is one of the promising farm forestry tree species in semiarid regions to provide raw materials for industries and to restore the soil fertility, besides contributing to regional carbon budget. An optimal stand density will result in higher pulpwood productivity and ecological restoration. This study aimed to optimize the stand density ...
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Research Article
Supplementary Biomass Addition Enhances the Crop Productivity: Evidence from a Gliricidia sepium - Based Alley Cropping Practices in Gazipur District of Bangladesh
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
38-48
Received:
23 January 2025
Accepted:
5 February 2025
Published:
20 February 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20251301.15
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Views:
Abstract: Two consecutive experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of alley cropping practices on the productivity of cauliflower during the winter season of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. An eleven-year-old G. sepium-established alley cropping field was used as the experimental site located in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh. The experiments were done using a split-plot design. Three alley widths of G. sepium viz. W3.0, W4.5, and W6.0 (3.0 m, 4.5 m, and 6.0 m) comprised factor A, the main plot factor. Within each main plot, five nitrogen (N) doses namely N0, N25, N50, N75, and N100 contributed the five levels of factor B (sub-plot factor) each replicated thrice. Control plots received allied N doses without pruned biomass to facilitate comparison with the alley cropping. The data from the two seasons on cauliflower were subjected to pooled analysis using R-statistics. Results revealed that, growth and yield attributes of cauliflower thrived in all the alley cropping plots compared to control (absence of tree), and increased along with the increase in applied N. Further, we assessed what combinations of alley width and N level provide the highest yield and found that, W6.0×N100 treatment combination yielded the highest cauliflower yield (33.55 t ha‒1) which was statistically equivalent to the yields of W6.0×N75 and W6.0×N50 combinations. It was also observed that all the alley cropped plots given higher economic benefit compared to control, specifically with the first three highest Benefit-to-Cost Ratios (BCRs) calculated in W6.0×N100 (3.27), W6.0×N50 (3.23), and in W6.0×N75 (3.21) treatment combinations. The outcome suggests that using pruned materials can be a viable alternative to enhance crop productivity, profitability and reduce the reliance on nitrogenous fertilizer.
Abstract: Two consecutive experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of alley cropping practices on the productivity of cauliflower during the winter season of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. An eleven-year-old G. sepium-established alley cropping field was used as the experimental site located in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University,...
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Research Article
Landscape Heterogeneity Drives the Growth of Invasive Acacia Melanoxylon in Humid Forests in Kenya (Nabkoi and Timboroa Forests)
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
49-59
Received:
5 February 2025
Accepted:
17 February 2025
Published:
26 February 2025
Abstract: Invasion of forest by Acacia species is widespread in many terrestrial environments. However, their response to variation in forest environmental conditions has received less attention. This study determined the influence of landscape heterogeneity on growth of Australian Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) in tow tropical highland humid forests (Nabkoi Forest and Timboroa Forest) in Kenya. Sampling was done by laying three-500 m long transect, followed by overlaying three plots 0.1 ha. plot (10 m × 10 m) longitudinally at 235 m intervals. Tree density, diameter at breast height (DBH) > 1.3 m, tree height and tree density were measured in each plot. The study established that one of the sites was capable of supporting a larger number of trees (in terms of density) whose growth (in terms of DBH and height) is constrained while the other site supports low density of fast-growing acacia. The tree density, DBH, and height of acacia responded to variation in forest landscape heterogeneity. DBH of the invasive species was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by altitude (-ve), slope (+ve), and aspect (+ve). The current study demonstrates that altitude, slope, and aspect significantly influenced the growth of A. melanoxylon in the studied forest. To gain insight on how these environmental gradients affect growth of the invasive species without compounding factors, future studies should be conducted under controlled conditions.
Abstract: Invasion of forest by Acacia species is widespread in many terrestrial environments. However, their response to variation in forest environmental conditions has received less attention. This study determined the influence of landscape heterogeneity on growth of Australian Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) in tow tropical highland humid forests (Nabkoi...
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Case Report
Impact of Inundations on Morphological and Anatomical Characteristics of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC. – A Case Study
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
60-68
Received:
3 January 2025
Accepted:
24 January 2025
Published:
27 February 2025
Abstract: The living organisms acclimatize themselves according to the environment in which they live. The plants show modifications with climate and physiographic conditions. Some of the events of history such as major floods and droughts are conserved within plants with specific characteristics, they develop onset of these adverse events. Flood stress lowers biomass production and carbon sequestration by affecting tree stand growth yield. This synthesis focuses on impacts of flood on morphological and anatomical characteristics of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC in Punjab, India. We assessed the impact of floods on young plantations on morpho- anatomical characteristics by comparing means for eight variables through paired t-test. The features; height, diameter at breast height, collar diameter, canopy shape index, leaf area, leaf specific area, leaf dry matter content, leaf color, bark color and wood color, vessel shape, vessel frequency and vessel diameter, fibre length, fibre diameter, fibre lumen diameter, fibre wall thickness were taken under consideration. The consequences of t-test were significant for all morphological variables however, not all anatomical variables were found significantly different. The study reveals the severeness of flood impacts and climate tracks that remain conserved in history of woodlands. To lessen the negative consequences of climate change, research initiatives must be included, sustainable land management techniques must be used, and the restoration ecosystems shall be designed. There is an urge to monitor forest environmental conditions and create future plans by studying the morpho-anatomical characteristics of plants.
Abstract: The living organisms acclimatize themselves according to the environment in which they live. The plants show modifications with climate and physiographic conditions. Some of the events of history such as major floods and droughts are conserved within plants with specific characteristics, they develop onset of these adverse events. Flood stress lowe...
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Research Article
Variations in Morphological and Tuber Attributes of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Varieties in Response to NPK in Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Deborah Oluwasemilore Oni*
,
Joel Oyekunle Olaniyi
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
69-79
Received:
22 January 2025
Accepted:
10 February 2025
Published:
27 February 2025
Abstract: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) is an essential resource for rural people due to its nutritional value, drought tolerance, and ability to adapt to various soil and climatic conditions. Despite the importance of sweet potato as a food crop, the low yield of this crop is caused by many factors such as low soil fertility of most arable fields, lack of improved varieties resistant to diseases, and good genetic traits. Therefore, as a result of low soil fertility in Nigeria, the soil must be supplemented with adequate macro-nutrients to improve and sustain the growth and yield of sweet potato varieties. This study examined the influence of NPK fertilizer application on the morphological characteristics and tuber yield of selected sweet potato varieties cultivated in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. It involved six sweet potato varieties (Ex-Igborian, Mother Delight, Butter, Tis 82/0087, King Jane, and Shaba) and two NPK rates (0 which is control, and NPK rate of 50 kgN, 11 kg P2O5 and 20 kg K2O ha-1) arranged in a 2X6 factorial experiment fitted into a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Data were collected on growth parameters and yield attributes, and they were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using the Least Significant Difference at a 5% probability level. Results showed that NPK fertilizer significantly (p=0.05) influenced the growth parameters such as vine length (84.60cm), number of leaves (54.70), and number of branches (11.70) obtained from plants under NPK application while control gave the least values. Fertilizer application had a significant effect (p=0.05) on the yield and yield attributes of sweet potatoes. Therefore, Mother Delight and Ex-Igborian with the application of 50 kgN, 11 kg P2O5 and 20 kg K2O ha-1can be recommended for optimum performance of sweet potato in the study area.
Abstract: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) is an essential resource for rural people due to its nutritional value, drought tolerance, and ability to adapt to various soil and climatic conditions. Despite the importance of sweet potato as a food crop, the low yield of this crop is caused by many factors such as low soil fertility of most arable fields,...
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