Assessing the Success of “Cocoa na Chocolate” Musical Intervention in Mobilizing the Youth for Agriculture in Oyo State,Southwestern Nigeria

The study assessed the success of “Cocoa na Chocolate” musical intervention for agricultural mobilization in Oyo State, Nigeria. Responses from 160 randomly selected students on awareness, exposure, retention, perception, and constraints to utilizing its message using structured questionnaires were analyzed. Most respondents (88.8%) had contact with the album, many (55.6%) were aware of its agricultural content, heard it six times, and most (76.1%) retained the contents. More (54.9%) had an unfavorable perception of its mobilization potential, and were constrained to utilize its message by credit facilities (M = 1.0938). Workable agricultural credit schemes are needed to complement future mobilization efforts.     

Evaluation of the growth and quality of the “Ife Plum” tomato as affected by boron and calcium fertilization

A local variety of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, Ife plum cv. 51691) was grown in soil culture for 5 months and treated with B at concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 ppm as H₃BO₃, and Ca at 0, 40, 80, and 160 ppm as Ca(OH)₂. A significantly positive correlation was established between organic matter and water ‐ soluble B (r = 0.970), while the relationship between pH and B was negative (r = ‐0.490). Application of B at 2 ppm improved all growth parameters studied. Boron application higher than 2 ppm, induced leaf chlorosis and later necrosis of nodes and roots. Fruit yield correlated positively with soil ‐ B, stem diameter and floral number (r = 0.597, r = 0.650 and r = 0.812, respectively). Soil‐ and plant‐B were positively correlated (r = 0.790). Calcium when applied singly at higher levels increased total chlorophyll content of the leaf. Tomato fruit yield was optimum at B:Ca treatment concentration of 2 ppm B (4.48 kg/ha B) and 160 ppm Ca (358.4 kg/ha Ca), corresponding to a B:Ca fertilizer ratio of 1.80.     

Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal infection of “host” and “non-host” plants: Effect on the growth responses of the plants and competition between them

The effect of host plant infection on the mycorrhizal response of non-host plants was examined in a double pot system. The absence of nutrient transfer from a mature host (sorghum) to a young-non-host (cabbage) indicates the inability of the atypical infection of non-host plants to take up nutrients. However, nutrient transfer between mature and young sorghum plants, possibly through mycelial connections, was observed. The direction of this nutrient transfer seemed to depend on the nutrient status of the nurse plant. Because the nurse plants were grown in P-deficient soil, mature sorghum competed with young sorghum plants. Sorghum infected with vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhiza was better equipped than non-infected sorghum to compete with young cabbage for soil nutrients.     

Spreading deserts or spatially confined environmental impacts? land degradation and cattle ranching in the kalahari desert of botswana

The Kalahari Desert of Botswana is being increasingly used for livestock production, particularly through the establishment of ranches dependent on borehole water supplies. Reports of the environmental impacts of land use practices in such drylands are conflicting, with livestock systems supplied by boreholes and wells being regarded in some studies as centres for the spread of desertification and in others as having environmental impacts that are overridden by the effects of natural climatic variability. the results of an environmental study focused on a block of borehole ranches established in the eastern Kalahari as part of Botswana's Tribal Grazing Lands Policy dating from the 1970s are reported. the investigations concentrated on ecological, soil chemistry and soil erosion impacts on the study ranches. Although important changes in the ecology and soil nutrient status of the ranches are identified, their contribution to environmental degradation must be viewed in terms of stocking levels, The radial nature of range usage, giving rise to marked spatial variations in impact, and natural climatic variability. Changes are not solely detrimental, but long-term monitoring, especially in relation to climatic fluctuations, needs to be undertaken to fully establish the dynamic interactions of variables.     

Effect of single and combined applications of zinc with iron and boron on the contents of “Deveci” pear trees

This research was conducted to correct the ion of zinc (Zn) deficiencies and to examine the efficiency of foliar Zn application on pear groves along with iron and boron. The treatments consisted of control, soil and foliar applications. Every foliar applied Zn elevated considerably Zn contents of the leaves. But, increases in fruit Zn contents were rather limited as compared to Zn contents of the leaves. It is thought that accumulation of Zn in the fruits was due to movement of Zn from the leaves well-supplied with Zn to the fruits. Therefore, foliar application of Zn should be conducted at least four times at the rate of 0.1% to increase Zn contents in the fruits in terms of human's daily Zn intake. Foliar applications of Zn alone and combined Zn + Fe, Zn + B and Zn + Fe + B applications significantly increased Zn, Fe and B concentrations, respectively, in the pear trees, as well.     

A re-evaluation of the “silcretes” of the Cobar area,Australia

Silcretes and associated deep weathering-profiles have been reported in the Cobar area of New South Wales. Re-examination of the relevant field sites and a detailed laboratory study of rock samples showed that siliceous materials outcropping at these locations are bedrock essentially unaltered since Palaeozoic burial and deformation. There is no reason for applying the term silcrete to any of the rock outcrops we have examined. Geomorphic inferences that depend on the presence of silcrete in the Cobar area are therefore open to question.     

