Agriculture

Vetiver grass effectiveness for phytoremediation has received wide publicity. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to compare metal tolerance and metal uptake of two vetiver grass varieties; Vetiveria zizanioides (VZ) and Vetiveria nigritana (VN) on soil collected from an abandoned Exide battery site. A pot experiment with treatments of different levels of pollutant; 100% top soil, 100% polluted soil, 75% top soil + 25% polluted soil, 25% topsoil + 75% polluted soil and 50% topsoil + 50% polluted soil.Each treatment consists of a pot filled with 5kg of the dumpsite soil and top soil mixture. These were planted with two vetiver grass varieties and were replicated three times. The vetiver grass was carefully uprooted twelve weeks after planting and was analyzed for lead concentration. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS 2.0 and the means were separated using Least Significance Difference. The results showed thatVZ had a better growth performance thanVN. Number of tillers and root length were significantly higherfor VZ (7.9, 36.8 cm) than VN (4.0, 23.3 cm), respectively. However, VN had higher uptake of lead (11017mgkg? ?) than VZ (9405 mgkg-1). In summary, both varieties may be well suited for phytoremediation in tropical lead mine areas, but VN could tolerate higher lead concentration than VZ.

Pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is the rich sources of dietary protein, carbohydrate & certain minerals but its poor yield needs to formulate a nutrient management practices for higher productivity in upland alfisols of Tripura and to combat it, an experiment was conducted during three consecutive kharif seasons at College of Agriculture, Lembucherra, Tripura comprising of two levels of Lime (150 and 200 kg ha-1) in main plot and two levels of molybdenum seed treatment (0 and 4g kg-1 of seed) in sub plot and 4 levels of recommended doses, viz 0% of RDF ha-1, 50% of RDF ha-1, 75% of RDF ha-1 and 100% of RDF ha-1 (Recommended dose @ 20:60:40 of NPK). It was revealed that by the use of 100% RDF ha-1 with 150 kg ha-1 lime and 4g kg-1 of molybdenum seed treatment leads to higher yield and return per rupee respectively. But by the use of 100% RDF ha-1 with 200 kg ha-1 lime and 4g kg-1 of molybdenum seed treatment, return per rupee was recorded at 2.98. The investigation reflects that by the use of 75% RDF ha-1 return per rupee (3.78) was less compared to 100% RDF ha-1 but significant with saving the cost of 25% RDF ha-1 and soil health from the excessive use of fertilizer for sustaining the agricultural growth.

Global warming frightens even the baby in the womb. No one wants to be roasted by sunshine or swept off the earth by tsunami arising from extreme weather events. The sights of such events are frightening. Global warming is daily effects of human civilization. There are several controversies surrounding it. Some positive, while others are negative. Negative impacts means gain, while positive impact means loss. We need more negative than positive impacts for a safe world. This paper reviews the subject matter from the point of boon, pandemic or quagmire.

Vermicompost has been promoted as a viable alternative container media component for the horticulture industry. The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of vermicompost at different points in the production cycle of eucalyptus seedlings. The incorporation of vermicompost of city refuse origin into germination media up to 20% v/v enhanced shoot and root weight, leaf area, and shoot:root ratios of seedlings; however amendment with vermicompost had little influence on seed germination. Moreover there was no effect on the germination of seed of any species. When seedlings of eucalyptus were transplanted into 6-cell packs there was greater plant growth in media amended with vermicompost compared to the control media, and the greatest growth when vermicompost was amended into both the germination and transplant media. This effect was increased when seedlings in the transplant media were irrigated with water containing fertilizer.

Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis were done for yield and its component characters in twenty two diverse genotypes of rape seed. The highest genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was recorded for seed yield per plant (31.33%) followed by siliqua per plant (20.07%). Heritability estimates in broad sense were higher for the characters days to maturity (83.92%), days to flowering (72.49%) and thousand seed weight (68.13%). Days to maturity, days to flowering, thousand seed weight and length of siliqua had high heritability along with low genetic advance suggests non-additive gene action was observed controlling these characters. Correlation coefficient of days to flowering (0.406*), primary branches per plant (0.514**), length of siliqua (0.548**), siliqua per plant (0.864**), seeds per siliqua (0.335*) was positive and significantly associated with seed yield per plant at genotypic level. Primary branches per plant (1.588), days to maturity (0.185), length of siliqua (0.740), siliqua per plant (0.569) and thousand seed weight (0.590) showed positive direct effect on seed yield. Selection based on these traits would give better response for the improvement of seed yield in rapes. The results of this study are expected as the basic information on genetic variation and relationship of component traits which can be used in rape seed breeding.

Steady decrease in crude petroleum oil reserve from earth and increasing demand of petroleum oil as source of generating energy for automobile and other sectors of industry, has led to adopt an alternative strategies for the production of bio-fuel from plants genetic resources to avert the risk of impaired supply of fuels, in future, from resource countries. Jatropha curcas is known as bio-fuel production crop. The oil present in its seeds used for extraction of bio-fuel. Genetic diversity analysis was performed during 2015-16 on 10 years old plants of 20 Jatropha curcas genotypes that were collected from different regions of India. The seeds were planted in randomized block design with three replications during 2005. Observations were recorded on 14 morphological characters. Field data were used for computation of ANOVA, estimation of genetic parameters and Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Significant differences were registered for all traits. Days to flowering, number of fruit clusters per plant and 100 seed weight showed additive genetic effect. Twenty genotypes were grouped into 3 clusters comprised of three, sixteen and one genotypes respectively and suggested that geographical diversity not related to the genetic diversity. Seed yield per plant, fruits per cluster, post floral period and secondary branches per plant contributed maximum towards genetic divergence. Three lines were found promising for the development of superior genotype.

Rice is an important crop that plays a vital role in diets and economy of farmers in Katsina-Ala in northcentral Nigeria. In this study, Fuzzy set theory, parametric and limitation models were applied to determine the suitability of Katsina-Ala flood plains for rice production. Soils of two pedons were analyzed and the characteristics used as inputs in the model application. The result showed variability of suitability of the land qualities. Climate, soil depth and flood duration were highly suitable (S1= 95). Texture was moderate (S2). Soil pH and available P ratings showed currently not suitable (N1=20) for both pedons. Soil organic carbon was moderately suitable (S2) but most critical in the normalized pairwise comparison matrix. Salinity (EC) and CEC suitability was moderately suitable (S2). Parametric and non-parametric aggregate suitability showed moderate suitability (S2=63.8) for current index with fertility limitations (S2f). The potential index was high suitability (S2) for both pedons. Fuzzy regression between land index and observed rice yield was high (R2 = 0.90). The use of the three models could serve as spatially based decision-making parameters in agricultural land use planning but fuzzy method was recommended based on its relative advantage to other predictors.

