ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science       ISSN 1990-6145
   
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ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science                August 2012 | Vol. 7 No. 8
 

 Title:

Seasonality in poverty level of rural farming households in Oyo State Nigeria

 Author (s):

Adeyonu A. G., Oni O. A., Okoruwa V. O. and Omonona B. T.

 Abstract:

The study examined poverty level among farmers in rural areas of Oyo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in collecting data from 180 farming households during the rainy and dry season. The analysis shows that the incidence of poverty is 32.7% and 40.6% during the rainy and dry seasons respectively. Poverty rate is higher among older farmers with low level of education who are subsistence farmers with large members and who had no access to food preparation and modern faming technology. Poverty indices are higher during dry season than rainy season. To reduce poverty among farmers, farming households should be targeted with education, birth-control programmes, time saving technology and cash transfer programs to bridge the dry season consumption deficit.
 

 
 
 
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Title:

Evaluation of the growth and carcass yield characteristics of crossbred naked-neck and frizzle cockerel phenotypes reared under hot and humid environments

Author (s):

Hagan J. K. and Akpor I.

Abstract:

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the growth and carcass yield of four crossbred F3 naked-neck and frizzle cockerel phenotypes. These crossbred third generation cockerels were generated from a successive generations of reciprocal crossing between crossbred heterozygous naked-neck (50% indigenous naked-neck and 50% Lohman Brown) and frizzle (50% indigenous frizzle and 50% Lohman Brown) stocks. Two hundred and forty (240), two-week old cockerels, sixty (60) each of the four phenotypes were randomly assigned to a CRD experiment with three replicates for a period of up to 14 weeks. The selected cockerels were put in a partitioned open-sided deep-litter house, with 20 birds in each compartment and provided with broiler chick and layer grower mash ad lib during the brooding and growing stages respectively. Results obtained showed no significant phenotype effect on day-old body weight, however, the naked-neck and frizzle phenotypes consumed significantly more feed and were more feed efficient after four weeks onwards. Results from carcass yield also showed a significant gene effects with cockerels expressing the naked-neck and frizzle traits in the double heterozygous state producing significantly higher meat yield than their single heterozygous sibs with the latter also producing higher meat yield than their normally feathered sibs. It was concluded that there is positive interactive effects between the naked-neck and frizzle genes evidenced by the superior performance of the naked-neck and frizzle phenotypes as compared to their normally feathered sibs.

 
 
 
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Title:

Requirements of low input sustainable agricultural implementation: A factor analysis of experts’ perspective

Author (s): Maryam Omidi Najafabadi, Kosar Khedri and Farhad Lashgarara
Abstract:

Low Input Sustainable Agricultural seek to optimize the management and use of internal production inputs and to minimize the use of external production inputs, such as purchased fertilizer and pesticides to lower production costs, to reduce pesticide residues in food, and to increase both short- and long-term farm profitability. This study was conducted to identify the requirements of LISA implementation from experts’ perception in Ilam. The research population included all the experts who are members of agricultural and natural resources engineering organization in Ilam province (N=1700). Using the stratified sampling technique and the results from the pilot test 313 experts were surveyed. Using factor analysis, the requirements have been classified into five factors named Cultural, Economical, Extension methods, Education methods and Technical factors. About 65 percent of total common variance explained by these 5 factors, which the majority of it has been explained by the cultural factor.

 
 
 
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Title:

Effect of organic matter on nitrogen mineralization in flooded and dry soil

Author (s):

Linca Anggria, A. Kasno and Sri Rochayati

Abstract:

Organic matter is one of the source nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen mineralization depends on application method, kind of organic matter, microbial activity, aeration and moisture. The objective of this study was to determine the amount of nitrogen mineralization in flooded and dry soils from organic matter application. The experiment was carried out in research and soil testing laboratory of Indonesian Soil Research Institute (ISRI). Soil sample were taken from Cipanas and Sajira Sub District, Rangkasbitung. Nitrogen mineralization was studied on flooded and dry soil. The kind of organic matter on this experiment was chicken manure, goat manure, straw and straw compost wich are nitrogen content around 1.15 to 1.76%. The analysis of ammonium and nitrate conducted at 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 20, 30, and 40 days after organic matter application. Nitrogen release from organic matter was calculated by nitrogen total on the organic matter treatment minus control divided by nitrogen content on the 5 t organic matter. The results showed that N-NH4+ content on the flooded soil started at 3 days after organic matter application, increase and peak of nitrogen content reach at 30 days after organic matter aplication. The maximum concentration of N-NH4+ for chicken manure and straw compost are day 8, straw and control are day 5, and goat manure is day 2. The maximum concentration ranged from 59 to 72 mg N-NH4+ kg-1. Under flooded soil, the maximum nitrogen mineralization on day 8, ranged from 4.33 to 7, 61 mg N-NO3- kg-1. Under dry soil, the maximum concentration of N-NO3- reaches at 10 days after organic matter application.

