Showing papers in "Journal of Sustainable Agriculture in 2006"
TL;DR: In this article, the role of organic farmer networks in facilitating farmer innovations in complex agro-ecological farming systems through a study of a sample of organic farmers in the northeastern tier of New York State is examined.
Abstract: This paper examines the role of organic farmer networks in facilitating farmer innovations in complex agro-ecological farming systems through a study of a sample of organic farmers in the northeastern tier of New York State. Building on a knowledge systems and social learning perspective, it illustrates how learning is triggered and agricultural innovations diffused among a broader community of sustainable producers through an interactive, participatory style of problem solving. Finally, the paper links farmers' social learning processes to extension through a critical reflection on the potential niches in organic farmer management for extension practice.
136 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the capacity of Bacillus (FS3) and fungal isolates, Aspergillus FS9 and FS11 have been tested in National Botanical Research Institutes Phosphate nutrient medium (NBRIP) broths containing two different phosphate sources, Ca3(PO4)2 and rock phosphate.
Abstract: In the present study, the capacity of phosphate solubilizing bacterial strain, Bacillus (FS3) and fungal isolates, Aspergillus FS9 and FS11 have been tested in National Botanical Research Institutes Phosphate nutrient medium (NBRIP) broths containing two different phosphate sources, Ca3(PO4)2 and rock phosphate (18% of total P2O5 and CaO 42.2%, of which 27 of P was soluble in 2% citric acid) at two different concentrations (10 and 20 g 250 ml−1). NBRIP broth without microbial inoculation was used as the control. The phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and fungi inoculation decreased solution pH and increased electrical conductivity, and Ca and P concentrations in solution culture. The largest pH decrease was found with FS9 fungi inoculation at 20 g 250 ml−1 with three calcium phosphate (TCP) applications when compared to control. Similarly, the highest EC values, Ca and P concentrations were found in NBRIP broth with FS9 inoculation at the concentration of 20 g 250 ml−1 TCP when compared to control ...
121 citations
TL;DR: Application of phosphorus up to 26 kg P/ha to chickpea improved dry matter accumulation, grain yield and protein content of chickpeA, dry fodder yield of succeeding maize and total N and P uptake by cropping system.
Abstract: Field experiments were carried out at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. The principal findings revealed that application of 3t vermicompost/ha to chickpea improved dry matter accumulation, grain yield and grain protein content in chickpea, soil N and P and bacterial count, dry fodder yield of succeeding maize, total N and P uptake by the cropping system over no vermicompost. Seed inoculation of chickpea with Rhizobium + PSB (phosphate solubilizing bacteria) increased dry matter accumulation, grain yield and protein content of chickpea, dry fodder yield of succeeding maize and total N and P uptake by the cropping system over no inoculation and inoculation with Rhizobium alone. Rhizobium with and without PSB also increased soil N content over no inoculation. However, soil P content and bacterial count remained unaffected by Rhizobium alone but improved with Rhizobium + PSB over no inoculation. Application of phosphorus up to 26 kg P/ha to chickpea improved dry matter acc...
91 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined different spelt processing alternatives on a chosen organic farm in northeastern Slovenia and applied simulation modeling, cost-benefit analysis and multi-criteria decision analysis to find the most suitable solution for the analyzed farm.
Abstract: The nutritional, technological and processing characteristics of spelt wheat make it suitable for organic farming. Furthermore, spelt wheat can be directly processed into different kinds of food products on the farm itself, and represents additional business and market opportunities for organic farmers. In this paper we examine different spelt processing alternatives on a chosen organic farm in northeastern Slovenia. Simulation modeling, cost-benefit analysis and multi-criteria decision analysis were applied in order to find the most suitable spelt processing solution for the analyzed farm. The presented methodological framework upgrades the standard financial cost-benefit analysis with a quantitative utility function and a qualitative DEX-i modeling approach. The calculation of utility function (u) and DEX-i evaluation produced the following spelt processing project rankings: spelt husking (u = 2,67) spelt cookies (u = 2,18), spelt flour (u = 1,65) and spelt bread (u = 1,63). The proposed method...
59 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the energy input and output in second crop corn production using four different tillage systems for soil preparation: (1) minimum tillage with stubble (MTS), (2) minimum TBE without stubble, (3) conventional TBE, and (4) conventional CT.
