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Research Article
Integrated Nitrogen, Farmyard Manure, and Vermicompost Improve Barley Productivity in the Central Highlands of Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
145-153
Received:
23 May 2026
Accepted:
17 August 2026
Published:
29 October 2026
Abstract: Soil fertility depletion caused by declining organic matter and imbalanced nutrient inputs is a major constraint to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production in the Ethiopian highlands. A field experiment was conducted during the 2022/2023 main cropping season at Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, to evaluate the effects of integrating nitrogen fertilizer, vermicompost, and farmyard manure on soil properties and barley productivity under a randomized complete block design with three replications. Initial soil analysis indicated clay-textured, moderately acidic soil with low organic carbon (1.22%), total nitrogen (0.12%), and available phosphorus, confirming nutrient limitations in the study area. Integrated nutrient application significantly (P < 0.05) improved soil chemical properties, yield components, and grain yield compared with sole application of organic or inorganic fertilizers. The combined application of 75% recommended vermicompost and 75% recommended nitrogen fertilizer produced the highest grain yield (4545.59 kg ha⁻1), followed by 75% farmyard manure combined with 75% nitrogen fertilizer. Yield improvement was associated with increased spike length, grains per spike, and aboveground biomass production. Vermicompost-based treatments showed relatively greater yield advantages than farmyard manure treatments, likely due to faster nutrient mineralization and improved nutrient availability. Economic analysis also indicated higher net returns and marginal profitability under integrated nutrient management treatments. The results demonstrate that combining organic amendments with mineral nitrogen improves soil fertility and barley productivity and provides a sustainable nutrient management strategy for food barley production in the Ethiopian highlands.
Abstract: Soil fertility depletion caused by declining organic matter and imbalanced nutrient inputs is a major constraint to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production in the Ethiopian highlands. A field experiment was conducted during the 2022/2023 main cropping season at Holeta Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia, to evaluate the effects of integrating nit...
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Research Article
Pre-extension Demonstration and Evaluation of a Hand-operated Honey Extractor in Selected Districts of Jimma and Buno Bedele Zones, Ethiopia
Kumale Sadeso*,
Husen Abagisa,
Abdusalam Aliyyi
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
154-159
Received:
8 October 2026
Accepted:
19 October 2026
Published:
3 November 2026
Abstract: The study was conducted in potential honey-producing districts of Jimma and Buno Bedele Zones of Oromia Region, Ethiopia, with the objectives of evaluating a hand-operated honey extractor under farmers’ conditions, creating awareness among farmers and agricultural experts, and collecting farmers’ feedback for further improvement. The machine was evaluated in collaboration with researchers, technicians, and farmers based on extracting capacity, extracting efficiency, and processing time using three replications at each site. The results showed that the machine had an average extracting capacity of 41.5 kg h-1, an average extracting efficiency of 97.6%, and an average processing time of 5.8 minutes. Training and mini-field days were used to create awareness for farmers, development agents, and subject matter specialists. Accordingly, training was provided to 60 farmers, 4 development agents, and 4 subject matter specialists across the four selected sites. A mini-field day was conducted with 45 participants, comprising 33 farmers, 4 development agents, 2 subject matter specialists, and 6 other participants from district agricultural offices. Feedback was collected from 20 respondents using different evaluation criteria. The results showed that 100%, 95%, 100%, 100%, 85%, 90%, and 55% of respondents rated the machine as very good in terms of improving the quality of extracted honey, saving honey wax, saving time, saving labor, portability, suitability, and affordability, respectively. Regarding affordability, 25%, 15%, and 5% of respondents rated the machine as medium, poor, and very poor, respectively. Overall, farmers perceived the hand-operated honey extractor positively, and the technology is recommended for further scaling up among suitable beekeepers and cooperatives.
Abstract: The study was conducted in potential honey-producing districts of Jimma and Buno Bedele Zones of Oromia Region, Ethiopia, with the objectives of evaluating a hand-operated honey extractor under farmers’ conditions, creating awareness among farmers and agricultural experts, and collecting farmers’ feedback for further improvement. The machine was ev...