 
 
 
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Title:

Yield of wheat varieties under solid and skip row geometries

Author (s):

Beena Saeed, Hasina Gul, Paigham Shah, Ayub Khan, Shazma Anwar, Azra and Shamsher Ali

Abstract:

The objectives of the study was to find out the performance of different wheat varieties sown under solid and skip row geometries. An experiment was carried out at New Development Form of KPK Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan during winter season of 2002-2003. The experimental setup was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having three replications. Sowing was done on 18th November, 2002. Row geometry was allotted to main plot and different wheat varieties were allotted to sub plots. The size of each sub plot was 2.4m by 5m. Six different wheat varieties (Bakhtawar-92, Fakhar-e-Sarhad, Ghaznavi-98, Nowshera-96, Chakwal, and Khyber-87) were planted in skip and solid row geometries randomly. In solid row geometry the row to row distance was 30 cm and in skip row geometry, pairs of row were 60 cm apart and within pairs the row to row distance was 30cm. The following parameters via emergence m-2, days to anthesis, plant height, number of tillers m-2, spike density m-2 were studied in the experiment. The solid row geometry reported better emergence, took more days to anthesis and gave higher spike density as compared to skip row geometry. Skip row geometry produced taller plants than solid row geometry. Performance of the two wheat varieties, Fakhar-e-Sarhad and Ghaznavi-98 was found appreciable than the other four varieties i.e., Bakhtawar-92, Nowshera-96, Chakwal, and Khyber-87.

 
 
 
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Title:

The effect of gender on the food security of urban agriculture households: A case of Eldoret, Kenya

Author (s):

Mugalavai Violet Kadenyaka

Abstract:

In many developing countries, urban agriculture (UA), which involves the production, processing, and selling of food can be a common coping mechanism in urban communities for creating livelihood opportunities. This study was carried out among the low-income horticultural food crop producers and sellers. The respondents gender differences in their socio- economic characteristics, accessing and use of knowledge and skills required for proficiency in UA, motivating sources of information, coping strategies and their household food security were determined using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative data was collected using both open and closed ended questions whereas qualitative data was sort through one-to-one interviews, case studies, observations, and focus groups. Quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS software and reported in Tables and graphs. Qualitative data was triangulated in the discussions of quantitative data. The results revealed that female respondents more than males had lower socio-economic values which affected capital access and use to enable them to meet their household food security needs.  Nevertheless, females, more than males had a stronger and more determined will to use coping mechanisms that enabled them to harness resources and avail food for their families although the diet was deficient in quantity and quality. There is need to empower women in UA livelihoods with necessary resources that will enable them to become better food providers in order for them to achieve better food security for their households.

 
 
 
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Title:

Preventive effect of Allium sativum on alloxan induced diabetic rat

Author (s):

Ojo R. J., Memudu A. E., Akintayo C. O. and Akpan I. S.

Abstract:

This study was carried out to evaluate the possible protective effects of garlic extract on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The rats were divided into four groups: group 1 serves as diabetic control; group 2 served as normal control; group 3 received garlic extract seven days before alloxan induction and 14 days after the induction while the last group received normal saline before induction and garlic extract after induction. The blood glucose levels of the rats were determined before the treatment and at regular interval till the end of the study. The result obtained showed that preadministration of garlic extract before alloxan indction prevents the elevation of blood glucose in alloxan induced rats.

 
 
 
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Title:

The impact of organizing the access route on vegetation and natural ecosystems soil

Author (s): Amir Hossain Firozan, Mahsa Hakimi Abed, Seyed Armin Hashemi and Sahin Ansarian

Abstract:

In this research, Tafeh Kochkineh is Monitored and Evaluated which is one of the Kermanshah north Promenade with 31 hectares area that constructed by Grassroots Preservation and restoration of mountain environments Organization (Parow population) With financial support of small donations facilities Office of United Nations Global Environment, by using remote sensing technology, ground control (30 number of samples in 1000 square meters in area), Relative density testing of Access way soil (The Green Mile). Biometric tests results Shows that the studied Area have been in better condition Compared to previous years In terms of vegetation, the Vegetation was increased in this area And this had been done due to create access project in this place. Results of Field and laboratory testing of soil Shows that the soil of this area is classified in AASHTO and grouped in A-7. And considered as the worst type of soil after organic soils to construct a way. But in another hand it is the most appropriate soil for the renewing the Soil and vegetation the blocked routes. So that17% of the Soil density reduced within about eight years and vegetation will be deployed to cover in this area soon.

