Abstract: This study aims to determine the effect of the best types of mulch and organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of local Eban garlic. This research was conducted from May to October 2022 on the land of the Melati Women Farmer Group (WFG), Salu Village, West Miomaffo District, North Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, and the Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Timor. The experimental design used was a spit-plot design with three replications. The treatment consists of two factors: The first factor is the use of mulch, which consists of three levels, namely: TO = without mulch; T1 = organic mulch (rice straw mulch); and T2 = inorganic mulch (plastic mulch). The second factor was the use of cow manure, consisting of four levels, namely: P0 = no fertilizer (without treatment), P1 = cow manure (20 t/ha) + rice husk biochar, P2 = cow manure (20 t/ha) + biochar compost, and P3 = cow manure (20 t/ha) + biochar compost tea. The treatment combinations were T0P0, T0P1, T0P2, T0P3, T1P0, T1P1, T1P2, T1P3, T2P0, T2P1, T2P2, and T2P3 with 3 replications, so that 36 units were obtained. The results of the study showed that the combination treatment of straw mulch and cow manure (20 t/ha) plus rice husk biochar gave the best results on the local garlic yield index parameter eban (9.92). PubDate: 30 May, 2023
Abstract: Pawpaw is known as a fruit that contains nutrients and vitamins ranging from green ripe to over-ripe and unripe fruits of various varieties. The poor and delayed germination, rapid loss of viability in seeds due to the presence of sarcotesta, and condition of storage of seeds could be addressed through the storage in various containers. This paper focused on the investigation of the best storage methods that aid germination, seedling emergence and seedling performance of six pawpaw varieties. The experiment was set up in the Crop and Soil Science Laboratory Department and Nursery Site of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso (Oyo-State). It was a 6 x 5 factorial experiment that consisted of 6 varieties of pawpaw; Pink Solo, Green Solo, Ghana Solo, Sunrise Solo, Ajawa Local, and Berry likewise the 5 storage methods are desiccator, refrigerator, plastic container, aluminum foil paper, and earthen pot. Data were collected by counting the number of germinated seeds manually from 4 – 16 days after sowing inside Petri dishes, emergence rate was also counted after seeds have been sown inside polythene bags and nursed for 12 weeks and the number of seeds germinated and seedling emergence was transformed into percentages. Seedling emergence rates were also counted manually and analysed by using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), means were compared using the least significant difference at a 5% probability level. Significant differences were observed among storage methods and pawpaw varieties in germination rate, seedling emergence, and performance. The highest plant height was observed in green solo at 12WAS in the nursery (25.63 cm), the highest stem girth was recorded in Ajawa local 3.86 cm while the highest number of leaves was recorded in sunrise 9.9. The total emergence percentage was recorded in Green Solo at 93.8%. The highest germination percentage was observed in Ghana Solo 59.4%. The highest germination, seedling emergence, plant height, and number of leaves were recorded in the desiccator as 44.96%, 84.4%, 23.32 cm, and 9.38. Ajawa Local and Green Solo are recommended to be kept inside a desiccator or plastic container. PubDate: 27 Apr, 2023
Abstract: A field trial was conducted at Holeta Agricultural Research Station and Medegudina, Central Ethiopia, during the summer season of 2021 to study the effects of different weed control methods against annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in summer planted Maize. The experiment included five treatments; COYOTE 440 SE 3L ha-1, Primagramgold 660 SC 3L ha-1, twice hand weeding, weed-free and weedy check. Major weeds in the fields were Polygonum nepalense, Raphanus raphanistrum, Guizotia scabra, Galinsoga pulviflora, Corrigiola capensis, Caylusea abyssinica, Plantago lanceoleta, Spergula arvensis, Medicago polymorpha, and Phalaris paradoxa. The result signified that the most dominant weed species was Polygonum nepalense with a relative density of 18.28 %. Statistically non-significant results due to all treatments being recorded on ear per plant and 1000 kernel weights at both locations. The results showed that the most effective treatment with higher weed control efficacy (100%) and reduced weed dry weight (0.00 kg/ha) was weed-free. The application of COYOTE 440 SE produced maximum stand count (90 m2), Grain yield (4266 kg/ha), and minimum yield loss (1.49%) while statistically non-significant results were produced in cob per plant and thousand kernel weights. Hence, the study concludes that COYOTE 440 SE 3L ha-1 and weed-free could be more effective as compared to all other treatments without compromising on maize grain yield loss due to weeds. PubDate: 24 Jun, 2023
