MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL INDICES AND ECONOMIC PRODUCTIVITY OF JAMBU CULTIVARS INFLUENCED BY THE ORGANIC AND MINERAL FERTILIZERS

The jambu belongs to the family Asteraceae, tropical crop, nowadays, this plant has been considered as a promising vegetable crop, because to its pharmacological properties. Despite this novelty, the vegetable remains invisible in the statistics of production and market in the state of Para, Brazil. This research was carried out with the aim of comparing the economic productivity and phenological development by the morpho-physiological growth indexes of two cultivars of jambu organic manure and mineral fertilizers. The experiment was carried out at the Sao Manuel Experimental Farm (Sao Manuel-SP), which belongs to the Faculdade de Ciencias Agronomicas - UNESP, campus Botucatu. The experimental design was a factorial randomized blocks (2 x 2) with two fertilization (organic and mineral) and two cultivars (Jambuarana and Nazareth), with six replications, two fertilization (organic and mineral) and two cultivars (Jambuarana and Nazareth). The following characteristics were evaluated: Plant height (cm), Leaf area (cm(2)), Fresh mass (g), Dry mass (g), Leaf area index (LAI), Leaf area ratio (LAR), Specific leaf Area (SLA), Leaf Weight Ratio (LWR), Amount of water in the plant (QAPA) (g per plant set), Leaf specific weight (LSW) (g cm(-2) per plant set) and Economic productivity. All data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and the Tukey test (1%) for mean comparison, with the software SISVAR. In the conditions of this experiment was carried out, it was possible to verify that the cultivar Jamburana had not only a good agronomic development and economic productivity under organic fertilization but also the best morpho-physiological indexes, showing that this kind of fertilization increases the agronomic effectiveness of this cultivar.

Agroforestry systems for sustainable livelihoods and improved land management in the East Usambara Mountains, Tanzania

Forest destruction for agriculture continues to be a major threat to the rich biological diversity in the East Usambara Mountains in the north-eastern corner of Tanzania. The highest ratio of endemic plant and animal species found on 100 km2 anywhere in the world is depending on the remaining natural forests. Forests are vitally important for the local population in many different ways, and nationally they are an important source of water and hydroelectricity. The soils, of low fertility and mostly acidic Ferrasols, mainly have the nutrients in the topsoil. After clear-cutting, the soils soon become poor when the topsoil is eroded. High-value cardamom is nowadays unsustainably cultivated in the natural forests of the East Usambaras. The general aim was to study the possibilities to develop new profitable and sustainable agroforestry systems for the benefit of the local people that could contribute to relieving the pressure on the remaining natural forests in the East Usambara Mountains. Results from a spice crop agroforestry trial, established in cooperation with a local farmer, showed a clear advantage of intercropping cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) with trees, especially with Grevillea robusta. The nitrogen fixing tree species Gliricidia sepium also improved the nitrogen and organic matter content of the soil over levels found in the natural forest. With improved agroforestry methods for spice production the households generated as much as13 times the net income obtained with traditional forest cultivation practices. There are thus sustainable and profitable ways to cultivate spices as cash crops in well-managed homegardens. However, the farmers need stable markets, access to credit and comprehensive extension services. The soil fertility depletion should be reversed with organic manure application and an enabling policy environment for the smallholder-farming sector. Strong farmers organisations and equal rights to resources and decision-making are needed. Organic spices have an increasing demand, and their export would be profitable for these farmers. What is, however, most needed for a change is a political will of a government that understands the importance of agricultural and forestry development for poverty reduction.

Post-larval feeding of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1802) on cultured zooplankton and artemia diets

The findings are presented of a study undertaken to provide baseline information that may be employed to develop a simplified hatchery technique for postlarval feeding of Clarias gariepinus on zooplankton cultured indoors in small aquaria. Three series of experiments were undertaken to identify the type and quantity of organic manure that would produce maximum densities of zooplankton in the shortest time in indoor cultures. Results suggest the possibility of the culture of natural zooplankton populations for use in larval feeding of C. gariepinus fry. Its effective hatchery application would bring about reduction in the unit cost per fingerling and ensure continuous hatchery operations even in the absence of Artemia cysts

Plankton periodicity and some physicochemical parameters of the intake channel of Lake Chad