River and harbor remediation: “polluter pays,” alternative finance,and the promise of a “circular economy”

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Contaminated sediments in rivers, lakes, and harbors around the world result in diminished ecological health, degradation of environmental resources, economic...     

Origin of the name “Ando soils”

The name “Ando soils” was introduced in 1947 during reconnaissance soil surveys in Japan by American soil scientists. The name identified a great soil group of the intrazonal order in the then current U.S. system. The group consists of soils that had rather thick, dark A1 horizons, were derived from volcanic ash and were acid in reaction. The great soil group was later recognized in places as far apart as Alaska, France and New Guinea. Although the original name is being phased out at the present time, it has been the source of two other names that are in current use, viz., Andepts and Andosols.     

Aeration improves the hygiene of cattle slurry and the quality of grass forage and silage†

The aeration of slurry at mesophilic temperature improves its hygiene, provided no fresh slurry is added to the tank during the 3–4 weeks of aeration. Microorganisms, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica and related species and coliphages, were reduced by 90–99.9%. However, the number of Clostridium was not affected. The typical odour of slurry diminished. The use of aerated slurry as fertilizer on growing grass may cause less risk of contamination either by enteric microorganisms or by butyric acid‐producing clostridia than the use of non‐aerated slurry. The hygiene level of grass was also sufficient when grown in a cold, rainy late summer and used for silage. None of the 62 samples of silage prepared from a second‐harvest grown in rainy conditions and fertilized with aerated slurry were found to have deteriorated. However, three samples out of 63 made during the same period but fertilized with non‐aerated slurry were observed to have deteriorated completely. Neither spreading method, band‐spreading or injection of the slurry into sward, had any effect on the microbiological hygiene of the samples.     

Effect of the substrate concentration and water activity on the yield and rate of the transfer reaction of β-galactosidase from Bacillus circulans

Prebiotic galactosyl oligosaccharides (GOS) are produced from lactose by the enzyme β-galactosidase. It is widely reported that the highest GOS levels are achieved when the initial lactose concentration is as high as possible; however, little evidence has been presented to explain this phenomenon. Using a system composed of the commercial β-galactosidase derived from Bacillus circulans known as Biolacta FN5, lactose and sucrose, the relative contribution of water activity, and substrate availability were assessed. Oligosaccharide levels did not appear to be affected by changes in water activity between 1.0 and 0.77 at a constant lactose concentration. The maximum oligosaccharide concentration increased at higher initial concentrations of lactose and sucrose, while initial reaction rates for transfer increased but remained constant for hydrolysis. This suggests that the high oligosaccharide levels achieved at the raised initial saccharide concentration are due to increases in reactions that form oligosaccharides rather than decreases in concurrent reactions, which degrade oligosaccharides. There were different effects from changing the initial concentration of lactose compared to sucrose, suggesting that the ability of lactose to act as a donor saccharide may be more important for increasing maximum oligosaccharide concentrations than the combined ability of both saccharides to act as galactosyl acceptors.     

On the “Metsubure” symptoms of taro corms

Abstract

A water culture experiment on taro was conducted with two cultivars and two kinds of culture solution (I and II) with gradient omission treatment of calcium using newly devised culture equipment, in order to investigate their influence on so-called “Metsubure” symptoms.

Calcium omission treatment in both culture solutions resulted in a considerable increase of “Metsubure” corms. The results confirmed Miyaji's data and conclusions in respect to the main cause of “Metsubure” symptoms.

Solution II proved more suitable for water culture of taro than solution I as regards the ratio of its calcium to potassium content, the moderate renewal intervals and the slower lowering of pH. However, fürther improvements may be necessary to maintain an adequate range of pH for at least 10 days.

The possibility that there might be factor(s) responsible for “Metsubure” corm formation other than calcium deficiency is also discussed.     

Effect of Calcium and Boron Sprays on Yield and Quality of “Elsanta” Strawberry

Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to examine the effects of foliar applications of calcium (Ca) and boron (B) on yield and fruit quality of “Elsanta” strawberries grown on a sandy loam soil with low status of available B. The study was conducted in 1999–2000 at a commercial strawberry plantation in Central Poland. Cold‐stored strawberries were planted in 1998 at a spacing of 0.25 × 0.8 m. The following treatments were applied: (i) five sprays of Ca as CaCl₂ at a rate of 1.5 kg Ca ha^?1 spray^?1 with addition of Tween 20 adjuvant at 0.1%; the first spray was performed at the petal fall stage and the next at 5‐day intervals; (ii) three sprays of B as Borvit material at a rate of 160 g B ha^?1 spray^?1 at the beginning of flowering and 5, and 10 days later; (iii) sprays of B and Ca as in the combination of (i) and (ii). Plants sprayed with water served as the control. Results showed that fruit and leaves from Ca‐treated plants had increased Ca concentrations. Sprays with B increased status of this microelement in fruit and leaf tissues. Treatments did not affect total and marketable fruit yield, mean berry weight, the number deformed fruit, soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity of fruit at harvest. Fruit sprayed with Ca or B plus Ca were firmer and more resistant to Botrytis rot at harvest and after 3 days of holding at 18°C compared to those of control plots. Moreover, sprays of Ca or B plus Ca increased soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity of fruit after 3 days of holding at room temperature. These results indicate that sprays of CaCl₂ with addition of Tween 20 should be recommended to improve quality and shelf‐life of strawberry fruit, particularly in proecological production where application of fungicides is restricted.     

