In the Guinea savannah zone of northern Ghana, the soils are reported to be declining for agricultural productivity. In these farming communities that depend on soybean production for their livelihoods, resource-poor farmers are not able to afford purchases of high cost inorganic phosphatic fertilizers to enhance the crop’s production. The need arises to identify efficient practices and strategies and research into alternative means of enhancing soybean production to improve food security. This Randomized Complete Block Design as an experimental tool was employed to carry out a research in the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana (Tolon District) to assess the agronomic and economic productivity of rhizobia inoculation use in soybean production. Treatments used for the experiment were sole soybean production, soybean + recommended phosphorus (P) fertilize rate, soybean + inoculums, and soybean + P + inoculum. A planting distance of 60*10cm was used during planting. Each treatment was replicated three times. Growth and yield data were collected on plant height, nodule number and dry weight, shoot dry weight, pods number and dry weight, grain yield, 100 seed weight and nodule effectiveness. The results revealed the existence of significant difference in grain yield between treatments (p = 0.011). Soybean + inoculation + P gave the highest yield of 3.6 t/ha followed by soybean + inoculation (3.17 t/ha), soybean + P (2.97 t/ha) and soybean only (2.6 t/ha) respectively. Significant difference was also observed for number of pods between treatments (p= 0.01), with soybean + inoculation + phosphorus recording the highest followed by soybean + inoculation, soybean + phosphorus and soybean-only treatment respectively. However, use of sole inoculation in soybean production was associated with the least production cost, high revenue generation and high benefit/cost ratio. As rhizobia inoculation of soybean produced higher yields and is comparatively cheaper than phosphorus application, inoculation is suggested for the resource poor farmer in Northern Ghana.
Effect of sowing year and seedbed type on yield and yield component in bambar...Innspub Net
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is one of the most promising food legumes in Africa, due to its agronomic and nutritional potential. To take advantage of these attributes, several research programmes gathering agronomic and genetic data are being implemented throughout Africa. In this context, the responses of yield and yield components to year sowing and seedbed type were tested in a three densities (13 900 plants ha−1, 62500 plants ha−1 and 250000 plants ha−1) field experiment using a bambara groundnut landrace with a semi-bunch growth habit. Three years sowing: 2005, 2006 and 2007 were coupled with two seedbed types – raised and flat. A factorial trial using a split-plot design with three replicates was set up to analyse seed yield and plant biomass, as well as nine yield components (Plant spread, Plant height, Number of leaves per plant, Number of pods per plants, Number of seeds per plant, Pods weight per plant, Pod fill ration, Seed harvest index). The seedbed type and year of experiment did not influence significantly the marketable yield and plant biomass (p> 0.05). This result has been attributed to the suitability of the amount and distribution of rainfall and temperature for the production of bambara groundnut at the target site. Based on the trend of yield response, cultivation of landraces of bambara groundnut characterized by a semi-bunch growth habit on flat seedbeds was suggested in woodland savannas of Côte d’Ivoire to enhance seeds yield and reduce labour. Get the full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/ijaar/effect-of-sowing-year-and-seedbed-type-on-yield-and-yield-component-in-bambara-groundnut-vigna-subterranea-l-verdc-in-woodland-savannahs-of-cote-divoire/
Effect of Rhizobium Innoculation on Growth, Nodulation Count and Yield of Soy...ijtsrd
This document reports on a study that evaluated the effect of rhizobium inoculation and biochar soil amendment on the growth, nodulation, and yield of soybeans in Nigeria. The results showed that rhizobium inoculation significantly increased the number of roots nodules, as well as yield parameters like number of flowers, pods, and seed weight, compared to the control in both study years. While biochar amendment alone did not significantly affect growth, it did produce higher yields when combined with rhizobium inoculation. The study suggests that rhizobium inoculation is an effective and affordable way to improve soil nitrogen and increase soybean productivity in Nigerian soils.
Potentials of integrated nutrient management systems in rice cultivation in...අසිරිමත් තාක්ෂනය
This document discusses the potentials of integrated nutrient management (INM) systems for rice cultivation in Sri Lanka. INM is a holistic approach to plant nutrition that obtains nutrients from both inorganic and organic sources to sustain soil fertility and enhance crop productivity. The document outlines the nutrient requirements of rice plants and describes how INM can be practiced through combinations of synthetic fertilizers, minerals, organic fertilizers, crop residues, and green manures. It also discusses limitations of INM in Sri Lanka and ways to overcome them, such as utilizing available organic materials and incentivizing large-scale organic manure production. Finally, it notes Sri Lanka's tropical climate and natural resources are well-suited for INM practices.
The document provides information about a seminar on advances in anaerobic fermentation techniques for conservation of forage for small holders. It discusses:
1) The importance of green fodder for livestock and the need to conserve limited supplies of quality fodder for small holders.
2) Techniques like silage making which involve packing chopped green fodder in an airtight condition to preserve nutrients and make it easily digestible.
3) How silage can be made using inexpensive methods like plastic bags that are easy for small holders to use and provide a nutritious fodder that can be stored for long periods.
2 ijhaf dec-2017-3-effect of biochar issued fromAI Publications
Cassava is an important food crop cultivated (75%) by smallholder farmers. However, yields are very low and rarely exceed 17tons/ha-1. A study was carried out at Nkolbisson in the humid forest zone (HFZ) of Cameroon to assess the effect of three types of biochar issued from Cassava (CSb), Ricehusk (RHb), and Corncob (CCb) on the root yield of variety 8034 cassava cultivated along a soil fertility gradient. The biochars were produced using an Elsa pyrolysis technology with carbonisation time of 50-58mins and temperature ranging from 400-6500C. Twelve 8m2 plots were constructed in three sites from the higher elevated, moderately elevated and flat fields.The biochars were applied at 20t.ha-1in three replicationsin a completely randomized design.Results showed that the biochars were high in nutrients containing 4.17-18.15g.kg-1 N, 22.26-42.51 mg.kg-1 P, 2.48-4.18 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (H2O: 7.78-10.81) and were significantly higher than the no-input soil containing 0.79g.kg-1 N, 7.41mg.kg-1 P, 1.42 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (5.68). Cassava root yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in RHb plots (23.22 t.ha-1) than CCb (20.53 t.ha-1), CSb (18.67 t.ha-1) and the no-input soil (16.13 t.ha-1). The addition of biochar particularly RHb, increasednutrient uptake in cassava leaves and roots compared with theno-input soil. The study concludes that biochars with higher N, Pand K content tend to increase cassava root yield and suggestsincreasing the quantity of biochar to 40t/ha-1or continuous application in combination with other farming options such as poultry manure, compost or mineral fertilizer tomaximize cassava productivity given the benefits of biochar.
Presented at the Pulses for Sustainable Agriculture and Human Health” on 31 May-1 June 2016 at NASC, New Delhi, India. The conference was jointly organised by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), TCi of Cornell University (TCi-CU) and Agriculture Today.
The document summarizes a study that evaluated the effects of different rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers on the quality of snap bean pods grown in Jimma, Ethiopia. Five levels of N (0-164 kg/ha) and four levels of P (0-138 kg/ha) were applied in a field experiment. The results showed that increasing N and P rates significantly improved several quality parameters, including pod length, diameter, and marketable yield. Specifically, applying 82 kg N/ha and 46 kg P2O5/ha optimized pod quality by increasing length, diameter, fiberless nature, and marketable yield compared to other treatment combinations and the unfertilized control.
Title: Development of integrated rice-azolla-duck-fish farming systems with SRI methods for rice production in the Mekong River region, Vietnam
Presenter: Nghia Nguyen Soil Biology Laboratory, Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture & Applied Biology, Cantho University, Cantho City, Vietnam
Venue: Cornell University
Date: July 1, 2015
Effect of sowing year and seedbed type on yield and yield component in bambar...Innspub Net
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is one of the most promising food legumes in Africa, due to its agronomic and nutritional potential. To take advantage of these attributes, several research programmes gathering agronomic and genetic data are being implemented throughout Africa. In this context, the responses of yield and yield components to year sowing and seedbed type were tested in a three densities (13 900 plants ha−1, 62500 plants ha−1 and 250000 plants ha−1) field experiment using a bambara groundnut landrace with a semi-bunch growth habit. Three years sowing: 2005, 2006 and 2007 were coupled with two seedbed types – raised and flat. A factorial trial using a split-plot design with three replicates was set up to analyse seed yield and plant biomass, as well as nine yield components (Plant spread, Plant height, Number of leaves per plant, Number of pods per plants, Number of seeds per plant, Pods weight per plant, Pod fill ration, Seed harvest index). The seedbed type and year of experiment did not influence significantly the marketable yield and plant biomass (p> 0.05). This result has been attributed to the suitability of the amount and distribution of rainfall and temperature for the production of bambara groundnut at the target site. Based on the trend of yield response, cultivation of landraces of bambara groundnut characterized by a semi-bunch growth habit on flat seedbeds was suggested in woodland savannas of Côte d’Ivoire to enhance seeds yield and reduce labour. Get the full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/ijaar/effect-of-sowing-year-and-seedbed-type-on-yield-and-yield-component-in-bambara-groundnut-vigna-subterranea-l-verdc-in-woodland-savannahs-of-cote-divoire/
Effect of Rhizobium Innoculation on Growth, Nodulation Count and Yield of Soy...ijtsrd
This document reports on a study that evaluated the effect of rhizobium inoculation and biochar soil amendment on the growth, nodulation, and yield of soybeans in Nigeria. The results showed that rhizobium inoculation significantly increased the number of roots nodules, as well as yield parameters like number of flowers, pods, and seed weight, compared to the control in both study years. While biochar amendment alone did not significantly affect growth, it did produce higher yields when combined with rhizobium inoculation. The study suggests that rhizobium inoculation is an effective and affordable way to improve soil nitrogen and increase soybean productivity in Nigerian soils.
Potentials of integrated nutrient management systems in rice cultivation in...අසිරිමත් තාක්ෂනය
This document discusses the potentials of integrated nutrient management (INM) systems for rice cultivation in Sri Lanka. INM is a holistic approach to plant nutrition that obtains nutrients from both inorganic and organic sources to sustain soil fertility and enhance crop productivity. The document outlines the nutrient requirements of rice plants and describes how INM can be practiced through combinations of synthetic fertilizers, minerals, organic fertilizers, crop residues, and green manures. It also discusses limitations of INM in Sri Lanka and ways to overcome them, such as utilizing available organic materials and incentivizing large-scale organic manure production. Finally, it notes Sri Lanka's tropical climate and natural resources are well-suited for INM practices.
The document provides information about a seminar on advances in anaerobic fermentation techniques for conservation of forage for small holders. It discusses:
1) The importance of green fodder for livestock and the need to conserve limited supplies of quality fodder for small holders.
2) Techniques like silage making which involve packing chopped green fodder in an airtight condition to preserve nutrients and make it easily digestible.
3) How silage can be made using inexpensive methods like plastic bags that are easy for small holders to use and provide a nutritious fodder that can be stored for long periods.
