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Research Article
Determination of Optimum Irrigation Scheduling and Water Productivity for Onion Production in Mandura District, North-West Ethiopia
Demeke Tamene Mitku*
,
Temesgen Fentahun Adamite
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
59-67
Received:
1 March 2025
Accepted:
22 March 2025
Published:
14 April 2025
Abstract: Knowing how much water a plant has access to and how effectively it can use it is crucial for irrigation scheduling in order to prevent overwatering or under watering. To assess how onions responded to the irrigation schedule, a field experiment was carried out. (When and how much) and to identify water productivity under optimal irrigation regime. The recommended levels of soil moisture depletion for onions served as the basis for setting the treatments. Then, in order to assess the best irrigation timing, there are five degrees of available soil moisture depletion namely, 60% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level, 80% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level, 100% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level, 120% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level and 140% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level of the FAO recommended value of onion were used. Three replications of the experiment were set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design. The highest total bulb yield obtained at 60% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level that was 211.65 q/ha followed by 80%, 100% and 120% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level with the values of 210.85q/ha, 191.89q/ha and 188.18q/ha respectively without any significant difference. The highest irrigation water productivity of onion to convert irrigation water to bulb yield were obtained under 60% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level which had 3.87kg/m3/ha followed by 80%, 100% and 120% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level with the values of 3.77, 3.63 and 3.37 kg/m3/ha respectively without any significant difference. Therefore, according to the current findings, the highest bulb production and irrigation water productivity are obtained when irrigation scheduling is applied for onions in the research and related agroclimatic areas and soil types at 60% Available Soil Moisture Depletion Level.
Abstract: Knowing how much water a plant has access to and how effectively it can use it is crucial for irrigation scheduling in order to prevent overwatering or under watering. To assess how onions responded to the irrigation schedule, a field experiment was carried out. (When and how much) and to identify water productivity under optimal irrigation regime....
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Research Article
Characterization, Classification and Mapping of Soil Salinity Status at Small Scale Irrigation Farm of Kedale, Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Fenan Tola*,
Isihak Lolo,
Feyissa Gurmu
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
68-79
Received:
17 March 2025
Accepted:
7 April 2025
Published:
28 April 2025
Abstract: Soil salinity is a significant challenge to crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Effective mitigation requires a thorough understanding of soil chemical composition and water quality before implementing sustainable irrigation projects. This study aimed to characterize, classify, and map soil salinity and sodicity in the small-scale Kedale irrigation area of Yabello district. A total of 42 composite soil samples were collected from irrigated farm plots at four depths (0-30 cm, 30-60 cm, 60-90 cm, and 90-120 cm) and analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, Na, K), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). Soil salinity and sodicity were mapped using ArcGIS 10.8 with Kriging interpolation. Additionally, irrigation water samples were analyzed for ECe, pH, ESP, and SAR to assess water quality. The results showed that soil texture varied from sandy loam at shallow depths to sandy clay at deeper layers. The soil's average ESP, EC, and pH were 16.41%, 3.99 mmhos/cm, and 8.62, respectively, indicating that it is sodic according to FAO classification. Irrigation water analysis further revealed a slightly sodic nature. To ensure sustainable agricultural productivity in the Kedale irrigation scheme, immediate soil salinity management is recommended. Key interventions include gypsum application, organic amendments such as compost, the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops, the adoption of environmentally friendly irrigation practices, and farmer education on effective land and water management strategies.
Abstract: Soil salinity is a significant challenge to crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Effective mitigation requires a thorough understanding of soil chemical composition and water quality before implementing sustainable irrigation projects. This study aimed to characterize, classify, and map soil salinity and sodicity in the sm...
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Research Article
Game Damage to Forest Plantations in Hombe Forest, Mt. Kenya Forest Ecosystem
Benjamin Mutuku Kinyili*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
80-86
Received:
7 April 2025
Accepted:
17 April 2025
Published:
22 May 2025
Abstract: Forests remain the major habitats for wildlife in many parts of the world. However, game damage to forest plantations remains a threat to the development and management of forests. The wildlife debarks, bark strip, uproot, break branches, trample, browse plantation forest tree species and graze on grassland. There is little and conclusive information on the impact of game damage on forest in Kenya. The aim of the current study was to assess the game damage to forest plantations by wildlife at Hombe Forest Station. Primary data was collected using an observation schedule complemented with secondary data from the Kenya Forest Service and Kenya Wildlife Service. Eighteen Permanent sample plots (PSP) of one (1) Ha each were established in three sites. The study established that many of the dead and drying trees can be attributed to game damage. The two major game species were the elephants (Loxodonta africana) and buffaloes (Syncerus caffer). It was established that all tree species showed signs of damage from wildlife, Cuppressus lusitanica damage was highest in site C compared to site B and A (One-Way ANOVA; F(2) = 16.234, P < 0.001), the differences in game among the site may be attributed to higher density of animals observed in site A compared to the other sites. The major impacts to forest are trunk breaking and uprooting of Eucalyptus, bark stripping, debarking, and knocking down of Cypress. Forest destruction was due to game damage. It was found out that C. lusitanica experienced the highest impact on game damage especially debarking/bark stripping which accounted for 74.7% while broken branches were 17.8% and browsing 7.5 %. In terms of species preference to game damage C. lusitanica was leading with 93%, with Mexican green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) at 5% and Vitex keniensis 2.0%. Forest plantations of C. lusitanica were the most destroyed species, while Eucalyptus saligna were the least destroyed. The Kenya Forest Service needs to fence industrial forest plantations to avoid losing all the investments in establishing, management and protection of plantations. The planting of non-palatable industrial forest plantation tree species like F. pennysilyvanica Mexican green Ash and V. keniensis Meru Oak are recommended in the game prone areas.
