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Problems Associated with Physical and Chemical Properties of Vertisols and Management Options in Agriculture A: Review
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, October 2023
Pages:
97-103
Received:
12 August 2023
Accepted:
28 August 2023
Published:
8 September 2023
Abstract: Vertisols are a group of heavy-textured soils which occur extensively in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones and are known as Dark Clays, Black Earths, Black Cotton soils, Dark Cracking soils, Grumusols and Regurs in other classification systems. Approximately 310 million ha of these soils in Asia (mostly in India), in America (mostly in the United States of America, Venezuela, and Argentina), in Australia, and in the continent of Africa. Vertisols are often formed from weathered volcanic ash, basalt, or other fine-grained materials that contain a high proportion of clay minerals. These parent materials undergo weathering and transformation processes over time, resulting in the development of Vertisols with their characteristic high clay content. Vertisols are a unique type of soil known for their high clay content with clay particles making up a significant proportion of their composition, typically exceeding 30%, Vertisols exhibit distinct characteristics that have both advantages and challenges for agricultural practices. The shrink-swell behavior refers to the volume changes that occur in Vertisols as they undergo wetting and drying cycles. Vertisols, a type of soil characterized by their high clay content, possess a remarkable water-holding capacity. This unique characteristic makes Vertisols highly valuable for agricultural practices, particularly in areas with variable rainfall patterns. They constitute a considerable agricultural potential but adapted management like cop rotation, surface drainage, tillage fertilization early planting and cropping system are a precondition for soil management and sustained crop production.
Abstract: Vertisols are a group of heavy-textured soils which occur extensively in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones and are known as Dark Clays, Black Earths, Black Cotton soils, Dark Cracking soils, Grumusols and Regurs in other classification systems. Approximately 310 million ha of these soils in Asia (mostly in India), in America (mostly ...
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Diversifying Energy and Protein Sources for Poultry Feeds in Kenya
Ann Wachira,
Michael Mwangi,
Damaris Nyingi,
Eunice Minyattah,
Waiguru Muriuki
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, October 2023
Pages:
104-110
Received:
23 August 2023
Accepted:
18 September 2023
Published:
27 September 2023
Abstract: This study explores the utilization of alternative and locally available energy and protein sources in laying chicken feed formulations, aiming to reduce costs, enhance availability, and promote climate-smart approaches. The experiment included five dietary groups, each with specific energy and protein sources. Significant results emerged: average live weights displayed statistical significance (p < 0.0001), with hens on diet A3 containing fish meal (omena) exhibiting a moderate weight increase. Weekly egg collection demonstrated significance (p < 0.0002), with diet A3 yielding the highest collection, while A5 (positive control) produced the lowest. These trends mirrored the percentage lay, emphasizing diet's role in egg production. The incorporation of fish meal in diet A3 stood out, influencing growth rates and egg production due to its nutrient density and balanced amino acids. The impact of diets on egg weights was significant (p<0.0001), and feed consumption varied (p<0.0001), influenced by factors such as palatability and nutritional balance. The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) analysis highlighted diet differences in feed efficiency. Overall, the study highlights the intricate interplay between dietary compositions, poultry performance, and production metrics, emphasizing the importance of well-balanced, diverse, and climate-smart feed formulations in achieving sustainable and efficient chicken production.
Abstract: This study explores the utilization of alternative and locally available energy and protein sources in laying chicken feed formulations, aiming to reduce costs, enhance availability, and promote climate-smart approaches. The experiment included five dietary groups, each with specific energy and protein sources. Significant results emerged: average ...
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Periodic Model in General Toxin Elimination by the Liver and the Kidneys
Annia Valiente Monte de Oca,
Sandy Sanchez Dominguez,
Adolfo Arcenio Fernández García,
Antonio Iván Ruiz Chaveco
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, October 2023
Pages:
111-116
Received:
11 July 2023
Accepted:
18 August 2023
Published:
9 October 2023
Abstract: The problem of mathematical modeling has multiple applications, both in other sciences and in Mathematics itself; modeling in Physics and engineering is much more widespread, it is not the same in Medicine and Biology, where there are still few modeled processes; this is the fundamental purpose of this work. This article provides a general study of the kidneys, liver and circulatory system, their characteristics, their main functions, detailing some aspects of the toxin elimination process; the main diseases of these organs are indicated and how to predict these diseases. A compartmental model is created using a system of differential equations with periodic coefficients in general that simulates the toxin elimination process. The system is transformed into a system where the matrix of the linear part has constant coefficients, applying Floket theory; If a qualitative study is carried out, conditions are created that guarantee the stability of the organism's functioning while there is still toxin in our body, an example is given to show in practice what was demonstrated theoretically
Abstract: The problem of mathematical modeling has multiple applications, both in other sciences and in Mathematics itself; modeling in Physics and engineering is much more widespread, it is not the same in Medicine and Biology, where there are still few modeled processes; this is the fundamental purpose of this work. This article provides a general study of...