Abstract: The aim of this experiment, to examine the energy input and output in the second crop corn production using four different tillage systems for soil preparation: (1) minimum tillage with stubble (MTS), (2) minimum tillage without stubble (MT), (3) conventional tillage with stubble (CTS), and (4) conventional tillage without stubble (CT). Corn was sown as a second crop just after harvest of wheat. Direct and indirect energy inputs consisting of machinery, fertilizers, seeds, irrigations and chemicals were converted into energy units according to their amounts being consumed. The machinery and fuel energy inputs for the tillage operation were reduced 53.7% with MT compared to CTS. The total energy input for producing corn utilizing CTS was 20,608 MJ/ha, compared to 19,102 MJ/ha for producing corn with MT. When the grain yield was taken into account, the energy output/input ratios for MTS, MT, CTS and CT were estimated to be 6.3, 7.6, 6.6 and 7.0, respectively. The tillage systems did not statistical...
40 citations
TL;DR: It is pointed out that intercropping systems based on cabbage might increase total yield, productivity and profitability.
Abstract: This study was carried out to determine the effect of different intercropping systems on growth, mineral contents and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) under field conditions in 2000, 2001 and 2002. LER (Land Equivalent Ratio) and economic net income of different cropping systems based on cabbage as an index of intercropping efficiency were also evaluated. In the study, cabbage was used as a main crop, and cos lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifoila), leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), onion (Allium cepa L.) and snap bean (Phaseolus vulgarism L. var. nanus) were used as intercrops. Each of the intercrops was planted in between cabbage rows in separate plots. Cabbage and all intercrops were also grown as sole crops. There was no significant effect of different intercropping systems on growth characteristics and yield of cabbage compared with sole cabbage cropping except for radish as an intercrop, which affected adversely the yield an...
32 citations
TL;DR: A successful project portfolio can be ensured that is dedicated to all three components of sustainable development in rural areas, and an evaluation procedure is further demonstrated.
Abstract: The degradation of natural resources has a direct and significant impact on those living in rural areas. The resultant increasing pressure that is placed on the livelihoods of rural people leads to desperate and poor agricultural practices, which in turn cause further degradation of natural resources. The LandCare programme of the South African national government aims to address these problems by facilitating rural agricultural projects that are sustainable in the long term. This paper summarises the development of a new set of project selection criteria for the evaluation of project proposals in order to compile an effective LandCare programme portfolio. The new project selection criteria were developed through a review of current literature, existing criteria applied in previously selected projects and interviews with key stakeholders during project site visits. These site visits were also used to determine criterion weights, which were calculated using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), ...
32 citations
TL;DR: The micronutrient status of soil after 3 cycles of rice-wheat cropping system declined over initial values but the decline was the least with FYM followed by green manures.
Abstract: Field experiments for 3 years were carried out to assess the efficacy of organic manures (Sesbania aculeata, Leucaena leucocephala), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and mungbean (Vigna radiata) green manures, wheat straw and FYM (Farm Yard Manure) in enhancing the productivity of rice-wheat cropping system and for their capacity to supply Zn and Cu. Green manuring with Sesbania gave the highest rice yield, whereas lowest yields were recorded with wheat straw incorporation. The organic manures had significant residual effect on succeeding wheat and the highest yields were recorded with FYM. The percent increase over no organic manure (control) in total rice-wheat productivity was the highest with Sesbania green manuring (19.5%) and lowest with wheat straw (4%). The concentration and uptake of Zn and Cu by individual crops and system was significantly greater with organic manures. The micronutrient status of soil after 3 cycles of rice-wheat cropping system declined over initial values but the decline w...
26 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors determined the energy input and output for wheat and cotton production in the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey through a questionnaire by face-to-face interviews.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the energy input and output for wheat and cotton production in the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey. The data used in this study were collected through a questionnaire by face-to-face interviews. In the study, the inputs included human labor, machinery, electricity, diesel fuel, oil, fertilizers and seeds which were taken into account in calculation of energy use for wheat and cotton production. Energy values were calculated by multiplying the amounts of inputs and outputs by their energy equivalents with the use of related conversion factors. The output/input ratio was determined by dividing the output value by the input. The total energy used in various farm inputs were 17160 MJ/ha for wheat and 39538 MJ/ha for cotton production. The energy output/input ratio was found to be 2.21 for wheat and 2.38 for cotton production. The specific energy for wheat and cotton production was 7.18 MJ/kg and 10.52 MJ/kg, while the energy productivity was found to be of...