Peri-urban cultivated areas of many cities in Pakistan are being irrigated from municipal and industrial wastewater since long. Similarly wastewater of Nullah Lai is also being used for irrigation in Rawalpindi. Wastewater and soil samples were collected from six locations of Rawalpindi districts for investigating fungal diversity. Eight fungal species were found in these soils. The most common fungal strains were Aspergillus sp., Acremonium sp., and Chaetomium sp. To isolate the fungi in different soil samples, sterilization technique, serial dilution and spread plate technique were used. Presence of fungi was detected in the different soil samples on the bases of morphological characteristics, percentage frequency, growth rate and colony forming units. The results obtained showed that most widely distributed fungi in soil samples were Aspergillus sp. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus grew well in contaminated soil containing heavy metals. This ability of Aspergillus makes it attractive potential candidate for further investigation regarding its ability to remove metals from contaminated soil. The usage of untreated wastewater in agricultural land put harmful effects on soil physical, chemical properties and biodiversity. To recognize health risk due to wastewater usage for irrigation, treat the wastewater to the recommended level.

This experiment was conducted to evaluation of forage potential of intercropping barley with alfalfa under agrohumic fertilizer .The experimental treatments were intercropped barley/alfalfa with 25/75; 50/50, 75/25 ratios along with their sole crops as control plots. Treatments were arranged in a split plot design based on a RCBD with 3 replications. Main factor included agrohumic at four levels (0, 5, 7 and 10 lit/1000lit water per ha). According to result, we suggest using of 7 liter/1000 liter water per ha for intercropping of barley and alfalfa, also using of 50/50 ratio for barley and alfalfa is better ratio for intercropping.

Prime Minister Aziz has approved the export of an additional 500,000 tons of wheat this year in the hope of making inroads into the lucrative Indian market. The export will be undertaken by the private sector by sea and by railways. A bumper harvest of 23 million tons is expected this 2006-07 crop year. Last year, the country also had a bumper crop of 21.7 million tons of wheat. The surplus harvest of wheat, however, does not guarantee food security in the country. The traders mafia (that includes ministers, influential parliamentarians and the private traders plus few industrialists) in our country is very strong and the common consumer suffers the net impact of such malpractices. Government takes decisions in the name of consumers but in actual effect, these are the traders who benefit from exports/ imports and not the consumers. The profiteering tendency of the global food producers and distributors even at the cost of people’s survival is bound to create social and political upheavals. This is a harsh reality which the business people and policy makers have chosen to ignore so far. Food insecurity amidst plenty is the name of the game in food politics. Despite the fact that global economy is a food surplus economy, 852 million people (17 % of the world population) go hungry every day in the world because they do not have access to food. The chronic hunger kills more people every day than disasters, disease or war. But, all this is when there is enough food to feed the entire population of the world twice. Women in rural areas go hungry the most despite doing the bulk of the work to grow food and feed their families. Women produce up to 80 per cent of the food in developing countries, but they own only one per cent of the land. The continuation of hunger is directly related to a lack of access or entitlement to food, and to the natural resources essential to the provision of food. Food sovereignty is the right of people to define their own food and agriculture, and to protect and regulate domestic agricultural production and trade.

Phosphorus is important for finger millet production in many tropical African soils with low phosphorus fertility. Knowledge of redirection of this limited resource for reproduction is fundamental in realization of potential yields. The effect of four phosphorus levels (0, 12.5, 25.0 and 37.5 kg ha-1 P2O5) and three varieties (U-15, P-224 and a local check) on the days to flowering and maturity of finger millet were evaluated in three agro-ecologies in Kenya during the raining seasons of 2014-2015. Phosphorus application significantly (P<0.05) increased early flowering and physiological maturity in Kakamega and Busia. The varieties elicited significantly different days to 50% flowering and maturation periods in all the study sites. The days to flowering and maturity were found to be lowly but negatively correlated with the grain yield of finger millet in all the sites.

The objective of this study was to describe the growth pattern in Zandi sheep using non-linear models. In total 21640 body weight records from birth to yearling were analyzed. The data set were used in this study, obtained from the Animal Breeding Center of Iran during 1992–2013. In this study growth pattern parameters (mature weight, growth rate and mature rate) estimated using four nonlinear regression model (Brody, Gompertz, logistic and Bertalanfy). Growth models were compared with coefficients of determination )R2(, adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adg), Means square error (MSe) and Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). logistic model provided the best fit of growth curve due to the generally greater values of R2 and R2adg and lower values of MSe and AIC than other models. In logistic model the estimated amount of mature weight (A), growth rate (B) and maturation rate (K) were 34. 48±0. 09, 7. 61±0. 28 and 0. 027±0.0004, respectively. This amount for Brody model were 36. 52±0. 17, 0. 9±0. 004 and 0. 009±0. 0002 respectively. For Gompertz model this amount were 35. 12±0. 11, 2. 25±0. 04 and 0. 017±0. 0002 respectively. In von Bertalanfy model the estimated amount of parameters A, B and K were 35. 48±0. 12, 0. 53±0. 006 and 0. 014±0. 0002 respectively.

Plants often experience both drought and salinity stress in arid environment. Various mathematical water uptake models exist for plants response to combined drought and salinity stress. The reduction functions are classified as additive, multiplicative and conceptual models. In this study six different macroscopic reduction functions, namely; Van Genuchten (additive and multiplicative), Dirksen et al., Van Dam et al, Skaggs et al and Homaee were evaluated. The experiment was carried out on Ghods variety of wheat crop in a factorial split plot design with 3 replicates in the Research Field of university Birjand. The treatments consisted of four levels of irrigation (50, 75, 100 and 120%of crop water requirement), and three water qualities (1.4, 4.5, 9.6 dS/m). The results of this study indicated that the additive model estimates relative yield less than actual amount. In other word, the effect of combined stresses on wheat yield was less compared to sum of the separate effects due to salinity and water stress. The effect of drought stress on reduction of yield was more than salinity stress. The results also revealed that reduction function of Skaggs et al and Homaee were better fitness to measured data than the other functions.

