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Review Article
On Farm Performance of Finger Millet Varieties in Dera District of South Gondar Zone
Ayele Tesfahun Gashu*,
Adane Melak,
Misganaw Anteneh
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
223-231
Received:
24 May 2024
Accepted:
13 June 2024
Published:
4 July 2024
Abstract: Finger millet is an important food security crop and beneficial for human health. This study aimed to evaluate the on farm performance of the finger millet varieties in Dera district. The study took place in Korata Kebele and assessed grain yield and farmer feedback. The performance differences between the Necho variety (the demonstrated variety) and the farmers' variety were evaluated. Recent 10 years' grain yield data from the Dera district agriculture office was used to analyze the growth rates of area coverage, production, and productivity in the district using the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR). Furthermore, the performance of the Necho variety was compared to its potential and farmer variety using the technology gap, extension gap, and technology index. From 2014 to 2018, the annual growth rate of area coverage and productivity in Dera district declined by 1.6% and 1.7% per year, respectively. Moreover, from 2019 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of area coverage, production, and productivity decreased by 0.75%, 2.6%, and 3.4% per year, respectively. The technology index for the Necho variety in the production seasons of 2021, 2022, and 2023 was -4%, 16%, and 36%, respectively. The higher value in the 2023 season indicated a decline in the performance of the Necho variety compared to the farmer variety. This decline was attributed to the occurrence of blast disease. To address this issue, it is recommended to practice early planting and use recommended fungicides (Natura 250EW and Tilt 250EC). The district agriculture office must ensure easy accessibility of these fungicides in the market for farmers to utilize.
Abstract: Finger millet is an important food security crop and beneficial for human health. This study aimed to evaluate the on farm performance of the finger millet varieties in Dera district. The study took place in Korata Kebele and assessed grain yield and farmer feedback. The performance differences between the Necho variety (the demonstrated variety) a...
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Research Article
Effects of Organic Farming on Soil Probiotics of Double Rice Cropping System in South China
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
232-241
Received:
2 June 2024
Accepted:
21 June 2024
Published:
4 July 2024
Abstract: Organic management practices of double rice cropping can contribute to soil health and crop productivity. However, the impact of organic versus conventional farming practices (CK) on the diversity and functionality of soil probiotics remains poorly understood, despite growing interest in sustainable agricultural methods. To this end, this study evaluated the effects of these farming systems in double rice production on soil microbial communities using metagenomic sequencing and the PROBIO database. Our study accessed the Shannon and Simpson diversity indices of soil probiotics between the two farming systems. Specifically, the Shannon index values were 93.82 for CK and 93.51 for organic farming, showing no statistically significant difference. Similarly, the Simpson index values were 6.18 for CK and 6.46 for organic farming, also demonstrating no significant variance. However, distinct variations in microbial community compositions were observed. Organic farming significantly increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of probiotics that benefit plant growth and nitrogen supply, but reduced those associated with plant nutrient supply and yield. The results show that while organic farming can positively influence certain microbial functions beneficial for sustainable agriculture, it also presents challenges that may affect crop productivity and ecosystem services. These findings suggest that organic farming practices need to be carefully managed to harness the benefits of enhanced microbial functions without compromising crop yields.
Abstract: Organic management practices of double rice cropping can contribute to soil health and crop productivity. However, the impact of organic versus conventional farming practices (CK) on the diversity and functionality of soil probiotics remains poorly understood, despite growing interest in sustainable agricultural methods. To this end, this study eva...
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Research Article
New Names and New Combinations of Jarava, Cinna, Coleanthus, Sclerochloa and Graphephorum (Poales)
Da-Li Fu*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
242-259
Received:
2 June 2024
Accepted:
21 June 2024
Published:
4 July 2024
Abstract: When establishing a new genus, the utilization of incorrect genera or mere synonyms as comparative taxa will inevitably result in the emergence of a new synonym and leading to new taxonomic confusions. However, both traditional taxonomy and modern phylogeny have limitations in their objectivity and impartiality when it comes to accurately identifying taxa for scientific comparison. In order to scientifically identify the genus synonyms and resolving the taxonomic nomenclature confusions within three families of Stipaceae Burnett, Avenaceae Martinov and Poaceae (R.Br.) Barnh (Poales Small), using the minimum criterion PHS (phylogenetic similarity) ≤ 0.928 (inter genera) for genus classification by CPCG (chloroplast complete genomes) of Fructophyta D.L.Fu & H.Fu, total 19 current synonyms of the five genera of Jarava Ruiz et Pav, Graphephorum Desv., Cinna L., Coleanthus Seidl and Sclerochloa P.Beauv. have been identified, 4 current synonyms of the genus Jarava Ruiz et Pav including Amelichloa Arriaga & Barkworth, Eriocoma Nutt., Nassella (Trin.) É.Desv. and Pseudoeriocoma Romasch. et al., 6 current synonyms of the genus Graphephorum Desv. being Cinnagrostis Griseb., Leptophyllochloa C.E.Calderón ex Nicora, Limnodea Dewey, Peyritschia E.Fourn., Sphenopholis Scribn. and Trisetopsis Röser & A.Wölk, 7 current synonyms of the genus Cinna L. being Aniselytron Merr., Arctagrostis Griseb., Dupontia R.Br., Festucella E.B.Alexeev, Hookerochloa E.B.Alexeev, Nicoraepoa Soreng & L.J.Gillespie, Saxipoa Soreng et al. and Sylvipoa Soreng, 1 current synonym of the genus Coleanthus Seidl being Phippsia (Trin.) R.Br and 1 current synonym of the genus Sclerochloa P.Beauv. being Puccinellia Parl.. Additionally, 10 new specific names such as Jarava thurberiana Piper ex D.L.Fu, Graphephorum prasinum D.L.Fu and Cinna trinii D.L.Fu, along with 406 new specific combinations like Jarava acuta (Swallen) D.L.Fu, Graphephorum cernuum (Trin.) D.L.Fu, Coleanthus algidus (Sol.) D.L.Fu and Sclerochloa acroxantha (C.A.Sm. & C.E.Hubb.) D.L.Fu have been scientifically and validly published. These publications will effectively resolve taxonomic nomenclature confusions in a scientific manner and establish a solid foundation for evolutionary system research within the order Poales Small.