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the productivity and efficiencies of 5 rice-fish systems were compared with rice monoculture at Magelang District, Central Java, Indonesia, where the authors employed a Stratified Random Sampling (STRS) method in the selection of the 217 sample farmers distributed as follows: 36 rice-cum-fish farmers, 33 rotational fish farmers, 28 sequential fish farmers.
Abstract: Conducted at Magelang District, Central Java, Indonesia, the productivity and efficiencies of 5 rice-fish systems were compared with rice monoculture. Stratified random sampling method was employed in the selection of the 217 sample farmers distributed as follows: 36 rice-cum-fish farmers, 33 rotational fish farmers, 28 sequential fish farmers, 26 sequential fish + rice-cum-fish farmers, 21 rice-cum-fish with two times of fish stocking farmers and 74 rice monoculture farmers. Compared with rice monoculture, the total gross revenue in rice-fish systems increased by 42%. In the highest fish yielding rotational fish systems (ROTF), the total gross revenue increased by 2.5 times and 1.74 times in rice-cum-fish 2 fish stocking. Rice-fish systems were 77% (total costs) and 79% (cash costs) more expensive than rice monoculture. But due to the increase in revenue through the fish, the net revenue increased by 66% (Rp 2.0205 M ha−1) or 47% (Rp 4.72 M ha−1) when total and cash costs, respectively, were sub...
23 citations
TL;DR: Investigation of the efficacy of aqueous neem and Eucalyptus leaf extracts in mixtures containing extracts of other plant species for the management of the legume flower bud thrips showed that thrips pressure on cowpea flowers was significantly less on plants sprayed with leaf extract mixtures.
Abstract: The efficacy of aqueous neem and Eucalyptus leaf extracts in mixtures containing extracts of other plant species was investigated for the management of the legume flower bud thrips, a major post-flowering insect pest of cowpea in the Research Farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria The extracts mixtures were applied at 10:10% w/v in equal ratio and sprayed four times at weekly intervals The results showed that thrips pressure on cowpea flowers was significantly (P < 005) less (< 10/flower) on plants sprayed with leaf extract mixtures of Neem + Eucalyptus, Neem + lemon grass, Neem + bitter leaf, Neem + tomato, and Eucalyptus + African curry (in that order) than on unsprayed plants These extract mixtures also increased pod density per plant compared with the unsprayed plants in the two years of investigation The synergistic attributes of some plant extracts in mixtures with those of other plant species could form the basis of biopesticides form
TL;DR: In this paper, a farmer survey was conducted in three different agroecosystem types in the midwestern and southeastern United States, including Saline County, Kansas, Knox County, Indiana, and Coffee County, Georgia, representative of former prairie grassland, Midwestern deciduous forest, and Southeastern decidious forest biome types, and a twenty-question, multiplechoice survey was mailed to 300 farmers in each county during summer months of 2002 and 2003.
Abstract: A farmer survey was conducted in three different agroecosystem types in the midwestern and southeastern United States. We selected Saline County, Kansas; Knox County, Indiana; and Coffee County, Georgia, representative of former prairie grassland, Midwestern deciduous forest, and Southeastern deciduous forest biome types. A twenty-question, multiple-choice survey was mailed to 300 farmers in each county during summer months of 2002 and 2003. Data were collected in four categories: demographic information, problems related to conventional agriculture, sustainable agriculture approaches, and attitudes toward sustainable agriculture. Survey responses were examined and discussed within the context of the social and ecological consequences of industrial agriculture, the alternatives presented by agroecologists, and the communication network between agroecologists and farmers. One suggestion for achieving sustainability is building stronger connections between university agroecologists and farmers. For...
TL;DR: Yemen's agriculture and water resources sectors are in a crisis as discussed by the authors, and the water availability is 150 m3/cap/a. This compares with an average of 1250 m 3/Cap/a for the Middle East and North Africa.