The agro hydrological model SWAP3.03 was used for two wheat crops, cultivars “Ghods” and “Rowshan” under different irrigation regimes. The field study was conducted during 2005-2006 growing season in the Research Field of Birjand University. Different qualities of irrigation water (namely 1.4, 4.5 and 9.6 dS/m) obtained from three local wells were used in a factorial plot design with four levels of water depths (namely, 50, 75, 100 and 125% of ETc). The model was initially calibrated with respect to the winter wheat crop coefficients, based on a study in the province of S. Khorasan. The simulated values fitted well the trend of actual crop production for various amounts and qualities of irrigation water. Maximum yield was obtained for a deficit irrigation of 75% ETc with the best water quality, that of 1.4 (dS/m). Results also showed that different levels of water and salinity stress would affect crop production. The correlation coefficients between the simulated and actual crop production were 0.72 for “Ghods” and 0.83 for “Rowshan”, both statistically significant at 1% level. As compared to the actual yield, the Average simulated yield was 15% higher for “Ghods” and 10% lower for “Rowshan”. A t-test showed that such deviation between simulated and observed values were not lower than required for significant differences. The results of this study, therefore, show that SWAP3.03 model is a useful tool to estimate wheat production under different levels of water and salinity stress.

Although the Solanaceae family leaves (tomato, eggplant, potato,…etc.) is a main host plant for the larvae of tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta; field bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis is recorded as a new host plant to tomato leafminer, T. absoluta as a first time in Egypt. The larvae of T. absoluta were attacked the leaves of C. arvensis completely. This finding confirmed that the tomato leafminer is a polyphagous insect. This allows it to survive in many habitats in the absence of Solanaceae family crops. This result recommended that removing of field bindweed plants from tomato field may be reducing the tomato leafworm population.

Until quite recently, human urine has been tagged a ‘waste’, especially in Africa, even though the eastern, and western worlds have for centuries reaped the immense blessings associated with this “liquid gold”. It is in the light of this that this paper discusses the research work conducted to ascertain the fertilizer value of human urine and its utilization in agriculture in Kumasi, Ghana. The study investigated the maximum storage time of human urine that would result in increased NPK for crop use under green house conditions using maize as the test crop. Some morphological characteristics; number of leaves, leave length, plant height and leave width were measured. Perceptions of farmers and consumers on urine use in agriculture were also examined. In a randomized complete block design, fresh urine (0), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months’ old urine and NPK 15:15:15 chemical fertilizers were applied to maize crops in a green house. Prior to planting and application of plant nutrients, soil and human urine NPK contents were analysed using standard methods. Fresh urine produced the highest Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium contents of 884.572mg/L, 68.044mg/L, and 180.763mg/L respectively compared to the six months old urine which yielded 700.450mg/L, 0.578mg/L and 0.096mg/L of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium contents respectively. The amounts of NPK in urine decreased with storage duration. Percentage decrease of urine NPK over the six months of storage were 20.8%, 31% and 22% respectively. Fertilization of maize crops with urine, produced crops with morphological characteristics comparable to plants fertilized with NPK mineral fertilizer – 15:15:15. Farmers, though unaware of the fertilizer value of human urine, were willing to use it in farming. Consumers however were unwilling to patronize vegetables fertilized with human urine.

In distinguishing two sizes of three Iraniandry date cultivars, the acoustic system and artificial neural network was combined for the first time. Various features obtained from sound analysis were entered as ANN input set. Appropriate features have significant effect in final result of the network. Frequency features of sound signals are computed via a 1024-point FFT. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Phase and Power Spectral Density (PSD) of impact signals were calculated. Several combinations of selected and extracted features were used as input set in a multilayer perceptron neural network with a back propagation algorithm, with 60%-25%-15% of data astraining, validation and testing sets.The optimized MFNN was distinguished Dayiri sizes with 93.687Correct Detection Rate (CDR), Piarum sizes with 81.035 CDR and Zahidisizes with 91.

The story of agricultural revolution in developed world is incomplete without farm mechanisation. The giant of the world – the United States agricultural success story is also incomplete without farm mechanisation. Feeding a hungry world will be incomplete without farm mechanisation. Nevertheless, farm mechanisation, just like farm pesticides have challenged sustainable agriculture; especially in fragile tropical ecosystem. No matter the level United States has attained in agriculture, it is very difficult for them to fend solely for a world of over 6 billion people, targeted to hit 10 billion by 2050. It calls for collective action of all nations of the world. Farm mechanisation that is tailored to local, regional and national requirements are very crucial to solving world food problems. Farm mechanisation: ecological paradise or disaster ? Is a mind rubbing question that keeps us conscious of limitations and needs in our agricultural systems. An attempt have been made to answer the question in this review.

farm households’ access and constraints to portable and irrigation water supply in Ebonyi State, Nigeria was studied. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select a total of 180 farm households. Primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaire and interview schedule; the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The result of the study shows that the farmers lacked access to sanitation, potable and irrigation water. Farm household access to potable and irrigation water were 46% and 0% with average potable and irrigation water insecurity level at 77%. Most of the household water collection was supplied by the children and this affected class attendance and school enrolment. The result of X2 and regression shows that there is a strong relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and their access to water. The respondents identified poor government attitude towards potable and irrigation water provision, lack of money to pay for the users cost, and seasonality of natural water sources as the constraints to access water. The respondents further identified Government and Non Governmental Organization full involvement in the provision of potable and irrigation water, education or public awareness campaign for proper water management and utilization as ways of mitigating water scarcity. It was recommended that government should articulate and integrate rural water provision into the mainstream policy framework among others.

The study was to investigate the factors affecting the adoption of upland NERICA rice in the Ejura-Sekyeredumase District in the Ashanti Region. The simple random sampling technique was used to select 100 rice farmers in the district. About 20% of the farmers had fully adopted the upland NERICA rice. It was found that adoption of upland NERICA rice was dependent on NERICA farm size, accessibility and income level at 5% significant level. The main challenge associated with the production of upland NERICA rice is low rainfall causing total loss of yield. Farmers should form groups to make accessibility to incentives and other benefits easy. They should also cultivate the local rice alongside NERICA to supplement their income and finally, extension agents should increase their contacts with the low adopters of NERICA rice.