2 ijhaf dec-2017-3-effect of biochar issued fromAI Publications
Cassava is an important food crop cultivated (75%) by smallholder farmers. However, yields are very low and rarely exceed 17tons/ha-1. A study was carried out at Nkolbisson in the humid forest zone (HFZ) of Cameroon to assess the effect of three types of biochar issued from Cassava (CSb), Ricehusk (RHb), and Corncob (CCb) on the root yield of variety 8034 cassava cultivated along a soil fertility gradient. The biochars were produced using an Elsa pyrolysis technology with carbonisation time of 50-58mins and temperature ranging from 400-6500C. Twelve 8m2 plots were constructed in three sites from the higher elevated, moderately elevated and flat fields.The biochars were applied at 20t.ha-1in three replicationsin a completely randomized design.Results showed that the biochars were high in nutrients containing 4.17-18.15g.kg-1 N, 22.26-42.51 mg.kg-1 P, 2.48-4.18 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (H2O: 7.78-10.81) and were significantly higher than the no-input soil containing 0.79g.kg-1 N, 7.41mg.kg-1 P, 1.42 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (5.68). Cassava root yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in RHb plots (23.22 t.ha-1) than CCb (20.53 t.ha-1), CSb (18.67 t.ha-1) and the no-input soil (16.13 t.ha-1). The addition of biochar particularly RHb, increasednutrient uptake in cassava leaves and roots compared with theno-input soil. The study concludes that biochars with higher N, Pand K content tend to increase cassava root yield and suggestsincreasing the quantity of biochar to 40t/ha-1or continuous application in combination with other farming options such as poultry manure, compost or mineral fertilizer tomaximize cassava productivity given the benefits of biochar.
Presented at the Pulses for Sustainable Agriculture and Human Health” on 31 May-1 June 2016 at NASC, New Delhi, India. The conference was jointly organised by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), TCi of Cornell University (TCi-CU) and Agriculture Today.
The document summarizes a study that evaluated the effects of different rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers on the quality of snap bean pods grown in Jimma, Ethiopia. Five levels of N (0-164 kg/ha) and four levels of P (0-138 kg/ha) were applied in a field experiment. The results showed that increasing N and P rates significantly improved several quality parameters, including pod length, diameter, and marketable yield. Specifically, applying 82 kg N/ha and 46 kg P2O5/ha optimized pod quality by increasing length, diameter, fiberless nature, and marketable yield compared to other treatment combinations and the unfertilized control.
Title: Development of integrated rice-azolla-duck-fish farming systems with SRI methods for rice production in the Mekong River region, Vietnam
Presenter: Nghia Nguyen Soil Biology Laboratory, Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture & Applied Biology, Cantho University, Cantho City, Vietnam
Venue: Cornell University
Date: July 1, 2015
Author: Norman Uphoff
Title: Opportunities to Raise Agricultural Production with Water-Saving and with Climate-Change Resilience for Diverse Crops and CountriesOpportunities to Raise Agricultural Production with Water-Saving and with Climate-Change Resilience for Diverse Crops and Countries
Presented at: The Brown Bag Lunch with Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA
Date: November 6, 2017
Venue: FAS/USDA, Washington D.C.
Poultry manure application and fallow improves peanut production in a sandy s...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
To meet our food security demands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) needs to improve smallholder subsistence agriculture by promoting the production of cash crops that mature early and have a high market value. Peanut is a typical example of a cash crop which potentially has a high market value, but pod yields are low due to declinein soil quality. A field experiment was conducted under 4 different land use systems (LUS) to evaluate the effects of continuous peanut cultivation on peanut pod yield and on selected soil properties. Peanut pod yield declined significantly under the continuous peanut and peanut/corn rotation systems; while the poultry manure and land fallow systems significantly increased pod yield. Over the 3 cropping seasons, significant changes in organic carbon; extractable potassium and CEC in all cropping systems occurred, while changes in total N was significant in the peanut/corn rotation and poultry manure cropping systems only. No significant changes in bulk density; field capacity; electrical conductivity; soil pH and available phosphorus were observed in all the 4 LUS over the 3 cropping seasons. We suggest that adequate fallow periods of more than 1 year and poultry manures are applied to enhance soil quality and improve peanut productivity and/or sustain peanut production in marginal lands under continuous cultivation
This document discusses grain processing and storage. It covers several topics:
1. The importance of grain processing to improve palatability, nutrition, and shelf life through operations like preservation, removal of inedible parts, and subdivision into ingredients.
2. Common unit operations in grain processing like grinding, which reduces particle size, and their benefits such as increasing surface area.
3. Details of rice and corn processing, including steps like cleaning, grading, dehusking, polishing, and milling to transform grains into edible forms.
4. Methods for parboiling rice to improve nutrition and milling recovery.
Presenter: K. N. Bhatt
Title: Finger Millet for Nutrition, Health and Ecological Security: SFMI
Date: June 5, 2015
Venue: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Sponsor: SRI-Rice
The document discusses rice production in Fiji. It notes that Fiji imports about 33,720 tons of rice per year, costing $19.55 million on average. Between 2005-2007, the government aimed to increase domestic rice production by 7,500 tons to reduce imports. However, rice's contribution to Fiji's GDP has declined from 25% to 12% and self-sufficiency has declined from 65% to 20%. The document evaluates the performance of SRI, ICM and local recommended practices at a research station, finding higher yield with SRI.
Effect of Spacing and Poultry Manure Rates on Growth, Yield and Quality of Ca...IJEABJ
This study investigated the effects of poultry manure rates and crop spacing on the growth, yield, and quality of cayenne pepper in the southern rainforest of Nigeria. The experiment utilized a 3x3 factorial design with three poultry manure rates (0, 10, 20 tons/ha) and three spacings (50cm x 50cm, 100cm x 50cm, 100cm x 100cm). Results showed that closer spacing and higher manure rates increased plant height, leaf number, fruit yield, and vitamin/lycopene content. The 50cm x 50cm spacing with 20 tons/ha manure produced the tallest plants with the most fruits and highest yield. This treatment combination is
1. The study examined the effects of mulching and irrigation on cocoa seedling survival and establishment during the dry season in Ghana.
2. Results showed that irrigation and mulching significantly increased soil moisture content. Cocoa seedlings raised in topsoil, mulched and irrigated had the highest survival rate of 94.5%, while seedlings without irrigation or mulching had the lowest survival rate of 47.1%.
3. Irrigation had a significant positive effect on cocoa seedling survival, plant height, and leaf number. Seedling survival was 89.6% under irrigation versus 65.6% without irrigation. Mulching alone did not significantly affect seedling survival.
Authors: Amod K. Thakur and Norman Uphoff
Title: 1707 - Climate Smart agriculture: How modified crop/water management with SRI can contribute to climate-resilience and higher water productivity
Date: October 23-25, 2017
Presented at: 2017 Annual Meetings of ASA-CSSA-SSSA on ‘Managing Global Resources for a Secure Future
Venue: Tampa, Florida, USA
Resource conservation technologies for enhancing water productivity in field ...Nikhil Kumar
This document provides a summary of a credit seminar presentation on resource conservation technologies for enhancing water productivity in field crop production. The presentation covers topics like the definition of water productivity and resource conservation technologies. It discusses various resource conservation technologies that can help improve water productivity, such as laser land leveling, bed planting systems, zero tillage, system of rice intensification, mulching, and crop diversification. It provides examples and research findings on the benefits of these technologies in saving water and increasing crop yields and productivity. The overall aim of the presentation is to promote the adoption of resource conservation technologies for optimizing water use and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Cropping systems involve the cropping patterns and interactions between crops, farm resources, and other farm activities. The document discusses different types of cropping systems including mono-cropping, multiple cropping, intercropping, mixed cropping, and sequence cropping. Intercropping of sorghum with legumes like cowpea is described as improving fodder quality and soil health. A cropping system of sorghum+cowpea with a 2:2 row ratio is mentioned as an example.
This document discusses conservation agriculture, which aims to improve productivity and food security while preserving resources and the environment. It is characterized by minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop diversification. The document reviews the history and adoption of conservation agriculture in various regions. While adoption is over 50% in the Americas, it remains low in Africa at only 1% due to challenges such as changing farmer mindsets, lack of support, and differing conditions. Widespread adoption requires practices that are economically beneficial and socially acceptable to farmers.
Generally, wheat productivity severely affected due to imbalanced fertilizer application, and on other hand NPB are 100%, 90% and 55% deficient in Pakistani soils as well as K deficiency appears rapidly. Therefore appropriate nutrient management is essentially required to obtain economic wheat yield. A field experiment was carried out at Student’s Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, during 2014-15. The trial was arranged on randomized complete block design, replicated thrice and treatments included: Control (untreated), NPK= 90:60:60 kg ha-1, NPK = 90-30-30 kg ha-1 + B: 1% (tillering), NPK = 120:60:60 kg ha-1 + B: 1% (tillering), NPK = 90:30:30 kg ha-1 + B: 2% (tillering), NPK = 120:60:60 kg ha-1 + B: 2% (tillering).The statistical analysis of data proved that various combinations of NPK and boron application displayed significant (P<0.05) effects on nearly all the growth and yield components of wheat. Thus, maximum plant height 86.7, more tillers 418.0 m2, increased spike length 11.6 cm, grains spike-1 51.0 and 49.0, grain weight plant-1 7.9 g, seed index (1000 grain weight) 41.7 g, biological yield 9131.7 kg ha-1, grain yield 3880.0 kg ha-1 and harvest index 42.5 were noted at NPK-120-60-60 kg ha-1 + B 2% at tillering phase, Whereas, all growth and yield parameters were measured poor under control (un-treated) plots. Hence, it was decided from the results that use of NPK = 120:60:60 kg ha-1 and 2% foliar application of boron at tillering stage proved better as compared to other treatments.
Conservation agriculture & what is the role in drylandshaikh wasim
- Conservation agriculture aims to conserve soil and water resources through minimal soil disturbance, maintaining soil cover through crop residues, and implementing crop rotations. It can help improve yields and resource use efficiency for smallholder farmers in dryland regions.
- Dryland agriculture relies on moisture conservation practices due to limited and variable rainfall. Conservation agriculture helps trap more rainfall in the soil by reducing erosion and evaporation.
- The key principles of conservation agriculture for drylands are minimum soil disturbance through no-till planting, maintaining soil cover through crop residues, and crop rotations including legumes. This conserves soil moisture while improving soil health. Research shows conservation agriculture can increase yields, profits, and land use efficiency compared to conventional tillage systems in dry
The document discusses the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an agroecological approach to agricultural development and environmental conservation. SRI practices can help meet goals for the rice sector in the 21st century by increasing yields by 50-100% while reducing water use by 25-50%, capital costs, and vulnerability to pests and drought. Additional benefits include reduced methane emissions, higher grain quality, and improved income for farmers. SRI differs from the Green Revolution by promoting root growth and soil life rather than changing genetics or increasing external inputs. As of 2009, SRI benefits had been validated in 35 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The document discusses the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) developed in Madagascar, which has led to increased rice yields without external inputs through improved soil and plant management. Key points include: SRI has been validated in over 35 countries, increasing yields by 50-100% on average through practices like transplanting young seedlings in wide spacing and intermittent wetting and drying of soils to encourage root and microbial growth. Studies show SRI methods can work in African countries like The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Benin, Rwanda, and Zambia, increasing yields from 1-2 tons/hectare to over 5 tons/hectare.