Abstract: The study was conducted to reduce the high feed wastage by practicing the improved feed trough in the study area. The trail was conducted at Tahtay Koraro district Northwestern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Improved feed trough was constructed on a total of 20 interested farmers. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected andanalyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that the improved feed troughs reduced feed waste significantly in the study area. That is 4.13% and 25% feed loss respectively in improved and traditional feed troughs. The result from the farmers perception also shows that, the farmers were preferred the technology in its less feed wastage, reduces feed contamination, gives an opportunity for persons to do other task than keeping animals, comfortable for the animals, reduces feed competition among the animals; and protects the feed from rain and sun. But farmers are less preferred the technology in its cost for its construction. Therefore, based on the result it is recommended that the technology has to be popularized and promoted to the large number of the farmers of the area for the efficient crop residue utilization. PubDate: 22 Apr, 2023
Abstract: Context: Grain by-products are nonconventional feed resources that can be used as supplemental diets for rabbits, especially during the dry season when native forages are scarce and limiting in essential nutrients. Hence, this present study is to determine the inclusion of residue, Corn Gluten Residue Meal (CGRM), Soybean Gluten Residue Meal (SGRM), and Sorghum Brewer Dry Grain (SBDG) as a replacement for maize on the performance and digestion coefficient of growing rabbits.Methods: Forty mixed breeds of rabbits (4 - 6 weeks old) were allotted into four experimental treatments in a completely randomized design. Four experimental diets were then compounded by replacing maize (40% inclusion level) with CGRM, SGRM, and SBDG then fed to the growing rabbits at 3% of their body weight. Results: The crude protein contents of diets containing grain by-products (19.06% – 20.87%) were better than maize (12.96%). Evidently, the maize diet (55.56%) was higher in carbohydrate fraction than these grain by-product-containing diets (42.20 – 49.98). Rabbits fed diets containing grain by-products had significantly higher (p < 0.05) feed intake and final weight compared to rabbits fed maize. Rabbits-fed diets containing CGRM (87.41%) and SGRM (92.09%) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in digestible crude protein than maize (76.79%) and SBDG (74.29%) diets. Also, diets containing maize and SGRM were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the digestible carbohydrate fraction than diets. Whereas, rabbits fed diets CGRM and SBDG had significantly better (p < 0.05) nitrogen balance and retention compared to rabbits fed diet SGRM and maize. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the inclusion of CGRM, SGRM, and SBDG led to better performances and digestion but with inferior carbohydrate fractions and digestion percentages compared to the maize diet. PubDate: 19 May, 2023
Abstract: In many tropical cropping systems, low soil fertility is a significant factor that hinders the development of vegetable crops. In order to get a good yield, it is necessary to increase the soil’s nutrient status to satisfy the crop’s needs, hence maintaining the soil’s fertility status. To determine the effects of Wood Shavings Biochar (WSB) and Poultry Manure (PM) on the performance of fluted pumpkin (Telferia occidentalis), this study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms, Department of Crop Production and Horticulture, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. Five (5) treatments—7.5 t/ha WSB, 7.5 t/ha PM, 2.5 t/ha WSB + 5 t/ha PM, 5 t/ha WSB + 2.5 t/ha PM, and control—were administered to the plots two weeks prior to planting. The experiment was set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Vine length, leaf count, vine girth, and leaf yield per plot were among the data obtained. They were statistically examined using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to compare the means of the treatments at a 5% level of probability. The results revealed that the optimum performance was provided by 2.5 t/ha WSB + 5 t/ha PM and 7. 5 t/ha PM, followed by 5 t/ha WSB + 2.5 t/ha PM and 7.5 t/ha WSB in terms of enhancing the soil nutrients, which in turn improved growth and yield. The fluted pumpkin planted in control gave the worst performances. The plots receiving 7.5 t/ha of WSB significantly reduced the soil acidity and increased soil’s concentration of Ca, K, and Mg respectively. While, 5 t/ha WSB + 2.5 t/ha PM significantly increased total N concentration, available P and organic matter. The study clearly showed that T. occidentalis leaves yield increased as a result of the addition of WSB and PM, hence WSB had the potential to increase the efficiency of nutrient utilization in the PM. For sustainable fluted pumpkin cultivation in the study area, utilization of 2.5 t/ha WSB + 5 t/ha PM and 7. 5 t/ha PM is therefore recommended. PubDate: 17 Jun, 2023