 
 
 
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Title:

Effects of plant density, organic matter and nitrogen rates on rice yields in the system of rice intensification (SRI) in the office DU Niger in Mali

Author (s):

M. Bagayoko

Abstract:

A study was conducted to determine influence of combined application of farmyard manure and different levels of inorganic fertilizer on growth, yield and yield components in the System of Rice Intensification in Mali. Three types of experiments were conducted at the agronomic research station of the Regional centre of Agronomic research of Niono (CRRA-N) in Office du Niger zone, which extends in the North-eastern direction (between 13° and 15° latitudes North and 4°-6° Western longitudes). The materials used comprised a rice variety, mineral fertilizers and organic matter. The rice variety used was Kogoni 91-1 also called « Gambiaka Suruni » which is an improved variety with a cycle of 120 days. The mineral fertilizers used were, triple superphosphate (TSP), Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP, urea and potassium chloride. The potassium chloride was uniformly applied to all plots, while the rate of application of TSP, urea and DAP depended on the treatments described in the research protocol the organic matter (OM) source was animal manure coming from the animal park of the research station. This manure was characterized by low content of nitrogen (0, 34 %N), phosphorus (0.16% P) and potassium (0.65% K). The results indicated significant yield benefit of the SRI system although the drainage system not efficient. Significant interaction between row spacing and soil fertility level occurred showing that row spacing as wide as 30cmx30cm can be used in SRI system when soil fertility is high. However, when soil fertility level is low, it is reasonable to use row spacing of 25cmx 25cm or narrower as certain studies have already shown it. Although good yield can be obtained using farmyard manure, addition of mineral fertilizer still increase rice yield showing that combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer should be considered to sustain yield rice yield.

 
 
 
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Title:

Preparation and evaluation of gluten free ready to serve buckwheat product

Author (s):

Faizullah Khan, Alam Zeb, Muhammad Arif, Javid Ullah and Said Wahab

Abstract:

The present study pertains to the development of a gluten free ready to serve buckwheat nutritious powdered product. The process consists of dehulling and extrusion of dehulled buckwheat from which ready to serve buckwheat flour is obtained. The ready to serve flour is further utilized for product development by mixing it with skimmed milk powder, sugar and food grade additives. The developed product has excellent palatability, agreeable odor and flavor. The developed product is highly nutritious, energizing and refreshing. The gluten free character makes it a perfect nutritional supplement for gluten allergic and other celiac patients as well as for those who have difficulty in mastication swallowing and digestion. The product is dissolvable in hot and cold both water and milk.

 
 
 
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Title:

Effect of acidulated rock phosphate on micronutrients uptake by maize

Author (s):

Bashir Ullah, Arif Ullah, Sher Ali Khan, Anis ur Rehaman, Mohammad Javed Khan,        Sheraz Ahmad Khan and Muhammad irfan

Abstract:

Pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of acidulated rock phosphate on micronutrients uptake in calcareous soil, to evaluate RP as cheaper and possible substitute of chemical fertilizer. Fresh silt loam texture soil was taken in plastic pots and mixed with required amount of finely ground RP calculated on %P basis. Results showed that RP untreated or pretreated with equal amounts of H2SO4 significantly increased the concentration of P in soil and also P accumulation in plant. Acidulated RP also increases the micronutrients concentration and yield attributes. Pre-treatment of RP with acid resulted in higher Zn accumulation as compared to untreated RP. The highest total accumulation of 2.04 mg Zn pot-1 was recorded in treatment RP200%+acid and RP100%+acid with statistically similar values of 1.57 and 1.11mg Zn pot-1. Fe content for RP100%+acid RP100%, RP200% were significantly higher than control, while highest total Fe accumulation was recorded in treatment of RP200%+acid as 38.86 mg pot-1. Significantly higher Cu accumulations of 0.63 and 0.51 mg Cu pot-1 were observed in RP200%+acid and RP100%+acid treatments. RP increased Mn total accumulation by maize plants, the highest accumulation of 3.50 mg Mn pot-1 was recorded in RP200%+acid followed with 2.99 and 2.56 mg Mn pot-1. The highest accumulation of Ca in shoot was observed 0.48 g Ca pot-1 and 0.37 g Ca pot-1 in treatment of RP200%+acid and RP100%+acid. Acidulated RP increased the micronutrients concentration, total accumulation and crop growth, which shows that. RP have the ability to substitute Phosphatic fertilizer.