Impact of nitrogen fertilizer from organic and conventional sources on seed y...Innspub Net
Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.), a minor oil seed crop cultivated on marginal and sub marginal lands under poor or neglected nutrient management practices in India has a good production potential even under low nutrient input conditions. However, not much study has been made on nutrient management practices for optimising plant growth and thereby seed yield. The study was undertaken to determine the growth and seed yield response of Niger to different nitrogen sources in rainfed acid lateritic uplands. Nitrogen was applied through chemical (Urea) and organic sources (Vermicompost, Mustardoilcake and Bonemeal) separately and in combination of these at two levels (30 and 60 kg ha-1) in consecutive two years (2013-’14 and 2014-’15). Maximum seed yield (580 kg ha-1) and dry matter yield (4530 kg ha-1) of Niger were obtained where oilcake was applied in combination with chemical nutrients. However, varying sources or level of nitrogenous nutrients had no impact on oil content in seeds of Niger. Among the various sources of Nitrogen, combination of oilcake and chemical provided sufficient amount of Nitrogen to the soil which was observed through highest uptake as well as leftover available Nitrogen in soil. Get the full articles at: http://bit.ly/2eoky3A
Influence of NPK Fertilizer and Poultry Manure on the Growth of Okra (Abelmos...AI Publications
This document summarizes a study that evaluated the effects of different levels of NPK fertilizer (0, 40, 80 kg/ha) and poultry manure (0, 4, 8 tons/ha) on the growth of okra plants. A field trial was conducted in Nigeria using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Application of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and stem girth compared to the control treatment. Increasing levels of both poultry manure and NPK fertilizer generally led to better plant growth. The combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers supported greater okra growth than either treatment alone. Both p
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an agroecological approach that can increase rice yields by 30-50% or more while reducing water, seed, and chemical input use by 30-50%, 80-95%, and 30-100% respectively. SRI has spread to over 50 countries and more than 4 million farmers since 1997 using four principles: early plant establishment, reduced plant competition, use of organic matter, and reduced water use. The SRI International Network and Resources Center at Cornell University and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations promote SRI.
Lowland rice water stress management in GhanaPatrickTanz
This study investigated the effects of different water saving management methods on the growth, yield, and water productivity of lowland rice. The treatments included continuous flooding (control), flooding until 10 or 20 days after heading, and alternate wetting and drying until booting followed by flooding until 10 or 20 days after heading. Results showed that withholding water 20 days after heading (treatment 5) saved 24.3% and 25.2% of water in 2016 and 2017, respectively, while producing similar grain yields as the continuously flooded control. Treatment 5 was the most water efficient method with no reduction in yield.
An Agronomic field study was conducted at University of Limpopo Experimental farm, Syferkuil, over two summer growing seasons to determine the optimum phosphorus (P) rate and also assess the productivity of pigeonpea under intercrop with maize. Five P rates (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 kg P ha-1) were evaluated under sole and intercropped pigeonpea. Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Results revealed that variable P fertilizer rates exerted significant effect on pigeonpea grain yield in both seasons. Highest grain yields of 922 and 1141.7 kg ha-1 under sole and intercrop plots, respectively, were achieved at 45 kg P ha-1 during first and second seasons, respectively. However, the predicted optimum grain yield of 734 and 1034 kg ha-1 based on the response model was achieved at 52.67 kg P ha-1 and 42.84 kg P ha-1, in the respective seasons. Intercropping achieved a significantly higher pigeonpea grain yield (+37%) during second year than sole cropping following P addition; with over 21% mean grain yield advantage across the two planting seasons. Hence, depending on the inherent soil-P level, application of 42-53 kg P ha-1 under pigeonpea/maize intercrop represents the range at which P is optimum for maximum pigeonpea grain yield and better returns for farmers.
Production of food in resource-constrained environments that have poor inherent soil nutrition depends on tillage and cropping systems that provide high yields, preserve soil, water and biodiversity. This research was conducted in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana, during the 2015-2016 cropping seasons to evaluate the impact of tillage and cropping systems on sustainable production of maize and soybean by resource-poor farmers. The experiment was a split-split plot design with four replications. The factors consisted of tillage system at three levels (plough, ripping and direct-seeding) laid out as main plots, fertilizer rate at three levels (0 kg/ha, half the recommended rate of 30-15-15 kg/ha and the recommended optimum rate of 60-30-30 kg/ha NPK) laid as sub-plots and cropping system at two levels (sole maize, maize-soybean intercrop) laid on the sub-sub plot. Apart from leaf area that had significant three-way interaction of tillage, cropping system and fertilizer rate (p < 0.05), all other growth parameters were affected by either two factor interaction or a sole factor. Grain yield of maize was significantly influenced by sole maize and fertilizer rate with highest yield occurring under the full rate (3.4 t/ha) compared with the half rate (2.7 t/ha), amounting to yield difference of about 700 kg/ha. Yield of soybean under the integrated production was affected by interaction of tillage system and fertilizer rate. Highest soybean yield (1.4 t/ha) was recorded under the ploughed condition at the full rate of fertilizer application. Though sole maize, ploughed and with full rate of fertilizer application, gave similar benefit/cost ratio as that of the integrated production with half rate of fertilizer application, the intercropped system with half fertilizer rate resulted in 45% more increases in profit compared to the sole production with full fertilizer rate. Integrated production of maize and soybean, with half the recommended rate of NPK (30-15-15 kg/ha) is therefore recommended to resource-poor farmers in northern Ghana.
Author: Norman Uphoff
Title: Opportunities to Raise Agricultural Production with Water-Saving and with Climate-Change Resilience for Diverse Crops and CountriesOpportunities to Raise Agricultural Production with Water-Saving and with Climate-Change Resilience for Diverse Crops and Countries
Presented at: The Brown Bag Lunch with Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA
Date: November 6, 2017
Venue: FAS/USDA, Washington D.C.
Poultry manure application and fallow improves peanut production in a sandy s...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
To meet our food security demands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) needs to improve smallholder subsistence agriculture by promoting the production of cash crops that mature early and have a high market value. Peanut is a typical example of a cash crop which potentially has a high market value, but pod yields are low due to declinein soil quality. A field experiment was conducted under 4 different land use systems (LUS) to evaluate the effects of continuous peanut cultivation on peanut pod yield and on selected soil properties. Peanut pod yield declined significantly under the continuous peanut and peanut/corn rotation systems; while the poultry manure and land fallow systems significantly increased pod yield. Over the 3 cropping seasons, significant changes in organic carbon; extractable potassium and CEC in all cropping systems occurred, while changes in total N was significant in the peanut/corn rotation and poultry manure cropping systems only. No significant changes in bulk density; field capacity; electrical conductivity; soil pH and available phosphorus were observed in all the 4 LUS over the 3 cropping seasons. We suggest that adequate fallow periods of more than 1 year and poultry manures are applied to enhance soil quality and improve peanut productivity and/or sustain peanut production in marginal lands under continuous cultivation
This document discusses grain processing and storage. It covers several topics:
1. The importance of grain processing to improve palatability, nutrition, and shelf life through operations like preservation, removal of inedible parts, and subdivision into ingredients.
2. Common unit operations in grain processing like grinding, which reduces particle size, and their benefits such as increasing surface area.
3. Details of rice and corn processing, including steps like cleaning, grading, dehusking, polishing, and milling to transform grains into edible forms.
4. Methods for parboiling rice to improve nutrition and milling recovery.
Presenter: K. N. Bhatt
Title: Finger Millet for Nutrition, Health and Ecological Security: SFMI
Date: June 5, 2015
Venue: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Sponsor: SRI-Rice
The document discusses rice production in Fiji. It notes that Fiji imports about 33,720 tons of rice per year, costing $19.55 million on average. Between 2005-2007, the government aimed to increase domestic rice production by 7,500 tons to reduce imports. However, rice's contribution to Fiji's GDP has declined from 25% to 12% and self-sufficiency has declined from 65% to 20%. The document evaluates the performance of SRI, ICM and local recommended practices at a research station, finding higher yield with SRI.
Effect of Spacing and Poultry Manure Rates on Growth, Yield and Quality of Ca...IJEABJ
This study investigated the effects of poultry manure rates and crop spacing on the growth, yield, and quality of cayenne pepper in the southern rainforest of Nigeria. The experiment utilized a 3x3 factorial design with three poultry manure rates (0, 10, 20 tons/ha) and three spacings (50cm x 50cm, 100cm x 50cm, 100cm x 100cm). Results showed that closer spacing and higher manure rates increased plant height, leaf number, fruit yield, and vitamin/lycopene content. The 50cm x 50cm spacing with 20 tons/ha manure produced the tallest plants with the most fruits and highest yield. This treatment combination is
1. The study examined the effects of mulching and irrigation on cocoa seedling survival and establishment during the dry season in Ghana.
2. Results showed that irrigation and mulching significantly increased soil moisture content. Cocoa seedlings raised in topsoil, mulched and irrigated had the highest survival rate of 94.5%, while seedlings without irrigation or mulching had the lowest survival rate of 47.1%.
3. Irrigation had a significant positive effect on cocoa seedling survival, plant height, and leaf number. Seedling survival was 89.6% under irrigation versus 65.6% without irrigation. Mulching alone did not significantly affect seedling survival.
Authors: Amod K. Thakur and Norman Uphoff
Title: 1707 - Climate Smart agriculture: How modified crop/water management with SRI can contribute to climate-resilience and higher water productivity
Date: October 23-25, 2017
Presented at: 2017 Annual Meetings of ASA-CSSA-SSSA on ‘Managing Global Resources for a Secure Future
Venue: Tampa, Florida, USA
Resource conservation technologies for enhancing water productivity in field ...Nikhil Kumar
This document provides a summary of a credit seminar presentation on resource conservation technologies for enhancing water productivity in field crop production. The presentation covers topics like the definition of water productivity and resource conservation technologies. It discusses various resource conservation technologies that can help improve water productivity, such as laser land leveling, bed planting systems, zero tillage, system of rice intensification, mulching, and crop diversification. It provides examples and research findings on the benefits of these technologies in saving water and increasing crop yields and productivity. The overall aim of the presentation is to promote the adoption of resource conservation technologies for optimizing water use and enhancing agricultural productivity.
Cropping systems involve the cropping patterns and interactions between crops, farm resources, and other farm activities. The document discusses different types of cropping systems including mono-cropping, multiple cropping, intercropping, mixed cropping, and sequence cropping. Intercropping of sorghum with legumes like cowpea is described as improving fodder quality and soil health. A cropping system of sorghum+cowpea with a 2:2 row ratio is mentioned as an example.
This document discusses conservation agriculture, which aims to improve productivity and food security while preserving resources and the environment. It is characterized by minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop diversification. The document reviews the history and adoption of conservation agriculture in various regions. While adoption is over 50% in the Americas, it remains low in Africa at only 1% due to challenges such as changing farmer mindsets, lack of support, and differing conditions. Widespread adoption requires practices that are economically beneficial and socially acceptable to farmers.
Generally, wheat productivity severely affected due to imbalanced fertilizer application, and on other hand NPB are 100%, 90% and 55% deficient in Pakistani soils as well as K deficiency appears rapidly. Therefore appropriate nutrient management is essentially required to obtain economic wheat yield. A field experiment was carried out at Student’s Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, during 2014-15. The trial was arranged on randomized complete block design, replicated thrice and treatments included: Control (untreated), NPK= 90:60:60 kg ha-1, NPK = 90-30-30 kg ha-1 + B: 1% (tillering), NPK = 120:60:60 kg ha-1 + B: 1% (tillering), NPK = 90:30:30 kg ha-1 + B: 2% (tillering), NPK = 120:60:60 kg ha-1 + B: 2% (tillering).The statistical analysis of data proved that various combinations of NPK and boron application displayed significant (P<0.05) effects on nearly all the growth and yield components of wheat. Thus, maximum plant height 86.7, more tillers 418.0 m2, increased spike length 11.6 cm, grains spike-1 51.0 and 49.0, grain weight plant-1 7.9 g, seed index (1000 grain weight) 41.7 g, biological yield 9131.7 kg ha-1, grain yield 3880.0 kg ha-1 and harvest index 42.5 were noted at NPK-120-60-60 kg ha-1 + B 2% at tillering phase, Whereas, all growth and yield parameters were measured poor under control (un-treated) plots. Hence, it was decided from the results that use of NPK = 120:60:60 kg ha-1 and 2% foliar application of boron at tillering stage proved better as compared to other treatments.
