Research Paper of IJAAR Journal | Findings from a survey in Western Kenya to determine the soil fertility

 

An open access scholarly research journal called International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research published an articles entitled "Findings from a survey in Western Kenya to determine the soil fertility replenishment technologies adoption rates." in December Issue 2019, under the volume of 15. This research work are developed by PO Mongare, JR Okalebo, CO Othieno, JO Ochuodho, AK Kipkoech and AO Nekesa from the University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya. Get some knowledge about it.

Abstract 

A survey on adoption levels of the existing soil nitrogen replenishing technologies amongst farmers in three counties in western Kenya was carried out in June 2011. Three farmer associations were Angurai Farmers Development Project (AFDEP), Bungoma Small-Scale Farmers Forum (BUSSFFO) and Mwangaza Farmer Group (MFAGRO). During the survey 223 farmers were interviewed with roughly a half of the households surveyed being members of farmer associations (FAs) and the other half being non-members, who acted as the control. Stratified random sampling technique was used. A repeated measures Analysis of Variance (RM – ANOVA) showed that various soil nitrogen replenishment technologies were adopted to various degrees, F (4.39, 855.43) =23.36, p<.001). The findings of this study indicated that the available technologies most extensively used in the study area were the use of inorganic fertilisers (DAP), planting of improved legumes processing, Lab lab, Push Pull, and Super 2 Package. 

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In second place, were technologies such as seed inoculation, foliar feed use, top dressing fertiliser (CAN) and use of improved legumes. The least used technologies were found to be Ua Kayongo (IR seed), MBILI intercropping, fortified compost, and use of Farm yard manure and liming. The results also indicated that generally, adoption of technologies was higher amongst farmer association members compared with non-members regardless of the county. Bungoma County had significantly highest level of technology adoption level compared to both Busia and Vihiga. Adoption of soil technologies was also found to be positively correlated with farmers’ educational level but inversely related with their age.

Discussion 

Generally, adoption level of technologies was higher in members of farmer associations compared to non- members. This was in line with other studies, for instance, Odembo et al. (2010) and Kebeney et al. (2015), in which membership in groups accelerated the adoption of soil fertility technologies. Group membership speeds up technology adoption by enabling farmers to learn about a technology via other farmers and from other development agencies (Nkamleu, 2007). Ramisch et al. (2006) found that farmer groups are a popular source of knowledge as they foster solidarity and build in-group morale.

In addition, farmers rely on information gained through interaction with peers i.e. their own experience before they make important decisions. Members in associations have the added advantage of buying inputs collectively at cheaper prices and this enhances technology adoption. Thus, group membership to FAs has potential that could be utilized for technology and information dissemination to enhance adoption because of their wider scope of operation. In that perspective, an extension officer is able to reach more farmers in a group than individual farmers at a given period. The results indicated that overall, Bungoma County had significantly higher rates of technology adoption compared to both Busia and Vihiga counties. Different technologies address the needs of the soil differently in specific soils and productivity per unit area. Soil fertility technologies that lead to high yields have a higher rate of adoption (Sileshi et al., 2010).

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This could have led to differences that occur in adoption of technologies counties. An example is Ua Kayongo that has higher adoption level in Busia and Vihiga because of higher infestation of striga due to low soil fertility than in Bungoma with higher soil fertility and lower striga infestation. In addition, membership of farmer associations was more extensive in Bungoma than in Vihiga or Teso. Given the beneficial effect of membership to farmer association with respect to adoption of soil management technologies, this could indirectly explain the higher adoption rates in Bungoma. Overall, the respondent’s gender did not significantly influence the adoption of the technologies. Odembo et al. (2010) have argued that gender per se might not heavily influence adoption of farm technologies. Rather, differences between men and women could arise from inherent resource inequities, in which women generally have lesser access to and control of critical resources, for instance, capital, land, labour, and information. For instance, this study found that the rate of adoption of top dressing technology (which involves the use of resource intensive nitrogenous fertiliser) is greater among males compared with females, suggesting that men might adopt resource intensive soil technologies more readily than female. Education highly influenced adoption of technologies, with more literate farmers comparatively using more technologies. This finding was similar to that by Kebeney et al. (2015) and Odembo et al. (2010). The positive effect of education on adoption of soil technologies might be two-fold: by increasing the knowledge and understanding of farmers about the techniques and secondly, better educated farmers are likely to have more disposable incomes, which could be crucial in financing some of the resource intensive technologies, such as, grain legume processing, liming, and DAP. The negative influence of age on adoption in the current study is consistent with the findings of Odera et al. (2000) in Kenya who found age to negatively influence adoption of soil fertility replenishment practices. As household heads grow older, their risk aversion increases and adapt less swiftly to new technologies. Increase in age also degrades the ability for the household head to participate in strenuous manual activities such as application of mineral fertilizers decline and this could reduce the speed of the adoption of labor-intensive technologies. Lastly, in this study, younger farmers belong to farmer associations, which have higher levels of technology adoption. Checkout more Int. J. Agron. Agri. Res. 15(6), 1-9, December 2019.

