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Effect of Flower Farm Effluents on Diversity and Composition of Macro Invertebrates in Marura Wetland
Daniel Albert Wandera,
Monicah Nanjala Mukhwana
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2016
Pages:
207-214
Received:
28 August 2016
Accepted:
12 September 2016
Published:
9 October 2016
Abstract: Wetlands are important sites for biological conservation due to their rich biodiversity which possess high productivity. They also offer shelter to many organisms and offers services such as water purification and flood control. However, biodiversity in wetlands has been reduced due to human activities that cause pollution like, flower farm effluents which are discharged directly to wetlands or river systems. Four water quality parameters; DO, BOD, pH, TDS, TSS and macro-invertebrates composition were investigated at four different stations (S1, S2, S3, S4) adjacent to Equator Flower Farm along the Marura wetland. PAST program was used to calculate diversity indices and richness in the macroinvertebrates communities. Station S2 had the highest temperature (22.6°C), whereas S4 had the lowest temperature (19.6°C). The pH value did not vary along the stations (8.3-6.3). The DO level fluctuated along the river, station S1 had highest level of 3.6 m/l and lowest station S3 had 0.8mg/l. TSS and TDS did not show significant variations, while BOD levels varied with different stations. The highest value of TN was recorded at Station 3 (0.33±0.045mgl-1). There was no significant difference (p=0.055) in three stations (S1, S2, S4) except S3. In total 10 orders, 30 genera and 30 families of macroinvertebrates were identified. The orders; Odonata, Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Diptera were the main macroinvertebrates found in all station, while the members of orders; Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Oligochaeta Mollusca, Gnathobellidae and Isopoda were few in all sampling stations. Station S2 and S4 had the highest species diversity compared to station S1 and S3 which had the lowest diversity. DO, BOD and temperature were found to have a significant effect on abundance and composition of benthic organisms with S3 having less abundance due to its proximity to the flower farm.
Abstract: Wetlands are important sites for biological conservation due to their rich biodiversity which possess high productivity. They also offer shelter to many organisms and offers services such as water purification and flood control. However, biodiversity in wetlands has been reduced due to human activities that cause pollution like, flower farm effluen...
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Planting Arrangement, Population Density and Fertilizer Application Rate for White Maize (Zea mays L.) Production in Bandarban Valley
Mohammad Ali Akbar,
M. A. Siddique,
Mong Sanue Marma,
M. Moksedur Rahman,
M. Rafiqul Islam Molla,
M. Matiar Rahman,
M. Jafar Ullah,
Mohammad Ashraf Hossain,
Abdul Hamid
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2016
Pages:
215-224
Received:
3 August 2016
Accepted:
19 August 2016
Published:
15 October 2016
Abstract: On-farm experiments were conducted in the Bandarban valley during dry season, October 2015 through March, 2016 to investigate the possibility of introducing white maize as human food. Yield response of two maize hybrids (PSC 121 and KS 510) planted in three different row arrangements was evaluated in one experiment. The other experiment determined the optimum fertilizer rate for maize hybrids. Grain yield ranged between 7,103 kg and 10,126 kg per ha across hybrids and planting arrangements. Hybrid PSC 121 recorded 19% more yield than KS 510. Generally grain yield increased with increasing planting density. Planting in twin-rows giving 80,000 plants per ha produced 17.7% higher yield compared with planting in single rows 60 cm apart giving 66,667 plants per ha. Planting in twin-rows produced significantly higher yield compared with single rows. Application of fertilizers at 100% and 50% of recommended rate produced identical but significantly higher grain yield compared to 25% of recommended rates. Increase of maize grain yield was associated with the number of grains per ear and individual grain weight.
Abstract: On-farm experiments were conducted in the Bandarban valley during dry season, October 2015 through March, 2016 to investigate the possibility of introducing white maize as human food. Yield response of two maize hybrids (PSC 121 and KS 510) planted in three different row arrangements was evaluated in one experiment. The other experiment determined ...
