ISSN 2167-0447
Research Article
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-008, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Utilization of inorganic manure and cow dung with various percentages of ammonium nitrate on yield of maize under wetland conditions
Nick M.A, Bruce S.E and Smith R.
Department of Crop science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Accepted 02 November, 2019
Abstract
Smallholder farmers are facing problems of low soil fertility causing maize yield reduction of up to 1.5 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) compared to 5 t/ha obtained in the commercial sector. A maize trial was conducted on two wetlands in Natural Region IV of Zimbabwe at Zungwi vlei to determine effects of different rates of compound D and cattle manure as basal dressing with different rates of ammonium nitrate as top-dressing. The maize used was a two-way early maturing hybrid developed by Seed Co. (SC513) for marginal areas. Four basal applications were applied in the trial as treatments for two seasons with four different levels of nitrogen applied as subplots factor. The analysis revealed a highest significant increase in grain yield when 300 kilogrammes per hectare (kg/ha) of compound D was applied with 150 kg/ha of ammonium nitrate (N) as top-dressing. Significant increase in grain yield was also observed when cattle manure was applied with 150 kg/ha top-dressing of N. There was a significant yield advantage when the nitrogen was increased after applying a basal dressing in both sites for the two seasons. In order to achieve high yields, the use of compound D at 300 kg/ha as basal dressing and top-dressing at 150 kg/ha N is highly recommended to farmers. However, for the low-resourced and poor farmers, the use of cattle manure which is generally cheaper and affordable is recommended.
Key words: Cattle manure, ammonium nitrate, wetland, yield, maize.
Bruce S.E and Smith R., Nick M.A
Page: 1 - 8
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJAS/1356Research Article
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-010, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
A study on the classification of the total reproductive and lactation performances of dairy cows
Taddesse Tamrat and Girma Beshah
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ambo University, Ethiopia.
Accepted 11 October, 2019
Abstract
The study was undertaken in Angolellantera, Chacha town and nearby selected kebeles, North Shoa zone of Amhara regional state from September 2011 up to December 2011. The objective of the study was to characterize the overall reproductive and lactation performances of dairy cows in Chacha town and surrounding kebeles. The participatory rural appraisal (PRA) method was used to generate information during exploratory survey and 100 households were selected for formal survey by using random and purposive sampling technique. The overall average estimated lactation yield of local and cross bred dairy cows was found to be 1173.93 ± 899.6. The overall average estimated lactation length of both local and cross bred cows was 10.49 ± 3.08. The overall average estimated daily yield of local and cross bred dairy cows was 3.75 ± 3.25 L. The overall mean estimated average age at first calving was found to be 40.9 ± 6.6 months (n=103). The overall mean calving interval of local and crossbred dairy cows was found to be 23 ± 4.3 months. The overall average reproductive efficiency of local and crossbred cows in Chacha town and nearby kebeles was calculated as 62 ± 14.97%. The dominant cow genotype was local breed cows. In conclusion in order to exploit the potential of dairy cattle to increase the reproductive and lactation performances intervention measures have to be given attention.
Key words: Age at first calving, calving interval, lactation length, reproductive efficiency.
Girma Beshah, Taddesse Tamrat
Page: 1 - 10
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJAS/1355Research Article
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Consumer-based brand research on agricultural machinery in China
*Song Su-mei, Han Chin and Sang Biao
Department of Agricultural Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China. E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 20 February, 2014
Abstract
With the development of agricultural machinery industry in the modern market economy, brand variety of agricultural machinery will face an increasing strong competition in China, so a consumer-based brand research on agricultural machinery will be necessary. A questionnaire survey was conducted in this paper focusing on Chinese farmers’ perception toward brands of agricultural machinery. The empirical study with tractor brands indicated that farmers showed different awareness to domestic and foreign agricultural machinery brands. National tractor brands got more attention from consumers and Dong fang hong (YTO) brand gained the most familiarity. Foreign brands, New Holland and John Deere had higher perceptive price, but Chinese brands, Dong fang hong (YTO) and Foton acquired higher perceptive value, and domestic brands, Dong fang hong (YTO) and Shi feng got more preference and purchase intention from consumers.
Key words: Brand perception, perceptive price, brand value, agricultural machinery.