This study examines zooplankton periodicity and some physicochemical parameters of the intake channel of Lake Chad (Nigeria). Nine different zooplankton species were identified at the sampling station 1, while seven different zooplankton species were identified at the sampling station 2 (the intake channel of Lake Chad). Each identified zooplankton species was grouped according to its major group of copepods, Cladocera or Rotifera. The copepods dominated the zooplankton community with the highest numbers of occurrence as Cyclopedia species throughout the course of the study at both station l and 2. There was a clear evidence of the influence of organic manure nutrients on total zooplankton population at station 1 when compared to that of station 2. The water quality variables measured in the course of this study show that the surface water temperature in station 1 ranges from 27.5 degree C to 30.5 degree C. The pH ranges from 6.8 to 8.5, while D.O. contents ranges from 2.9mg/L to 6.1mg/L and alkalinity recorded was 172.00 to 208.00. At the station 2 the water quality parameters obtained show that surface water temperature ranges from 27.3 degree C to 30.2 degree C, pH ranges between 6.9 to 8.5, while the D.O contents ranges from 3.0 mg/L to 6.2 mg/L.Alkalinity ranges from 172mg/L to 212 mg/L

Preliminary study of the aquatic macrophytes of selected fish ponds and reservoirs in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

A five months survey was conducted to identify the aquatic macrophytes in fishponds and reservoirs in Makurdi (Benue State, Nigeria) between August and December 1999. A total of 3-prominent aquatic macrophytes were identified: Ipomoea aquatica, Nymphae lotus and Echinochloa pyramidalis at two-study sites (site 1, receives organic manure effluent from a cattle ranch, site 2, receives inorganic fertilizer through application). Ipomoea aquatica were found restricted to site l, while Nymphae lotus and Echinochloa pyramidalis were found associated with site 2. Analysis of the results indicates high level of ammonia-nitrogen at site 1 compared to site 2. Mineral analysis of the plant tissues indicate high level of iron in Ipomoea aquatica and Nymphae lotus. Mineral concentration were found to be significantly higher (P,L, 0.05) in Ipomoea aquatica and Nymphae lotus when compared with concentration in Echinochloa pyramidalis

Preliminary study of the aquatic macrophytes of selected fish ponds and reservoirs in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

A five months survey was conducted to identify the aquatic macrophytes in fishponds and reservoirs in Makurdi (Benue State, Nigeria) between August and December 1999. A total of 3-prominent aquatic macrophytes were identified: Ipomoea aquatica, Nymphae lotus and Echinochloa pyramidalis at two-study sites (site 1, receives organic manure effluent from a cattle ranch, site 2, receives inorganic fertilizer through application). Ipomoea aquatica were found restricted to site l, while Nymphae lotus and Echinochloa pyramidalis were found associated with site 2. Analysis of the results indicates high level of ammonia-nitrogen at site 1 compared to site 2. Mineral analysis of the plant tissues indicate high level of iron in Ipomoea aquatica and Nymphae lotus. Mineral concentration were found to be significantly higher (P,L, 0.05) in Ipomoea aquatica and Nymphae lotus when compared with concentration in Echinochloa pyramidalis

Some potential occupational and environmental hazards associated with fish pond production in Nigeria

The paper highlights the concept of information and the significance of environmental and occupational hazards associated with pond fish production in Nigeria and discuss the possible options for the ways forward. The major raw material used in fish production system is the organic manure (cow dung, poultry droppings, porcine manure etc) that serves as substrate for heterotrophic production of bacteria and protozoa, which act as food for zooplankton and the fish. The pathogenic organisms (viruses, bacteria, protozoa's, and parasites), are noted for the potential hazard to the fish handlers and consumers. Nine species from seven genera of bacteria associated with fish diseases are found to have association with diseases of human such as typhoid fever, bacillary dysentery and other gastrointestinal tract related problems. Also the environmental contaminants in pond fish production become important because of its significance to consumers' acceptance of the fish products