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Research Paper published by JBES Environmental Sciences Journal about Pharmacological activity of the methanolic extract

 

An Environmental Sciences journals called Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES) published an articles entitled "Pharmacological activity of the methanolic extract of sea urchins against Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus." JBES published it at May issue 2021, under the volume 18. This research work developed by Kate Jocel D. Barroga Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Diana C. Castillo, from Faculty, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, and  Evaristo A. Abella from Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Interactive Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. 

Abstract

This study elucidated the pharmacological potential of sea urchins using methanol as extracting medium. The antibacterial potential was evaluated using the paper disc method and zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was measured. Antioxidant properties of sea urchins were evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay. Three species of sea urchin randomly collected along the intertidal zone of Diguisit, Baler Aurora were identified using diagnostic keys by the National Museum of the Philippines and they were identified as follows; Echinothrix diadema, Echinometra mathaei, and Echinometra oblonga. E. diadema recorded the highest diameter zone of inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus after 24 hours of incubation with 11.03 ± 1.75mm and 13.52 ± 1.13mm respectively while E. mathaei only inhibited S. aureus with zone of inhibition of 9.27 ± 2.06mm in 24 hours of incubation as well. As the zone of inhibition prolongs, the zone of inhibition decreases as observed in 48 hours of incubation. E. oblonga did not show inhibitoy effect, however it recorded the highest radical scavenging activity with 64.46% among the three species of sea urchins. This was followed by E. mathaei (51.52%) and E. diadema (37.38%). All collected species manifested antioxidant potential. Based on the results, the collected species of sea urchins has a pharmacological potential.

Read more: Antibacterialproperty of Atuna racemosa Rafin. Chrysobalanaceae shell and kernel extracts-IJB

Results and discussion

Sample Identification Digital photographs of live specimen were sent to the National Museum of the Philippines for identification. Using diagnostic keys, specimens were identified as follows:

Fig. 1. Echinothrix diadema.

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Echinodermata Class: Echinoidea Order: Diadematoida Family: Diadematidae Genus: Echinothrix Species: diadema.

The diadema urchin is a species of tropical sea urchin, member of the Diadematidae family. E. diadema (Fig. 1) is a long - spine urchin. With its spines, the typical diameter is 10–20cm (3.9–7.9 in). It is generally black or blue-black in colour, and always dark. The spines are closed at the tip; the anal sac is small and dark. E. diadema occurs in shallow coral and coral rubble areas at depths of 1 to 40 m. E. diadema is herbivore displaying nocturnal feeding behavior. It is known to graze on organic material and adults may also feed on live hard corals (Schoppe, 2001).

Fig. 2. Echinometra mathaei. Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Echinodermata Class: Echinoidea Order: Camarodonta Family: Echinometridae Genus: Echinometra Species: mathaei

E. mathaei (Fig. 2) are roughly spherical in shape and exhibit pentamourous symmetry. The urchin consists of the main body known as the test and spines on the ventral surface of the urchin are smaller in size and are parted in the center where the feeding appendage occurs, and spines are similarly smaller on the aboral surface where they give way to the anus. E. mathaei is a dark species digging itself into the basaltic and calcareous rock where it lives (Horton, 2012).