Abstract: Forests remain the major habitats for wildlife in many parts of the world. However, game damage to forest plantations remains a threat to the development and management of forests. The wildlife debarks, bark strip, uproot, break branches, trample, browse plantation forest tree species and graze on grassland. There is little and conclusive informati...
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Research Article
Bird Diversity in Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Manipur North-East India
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
87-101
Received:
16 March 2025
Accepted:
10 April 2025
Published:
24 May 2025
Abstract: Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary (YLWLS) in Manipur, India, stands as a vital sanctuary among the nine recognized conservation sites in Manipur, designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The sanctuary is situated in the Tengnoupal District of Manipur, North East India, alongside the Indo-Myanmar border within the mega-biodiversity hotspot. From January to May 2020, an extensive study was conducted with the prime objective to determine the species diversity and population density across different habitats within the sanctuary. The point count distance sampling method was meticulously employed to comprehensively assess bird species density and richness in different habitats such as settlements, agriculture fields, forests, bamboo forests, riparian forests, and shrublands present within the sanctuary's precincts. A comprehensive count revealed a total of 103 bird species spanning across 38 families, with a striking tally of 1292 individual birds meticulously documented across 117 sampling sites. The order Passeriformes emerged as the dominant category, boasting 70 species, while the order Gruiformes exhibited the lowest representation with a mere single species. Notably, the forest emerged as the primary habitat nurturing a diverse range of avian inhabitants, accommodating 96 distinct bird species. In close succession, bamboo forests, settlements, riparian forests, shrublands, and agriculture fields hosted 43, 37, 25, 23, and 13 species, respectively, underscoring the diverse microcosm thriving within the sanctuary's confines. Furthermore, the study highlighted the vital role of habitat conditions in shaping the richness, quantity, variety, and distribution of bird species within the sanctuary, emphasizing the nuanced interplay between avian communities and their habitats.
Abstract: Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary (YLWLS) in Manipur, India, stands as a vital sanctuary among the nine recognized conservation sites in Manipur, designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The sanctuary is situated in the Tengnoupal District of Manipur, North East India, alongside the Indo-Myanmar border within the mega-biodiversity hotspot. ...
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Research Article
Woody Species Composition, Diversity, and Vegetation Structure of Kolbu Forest, Maji District, South West Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
102-118
Received:
25 February 2025
Accepted:
19 March 2025
Published:
26 May 2025
Abstract: The study was conducted in Kolbu Forest in Maji District Southwest Ethiopia. The general objective of this study was investigating woody plant species Composition, Vegetation Structure and plant diversity of Kolbu Forest. Systematic sampling technique was used within 8 Transect lines of fixed distance interval 600m apart to record vegetation data. A Sample quadrat of 20m x 20 metre for Trees and 5m x 5 metre for Shrubs were laid in the main plot. Five (1m*1m) sub plots were laid to collect seedling and sapling to the regeneration status of the forest. A total of 56 quadrants were laid along transects. Each plots was laid at distance of 400 metre and the distance between the transect lines was 600 metre apart from each other. The data of vegetation structure was analyzed using excel spread sheet whereas Plant community determination was performed based on the dendrogram output of cluster analysis and synoptic values of species obtained using R version 3.0.2 statistical software. Shannon –Wiener Diversity Index was used to analyze the species diversity, species richness and evenness of the vegetation. A total of 73 woody species representing 63 genera and 34 families were recorded from the 56 sample plots in the forest. Euphorbiaceae and Rubiaceae were the dominant family followed by Celasteraceae. Three community types were identified by Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering using Similarity ratio and synaptic values of each species in each plot. The total density of tree species with DBH greater than 2.5cm in the Kolbu forest was 4291individuals (1915.63ha-1). The most dense species in the study area were Psydrax parviflora with density of 874.11 ha-1 followed by Syzygium guineense and Elaedendron buchananii with density of 197.32 ha-1 and 172.32 ha-1 respectively. The most frequently observed species in the study area were Elaedendron buchananii and Syzygium guineense with a total frequency of 41 out each of the 56 quadrate with frequency of 73.21%. The total basal area of the trees forest was 65.68m2ha-1. DBH and height class profile indicated that the greater number of individuals were in the lower class than higher classes. This shows older trees in forest were continuously removed by anthropogenic activity. Therefore, creating awareness for the community on the conservation and sustainable use of the forest was recommended based on the finding of the study.