Euglenophytes in aquaculture ponds - their ecology and role in fish production

The ecology of euglenophytes and their role in fish production were studied in 12 small earthen ponds beside the Faculty of Fisheries, BAU from July to November 2001. Four experiments each with three replications were conducted and those were as follows: pond treated with both poultry droppings and cowdung (T1); pond treated with only poultry droppings (T2), and pond treated with only poultry droppings (T3), while the control (T4) where no organic manure was applied. Fishes comprising of rohu (Labeo rohita), catla ( Catla catla), mrigal ( Cirrhinus cirrhosus), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotus) were stocked at the same stocking density of (10,621 fish/ha) and species ratio (1:1:1:2:2). The stocked fishes were fed with a common supplemental diet comprising of mustard oil cake and rice polish (1:1) at the rate of 4% of body weight per day. The highest cell density of euglenophytes was found in the ponds of T2, where poultry droppings were applied and was followed by T1, where both poultry droppings and cow dung were applied. Higher temperature, nitrate-nitrogen, phosphate-phosphorous and acidic pH were found to be conducive for the bloom of noxious euglenophytes. The bloom was found to use up most of the nutrients resulting in reduction in the growth of beneficial plankters and planktivorous fishes. The SGR (%/day) of catla, rohu and mrigal was lower during heavy bloom period while that of silver carp and silver barb were comparatively higher. The mortality of fishes in a pond of T2 during the bloom period was possibly due to formation of anoxic situation (dissolved oxygen level as low as 0.34 mg/1) in the early mornings through bacterial decomposition of the settled dead individuals or due to the combined effect of anoxic situation and toxic metabolite secretion by the euglenophytes.

Fish-makhana (Euryale salisb) integration: a case study of sustainable aquafarming system in north Bihar

The paper deals with a technique to synchronize two crops, fish and makhana (Euryale ferox Salisb) in a pond. In such eco-friendly integration both crops are mutually benefited. Decomposed plant parts of makhana crop form organic matter that releases nutrients in the water to enhance plankton population. Organic detritus not only acts as food for bottom dwelling fishes (mrigal and common carp) but also provides a suitable substratum for the growth of zooplankton, insect larvae, nematodes and gastropods. Fishes contribute to the control of makhana pests. Their faecal matter acts as organic manure for makhana crop. Plankton population fluctuated between 1260 u/l to 4030 u/l in the control pond and 1630 u/l to 4722 u/l in the experimental pond. During the grand growth period of makhana crop (April to July) the dissolved oxygen content fluctuated between 5.02 mg/l to 6.68 mg/l in the covered areas and 6.04 mg/l to 6.92 mg/l in uncovered areas. Makhana leaves acting as blanket barrier over the water surface brought down the D.O. content in the covered areas of the pond. Free CO sub(2) content showed wider fluctuation in the experimental pond (25.2 mg/l to 30.9 mg/l) than in the control pond (25.1 mg/l to 28.6 mg/l). This could be due to decomposition of plant parts of the presiding crop lying as debris at the pond bottom. Autochthonous supply of nutrients enhanced the content of nitrogen, phosphorous and organic carbon in the soil of experimental pond. The experimental pond covering an area of 0.40 ha yielded 852 kg fish and 200 kg pops whereas the control pond covering the same area produced 777 kg fish only. The net profit per ha came out to be Rs.1,04,700 and Rs. 66,200 in integrated and non-integrated system respectively. Owing to crop diversification, the present integrated system was found to be more viable than the non-integrated system in terms of production and net profit.

施肥措施对黄土旱塬区小麦产量和土壤有机碳积累的影响

利用中国科学院长武农田生态试验站的长期田间试验(1984年2~007年),研究了小麦产量,耕层有机碳变化,评价了土壤管理和气候因素对土壤有机碳(Soil organic C,SOC)变化的影响。研究涉及6个处理:休闲地(F);不施肥(CK);有机肥(M);氮肥(N);氮、磷肥(NP)和氮、磷、有机肥(NPM)处理。结果表明,施肥可以显著提高作物产量和SOC积累,CK、M、N、NP、NPM处理平均产量依次为1.5、2.6、2.0、3.3、4.0 t/hm2,2007年F、CK、M、N、NP、NPM处理0—20 cm土层SOC积累量依次为-1.09、0.76、8.59、1.02、3.42和9.5 t/hm2。作物产量与SOC含量呈显著的正相关关系(r=0.80),有机碳输入量与SOC含量相关性更好(r=0.97),外源有机碳的输入也是提高SOC的重要措施。施肥措施对作物固碳和SOC影响存在显著(P<0.05)差异。土壤固碳速率(Y)与SOC输入量(X)符合线性方程Y=0.231X-0.0813(r=0.98)。施肥可以提高黄土高原半干旱地区土壤生产力和SOC的积累,且无机肥和有机肥配施效果最佳。