Conservation agriculture & what is the role in drylandshaikh wasim
- Conservation agriculture aims to conserve soil and water resources through minimal soil disturbance, maintaining soil cover through crop residues, and implementing crop rotations. It can help improve yields and resource use efficiency for smallholder farmers in dryland regions.
- Dryland agriculture relies on moisture conservation practices due to limited and variable rainfall. Conservation agriculture helps trap more rainfall in the soil by reducing erosion and evaporation.
- The key principles of conservation agriculture for drylands are minimum soil disturbance through no-till planting, maintaining soil cover through crop residues, and crop rotations including legumes. This conserves soil moisture while improving soil health. Research shows conservation agriculture can increase yields, profits, and land use efficiency compared to conventional tillage systems in dry
The document discusses the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an agroecological approach to agricultural development and environmental conservation. SRI practices can help meet goals for the rice sector in the 21st century by increasing yields by 50-100% while reducing water use by 25-50%, capital costs, and vulnerability to pests and drought. Additional benefits include reduced methane emissions, higher grain quality, and improved income for farmers. SRI differs from the Green Revolution by promoting root growth and soil life rather than changing genetics or increasing external inputs. As of 2009, SRI benefits had been validated in 35 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The document discusses the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) developed in Madagascar, which has led to increased rice yields without external inputs through improved soil and plant management. Key points include: SRI has been validated in over 35 countries, increasing yields by 50-100% on average through practices like transplanting young seedlings in wide spacing and intermittent wetting and drying of soils to encourage root and microbial growth. Studies show SRI methods can work in African countries like The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Benin, Rwanda, and Zambia, increasing yields from 1-2 tons/hectare to over 5 tons/hectare.
Impact of nitrogen fertilizer from organic and conventional sources on seed y...Innspub Net
Niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.), a minor oil seed crop cultivated on marginal and sub marginal lands under poor or neglected nutrient management practices in India has a good production potential even under low nutrient input conditions. However, not much study has been made on nutrient management practices for optimising plant growth and thereby seed yield. The study was undertaken to determine the growth and seed yield response of Niger to different nitrogen sources in rainfed acid lateritic uplands. Nitrogen was applied through chemical (Urea) and organic sources (Vermicompost, Mustardoilcake and Bonemeal) separately and in combination of these at two levels (30 and 60 kg ha-1) in consecutive two years (2013-’14 and 2014-’15). Maximum seed yield (580 kg ha-1) and dry matter yield (4530 kg ha-1) of Niger were obtained where oilcake was applied in combination with chemical nutrients. However, varying sources or level of nitrogenous nutrients had no impact on oil content in seeds of Niger. Among the various sources of Nitrogen, combination of oilcake and chemical provided sufficient amount of Nitrogen to the soil which was observed through highest uptake as well as leftover available Nitrogen in soil. Get the full articles at: http://bit.ly/2eoky3A
Influence of NPK Fertilizer and Poultry Manure on the Growth of Okra (Abelmos...AI Publications
This document summarizes a study that evaluated the effects of different levels of NPK fertilizer (0, 40, 80 kg/ha) and poultry manure (0, 4, 8 tons/ha) on the growth of okra plants. A field trial was conducted in Nigeria using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Application of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and stem girth compared to the control treatment. Increasing levels of both poultry manure and NPK fertilizer generally led to better plant growth. The combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers supported greater okra growth than either treatment alone. Both p
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an agroecological approach that can increase rice yields by 30-50% or more while reducing water, seed, and chemical input use by 30-50%, 80-95%, and 30-100% respectively. SRI has spread to over 50 countries and more than 4 million farmers since 1997 using four principles: early plant establishment, reduced plant competition, use of organic matter, and reduced water use. The SRI International Network and Resources Center at Cornell University and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations promote SRI.
Lowland rice water stress management in GhanaPatrickTanz
This study investigated the effects of different water saving management methods on the growth, yield, and water productivity of lowland rice. The treatments included continuous flooding (control), flooding until 10 or 20 days after heading, and alternate wetting and drying until booting followed by flooding until 10 or 20 days after heading. Results showed that withholding water 20 days after heading (treatment 5) saved 24.3% and 25.2% of water in 2016 and 2017, respectively, while producing similar grain yields as the continuously flooded control. Treatment 5 was the most water efficient method with no reduction in yield.
An Agronomic field study was conducted at University of Limpopo Experimental farm, Syferkuil, over two summer growing seasons to determine the optimum phosphorus (P) rate and also assess the productivity of pigeonpea under intercrop with maize. Five P rates (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 kg P ha-1) were evaluated under sole and intercropped pigeonpea. Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Results revealed that variable P fertilizer rates exerted significant effect on pigeonpea grain yield in both seasons. Highest grain yields of 922 and 1141.7 kg ha-1 under sole and intercrop plots, respectively, were achieved at 45 kg P ha-1 during first and second seasons, respectively. However, the predicted optimum grain yield of 734 and 1034 kg ha-1 based on the response model was achieved at 52.67 kg P ha-1 and 42.84 kg P ha-1, in the respective seasons. Intercropping achieved a significantly higher pigeonpea grain yield (+37%) during second year than sole cropping following P addition; with over 21% mean grain yield advantage across the two planting seasons. Hence, depending on the inherent soil-P level, application of 42-53 kg P ha-1 under pigeonpea/maize intercrop represents the range at which P is optimum for maximum pigeonpea grain yield and better returns for farmers.
Production of food in resource-constrained environments that have poor inherent soil nutrition depends on tillage and cropping systems that provide high yields, preserve soil, water and biodiversity. This research was conducted in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana, during the 2015-2016 cropping seasons to evaluate the impact of tillage and cropping systems on sustainable production of maize and soybean by resource-poor farmers. The experiment was a split-split plot design with four replications. The factors consisted of tillage system at three levels (plough, ripping and direct-seeding) laid out as main plots, fertilizer rate at three levels (0 kg/ha, half the recommended rate of 30-15-15 kg/ha and the recommended optimum rate of 60-30-30 kg/ha NPK) laid as sub-plots and cropping system at two levels (sole maize, maize-soybean intercrop) laid on the sub-sub plot. Apart from leaf area that had significant three-way interaction of tillage, cropping system and fertilizer rate (p < 0.05), all other growth parameters were affected by either two factor interaction or a sole factor. Grain yield of maize was significantly influenced by sole maize and fertilizer rate with highest yield occurring under the full rate (3.4 t/ha) compared with the half rate (2.7 t/ha), amounting to yield difference of about 700 kg/ha. Yield of soybean under the integrated production was affected by interaction of tillage system and fertilizer rate. Highest soybean yield (1.4 t/ha) was recorded under the ploughed condition at the full rate of fertilizer application. Though sole maize, ploughed and with full rate of fertilizer application, gave similar benefit/cost ratio as that of the integrated production with half rate of fertilizer application, the intercropped system with half fertilizer rate resulted in 45% more increases in profit compared to the sole production with full fertilizer rate. Integrated production of maize and soybean, with half the recommended rate of NPK (30-15-15 kg/ha) is therefore recommended to resource-poor farmers in northern Ghana.
Effects of Incorporated Green Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on Amaranth Ama...ijtsrd
Four cowpea varieties Oloyin, Drum, Zobo and White Mallam , and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg N ha were applied at 2 weeks after planting WAP to the vegetable Amaranth between October 2018 to April 2019. The cowpea green manure was incorporated into soil 6 WAP and left for a week to decompose before planting the vegetable Amaranth. Growth of cowpea varieties used as green manure in 2018 showed no significant difference. However, in 2019 the canopy height and fresh weight at 3 WAP were significantly p 0.05 different among cowpea varieties. The canopy height of Oloyin, Drum and White Mallam were similar but significantly p 0.05 higher than that of Zobo variety. Similarly, application of 60 and 80 kg N ha significantly produced more yield relative to 0 and 40 kg N ha of inorganic fertilizer rates. Generally, higher significant yield p 0.05 was recorded in the second cycle of planting. This study concluded that green manure from Oloyin produced yield of Amaranth us 11.0 47.3 t ha which was similar to the yield obtained from 80 kg N ha 12.13 37.7t ha . Adeniji Azeez Adewale | Kumoye Deborah Etooluwa "Effects of Incorporated Green Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on Amaranth (Amaranthus Caudatus. L) Vegetable" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-6 , October 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd33676.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/zoology/33676/effects-of-incorporated-green-manure-and-inorganic-fertilizer-on-amaranth-amaranthus-caudatus-l-vegetable/adeniji-azeez-adewale
Adoption of good agricultural practices for sustainable maize and cowpea prod...Premier Publishers
This paper presents a comparative evaluation of maize and cowpea grain yields of 24 farmers in the Forest-Savannah Transition (Atebubu-Amantin) and Guinea Savannah (West-Mamprusi) zones of Ghana for 2012 and 2014 respectively at the inception and completion of the sustainable intensification of crop-livestock integration project. While only 7 and 2 farmers planted maize in rows at project inception, 12 and 9 farmers were recorded at project completion in Atebubu–Amantin and West–Mamprusi districts respectively. During 2012 cropping season, when farmers had access to fertilizer in the form of subsidy, only a farmer in each district did not apply fertilizer. However, the reverse was observed in 2014 where there was no subsidy. Comparing 2012 and 2014 cropping season results, revealed a 25% and 27% increase in maize grain yield in Atebubu–Amantin and West–Mamprusi districts respectively. Economic analysis revealed a high benefit cost ratio in maize and cowpea production in 2014 than in 2012 for both locations. The study has demonstrated that, enabling environment that encourages access to tools and implements for row planting and fertilizer in the form of subsidy would complement good agronomic technology packages introduced to farmers in order to ensure sustainable cereal and legume production.
Africa RISING in the Ethiopian highlands: Research for development driving su...africa-rising
The Africa RISING project in Ethiopia's highlands is a five-year research initiative nearing completion. It aims to sustainably intensify mixed crop-livestock farming through 17 action research protocols. This involves improving yields, closing seasonal feed gaps, enhancing water management, reducing soil loss, and fine-tuning fertilizer recommendations. Key outcomes include doubled wheat yields, increased fodder production, expanded irrigation, and restored landscapes. Capacity building activities have engaged thousands of farmers, students, and local partners in knowledge exchange. Continued support may scale proven innovations to millions of households through development partnerships.
Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yiel...Premier Publishers
A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of rates and time of nitrogen fertilizer application on yield and yield components of sorghum in northern Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of four rates of nitrogen (23, 46, 69 and 92 kg N ha-1) and three time of N application (1/2 dose at sowing and 1/2 dose at mid-vegetative, 1/2 dose at mid-vegetative and 1/2 dose at booting stage, 1/3 dose at sowing, 1/3 dose at mid vegetative and 1/3 dose at booting stage). The main effect of rate of N application showed significantly the highest days to flowering, days to physiological maturity, plant height, panicle length and biomass yield (10716 kg ha-1) at 92 kg N ha-1. Similarly, the highest days to flowering, leaf area index (2.86) and panicle weight were obtained from three split application and the maximum biomass yield (10142 kg ha-1) was recorded from two split application of N (1/2 dose each at mid-vegetative and at booting stage). The interaction of rates and time of application of nitrogen had significantly the highest 1000 kernels weight (44.67 g), grain yield (4635 kg ha-1) and harvest index from 69 kg N ha-1 in three split application. Economic analysis showed that maximum net benefit of 33053.23 ETB ha-1 from 69kg N ha-1 in three split application. Based on the results, it can be concluded that application of 69 kg N ha-1 in three splits to be appropriate to increase the productivity of sorghum in the study area.