Fig. 3. Echinometra oblonga.

Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Echinodermata Class: Echinoidea Order: Camarodonta Family: Echinometridae Genus: Echinometra Species: oblonga

Rock crevices are the natural habitat of E. oblonga (Fig. 3). The body of regular sea urchins possesses a pseudospherical radially symmetric body with hard prominent spines and prefers hard substratum. Body shape of irregular sea urchin marked bilateral symmetry. Soft spines are present that facilitate life style as sand and mud burrowing animals (Yasmin, 2015).

Antibacterial Property of Echinothrix diadema, Echinometra mathaei, and Echinometra oblonga This study elucidates the antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of different species of sea urchin

namely E.diadema, E.mathaei and E.oblonga against E. coli and S. aureus. Diameters of zone of were used as a measure of the degree of the antibacterial activity on each strain and recorded after 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours using a digital vernier caliper.

The result of antibacterial activity of E. diadema, E. obolonga, E. mathaei, streptomycin sulfate and methanol against E. coli was shown in Table 1. Results showed that after 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours of incubation. The highest mean value was observed in streptomycin sulfate which serves as the positive control. It was also observed that E. diadema is the only extract of sea urchin inhibited the growth of E. coli with the highest diameter of 11.03 ± 1.75mm at 24 hours of incubation. Interested reader get full articles by following the link J. Bio. Env. Sci. 18(5), 57-64, May 2021.

Pharmacological activity of the methanolic extract of sea urchins against escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus - JBES from Innspub Net

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Research Paper Published by Journal of Agronomy | Get some knowledge about Productivity and quality of sugar beet

 

An agricultural research journal called International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR) published an articles entitled “Productivity and quality of sugar beet as affecting by sowing and irrigation methods and hill spacings” in the November Issue 2019, under volume 15. This research work developed by Mr. HM Sarhan from the Sugar Crops Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt. 

Abstract

Two field experiments were carried out at Kalabsho Experimental Farm, Dakahlia Governorate, Sugar Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons to study the effect of sowing methods (mechanical and manual methods), irrigation methods (surface and drip irrigation system) and hill spacings (10, 15 and 20cm between hills) on yield and its components, as well as quality of sugar beet cv. Hossam as a multigerm variety under sandy soil conditions. The obtained results could be summarized as follows; the optimum sowing method that produced the highest values of yield and its components as well as root quality parameters was mechanical sowing method (planter machine) in both seasons. Irrigation sugar beet plants by using drip irrigation system yielded the highest values of yield and its components as well as root quality parameters and followed by using surface flooding irrigation system in both seasons. Planting sugar beet seeds on one side of the ridge, 60cm width, and 20cm between hills, resulting plant population density 35000 plants/fed produced, the highest values of yield and its components and root quality parameters and followed by planting on 15cm between hills, resulting plant population density 46666 plants/fed and finally planting on 10cm between hills, resulting plant population density 70000 plants/fed in the two seasons. From the obtained data in this study, it can be concluded that sowing sugar beet using mechanical sowing method (planter machine), irrigation by using drip irrigation system and planting on one side of the ridge, 60cm width, and 20cm between hills, resulting plant population density 35000 plants/fed in order to maximizing its productivity and quality under the environmental conditions of sandy soil in Kalabsho region, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.

Materials and methods

The present investigation was carried out at Kalabsho Experimental Farm, Dakahlia Governorate, Sugar Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Egypt during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 seasons to study the effect of sowing and irrigation methods and hill spacings on yields and its components as well as quality of sugar beet cv. Hossam as a multigerm variety under sandy soil conditions Each sowing method (mechanical and manual) was performed in separate experiment. Mechanical sowing method was done by using planter machine in ridges 60cm in width. However, manual sowing method was undertaken workers in ridges 60cm in width.

Each experiment of sowing method was performed in strip-plot design with three replicates in both seasons. The vertical-plots were occupied with two irrigation methods (surface and drip irrigation system). The plots were irrigated immediately after sowing by surface flooding method in both irrigation methods. After that, in surface flooding irrigation method, plants were irrigated after sowing regularly every 15-18 days. In the drip irrigation system, polyethylene drip lines of 16mm in diameter had in-line type emitters. The distance between emitters along the drip line was 0.20m and the discharge of one emitter was 4L/h under the running pressure of 1.5 atm. 