Abstract: Yemen's agriculture and water resources sectors are in a crisis. The water availability is 150 m3/cap/a. This compares with an average of 1250 m3/cap/a for the Middle East and North Africa. All surface water and groundwater resources are exploited beyond the level of recharge. The agriculture industry uses 93% of the potable water, and does not actively encourage sustainable water saving techniques. Qat (Catha edulis; recreational drug) cultivation uses 40% of the potable water. The water crisis could be mitigated by reducing qat production, and promoting water reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation. However, this is currently socially unacceptable.
TL;DR: The current scenario, strategies and agro-techniques for seed as well as grain production, quality parameters and economic aspects of hybrid rice in India are elucidated to make hybrid rice cultivation a successful endeavor in India.
Abstract: Rice accounts for a significant contribution to the total food grain production in India As the rice production area either stabilizes or declines, and there is a wide gap between projected demand and current level of production, vertical growth in production through hybrid rice is a practically feasible and adoptable technology This paper attempts to elucidate the current scenario, strategies and agro-techniques for seed as well as grain production, quality parameters and economic aspects of hybrid rice in India As the seed production of hybrid rice is knowledge and labor intensive, different agro-techniques need to be adopted to make it more successful The two parental lines should be sown and transplanted at the right time with an isolation distance of 50-100 m For synchronized flowering, the differential seeding of parental lines can be based on their effective accumulated temperature (12-27°C) from seeding to flowering The optimum ratio for plants of the seed to pollen parent should en
TL;DR: The interrelationships were investigated in order to understand the major biogeochemical cycles that influence soil fertility under pasture, which is important for devising management technologies that enhance the sustainability of these areas and thus slow further deforestation.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationships and seasonal weather variations on soil total C and N concentrations, microbial biomass C pool, trace gas fluxes, and rates of internal N-cycling from soils under degraded pasture at Nova Vida ranch, Ron-d$oCnia, Brazilian Amazon. We collected samples from soils and gas fluxes at the 5 soil types in April 2000 (end of the wet season) and in October 2001 (end of the dry season). Samples were analyzed in both seasons for soil microbial biomass C, soil total C and N, inorganic N, net N mineralization and net nitrification rates and some other soil properties. Overall, the effects of the season events upon soil properties were highly variable. The studied soils with high rates of CO2 evolution but low rates of net N mineralization had high rates of N immobilization. The high immobilization rates suggest that the high CO2 evolution rates were associated with a growing microbial biomass. Moreover, in the wet season, the lower NO3 −-N pools...
TL;DR: In this paper, the attitudes of farmers and consumers in Washington County near Omaha, Nebraska, about land ethics relating to agriculture and land use were explored, based on a review of the history of environmental ethics, agroecological principles, Aldo Leopold's concept of the land ethic, and sociological research regarding environmental and agricultural paradigms.
Abstract: Agricultural land is rapidly being converted to other uses, as city boundaries expand and acreage and rural residential developments increase. Building on a review of the history of environmental ethics, agroecological principles, Aldo Leopold's concept of the land ethic, and sociological research regarding environmental and agricultural paradigms, this study explored the attitudes of farmers and consumers in Washington County near Omaha, Nebraska, about land ethics relating to agriculture and land use. The objectives of the study were to (1) construct a set of items for measuring land ethics based on previous studies and scales, (2) determine if farmers and consumers in Washington County had positive land ethics, and (3) test for differences in land ethics between farmers and consumers, as well as differences in land ethics based on demographic and farm-related factors. Self-administered mail questionnaires were sent in August 2003 to all Washington County farmers registered with the Farm Servic...
TL;DR: Predominance of dominant gene action for all the traits studied except for plant height and hundred grain weight thus suggesting that the hybrid breeding must be strongly pursued for the exploitation of the yield advantage over the inbred varieties.
