Showing papers in "Agriculture and Forestry in 2012"

Calculation of soil erosion intensity and maximum outflow from the rovacki river basin, montenegro

Abstract: The Polimlje catchment area in the north of Montenegro covers an area of around 2200 km 2 where the river Lim receives 57 tributaries. One of the watersheds is the Rovacki River Basin, where the authors of this paper studied physical-geographical characteristics. Research of the Polimlje area was performed by several authors, applying classical qualitative and quantitative methods, using many mathematical models and various mechanical instruments in what was a very complex and time-consuming process. Many factors have influenced the development of erosion processes in the territory of the subject river basin. The most significant factors are the area’s climate, relief, geological substrate and pedological composition, as well as the condition of the vegetation cover and the land use. The authors of this paper applied computer-graphic methods using "IntErO" software to calculate soil erosion intensity and maximum outflow. The research predicts that the maximal outflow (incidence for the next 100 years) from the river basin, Qmax, is 40 m 3 s -1 . The river basin belongs in „Destruction Category IV”, according to the classification system of Professor Gavrilovic. The strength of the erosion process is weak, and the type is mixed erosion. The real soil losses are 1371 m³/year (117 m³/km²/year). To support faster vegetation recovery and protect the region from erosion processes, some biological protection measures need to be applied. These would prevent rapid runoff and maintain low transport of erosion material. This would further support reforestation and the recovery of grass, shrubs and trees.

Yield and pepper quality as affected by light intensity using colour shade nets.

Abstract: The yield and quality of pepper were affected by environmental factors and the agronomic techniques used. The photoselective netting concept was tested in greenhouse pepper (Capsicum annuum ‘Chameleon’) production under high solar radiation 942 W•m -2 (value of photosynthetic photon flux density PPFD is about 1600 μmol•m-2•s -1 ) in the south part of Serbia (Aleksinac). Four different coloured shade-nets (pearl, red, blue and black) with different relative shading (40% and 50% PAR) were mounted over the plastic-house and applied at the start of warm weather in the middle of June. Shading of pepper plants affected both fruit yield and quality. Total and marketable yield increased with 40% shading level and then decreased (with 50% shade). Shading of pepper (40%) may be an option to reduce heat stress conditions and extend the spring-summer season toward September. Although light is not essential for the synthesis of vitamin C in plants, the amount and intensity of light during the growing season influence the amount of vitamin C formed. Significantly higher vitamin C content was observed in greenhouse pepper integrated with red shade netting technologies (188.4 mg•100g −1 ) than in greenhouse pepper without colour nets (151.4 mg•100g −1 ). The results of the present study should provide useful preliminary data for detecting differences among environment variation in quality and light-dispersive colour shade nets, as a new multi-benefit tool for crop protection.

POPULATION STATUS OF Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) HOCHST IN THE DRY WOODLANDS OF NUBA MOUNTAINS, SOUTH KORDOFAN STATE, SUDAN

Abstract: SUMMARY Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst. is a dryland tree species with diverse ecological and economic benefits. It is a source of frankincense with wider applications in cultural uses and modern pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Despite the potential and actual economic and environmental conservation benefits of the tree species, the woodland harboring this species is degrading. Adequate knowledge on the resource base including the current status of its population is crucial for sustainable management of the resource. This paper presents (i) the population structure and density of Boswellia; (ii) the natural regeneration status of Boswellia; and (iii) assess the frankincense harvesting intensity and visible damages on Boswellia tree in the study area. The study was carried out in two woodlands in South Kordofan state, Sudan, namely Kajinat reserved forest and Tajmala unreserved forest. The results show that the population of the tree species is unstable characterized by lack of recruitment and threatened by interrelated factors. Low densities 81 ± 79 trees ha -1 and 52 ± 50 trees ha -1 was observed in Kajinat reserved forest and Tajmala unreserved forest, respectively. All the individuals in the two stands have diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 11cm. A complete lack of regeneration and juvenile individuals, high mortality, and damages by insect and browsing was observed. Additionally, 43 % of the trees were observed severely over tapped with more than 15 tapping spots. Due to the current threats, the resource base is under threat due to uncontrolled frankincense exploitation among others. Proper management plan and domestication of the species through artificial regeneration and area closure are urgently needed.