Effect of cattle manure and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of h...Premier Publishers
The high cost of inorganic fertilizer and continuous decline in soil fertility results to low crop yield hence, the need to supplement mineral fertilizer with organic manure. Field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Gubi, Bauchi State, Nigeria, to investigate the effects of different levels of cattle manure, CM, (0, 5 and 10 t/ha) and NPK (0, 200 and 400kg/ha) on the growth, yield and yield components of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.). These treatment combinations were replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. CM levels had significant effect (P≤0.05) on number of leaves per plant and plant height. However, NPK levels also had significant effect on many characters in both 2013 and 2014 but lower mean values were recorded in 2013. In 2014, significant interactions were observed in mean number of leaves, plant height, husk weight and yield (t/ha). The highest seed yield (5.65t/ha) was obtained when 5t/ha CM was used, which was statistically similar (5.60t/ha) to 400kg/ha inorganic fertilizer used. The application of 5t/ha CM or 400kg/ha NPK is recommended for improved production of hybrid maize in the study area.
CA in Tanzania: the case of Mwangaza B CA Farmer Field School (FFS) Rhotia Vi...Joanna Hicks
The document summarizes a conservation agriculture project in Tanzania that aimed to address soil degradation and low crop yields. The project introduced conservation agriculture practices like minimum tillage, permanent soil cover, and crop rotations to farmers through farmer field schools. These practices led to increased maize yields from 2.05 tons/hectare to 14 tons/hectare, reduced labor by 40% and time for farm operations by 50%. The conservation agriculture techniques were adopted on 2,857 hectares of land and helped improve soil health, crop production, and farmer livelihoods in Tanzania.
Effect of crop establishment/irrigation techniques and nitrogen levels on gro...Innspub Net
A field experiment was conducted during 2010 and 2011, under three replications. One row in Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed/ every furrow irrigation increased plant height by 7.94 %, stem girth by 46.47 per cent, and dry matter at maturity by 23.69 % over conventional sowing/ conventional irrigation. Similarly, number of leaves increased by 19.26 and 24.65 % leaf area by 25.83 and 26.65 %, over conventional practice at 60 and 90 days after sowing, respectively. Besides, it resulted 1.91 and 1.82 % higher total chlorophyll over conventional practice at 30 and 60 days after sowing, respectively and increased grain by 60.72 %, biological 42.44 % and stover yield by 30.2 % over conventional practice and also resulted 3.43 higher starch and 12.05 % protein content over conventional practice. One row in FIRB/ every furrow irrigation, had 62.1, 51.5 and 42.9 % higher uptake for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium over conventional practice of crop establishment, respectively. Get more articles: http://goo.gl/FAvGnB
ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF SWEET POTATOpavanknaik
This document provides information on sweet potato production technology and crop improvement. It discusses the botanical details of sweet potato, describes popular varieties from different research institutes in India, and outlines cultivation practices. It also summarizes some research studies that evaluated the effects of fertilizers, bio-regulators, and post-harvest techniques on sweet potato growth and yield.
Evaluating Plantmate organic manure and prime EC foliar on plant performance ...Innspub Net
Trials for the effectiveness of Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food for increased yields for selected crops were done in five different Agro-ecological zones and soil types, in Kenya. The approach was executed through controlled greenhouse experiment and in the field. The trials data obtained indicated Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food in combination with half the rate of recommended inorganic fertilizer performed significantly (p<0.05) better than all other treatments. Thus, plots treated with Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food gave higher yields in common beans, French beans, maize, onions, cabbages, capsicum with percentages exceeding 100 compared to the control in most cases. In many soils fertilizers are fixed and rendered insoluble under certain soil conditions such as soil pH. The Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food ameliorated the soil conditions as it interacted with inorganic fertilizer thus increasing its use efficiency by crops. Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food not only increased soil chemical fertility but also improves water use efficiency at low matric potential and generally improves plant vigor and soil health.
The tests for the evaluation of seedling establishment, palatability and acceptability were carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agricultural Technology and the Food Laboratory of the Department of Home and Rural Economics, Adamawa State College of Agriculture, Ganye, Adamawa State. The experimental designs used were Randomized Complete Block Design and the Completely Randomized Design. Some of the parameters measured were percentage seedling establishment, palatability, and acceptability tests. The highest mean percentage seedling establishment was observed in 12.00g levels of H. suaveolens whole powder treated shelled groundnut seeds (97.67, 97.00, and 94.00) at the three periods of storage. Percentage seedling establishment decreased with a decrease in levels of H. suaveolens whole powder. One of the major constraints to the use of plant materials as an alternative to synthetic insecticides is the issue of standardization in dosage of application. This work has suggested that, if groundnut seeds are to be used for sowing, they should be stored with a 12.00g level of H. suaveolens whole powder for every 300.00g for three months. However, if they are to be used for consumption, they could be stored with a 6.00g level of H. suaveolens whole powder for every 300.00g for at most three months. There was no significant difference between treated and untreated shelled groundnut seeds at the three periods of storage on the acceptability and palatability score of cooked groundnut at all dosages of application. All treatments were within the acceptable score rates even though the two rates of the synthetic insecticides, actellic dust were at the lowest acceptable score rate. The finding also showed that acceptability and palatability decreased with an increase in dosage of application. The periods of storage also had a significant impact on the mean percentage seedling establishment. It was observed that there was a higher percentage of seedling establishment when shelled groundnut seeds were stored from November- January. At this period of the year, the temperature and humidity are usually low and this might have necessitated the high state of inactivity and low performance of the bruchids compared to other periods of storage within the year.
This document discusses a study on the effects of planting date and planting method on wheat yield in Nigeria. The study tested four planting dates (1st November, 15th November, 1st December, 15th December) and three planting methods (drilling, dibbling, broadcasting) in two locations. Results showed that later planting dates of 15th November and 1st December produced higher grain yield compared to earlier dates. Drilling and dibbling methods also resulted in higher yields than broadcasting. Based on these results, the study concludes that planting wheat from 15th November to 1st December using drilling or dibbling is best suited for the study areas.
This document summarizes a study that evaluated the impact of the rhizobacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens (P. fluorescens) bio-fertilizer on growth and yield parameters of two maize varieties, DMRESR-Y and EV99-MRP, in northern Cote d'Ivoire. Statistical analyses using correlation tests and principal component analysis in R software showed that growth and yield parameters were influenced by the bio-fertilizer regardless of maize variety. Treatment with P. fluorescens bio-fertilizer alone or combined with foliar fertilizer resulted in higher dry biomass and growth/yield parameters compared to treatments without the bio-fertilizer.
The document summarizes a study comparing sources of sweet potato planting material for yield and quality in Ghana. Researchers tested four varieties multiplied either in insect-proof net tunnels or open field plots, across three northern Ghana locations. Results showed that planting material from net tunnels produced higher vigor plants with less sweet potato virus disease symptoms and damage from weevils, resulting in higher root yields compared to open field sources. Specifically, varieties known to be susceptible to virus diseases like Bohye, Dadanyuie and Ligri showed reduced virus symptoms when the planting material came from net tunnels. The study concludes that while negatively selected, apparently healthy planting material can be effective, net tunnel sources provide distinct advantages for maintaining healthy sweet potato crops.
by Marco Felix Valdez
April 7, 2019
The purpose of this variety trial is to provide measurement by collecting data of the different varieties of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in terms of growth performance, provided with minimum management practices.
Farmers in Ethiopia participated in research evaluating different seeding rates for teff production using a seed spreader. Over two years, farmers preferred lower seeding rates of 5-20 kg/ha mixed with sand compared to the recommended 30 kg/ha or typical 35 kg/ha rate. An economic analysis also found the lower 15 kg/ha rate mixed with sand to have the highest benefit-cost ratio. Both the farmer preferences and economic analysis support using the lower 15 kg/ha seeding rate mixed with sand as the most feasible option for farmers in the study area.
When breeding diploid potatoes, tetraploid progeny can result from the union of 2n eggs and 2n pollen in 2x-2x crosses. Thirty-three crosses were made to examine tetraploid progeny frequency in 2x-2x crosses. All crosses were between S. tuberosum dihaploids and diploid self-compatible donors, M6 and DRH S6-10-4P17. Using chloroplast counting for ploidy determination, the frequency of tetraploid progeny was as high as 45% in one of the 33 crosses. Based upon single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, the tetraploid progeny were attributed to bilateral sexual polyploidization (BSP), which is caused by the union of 2n egg and 2n pollen. Dihaploids were identified that produce lower frequencies of 2n eggs. The results of this study suggest that S. tuberosum dihaploids with a high frequency of 2n eggs should be avoided in 2x - 2x crosses for diploid breeding programs.
This study developed a low cost and affordable to small-scale farmers’ indirect air-cooling combined with evaporative cooling (IAC+EC) system for storage of fruit and vegetables under both arid and hot; and humid and hot climatic conditions. Field heat from freshly harvested produce should be immediately removed through cooling to the desired storage temperature. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of IAC+EC system in terms of the cooling time requirement of the fresh tomato fruit. A fresh tomato cooling experiment to remove field heat during the summer month of September in Pietermaritzburg was conducted for 36 hours where the IAC+EC system was compared to storage under ambient conditions. The results showed that 16 hours was required to reduce the flesh temperature of tomatoes to 16.5°C while the flesh temperature for tomatoes under ambient conditions followed the ambient temperature profile with time of storage. The IAC+EC system reduced and maintained the microenvironment air temperature inside the coolers to 16.5°C - 19°C. The ambient temperature varied between 21 and 32°C. The results in this study are evidence that IAC+ EC system can be a choice for farmers, for cooling the fresh by reducing the field temperature after harvest.
Dioscorea rotundata is a staple food crop for millions of people in the tropical and subtropical regions. In vitro germplasm conservation is a very useful tool in yam improvement strategies but very little is known about the genetic integrity and stability of in-vitro conserved yam plants. In this study, 42 accessions from in vitro and field populations were genotyped using 11 microsatellite markers and 23 morphological descriptors to assess variability within and between accessions. Out of the 23 morphological variables used, 13 were identified as most discriminate and were used to cluster the accessions into 4 clusters using the unweighted pair group arithmetic mean average (UPGMA). Accession maintained in field as well as in in-vitro showed high genetic similarity (R2 = 0.91, p-value: 1e-04). Out of the 42 accessions analyzed, nine accessions maintained in the field and in-vitro displayed different genetic profiles. This study provided basic information on the possible somaclonal variation of yam accessions maintained through in-vitro. Further study with advanced tools such as next-generation sequencing is required to elucidate the nature of the observed variation within clones.
A study was carried out on plant density at the experimental field of the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Nkolbisson, Yaoundé to determine the appropriate spacing to improve rainfed rice production in the bimodal rainfall forest zone of Cameroon. The experiment was conducted during the main cropping seasons of 2017 and 2018. The planting spacing used were 15cm x 15cm, 20cm x 20cm, 25cm x 25cm and 30cm x 30cm giving the plant populations of 444444, 250000, 160,000 and 111,111 plants / ha respectively using two varieties (Nerica 3 and Nerica 8). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed in the growth and yield across the years. Treatments were highly significant concerning the number of days to the appearance of the first flower, the number of days to 50% flowering, and the number of days to 50 % maturity. Plants were taller with more tillers and gave higher yields in 2017 than those of 2018. The spacing significantly affected the plant height, number of tillers, and panicle length for both varieties. The interaction of spacing and variety was significant for the number of tillers per m2 and the number of seeds per panicle, however, it was not for the weight of 1000 grains and the percentage of full bales. The yield components determining yield increase were the number of panicles / m2 and the number of seeds/panicles. Nerica 3 variety gave higher yields compared to the Nerica 8, the closer the spacing, the higher the yield. There were a strong significance and positive correlation between yield, number of panicles, and the number of grain per panicle. The spacing that gives the highest number of panicle per m2 was 15 cm X 15 cm and this spacing gave good yield in the region where the study was carried out.