The papaya seed oil was extracted by solvent extraction method. The characteristic of seed oil was studied. Percent seed oil was recorded 30.1 and chemical composition of papaya seed was found to be protein (28.1%), Ash (8.2%), Crude fiber (19.1%) and total carbohydrate (25.6%).The papaya seed oil consists of iodine value (65.5), saponification value (155.5), unsaponifiable matter (1.37%) and free fatty acid (0.32%).The major fatty acid of papaya seed oil were oleic acid(72.5%) followed by palmitic acid (13.5%) and stearic acid (4.5%). Thus it can be concluded that the seed can be utilized for extraction of oil which has various health benefits with respect to essential fatty acids.

Greenhouse farming in Kenya is becoming a lucrative investment as well as a means of improving food production in marginal environments. The Greenhouse is intended to regulate external conditions including soil moisture content suitable to different types of crops. Many farmers use timers to control irrigation, but timers do not account to day to day changes in plant use. The aim of this study was to examine how soil moisture content in Greenhouse is currently regulated The study was guided by Mamdani Fuzzy Logic Theory that uses Nested “IF THEN RULES”. Preliminary data was collected through Observation and Interview schedules. The population of the study comprises five greenhouse farmers and four field officers. Experimental Research Methodology was applied.  The system was modeled using graphical notation in the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and developed using Experimental Prototyping. The Soil Moisture Sensor, Arduino Board, Water Pump are interfaced to develop the Intelligent System for Determination and Regulation of Soil Moisture Content. The study observed that following ways of managing the soil moisture content: Opening taps to run for 16 minutes in the morning and the evening. Checking the adequacy of soil moisture content by touching and squeezing the soil around the drip irrigation area. When the soil is squeeze and remain together then the moisture is adequate otherwise not adequate. Some Greenhouse farmers control the flow of water through the pipes by switching on and off the regulatory tap twice a day depending on the type of crop, soil and the stage of crop while Others were using a crude method which simply observing the wetness of the soil.

Wheat is the most important crops in Iran and study to reduce losses and costs related to this product are essential. Wheat like any other crop, have losses during harvest and trying to reduce losses in all the time is justifiable. Yet Combine John Deere 955 for harvesting operations is most used combines in Iran and study in order to reduce losses this combine is important. The aims of this study are assess these factors: combine forward speed, Grain moisture content (%, w.b.) and yield per hectare on combine losses John Deere 955 in Ahvaz city (Khuzestan province). One of the ways that reduces losses of combines is mathematical models based on survey and measurement of factors affecting on different combine losses. In order to perform this research was surveyed 28 combines in at different points of Ahvaz city and was calculated cutting platform, back combine, plots and natural losses. In this study, parameters such as combine forward speed, Grain moisture content (%, w.b.) and yield per hectare were considered as independent variables and cutting platform and back combine losses as dependent variables. To express the mathematical relationship between the dependent and independent variables was used multivariate regression test. Results of regression analysis of variance showed there is significant relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variables. Finally was estimated most appropriate models to cutting platform losses (CPL) and back combine losses (BCL).

This study was performed to evaluation of yield components of 20 wheat genotypes under water deficit. Experiment was conducted with a split plot design. The main factor included normal and deficit irrigation (drought: 40% of field capacity) and sub-plots included 10 wheat genotypes Chamran, Marvdasht (Iran’s cultivars), N14 and N49 (Iran Landrace related to the eastern regions of Central and South Western), C15 and 168 (Babax), 169 (Seri), C4, C6 and C14 (lines of Babax /seri) also booting stage was applied for drought stress. Some of traits were investigated that included: Biological yield, Seed yield, Harvest index, seed number, 1000seed weight. According to analysis of variance, it was founded that all studied traits affected by drought stress, also there were significant differences between cultivars in responses to stress. Means comparisons showed that highest seed yield was obtained by 169, 168, C6, C15, Chamran, Marvdasht and C16 at normal condition and in drought condition Marvdasht cultivars had lowest seed yield. Highest and lowest yield reductions were obtained by 169 and N49, respectively. In relation to biological yield and at normal condition, 169 and 168 showed highest means and at stress condition highest value observed by 168. The highest harvest index under normal irrigation belonged to C14, C6, Marvdasht, 169, 168 and C15. N49 harvest index was higher in drought conditions in compare to normal condition. Under drought deficit, most grain number was obtained by Chamran, 168, N14, C6 and C15 genotypes. Also, the highest 1000 seed weight were observed by C4, C14 and C6 under normal irrigation, however all genotypes showed significant reduction and N49, 169, C14, C4 and Marvdasht had the highest 1000seed weight under drought stress.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of using treated wastewater on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of festuca in greenhouse conditions in Sa'dabad of the Dashtestan, Iran. Experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. Treatments included: fresh water, fresh water + 25% treated wastewater, fresh water + 50% treated wastewater, fresh water + 75% treated wastewater, and 100% treated wastewater. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the impact of wastewater had significant effect on growth and physiological characteristics. Root weight (5.7 g), leaf weight (2.3 g), leaf area (7/54), root length (29 cm) and plant height (9.9 cm) showed a significant increase in compared to the control. In relation to the characteristics of protein, phosphorus and ash, the same trend was observed.

This study was conducted to Evaluation of vermicompost on the Pigments content of Pelargonium hortorum. This experiment was conducted in the Islamic Azad University, Garmsar branch. Treatments of vermicompost rates included: 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. Also combine of control pot included: 25% cocopeat, 20% pulp tea, 10% rice straw and 45% garden soil. According to analysis of variance, treatments had significant effect on Chlorophyll a and b, Total chlorophyll, Anthocyanin and Carotenoids at 1% statistical probability.With regard to the comparison of treatments and control, 75% vermicompost treatment was the most effective treatments and this level suggest for pelargonium culture.

This study was conducted to evaluation of vermicompost and split nitrogen application on yield and some yield components of sesame. Experimental design was in RCBD with two factors and four replications, first factor included vermicompost with three levels (10, 20 and 30 ton/ha) and second factor included Urea with three levels (30, 60 and 90 kg/ha). Urea was used in two installments, one of them was applied at the 6 to 8 leaf and another 20 days after the first installment. According to our result, we suggest using of 20 ton/ha vermicompost for sesame culture, also using of 90kg/ha nitrogen is best treatment. For combination using, it suggest 30ton/ha vermicompost + 60kh/ha nitrogen for Firouzabad region and sesame.