Read More: Research Paper Published by Agricultural Research Journal on Effectiveness of two diatomaceous earths (FossilShield® and SilicoSec®) against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky | IJAAR

The horizontal-plots were devoted at random with three hill spacings (10, 15 and 20cm between hills) on one side of the ridge. Plants were thinned at the age of 45 days from sowing to obtain one plant/hill, resulting three plant population densities of 70000, 46666 and 35000 plants/fed, respectively.

Each experimental basic unit included ten ridges, each 60cm apart and 3.5 m length, which resulted an area of 21 m2 (1/200 fed).

Soil samples were taken at random from the experimental field area at a depth of 0-30cm from soil surface and prepared for both mechanical and chemical analyses. The results of both mechanical and chemical analyses are presented in Table 1.

The experimental field well prepared by two ploughing, leveling, compaction, division and then divided to the experimental units. Calcium super phosphate (15.5% P2O5) was applied during soil preparation at the rate of 200kg/fed.

Sugar beet balls (seeds) were sown using mechanical and manual methods as previously mentioned at the first week of November in both growing seasons. Nitrogen fertilizer (100kg N/fed) in form of urea (46.5%) was applied in three equal doses, the first portion was applied after thinning (45 days from sowing), the second portion was applied after 60 days from sowing, and the third portion was applied after 75 days from sowing. Potassium sulphate (48% K2O) at the rate of 24kg/fed was applied after 30 days from sowing.

Other agricultural practices for growing sugar beet were performed as recommendations by Ministry of Agriculture, except the factors under study. Interested reader can get full articles by following link Int. J. Agron. Agri. Res. 15(5), 28-37, November 2019.

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Productivity and Quality of Sugar Beet as Affecting by Sowing and Irrigation Methods and Hill Spacings-IJAA... by International Network For Natural Sciences on Scribd

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Research Paper Published by Biodiversity Journal about Extraction, characterization, and workability of natural biological dye | JBES

 

Shella B Cacatian, from The Cagayan State University, Sanchez Mira, Cagayan Valley, Philippines, developed a research work entitled "Extraction, characterization, and workability of natural biological dye from local berries: A laboratory protocol for rural schools." This research paper published by an open access biodiversity research journal called Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences - JBES, in their May issue 2021 under the volume 18. Get some knowledge about Extraction of Natural Biological Dye.

Abstract

The application of natural biological dyes finds its use as an alternative to synthetic stains in temporary and permanent mounts. Extract of natural dye from peels of Lubeg (Syzygium lineatum), Bignay (Antidesma bunius), and Duhat (Syzygium cumini) fruits were made to test their staining potential on plant and animal tissues. The study utilized the Completely Randomized Design to compare the staining property of the peels. It used the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Differences (LSD) to ascertain the differences between the treatments. The natural biological dyes, in comparison with the synthetic dye, stained the cross-section of the Wiregrass and Narra stems, longitudinal section of an Autumn crocus, and hepatic tissues of a frog with remarkably deeper color. They are more effective in highlighting structures of a cross-section of a wiregrass stem and longitudinal section of an Autumn crocus, and they have a higher bulk density, which is an essential requirement of container volume. However, the synthetic dye shows higher absorbing capacity and solubility than the natural biological dyes. The success of producing a low-cost biological stain is achieved using Lubeg, Bignay, and Duhat fruits. The natural biological dyes used in this study could serve as a useful alternative to synthetic dyes. 

Interested readers can get full original articles by following the link

Extraction, characterization, and workability of natural biological dye from local berries: A laboratory protocol for rural schools

 

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 Cagayan State University

Results and discussion

Comparison of the Mean Score on the Acceptability of Color Intensity of the Synthetic and Natural Biological Dyes Cross-Section of a Monocot (Wiregrass, Aristida stricta) Stem The statistical result of the differences in the acceptability of the color intensity of the four treatments shows that they vary significantly. Bignay dye, in comparison with the other natural dyes, obtained the highest mean of 8.88, which means that Bignay dye is versatile because it penetrates the cell structures of a Wiregrass stem.