Influences of micro-nutrients (zinc and iron) and bio-fertilizer on yield and yield components of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars.

Abstract: Nutrients deficiency in the soils is one of the key factors limiting pulses production in arid and semi-arid regions. Responses of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cultivars (Jam from Kabuli type and Pirooz from Desi type) to Biosuper (The mixture of Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Basillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens) inoculation as bio-fertilizer and micro-nutrient (FeEDDHA and ZnSO4) fertilization were studied under field condition. Result revealed that micro-nutrient application could significantly improve plant height, chlorophyll index, number of primary and secondary branches, plants fresh weight and biological yield. Positive effects of micro-nutrients application on morphological traits were more predominant than bio-fertilizer inoculation. Grain yield and yield components were notably affected by investigated treatments. Micro-nutrient and bio-fertilizer had significant positive effect on number of pods, seed number per plant, number of filled and empty pods, 100-grain weight and grain yield. Nevertheless the best result was achieved through ZnSO4 application concomitant with bio-fertilizer inoculation. Future more results obtained from current study indicated that Kabuli type of chickpea was more responsive than Desi type against bio-fertilizer inoculation and micro-nutrients application. The results of the present study coincided with the conclusion that combined application of iron, zinc and bio-fertilizer can significantly improved chickpea yield in alkaline soils of semi-arid regions.

Effects of the application of a hydrogel in different soils

Abstract: The application of hydrogels aids efficient management of water in agricultural production by improving water conservation and the physical properties of the soil. The objective of this paper was to determine the influence of an applied polymer (hydrogel) on the physical properties of different soils (sand, peat and chernozem), on the water consumption of oats and on relative changes in aboveground biomass production. The application of potassium polyacrylate in a concentration of 0.5% led to a change in some water and physical properties of sand. The amount of available water and water retention in the soil at different pressures (0–1.5 MPa) increased, whereas the bulk density decreased. Significant water savings may be achieved if hydrogels are applied to sand. The hydrogel application did not change the irrigation water needs of organic soils with a higher content of clay, and the aboveground biomass production remained unchanged.

Seasonal abundance and host preference by Allothrombium pulvinum Ewing (1917) (Acari: Trombidiidae) larvae on aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) of Montenegro, with notes on rate of parasitism and new metric data.

Abstract: Allothrombium pulvinum Ewing (1917) is a new addition to the fauna of Montenegro. In this paper, we report on the new metric data and seasonal abundance of velvet mite larvae of Allothrombium pulvinum Ewing in a meadow located near Lake Skadar (southern Montenegro). In early July larvae of Allothrombium pulvinum peaked in numbers. Host attachment sites and host preference of parasitism were investigated for this species, parasitizing a sample of 172 aphids. Larvae preferred the aphid thorax as the attachment site and most captured specimens of Aphis sp. were attached by one mite.

Surveillance of food safety practices of street food-vendors in Gizan Saudi Arabia.

Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate food safety knowledge and practices of street vendors in Gizan city, using standardized survey tool containing 25 questions to test food safety knowledge and practices of 50 street food vendors. The analysis of demographic characteristics revealed that all the participants were males and the majority of age group of 21-30 years (40%). Most of these vendors have primary school certificate (38%) and most of them are married (60%). Concerning health and personal hygiene knowledge these people agreed that hand washing was necessary (52%) and bathing regularly (74%). Also 76% of the respondents washing utensils with soap, but some of the participants were able to identify the term of food-borne illness and the most common contaminants were food colors, flavors and spices (70%). Sixty two samples of food were taken (30 grams) in sterile containers. Bacterial total viable count (TVCs) was carried out. The results of the TVCs revealed statistical significance difference of all types of food (P>0.05). Isolation and identification of bacteria in different types of food were Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp, Echerichia coli and Bacillus spp. The saving of food hygiene is difficult to practice at street in settings where resources are scarce and surroundings are of low environmental and sanitary standards.