In order to evaluate induction of tolerance to salt stress CP73-21 sugarcane commercial cultivar in tissue culture conditions an experiment was conducted in 2014-2015 year, in tissue culture laboratory of Islamic Azad University of Ahvaz. 6 treatments for callus induction (2,4-D at levels: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 3.5 mg/l) were investigated in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The highest callus value (67.5%) was obtained from treated with 3 mg/l. The effect of different levels of salinity 0, 33, 66, 99 and 132 mM were investigated to tolerance of callus in completely randomized design. After 8 weeks, the callus value reduction by 33, 66, 99 and 132 treatments in compare to control were obtained 31, 33, 22 and 26%, respectively.

The effluent and sludge generated from various industries are being dumped into the environment, causing various hazards on a long run. At the same time, these wastes contain essential nutrients. So utilization of such wastes for crop production can enhance the availability of nutrients and enrich soil organic matters that ultimately increase the growth of crops. Gypsum, pressmud, Farm yard manure, ETP sludge were tried to ameliorate the textile and dye effluent polluted soil habitat, using sunflower (CO4) as a test crop. The sludge along with effluent irrigation added considerable quantities of cations (calcium, magnesium and sodium) to the soil system. Addition of amendments had a strong influence in enhancing the soil quality parameters like exchangeable calcium. Application of pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 along with 100 per cent GR + NPK reduced the soil ESP by 44.96 per cent. The heavy metal content were also reduced due to addition of pressmud. Application of 100 per cent GR + pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 + NPK under effluent irrigation increased the crop growth, yield attributes (head diameter, head weight, seed test weight) and yield of sunflower in effluent polluted soil habitat. The yield under pressmud amended plots was 36 per cent higher over control. Reclamation and restoration of textile dye effluent polluted soil habitat is possible by leaching the soil with 100 per cent GR followed by application of pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 and recommended NPK.

The aim of this investigation was the ability of different indices to identifies drought resistant genotypes of cotton under normal and stress conditions. Thirteen drought tolerance indices i.e., stress susceptibility index (SSI), tolerance index (TOL), mean productivity index ( MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), stress tolerance index (STI), yield index (YI), yield stability index (YSI), drought resistance index (DI), yield reduction ratio (YR), a biotic tolerance index (ATI), stress susceptibility percentage index (SSPI), harmonic mean (HM) and golden mean (GOL) were calculated based on seed cotton yield/plant under normal (Yp) and stress (Ys) conditions for 24 cotton genotypes over the two summer seasons (2015 and 2016) at Sakha Agriculture Research Station, Agriculture Research Center, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt. The values of mean performances showed that, most studied genotypes were better than the grand mean during Yp and Ys. Drought stress reduced the studied traits while other was tolerant to drought, suggesting genetic variability in 24 cotton genotypes for drought tolerance. According to drought tolerance indices, MP, GMP, STI, YI and HM under Yp and Ys as well as the other studied drought tolerance indices under Ys could properly distinguish drought tolerant cotton genotypes with high yield performance. Therefore, the indices of MP, GMP, STI, YI and HM were considered as a better predictor of Ys and Yp than the other indices. Screening drought tolerant genotypes using mean performances and drought tolerance indices showed cleared that the genotypes G.94, G.86, G.96 and G.89 were the most drought tolerant under Yp and Ys. Thus, they are recommended to be used as a parents for improvement of drought tolerance of cotton in breeding and hybridization programs in Egypt to produce and select a new recombination’s are more and more tolerant for drought to overcome the water shortage and reduce the water rating of the cotton crop. And the possibility of planting and expansion of those new recombination’s under the conditions of new lands that suffer from shortage of water and access to an economic crop. Cluster analysis based on all studied traits of 24 cotton genotypes into five and nine clusters under normal and drought stress conditions, respectively .The results for cluster analysis suggested that these genotypes could be used as a source of germplasm for breeding for drought tolerance and also cleared that the hybridization between clusters may increases variability and expected transgresive segregation to select the new germplasm had more and more drought tolerance. 

This study aimed at identifying constraints of yam and soil fertility evaluation and management among smallholder farmers in Kabba/Bunu area. Ten communities were purposely selected and ten yam farmers randomly selected from each community.100 questionnaires were administered to and collected from the farmers. The questions were collated and analyzed using frequency, mean and percentage. 98% of the farmers cultivate white yam and 64% are aware of the existence of improved varieties. Constraints to yam production are lack of access to finance (84%), poor market/sales (71%), availability and cost of seed yam (70%), Lack of access to improved varieties (68%), low soil fertility (64%) and lack of access to fertilizer (56%). Prominent soil fertility indicators are soil colour, crop performance, vegetation type, presence of earthworm activities and topographic position. 59% of the farmers assessed their farm soil to be fertile while 41% is non-fertile. Fertility management practices adopted among the farmers are: mulching (98%), use of legume in intercropping system (62%) and post-harvest residue management (50%). The adoption and cultivation of other varieties of yam apart from white yam, use of organic manure and post-harvest residue management of slash-and-mulch as well as intervention of government and non-governmental organization were recommended.

Some physical chemical characteristics and heavy metal levels in soil samples (Top and Sub) around dumpsites at Obantoko, Lafenwa, and Olomore vicinities of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, were analysed in order to assess the effects of the dumps on the soils. Conventional analytical methods were employed for the determination of these physicochemical parameters while heavy metals in the soil samples where analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results of the physicochemical analysis showed that the pH values in all the sites ranged from 8.21 to 8.61 indicating alkalinity of the soils. The Total Organic Carbon values ranged from 1.06 to 2.76 indicating presence of some organic matter and some microbiological activities in the soil samples. Conductivity values ranges from 875 to 1119?s/cm indicated significant presence of some soluble inorganic salts in soils studied. For all the physical chemical values recorded, the soil samples at Lafenwa had slightly higher values than those of Olomore, and Obantoko. The mean concentration level of the three locations for Pb for the top and subsoils in Obantoko, Lafenwa, and Olomore were 13.50 and 11.31, 7.64 and 12.44, 9.90 and 11.06 (mgkg-1) respectively and that of for top and subsoil for same locations were Cr 5.76 and 7.01, 7.64 and 12.44, and 4.65 and 6.86 (mgkg-1) while Pb were not detected at all locations except at Lafenwa L2 where 2.24 mgkg-1 was detected in the subsoil. The levels of the metals at the sub-soil were all higher than the top soil at all the locations, except for Obantoko were the value of Pb at the top soil was greater than the value at the subsoil. A consistent trend showing a decrease in the concentration of heavy metals at the topsoil was observed for soil samples. The results from the study show that leaching occurs at dumpsites from the top to the subsoil which could cause a degree of contamination to ground water and living organims. These soils may therefore constitute a major health risk to the local population, and therefore, need be stringent measures to curtail the adverse effect it may pose to human health and the environment.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of using treated wastewater on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Lolium perenne in greenhouse conditions in Sa'dabad of the Dashtestan, Iran. Experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. Treatments included: fresh water, fresh water + 25% treated wastewater, fresh water + 50% treated wastewater, fresh water + 75% treated wastewater, and 100% treated wastewater. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the impact of wastewater had significant effect on growth and physiological characteristics. Root weight (6.7 g), leaf weight (3.6 g), leaf area (8.4 cm2), root length (33 cm) and plant height (11.3 cm) showed a significant increase in compared to the control. In relation to the characteristics of protein, phosphorus and ash, the same trend was observed.

