Impact of organo-mineral fertilization, sowing dates and climate variability on yields and water productivity of three improved sorghum cultivars in the Sudanian agroecological zone of Mali
November 2024
Sorghum production in Mali faces challenges, including low soil fertility and climate variability. To assess the effects of management practices (fertilizer types, sowing dates) on biomass and grain yields, as well as water use efficiency (WUE) of grain yield, experiments were conducted at the ICRISAT Samanko and IER N’Tarla research stations. A split-split plot design was used as the experimental design during...
Market gardeners' perceptions and practices of pesticide use in eastern Niger: Implications for environmental and health safety
November 2024
Market gardeners heavily rely on pesticides to combat pests and diseases, often neglecting health and environmental safeguards. This study examined farmers' perceptions of current phytosanitary practices and identified potential risks in the eastern oasis of Niger. The methodology included an inventory of pesticides used on crops and socioeconomic surveys of 118 market gardeners across eight oases. Results...
Characterization of soil fertility management practices under greater nightshade cropping systems in South Benin
November 2024
This study aimed to characterize cropping systems of greater nightshade (Solanum macrocarpon) in the market garden areas located along the coastal zone in the South. Socio-economic profile of producers, soil fertility management practices, constraints and nuisances related to the use of organic fertilizers, as well as the endogenous solutions desired by producers were collected from 120 producers in the communes of...
Evaluation of Nigella seed oil effect against oxidant stress during ageing of camel meat
November 2024
The use of aromatic plants as antioxidants helps minimize oxidative rancidity, thereby extending the shelf life and preserving the nutritional quality of foodstuffs, including meat. The antioxidant effect of Nigella sativa L. (commonly known as black seed) oil (NO) on raw camel meat during cold storage was evaluated in this study. Muscle samples (Longissimus dorsi) were collected from 7 male camels (Camelus...
Selection of cowpea (vigna unguiculata l. Walp) tolerant genotypes to hydric stress by drought indices of tolerance in Burkina Faso
November 2024
Over the last decade, there has been a gradual growth in cowpea production in Burkina Faso due to its significant income generation for farmers, processors, and traders. However, despite the increasing interest in cultivating this crop, yields are still low due to various constraints, including drought. During drought periods cowpea productivity and growth are significantly reduced. This study was conducted to evaluate...
Agronomic and economic evaluations of nutrient source, defoliation intensity and defoliation frequency on the Broccoli head size under rainfed conditions in Rwanda
November 2024
The experiment compared the use of synthetic fertilizers [Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) and urea] with organic fertilizer (goat manure) and defoliation treatments on growth and development of broccoli. The trial was conducted under rainfed conditions in Rwanda using a 2 x 3 x 3 factorial design with three replications. The results showed that synthetic fertilizers (DAP and urea) led to significant increases in various...
Comparative studies of carbon stocks in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) plantations and primary forest in southeast Ghana
November 2024
Trees are essential for carbon sequestration, a critical process for mitigating global climate change. Assessing the carbon stock potential of primary forests and cashew plantations is crucial, especially given the considerable degradation of forest resources in southern Ghana. A series of parallel permanent transects each up to 1 km in length and spaced 200 m apart, were established across different land use types,...
Modern optical sensing technologies and their applications in agriculture
October 2024
Modern agriculture faces the challenge of producing more food on less land to meet the demands of a growing global population while minimizing its impact on the environment. To achieve this, precision agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach, harnessing cutting-edge technologies to optimize farming practices. Among these technologies, modern optical sensing has garnered significant attention due to its...
Phytosanitary evaluation of different types of improved maize seed produced in Burkina Faso
October 2024
The impact of fungal diseases on maize productivity remains a significant concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), as it is globally. In Burkina Faso, maize production is frequently affected by various fungal species, leading to yield losses and a decline in production quality. These losses are due to factors such as sowing failures, delayed plant growth, and the production of mycotoxins that can adversely affect human and...
Application of pulverized local rhyolitic powders to improve cabbage productivity and soil chemicals in Bandjoun, west Cameroon
October 2024
A field trial was conducted to assess the effect of the application of pulverized rhyolitic materials and poultry manure on the yield of cabbages and soil chemicals in the locality of Bandjoun, west Cameroon. The treatment with rhyolitic rock materials combined with poultry manure portrayed the best yield (51000 kgha-1) followed by the treatment with poultry manure alone (27,000 kgha-1). Lower yields were obtained from...
