African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (10), pp. 001-008, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of mulch and irrigation practices on soil water, soil temperature and the grain yield of maize (ZEA  MAYS  L) in Loess Plateau, China

Liu Yi^1,2, Shen Yufang², Yang Shenjiao^2,3, Li Shiqing²* and Chen Fang¹

¹Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430074, China.

²State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Northwest Science-Technology University of Agriculture and Forestry, Yangling 712100, China.

³Farmland Irrigation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Xinxiang 453003, China.

Accepted 24 August, 2020

Abstract

Agricultural management practices, such as mulching and irrigation can change the characteristics of the soil surface and hence influence the hydrothermal properties of the soil. A two-year field experiment was conducted at the Changwu agro-ecosystem research station to evaluate the effects of mulch and irrigation practices on moisture and temperature in the upper layers of the soil and on crop growth and yield performance in spring maize (ZEA MAYS L) fields. Four mulching and irrigation treatments were examined: supplementary irrigation (SI), film mulching (FM), straw mulching (SM; in 2008 only) and a rain-fed (RF) control. The soil water (0 - 15 cm depth range) and soil temperature (0 - 5 cm depth range) were studied during the crop growing season and the treatments' yield performances were compared. Over the whole season, the average topsoil water content was significantly higher (P < 0.05) under the SM (23.3% in 2008), SI (21.4% in 2007, 22.5% in 2008) and FM (20.0% in 2007, 21.6% in 2008) treatments than under RF (17.1% in 2007, 19.6% in 2008). The seasonal trends in atmospheric and soil temperatures were similar under all treatments. The seasonally-averaged soil temperature at 07:00 and 14:00 h was highest under the FM treatment and lowest under the SM treatment. Plant height and leaf and stem biomass were significantly higher (P < 0.05) under the SI treatment than under the RF and FM treatments from silking to physiological maturity. Both the FM and SI treatments significantly improved (P < 0.05) the crop grain yield (GY) and yield components.

Key words: Loess Plateau, soil water, soil temperature, spring maize.

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (10), pp. 001-015, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Livelihood Systems of Smallholder Cashew Farmers in the Guinea Savannah Woodland and Semi-Deciduous Forest Zones of Ghana

Patrick Ateah Yeboah^1, Felix Dordaa² and Emmanuel K. Derbile³

¹Department of Governance and Development Management, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies at Wa, Ghana.

²Department of Community Development, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies at Wa, Ghana.

³Department of Planning, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies at Wa, Ghana.

Accepted 15 August, 2020

Abstract

In Africa, Smallholder agriculture systems continue to experience changing dynamics and patterns as part of larger agrarian change arising from globalization. However, these dynamics are not well understood for informing policy and agricultural development planning. This paper examined the livelihood systems of smallholder cashew farmers in the transitional ecological zones of Ghana and the implications for development planning. The study employed a mixed research design for data collection and analysis. These methods included focus group discussions, key informant interviews and a survey of 239 cashew-farming households. The study identified three (3) categories of cashew farmers, namely, small-scale, medium-scale and large-scale farmers. The results further reveal that small-scale farmers are an overwhelming majority in the industry with farm holding sizes of between 1 to 10 hectares and that they diversify into other livelihoods. These additional livelihood portfolios include food crop farming, cocoa farming, livestock rearing, masonry, carpentry, dressmaking/tailoring and trade in agro-chemicals and groceries. The paper underscores the importance of an integrated approach to development planning that takes cognizance of the complex nature and inter-linkages of livelihood systems of smallholder cashew farmers for promoting synergies and complementarities for achieving sustainability.

Keywords: Smallholder, Farmers, Cashew, Livelihood, Diversification, Ghana.

DOI: 10.46882/AJAERD/1160

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (10), pp. 001-004, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of plant spacing on seed yield and yield components in kenaf (HIBISCUS  CANNABINUS) variety, Ifeken 400

Agbaje G. O, Aluko O. A* and  Olasoji  J. O

Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B. 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Accepted 19 September, 2020

Abstract

Plant spacing required for optimum crop productivity depends on morpho-physiological traits between varieties, and the interaction between genotype and the environment. Studies were conducted in Ibadan (7°38′N 3°84′E) Nigeria, at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR and T) during 2006 and 2007 to determine the influence of row spacing on seed yield in kenaf variety, Ifeken 400, bred for adaptation to the South Western Nigeria agro-ecologies. The experiment was carried out using split plot experimental design with two inter-row spacing (25 cm and 50 cm) as main plot and five intra-row spacing (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm) as sub-plot. Results showed that plant height was not influenced by the inter-row or intra-row spacing. Height ranged from 1.91-2.03 m in 2006 and 2.31-2.58 m in 2007. Mid stem girth varied significantly within inter and intra-row densities, while butt girth increased with intra-row spacing. Number of capsules was not influenced by the intra-row spacing. An average of 25 and 18 capsules per plant were recorded in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Although, 100 Seed weight (g) was not influenced by inter or intra-row spacing, it was lower in 2006 (0.44 g) than in 2007 (2.21 g). Seed yield was highest from 50 cm inter-row spacing and 20 cm intra-row with 260 kg/ha and 540.5 kg/ha in 2006 and 2007 respectively. The difference in seed yield between the row spacing was significant in 2007. However, it was observed that time of planting and rainfall pattern in 2007 has more effect on higher seed weight and seed yield than in 2006.

