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Research Article
The Effect of Clay Soil Binding Agent Ratio and Compaction Pressure Level on the Physical Properties of Carbonized Rice Husk Briquettes
Mersha Alebachew Fetene*
,
Dessye Belay Tikuneh
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
1-11
Received:
5 November 2024
Accepted:
23 December 2024
Published:
14 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.be.20250901.11
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Abstract: The outer covering of the rice grain, known as the rice husk, separates during the milling process. The rice husk is widely available and mostly considered a waste material that poses environmental and health risks if not properly managed. Despite not being the ideal feedstock due to its composition, however, rice husks can be effectively utilized as a renewable energy source by transforming them through a carbonized process and by compressed using a briquetting machine to create a stable, energy-dense product with enhanced properties, serving as a cost-effective and eco-friendly fuel source. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of clay soil binding agent ratio and compaction level on the physical properties of carbonized rice husk briquettes of the bulk density, moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash content at five levels of clay soil ratios: 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and three levels of compaction level (6 mm, 12 mm, and 18 mm). The study implemented 5×3 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications and compared treatment means at a 95% level of significance. The result revealed that the bulk density ranged from 0.7795 to 1.3209 g/cm3, the moisture content ranged from 4.0207 to 5.0447%, the volatile matter ranged from 13.413 to 24.479%, the carbon fixed ranged from 50.492 to 68.269%, and the ash content ranged from 13.774 to 20.208%. In general, varying clay soil binding agent ratio and compaction pressure can enhance carbonized rice husk briquetting efficiency, enhancing storage efficiency, reducing transportation costs, decreasing ash residue, ensuring structural integrity, shape retention, and enhancing energy value. Future studies should explore alternative binder materials and different agricultural crop residues for carbonized briquetting, as well as examine thermal properties to understand combustion efficiency, heat generation capabilities, and economic feasibility.
Abstract: The outer covering of the rice grain, known as the rice husk, separates during the milling process. The rice husk is widely available and mostly considered a waste material that poses environmental and health risks if not properly managed. Despite not being the ideal feedstock due to its composition, however, rice husks can be effectively utilized ...
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Research Article
Effects of Intra-row Spacing and Varieties on Yield and Yield-related Components of Onion Under Irrigated Conditions in Middle Awash, Afar NRS, Ethiopia
Yitages Kuma Beji*,
Nardos Mulugeta
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
12-29
Received:
2 December 2024
Accepted:
13 December 2024
Published:
17 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.be.20250901.12
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Abstract: In Ethiopia, onions are a key horticultural crop grown extensively for both domestic use and export. Cultivation spans multiple regions, from highlands to lowlands, with the Rift Valley, especially the Middle Awash area in Afar being a notable center for irrigated onion production due to its favorable growing conditions. This study evaluated the effects of intra-row spacing and onion variety on yield and yield-related traits under irrigated conditions in Middle Awash, Ethiopia. Three onion varieties (Bombe Red, Nafid, and Nafis) were tested across four intra-row spacings (2.5 cm, 5 cm, 7.5 cm, and 10 cm) in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data collected included marketable yield, unmarketable yield, total bulb yield, and vegetative traits such as plant height and leaf number. The results showed that the 5 cm spacing yielded the highest total bulb and marketable yields across the varieties, particularly for Nafid and Nafis, which demonstrated strong adaptability to various spacing levels. Narrower spacing increased competition, resulting in smaller bulb sizes and higher unmarketable yields, while wider spacings improved bulb quality traits like bulb diameter and dry matter content. These findings suggest that for optimal yield and quality, a spacing of 5 cm is ideal for maximizing yield, whereas wider spacings (7.5 to 10 cm) are preferable for quality-oriented production. The study recommends the result of variety and intra-specific evaluations should be validated under agro-pastoralist field conditions to ensure practical relevance and applicability.
Abstract: In Ethiopia, onions are a key horticultural crop grown extensively for both domestic use and export. Cultivation spans multiple regions, from highlands to lowlands, with the Rift Valley, especially the Middle Awash area in Afar being a notable center for irrigated onion production due to its favorable growing conditions. This study evaluated the ef...
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Research Article
Performance Evaluation of Commercial Mango Varieties at Woreta in Fogera District, Northwestern Ethiopia
Mulat Getaneh*,
Birhanu Habtie,
Awoke Ali,
Dessie Getahun
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 1, June 2025
Pages:
30-35
Received:
30 December 2024
Accepted:
13 January 2025
Published:
11 February 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.be.20250901.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Cultivation of Mango is an important venture in Ethiopia especially in Amhara, Beneshangul, Oromia, and SNNP regions. However, challenges such as low yields and inconsistent fruit quality persist, particularly in Amhara region. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of four commercial mango varieties at Woreta in the Fogera district of Amhara region. Four varieties viz; Tommy Atkins, Keitt, Apple Mango, and Kent were laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The Result showed significant differences among the varieties in terms of phonological and morphological traits. Tommy Atkins and Keitt took longer times to flower and maturity as compared to the Apple Mango, which matured earlier. Keitt revealed the tallest height and largest canopy diameter and contributed to the highest yield of 116.91 kg/plant, followed by Tommy Atkins (111.71 kg/plant). Apple Mango and Kent produced low yields with small fruit sizes but Apple Mango showed a higher unmarketable yield. Keitt's fruit also had an ideal size and makes it desirable for marketability. The analysis result highlights that Keitt and Tommy Atkins are the best-performing mango varieties in terms of yield and fruit size, whereas Apple Mango, despite its early maturity, may face quality issues affecting its marketability. These insights can guide growers in selecting the most suitable varieties to maximize both yield and fruit quality. To enhance mango production, further ongoing research should focus on optimizing irrigation, fertilization, and pest management practices, particularly against white-scale insects. Addressing these areas towards alleviating major constraints of production will help to improve yields and fruit quality, ultimately leading to better economic returns for mango producers.
Abstract: Cultivation of Mango is an important venture in Ethiopia especially in Amhara, Beneshangul, Oromia, and SNNP regions. However, challenges such as low yields and inconsistent fruit quality persist, particularly in Amhara region. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of four commercial mango varieties at Woreta in the Fogera district o...
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