Abstract: Hunger is a persistent global problem affecting billions of people worldwide, particularly those living in poverty and developing countries. Research work relates to experimental research work on the causes and effects of hunger and proposes potential solutions to address the problem. Poverty, conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and gender inequality are major drivers of hunger. Hunger leads to malnutrition, which impairs physical and cognitive development, reduces economic productivity, and undermines social stability. Addressing the underlying causes of hunger through policies that promote economic growth, sustainable agriculture, access to education and healthcare, social protection programs, and conflict resolution can create a world where everyone has access to adequate and nutritious food. By implementing a comprehensive and integrated approach, we can reduce hunger and ensure that it is no longer a barrier to economic and social development.This research was done to find out the solution to this issue. In the research work, I have studied data and analyzed it for the solutions. I have tried to present all the above concepts in a lucid way so as present the related concept in an effective manner. PubDate: 16 Jun, 2023
Abstract: Since 1995, the yield, benefits, and plantation area of red plum apricot have increased dramatically. But as red plum apricot trees’ canopy and roots grew, soil drying appeared and sometimes become severe in a wet year. The severe soil drying influence the yield, quality and benefits of red plum apricot because precipitation is small and with a big season change. At this time, the plant-water relationship has to be regulated on Soil Water Resource Use Limitation by Plant and Soil Moisture Vegetation Carrying Capacity. However, there are few studies on the utilization limit of soil water resources by red plum apricot forest land. In this study, daily precipitation, and soil water suctions at different soil water content are measured, and the maximal infiltration depth and the soil water resource use limitation by red plum apricot were estimated. The results show that wilting coefficient varies with soil depth from 7.98 in surface soil to 7.1% in 240 cm soil depth, the maximal infiltration depth is 290 cm and the Use Limit of Soil Water Resources by red plum apricot is 212.7 mm. When the soil water resource in the maximal infiltration depth is lower than the limit, the regulation of the plant-water relationship must be considered. PubDate: 13 Feb, 2023
Abstract: The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in developing countries, and smallholder farmers are significant contributors to food production. In Uganda, the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) program was initiated in 2001 to provide extension services and agricultural input subsidies to farmers. However, the program has faced criticism for its high levels of corruption, militarization, and political influence, as well as for its failure to reach its intended beneficiaries, and smallholder farmers. This paper aims to examine the contribution of smallholder farmers to food security and its sensitivity to agricultural input subsidies in Uganda, with a focus on the NAADS program. Additionally, it covers the evolution of agricultural input subsidy policy in Uganda from 1987 to the present and analyses the findings on the impact of these subsidies on smallholder farmer productivity and food security. The findings conclude that the NAADS program contributes less to the target beneficiaries, and its priorities do not align with the set goals. The study further suggests several recommendations for improving the program and addressing the issues facing smallholder farmers in Uganda. PubDate: 04 Mar, 2023
Abstract: Draining excess water from the soil is the general purpose of drainage. Thus, soil protection is provided and product losses are prevented. Mole drainage consists of underground galleries that act as piped drainage. This type of drainage is mostly used successfully in clay, organic, and highly cohesive soils. It is used successfully in areas with high groundwater, during the improvement of salty and sodium soils. The biggest benefit of mole drainage is cheap and economical. In the mole drainage method, tunnels are opened under the tillage depth with a torpedo-shaped piece at the end of a foot extending under the soil. These tunnels are called mole drains. In the mole drainage method, the channels are built with mole drain plows and subsoilers. In order to benefit more effectively from mole drainages, parameters such as suitable working width, working depth and slope must be finely adjusted. For this, modern alternatives such as GPS and laser positioning systems can be used. PubDate: 01 Apr, 2023
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