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Agroecological Zoning and Land Suitability Assessment for Maize (Zea mays L.) Development in Buton Regency, Indonesia
Aminuddin Mane Kandari,
Sumbangan Baja,
Ambo Ala,
Kaimuddin
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2013
Pages:
202-211
Received:
22 July 2013
Published:
20 October 2013
Abstract: From a regional planning perspective, information on agroecological zones, land characteristics and its suitability for a certain land use type is needed for more efficient land management decisions. The main aim of this paper is to assess land characteristics and to evaluate land suitability for maize cultivation on a regional basis. This research was conducted from August 2012 to February 2013 on 10 locations (sub-districts), in the main land of Buton Island, Indonesia, namely: Batauga, Sampolawa, Lapandewa, Wabula, Pasarwajo, Wolowa, Siontapina, South Lasalimu, Lasalimu, and Kapontori. Three main stages were undertaken in this study: survey, mapping, and evaluation, to assess land suitability for maize development. Land suitability map for maize was developed in GIS, based on such parameters as climate (air temperature, air humidity, and rainfall), soils (texture, pH, C-organics, clay CEC, drainage, and erosion condition), and physiography (topography, landform, and altitude). Land suitability classes were grouped into very suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3), currently not suitable (N1), and permanently not suitable (N2). The results show that due to severe limiting factors, suitable land (class S3) covers only a total area of 509.60 ha, or only 0.64% of the total potential area for development (74,664 ha). This was mainly located in Sampolawa sub-district 405.34 ha (0.54%) and Kapontori 104.26 ha (0.14%). Other locations in general, fall into permanently not suitable class (N2) with a total area of 61,113.08 (81.85%), where the largest area was found in Pasarwajo 12,616.68 (16.90%); and currently not suitable class (N1) covers only 13,042.01 ha (17.47%), where the largest area was in South Lasalimu 6,5459.23 ha (8.32%). This research may be useful as references for efficient spatial decision making in the allocation of maize in the region.
Abstract: From a regional planning perspective, information on agroecological zones, land characteristics and its suitability for a certain land use type is needed for more efficient land management decisions. The main aim of this paper is to assess land characteristics and to evaluate land suitability for maize cultivation on a regional basis. This research...
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Effect of Vernalization on Seed Production of Onion
Esmat Jahan Ami,
Md Torikul Islam,
AM Farooque
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2013
Pages:
212-217
Received:
5 September 2013
Published:
30 October 2013
Abstract: An experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Farm, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the period from October 2010 to April 2011. The present study was aimed at determining the effect of vernalization on the yield of onion seed. The experiment consisted three levels of Vernalization (viz., vernalization of mother bulbs at 50C ± 1 and 100C ± 1 and no vernalization). Bulbs of 20±1g size of local cultivar Taherpuri were used as planting material and were vernalized at the duration of 14 days in freezing. Yield and quality of onion seeds significantly influenced by vernalization. Bulbs were vernalized in a refrigerator at a calibrated temperature of 5 ± 10C and 10 ± 10C. Plant produced from the bulbs vernalized at 5±1o C temperature prior to planting gave maximum leaves at 15, 30 and 45 DAP (19.91, 26.47 and 30.84 leaves per plant, respectively). Maximum seeds (189.05g) per umbel were produced by the plants that were vernalized in 5±10C. The highest seed yield per plot (915.89g) was found from the cold treatment at 5±10C. Early plant emergence was noticed for longer vernalization treatment. Cold treatment of mother bulbs influenced the plant to produce maximum number of leaves.
Abstract: An experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Farm, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the period from October 2010 to April 2011. The present study was aimed at determining the effect of vernalization on the yield of onion seed. The experiment consisted three levels of Vernalization (viz., vernalization of mother bulbs ...