Abstract: In this study, an effort was made to identify good parents and nature of gene action governing different characters of rice by line (4 restorers) × tester (2 cytoplasmic male sterile lines) analysis. The trial comprising 8 hybrids and their parents were laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications and characterized for yield and nine yield component traits. In the present study, the ANOVA for combining ability revealed significant differences between the treatments (genotype) for all the traits studied and amongst the treatments the mean sum of square (MSS) due to parents showed significant differences for all the traits. The grain yield, grain number per panicle, plant height and days to fifty percent flowering appears to be the key determining traits and showed significant differences for the lines, testers, line × testers. Parents with low × high general combining ability (GCA) effects resulted in heterotic hybrid combination like the IR68281A/IR68749R. Interestingly, we found low ×...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the seed supply system for maize production in Southwestern Nigeria in order to characterise the local seed system and assess the potentials of the maize seed sector in the development of sustainable crop improvement and enhanced agricultural productivity.
Abstract: This study examines the seed supply system for maize production in Southwestern Nigeria in order to characterise the local seed system and to assess the potentials of the maize seed sector in the development of sustainable crop improvement and enhanced agricultural productivity. Using structured questionnaires, a seed survey was conducted among 94 farmers randomly sampled from 5 farm settlement locations covering 3 states in the region. The data collected were subjected to descriptive analysis of simple proportions and percentages. All improved varieties on the sampled farms were the IITA elite varieties. At all locations, the percentage of total land area cultivated with the seeds of improved varieties ranged from 71 to 100%, while percentage of land area sown with local varieties ranged from 0 to 29%. Seed use in terms of volume followed the same pattern. The highest proportion of farmers (about 50%) who planted improved varieties used seeds from previously saved harvests, while 25% procured th...
TL;DR: Leaching of NH4-N was considerably lower than that of NO3-N and PO4-P, and the amount of P leached was much greater from the soil amended with urea plus KH2PO4 than that with the manure.
Abstract: Sustainable agricultural production practices contribute to minimize the potential negative effects on the environment including reduction in non-point source pollution of groundwater, in addition to various other environmentally sustainable goals. Understanding nutrient leaching patterns from different nutrient sources in a sandy soil is important to develop management alternatives to minimize nutrient leaching, improve nutrient uptake efficiency, thus to make the system sustainable as well as economically attractive. Leaching column experiment was conducted using Quincy fine sand packed to simulate the natural soil profile of 120 cm depth. The treatments included (1) unamended; (2) 100 kg N ha−1 as urea; (3) 100 kg ha−1 each of N and P as urea and KH2PO4; and (4) 200 kg N ha−1 as manure. All columns received uniform bromide (Br−) applications at 112 kg ha−1, as KBr and leached with 5 pore volumes (PV; 45 L) of water. The Br was leached entirely in the second PV of leachate, and Br retention in ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors studied the effects of the treatment of broiler litter on the yield and nutrient uptake of tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae) and the nutrient content of runoff water exited from treated plots.
Abstract: Land application of poultry litter as fertilizer may lead to impaired surface and ground water quality. An experiment was conducted at Crossville, AL to study the effects of alum [Al2(SO4)3 · 14H2O] treatment of broiler litter on the yield and nutrient uptake of tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae) and the nutrient content of runoff water exited from treated plots. Alum was used at the rate of 0, 545 and 1090 kg per 1464 m2 (12 m × 122 m) of the poultry house. The low rate is the one recommended by Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama. Soil samples were collected from the research plots at the beginning of the experiment and at the end of each growing season from 0–7.5, 7.6–15, and 16–30 cm depth. Runoff samples were collected from each plot after each rainfall event that caused runoff. Alum treatments had no effect on tall fescue dry matter yield, and the herbage nutrient concentrations were within acceptable limits. We observed significant reductions in the runoff concentration...
TL;DR: Although plants in full sunlight and those with 40% shade showed no significant differences, the results indicate that producers can grow C. chinense in partial shade provided by other plants, thereby increasing efficiency of field space usage.
Abstract: Growing sweet pepper (C. chinense) under shade has increased in the region south of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. We studied the effects of different shade conditions on the dynamics of flowering and fruit production of C. chinense. Two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, weekly measurements of flowering and fruit production in plants shaded by passion-fruit (Passiflora edulis) vines and in those in full sunlight were made in replicated field plots. In the second experiment, with a similar design and three replications, the same variables were measured for three shade levels (60%, 40% and full sunlight). In the first experiment there were no significant differences in total number of flowers (TNF), total number of fruits (TNFr) or in total production (TP) (p < 0.05). However, total production of shade-grown plants was slightly higher, and the average fruit weight of shade-grown plants was significantly greater (p < 0.05). In the second experiment different shade conditions showe...