*Song Su-mei, Han Chin and Sang Biao
Page: 1 - 6
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJAS/1354Research Article
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (1), pp. 001-007, January, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Effect of transportation on storage density and the sustainability and development of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus)
Adebajo O.O, Inioluwa S.A and Mobolaji W.F
Department of Marine Science and Technology, School of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Federal University of
Technology (FUT), Akure, Nigeria. *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].
Accepted 22 November, 2019
Abstract
The effect of transportation on storage density and the sustainability and development of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus was investigated between May and August, 2006 under controlled conditions. Mortality rate was affected by temperature and weather conditions. The starving of fish before transportation helped to improve the survival of fish which reduced fish metabolic rate and improved the quality of transport water. The percentage mortality was lesser on rainy days (8%) in container with aerator compared to the container without aerator on rainy day (36%). The addition of salt (NaCl) to the transport water stabilized the fish, reduced the stress and eventually reduced fish mortality. The fish stocking density affected the mortality. It was observed that the higher the fish stocking density in the tanks the lower the mortality rate. The condition factor of 1.77 to 2.35 indicated a healthy form; this also displayed considerable changes in average condition which reflected fluctuation in their metabolism balance. In this study the feed consumption rate was found to be affected by the stocking density of fish; the higher the density the higher the conversion rate.
Key words: Growth, Oreochromis niloticus, stocking, survival, transportation.
Adebajo O.O, Inioluwa S.A and Mobolaji W.F
Page: 1 - 7
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJAS/1353Review
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (1), pp. 001-009, January, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Review
Problems associated with pesticide usage and application in Nigerian cocoa production: A review
E. U. Asogwa* and L. N. Dongo
Crop Protection Division, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Accepted 07 December, 2019
Abstract
The use of pesticides for effective pests control has generated a lot of concerns relating to public health and environmental pollution. With the new European Union (EU) Legislation on Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) allowed on cocoa beans and its products, efforts are now intensified to seek measures towards its reduction. The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) has the mandate to screen and recommend potential cocoa pesticides and spraying equipment in Nigeria. The Institute has screened and recommended many of these pesticides and equipment in the past. However, with the new EU Legislation on MRLs allowed on cocoa beans and products, some of the pesticides still undergoing screening and the previously recommended pesticides were banned. This new regulation, which came into effect September 1, 2008, has left very few pesticides for use on cocoa both on farm and post farm activities in Nigeria.
Key words: Pests, residue, legislation, equipment, environment, hazard, pollution.
E. U. Asogwa*, L. N. Dongo
Page: 1 - 9
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJAS/1352Research Article
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (1), pp. 001-008, January, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
A research on the structure and problems of agrochemical markets in Isparta province
Mevlut Gul1*, Tufan Bal1 and Hilal YIlmaz2
1Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Suleyman Demirel, Isparta, Turkey.
2Cukurova Agricultural Research Institute, Adana, Turkey.
Accepted 22 November, 2019
Abstract
In recent days, healthy and reliable food has become one of the most important issues. Therefore, social-economic situation and status of agrochemical firms which are important information sources for farmers are examined. In this study, the data obtained from the owners of agrochemical markets in Isparta province were investigated by survey method. Data were evaluated to investigate the employer structure, obtaining selling inputs and credit usage of the firms. 56.2% of these firms were in company form and 6 of them were wholesaler. The agrochemical firms in Isparta region are small scaled newly established and individually owned firms. Most of them operate with their own capital. Agrochemical markets were positively affected by the latest regulations about opening the new agrochemical firms. It may be said that this tendency will be better in the future and agricultural agrochemical firms will employ agricultural engineers. Agrochemical firms are important organizations to inform farmers for new methods and development. Firms were found conscious on the agricultural chemical usage, but the cooperation between the firms and agricultural organization was found to be weak. Level of knowledge about EUROGAP among firm owners was also low. In order to improve the interaction level of firms with other institution and organization, seminar and panels should be organized. The consciousness level of agrochemical firms about production techniques like IPM and EUROGAP were not found to be high. Organizing training programs to increase awareness is important. Information level of farmers about diseases in the region has not developed as desired yet. In the same way, in order to increase the level of knowledge and awareness of farmers, the training programs should be increased to reduce unconscious chemical usage. As a result, one should not forget that any improvement in agricultural drug stores will have reflection on producers as well.
Key words: Agrochemical markets, Turkey, structure.
Tufan Bal and Hilal YIlmaz, Mevlut Gul*
Page: 1 - 8
https://doi.org/10.46882/IJAS/1351