Assessment of Farmers’ Access to Agricultural Information on Selected Food Crops in Iddo District of Oyo State,Nigeria

This study focused on the use of combined media to minimize the time lag for both awareness and adoption of best practices for food crop production in Oyo State, Nigeria. One hundred and eighteen registered farmers in the Iddo District were sampled and interviewed. Results showed that the majority of the farmers were male (83.9%) and married (67.8%), and about one third (27.1%) completed elementary education. Fellow farmers (76.3%), extension agents (63.3%), friends (49.2%), and radio (48.3%) readily served as information sources for farmers. The quantum of agricultural information to which farmers had access was significantly related to varieties of information sources (r = .26, p = .05) used by farmers. The empowerment of elite farmers and capacity strengthening for extension agents are advocated for improved agricultural information dissemination.     

Determinants of Rice Farmers’ Utilization of Agricultural Information in Central Thailand

This study investigated factors affecting the utilization of agricultural information among rice farmers in central Thailand. About 240 rice farmers in the Bang Pla Ma District of Suphanburi Province were surveyed and interviewed to describe how they utilize agricultural information. Respondents were divided into small, medium, and large rice farmers according to farm size. Small farmers had more access to information on farming practices and postharvesting activities, while large and medium farmers utilized more information on marketing, covering future market and farmgate prices. The multinomial logit model showed that length of farming experience, household labor size, distance to the Rice Research Center, and number of information sources, as well as access to the Internet, television, extension program, and relatives, significantly influence farmers’ utilization of agricultural information.     

Farmers’ Perspectives on Animal Husbandry Information Services in India

In an emerging knowledge economy, an efficient transfer of quality information to farming communities for better decision making is critical. This article analyzes the effectiveness of livestock information delivery services in Uttar Pradesh, India, based on primary and secondary data sources. Findings of the study indicate that public sector initiatives to deliver information on livestock practices are seriously lacking and farmers are primarily dependent on progressive farmers for livestock-related solutions. In addition, there is limited availability of information on critical aspects of livestock decision making, as about 70% of farmers are using only animal-health-related information. Results from a primary survey indicate that the information used by farmers is of average quality due to the paucity of information emanating from organized extension services and suggest improvement in the quality, reliability, and timeliness of information delivery.     

Farmers’ Assessment of Extension Services in Ogun State,Nigeria

This study examined farmers’ assessment of extension services in Ogun State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty respondents were randomly selected and an interview schedule was used to collect data. Frequency distribution, percentages, chi-square, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that more than half of the farmers (55%) fall within the age range of 40–59, most are female (66.7%), 70% have some level of formal education, and the majority (80%) had more than 10 years of experience with more than one farm location. A high percentage (90.0%) had frequent contact with extension agents, but less than half (49.2%) acknowledged extension services to be effective. Extension agents should be equipped with necessary materials and training in order to improve their services.     

Assessment of Agricultural Extension Agents’ Marketing-Related Services: Implications for Policy Makers in Ekiti State,Nigeria

This study assessed the marketing-related services performed by agricultural extension agents in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data were collected from agricultural extension agents in the service of the State Agricultural Development Program. A questionnaire was administered to the agents during the fortnightly training meeting. Data were summarized with frequency, mean and percentages, correlation and regression analysis. Results of the study showed that the mean age of the agents was 39 years and the mean working experience was 9 years. A significant relationship exists between the perceived legitimate marketing-related services and the performed services (r = 0.413). Performed marketing-related services significantly correlate with qualification of the agents (r = 0.324), working experience (r = 0.301), number of farmers visited and transportation (r = 0.281, 0.280), respectively. The study concluded that policy makers should include agricultural marketing specialists in fortnightly training.     

Short‐Term Effect of Targeted Placements of Sheep Excrement on Grassland in Inner Mongolia on Soil and Plant Parameters

Abstract

Grazing animal excrement plays an important role in nutrient cycling and redistribution in grazing ecosystems, due to grazing in large areas and return in small areas. To elucidate the changes to the soil and pasture caused by sheep urine, fresh dung, and compost patches, a short‐term field experiment using artificially placed pats was set up in the autumn of 2003 in the Inner Mongolian steppe. Urine application significantly increased soil pH during the first 32 days in soil layers at depths of both 0–5 cm and 5–15 cm. Rapid hydrolysis of urea gave large amounts of urine‐nitrogen (N) as ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) in soil extracts and was followed by apparent nitrification from day 2. Higher inorganic N content in the urine‐treated soil was found throughout the experiment compared with the control. No significant effects of sheep excrement on soil microbial carbon (C) and soil microbial N was found, but microbial activities significantly increased compared with the control after application of sheep excrement. Forty‐six percent of dung‐N and 27% of compost‐N were transferred into vegetation after the experiment. The results from this study suggest that large amounts of nutrients have been lost from the returned excrement patches in the degraded grassland of Inner Mongolia, especially from sheep urine‐N.     