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Pedological Characterization of Soils Developed from Volcanic Parent Materials of Northern Province of Rwanda
Providence Uwitonze,
Balthazar Michael Msanya,
Peter Wilson Mtakwa,
Solange Uwingabire,
Sylvere Sirikare
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2016
Pages:
225-236
Received:
14 September 2016
Accepted:
27 September 2016
Published:
26 October 2016
Abstract: Soils formed from volcanic materials have high potential for agricultural production and support high human population densities. This study was carried out on soils developed from volcanic parent materials of Northern Province of Rwanda aiming largely on pedological characterization but to a certain extent on assessment of potentials of soils for production of major crops in the area. Three representative pedons namely Kinigi Pedon 1 (KNG-P1), Kinigi Pedon 2 (KNG-P2) and Gahunga Pedon 1 (GHNG-P1) were identified and described. Sixteen soil samples were collected from different pedogenic horizons and analyzed in the laboratory for physico-chemical properties. Pedons were classified using USDA Soil Taxonomy and FAO-WRB for Soil Resources. Potentials and limitations of the soils were also identified. Results show that soils were shallow to very deep and well drained. Topsoils were very dark coloured with colour values of ≤ 2 in all pedons. Texture was generally loamy with bulk densities of < 0.47 g/cm3 in Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2 while they ranged from 0.94 to 1.34 g/cm3 in Pedon GHNG-P1. Topsoils were medium acid (KNG-P1, KNG-P2) and mildly alkaline (GHNG-P1), with high to very high OC ranging from 3.97 to 13.03%. CECsoil was high (> 32 cmol (+)/kg) in Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2. Base saturation was low (< 30%) in Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2 while it was high (> 50%) in Pedon GHNG-P1. pHNaF was > 9.5 in Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2 reflecting exchange complex dominated by amorphous materials and/or humus complexes. Phosphorus retention capacity ranged from 6.25% to 99.58% and only Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2 met the “andic properties” requirement of PRC ≥ 85%. Melanic index values indicated that these two pedons were characterized more by fulvic than humic acids. Nutrient imbalance with reference to basic cations was common in all studied soils, implying suboptimal nutrient uptake and toxicity. Fe2O3, SiO2 and Al2O3 were the dominant oxides in the studied soils. Degree of weathering of studied soils was low as indicated by their weathering indices. Using field and laboratory data, Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2 classified as Andisols/Andosols and GHNG-P1 as Mollisols/Phaeozems. Land units represented by Pedons KNG-P1 and KNG-P2 were rated as marginally suitable while land unit represented by Pedon GHNG-P1 was rated as moderately suitable for the major crops of the area. Application of P fertilizers coupled with efficient placement was recommended to enhance P, and soil conservation should be underscored in study area.
Abstract: Soils formed from volcanic materials have high potential for agricultural production and support high human population densities. This study was carried out on soils developed from volcanic parent materials of Northern Province of Rwanda aiming largely on pedological characterization but to a certain extent on assessment of potentials of soils for ...
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Evaluation of Indigenous and High Yielding Rice Varieties for Growing in Tidal Floodplain Ecosystem of Southern Bangladesh
Mohammad Jafar Ullah,
M. Aminul Islam,
M. Harun-or-Rashid,
M. Moksedur Rahman,
M. A. Siddique,
M. Ali Akbar,
Mohammad Abdur Razzaque,
M. Faruque H. Mollah,
Abdul Hamid
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2016
Pages:
237-242
Received:
1 September 2016
Accepted:
10 September 2016
Published:
27 October 2016
Abstract: Growth and yield of three indigenous varieties (Lalmota, Moulata and Sadamota) of aman rice was compared with that of two high yielding varieties (BRRI dhan 41 and BRRI dhan 44) in tidal floodplain ecosystem for two growing seasons. 45 d old seedlings transplanted in seedbed experienced repeated cycles of tidal submergence. Depth and duration of tidal flood differed between two growing seasons. Compared with high yielding varieties (HYVs), indigenous varieties developed longer seedlings and accumulated more dry mass prior to transplanting that helped survive repeated submergence. Planting density of indigenous varieties was about the half that of HYVs but developed more tillers per unit areas than HYVs. Seedlings of HYVs that survived had moderate tillering. HYVs ceased to develop tillers prior to flowering stage but the indigenous varieties continued growing tillers till maturity. In 2011-2012 season, HYVs produced higher yield than indigenous varieties but the trend reversed in the subsequent growing season. Number of panicles per unit area, number of spikelets per panicle, and 1000-grain weight largely contributed to higher yield. In absence of submergence tolerant HYVs, growing of indigenous rice varieties in the south central coastal region of Bangladesh could be the farmers’ better choice.