黄土丘陵区免耕条件下两种土壤酶活性变化

为了确定合理环保的耕作制度,2007~2008安塞田间定位试验黄土丘陵旱作农区大豆(Glycine maxL)、玉米(Zea maysL)、红小豆(Semen Phaseoli)、马铃薯(Solanum tuberosumLinn.)在翻耕化肥(CF)、翻耕有机肥(CM)、翻耕无肥(CN)、免耕化肥(NF)、免耕有机肥(NM)、免耕无肥(NN)等水平下的农田土壤脲酶、蔗糖酶活性。结果表明:在作物花期,大豆、玉米土壤脲酶活性较高,蔗糖酶活性较低,而红小豆、马铃薯则与之相反,差异极显著。到作物收获后,玉米土壤脲酶、蔗糖酶活性增高,增幅在83%以上,而马铃薯、红小豆、大豆三种作物土壤脲酶活性降低,降幅在10%以上,蔗糖酶活性增强,增幅在40%以上。从花期到收获后,免耕降低了土壤脲酶活性,提高了土壤蔗糖酶活性,在黄土丘陵沟壑旱作农区两种土壤酶活性表现较优的作物为大豆、玉米,较优的处理为NM玉米、NF大豆,其田间环保效应为:作物生长期间两种酶活性比较高,收获后两种酶活性则降低,有利于提高作物生长期土壤肥效利用率,减少作物收获后温室气体的排放。

黄土高原旱地小麦氮磷钾与有机肥优化配施试验

试验研究了不同施肥处理对小麦产量及肥料、水分利用率的影响。结果表明:氮磷配施对产量的贡献率最高,产量达5 099.8 kg/hm2,增产率达21.5%,较氮、磷肥单施产量分别增产14.0%和18.4%,具有正交互效应;单施有机肥较NM、PM、NPM增产率分别达到6.63%、4.12%、11.3%。化肥配施可显著提高旱地小麦的肥料利用率和水分利用效率,氮磷有机肥配施肥料氮、磷肥的利用率分别较氮、磷肥单施提高1.71和12.55个百分点;氮磷配施可同时提高氮肥、磷肥肥效,此时氮贡献率为15.53%,磷贡献率达12.26%,且水分利用率提高了24.1%,耗水系数降低了17.57%。

有机肥对设施菜地土壤-植物系统氮运移的影响

在设施菜地条件下，研究了不同有机肥施入量在黄瓜生长期对土壤-植物系统NO3--N迁移累积的影响。结果表明，黄瓜生长期土壤-植物系统NO3--N的迁移累积规律受黄瓜生长期、有机肥施用水平和土壤肥力的影响。盛果期，不同肥力土壤各个土层的硝酸盐含量和黄瓜叶片及体内的硝酸盐含量均高于黄瓜的其它生长期；对于不同的施肥水平，当施肥量为60 t hm-2时各个土层的不同肥力土壤硝酸盐含量均高于其它处理，且高肥力土壤条件下黄瓜体内的硝酸盐含量在黄瓜生长旺盛期超过国家安全食品标准(410mgkg-1)，当施肥量低于20 t hm-2时不同肥力土壤各个土层未出现硝酸盐显著累积现象，且在黄瓜生长的各个时期，黄瓜体内的硝酸盐含量均未超标。 土壤硝酸盐的垂直运移过程受有机肥施用水平和土壤肥力的影响，施肥量低于20 t hm-2时不同肥力土壤各土层未出现硝酸盐显著累积现象，当施肥量为60 t hm-2时土壤硝酸盐累积峰值随土壤肥力水平的提高而增加；40-150 cm土壤剖面中硝酸盐累积总量随有机肥施用量的增加而增加；不同肥力土壤在相同有机肥施用水平下40-150 cm土壤硝酸盐累积总量的变化量不同，土壤肥力越高土壤硝酸盐累积总量的绝对增加量越大，说明相同的有机肥处理对高肥力土壤硝酸盐累积影响更大。