African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) is one of the numerous tree plants in the tropics found abundantly in the Eastern part of Nigeria where the seed called ugba – a non timber forests product is not only consumed as a delicacy but highly revered and recognized as one of the cultural menu recipes for traditional ceremonies. The study was all about the profitability of marketing the seed within Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was employed using structured questionnaires to interview the traders. The result revealed among many others that the business was female gender – driven, dominated by Igbo traders (78.12%) and quite profitable. The average profit per 98.6kg bag was ?23675. Profitability (?0.29) tells that for every one Naira investment, 29kobo is realized as profit and the profitability ratio (0.22) with regard to sales reveal also that for every one Naira sales or returns 22kobo comes in as net income. Notwithstanding the profit margin, the business was however not without some constraints against which some recommendations were made.

An experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources management, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki in order to evaluate productivity of a degraded ultisol amended with different animal wastes in Abakaliki. The field was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD). There were four treatments viz poultry droppings (PD), Swine Waste (SW), Cow Dung (CD) and Control (C) applied at 12 ha-1, respectively. These treatments were replicated five times. Maize hybrid (Oba super II) and groundnut (Arachis hypogea) were used as test crops. Core and auger samples were collected at 0 – 20 cm depth before and after planting for pre and post planting soil properties determination. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means separated with Fisher’s least significant difference. Results showed that bulk density, total porosity, moisture content, hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability and mean weight diameter were significantly (P<0.05) higher in poultry droppings amended plots than in control. The texture of soil remained sandy loam. The studied chemical properties showed no significant treatments effect except magnesium that was significantly (P<0.05) higher in PD and CD amendments relative to control. Cow dung treatment significantly (P<0.05) depressed Na compared to control and other animal wastes amendments. Bulk density was lower by 5 and 7% under poultry droppings compared to cow dung and swine waste treatments. Total porosity and hydraulic conductivity were 9,7,4 and 11% higher in PD relative to cow dung and swine wastes amendments. Available P, total N and organic matter were higher under PD treatment by 8, 17, 18, 12, 17 and 27% compared to SW and CD amended plots, respectively. Maize grain and groundnut yields significantly (P<0.05) increased in all animal wastes amended plots relative to control. Animal wastes enhanced physical properties of soil and yields of crops more than chemical ones. Poultry droppings that proved more superior compared to others could be recommended for improving productivity of a degraded soil in the study area.

This experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki in order to evaluate productivity indices of spent lubricant oil-contaminated soil bio-remediated with organic wastes for three (2006 – 2008) cropping seasons. The field was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD). The spent lubricant oil was applied blanket on soil at 5 % equivalent to 50,000 mg kg-1 to all the plots to serve as source of contamination. The organic wastes were burnt rice husk dust, unburnt (fresh) rice husk dust, sawdust and control applied at 20 t ha-1 equivalent to 8 kg ha-1 and replicated five times. Modified Pierce et al. productivity index was used to compute the productivity indices. The modified productivity index entailed use of sufficiencies for bulk density, available water capacity, root weighting factor (RWF), pH and exclusion of sufficiencies for aeration and electrical conductivity. The productivity indices (PI) were highest (P1=0.31, 0.27, 0.27 and 0.27) for oil contaminated soil treated with saw dust (OS), oil contaminated soil treated with unburnt rice husk dust (OU), oil contaminated soil amended with (OS) and oil contaminated soil treated with unburnt rice husk dust (OU) amended plots in 2006, 2007 and 2008 cropping seasons, respectively. These PI were 29, 35 and 80% higher than the control for the three seasons for the respective treatments of OS, OU and OS and OU. The mean productivity indices were (x=0.19, 0.27, 0.24 and 0.27) for control, OU, OB and OS amendments, respectively. Grain yields of maize of 1.72 and 1.70 t ha-1 were obtained for PI of 0.31 and 0.30 for oil contaminated soil treated with saw dust (OS) and oil contaminated soil amended with unburnt rice husk dust (OU) amended plots, respectively. Oil contaminated soil treated with unburnt rice husk dust (OU) (x=27) and oil contaminated soil amended with saw dust (OS) (x=0.27) wastes predicted highly for spent oil contaminated soil amended with organic wastes and could be recommended for bio-remediation of such soil in Abakaliki.

The effect of drying behavior on drying rate and quality characteristics of potato slices in a vacuum- infrared drying system was studied. In this work, the effect of the infrared radiation powers (100, 150 and 200 W) and vacuum levels (20, 80, 140 mm [Hg] and atmosphere pressure) at different thickness (1, 2 and 3 mm) on drying rate, shrinkage percentage and rehydration capacity were investigated. From the study, it was concluded that IR power level has significant effects to processing time and drying rate.The processing time reduced,while drying rates were higher with increased in IR power. Drying rate curve of potato slices at initially time of drying because of surface moisture evaporation in the ascending phase and afterward due to the start of influence of water from within of material to surface descending phase occurs. Also shrinkage percentage increased with increase of sample thickness. In other words, shrinkage was decreased at different thickness with increase of infrared radiation power and vacuum level. It was found that the long period of drying and increase of sample thickness may have contributed to a decrease in rehydration capacity. However, rehydration capacity at temperature 100°C for 3 min was more than temperature 25°C in duration 12 min.