Farmers’ perceptions of earthworms and their role in soil

Farmers’ perceptions of earthworms were surveyed based on the criteria they use to identify them, i.e., use of common names, knowledge of morphological characteristics, presence in various land uses, soil layers, as well as direct and indirect use. A total of 39 farmers of the La Vieja River watershed in Colombia were interviewed and the data submitted to chi-square test and multiple correspondence analysis. Significant differences (p < 0.1) were found in farmers’ replies in relation to recognition and use of earthworms depending on gender, level of schooling, and age. According to the interviewees, earthworm abundance was highest in plantain and coffee crops, in places where harvest residues accumulate, and in soil layers from 0 to 20 cm depth. The topsoil was identified as the main area of recognition, which can be attributed to soil preparation tasks. Farmers differentiated earthworms by shape and color and in 97% of the cases, by size and how they react when captured. They recognized nine species and used several common names to differentiate them. Most (95%) farmers considered earthworms as soil quality indicators and many (38–49%) of them recognized their use for recreation and medicinal purposes and as important for soil organic matter decomposition. This study showed the value of local farmer knowledge for scientists as part of research aiming to facilitate communication between farmers and scientists and generate complementary means of addressing and interpreting natural processes and dynamics at the ecosystem level. It also highlights the need to draw from farmers’ perceptions in informal education processes and to link the contributions of scientists to traditional knowledge in order to consolidate proposals related to biodiversity conservation and use in rural development programs.     

Soil physical properties of selected soil series in relation to compaction and erosion on farmers’ fields at Abeokuta,southwestern Nigeria

This study evaluated physical properties of selected soil series and their implications on the soil compaction and erosion in Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria. Daily rainfall data (1999–2007) were collected to estimate the rainfall erosivity. Seven soil series (Iwo, Iseyin, Ekiti, Jago, Okemesi, Apomu, and Egbeda) were sampled from 0–15, 15–30, and 30–50 cm depths for particle size distribution, organic carbon, pH, upper plastic limit, and compactibility (Proctor test). Microtopographical changes along and across toposequences of two farmers’ fields cleared mechanically and manually, respectively, were monitored using the erosion pin method. Mean annual erosivity (EI30) was high (7646 MJ mm ha^?1 hr^?1). Particle size, organic carbon, and pH were similar (p ≥ 0.05), while upper plastic moisture was ≤?2% among different soil series. Soil-moisture density curves indicated a maximum bulk density of 1.77–1.99 g cm^?3 for a moisture range of 7.6–14%; while the soils were prone to compaction at low moisture content. Microtopographic changes were found between –2 and 0 cm and –8 and –2 cm on mechanically and manually cleared farmland, respectively. Spatial dependence showed that the soil erosion could be predicted within 5–8 m distance. To avoid erosion and compaction, soil water content should be less than 7.6% before the introduction of mechanical tillage.     

IT—Information Technology and the Human Interface: Ergonomics of Tractors Assembled in Nigeria

The Nigerian-assembled tractors (Fiat and Steyr) are foreign manufactured; hence, there is a need to ascertain their suitability for the Nigerian user. Some specific features of these tractors were considered for appraisal. These are access to the tractor, seat design, tractor steering design, tractor workspace and control. One model each of the two brands of tractors (Fiat 80-66 and Steyr 8075) and a sample of user population drawn from Niger State Ministry of Agriculture, Minna, Nigeria, were used for the experiments. Measurements of dimensions and locations of different controls from the seat reference point (SRP) were taken. Anthropometric measurements on related body parts of the sample user population were conducted in linear and angular measurements. The 5th and 95th percentile values of the data were calculated. These values were used to appraise the suitability of the tractors for the Nigerian user. Results show that due to lack of footstep in Steyr 8075, operators are over-tasked as they get on the tractor. Furthermore, operators are subjected to strains caused due to steering wheel size and thickness, and pains experienced through body movement while activating controls. Similarly, lack of protection against rainfall and other environmental factors was shown to be a major deficiency in the tractors. In view of these problems, certain modifications are suggested to improve operator safety and comfort. They include (a) provision of footstep for Steyr and hand supports for Fiat, (b) reduction of steering wheel size and thickness for Steyr and (c) provision of a well-ventilated cabin and rollover protective structure (ROPS) for both Fiat and Steyr.     