Abstract: Growth and yield of three indigenous varieties (Lalmota, Moulata and Sadamota) of aman rice was compared with that of two high yielding varieties (BRRI dhan 41 and BRRI dhan 44) in tidal floodplain ecosystem for two growing seasons. 45 d old seedlings transplanted in seedbed experienced repeated cycles of tidal submergence. Depth and duration of ti...
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Effect of 60Co-γ Ray Radiation on the Reproduction of Cochineal (Homoptera: Coecoidea: Dactylopiidae)
Chen Hai-You,
Qin Zhi-Hong,
Zhang Zhong-He
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2016
Pages:
243-248
Received:
26 October 2016
Accepted:
7 November 2016
Published:
2 December 2016
Abstract: 60Co-γ ray has been used to develop new varieties of cochineal. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of 60Co-γ ray radiation on the reproduction of cochineal. Different doses of 60Co-γ ray were used to treat cochineal and the ability of generating offspring was determined. The results showed that high dose of 60Co-γ ray treatment dramatically reduced the ability of cochineal to produce offspring. F1 generation of cochineal treated with high dose of 60Co-γ (3000rad) only produced small number of F2 generation and F2 cochineal were no longer able to produce offspring. In contrast, low dose of 60Co-γ ray treatment dramatically increased the number of female F1, while the number of male F1 was only slightly increased compared with those untreated cochineal. Under the dose of 500rad, the reproductive ability of F2 generation was significantly increased, but the female body volume and the number of brooding eggs were relatively small. Under the dose of 1000rad, the female body volume and the number of brooding eggs were not significantly different from those untreated cochineal. The female body volume and the number of brooding eggs in F3 generation were slightly higher than the control under both 500rad and 1000rad doses.
Abstract: 60Co-γ ray has been used to develop new varieties of cochineal. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of 60Co-γ ray radiation on the reproduction of cochineal. Different doses of 60Co-γ ray were used to treat cochineal and the ability of generating offspring was determined. The results showed that high dose of 60Co-&g...
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Assessment of Soil Chemical Properties and Fertility in Some Traditional Irrigation Schemes of the Babati District, Manyara Region, Tanzania
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2016
Pages:
249-260
Received:
18 October 2016
Accepted:
3 November 2016
Published:
21 December 2016
Abstract: Aim: To assess the soil chemical properties and fertility status in selected traditional irrigation schemes in Babati District Council in Manyara Region, Tanzania. Place and Duration of Study: The survey was conducted in Mkombozi, Muungano and Endamajek proposed irrigation schemes, Babati District, in Tanzania during the dry season of 2002. Methodology: Soil sampling was done after the soils were grouped into similar soil types following pedogeomorphic approach whereby eleven (11) mapping units were delineated but only ten (10) mapping units were sampled. Using zigzag sampling techniques, thirty (30) disturbed soil samples were collected at depth 0 – 30 cm from the delineated pedogeomorphic units. The soil samples were bulked thoroughly mixed and sub sampled to obtain a representative composite sample and sent for laboratory analysis at the Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), Arusha, Tanzania. Results: The results showed significant difference in the fertility status in the selected sites of each scheme. Based on guidelines of soil nutrient contents established elsewhere, pH of the soils in the study areas were rated as mildly alkaline in 2% in Endamajek and moderately alkaline in 80% in Muungano, 29% in Mkombozi and 73% in Endamajek. The soils were also rated as strongly alkaline in 66% of the area in Mkombozi. Crop production was moderately constrained by sodicity and strongly sodic in 26.6% of the total surveyed area in Endamajek. TN and OM were low, in Muungano; very low or low to medium,; in Mkombozi and low to medium, in Endamajek respectively. Available P was rated as low in 74% and high in 26% of the area in Muungano; high in Mkombozi as well as medium in Endamajek. Of the total surveyed area, 66% in Mkombozi and 26.6% in Endamajek have low CEC. C/N ratio in 46% of the total area surveyed in Muungano was of good quality suggesting ideal conditions for plant growth as compared with Mkombozi and Endamajek. Results also indicated that Ca: Mg ratios to be less than suggested guidelines in 35% of the surveyed areas in Muungano and all the surveyed areas in Endamajek suggesting that plants would probably respond to the addition of Ca or Mg in such areas. Conclusion: The soil fertility status and overall information from this study could be used in fertilizer and sodicity and/or salinity management studies to establish nutrient and drainage requirements for different crops which are grown in these areas.