Production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under a soilless system based on coconut fibers (Cocos nucifera)
October 2024
Urban agriculture increasingly occupies an important place in West Africa. With growing insecurity and the massive displacement of populations to cities, off-ground agriculture is a sustainable solution for feeding populations. The objective of this study is to contribute to the installation of soilless agriculture in Burkina Faso. The material used consists of lettuce varieties, and the substrate consists of coconut...
Phytosociological survey of weeds in cassava growth area
October 2024
The presence of weeds in agricultural crops causes direct losses in productivity, causing economic losses, which makes it necessary to know the quality and quantity of weeds that compete with agriculture crops. Therefore, the objective of this work was to identify the weed community associated with cassava cultivation through a phytosociological survey, carried out in a cassava cultivation area, in the city of Nampula....
Farmers’ knowledge, perception, and management strategies of fall armyworm in the savanna ecology of Ghana
October 2024
The larvae of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), pose a significant threat to maize and other crops, potentially leading to economic losses if not effectively managed. Despite numerous studies conducted on FAW in Ghana, there remains a gap in understanding farmers' knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors regarding the pest and its management techniques. This study aimed...
High-analysis fertilizers do affect respective macronutrient concentration in topsoil after wheat harvest while deeper exploration revealed their significant amount
October 2024
Post-fertilization changes in soil macronutrients were explored in three locations on intensively cultivated soils in Ethiopia. Fifteen soil samples before planting and 30 after wheat harvest were collected from middle blocks at five-depth intervals, 120 cm deep pits. After harvest, samples were collected only from control, and full-dose Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Sulfur-Calcium (69:20:18:23 kg/ha, respectively) treated units....
Salt and water dynamics of irrigated vertisols cultivated with fodder crop of Echinochloa stagnina in Niger River valley
October 2024
Irrigating Vertisols to produce crops, such as rice, alters its hydrological regime and often degrades the soil, particularly through waterlogging and salinization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the fodder crop Echinochloa stagnina on the salt and water dynamics of saline vertisols, in comparison to an irrigated paddy system in the Niger River valley. The study was conducted in irrigated...
Nutritional and phytochemical characterization of the “Folou” or “Flado” varietal group of yams belonging to the species Dioscorea alata in Burkina Faso
October 2024
Yam forms the basis of the diet of many African countries, as it is an important source of carbohydrates and other nutrients. In Burkina Faso, various yam cultivars are grown. However, data on their biochemical characteristics and nutritional value are not known, which strongly limits their use in breeding and varietal improvement programs. This study aims to characterize the nutritional and antioxidant potential of...
Assessment of pesticide use, practice and hazards on cotton-growing farmers in the Awash Valley, Ethiopia
October 2024
Pesticide use in cotton cultivation in Ethiopia has increased due to the emergence of new insect pests, raising environmental and health concerns. The aim of this study is to examine pesticide utilization, handling practices, and knowledge among farmers in the Awash Valley. A total of one hundred twenty-eight small-scale and twenty-five large-scale farmers were included in the study. Data were collected through...
Performances of eight morphotypes of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivated in Zinder region using quantative traits in rainy season
October 2024
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is cultivated as a cash crop by small-scale farmers in Niger. This study assessed eight lettuce morphotypes from the Zinder region in Niger Republic for their agronomic performance traits. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed between the morphotypes for various agro-morphological traits. Principal component...
Assessing farmer knowledge and performance of introduced wheat varieties using organic fertilizers in the North West Region Cameroon
September 2024
Wheat, one of the most consumed but less produced crops in Cameroon, was the focus of this study aimed to investigate farmers’ knowledge on wheat cultivation and estimating the performance of introduced varieties using different fertilization methods in Santa. A random sample of 80 farmers completed an open-ended questionnaire, and subsequently, 14 varieties were evaluated in a randomized complete block design...
Spatial variability of soil microbiological properties under different land use systems
September 2024
Understanding the spatial variability of soil microbial properties is crucial for assessing their role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning across various land use systems. While many studies emphasize soil physicochemical characteristics, the spatial heterogeneity of microbiological attributes is less explored. This research examined the spatial distribution of microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dehydrogenase...