Problems of using digitized thematic maps on the territory of the former soviet union upon the creation of the “Soils of Russia” geographic information system

Soviet and Russian pedologists, ecologists, geobotanists, geographers, and other specialists created a large set of maps on the territory of the former Soviet Union. In most cases, these maps were published; at present, they are available as hardcopies. Their digitization clearly shows various merits and demerits of thematic maps on the territory of the Soviet Union and Russia.     

Characterization and antioxidant activity of the complex of tea polyphenols and oat β-glucan

Few data are available about the effects of complexation of polyphenols with polysaccharide on their bioavailability. The complex of tea polyphenols (TP) with oat β-glucan was characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, atomic force microscopy, and solid-state (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The results indicated that the bonds which governed the interaction between TP and oat β-glucan were strong hydrogen bonds. The in vitro antioxidant activity of TP, β-glucan, their complex, and physical mixture was assessed using four systems, namely, DPPH(?), OH(?), and O(2)(?-) scavenging activities and reducing power. The complexation and blending of TP and β-glucan exhibited different impacts on the index of in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacities. In the concentration range of 0.5-2.5 mg mL(-1), the complex had highest O(2)(?-) scavenging activity, whereas the highest OH(?) scavenging activity was found with the physical mixture. For antioxidant testing in vivo, there was no significant difference between the complex and the physical mixture in terms of glutathione peroxidase activity and levels of malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity in serums. However, the complex exhibited much higher activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in livers than the physical mixture. The present study provided a deeper understanding of the influence of molecular interaction between TP and oat β-glucan on their antioxidant activities.     

Morphology and properties of the soils of permafrost peatlands in the southeast of the Bol’shezemel’skaya tundra

The morphology and properties of the soils of permafrost peatlands in the southeast of the Bol’shezemel’skaya tundra are characterized. The soils developing in the areas of barren peat circles differ from oligotrophic permafrost-affected peat soils (Cryic Histosols) of vegetated peat mounds in a number of morphological and physicochemical parameters. The soils of barren circles are characterized by the wellstructured surface horizons, relatively low exchangeable acidity, and higher rates of decomposition and humification of organic matter. It is shown that the development of barren peat circles on tops of peat mounds is favored by the activation of erosional and cryogenic processes in the topsoil. The role of winter wind erosion in the destruction of the upper peat and litter horizons is demonstrated. A comparative analysis of the temperature regime of soils of vegetated peat mounds and barren peat circles is presented. The soil–geocryological complex of peat mounds is a system consisting of three major layers: seasonally thawing layer–upper permafrost–underlying permafrost. The upper permafrost horizons of peat mounds at the depth of 50–90 cm are morphologically similar to the underlying permafrost. However, these layers differ in their physicochemical properties, especially in the composition and properties of their organic matter.     

Phytoindication of the water status and nutrient supply of oil-polluted soils in the middle reaches of the Ob’ River

The method of phytoindication of the soil water status and nutrient supply was applied to natural and oil-contaminated soils in the middle reaches of the Ob’ River. These soil characteristics were indirectly assessed using the ecological scales developed by L. G. Ramenskii. On this basis, changes in the soil water status and nutrient supply under the impact of soil contamination with oil and oil products were estimated for the particular soil and landscape conditions     

Effect of saccharide structure and size on the degree of substitution and product dispersity of α-lactalbumin glycated via the Maillard reaction

The course of the Maillard reaction between α-lactalbumin and various mono- and oligosaccharides in the solid state was studied using UPLC-ESI-TOF-MS. Individual reaction products were monitored for their degree of substitution per protein molecule (DSP). The Maillard reaction rate depended on the saccharide type and decreased when the saccharide size increased. Conjugation with charged saccharides was hindered when a specific average DSP was reached, probably resulting from electrostatic repulsion. The DSP varied between 0 and 15, and the standard deviation of the average DSP, which is a measure for product dispersity, increased to 1.9. Similar experiments were performed with a dipeptide. Relative reaction rates in these experiments were 1 for glucose, 0.28 for maltose, and 0.16 for maltotriose. Comparison of the results obtained using α-lactalbumin and the dipeptide made clear that the Maillard reaction rate is determined by a number of factors, including saccharide reactivity and lysine accessibility.