TL;DR: In conclusion, relay cropping green manure legumes, particularly mucuna, has potential to increase subsequent maize grain yield even when some of the fodder is used as livestock feed.
Abstract: Declining soil fertility and limited quantity and quality of livestock feeds are major constraints to agricultural production in northwestern Kenya. Legumes used as green manures may aid in overcoming soil nutrient depletion and lack of fodder. Relay-cropped mucuna (Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. Utilis (Wright) Bruck) and lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet cv. Rongai) were evaluated as alternatives to dry season, natural fallow for sustaining soil productivity in a maize (Zea mays L.)-common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercrop on farmers' fields in northwestern Kenya. Four treatments were the factorial combinations of the two legumes and two levels of legume defoliation (none, or herbage above 10 cm removed prior to incorporation of remainder). Three controls were cattle manure (5 Mg ha−1), inorganic N (30 kg ha−1), and natural fallow. Undefoliated mucuna (UD-M) yielded more biomass (2.3 Mg ha−1, mean of two seasons) than undefoliated lab-lab (UD-L; 0.8 Mg ha−1) under the relay intercrop, con...
TL;DR: The results showed that edaphic fauna quickly recolonized the disinfested soil, re-establishing dense and rich communities after 45 days, which support the low environmental impact of this technique and thus could be used for certification of the eco-biological sustainability of steam treatment in organic farming.
Abstract: Steam disinfestation of soil is attracting growing interest in intensive agriculture, because of the increasing demand of reduced use of fumigants. In this study, we assessed the effect of steam application on the microarthropod community, a fundamental component of soil environment. We conducted steam disinfestation treatments in experimental parcels, where we sampled for edaphic microarthropods on one date before and on four dates after the treatments. Our results showed that edaphic fauna quickly recolonized the disinfested soil, re-establishing dense and rich communities after 45 days. These results support the low environmental impact of this technique and thus could be used for certification of the eco-biological sustainability of steam treatment in organic farming.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the natural and cultural setting of beef cattle enterprise systems, and their time frame for action planning and implementation, and present four brief case studies of farmers who practice pasture-finishing.
Abstract: Conventional cattle enterprises send grain-finished beef to a commodity market. Pasture-finishing offers farmers better returns in an alternative “niche” market with different costs, uncertainties and risks. Such enterprise decisions are not well-structured problems soluble with classical decision analysis. Instead, they require an ethnographic process of “framing” from a personal viewpoint. Here we examine the natural and cultural setting of beef cattle enterprise systems, and their time frame for action planning and implementation. We present four brief case studies of farmers who practice pasture-finishing. An “ethnographic decision model” (EDM) asks farmers about their personal, material, social and financial resources. In behavioral decision theory, a parallel line of research is “naturalistic decision making” (NDM), focused on the proficiency of decision makers dealing with ill-structured problems, incomplete information, uncertainty, and urgency. Pasture-finished beef production can be an ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the impact of alley farming on crops and livestock production and found that farmers are adopting the technology and that the initial adopters continue to be early adopters.
Abstract: Sustainable increase in agricultural production was achieved in the past through the use of bush-fallow farming system. Extensive land use due to urbanization, increase in population and high farming population has led to reduction in fallow period. As a consequence, rapid deterioration of soil structure and declining productivity constitute major problems of agricultural productivity. Amid the efforts for increase in agricultural productivity, many developing countries are concerned about the environmental effects of agricultural technologies. The focus is on sustainable agricultural technologies that can increase yield as well as regenerate soil fertility without fallow. This was achieved through alley farming developed by researchers in the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Nigeria. This paper examines the impact of alley farming on crops and livestock production. Surveys indicate that farmers are adopting the technology and that the initial adopters continue to...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated efforts by farmers in central Uganda to maintain soil fertility, factors affecting their capacity to act and impacts on soil fertility parameters using questionnaire-based interviews and soil chemical analyses, information from 60 randomly selected farms was collected in four subcounties.