Combined effect of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers on growth, yield potential of maize (Zea mays L.) varieties and economic benefits
September 2024
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of biofertilizers, diammonium phosphate (DAP), and urea fertilizer treatments on maize growth, yield, and economic benefits. The experiment, carried out over two consecutive seasons in 2022, included five treatments: control without fertilizers (T1), biofertilizers only (T2), DAP + urea (T3), biofertilizers + DAP (T4), and biofertilizers + DAP + urea (T5), arranged in a...
Effects of nitrogen reduction on wheat yield and quality in different ecological environments
September 2024
To establish a theoretical foundation for the coordinated production of high-quality, high-yield, and efficient wheat in Yunnan Province, this study was conducted to examine the impact of 4 fertilization rates on wheat yield and quality under three distinct climatic conditions. The findings revealed that the fertilizer requirements for achieving high yield depend on the wheat variety and environmental factors....
Farm size and total productivity in selected maize producing districts in Tanzania: Implications for sustainable agro-industrial development
September 2024
This paper examines the relationship between farm size and total factor productivity (TFP) in mainland Tanzania, using a Cobb-Douglas production framework and survey data. Our analysis highlights two important contributions: The examination of a wide range of planted maize fields and the evaluation of the association between farm size and total factor productivity efficiency across maize cropping systems (that is...
Effect of vermicompost on soil properties, cabbage earliness and yield under sandy soil agroecosystem
September 2024
The present study was conducted to find the effect of vermicompost application on yield and some other parameters of cabbage under highly weathered soils of Uganda. Five rates of vermicomposte (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 t/ha) were applied on cabbage, planted in plots and arranged in RCBD during three seasons with three replications each. Plant height, number of leaves and leaf size were measured during the...
Pearl millet-cowpea cropping systems responses to fertilizer in the Sahel
September 2024
In Niger, the pearl millet/cowpea intercropping system is widely used for various reasons. A study conducted in 2021 and 2022 aimed to confirm previous reports of the land efficiency benefits of this system and to document its differential response to fertilizer application with and without subsidies. The experiment included six treatment combinations: three cropping systems (pearl millet and cowpea sole crops, and...
Socioeconomic impacts of farmer-herder conflicts on livelihoods and agricultural sustainability in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
September 2024
One area that has not caught the attention of researchers is the socioeconomic impacts of the over three-decade-long farmer-herder conflicts on livelihoods and agricultural sustainability in Ghana, which is the focus of this paper. The study was conducted in the Ashanti region using mainly interviews and focus group discussions. The study is also based on the theory of social conflict to analyze the data. Agricultural...
Using superior plant growth-promoting microorganisms through bioprospecting to create inoculants for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) farming
September 2024
Experiments with pot-grown plants are among the most common in plant research. In this study, we isolated plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) from the rhizosphere soils and root nodules of peanut plants grown under greenhouse conditions, and evaluated their PGP properties to select elite strains as inoculants. The isolates were characterized for the following PGP activities: phosphate (P) solubilization, auxin and...
Identification and phylogenetic relationship of fungal species associated with cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) in Bamenda, (Northwest Region) Cameroon.
August 2024
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) is one of the major foods in Cameroon. This study aims to identify fungi species from Cassava leaves and determine its phylogenetic relationship. Random sampling was used to collect symptomatic leaves in 20 cassava farms and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Mycelia of 31 pure isolates were harvested and used for molecular analysis. DNA was extracted using the sorbitol –...
Physico-chemical and sensory characterisation of three traditional functional dishes made from maize flour and wild tomi (Tamarindus indica), baobab (Adansonia digitata) and néré (Parkia biglobosa) fruit pulp consumed in Côte d'Ivoire
August 2024
The aim of the study was to determine the biochemical and sensory characteristics of dishes made from maize and baobab, tomi, and néré pulp. To this end, Badégué with baobab, Badégué with tomi, and Wasséra were prepared using traditional technologies to determine their physico-chemical composition followed by a sensory evaluation. The results showed that Wasséra...
Barriers of smallholder farmers to climate change adaptation decisions: Evidence from semi-arid region of Ghana
August 2024
Climate change poses significant threats to global agricultural output, affecting the livelihoods of millions of farmers, particularly in Ghana’s semi-arid Upper East region. Here, millet and sorghum producers face increasing challenges due to changing climatic patterns. Smallholder farmers frequently employ adaptation strategies in response to these conditions. However, despite their efforts, these adaptations...