Abstract: Aim: To assess the soil chemical properties and fertility status in selected traditional irrigation schemes in Babati District Council in Manyara Region, Tanzania. Place and Duration of Study: The survey was conducted in Mkombozi, Muungano and Endamajek proposed irrigation schemes, Babati District, in Tanzania during the dry season of 2002. Methodo...
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Population Density of the Mona Monkeys (Cercopithecus mona, Schreber, 1774) in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Cross River State, Nigeria
Bukie James Oshita,
Nchor Ayuk Atim,
Ebu Vincent Tawo,
Mgbang Edward Ubua
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2016
Pages:
261-265
Received:
20 June 2016
Accepted:
4 July 2016
Published:
29 December 2016
Abstract: A survey of Mona Monkeys (Cercopithecus mona) in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Cross River State, Nigeria, was conducted to determine its status, ecology and population density. Line transect method of wildlife population determination was adopted, and to assess the vegetation composition of the study area, the Total Enumeration Count of vegetation sampling was used. Two censuses were carried out in each of the ten transects (2.0km length, 0.02km width) and at interval of 1.0km randomly selected. Direct method of animal sighting was employed. Mean population density of mona Monkeys in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary was 4/km2, implying that the species was sighted during the survey while the vegetation assessment revealed the study area to composed of tropical rainforest plants species though seriously modified through human activities.
Abstract: A survey of Mona Monkeys (Cercopithecus mona) in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Cross River State, Nigeria, was conducted to determine its status, ecology and population density. Line transect method of wildlife population determination was adopted, and to assess the vegetation composition of the study area, the Total Enumeration Count of vegetat...
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A Model for Cocoa Farmers’ Group Strengthening in the Regency of Kolaka Timur, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
Putu Arimbawa,
Hartina Batoa,
Iskandar Iskandar,
Muhammad Aswar Limi
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2016
Pages:
266-271
Received:
26 October 2016
Accepted:
18 November 2016
Published:
29 December 2016
Abstract: The existence of cocoa farmers’ groups is expected to play a role in improving the cocoa farmers’ prosperity. The objectives of the study were (1) to formulate strategies for strengthening cocoa farmers’ groups in order to improve the cocoa farmers’ prosperity, and (2) to analyze a strengthening model for sustainable cocoa farmers’ groups. The study was conducted in the Village of Mondoke, District of Lambandia, Regency of KolakaTimur. The samples were members of two purposively-chosen farmers’ groups each of which consisted of 20 members, therefore, the total number of samples was 40 farmers. The data were analyzed descriptively and by using SWOT analysis according to the in-depth interview and focus group discussion. The results showed that (1) strategies for strengthening cocoa farmers’ groups were (a) by developing groups into joint ventures in supporting their cocoa agribusiness; (b) by creating collaborations and partnerships with third parties in improving yield, quality, and marketing; (c) by playing significant roles in providing training and guidance to farmers; and (d) by improving cohesiveness of farmers’ groups via reliable leaderships, and (2) farmers’ group strengthening model could be done through social empowerment approach, such as intensified trainings of cocoa farming, farmers’ group capacity improvement, social capital increase, and inter-farmers’ group network establishment.
