Research Article
Soil Test Crop Response Based Phosphorus Calibration Study for Maize in Negele Arsi District of Western Arsi Zone Oromia
Kasahun Kitila Hunde*
,
Mekonnen Workineh Lindi
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
129-135
Received:
29 August 2025
Accepted:
16 September 2025
Published:
18 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.20251305.11
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Abstract: A phosphorus calibration study based on soil testing for maize was carried out in the Negele Arsi district, located in the Western Arsi Zone of Oromia, during the main cropping seasons spanning 2014 to 2016. The primary objectives were to establish the critical phosphorus level (Pc) and determine the phosphorus requirement factor (Pf) for maize, as well as to formulate soil test-based, site-specific phosphorus fertilizer recommendations. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial setup involving five nitrogen application rates (0, 23, 46, 69, and 92 kg ha-1) combined with three doses of phosphorus (0, 46, and 92 kg ha-1) to identify the optimum nitrogen rate for maize cultivation. During the subsequent two years of the study, a fixed nitrogen rate of 69 kg/ha (identified as optimum) was applied across all plots with varying phosphorus levels of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 kg ha-1 to pinpoint the phosphorus critical value and requirement factor. Soil samples were collected from the composite surface layer at each site before planting and again 21 days post-planting. Results revealed that the highest maize grain yield, averaging 7108 kg/ha, was achieved with an application of 69 kg N/ha alongside 46 kg P2O5/ha. The combination of 69 kg N/ha with 69 kg P2O5/ha yielded the maximum net return of 209,806 Birr per hectare. The study concluded that the phosphorus critical level for maize production in these soils is 31 ppm, with a phosphorus requirement factor of 3.06. These values merit validation through further trials before recommending for broader application.
Abstract: A phosphorus calibration study based on soil testing for maize was carried out in the Negele Arsi district, located in the Western Arsi Zone of Oromia, during the main cropping seasons spanning 2014 to 2016. The primary objectives were to establish the critical phosphorus level (Pc) and determine the phosphorus requirement factor (Pf) for maize, as...
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Research Article
Nature and Extent of Livestock Depredation in Wildlife Dispersal Areas of Maasai Mara National Reserve - Kenya
Elizabeth Wakoli*,
Dorothy Masiga Syallow
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
136-146
Received:
1 September 2025
Accepted:
28 September 2025
Published:
22 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.20251305.12
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Abstract: The study in the wildlife dispersal areas of Maasai Mara National Reserve established the nature and extent of livestock depredation in in terms of the types of livestock attacked, the specific carnivores responsible for depredation, the causes of depredation, as well as the timing and seasonality of these events. It also examines the locations and habitats where depredation occurred and identifies hotspot areas for livestock depredation. Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used through questionnaires, focus group discussions, interviews with key informants, observation and monitoring sheets. Data from the questionnaire survey were analyzed using frequencies and chi-square, while spatial-temporal data were analyzed through Kernel Density and Standard Deviation Ellipse. The results showed that all respondents interviewed experienced livestock depredation in the study area. Although lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas were identified as the problem animals, the most problematic carnivore involved in depredation was hyenas (98.8%, n=338), followed by lions (56.7%, n=194). The chi-square analysis showed that the type of carnivore involved in depredation was dependent on the location where depredation took place (χ2=60.732, df=4, p=0.001). The most vulnerable livestock to depredation were sheep (n=208, 71% killed and n=31, 62% injured), followed by goats (n=59, 20% killed and n=15, 30% injured). The cattle that had an “eye” mark on their hinds to scare predators were not attacked during the entire study period. The results revealed that there was no association between the type of livestock attacked and the habitat where the attack took place (χ2=6.215, df=3, p=0.400). The major cause of livestock depredation was the grazing of livestock on the conservancies (n=152, 44.2%). When the herders carry defensive equipment like knives, clubs, sticks, and spears, depredation cases are less experienced (n=173, 51%). In conclusion, the type of livestock significantly influences the rate of depredation, with sheep and goats being the most vulnerable to predator attacks. The absence of attacks on cattle with "eye-marked" signs highlights the potential effectiveness of this low-cost, simple deterrent method. The high incidence of injuries and fatalities among sheep and goats calls for targeted interventions to protect these more vulnerable livestock types. Given the high involvement of hyenas in depredation, the study recommends that specific strategies to mitigate livestock attacks should be prioritized.
Abstract: The study in the wildlife dispersal areas of Maasai Mara National Reserve established the nature and extent of livestock depredation in in terms of the types of livestock attacked, the specific carnivores responsible for depredation, the causes of depredation, as well as the timing and seasonality of these events. It also examines the locations and...
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Research Article
Development and Fecundity of Pseudococcus cryptus (Hempel) Is Temperature-Dependent
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
147-153
Received:
2 September 2025
Accepted:
28 September 2025
Published:
22 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.20251305.13
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Abstract: This experiment examines the impact of temperature on the physiology and reproductive output of Pseudococcus cryptus (Hempel), a major vector of areca palm yellow leaf disease (APYLD). P. cryptus, mealybug, a vector of areca palm velarivirus 1 (APV1), which causes areca palm yellow leaf disease (AYLD), it has a toxic effects on plantations in Hainan, China. Keeping in view, the financial value of areca palms in Hainan, optimal pest management is crucial. An integrated pest management (IPM) strategy such as natural enemies and insecticides and temperature directly affects P. cryptus development and reproduction. Research indicates that P. cryptus shows the highest average egg production of P. cryptus was observed at 25°C (182 eggs per female), and 30°C (117 eggs per female), and in the same line the average viability of the entire nymphal was highest at 25-30°C, outside this range; decline in the two parameters were observed due to thermal stress. The minimum days recorded for female development was 29.9 d at 25°C, and the female developmental periods extended up to 37.3 d to 44.1 d at 35°C and 20°C, respectively, due to a decrease in metabolic rates. This extends larval vulnerability to natural enemies and chemical control. By monitoring temperatures in the 25-30°C range, agricultural technician can forecast potential pest surges, such as those from the spindle bug or leaf-eating caterpillars common in areca palms, enabling proactive scouting and targeted interventions to curb infestations early.
Abstract: This experiment examines the impact of temperature on the physiology and reproductive output of Pseudococcus cryptus (Hempel), a major vector of areca palm yellow leaf disease (APYLD). P. cryptus, mealybug, a vector of areca palm velarivirus 1 (APV1), which causes areca palm yellow leaf disease (AYLD), it has a toxic effects on plantations in Haina...
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