Effects of feeding stovers of pearl millet varieties on performances of sheep and goats in integrated crop-small ruminants’ production systems in the West African Sahel
August 2024
Integrated crop-small ruminant production systems have been identified as one of the strategies to enhance food security among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. This study utilizes a combination of on-station and on-farm trials to investigate the effects of pearl millet stover on the performance of small ruminants and to identify the best cultivars that can be recommended to livestock farmers as suitable fodder...
Effects of Tithonia diversifolia on species composition of other weeds
August 2024
Alien species, such as Tithonia diversifolia, if introduced to areas outside of their natural distribution range, subsequently become invasive, and threatens biodiversity and agricultural productivity. A field survey to determine the potential allelopathic effects of T. diversfiolia on species composition was conducted in Goromonzi, Zimbabwe using two different sizes quadrats. The quadrats were randomly placed at...
Local knowledge and morphological variations in local landraces Mangifera indica L. in Northern Benin (West Africa)
August 2024
Local landraces of mango (Mangifera indica L.) occupy an important position in household consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the local knowledge of M. indica landraces, the variation in their morphological traits, and the influence of environmental variables on the variability of morphotypes in Northern Benin. Two hundred and three households were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire...
Interactive effect of organic manures, mineral fertilizers and seasons on agronomic parameters of intercropped maize (Zea mays. L), common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris. L) on oxisol in the Noun Valley (Cameroon Western Highlands)
August 2024
Intercropping is a common practice among small-scale farmers of common beans and maize in developing countries, but the agronomic performance of these crops is generally poor due to inappropriate farming practices. This study evaluates the interactive effect of season and mineral-organic fertilizers on soil fertility and the agronomic performance of the intercropped common bean-maize system. The field experiment was...
Short-term effect of the distance between the point of application of phosphate fertilizers (CBKCa and TSP) and the crown of the plant on the evolution of the fractions and the phosphorus balance of a Lixisol
August 2024
The different fractions of phosphorus available in the short term were studied by the fractionation method. Soil samples (0-20 cm) were taken during 2021 and 2022 campaigns after the harvests in a test set up on the factorial design with four repetitions. The P sources (Calcined Burkina Phosphate enriched with calcium (CBKCa) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP)) were applied to the main plots, and the subplots had three...
Selectivity of 2,4-D choline salt, glyphosate, glufosinate, and their mixtures for enlist E3™ soybeans
August 2024
To reduce the impacts caused by the constant use of the same active ingredient, a new genetically modified soybean cultivar has been developed for resistance to the herbicides 2,4-D choline salt, glyphosate, and glufosinate ammonium. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of herbicides applied at the V3 and V6 stages on the development and productivity of Enlist E3™ soybeans over two...
Assessing rice farmers' production constraints and variety preferences in areas affected by salinity
August 2024
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a strategic and priority commodity for food security in Tanzania. The objective of this study was to assess farmers' rice production problems and the preferred traits for improvement in areas affected by salinity in the country. The study was conducted in rice-producing areas of Kilosa, Iringa, and Moshi districts. Farmers were interviewed using structured questionnaires and other...
Characterization of chicken production system in two selected districts in Central Tigray, Ethiopia
July 2024
The study was conducted in Tahtay Michew and Mereb Leke districts with the objective of characterizing the chicken production system in the two study districts. Data collection was carried out through a structured questionnaire and data gathered from different sources. A total of 80 households (40 from each district) were randomly selected for interviews in the baseline survey. Finally, all the collected data were...
Troubled agronomy: Exploring challenges affecting oil palm production among indigenous rural farmers in Karonga district, Malawi
July 2024
Agriculture remains fundamental in addressing socio-economic challenges in developing countries including Malawi. Through agriculture, oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) production has been essential as source of food, creation of job opportunities, income generation, hence offering potential pathways for reducing rural poverty. In Malawi, oil palm production is an old tradition practiced by the Nyakyusa people, residing in...
Farming nomenclature, distribution and diversity of squash (Cucurbita sp) in Burkina Faso
July 2024
Agriculture plays a crucial role in managing sustainable food security, necessitating a better understanding and conservation of plant genetic resource diversity. This study aims to establish the nomenclature of squash species (Cucurbita species) diversity cultivated by farmers in Burkina Faso. A survey was conducted across 19 provinces, divided into nine regions and two climatic zones. Semi-structured individual...