Effect of Organic Matter and Salinity on Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid–Extractable and Solution Species of Cadmium and Lead in Three Agricultural Soils

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the chemical speciation of added cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) and their availability as influenced by fresh organic matter (OM) and sodium chloride (NaCl) in three agricultural soils. The soils were treated with 20 mg Cd/kg as cadmium nitrate [Cd(NO₃)₂ · 4H₂O], 150 mg Pb/kg as lead nitrate [Pb(NO₃)₂], 20 g/kg alfalfa powder, and 50 mmol/kg of NaCl and then incubated for 3 months at 60% water‐holding capacity (WHC) and constant temperature (25 °C). Subsamples were taken after 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks of incubation, and electrical conductivity (EC), pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and concentrations of cations and anions were determined in the 1:2.5 soil/water extract. Available Cd and Pb were determined in 0.05 M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) extract. Concentrations of organic and inorganic species of Cd and Pb in soil solution were also predicted using Visual Minteq speciation program. The most prevalent species of dissolved Pb and Cd in the soils were Pb‐DOC and Cd²⁺ species, respectively. Salinity application increased the available and soluble Cd significantly in the acid and calcareous soils. It, however, had little effect on soluble Pb and no effect on available Pb. Organic‐matter application decreased availability of added Pb significantly in all soils. In contrast, it raised soluble Pb in all soils except for the acid one and approximated gradually to the added Pb with time. Impact of OM on available Cd was somewhat similar to that of Pb. Soluble Cd increased by OM application in the calcareous soil, whereas it decreased initially and then increased with time in the other soils.     

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on ‘delicious’ apple trees grown in caliche soil in the greenhouse

Abstract

In a greenhouse study, mono‐ammonium phosphate applications to ‘Delicious’ (Oregon spur cv) apple trees, Malus domestica Borkh., improved a low‐vigor condition associated with a caliche soil. The moderate rate of mono‐ammonium phosphate (6 grams per tree) resulted in trees with greater shoot extension, leaf numbers, a higher percent leaf phosphorus, and less purple leaf margins or spots than other soil treatments or the control. By September, trees treated with the highest rate of mono‐ammonia phosphate (12 grams per tree) had the highest level of leaf phosphorus and significantly higher levels of leaf phosphorus than all forms of nitrogen‐only fertilizer (ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate, and urea). In most cases, applications of the nitrogen‐only fertilizers, reduced leaf phosphorus levels throughout the experiment.     

Effect of temperature on EDTA‐extractable copper in soils

Abstract

Two contrasting soils were extracted with 0.05 M EDTA in 1 M CH₃ COONH₄ at pH 6, before and after incubation for 4 weeks at constant (10, 20 or 30°C) or fluctuating (10/30, mean 20°C) temperatures. Less copper was extracted from soils which were incubated at fluctuating temperature than from those maintained at a constant 20 C. Where incubation temperature was constant, extractable copper increased or decreased with increasing temperature depending on the soil and how it was treated. Recovery of added copper was low initially but increased during the incubation. Maximum recovery was associated with low incubation temperature in one soil, but high temperature in the other. The amounts of copper extracted were slightly increased by γ‐irradiation of the soils. Extractable copper was also increased by increasing the temperature at which the extraction was performed.     

pH Effect on kinetics of Heavy Metal Sorption in Soils

The pH effect on the sorption kinetics of heavy metals in soils was studied using a constant flow leaching method.The soil samples were red soil collected from Yingtan,Jiangxi,and yellow-brown soil from Nanjing,Jiansu,The heavy metals tested were zinc and cadmium.Assuming that the experimental data diffed to the following kinetic rate equation:1/c.dx/dt=kx∞-kx,the rate constant k of sorption could be determined from the slope of the straight line by plotting of 1/c,dx/dt vs.x.The results showed that the pH effect on the rate constants of heavy mental sorption in soils was very significant.The values of k decreased with increasing pH.The sorptions were more sensitive to pH in red soil than in yellow-brown soil.     

The Effect of Different Fertilizers’ Sources on Micronutrients’ Content and Sugar Quality of Sugar Beet

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effect of different fertilizers’ sources on micronutrients’ content and sugar quality of sugar beet, three fertilizers’ sources include spent mushroom compost (SMC) (29 t/ha), sheep manure (23 t/ha), chemical fertilizer including zinc sulfate (10?kg/ha), copper sulfate (10?kg/ha), iron sulfate (30?kg/ha), manganese sulfate (15?kg/ha) and no fertilizer (control) were conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Research Farm of Shahrekord University in 2013. The results showed that micronutrients’ content in the root, α-amino-N sucrose percentage and sucrose yield were significantly affected by fertilizer treatments. The highest elements’ content of Fe (90.39?mg/kg), Zn (39.15?mg/kg), and Cu (18.1?mg/kg) in sugar beet root belonged to SMC treatment. Besides, SMC caused less α-amino-N accumulation in sugar beet compared with sheep manure (1.05 MEq/g). Sucrose percentage was higher in SMC treatment than the sheep manure. Likewise, sucrose percentage revealed a significant positive correlation with micronutrients of zinc, copper, and manganese in sugar beet root. Therefore, it could be concluded that using SMC increases micronutrients’ content in the root and at the same time, plays an important role in sugar quality improvement of sugar beet.     