Intermolecular interaction is the material basis for cells to achieve their functions, and protein-protein interaction is an important approach to illuminate the regulation network of biological molecules and has important theoretical significance and potential application value for revealing the activity law of life in nature. This paper mainly summarizes and analyzes the new advances and applications of modern biotechnologies in the study of protein-protein interactions, including local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), yeast two-hybrid, GST-Pull-down, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and coimmunoprecipitation. At the same time, the principles of different research methods for protein-protein interaction and their other applications in the field of life sciences are also discussed, all of these will provide a reference value for the analysis of protein-protein interaction and the molecular regulation mechanism of biomacromolecules.
Field experiment involving five improved onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties and carried out at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center during the 2018 to 2019 cropping seasons under irrigated condition to identify the best performing variety for seed production to the target areas of Arsi Zone. The onion varieties included in the field experiment were (Nafis, Robaf, Nasic Red, Bombe Red, and Adama Red). The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Phenological and growth parameters, seed yield, and yield components were studied. The result showed that Variety had a significant effect on most phonological and growth attributes as well as on yield attributes. The number of days to flowering and vigorously were significantly affected by variety; while plant height, days to boolting and branch number was not significantly influenced by variety. Flower stalks height and diameter, number of umbel per plant, and umbel diameter also significantly affected by variety. Seed yield per umbel and mean seed yield per hectare also showed a significance difference among varieties. The highest seed yield per hectare (1415.89 kg/ha) was recorded from Adama Red and followed by Nafis variety, whereas Nasic rerd, Bombe red and Robaf show no significance difference among each other, Therefore, it can be concluded that use of the improved onion varieties such as Adama red and Nafis is advisable and could be appropriate for onion seed production in the test area even though further testing is required to put the recommendation on a strong basis.
Rubber trees are among the important cultivated crops in Malaysia, and have contributed to the country’s overall economic growth since the 1950s. However, the existing anatomical and morphological studies are relatively insufficient. Currently, Hevea brasiliensis has been cultivated and planted commonly as a commercial planting clone, while Hevea camargoana remains to be a non-cultivated and underutilized rubber species. For many years, there only exists little information both in private plantations and government agencies that have carried out anatomical and morphological assessments on these underutilized species. There is little information about the characteristics of H.camargoana, thus raising the issue among plant breeders on how to best use this underutilized rubber species. This study attempts to investigate the taxonomic values and characteristics of Hevea brasiliensis and Hevea camargoana through anatomical and morphological studies.
Use of distributed electricity generation systems is currently increasing due to their economic and environmental benefits. Agricultural greenhouses require heat and electricity for covering their energy needs while their annual energy requirements vary significantly. Aim of the current work is the investigation of applying various distributed electricity generation systems in greenhouses. A review of different distributed generation systems currently used in various sectors as well as in greenhouses has been implemented. Various technologies are examined utilizing either renewable energies or fossil fuels in very efficient energy systems. Most of them are mature and cost-effective having lower environmental impacts compared with traditional centralized electricity generation technologies. Their use in greenhouses results in many benefits including the creation of an additional income for the farmer, reduction of carbon emissions into the atmosphere and increasing stability of the electric grid. It is suggested that distributed electricity generation systems should be used more in greenhouses when the necessary conditions are favorable.
Grain mold, considered the most important disease of sorghum, is associated with several fungal genera. The disease reduces both yield and quality. In this study, over 300 sorghum seed samples collected from Texas, Florida, and Georgia were evaluated for grain mold severity, seed weight, germination rate, and seed fungal community. Grain mold severity of the seed samples, except for those collected from Cameron, Texas, were rated 3 or higher, indicating that these sorghum lines were moderately susceptible under naturally-infected field conditions during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. Seed weight across surveyed locations ranged from 1.1 g to 4.0g for samples collected in Texas during the same period. Percent germination rates for samples collected in Texas ranged from 59.6% to 86.7%. Sorghum samples collected from Florida and Georgia exhibited moderately susceptible response to grain mold infection. Mean seed weight was 1.9 g for samples collected from Florida, while in Georgia, mean seed weight was 2.3 g. Germination rate was low for samples collected from Florida and Georgia. Mycological analysis of sorghum seed samples collected from farmers’ fields in Central and South Texas during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons showed Alternaria species as the most frequently isolated fungal genus, accounting for 40% and 42 % in 2016 and 2017, followed by Fusarium incarnatum, F. acuminatum, F. equiseti, & F. semitectum Complex. In Florida and Georgia, Fusarium incarnatum, F. acuminatum, F. equiseti, & F. semitectum Complex was the most frequently recovered fungal species, accounting for 77% and 72% of the total. genera/species isolated from seed samples. Other fungal species, including Curvularia lunata, Bipolaris sp., Colletotrichum sublineola, F. verticillioides, Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus, F. thapsinum, F. oxysporum, F. sporotrichioides, F. graminearum, F. proliferatum, and Aspergillus niger were also isolated from sorghum seeds in various frequencies. In conclusion, the presence of large number of fungal genera associated with grain deterioration and their effect on other traits, makes management of this disease complex challenging. To identify grain mold resistant sources in a region, using the most dominant species in that region to screen the sorghum germplasm is recommended.
- The document describes national performance trials of potato varieties conducted in mid-altitude regions of Kenya between 2016 and 2017.
- Twenty-six potato genotypes, including four check varieties, were evaluated across six mid-altitude sites over two seasons. Yield and other agronomic data was collected.
- In the first season, genotypes, environments, and their interaction all significantly affected yield. Trans-Nzoia was the highest yielding site, with all genotypes yielding between 10-25 tons/ha. In the second season, only environments significantly impacted yield, with Trans-Nzoia again the highest.
Few years ago National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) launched melon sheller to reduce burden of obtaining melon oil and cake, and to enhance rural women’s productivity. This study looked at the productivity of promoted melon shelling technology and preference by rural women in Nigeria. Data were gathered from the NCAM workshop and survey of melon processors in Niger State. In the workshop, it was found that time allowed for soaking melon and covering with piece of clothes contributed to the productivity of the sheller. Results from survey revealed that 95.1% of the respondents’ preferred Internal Combustion technology and 90.2% liked electric-driven melon shellers over the manual one. Also, 69.5% obtained the shellers from local fabricators rather than NCAM. The technology led to increased turnout of melon (378kg/hr) and reduced wastages to 1.26kg out of 75.6kg. The study concluded that the promoted melon sheller is efficient and have positive implication on the rural women’s productivity and revenue. The study recommends that the rural women should put the melon sheller into its maximum capacity use. The NCAM should extend training to the local fabricators so that they can improve on the technology most especially in the areas of winnowing and washing of melon kernels.
Keeping in view of lack of recommended rates of N and NPS fertilizers, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the newly introduced NPS fertilizer and nitrogen on growth, physiology and above ground biomass of garlic. Four NPS (0-0-0, 78.75-69-12.75, 105-92-17 and 131.25-115-21.25 kg N-P-S ha-1) and three nitrogen fertilizer rates (114.13, 228.26 and 278.33 kg N ha-1) were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Significantly highest plant height (28.02 cm), leaf diameter (1.27 cm), dry and fresh weight (4.71 g and 6.11 g) and leaf length were recorded on garlic plants supplied with 105-92-17 kg N-P-S ha-1 and also the highest plant height (27.75 cm), leaf length (24.02 cm), fresh and dry weight (6.23 g and 5.04 g) were recorded on garlic plants supplied with 278.33 kg N ha-1. The interaction effect also show a significant effect in almost all the growth parameters; the early day to 50% emergence was recorded from a plot which received 228.26 kg N ha-1 and 105-92-17 kg NPS ha-1 and the highest plant height, leaf length, fresh and dry above ground biomass and leaf diameter were 29.62 cm, 25.60 cm, 6.93 g, 5.59 g and 1.4 cm, respectively were observed by the interaction of 278.33 kg N ha-1 and 105-92-17 kg N-P-S ha-1 with no significant difference with 228.26 N and 78.75-69-12.75 kg N-P-S ha−1. From this one season experiment, fertilizer rates 307.01-69-12.75 kg N-P-S ha−1 could be recommended for garlic production.
In the past, conservation effort has primarily focused on establishment of forest reserves for timber production, with minimal or no consideration to how these natural resources will help sustain or improve livelihoods of adjoining communities. This study examined the contribution of Aramoko forest reserve to the livelihoods of the adjoining communities in Ekiti State. One hundred and twenty pre-tested questionnaires were administered among the products collectors in the study area. Data collected were analysed and the result showed that 78.3 % of the respondents are married with 52.3 % of them male, while 50.8 % of the respondents aged between 51-70 years with 64.1 % having at least secondary education. Twenty-five (25) different products were collected by the respondents in the study area. These products include among others; timber with highest frequency of (120) followed by herbal plants (115), Archantina marginata (105), Thaumatococcus danielli (89), Bridelia ferruginea (70) and Irvingia garbonensis (65). The use of motor cycle accounted for 41.4 % of the respondents means of transportation, while 31.3 % of the respondents sell their product in bit at the village market. Picking, digging, plucking, cutting and uprooting were methods used for harvesting by the respondents while illegal felling (24 %) and indiscriminate bush burning (22.4 %) were the major conservation problem in the study area. Specifically, some of the products harvested are used for food, medicine, fuelwood, herbs and cultural purposes. The study recommends that research should be conducted into how these products can be artificially raised in the nursery for plantation establishment.
Cocoa farmer faces increasing challenging environment through exposure to risks factors which have impacted negatively on their production or output. Since farmers are primary producers and often times lack capacity to control risks factor, it is important to manage this factors. This study examines the cocoa farmers’ risk preferences and crop insurance perception and isolates the drivers of decision to uptake crop insurance among cocoa farmers in Ekiti state. The sample for the study consist of 200 cocoa farmers who were household heads selected through multi-stage sampling across four Local government areas of Ekiti State who are predominantly cocoa producers. Data collected on socio-demographic characteristics, perception of crop insurance and risk preferences, were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic model. Results showed that majority of the cocoa farmers were without crop insurance, with higher enrolment in Membership of cooperative society, owned their land, larger household size and lower educational level but higher level of farm experience when compared to cocoa farmers who are holding crop insurance. Farmers risk preferences showed no significant difference between farmers with or without insurance. Education (β=0.59), Household size (β=0.0029) and Debt use (β=0.02), Membership of cooperative (β=-4.53), Farming Experience (β=-2.51), Owned Land (β=-2.19) and Non-Farm Income (β=-0.65) were among the significant determinants of insurance uptake. Risk mitigating measures such as provision of necessary incentives such as improved varieties of cocoa seedling, as well as provision of fertiliser and approved pesticides, financial assistance, and simple processing technologies that produce standard cocoa bean plus a re-jigged Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) for an improved discharge of its function are recommended.
Mitigation of climate change requires the decrease of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and the increasing use of renewable energies replacing fossil fuels. Agricultural greenhouses are energy-intensive agricultural systems using mainly fossil fuels. The use of renewable energies during their operation is limited so far. The possibility of using renewable energies for covering their energy needs has been investigated, focused on the Mediterranean region. Various sustainable energy technologies which are reliable, mature, cost-effective and broadly used in various applications are examined. These include solar-PV systems, low enthalpy geothermal energy, solid biomass burning, co-generation systems, high efficiency heat pumps and reuse of rejected industrial heat. Combined use of these systems in greenhouses can cover all their energy requirements in heat, cooling and electricity, reducing or zeroing their net CO2 emissions into the atmosphere due to operational energy use. It is concluded that depending on their local availability in Mediterranean countries, these benign energy technologies can assist greenhouse crop growers in the reduction of their carbon emissions, contributing in the achievement of the universal goal for climate change mitigation.