The synthetic dye, having the lowest mean among the treatments, produced a shade that is least acceptable to the raters. The natural biological dyes made the internal structures of Wiregrass stem more defined and rendered its cellular constituents with remarkably deep color suggesting its extreme affinity to the cell parts. Colors derived from natural sources tend to be bolder. The finding is in agreement with the statement of Cowley (2019) that synthetic dyes often look stark and garish. Some natural dyes and pigments may compete with synthetic dyes for quality and stability (Krisova, 2015). Cross-Section of a Dicot (Narra, Pterocarpus indicus) Stem Multiple comparisons among the treatment means reveal that there is a significant difference in the rates given. Duhat dye was assessed as “extremely deep, while Bignay and Lubeg dyes were both assessed as “very deep.” The synthetic dye, with the lowest mean but has the same descriptive value as the Bignay and Lubeg dyes, differs significantly from the other treatments. The color tint of Duhat surpassed the other stains in clear tracing the cross-section of a Narra stem. It can be deduced that Duhat dye is acidic because it stained the cytoplasm of the stem tissues well with deep blue-violet shade. This deduction on the strong attraction of Duhat for the cytoplasm is corroborated by the phytochemical analysis made by (Aqil et al., 2012; Ayyanar & Subash-Babu, 2012) on Syzygium cumini fruit. Their findings reveal that the fruit contains different phytochemicals, including ellagic acid and anthocyanins, which are stable in acidic conditions. Longitudinal section of a root (Autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale) Results reveal that Bignay dye has the highest affinity to the longitudinal section of the root of Autumn crocus. It surpassed the synthetic dye and the other natural biological dyes in elucidating the cellular components of the root. The result agrees with the finding of (Barcelo 2014) that the cyanidin-based anthocyanins in Bignay (Antidesma bunius), which give red pigments, are chromophoric and exhibit stability in acidic solutions. The Bigay powder, which is dissolved in ethyl alcohol, produces a weak acid solution. The use of weak organic acids may minimize the degradation of the anthocyanin pigments (Amelia et al., 2013). Muscle Tissue of a Frog The utilization of synthetic and Bignay dye had no significant difference as regards their staining qualities. Both have comparable color intensity. The finding means that the color tint of Bignay dye is as good as the synthetic dye in the clear tracing the muscle tissues of a frog. In the study of Ajileye et al. (2015) on Zingiber officinale (Ginger) extract as a histological dye for muscle fibers and cytoplasm, they established that the staining reaction was observed to be similar to the synthetic dye, except for its greenish- yellow color. Furthermore, Bignay dye had a significantly higher affinity to the frog’s muscle tissues than Lubeg and Duhat, which produced the same rating. Consideration may be due to the interaction or bonding between the Bignay dye molecule and the muscle tissues. Hence, the staining color of the muscle tissues is affected by the tissue medium. Hepatic Tissue of a Frog Synthetic and various natural dyes stain histological structures of the liver. The evaluation shows that Bignay dye stained the hepatic tissues with remarkably deep color as assessed by the raters, followed by Duhat dye but with the same descriptive value of “extremely deep.” The synthetic and the Lubeg dyes received lower ratings. Yet, they are equally assessed as “very deep” In this study, the natural dyes were extracted by a weak-acid (neutral) solvent, and the pH of the medium did not affect the stain of Bignay and Duhat dyes making them very efficient in histological staining. The result is consistent with the study of Suabjakyong et al. (2011), which favored the optimal staining condition of the nucleus and cytoplasm of rat hepatic cells of the dried black plum dye extract over the fresh black plum extract and the synthetic dye. The lower rating given to Lubeg dye coincides with the result of the phytochemical screening conducted by Manicad (2016) on the Lubeg species, mainly in the leaves and fruit extracts. Her findings showed that the fruits contain flavonoids and tannins. But tannins are only present in a small amount. Tannin, also called tannic acid, can cause a light yellow to light brown cast in water (Ashok & Upadhyaya, 2012). Thus, Lubeg dye creates weaker tint than the other dyes. 

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