Effect of climate changes on agriculture of the Western Balkan countries and adaptation policies.

Abstract: Agriculture is both a cause and a victim of climate change. Most of the emissions of methane and nitrogen suboxide in the Western Balkans comes from agriculture. Increased temperature, reduced total precipitation, increased number of summer days, extended period between the last spring and first autumn frost, increased sum of active air temperature above 10°C, are just some of the effects of climate change in the area of the Western Balkan countries.

Contribution to knowledge of Downy Oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.) entomofauna in Montenegro.

Abstract: Research on Downy Oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.) entomofauna was conducted from 2006 to 2012 at 29 localities in the south and central part of Montenegro. A total of 48 species were registered. Of these insect species, 18 species or 38% were registered for the first time in Montenegro. The registered species belong to the orders Homoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. The largest number of species belong to the order Coleoptera (24 species or 50 %), then to order Lepidoptera (14 species or 29%), Hymenoptera (8 species or 17%) and Homoptera (2 species or 4%). These species are trophically related to trunk, branches, leaves and seeds of the Downy Oak. The majority of the species is found on branches (19 species or 40%) and then on leaves (16 species or 33%), the trunk (11 species or 23%) and the seeds (2 species or 4%).

Importance of chemical and microbiological water quality for irrigation in organic food production.

Abstract: SUMMARY The quality of water used for irrigation of organic food crops is important for maintaining and protecting the environment on which the product quality often depends. Water quality requires a careful approach because of the adverse effects that can be manifested both in the soil and in the plant products. Intensive technical and technological development in all branches of the economy is a major cause of pollution of the environment, primarily of water. The most frequent polluter of soil (i.e. of the medium from which plants take up nutrients) is irrigation water. Plant products that are used for food production become polluted through this medium. Water with the potential to contaminate plant products with harmful substances can arise from various sources, especially surface waters contaminated with waste industrial and communal waters, or water from agricultural farms. An analysis of some irrigation systems in Serbia reported that 25% of these systems do not meet water quality requirements. This has resulted in an increase in salt concentrations in the soil above allowable levels, precluding the pursuit of organic agriculture. Besides the total amount and the content of certain pollutants in the form of salts, other harmful and dangerous substances found in irrigation water often come from chemicals that are used in agriculture as pesticides and nutrients, and from the waste waters, or wastes deposited in the watercourses. In addition, certain microorganisms can also be responsible for the presence of toxic components. Water quality and its hygienic safety, especially in vegetable irrigation, are extremely important due to the increased demand for healthy and safe food. Irrigation water can transfer microorganisms to plant products, leading to outbreaks of diseases such as salmonella, Escherichia coli 0157:H7, Cryptosporidium parvum and others. Water from surface sources is more prone to contamination than is water from underground sources.

European integration and reform process for agriculture of acceding transition countries - the challenge for western balkans

Abstract: The reforms are needed for all the countries acceding to European Union to align with acquis for membership as well as for integration into EU common economic space in the most efficient pattern. The previous experiences of integration processes have stressed a problem as since the EU enlargement in 2004 and 2007 there are still growing asymmetries within the EU. The increase of competitiveness is an important issue for economic adjustments, but there are many unexpected effects generated by permanently reformed EU common agricultural policy. This raise a question, what could be accession effects in case of Western Balkans countries? The purpose of this paper is to develop theoretical framework for evaluation of in particular agricultural sector integration process and to present EU12 experience of European integration from Western Balkan countries perspective. Theoretical framework consists of quantitative analysis of current economic and policy situation in agriculture in Western Balkan countries; comparative analysis of competitiveness of EU12 and EU15; and evaluation of potential European integration of WB countries paying attention to the role of science and technology transfer to increase the competitiveness of agro-food sector. The results of analysis show that after accession for major part of producer prices in WB countries could be expected stagnation or decreasing tendency, and the main factor stimulating agricultural production would be an increase of budgetary support. The potential inflow from direct and rural development subsidies would exceed the current support level increasing the factors income, however, for improvement of competitiveness the research strategy is needed to be implemented.