Abstract: The existence of cocoa farmers’ groups is expected to play a role in improving the cocoa farmers’ prosperity. The objectives of the study were (1) to formulate strategies for strengthening cocoa farmers’ groups in order to improve the cocoa farmers’ prosperity, and (2) to analyze a strengthening model for sustainable cocoa farmers’ groups. The stud...
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Adaptation of Women to Climate Variability in the Southern Slopes of the Rumpi Hills of Cameroon
Mukete Beckline,
Sun Yujun,
Samuel Ayonghe,
Ojong Loveline Etta,
Itoe Constantine,
Tamungang Richard
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2016
Pages:
272-279
Received:
27 October 2016
Accepted:
9 November 2016
Published:
9 January 2017
Abstract: In this paper, we examine the vulnerability and adaptability of women along the southern slopes of the Rumpi Hills forest, Ndian Division of Cameroon. We used primary weather data and household livelihood surveys, to identify a broad range of climate variability that combine to create different adaptation and household livelihood outcomes. We used this information to explore the ways in which livelihoods have changed and adapted over a 38 year period (1976-2014), as well as considered the factors that have contributed to these outcomes. Using this approach, we assessed 858 women across six villages, our results showed decreasing amounts of rainfall, receding forests, increasing temperatures and water scarcity, and increasing costs of living. We also found that, despite adjusting sowing dates, adopting petty trading and changing cropping patterns, climate variability affects their livelihood strategies.
Abstract: In this paper, we examine the vulnerability and adaptability of women along the southern slopes of the Rumpi Hills forest, Ndian Division of Cameroon. We used primary weather data and household livelihood surveys, to identify a broad range of climate variability that combine to create different adaptation and household livelihood outcomes. We used ...
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The Effect of Salt Concentration on Growth and Yield of Two Forage Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Lines
Maha Zein Elabdein Gaffer Omer,
Abdelwahab Hasan Abdalla
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2016
Pages:
280-284
Received:
24 September 2016
Accepted:
8 October 2016
Published:
16 January 2017
Abstract: A nursery experiment was conducted during the summer of 2007 at the nursery of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, latitude 15° 40' and longitude 32° 32', to investigate the effect of salt concentration on growth and yield of two lines of forage sorghum. The salt levels were: the control that no salt was added to the tap water, adding 40 gramme of NaCl to a liter of tap water to give an electric conductivity (E. C.) of 6 dsm-1, adding 50 gramme of NaCl to a liter of tap water to give E. C. of 8 dsm-1 and adding 60 gramme of NaCl to a liter of tap water to give E. C. of 10 dsm-1. The two lines of sorghum were R5 and KHS. The treatments were randomly assigned in a Factorial experiment as completely randomized design with ten replications. The growth parameters that were measured included: stem diameter (mm), average relative growth rate (ARGR), and average relative leaf area rate (ARLAR), dry weight per plant, in addition to the percentage of some elements. The effect of the treatments on stem diameter was significant regarding the two selected genotypes only at 37 and 48 days after sowing, while there was no significant difference between salt levels and the interaction at all sampling occasions. On the other hand, the effect of the treatments on ash, Na+ and P was not significant, but the effect of the genotypes and the interaction on K+ was significant. Average relative growth rate increased with plant age, and KHS line was superior to R5. Average relative leaf area rate decreased at the end of crop life and R5 genotype obtained higher ARLAR that was 3.7 than KHS, which were 3. 4 with the overall mean 3.5.
Abstract: A nursery experiment was conducted during the summer of 2007 at the nursery of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, latitude 15° 40' and longitude 32° 32', to investigate the effect of salt concentration on growth and yield of two lines of forage sorghum. The salt levels were: the control that no salt was added to the tap water, addi...
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