Drought stress is one of the major abiotic stresses in arid and semi-arid land of agriculture worldwide. This study was performed to evaluation of Drought stress on vegetative and reproductive characteristics of Zinnia elegans . Experimental design was CRD with 3 replication, At elongation stage, the plants were provided different degrees of drought stress: (1) mild drought with 65–70 % of the soil water capacity; (2) moderate drought with 45–65 % of the soil water content; (3) severe drought with 20–30 % of soil water capacity and; (4) control with 70 % of soil water capacity. Studied traits included: height, number of branches, stem diameter, leaf number, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, proline, total chlorophyll. Totally, our results showed that drought stress reduced all studied traits except proline, and by increasing of stress, reduction was increased but this trend was different for proline. Severe stress showed 54, 40, 40, 46, 48, 64, 34, 66 and 53% reduction for height, number of branches, stem diameter, leaf number, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight and total chlorophyll in compare to control, respectively.

After cereals, oil seeds are the second source of food, and canola is the third source of oil seeds crop in the world after palm oil and soybean. This study was performed as factorial in RCBD design, First factor included cultivars (Zarfam, Talaye, Okapy) and second factor included drought stress (control, 60% FC, 40%Fc), also some properties were studied such as Superoxide dismutase, Proxidase, Catalase, yield. Totally, results showed that antioxidant enzymes increase as one mechanism in responses to stress and cultivars had different amount of enzyme unit. Between cultivars Zarfam and Talaye had highest antioxidant enzyme, respectively, highest means of SOD (31.6), POD (46) and CAT (23 Enzyme activity unit per mg protein) were obtained by Zarfam cultivar in 40% FC condition. Enzyme unit increased by increasing of drought levels and Zarfam, Talaye and Okapy showed 219, 198 and 112 gr/m2 yield in 40% FC condition.

Suitability of alternative mixes for container vegetable production was studied in a Plant and Screen house of Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Ebonyi state University, Abakaliki. There were 5 growth media mixes and topsoil which included coconut husk mixed with pig dung, sawdust mixed with pig dung, burnt rice husk mixed with pig dung, fresh rice husk mixed with pig dung, burnt rice husk mixed with fresh rice husk mixed with sawdust mixed with coconut husk mixed with pig dung and native topsoil. The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments were replicated four times to give a total of twenty-four experimental units. Amaranthus cruntus L. was used as a container vegetable to serve as a test crop. Data from both media mixes, topsoil chemical properties and agronomic yield of Amaranthus cruntus L. were analyzed using analysis of variance. Results showed that organic wastes based media mixes had superior chemical properties for vegetable production compared to native topsoil. Mixing each organic based media with pig dung significantly (P<0.05) improved their percent N,OC and pH contents relative to top soil. Percent N,OC and pH were 46, 46,91 and 15 % for sawdust mixed with pig dung, burnt rice husk mixed with unburnt rice husk mixed with sawdust mixed with coconut mixed with pig dung, coconut husk mixed with pig dung and sawdust mixed with pig dung when compared with control. There was generally significantly (P<0.05) better Amaranthus cruntus L. performance in organic based mixes when compared to topsoil. Coconut husk mixed with pig doing had superior significant (P< 0.05) effect on leaf number, number of branches, plant height, leaf area index and fresh shoot weight of Amaranthus cruntus L. in the study compared to topsoil and other media mixes. Coconut husk mixed with pig dung was higher by 23, 18, 15, 39, 37 and 14% than topsoil for leaf number, number of branches, plant height, leaf area index and fresh shoot weight of Amaranthus cruntus L. respectively. The media mixes and topsoil enhanced chemical properties and agronomic yield in the order of coconut husks mixed with pig dung > fresh rice husk mixed with pig dung > burnt rice husk with fresh rice husk mixed with coconut husk mixed with sawdust mixed with pig dung > burnt rice husk mixed with pig dung > sawdust mixed with pig dung > topsoil. It was concluded that growing Amaranthus cruntus L. in media mixes and particularly coconut husk mixed with pig dung could serve as suitable alternative to soil in container vegetable production in Abakaliki agro ecology.

Rangeland ecosystems are dynamic and will change in the occurrence turbulences and will degrade if cross the threshold of rangeland health. We can judge on the effects of management activities by determination of rangeland health features. In this study using 17 ecological indicators, including rill, water flow pattern, Pedestal, bare ground, gully, wind-scoured, litter movement, soil surface resistance to erosion, soil surface loss or degradation, plant community composition and distribution relative to infiltration and runoff and, compaction layer, structural and functional groups, plant mortality, litter amount, annual production, invasive plants and reproductive capability of perennial plants for determination of three characteristics of rangeland ecosystems (soil and habitat stability, hydrological functions and health of living organisms). The main objective of this study is applying this concept in the area of Cheshme Anjir. Indicators were studied in three ecosystems characteristic expressed in five evaluation class and deviation degree of rangeland health features with reference area. The results showed that the key habitat in term of sustainability of soil and habitat in slight to moderate, hydrologic function slight to moderate, organisms’ health slight to moderate while critical habitat in term of soil sustainability and habitat in relatively extreme, hydrologic function in extreme and organism health located in extreme class.

Salinity is one of the major stresses in arid and semi-arid regions causing adverse effects at physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels, limiting crop productivity. In this research, three canola cultivars (Licord, Talayeh, Zarfam) were compared at 5 salinity levels (control, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) for their catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activity,proline and yield in a completely randomized design with 3 replications. In our study, we found that NaCl concentrations greater than 150 and 200 mM caused the irreversible disorders. Increased salt concentrations led to significant changes in the levels of antioxidative enzymes and proline in three canola cultivars. Also, yield rates in three varieties decreased in the presence of NaCl concentrations.

Gypsum, pressmud, farm yard manure, ETP sludge were tried to ameliorate the textile and dye effluent polluted soil habitat, using sunflower (CO4) as a test crop. The sludge along with effluent irrigation added considerable quantities of cations (calcium, magnesium and sodium) to the soil system. Application of pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 along with 100 per cent GR + NPK reduced the soil ESP by 44.96 per cent. The heavy metal content were also reduced due to addition of pressmud. Higher microbial population was also observed under effluent irrigation than well water. Application of 100 per cent GR + pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 + NPK under effluent irrigation increased the crop growth, yield attributes (head diameter, head weight, seed test weight) and yield of sunflower in effluent polluted soil habitat. The yield under pressmud amended plots was 36 per cent higher over control. Reclamation and restoration of textile dye effluent polluted soil habitat is possible by leaching the soil with 100 per cent GR followed by application of pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 and recommended NPK.