Abstract: Low soil fertility remains a major reason for rural poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. In light of the need to set priorities and formulate development policies, this study investigates efforts by farmers in central Uganda to maintain soil fertility, factors affecting their capacity to act and impacts on soil fertility parameters. Using questionnaire-based interviews and soil chemical analyses, information from 60 randomly selected farms was collected in four subcounties. Farmers use traditional conservation methods like legumes, crop rotation, cover crops, fallow and agroforestry in addition to applying manure, ash, mineral fertilizers and concoctions to improve soil fertility. Most farmers construct some soil bunds. Limited access to supplies, markets, credit and extension service, labor and organic materials are limitations to their ability to maintain soil fertility. Present application of fertility measures are clearly insufficient and are not reflected in soil fertility parameters.
TL;DR: A combination of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and household survey was conducted to understand what motivates Claveria farmers to plant trees and adopt agroforestry.
Abstract: A combination of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and household survey was conducted to understand what motivates Claveria farmers to plant trees and adopt agroforestry. Of the 300 households surveyed, 72% adopted agroforestry systems. Parkland system is the most widely practiced (30%), followed by hedgerow system or natural vegetative strips (NVS) (18%), block planting (16%), and border planting (8%). The agroforestry system adopted by farmers varies with their motivations. If the primary motive is to have additional income, farmers practice either block planting, border planting, or parkland system. For soil conservation, farmers prefer hedgerows system or NVS. Farmers wanting to protect their crops from strong winds plant trees along farm boundaries as windbreaks (border planting).
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated how time to rainfall and repeated rain events affect nutrient concentrations and dynamics in runoff from a Ruston sandy loam (fine, mixed active, thermic Aquic Hapludults) soil established with Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon L.).
Abstract: Even though the effect of poultry litter application on runoff nutrient concentrations has been thoroughly evaluated, the timing of broiler litter application and estimated runoff nutrient dynamics are not well documented. The objectives of this study were to evaluate how time to rainfall and repeated rain events affect nutrient concentrations and dynamics in runoff from a Ruston sandy loam (fine, mixed active, thermic Aquic Hapludults) soil established with Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon L.). Air-dried soil was packed into runoff boxes (144 cm long, 20 cm wide, and 10 cm deep) to a bulk density of 1.30 g cm−3. Hybrid Bermuda grass was established by plugging (26 plugs per box). Broiler litter was broadcast at the rate of 9 Mg ha−1. Simulated rainfall (27 mm h−1) was applied until 15 min of runoff was collected at 0, 3, 6, and 9 d after broiler litter application. Also, 8 successive rainfall events were applied at 3-d intervals to the soil incubated for 9-d with broiler litter and commercial fer...
TL;DR: Reducing the crop loss to pest and diseases, improving animal health and rangelands, equitable sharing of revenue generated from tourism and its re-investment in the area are seen as key strategies for sustainable livelihood.
Abstract: Upper Mustang–a scenic Himalayan desert is an important tourist destination in Nepal. Its very remoteness, stark landscape and inhospitable climate, coupled with its many unique cultural attractions, have led to Upper Mustang being described as “to the international tourism circuit what Antarctica is for naturalists.” Agriculture, livestock and tourism are considered major sources of livelihood but the low agricultural productivity, diminishing rangelands, inequitable sharing of revenue from tourism threaten the sustainability of livelihood in Upper Mustang. Reducing the crop loss to pest and diseases, improving animal health and rangelands, equitable sharing of revenue generated from tourism and its re-investment in the area are seen as key strategies for sustainable livelihood.
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper examined the responses of soil nitrogen and organic matter to alfalfa crop conversion in two years, and assessed the adaptability of various rotations for soil water restoration and soil fertility's sustainability.
Abstract: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) crop rotation is regarded as a key procedure for ecological restoration in the semiarid areas of China's Loess Plateau. This study was designed to clarify the soil water restoration in alfalfa crop rotation, to examine the responses of soil nitrogen and organic matter to alfalfa crop conversion in two years, and to assess the adaptability of various rotations for soil water restoration and soil fertility's sustainability. Soil moisture in the millet fields converted from alfalfa grassland was always higher than in alfalfa grassland in the two years after the conversion, which indicates rotation as an efficient way to restore soil water after continuous planting of alfalfa. However, planting millet (Setaria italica Beauv) as it is usually done as local practice, is not helpful for soil water restoration in the first year. In the second year after the conversion, planting potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and fallo...