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The Influence of an Entrepreneurial Value Chain on Performance of Smallholder Dairy Farmers
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2013
Pages:
218-224
Received:
13 October 2013
Published:
30 October 2013
Abstract: Smallholder activity is the backbone of the agricultural sector and plays an important role in Kenya’s economy. As the Republic of Kenya (R. oK.), donors and development agencies concert their efforts to grow the agricultural sector in Kenya, most of the interventions are designed to adopt the value chain approach and appreciate that the beginning of the value chain is an integral part of its success, the smallholders. There has been a deliberate focus by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to develop the dairy value chain and the agency has designed an entrepreneurial value chain concept to improve the performance of smallholders. This study attempted to understand whether entrepreneurial value chain drivers, namely, access to incentives (finance), training and access to production resource had influenced the performance of smallholders within the dairy value chain .The USAID entrepreneurial value chain projects have a total of 70 smallholder dairy farmers who formed the sampling frame for this study. The researcher used purposive sampling to identify a sample size of 50 smallholder dairy farmers based in Eldoret. A semi-structured questionnaire was the main instrument used to collect primary data from a total of 49 out of 50 respondents; this is a 98% response rate. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20, to test the relationships in the conceptual framework. Data was presented in narratives and tables. The study established that training had to a greater extent improved the performance of smallholders; this was followed by access to incentives and then production resources. In respect to what aspects of their production increased, the smallholders indicated that a larger impact was reflected on improved quantity of milk followed by increased revenue, increased herd and lastly increased milk quality. The recommendations drawn from the study were in two categories, further research and best practice. Further research is recommend to establish whether the entrepreneurial value chain drivers have an impact on other value chain actors higher up the dairy chain. This finding would be used to identify which entrepreneurial drivers can be introduced across the chain and assist in developing a sustainable diary value chain. There is also need for further research to determine whether the entrepreneurial value chain would improve performance of smallholders in other agricultural value chains. As for best practice, the study revealed empirical evidence on the positive implication of entrepreneurial driving opportunities on smallholder performance, hence justification for a widespread adoption of entrepreneurial value chains as interventions that support smallholders especially within the dairy value chain.
Abstract: Smallholder activity is the backbone of the agricultural sector and plays an important role in Kenya’s economy. As the Republic of Kenya (R. oK.), donors and development agencies concert their efforts to grow the agricultural sector in Kenya, most of the interventions are designed to adopt the value chain approach and appreciate that the beginning ...
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Effects of Hydro and Osmo-Priming on Seed Vigor of Pea (Pisum sativum L)
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2013
Pages:
225-228
Received:
24 September 2013
Published:
10 November 2013
Abstract: Study was conducted to determine the effects of osmo-priming on germination of pea seeds (Pisum sativum L). Experiment was arranged under completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. This study was conducted in germination cabinet at Gaziantep University Vocational School of Higher Education in Nurdagi during February-May 2013. Seeds were primed in various osmotic potential of polyethylene glycol-6000 (-0.3, -0.6, -0.9 and -1.2 MPa) and distilled water (2.5 μs/cm) at 20 0C for 24 hours and there was also a control treatment. In this study, 3 pea cultivars (Utrillo, Carina and Rondo) were used and germination tests were carried out in dark conditions in a germination cabinet held at 20 0C and 50% relative humidity for 8 days. The beneficial and harmful effects of priming depend on the organism physiology and aim of this study Hydro and Osmo-Priming effects on germination in pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds. Seedling length, germination percentage, vigor index values varied between treatments 1.32-5.85cm, 48.33-86.39% and 73.54-543.89, respectively. Results showed that Carina cultivar is more resistant to osmotic stress than other pea cultivars (Rondo and Utrillo).
Abstract: Study was conducted to determine the effects of osmo-priming on germination of pea seeds (Pisum sativum L). Experiment was arranged under completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. This study was conducted in germination cabinet at Gaziantep University Vocational School of Higher Education in Nurdagi during February-May 2013. Seeds w...