To assess the impact of textile and dye industrial effluent on soil and crops, the pot culture experiment carried out with maize crop to determine the effect of dye and textile factory effluent in combination with amendments (poultry manure, green leaf manure, biocompost, vermicompost). This study revealed that application of CETP sludge @ 5 t ha-1 + poultry manure @ 5 t ha-1 + NPK increased the soil organic carbon, available N, P, K, Ca, Mg and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn) in soil under treated effluent irrigation compared to river water irrigation. The sodium content and ESP of soil increased under effluent irrigation. However, it did not produce any toxic effects to the crops. This showed that the treated effluent could be safely used for irrigation along with poultry manure @ 5 t ha-1 and NPK.

Flood discharge is one of important factors in designs and hydrological works. Because of non-facilities and non-hydrometric equipment in basins without statistics or with deficient statistics especially in small watersheds, estimation of maximum instantaneous flood discharge is one of main problems in watershed projects. In this stud with the aim of determination of acceptable method to estimate maximum instantaneous flood discharge in small watersheds, two methods one base to basin area and other based to physiographical feature and precipitation were studied. The results showed that among methods related to basin area, Horton method with residual sum of squares 2.8(RMSE=2.8) and among methods related to basin- physiographical feature and precipitation, curve number with RMSE=20.6 had least error .so, determined as the best methods. FHWA method because of having most amount of RMSE=5924.5 had the least efficiency for determination of peak discharge in this area.

Estimating soil temperature from air temperature is very necessary in some areas that are difficult to reach for the purpose of measuring soil temperature. In this research There are three Station Automatic Weather were selected in the study areas located in the North (Almosul), Middle (Abu-Ghraib), west (Hadethaa) and South (Alkahlaa) of Iraq (36.33° N, 43.16° E), (33.32° N, 44.23° E), (42.00°N, 34.35°E) ,(47.19°N, 31.80° E) respectively. The results referred to strong relationships between the averaged daily air temperature and averaged daily soil temperature at the 10 cm depth for sites. The correlations (R2) values were very high 0.93, 0.939, 0.980, 0.937 in Almosul, Abu-Ghraib , Hadethaa and Alkahlaa sites respectively. Linear equations to estimate soil temperature from air temperature were y=1.274x-6.517 in the north of Iraq, y=1.084x-0.305 in the middle of Iraq, y=1.065x+0.154 in the west of Iraq, y=0.849x+5.14 in the south of Iraq.

A Hanslope Soil health was investigated from context of enzyme activities namely: cellulose, phosphomonoesterase and urease to enhance the understanding of the following land management practices: grassland under permanent pasture on 5 y ley to stocking, another sown with red clover a y before stocking, the other fertilized with N-fertilizer a y to stocking; the last on barley; with pristine deciduous woodland as control. The highest cellulose activity was detected in deciduous woodland, 172.3 ± 106 µg glucose g-1 d-1 over the summer. Cellulase activity was positively dependent on soil microbial C (R2 = 0.64). Grassland under permanent pasture treated with N-fertilizer a y before stocking had the highest urease activity, 77 ± 57.8 µg NH4-N g-1 h-1 over winter in both buffered and non buffered measurement techniques. There was no significant differences in phosphomonoesterase activity between land management. Soil enzyme measurements is a major component of soil health. It defines biological productivity, promote environmental quality and maintains plant and animal health. Soil health is fundamental for agricultural sustainability. Amongst the soil biological properties, enzymes show extraordinary specificity in catalyzing biological reactions as revealed in this study. Regional information are solicited for global network.

Studies on levels of micronutrients and heavy metal concentration in soils provide vital information for best management options at all times. The study investigated levels of concentration of some heavy metals (Lead-Pb, Iron-Fe, Copper-Cu, Zinc-Zn and Manganese-Mn) on soils along Enugu-Abakaliki major express way in southeastern Nigeria in relation to the environmental and agronomic implication. Forty soil samples were collected at 0-40 cm depth from two environments (A and B). Results showed highly significant (P<0.01) mean lead (Pb) (16.37 mgkg-1) on the soils of Environment A than B (9.5 mgkg-1). Mean Pb in Ishieke I soil was significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of Boundary point II, Ezzamgbo II, and Ezzamgbo. Except Zn that was statistically similar, other metal mean values varied in concentration. Deficiency symptoms of macro- and micro-nutrients were observed on maize and tomato crops. Lime fertilizer was recommended. Continuous evaluation of soils for heavy metals should be an integral part of land use planning for long-term sustainability of farming systems and environmental stability.

Soil fertility depletion is a single most important constraint to food security in West Africa due to continuous cropping and increasing population pressure. Rising costs of commercial fertilizers and increasing emphasis on sound manure management to protect water quality, renewed interest has been focused on maximizing the fertility returns of organic manure. The study determined the effect of dynamic kraaling on soil nutrient status of soils of the middle voltain formation (sandstone, shale and siltstone) in Savelugu/Nanton District in the Northern Region of Ghana. Six (6) soil samples each were collected at two depths (0-40 cm and 40-80 cm) from an active kraal (AK), an old kraal (OK) and non-kraal (NK) farmlands. Laboratory soil analysis indicated that N levels were higher at 0-40 cm depth compared to the depth of 40-80 cm for the AK and the OK but indifferent for the NK farmlands at the two depths. High level difference in the concentration of Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) was observed between the two depths for AK and OK. The concentration of P and K was noted to have increased from the 0-40 cm depth to 40-80 cm depth. The results indicate that NPK was high in active kraals, old kraals and non-kraaled farmlands in decreasing order. Varying levels of organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC), soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were also observed for the different kraaling systems but these were observed to be much higher for the active kraals. The effect of dynamic kraaling in the improvement of soil nutrient levels was high.

The study examined the energy used for milling rice in Lafia rice mill. A sample of 50 randomly selected rice mills were used for the study. Simple descriptive statistics, production function analysis and correlation analysis were used for data analysis. The result shows that the average total energy used daily for rice milling was 2427.44MJ/mill with diesel energy having the largest share (54.66%) of the average total daily energy used. Furthermore, to mill a bag of paddy about 211.06MJ of energy was required. The energy productivity was 0.37MJ/mill. Diesel and paddy were the most significant inputs that influenced the output of milled rice. The elasticity value range from 0.19 to 7.37 for paddy and diesel respectively. Rice milling in the research area was observed to be dependent on direct and non renewable energy forms especially diesel. The study recommends development of cleaner and safer energy forms such as solar energy for rice milling in the study area.