Field experiment was carried out under rain-fed conditions during the 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Agricultural Technology, Adamawa State College of Agriculture, Ganye, solely to develop an integrated pest management for the control of groundnut Aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) [Homoptera: Aphididae]. The experimental Design used was the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Parameters measured were, average number of leaves per plot at 6 weeks after sowing, number of branches at 3 weeks after sowing, number of branches at 6 weeks after sowing, number of pods per plot, weight of harvested seeds per plot. The result obtained shows that, there was significant difference among the treatments in all the parameters measured at 0.05 level of probability using the Least Significant Difference (LSD). According to the results recorded, the highest mean yield of groundnut was obtained on plots treated with the combination of chemical and physical control methods (1444g) followed by plots treated with physical, chemical and cultural control methods combined (1296g). The highest mean number of pods per plant was recorded in the combination of physical, chemical and cultural control methods (18.00) followed by chemical and physical control methods as combined (15.00). The work shows that, the cultivation of groundnut with the control of groundnut Aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) using integrated pest control applied as recommended facilitates better growth and guarantees good crop yield. The use of physical, chemical and cultural control method is profitable in Ganye Area of Adamawa State and is therefore suggested for use to local farmers.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world. Purple rice, as a special rice with important nutritional and health functions, has important scientific significance and application value for genetic improvement of purple rice and breeding of new varieties through in-depth study on its agronomic and related quality traits and products processed, and analysis of its genetic basis. In this paper, the new progress of purple rice in agronomic traits, quality traits, environmental impacts on purple rice and genetic basis of purple rice seed coat in recent years were reviewed and analyzed, and the application prospects of purple rice processing products and purple gene in rice genetic improvement were also prospected. Thus, our results will provide important information and reference for breeding new purple rice varieties with good quality and high yield.
Groundnut is an important oil seed crop, grown throughout the tropics and sub tropics worldwide. It is one of the three economically important oilseed crops grown in Ethiopia. Groundnut is commonly produced by small scale farmers as food and cash crops in the study area. The area has potential to the production of Ground nut for food and nutrition security as well as export commodity. However, scarcity of varieties that fit to the environment is one of the major constraints of production. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate five Ground nut varieties and select early maturing varieties with considerable yield and agronomic traits. The field experiment was conducted in 2017 and 2018 at Abaya and varieties were planted in Randomized complete block design (RCBD). Data were collected on yield and important agronomic traits. The computed analysis of variance revealed significant variations among varieties for days to maturity, number of primary branches, number of pegs per plants, Grain yield and shelling percentage. The pooled over year mean of varieties indicated , Tole- 1 variety ( Check) is high yielding with mean grain yield of 4174.7kg followed by variety Sedi (3552.5kg/ha) and Babile local (3550.4kg/ha).Variety Sedi has special merit in terms of earliness and therefore recommended for moisture stress areas of Abaya and location with similar agro ecologies while Tole -1 (Standard check) is high yielding varieties and should be used in production until new varieties will be developed through selection/breeding program.
The document summarizes a field trial that examined the effects of applying locally available materials like liquid silicate rock fertilizer (LSRF), neem leaf botanical pesticide (BP), and black ants (BA) on cocoa production over 14 months in Indonesia. The key findings were:
1) Treatments with LSRF, LSRF+BP, LSRF+BA, and BA reduced pest and disease attacks on cocoa pods by 6-18% and increased bean production by 18-119% compared to the control, with LSRF providing the highest production increase of 119%.
2) The treatments increased polyphenol and lignin contents in cocoa pod shells, improving pod resistance to pests and
Seventeen sesame genotypes were tested at ten environments in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia during 2014-2015 cropping seasons. Randomized Complete Block Designs (RCBD) with three replications was used in the study. According to the GGE bi-plot different sesame growing environments grouped into two mega-environments: The first mega-environment contained the favorable environments Dansha area with a vertex G4 and Sheraro area with winner G3 and the second environment included medium to low environments E2 (Humera-2), E4 (Dansha-2), E5 (Sheraro-1), E7 (Wargiba-1), E8 (Wargiba-2) and E9 (Maykadra) for seed yield. Three mega-environments identified for oil content: The 1st environment contained G12, G7 and G2 in the mega-environment group of Humera, Dansha and Gendawuha, The 2nd environment, Sheraro location contained G9 and the 3rd environment Wargiba, was containing G17. G1 (HuRC-4) identified as an “ideal” genotype and E1 (Humera-1) also identified as an ideal environment the most representative of the overall environments and the most powerful to discriminate genotypes. The multivariate approaches AMMI and GGEbi-plot were better for partitioning the GEI into the causes of variation. According to different stability models, G1, G7, and G3 were high yielder and the most stable both in terms of seed yield and oil content. Moreover, showed yield advantages over the released and local varieties. The stable genotypes recommended for wider areas while G14 and G4 were for specific favorable environments Sheraro and Dansha, respectively.
AMMI and GGE Bi-plot Analysis for Seed Yield and Oil Content of Sesame (Sesam...
Comparative Assessment of Phosphorus Fertilization and Rhizobia Inoculation on Soybean Production in the Guinea Savanna Zone of Ghana
1. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
ISSN(e): 2412-6381, ISSN(p): 2413-886X
Vol. 5, Issue. 6, pp: 78-86, 2019
URL: https://arpgweb.com/journal/journal/14
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32861/jac.56.78.86
Academic Research Publishing
Group
*Corresponding Author
78
Original Research Open Access
Comparative Assessment of Phosphorus Fertilization and Rhizobia Inoculation
on Soybean Production in the Guinea Savanna Zone of Ghana
Sam Ebenezer Kofi*
Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, Ghana
Kugbe Xorse Joseph
Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, Ghana
Adu-Gyamfi Raphael
Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, Ghana
Odoom Asooming Daniel
Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, Ghana
Laryea Obodia Kenneth
Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, Ghana
Asodewine Peter
Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, Ghana
Abstract
In the Guinea savannah zone of northern Ghana, the soils are reported to be declining for agricultural productivity. In
these farming communities that depend on soybean production for their livelihoods, resource-poor farmers are not
able to afford purchases of high cost inorganic phosphatic fertilizers to enhance the crop’s production. The need
arises to identify efficient practices and strategies and research into alternative means of enhancing soybean
production to improve food security. This Randomized Complete Block Design as an experimental tool was
employed to carry out a research in the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana (Tolon District) to assess the agronomic and
economic productivity of rhizobia inoculation use in soybean production. Treatments used for the experiment were
sole soybean production, soybean + recommended phosphorus (P) fertilize rate, soybean + inoculums, and soybean
+ P + inoculum. A planting distance of 60*10cm was used during planting. Each treatment was replicated three
times. Growth and yield data were collected on plant height, nodule number and dry weight, shoot dry weight, pods
number and dry weight, grain yield, 100 seed weight and nodule effectiveness. The results revealed the existence of
significant difference in grain yield between treatments (p = 0.011). Soybean + inoculation + P gave the highest
yield of 3.6 t/ha followed by soybean + inoculation (3.17 t/ha), soybean + P (2.97 t/ha) and soybean only (2.6 t/ha)
respectively. Significant difference was also observed for number of pods between treatments (p= 0.01), with
soybean + inoculation + phosphorus recording the highest followed by soybean + inoculation, soybean + phosphorus
and soybean-only treatment respectively. However, use of sole inoculation in soybean production was associated
with the least production cost, high revenue generation and high benefit/cost ratio. As rhizobia inoculation of
soybean produced higher yields and is comparatively cheaper than phosphorus application, inoculation is suggested
for the resource poor farmer in Northern Ghana.
Keywords: Soybean; Comparative; Phosphorus; Fertilization; Inoculation.
CC BY: Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0
1. Introduction
Soya bean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is an important global legume crop that cultivates in the tropical,
subtropical and temperate climates. According to Dugje, et al. [1], soybean contains more protein than any of the
common vegetable or legume food in Africa. Edible oil can also be derived from soya bean and its also considered
as a promising pulse crop proposed for the alleviation of acute shortage of protein and oil worldwide [2]. In the
guinea savanna zone of Ghana, promotion of the nutritional and economic values of the crop is being done by the
Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and this has resulted in rapid expansion in production [3]. Across this
region, the crop has become a major source of high quality and cheap protein for the resource-poor and rural
households, necessitating the need to improve upon the crops production to satisfy the ever increasing consumption.
Application of phosphatic fertilizers to soybean fields improves the crops’ performance [2]. Inadequate soil P
has been observed to restrict the plant’s root growth, nodulation, yield, as well as the process involved in
photosynthesis, and other activities which directly influence N fixation by the crop [4-6]. For this reason, phosphorus
application to soy fields is strongly recommended in P-deficient soils [2]. While P fertilization can increase the yield
of soybean, farmers across northern Ghana are resource-poor and mostly lack the means for the purchase of P
2. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
79
fertilizers. In situations that farmers can afford the P fertilizers, lack of means to transport the bulky fertilizer to the
farm-fields also hinder fertilizer application and adds to the cost of production. Decreasing cost of production while
increasing yield is therefore a solution to sustained soybean production in this resource-poor savannah region.
Over the years, the practice of inoculation or coating of soybean seeds with rhizobia before planting has been
reported [7]. Numerous studies have shown the existence of synergistic effect of rhizobial inoculation and
phosphorous application on growth and yield of the crop [8]. Though such P-nutrition and rhizobia-inoculation
technologies have been developed, the current yield of about 1.5 t/ha across the Guineas savanna zone of Ghana is
still below the achievable yield of 4.6 t/ha [9]. It has been proposed, that a combined application of phosphatic
fertilizer and rhizobia inoculation will increase the yield and yield parameters of the crop [2]. Across this region,
such data is limited to support the claim. In this research therefore, we aimed to evaluate and compare the impact of
P-fertilization and rhizobia inoculation on the productivity of soybean to inform productive decision for smallholder
resource-poor farmers in the guinea savanna zone of Ghana.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Study Area
The research was carried out in Nyankpala from July to October 2013. Nyankpala is located about 16 km west
of Tamale and lies on latitudes N 09o
24’ 15.9” and longitude W 01o
00’ 12.1’ of the interior Guinea Savanna agro-
ecological zone of Ghana. Rainfall across the region is unimodal and starts from April – May; builds up slowly to a
height in August-September before declining sharply in October-November. The total precipitation is about 1,100
mm per annum, with a range of 800 mm to about 1,500 mm. Average ambient temperatures are high year round
(about 28°C) but the harmattan months of December and January are characterized by minimum temperatures that
may fall to 13°C at night. Geologically, the area consists of proterozoic rocks which differ in lithology and degree of
metamorphism. Granite and metamorphic rocks are the main rock types and include biotite schists, biotite-
hornblande gneisses, garnet-hornblende and garnet-biotite gneisses and schists. Others include: Albite-chlorite,
sericite-quartz schists with interbedded acid tuffs, manganiferous phyllites and sandstones. The soil consists of
laterites and are mostly Savannah Ochrosols and Luvisols/Lixisols (World Reference Base for Soil Resource;
ISSS/ISRIC/FAO 1998).
2.2. Experimental Design and Treatments
Randomized Complete Block design was used for the experiment and replicated 3 times. Each plot measured 10
m X 10 m with 1 m alley between replications and 0.5 m alley within reps or between plots. Total field size
measured 41.5 m X 32 m. The treatments used were: Soybean only, Soybean + inoculums + P, Soybean + inoculum,
and Soybean + P.