Abstract: The study was conducted in Kolbu Forest in Maji District Southwest Ethiopia. The general objective of this study was investigating woody plant species Composition, Vegetation Structure and plant diversity of Kolbu Forest. Systematic sampling technique was used within 8 Transect lines of fixed distance interval 600m apart to record vegetation data. ...
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Research Article
Determinant of Households Participation on Wetland Utilization in the Case of Tinshu Abaya Lake in Silte Zone, Central Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
119-132
Received:
21 April 2025
Accepted:
10 May 2025
Published:
18 June 2025
Abstract: Wetlands provide several significant benefits not only to the local community but also to those who reside far away. They are recognized across the world for their crucial role in supporting a diverse range of biodiversity and supplying products and services, as well as key natural resource sources on which rural economies rely. This study was conducted in Silte zone; to identify the determinant of household’s participation in wetland utilization and extent of utilization in the case Lake Tinshu Abaya wetland ecosystem service. A total of 178 sample households were selected from four Kebles adjacent to Lake Tinshu Abaya using a simple random proportional sampling technique. In this study, a cross-sectional research approach was used. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. Primary data (qualitative and quantitative) was collected using field observations, Focus Group Discussions, questionnaires, and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistical analysis techniques including mean, frequency, and percentages were used to analyze the socio-economic, institution factor, and demographic variables. Econometrics models such as Heckman's two-step sample selection model were used to determine the factors that influence participation in wetland utilization and the extent of wetland utilization. The study result shows that the decision to participate in wetland utilization is significantly influenced by age, family size, education, marital status, annual income, land size, off-farm activity, distance, and livestock number. And the age, family size, education, annual income, land size, off-farm activity, distance, and livestock number significantly determined the extent of wetland utilization. Lake Tnishu Abaya wetland ecosystem provides services like provisioning services, regulating services, supporting services, and cultural services. Wetland-friendly socioeconomic activity operations should designed to safeguard the long-term survival of Lake Tinshu Abaya wetland. The concerned government body should participate in conserving to preserve the sustainability of the wetland ecosystem.
Abstract: Wetlands provide several significant benefits not only to the local community but also to those who reside far away. They are recognized across the world for their crucial role in supporting a diverse range of biodiversity and supplying products and services, as well as key natural resource sources on which rural economies rely. This study was cond...
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Review Article
Green Growth in Sierra Leone: A SWOT Analysis and Strategic Framework
Peter Saio Bangura*,
Sorie Kalie Bangura
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025
Pages:
133-142
Received:
24 April 2025
Accepted:
12 May 2025
Published:
18 June 2025
Abstract: Sierra Leone, like the majority of developing countries, is being increasingly pushed towards a green growth model, a framework that balances sustainable development with economic growth while leaving intact environmental integrity. Despite how much this model has become more relevant in the wake of climate change and shortages of resources, there is little to indicate that sustainable development features in Sierra Leone's transition towards green. Applying the SWOT approach of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats method, a traditional strategy planning based on internal and external conditions influencing development processes, the study measures the nation's readiness to take the green development path. It uses qualitative secondary data analysis, gathering data from government, policy, and research reports, and institutions that are experts in sustainable development, renewable energy, and environmental governance. The SWOT method is applied to the systematic categorization of strategic enabling and inhibiting factors: internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats. Strengths include abundant natural resources, environmentally friendly policies, room for the development of renewable energy, and a highly educated population. Weaknesses such as inadequate institutional framework, low indigenous investment in green technology, political apathy, and reliance on foreign aid are potent dampeners. Opportunities are instigated through the availability of overseas climate finance, greater global green awareness, and global coordination. In comparison, high cost of green technology, limited international transfer of technology, exposure to climate, political tensions, and corruption represent critical setbacks to green change. The study concludes that Sierra Leone can have sustainable green growth, but that it must be pursued with audacious political will, underpinned institutional capacity, investment in science and technology education, as well as anti-corruption. SWOT analysis was also proven effective in recommending areas of intervention priority for policymakers’ consideration, building a strategic framework for guiding national development planning that is sensitive to the global climate and sustainability agenda.
Abstract: Sierra Leone, like the majority of developing countries, is being increasingly pushed towards a green growth model, a framework that balances sustainable development with economic growth while leaving intact environmental integrity. Despite how much this model has become more relevant in the wake of climate change and shortages of resources, there ...
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