Abstract: When establishing a new genus, the utilization of incorrect genera or mere synonyms as comparative taxa will inevitably result in the emergence of a new synonym and leading to new taxonomic confusions. However, both traditional taxonomy and modern phylogeny have limitations in their objectivity and impartiality when it comes to accurately identifyi...
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Research Article
Assessment of Soil Structural Quality Under Area Closure and Open Grazing Land in Hidabu Abote District, North Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Endale Bedada*,
Feto Esimo
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
260-270
Received:
18 March 2024
Accepted:
3 June 2024
Published:
15 July 2024
Abstract: The experiment was conducted at Sire Morise kebele, Hidabu Abote district, to assess soil structural quality of different land management system (area closure and open grazing land). In this study, area closure land management practice was compared with open grazing land management practice in similar slope positions for soil structural quality build up. Soil samples were collected from both land management system at three slope position with three times replication. Totally 36 undisturbed soil blocks were collected from both land management system at 10 and 20 cm sampling depths. The finding of the study showed that the average value of volumetric moisture content and saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil were greater at area closure than open grazing land management system and also higher at bottom slope position than middle and upper slope position. The mean value of air-filled porosity and bulk density were lower at both area closure management practices and bottom slope position. Bulk density, volumetric soil moisture content and saturated hydraulic conductivity at 20 cm sampling depth were shows significantly different with respect to management practices. According to visual assessment in the field, soil physical quality was unfavourable in open grazing land management system and upper part of landscape position soils and the visual assessment scores showed that the soils under area closure had a good soil structural quality. There were strong relations among the three visual field assessment methods and also between visual assessment methods and laboratory determined soil properties of both land management system. In general, the result of the study showed that physical and structural quality of soil in area closure was improved due to good land management system. Based on the result of study it can be conclude that area closure improves soil physical and soil structural qualities and from the technical point of view, open grazing lands in hilly area should be changed to area closure before soil properties and soil nutrient contents are exhausted more.
Abstract: The experiment was conducted at Sire Morise kebele, Hidabu Abote district, to assess soil structural quality of different land management system (area closure and open grazing land). In this study, area closure land management practice was compared with open grazing land management practice in similar slope positions for soil structural quality bui...
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Research Article
Participatory Assessment of Agriculture Land and Vegetation Associated Issues and Possible Interventions in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia
Bethel Nekir*,
Tesfaye Yaekob,
Fetta Negash,
Teshome Bekele
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2024
Pages:
271-281
Received:
16 April 2024
Accepted:
5 June 2024
Published:
23 July 2024
Abstract: Land degradation and depletion of natural forests made agriculture unsustainable and threaten communities and ecosystems as a whole. The objective of this participatory assessment was to identify researchable issues related to agricultural land and vegetation cover in Gurage zone. Accordingly, seven representative districts were selected and from each district two representative kebeles were purposively selected. Focus Group Discussion with farmers, development agents and subject matter specialists and direct observation were important primary sources of information. The survey result depicts in the Gurage zone land degradation, undulating steep slope topography, small and overwhelmed land tenure, inappropriate land use system, cultural landscape mismanagement, deforestation of indigenous trees and expansion of eucalyptus tree, and decreasing enset production are the major identified problems associated with land use and vegetation cover of the study area. In the mixed farming system, enset is produced as a homestead farm and its coverage is decreasing due to disease, lack of processing machines, and shortage of organic matter. Due to the expansion of eucalyptus and land use change, the majority of native trees are disappearing or decreasing in area coverage. Therefore, enset and eucalyptus require suitable policy attention. In the mountainous areas of Gurage; limited land availability, soil degradation, shortage of appropriate farm technologies, water scarcity, lack of knowledge for alpine agriculture and inconvenient topography for mechanized farming machines issues threaten agriculture of area. Despite the fact that there are few attempts to control land degradation; the issue still needs much attention. Appropriate agricultural technologies and knowledge suited for mountain agriculture, dense populations, enset-based farming systems, and small land tenure are important priority research focus areas for future research.
Abstract: Land degradation and depletion of natural forests made agriculture unsustainable and threaten communities and ecosystems as a whole. The objective of this participatory assessment was to identify researchable issues related to agricultural land and vegetation cover in Gurage zone. Accordingly, seven representative districts were selected and from e...
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