2.3. Seed Inoculation
Inoculation of seeds was done using slurry method outlined by Woomer, et al. [10]. The seeds of the Jenguma
soybean variety, weighing 1 kg were used. Inoculation was done, using water as adherent. The seeds and inoculum
were placed in a bowl and mixed judiciously until seeds were covered with black film of inoculants. The treated
seeds were allowed to dry for a few minutes after which they were planted. The inoculation was done at the rate of 5
g of legume fix inoculant per 1 kg of seed.
2.4. Land Preparation and Planting
Prior to planting, the land was ploughed and harrowed using a tractor. Planting was done at a planting distance
of 60 X 10 cm.
2.5. Cultural Practices
2.5.1. Fertilizer Application
About 60 kg/ha of triple superphosphate was applied to plots that received phosphorus treatments, 5 days before
planting. After application, the fertilizer was incorporated into the soil manually with the use of a hoe as would have
been done by the resource-poor farmers in the area.
2.5.2. Weeding
Weeding was done on the 2nd
, 4th
and 6th
weeks after planting to control weeds.
2.6. Data Collection
2.6.1. Number of Nodules Per Plant and Nodule Dry Weight
Ten plants from the two middle rows were randomly selected and gently dug out at 8 weeks after planting. The
plants were then washed through a fine sieve with water to remove soil particles and organic debris. The number of
nodules on each plant was then determined and the average nodule number per plant calculated. The nodules were
oven dried at 65o
C for 72 hours. The dry nodules were then weighed and nodule dry weight recorded.
3. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
80
2.6.2. Determination of Shoot Dry Weight
Ten plants were randomly selected from each plot and cut at the ground level for shoot dry matter determination
at 8 WAP. An electronic balance was used to measure the total fresh shoot weight. After weighing, the materials
were then wrapped in brown envelopes and oven dried at 65o
C for 72 hours. Shoot dry weight was then recorded
after weighing.
2.6.3. Pod Number per Plant and Pod Yield
In order to attain the number of pods from the net harvest area, ten plants were indiscriminately selected by
picking every 5th
plant in the two inner rows. The pods were counted. Pods from teach plot were then added weighed
to get pod weight in grams. This was then extrapolated to obtain total pod yield on a per hectare basis.
2.6.4. Grain Yield and Mean Hundred Seed Weight
Electronic balance was used to weigh the grains n per plot basis after threshing the harvested pods in the harvest
area and converted to yield per ha. Hundred seeds from each treatment were unsystematically selected and weighed.
This was replicated three times and 100-seed weight determined by finding the average.
2.7. Statistical Analysis
Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS statistical package. The analysis of variance
procedure was followed to determine differences in means among treatments. Treatment means were matched using
the Duncan’s multiple range tests at 5 % level of significance.
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Impact of Inoculation and Phosphorus Fertilization on Number of Pods of Soybean in
the Guinea Savanna Zone
The treatments significantly affected the number of pods formed (p = 0.01). Inoculation plus phosphorus
application recorded the highest pod number (Figure 1). Application of phosphorus as a sole treatment resulted in an
increase in pod number than sole inoculation. The result also shows that application of either phosphorus or
inoculum and in combination enhances podding more than sowing soybean alone.
Figure-1. Effects of phosphorus fertilization and rhizobia inoculation on number of pods of soybean grown in the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana.
Bars represent the standard error of mean
3.2. Impact of Inoculation and Phosphorus Fertilization on Hundred Seed Weight, Seed
Number per Pod and Grain Yield in Soybean Production in the Guinea Savanna Zone of
Ghana
No significant differences were observed between the various treatments for the mean seed weight and number
of seeds per pod (Figure 3 and 4). However, inoculated seeds recorded the higher hundred seed weight than seeds
4. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
81
that were not inoculated (Figure 3). Hundred (100) seed weight (Figure 3), number of seeds per pod (Figure 4),
and number of pods per plant (Figure 1) are significant yield contributing constituents.
Figure-2. Effects of phosphorus fertilization and rhizobia inoculation on grain yield of soybean grown in the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana. Bars
represent the standard error of mean
Figure-3. Effects of phosphorus fertilization and rhizobia inoculation on mean 100 seed weight of soybean grown in the Guinea savanna zone of
Ghana. Bars represent the standard error of mean
5. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
82
Figure-4. Effects of phosphorus fertilization and rhizobia inoculation on mean number of seeds of soybean grown in the Guinea savanna zone of
Ghana. Bars represent the standard error of mean
3.3. Impact of Inoculation and Phosphorus Fertilization on Nodule Effectiveness, Nodule
Number and Nodule Dry Weight of Soybean Grown In the Guinea Savanna Zone of Ghana
The results of this experiment showed substantial difference in nodule effectiveness among the treatments (p =
0.037). The application of both inoculant and phosphorus to soybean production significantly increased nodule
effectiveness compared to the untreated control (Figure 5). However, sole application of either inoculum or
phosphorus fertilizer did not significantly differ from the combined treatment (Figure 5).
Figure-5. Effects of phosphorus fertilization and rhizobia inoculation on nodule effectiveness of soybean grown in the Guinea savanna zone of
Ghana. Bars represent the standard error of mean
6. Journal of Agriculture and Crops
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Figure-6. Effects of phosphorus fertilization and rhizobia inoculation on nodule number in Nyankpala in the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana. Bars
represent the standard error of mean
Figure-7. Effects of phosphorus fertilization and rhizobia inoculation on nodule dry weight in Nyankpala in the Guinea savanna zone of Ghana.
Bars represent the standard error of mean
a
a
a
b
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3.4. Impact of Inoculation and P Fertilization on Days To 50% Flowering, Days To 100%
Flowering and Pod Shattering of Soybean
Similarity (No significant difference, p>0.05) in days to 50% flowering and days to 100% flowering of soybean
under the various treatments (Table 1) was observed.
Table-1. Effect of phosphorus fertilization and rhizobium inoculation on pod shattering, days to 50 % and 100% flowering of soybean at
Nyankpala in the Guinea Savanna zone of Ghana
Treatment Pod shattering (%) Days to 50% flowering Days to 100% flowering
SOY+INOCULATION 43.5 42.3 46
SOY+INOCULATION+P 47.8 42.3 46
SOYBEAN ONLY 41.8 42.3 46
SOYBEAN+P 46.0 42.0 47
LSD (0.05) 11.2 0.6 1
CV (%) 3.6 1.6 1.1
3.5. Benefit/Cost Analysis of Use of Inoculants and Phosphorus Fertilizers for Soybean
Production in Northern Ghana
From the results on comparative analyses of the economic productivity of soybean production techniques (Table
2), rhizobia inoculation gave the highest benefit: cost ratio, followed by the soybean + phosphorus fertilizer
application and soybean + phosphorus + inoculums respectively. The control treatment (sole soybean) gave the least
benefit cost ratio.
From the results on comparative analyses of soybean production treatments, the application of phosphorus and
inoculation inured to the benefit of soybean production. According to Adegeye and Dittoh [11], the higher the
benefit: cost ratio, the higher the gain derived from the use of the given production system.
Table-2. Benefit and Cost analyses of soybean production base on inoculation and phosphorus application technologies in the Northern savanna
region of Ghana
Technology Cost of production (GHS) per ha Benefit (GHS) per ha Benefit/cost ratio
Inoculated soybean with P
application (SIP)
2016 11840 5.9
Inoculated soybean (SI) 1639 10016 6.1
Soybean with P
application (SP)
1890 10208 5.4
Sole soybean (S) 1489 7936 5.3
4. Discussion
The treatments significantly affected the number of pods formed (p = 0.01). Inoculation plus phosphorus
application recorded the highest pod number (Figure 1). Application of phosphorus as a sole treatment resulted in an
increase in pod number than sole inoculation. Also the application of either phosphorus or inoculum and in
combination enhances podding more than sowing soybean alone. The high number of pods in the soybean +
inoculants + P treatment may have contributed to the observed high yield in that treatment (Figure 2). This confirms
the report by Bekere and Hailemariam [4], that soybean seed yield can be increased by inoculation and
phosphorus application. No significant differences were observed between the various treatments for the mean seed
weight and number of seeds per pod (Figure 3 and 4). However, inoculated seeds recorded the higher hundred seed
weight than seeds that were not inoculated (Figure 3). Hundred (100) seed weight (Figure 3), number of seeds
per pod (Figure 4), and number of pods per plant (Figure 1) are significant yield contributing constituents.
These reflect the degree of seed growth which eventually reflects the final yield of a crop [4]. Since number of
seeds per pod and hundred seed weight, as yield determining factors did not significantly differ for the
various treatments, but had positive correlation with yield, the observed difference in grain yield is attributed to
the differences in the mean number of pods per plant. The high number of pods recorded in the inoculants +
P treatment contributed to the observed high yield (Figure 2). This observation is in line with the work by [12],
and Jain and Trivedi [13], who reported that hundred (100) seed weight, seed number per pod, pod number per
plant are important yield contributing components.
The substantial difference in nodule effectiveness among the treatments (p = 0.037) observed was due to the
application of both inoculant and phosphorus to soybean production (Figure 5). However, sole application of either
inoculum or phosphorus fertilizer did not significantly differ from the combined treatment (Figure 5). The observed
significant difference in nodule number (Figure 6), effectiveness (Figure 5) and dry weight (Figure 7) among
the different treatments could be attributed to the impact of phosphorus and rhizobium on nodule initiation and
development. Phosphorous is known to initiate nodule formation, increase number of nodule primordial and is
essential for the development and functioning of nodules [14, 15]. Inoculating soybean with the appropriate
strain of Bradyrhizobia is also known to increases the number of nodules formed [16]. Inoculated seeds
resulted in higher nodule numbers than un-inoculated seeds. (Figure 6) Since phosphorus is considered as one of
the major factors that lead to nodule formation and effectiveness, a combined treatment of P and inoculation may
explain the observed high effectiveness in nodule number, effectiveness and dry weight. The observed trend
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in this experiment confirms the findings of [17] who also observed that the combined treatment of inoculation and P
fertilization had synergistic effects on nodule dry weight. This observation may go to confirm the report of
Singleton and Bohlool [18], that, in addition to enhancing nodule formation, deficiency of phosphorus in
legume markedly affects the development of effective nodules and the nodule leghaemoglobin content. The
findings in this study however, contradict those of Bekere, et al. [19], and Bekere and Hailemariam [4]. The above
mentioned authors observed that phosphorus application without inoculation did not influence nodule dry weight.
The observed similarity in days to 50% flowering and days to 100% flowering of soybean under the various
treatments (Table 1) are in contrast with observations made by Tomar, et al. [20], and Rani [21], who reported that,
P application has positive impact on these parameters. The observation is also in contrast with that of Hernández
[22], who noted an increase in the parameters upon soybean inoculation. The similarity in days to flowering and
shattering of pods however, confirms the report of Mahamood, et al. [2], that certain parameters such as days to
flowering and pod shattering are genetic attributes of varieties: and might not be influenced by environmental
factors.
From the results on comparative analyses of soybean production treatments, the application of phosphorus and
inoculation inured to the benefit of soybean production. According to Adegeye and Dittoh [11], the higher the
benefit: cost ratio, the higher the gain derived from the use of a given production system. In that sense therefore, use
of sole inoculant in soybean production stands to benefit resource-poor farmers in the Guinea savannah zone of
northern Ghana.
5. Conclusion
The experiment shows that, inoculation of soybean seeds with P leads to increase in almost all yield and growth
parameters of soybean. Resource poor farmers in Africa can also opt for only inoculation if affording P fertilizers
becomes a problem since its economically beneficial. It is recommended that soybeans producers should inoculate
seeds and also apply or fertilize their soil with P to increase soybean production.
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