Sustainable Agricultural Practices for Improving Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Content in Relation to Water Availability – An Adapted Approach to Mediterranean Olive Groves

A field experiment was conducted in an irrigated olive orchard to determine the effects of an orchard management system consisting of increased carbon input management on spatial distribution (tree inter-row/in-row, soil depth 0–10/10–20 cm) of nitrogen and carbon in the soil as well as on some microbial properties in relation to water availability. The experiment consisted of 12 blocks (each with 4 trees covering 200 m² of land), uniform olive tree canopy size and natural vegetation, used as replications (three per treatment) in a split plot design for the following four treatments: a) spreading of olive mill compost on the soil without soil tillage, b) spreading of chopped pruning residue on the soil without soil tillage, c) combination of b + c, and d) control which received no organic materials and soil was kept free of weeds with frequent tillage and herbicide sprays. Increased soil organic matter content (SOM) (up to +80%), NO₃ N (up to +194%), and NH₄ N (up to +37%) by carbon inputs were observed in soil layer 0–10 cm. Irrigation enhanced SOM, NH₄ N, and electrical conductivity (EC) while it favored NO₃ N increase by carbon inputs. All microbial properties (Soil Basal Microbial Respiration, Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon, and Metabolic quotient) were significantly higher at 0–10 cm in comparison to 10–20 cm depth. This study suggests good agricultural management practices for optimized soil organic carbon (SOC) storage adapted to the typical Mediterranean agroecosystems.     

Effect of Synergism and Antagonism between Metals on Toxicity in Soils

Synergism and antagonism of cadmium(Cd),copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) to biological toxicities in red soil,yellow brown soil and black soil were evaluated by MICROTOX method.The relation between forms of the tested metals in soil and the synergism or antagonism between them was also studied.Results showed that owing to the difference of soil chemical properties,toxicity of these metals in soils was different.In red soil with acid reaction and low in cation exchange capacity,antagonism occurred significantly between metals when they coexisted at high concentrations,while synergism occurred only under low concentrations.It is indicated that in red soil,toxicity of metals affected by synergism or antagonism depends on concentration of the metals present.For yellow brown soil and black soil with larger cation exchange capacity and lower exchangeable aluminium(Al),no toxicity of metals was observed even if metals were added to soil in high concentrations.Synergism and antagonism between Cd,Cu and Se were controlled by the forms of metals present.The amount of water-soluble metals was the most important factor in determining synergism and antagonism. In this paper,comparisons of synergism and antagkonism between metals in soils and in water solutions were made.There occurred the synergism of metal toxicity in water solutions when the concentration of coexisting metals was high.This is just opposite to the case in soils.     

Effect of Pig Manure Application on Structural Characteristics of Humic Acids in Brown Soil

The effect of application of pig manure (PM) on the structural characteristics of humic acids (HAs) of brown soil was studied in field and incubation experiments.The results showed that the number-average molecular weights (Mn),the ratios of C/H,C/H and O/C,the contents of carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups,the content of aromatic C,the values of E2,E4 and λExmax of HAs all decreased;whereas,the contents of alkyl C and O--alkyl C,the ratio of carboxyl to phenolic hydroxyl groups,the degree of oxidation stability,te absorption intensity at 285mμ (UV),and 2920cm^-1 of HAs increased after the application of PM.The above results indicated that the molecular structure of HAs tended to be more aliphatic and simpler after the application of PM.     

Effect of Submergence on Iron Transformation and Phosphorus Availability in Calcareous Soils

A thermostatic incubation experiment was carried out to estimate the effects of flooding periods,stalk application and P addition of Fe transformation and P availability in calcareous soils.Submergence increased amorphous Fe,especially in the case of stalk application.The newly formed amorphous Fe with a great surface area played an important role in Psorption;and submergence also stimulated the dissolution of inorganic P,thus increasing the availability of soil P in calcareous soils.Meanwhile,a part of soluble P was absorbed and fixed again on the surface of newly formed amorphous Fe,thus resulting in a decrease of P availability.Soil rapidly available P increased after 150-day incubation.There existed significantly negative correlations between soil amorphous Fe content and soil Fe-P and rapidly available P contents.Submerged conditions promoted the transformation of inorganic P added toward Fe-P in calcareous soils,especially in the case of stalk application.