A survey on the state of moringa cultivation and utilization in Kwazulu-Natal
July 2024
The African population is predicted to be 1,397,607,646, with the South African population estimated to be 60,635,919. With a continually expanding population across the continent, satisfying the demands of present and future generations will be a major global challenge. As a result, this study investigated Moringa oleifera lam as a superfood with the potential to reduce poverty and unemployment, promote rural...
Effects of soil pH levels on iron and zinc concentrations of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes
July 2024
Plants grown in acid soils experience a variety of stresses which include aluminium, hydrogen and/or manganese toxicity, as well as nutrient deficiencies of calcium and magnesium. A study was carried out to determine the influence of soil pH levels on iron and zinc concentrations in leaves and seeds of twenty-five common bean genotypes. Plastic cups trial was carried out in the screen house to determine the actual...
Standard of living, gender dimensions and women empowerment among Fulani pastoralist in Kaduna State, Nigeria
July 2024
The participation of women in dairy farming varies according to region, culture, and socioeconomic status. These dynamics restrict women’s abilities to exercise equal access and control over resources. Utilizing descriptive statistics and data from 316 clustered Advancing Local Dairy Development in Nigeria (ALDDN) Project beneficiary communities, this study assesses gender roles and empowerment among pastoralists...
Postharvest handling practices and the use of Cedrela Odorata leaves against insect pests of maize grain in storage
July 2024
A survey conducted in the Ejura-Sekyedumasi municipality of Ghana's Ashanti Region assessed the use of Cedrela odorata leaves for storing maize. The study sampled fifty farmers from five maize-producing communities. Maize storage methods included shelling and bagging or storing unshelled maize in rooms or barns. Common field pests encountered included weevils, termites and fall armyworms. The majority of farmers...
Assessing soil carbon sequestration potential by measuring clay, sand, and silt content in agroforestry parkland systems along a rainfall gradient in Burkina Faso, West Africa
July 2024
Soil texture and precipitation influence soil organic carbon sequestration. This research measured soil texture to assess the potential for organic carbon sequestration in soils within agroforestry parklands, considering a gradient of rainfall levels. The study aims to provide site-specific recommendations to promote agroforestry as a strategy for mitigating climate change in Burkina Faso. Soil samples were collected...
Phenotypical variability of four types of sorghum cultivated in intercropping conditions in two agroclimatic areas of Burkina Faso based on qualitative traits
July 2024
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an indigenous crop in Africa, primarily cultivated to meet the food and commercial needs of rural communities. In Burkina Faso, various types of sorghum are cultivated together, potentially increasing gene flow and influencing the evolution of key morphological traits of interest. This study compared the morphological variability of four types of sorghum cultivated under...
Genetic parameters estimate of iron and zinc nutrients in common bean genotypes
July 2024
There is need to know the heritability of different traits for the effective selection of parents for future breeding activities. A study was carried out to determine heritability of iron and zinc in common bean. Crosses were made with each donor and recipient parents to obtain four different types of crosses. Part of the F1 seed from each cross was sown in the screen house to produce F2 seeds and also backcrossed to...
Assessment of vertical hydroponic structures compared to planting in soil under different light conditions
June 2024
The aim of this research was to evaluate the performance of small-scale vertical hydroponic structures compared to indoor planting in soil under different light conditions. Fordhook Giant Swiss chard (Spinacea oleracea) was grown for 2 cropping seasons. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in the biometric attributes of the plants grown hydroponically and those grown in soil under different...
Estimating and forecasting red meat consumption and production in Saudi Arabia during 2022-2030
June 2024
The study aims to predict domestic consumption and the production of three meat species (cattle, goats, and sheep) between 2022 and 2030. All series data in addition income per capita as exogenous variable are stationary at the first difference. So vector autoregressive model with exogenous variables was applied, according to information criterion ( ) the model of order without an intercept term and a...
Evaluation of rhizobium and nitrogen fertilizer for the control of bacterial blight in green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties
June 2024
Bacterial blight is a serious disease affecting green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), impacting all growth and yield parameters and potentially causing a yield loss of about 40%. Inadequate information exists on the evaluation of nitrogen fertilizer potential on bacterial blight diseases in green bean cultivars. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of nitrogen fertilizer in managing bacterial blight disease...
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