Research Article
Evaluation of Alley-cropping Agroforestry System and Conventional System of Agriculture on the Productivity of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) in Dschang, West Region of Cameroon
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
382-390
Received:
11 October 2024
Accepted:
1 November 2024
Published:
22 November 2024
Abstract: Cabbage is one of the main vegetable crops grown in Cameroon. However, production is limited by rising prices and the scarcity of chemical fertilisers on the market. The rise in cost of fertilizers leaves some farmers reluctant to use fertilisers and as a result leads to lower yields, hence, low crop profitability. The aim of this study was to compare the two systems of agriculture; agroforestry system with the conventional system on the growth of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.). Research plots were established on the campus of the University of Dschang, in the West Region of Cameroon. The comparisons were made on the basis of productivity, pest abundance and economic profitability. Data on yield and pest susceptibility variables were collected during the field trials. It was realised that the slug (Deroceras reticulatum) population was higher in the agroforestry system (4.62±2.41 slugs) than in the conventional system (1.03±0.55 slugs). The aphid population (Brevicoryne brassicae) was higher in the conventional cropping system (25.31±38.94 aphids) compared with the alley-cropping agroforestry system (0.71±0.62 aphids). Productivity variables showed that cabbage yield did not vary between the two production methods. It was 66.08 t/ha and 66.76 t/ha respectively for the agroforestry system and the conventional system. The economic analysis showed that the agroforestry system was more profitable than the conventional system. Thus, growing cabbage in an agroforestry system is an ecological and profitable strategy for agriculture that is more resilient to climatic variations.
Abstract: Cabbage is one of the main vegetable crops grown in Cameroon. However, production is limited by rising prices and the scarcity of chemical fertilisers on the market. The rise in cost of fertilizers leaves some farmers reluctant to use fertilisers and as a result leads to lower yields, hence, low crop profitability. The aim of this study was to comp...
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Research Article
Effects of Integrated Decomposed Cattle Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on Yield and Yield Components of Food Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in West Region of Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
391-399
Received:
6 September 2024
Accepted:
22 October 2024
Published:
28 November 2024
Abstract: Food Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is important major cereal crop which cultivated widely over the word. It is very important and categorized as food security crop in highlands of Ethiopian. This research was carried out in west region of Ethiopia Arjo, Gedo and Shambo in 2021 and 2022 cropping season with the objective of determine optimum integrated inorganic fertilizer and cattle manure for food barley production. The experiment was arranged with five level of NPS (0,25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of recommended combined with four level of decomposed cattle manure 0, 3tone/hectare, 6tone/ha and 9tone/a using RCBD in factorial arrangement and replicated three times. Analysis of variance showed grain yield, 1000sw, biological yield and plant height significantly affected by integrated fertilizer. Highest grain yield 2665kg/ha was harvested from the plot received 100% and 3tone/ha. Harvest index, seed per spike, spike length and number of tillers per spike were not affected by the treatment. The partial budget analysis revealed two treatments integrated 100% in organic fertilizer and 3tone/ha cattle manure and 9tone/ha cattle manure and 50% inorganic fertilizer which their MRR 605 and 1482 respectively were economically feasible. Therefore, the farmers and investors are advised to use these selected treatments for food barley production and soil fertility improvement.
Abstract: Food Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is important major cereal crop which cultivated widely over the word. It is very important and categorized as food security crop in highlands of Ethiopian. This research was carried out in west region of Ethiopia Arjo, Gedo and Shambo in 2021 and 2022 cropping season with the objective of determine optimum integrate...
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Research Article
Socio-Economic Assessment of Communities Along the Western Shore of Lake Dambal, Ethiopia
Desalegn Regassa*
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
400-410
Received:
24 October 2024
Accepted:
19 November 2024
Published:
7 December 2024
Abstract: This study explores the socioeconomic features of communities surrounding Lake Dambal previously named Lake Ziway, the only freshwater lake in Ethiopia's Central Rift Valley basin, which is increasingly threatened by degradation. Using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, the study assessed the socio-economic and environmental challenges impacting the western shore of Lake Dambal. A total of 420 respondents, predominantly male household heads in rural areas, revealed that most households depend on farming, yet face significant challenges such as water scarcity, soil erosion, pests, diseases, and market instabilities. Environmental degradation, driven by deforestation, chemical use, invasive weeds, overfishing, and urban waste pollution, further exacerbates the lake's deterioration and the communities' vulnerabilities. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for sustainable development through the adoption of improved agricultural technologies, value-addition activities, and sustainable practices like beekeeping and reforestation. The study underscores the urgent need for holistic wetland conservation efforts, which include promoting alternative livelihoods, implementing land use planning, and enhancing market access. Strengthening policy enforcement, supporting smallholder farmers, and fostering private sector engagement are also crucial for improving the livelihoods and resilience of the community. By addressing these socio-economic and environmental issues, stakeholders can work towards the sustainable management of Lake Dambal and its surrounding wetlands, ultimately contributing to the well-being of local communities and the preservation of critical ecosystems.
Abstract: This study explores the socioeconomic features of communities surrounding Lake Dambal previously named Lake Ziway, the only freshwater lake in Ethiopia's Central Rift Valley basin, which is increasingly threatened by degradation. Using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including household surveys, key informant interviews, and foc...
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Research Article
Genotypic and Phenotypic Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana) Genotypes
Lensa Urgesa*,
Tamirat Dinkale,
Jibrail Hassen
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
411-419
Received:
20 October 2024
Accepted:
7 November 2024
Published:
19 December 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajaf.20241206.14
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Abstract: Evidence on the collective association of traits is important for effective selection in forage-breeding program. Twenty four genotypes of Rhodes grass and one check were evaluated at Mechara Agricultural Research Center (Onstation) with lattice design in 2023/24 main rainy season to evaluate the Genotypic and phenotypic correlation and determine the direct and indirect effects of yield-related traits on dry matter yield. The mean sum of squares of genotypes showed significant differences (p < 0.05) for stand vigor, days to 50% emergence, date to 50% flowering and Plant height and highly significant (p < 0.001) for biomass yield, dry matter and number of leaf per plant. Maximum phenotypic variance and genotypic variance value was recorded for days to maturity. The range observed for heritability (H2bs) was from (0.0%) to (55%). Stand vigor exhibited highest value of genetic advance as percentage of mean followed by number of leaf per plant. Highest genotypic coefficient variation were recorded from days to maturity (89.8%) flowed by Plant height (62.3%) and Highest phenotypic coefficient variation were recorded from plot cover (184.9%) followed by days to maturity (225.4%). Phenotypically and Genotypically dry matter yield was highly positive significant associated with of Plot cover (0.546**), stand vigor (0.566**), leaf per plant (0.439**) and showed highly negative significant with days to 50% emergence. The results of phenotypic path coefficient analysis showed that stand vigor (0.378) and leaf per plant had exerted moderate positive direct effect on dry matter. stand vigor followed by plant height, plot cover and leaf per plant had exerted high and positive direct effect on dry matter yield and genotypic path analysis showed stand vigor followed by plant height, plot cover and leaf per plant had exerted high and positive direct effect on dry matter yield. This indicates that selection based on these traits could be more effective to maximize dry yield.
Abstract: Evidence on the collective association of traits is important for effective selection in forage-breeding program. Twenty four genotypes of Rhodes grass and one check were evaluated at Mechara Agricultural Research Center (Onstation) with lattice design in 2023/24 main rainy season to evaluate the Genotypic and phenotypic correlation and determine t...
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