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Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Forest Soil in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria
Chinevu,
Christian Nnaemeka,
Unanaonwi,
Okpo Esio,
Amonum,
Joseph Igba
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2013
Pages:
229-234
Received:
27 August 2013
Published:
30 November 2013
Abstract: Most studies on soil characteristics had centered on suitability for agricultural production. Once a soil does not support crop production, it is referred to as poor, unproductive, and finally abandoned. Such soil could be very useful for forest crop plantation. This study was designed to investigate characteristics and describe the forest soil in Ombi, southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. Soil samples were collected randomly from three locations around the engineering department of Nasarawa State Polytechnic Lafia, at depth of 0-30cm. Samples (1kg each) were taken in plastics bags to the laboratory for studies. Physical and chemical properties were analyzed according to standard procedures. Results show that sand had the highest % in soil of the area (74.96). Bulk densities were within the same range (1.68; 1.77 and 1.78g/cm3) for sand, silt and clay respectively. Sand had the highest porosity (37.7%) while clay had the least (31.6%). Aggregate stability was least for sand (9.74%) and highest for clay (56.82%). Soil reaction was neutral (7.05); nitrogen and CEC were 1.6 and 12.3 Cmol kg -1 among others, while organic carbon was 4.82g/kg-1. The soil is described as light and falls under sandy loam. Forest plantation establishment will be worthwhile.
Abstract: Most studies on soil characteristics had centered on suitability for agricultural production. Once a soil does not support crop production, it is referred to as poor, unproductive, and finally abandoned. Such soil could be very useful for forest crop plantation. This study was designed to investigate characteristics and describe the forest soil in ...
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Acacia (Samanea Saman (JACK) MERR) Pods as Feeds for Broilers
Barcelo Patricia M.,
Libong Juanito E.,
Coloma Evalyn T.
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2013
Pages:
235-238
Received:
6 November 2013
Published:
20 December 2013
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the performance of broilers fed with 0% to 35% Samanea saman (JACK) MERR pod meal in the formulated rations in terms of gain in weight, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, dressing percentage, per cent liver weight and profit above feed cost. Samanea saman (JACK) MERR pods were dried for 3-5 days, ground then mixed with the other feed ingredients to produce isocaloric and isonitrogenous rations. Commercial mash served as the control. Based from the results of the study, Samanea saman (JACK) MERR pod meal at 0% to 35% of the formulated rations produced comparable gain in weight, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, dressing percentage, liver weight and profit above feed cost of birds. Results also revealed that the performance of birds fed with the formulated rations were comparable to the performance of birds fed with commercial ration. Samanea saman (JACK) MERR pod meal could therefore substitute corn in broiler rations.
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the performance of broilers fed with 0% to 35% Samanea saman (JACK) MERR pod meal in the formulated rations in terms of gain in weight, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, dressing percentage, per cent liver weight and profit above feed cost. Samanea saman (JACK) MERR pods were dried for 3-5 days, gro...
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Weed Interference in the Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Plantations of Ethiopia
Firehun Yirefu,
Tamado Tana,
Abera Tafesse,
Yohannes Zekarias
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, December 2013
Pages:
239-247
Received:
2 December 2013
Published:
30 December 2013
Abstract: Field experiments involving sprawling and erect cultivars of sugarcane and 12 weed competition periods were conducted in randomized complete block design in four replications for two cropping seasons at three sugarcane plantations of Ethiopia. Sugarcane was either kept free of weeds or weeds were allowed to grow for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks after planting (WAP). The sprawling sugarcane cultivars (‘B41227’ and ‘N14’) suppressed weed growth more and gave higher cane yield than the erect cultivar ‘NCo334’. The cane yield loss in unweeded plots compared to weed free plots ranged from 69.7% for sprawling cultivar ‘B41227’ at Methara to 83.5% at Wonji-Shoa for the erect cultivar ‘NCo334’. The beginning and end of critical periods of weed interference on 5% acceptable cane yield loss levels ranged from about 2.5 to 14 WAP for the erect cultivar and from 3 to 13.5 WAP for the sprawling cultivars implying the need to use herbicides or other weed control methods in sugarcane plantations of Ethiopia during these periods to keep cane yield loss levels below 5%.
Abstract: Field experiments involving sprawling and erect cultivars of sugarcane and 12 weed competition periods were conducted in randomized complete block design in four replications for two cropping seasons at three sugarcane plantations of Ethiopia. Sugarcane was either kept free of weeds or weeds were allowed to grow for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 weeks afte...
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