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Research Article
Soil Erosion Asssessment Using the Rusle Model in Lagelu Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
160-171
Received:
13 May 2026
Accepted:
5 June 2026
Published:
6 November 2026
Abstract: Soil erosion is a major environmental challenge driven by rainfall, runoff, and unsustainable land-use practices, leading to land degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and sedimentation of water bodies. This study integrates the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to quantify and spatially map soil erosion risk in Lagelu Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. RUSLE model parameters were derived as follows: rainfall erosivity (R) from rainfall data; soil erodibility (K) from soil maps and laboratory analysis; slope length and steepness (LS) from a digital elevation model; and cover management (C) and conservation practice (P) from land use/land cover and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from satellite imagery. These factors were combined to estimate annual soil loss. Soil loss ranged from 0.013 to 50.35 t ha-1 yr-1 and was classified into four categories: very high (40.28–50.35 t ha-1 yr-1), moderately high (30.22–40.28 t ha-1 yr-1), moderate (20.15–30.22 t ha-1 yr-1), and low (0.013–20.15 t ha-1 yr-1), covering 5.6%, 31.7%, 28.1%, and 34.6% of the study area, respectively. The results indicate pronounced spatial variability, with most areas falling within low- to moderate-erosion-risk classes. The integration of RUSLE and GIS effectively identified erosion hotspots and generated erosion risk maps, providing a robust basis for land-use planning, agricultural management, and targeted soil conservation interventions.
Abstract: Soil erosion is a major environmental challenge driven by rainfall, runoff, and unsustainable land-use practices, leading to land degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and sedimentation of water bodies. This study integrates the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to quantify and spatiall...
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Research Article
The Role of Agriculture in Driving Economic Growth in Bangladesh: Trends and Prospects
Md Mizanur Rahman Sarker
,
Sumaia Jannat*,
Sanjida Tamanna,
Arpita Rani Mohanta,
Momena Ulfat Himany
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
172-187
Received:
4 August 2026
Accepted:
14 August 2026
Published:
9 November 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sda.20260104.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The study utilizes both descriptive and analytical methods to evaluate the significance of agriculture in relation to GDP contribution, sectoral expansion, land utilization, crop production and livestock development, agricultural financing, and marketing frameworks. The results indicate that while the proportion of agriculture in GDP has steadily decreased due to a shift towards industrial and service sectors, the broader agricultural sector, including crop production, livestock, and fisheries, remains vital for ensuring food security, providing rural employment, and alleviating poverty. Agriculture’s share of GDP declined from about 17% in 2010 to 11.16% in 2024, while its growth rate decreased from 3.26% in FY2019 to 2.61% in FY2023, reflecting an ongoing structural transformation of the economy rather than a loss of the sector’s economic importance. Production trends, however, are not uniform across commodities. Wheat production increased by 7.7% in FY2023 compared with FY2022, while summer and winter vegetable production increased from 13.5 and 31.3 lakh MT in FY2020 to 17.0 and 36.7 lakh MT in FY2023, respectively. Livestock populations also showed generally increasing trends during FY2019-FY2023. Nonetheless, obstacles such as limited land availability, vulnerable ecosystems, market inefficiencies, climate change, and regional inequalities continue to constrain agricultural performance. Regional assessments further reveal substantial variation in salinity, flooding, soil degradation, inadequate irrigation, limited access to quality seeds, insufficient credit, and weak marketing infrastructure across divisions. At the same time, technological advancement, agricultural diversification, climate-resilient practices, value-chain development, and improved market linkages provide important opportunities for future growth. Government strategies emphasizing sustainable resource management, productivity enhancement, stronger supply chains, and institutional support can therefore play a critical role in addressing these constraints. In summary, the findings indicate that agriculture remains an important component of Bangladesh’s economy, and its modernization, strengthening of resilience, and integration with industry and trade will be critical for maintaining inclusive growth and achieving long-term development objectives.
Abstract: The study utilizes both descriptive and analytical methods to evaluate the significance of agriculture in relation to GDP contribution, sectoral expansion, land utilization, crop production and livestock development, agricultural financing, and marketing frameworks. The results indicate that while the proportion of agriculture in GDP has steadily d...
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