Key words: Kenaf, row spacing, seed yield, plant height, stem girth.

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (10), pp. 001-007, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Morpho-anatomical variation in some accessions of Moringa oleifera Lam. from Northern Nigeria

B. Y. Abubakar*, S. MuA’zu, A. U. Khan and A. K. Adamu

Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810261, Nigeria.

Accepted 12 September, 2020

Abstract

Variations in the leaf morphological and anatomical features of Moringa oleifera Lam. accessions from Northern Nigeria have been reported. The wide range of uses of this naturalised crop in Nigeria has in recent time witnessed increasing demand of its foliar product in nutritional, medical and ecological applications. The upsurge demand for this product needs to be balanced with new lines of improved performance to meet the supply chain of the country and beyond. To achieve this, the present study was aimed at setting the foundation of variability analysis based on morphology and anatomical features of the leaf to detect promising cultivars for mapping out of future breeding schemes of this multi-purpose crop. The generated data were analysed with NTSYS pc software, and the plant accessions clustered into six groups irrespective of area of collection. Out of these accessions, 16BAU from north-east part of Nigeria gave the highest leaf length measurement of 60.3 cm while 18 KGGM had the lowest value of 35.3 cm and each were formed in separate clusters of IV and III respectively.

Key words: Leaf, morphology, stomata, variation, Moringa oleifera.

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (10), pp. 001-012, October, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Quantities and values of selected forest medicines harvested by eight villages adjacent to natural woodlands in the four ecological zones of rural Swaziland

Cliff S. Dlamini* and Coert J. Geldenhuys

Department of Forest and Wood Science, Faculty of Agrisciences, University of Stellenbosch, P/B X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.

Accepted 12 September, 2020

Abstract 

Harvesting patterns of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) normally vary within and between communities and villages adjacent to natural woodlands. The objective of this study was to undertake user surveys to determine the actual quantities of harvested and utilized medicinal NTFPs, and to do an economic valuation of their direct use values. Methods used included literature research, community consultations, household visits and interviews, household profiles and economic valuation. Findings of the study indicated that use of medicinal NTFPs was significantly different between sites in quantities harvested per household, in quantities harvested per household between communities, in quantities harvested per household between households within sites, between sites in value per household, and in value per household between communities. Harvesting is all year round or when necessary over 1 to 9 months. About 65 species were reported as preferred across the four study sites. The key factors determining the variability in harvested quantities and values per household are: the wealth status, variability of species per site, season and duration of harvesting, commercialization, number of accessible natural woodlands within a site, need and demand, the household profile with regard to gender and age, and farm gate price differences.

Key words: Natural woodland, sustainable, economic valuation, user surveys, non-use values, resource assessment, quantities, households.

African Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development ISSN 2375-0693 Vol. 8 (9), pp. 001-008, September, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Drought response of some tropical rice genotypes: Rooting, vegetative traits and grain production

Nassir, Adesola L.* and Adewusi, Kayode M.

Department of Crop Production, College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.M.B. 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Accepted 11 September, 2020

Abstract

Sixteen upland rice varieties, comprising of some interspecific New rice for Africa (NERICA) hybrids, established varieties and some breeding lines, were raised in the greenhouse and used to expound drought response under varying moisture conditions, as a guide for breeding genotypes with appreciable drought tolerance and grain yield. Varieties were subjected to different levels of drought stress through different combinations of moisture regime and times of water application at different stages of growth. Varieties, moisture regime and times of water application espoused significant mean squares (MS) for root, vegetative and grain production. Times of water application consistently accounted for the largest percentage of mean squares (PMS) for most characters. Significant interaction was also obtained between variety, moisture regime and times of water application for most of the characters. There were significant correlations between times of water application and all the root, shoot and grain yield character. Fresh shoot weight, dry shoot weight, tiller number and leaf number were also positively correlated to moisture regime. WAB 880 recorded the largest mean value for root volume and thickness and hence better drought adaptation but this failed to translate to superior grain production. ITA 150, an established variety, however recorded the highest panicle number and grain production compared to WAB 880 and the NERICA varieties. The need for further introgression of genes from ITA 150 into newly developed NERICA varieties through an intricate combination of favourable genes for improved drought tolerance and better grain production was canvassed.

Key words: Drought tolerance, interspecific hybrids, root and vegetative traits, grain yield.