 
 
 
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Title:

Assessment of noise levels generated in swine production units in Ibadan, Nigeria

Author (s):

Yahaya Mijinyawa and Femi Peter Alege

Abstract:

The increase in pork consumption globally in recent times has led to a corresponding increase in pig production with more people being employed in the industry to provide the needed services. Pigs are known to generate a lot of noise which could constitute a potential health hazard and against which remedial measures must be taken. The establishment of the levels of noise generated in piggery production units and their possible consequences on the workers in such units was the main objective of this study. The research execution consisted of a simple survey among piggery workers to obtain information relevant to noise generation and effect; and physical measurement of the levels of noise generated in selected piggery farms in Ibadan, Nigeria. The survey revealed that workers spend between 3-6 hours daily within the units and wear no noise protective devices. The levels of noise generated in the farms ranged from 95-103 dB (A) and especially during feeding period and other activities. The duration of these noises which are mainly intermittent ranged from 30 to 150 minutes. These levels of noise and the periods for which they last are above the maximum levels of 99 dB (A) over a period of 19 and 140 minutes specified by NIOSH and OSHA respectively. Swine workers in Ibadan, Nigeria are exposed to excessive occupational noise hazards and remedial measures are desirable in order to protect them. The provision of Personal Hearing Protective Devices (PHPDs), adequate medical check-ups as well as use of personal noise dosimeters for the swine workers and good housing structures and facilities for the animals are recommended.

 
 
 
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Title:

Assessment of the noise level generated during ploughing and harrowing operations in Ibadan Nigeria

Author (s):

Y. Mijinyawa and B. A. Akinyemi

Abstract:

In an attempt to meet the food demand by the ever increasing human population, the use of machines in the performance of agricultural operations is increasingly being emphasized. The two of the most common operations for which machines are used on the farm are ploughing and harrowing. Tractor operators who perform these functions are known to spend long period of time working with the machines and various implements which generate substantial noise. Exposure to excessive noise could be harmful to human health if not regulated. The focus of this study was to investigate the level of noise to which tractor operators are exposed during ploughing and harrowing operations using MF260 and MF 265 tractors the noise level generated varied from 88.6 to 89.4dBA for ploughing and 86.5 to 88.4 dBA for harrowing. These levels are more than the recommended level of 85dB which indicate that the operators are under threat from noise and precautionary measures are desirable. A good maintenance culture especially the lubrication of parts to reduce noise, the use of ear protector such as ear muffs and plugs and  cabins on tractors are recommended as ways by which the noise exposure could be minimized.

 
 
 
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Title:

Incidence and botanical control of seed-borne fungi of cowpea in Niger State, Nigeria

Author (s):

Makun H. A., Anjorin S. T., Abidoye A. S., Rufai A. R. and Kabiru Y. A.

Abstract:

Cowpea grains marketed in Minna, Nigeria were assessed for seed-borne fungi. The fungi were isolated and identified by standard methods of culturing and sub-culturing. The isolated fungi species were Aspergillus niger (19.78%) and Fusarium verticilloides (14.85%), Mucor spp. (5.95%), Penicillium spp. (4.95%) and Rhizopus spp. (0.99%). The fungistatic efficacy of crude leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica, Blumea perotitiana and Lippia multiflora were assessed in-vitro on the predominant isolated fungi (A. niger and F. verticilloides). The percentage mycelial inhibition of the plants leaf extracts were compared with the synthetic fungicide (Apron star®) and the control for 10 days. Under 2500 and 5000ug/ml treatment, the apron star® significantly (P<0.05) reduced the mycelial growth of A. niger and F. verticilloides by 92% and 93% respectively (Table-3). Next to this was the inhibitory effect of lippia + blumea extracts on A. niger (56%) and F. verticilloides (32%). Under 5000ug/ml treatment, the inhibitory effect of lippia + blumea extracts on A. Niger (65%) and on F. verticilloides (48.78%). Neem leaf extract treatment only was the least effective among the botanical extract tested. Though the leaf extracts used were efficacious but were not as effective as the synthetic fungicide. The crude bioextracts could be purified and formulated in order to improve its efficacy.

 
 
 
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