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Evaluation of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Response to Deficit Irrigation at Adola District, Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Tesfaye Gragn,
Alemayehu Mamo,
Obsa Wolde
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, October 2023
Pages:
117-122
Received:
11 August 2023
Accepted:
7 September 2023
Published:
9 October 2023
Abstract: Deficit irrigation is a new innovative water-saving approach that decreases irrigation volumes while increasing water productivity in areas with limited water resources. The two-year research project was carried out to evaluate the impact of deficit irrigation levels on tomato fruit yield and water productivity in the Adola district. The experiment was designed utilizing a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included three levels of irrigation deficit (50% ETc, 75% ETc, and 100% ETc). The statistical study showed significant difference in tomato fruit yield and water productivity when different deficit irrigation levels were applied at (p<0.05). According to the two-year data analysis, increasing deficit irrigation levels to 50% ETc of the soil before the next irrigation decreases marketable fruit yield by 15.20 and 8.7%, respectively, when compared to the highest marketable fruit yield recorded at 100 and 75% ETc. Moreover, the study found that as moisture stress increased from crop water need (100% ETc) to irrigation deficiency level of 50% ETc, water use efficiency increased. At 50% ETc, the greatest water use efficiency (20.42 kg/m3) was obtained. In general, the two-year complete analysis result of this study directed that applying 75% ETc level saves 25% more water available to irrigate more area without having a significant effect on tomatoes fruit yield with higher values of water usage efficiency. The water saved through deficit irrigation can be used to irrigate supplementary lands with greater profitability, resulting in a more efficient and reasonable use of land and water resources. According to the partial budget analysis, the biggest net benefit was (901,065 ETB ha-1) recorded from 100% ETc treatment, followed by (853,070 ETB ha-1) from 75% ETc treatment. In conclusion, the current study shows that conventional furrow irrigation with 75% ETc is more economically feasible than the other treatments used in Adola District and similar agro-ecology.
Abstract: Deficit irrigation is a new innovative water-saving approach that decreases irrigation volumes while increasing water productivity in areas with limited water resources. The two-year research project was carried out to evaluate the impact of deficit irrigation levels on tomato fruit yield and water productivity in the Adola district. The experiment...
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Research Article
Post Collection Stress of Tsetse Flies Used for the Setting of Lab Colony in Mali
Astan Traore*,
Ousmane Ibrahim Koné,
Boubacar Bass,
Bintou Ly,
Cheick Abou Kounta,
Youssouf Faya Kéita,
Ambielè Bernard Sodio,
Alpha Seydou Yaro
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 5, October 2023
Pages:
123-128
Received:
12 September 2023
Accepted:
5 October 2023
Published:
14 October 2023
Abstract: The sterile male technique (SIT), an autocidal, biological technique that respects the environment, is an efficient tool for tsetse flies eradication. This method requires many sterilized male flies released for mating with wild virgin female flies. The mass production of male flies by rearing in the laboratory and the supply of pupae is becoming more and more difficult. Obtaining sterile males in quality and quantity remains an obstacle to biological control. The aim of this study was to determine the behavior of wild tsetse flies collected in the field for rearing in the insectary to set up a laboratory colony in Mali. Collection was done in the natural habitat nearby the river in the surrounding area of Bamako by using biconical traps set from 06 a.m. to 04 p.m. the following day. Climatic and geographical parameters were recorded. Collected flies have been transferred into a cooler chamber for transportation to the insectary at the Laboratory of Entomology and Parasitology of the Faculty of Sciences and Technics (FST) of the University of Sciences, Technics and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB). Daily monitoring showed that mortality in the 72 hours post-collection varied from 10.4% to 100%. The average survival rate was estimated to 11.28% composed by 6.67% males and 4.61% females. None of them survived after 7 days in the insectary. This fact suggests that the adaptation of wild flies to the insectary needs to be further investigated to make it possible. Meanwhile, the use of pupae to set up a colony or the transfer of flies from another colony seems to be more efficient for the setting of a new colony.
Abstract: The sterile male technique (SIT), an autocidal, biological technique that respects the environment, is an efficient tool for tsetse flies eradication. This method requires many sterilized male flies released for mating with wild virgin female flies. The mass production of male flies by rearing in the laboratory and the supply of pupae is becoming m...
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