October 2024
High-analysis fertilizers do affect respective macronutrient concentration in topsoil after wheat harvest while deeper exploration revealed their significant amount
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....
October 2024
Nutritional and phytochemical characterization of the “Folou” or “Flado” varietal group of yams belonging to the species Dioscorea alata in Burkina Faso
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...
October 2024
Salt and water dynamics of irrigated vertisols cultivated with fodder crop of Echinochloa stagnina in Niger River valley
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...
October 2024
Performances of eight morphotypes of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivated in Zinder region using quantative traits in rainy season
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...
October 2024
Farmers’ knowledge, perception, and management strategies of fall armyworm in the savanna ecology of Ghana
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...
October 2024
Application of pulverized local rhyolitic powders to improve cabbage productivity and soil chemicals in Bandjoun, west Cameroon
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...
October 2024
Phytosanitary evaluation of different types of improved maize seed produced in Burkina Faso
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...
October 2024
Production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under a soilless system based on coconut fibers (Cocos nucifera)
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...
October 2024
Modern optical sensing technologies and their applications in agriculture
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...
October 2024
Phytosociological survey of weeds in cassava growth area
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....
October 2024
Assessment of pesticide use, practice and hazards on cotton-growing farmers in the Awash Valley, Ethiopia
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...
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