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Pre-Extension Demonstration of Newly Released Tef (Eragrostis Tef) Technologies in Selected Moisture Deficit Areas of North and East Shewa Zones of the Amhara and Oromia Regional States, Ethiopia
Mohammed Ahmed,
Truayinet Mekuriaw,
Yazachew Genet,
Abune Gudeta,
Wubshet Chiche,
Tsion Fikre,
Kidist Tolossa
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 5, September 2023
Pages:
128-134
Received:
23 August 2023
Accepted:
8 September 2023
Published:
27 September 2023
Abstract: Tef (Eragrostis Tef) is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia and holds significant importance for food security, nutrition, and income generation for smallholder farmers. However, its production faces various challenges, including low yields, which is caused by limited access to improved varieties and lack of knowledge on best agronomic practices. The study was aimed at enhancing the adoption of new tef technologies by raising farmers' awareness towards better management practices in the study area. The newly released Boni variety along with the standard checks (Bora and Boset) was demonstrated during the 2022 main cropping season. Yield data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The farmers preference and feedback were evaluated using direct ranking and narration respectively. The finding showed that the highest grain yield (2.22 tha–1) was obtained from Bora variety in the Minjar Shenkora district of North Shewa zone, Amhara regional state. Conversely, the lowest average yield (1.84 tha–1) was recorded from Boni variety in the Bora district of East Shewa zone, Oromia regional state. The yield increment of Boni over Bora ranges from -4.2% to 1.0% across the districts. Furthermore, comparing Boni to the Boset variety, Boni consistently demonstrated higher yields, with yield advantages ranging from -1.1% in the Bora district to 7.2% in the Boset district. In contrast, the yield advantage of Boni over farmers' practices varies across districts, ranging from -14.4% in Bora district to 5.9% in Minjar Shenkora district. Similarly, Boni variety was selected first, followed by Bora and Boset varieties in Boset and Bora districts, while Bora variety was selected first followed by Boni and Boset variety in the Liben Chiquala and Minjar Shenkora districts. Therefore, it is recommended to promote the selected varieties in the specific target areas as well as other similar agro-ecological areas by involving all the concerned stakeholders at different levels.
Abstract: Tef (Eragrostis Tef) is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia and holds significant importance for food security, nutrition, and income generation for smallholder farmers. However, its production faces various challenges, including low yields, which is caused by limited access to improved varieties and lack of knowledge on best agronom...
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Response of Maize (Zea Mays L.) to Supplementary Irrigation Under Rain Fed Agriculture at Jimma Agricultural Research Center, South West Ethiopia
Etefa Tilahun,
Minda Tadesse,
Addisu Asefa,
Huluhager Ayanawu,
Robel Admassu
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 5, September 2023
Pages:
135-142
Received:
22 June 2023
Accepted:
7 September 2023
Published:
27 September 2023
Abstract: Maize is the most extensively produced crop in both Africa and Ethiopia in terms of both land area and production. However, low soil fertility, non-agronomic methods, disease, pests, weeds, and insufficient water, negatively affect its yield. Although there are a lot of maize farming in the Jimma Zone, the yield is very low. The variability of rainfall is one of the causes of the low production, and it has to be supplemented through irrigation. This study was initiated with the objective of determining the effect of supplementary irrigation on the production and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) under rain-fed agriculture. The field experiment was carried out for three consecutive years, from 2020 to 2022, on the maize (Zea mays L.) crop at the Jimma agricultural research center. The plots were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisting of eight treatments in three replications. The results of the analysis of variance showed that, the different levels of supplementary irrigation had a highly significant (P < 0.05) effect on ear height, but there was no significant difference on plant height. Grain yield and 100 seed weight were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the application of different levels of supplementary irrigation. The pooled mean analysis indicated that the highest grain yield of 10623.1 kg ha-1 and 100 seed weight of 56.19 gm/plot were recorded from the application of full irrigation (100% ETc). However, the plot with rain fed has given the lowest grain yield (5216.5 kg ha-1) and the lowest 100-seed weight (41.97 gm /plot). In this study, there was a 49.1% yield increment between the fully supplied and the rain-fed maize. The result of partial budget analysis of maize showed that, the highest marginal rate of return and maximum net benefit of 16118 % and 255465 ETB were recorded from one SI at flowering stage and full Supplementary irrigation, respectively. The lowest net benefit (125984 ETB) was obtained at a rain fed treatment. Even though the marginal rate of return was lower, for a sustainable production of maize a full supply irrigation can be recommended.
Abstract: Maize is the most extensively produced crop in both Africa and Ethiopia in terms of both land area and production. However, low soil fertility, non-agronomic methods, disease, pests, weeds, and insufficient water, negatively affect its yield. Although there are a lot of maize farming in the Jimma Zone, the yield is very low. The variability of rain...
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Determination of Optimal Irrigation Using Soil Moisture Depletion on Yield and Water Productivity of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) at Odo Shakiso District, Southern Ethiopia
Tesfaye Gragn Debele,
Alemayehu Mamo Burayu,
Obsa Wolde Dilgasa
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 5, September 2023
Pages:
143-148
Received:
12 July 2023
Accepted:
7 August 2023
Published:
27 September 2023
Abstract: Irrigation technologies that save water are necessary to ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture. Accurate irrigation planning is critical to improving irrigation efficiency. Therefore, this activity aimed to evaluate the responses of potato plants to the irrigation system (when and how much) and to determine the water productivity (WP) under optimal irrigation system. During the 2020 and 2021 irrigation season, a field trial of five irrigation treatments (20% ASMDL, 40% ASMDL, 60% ASMDL, 80% ASMDL and 100% ASMDL (FAO recommended ASMDL) irrigation) was conducted in Odo Shakiso district. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three repetitions. For the Irrigation Treatment at Allowable Soil Moisture Depletion (ASMDL), irrigation was scheduled when 35% of the total available water was depleted. Results showed that potato tuber yield, number of tubers per plant, and water productivity were significantly affected between treatments (P<0.05). Plant height, tuber weight and non-marketable tuber yield did not vary significantly between treatments. The highest marketable tuber yield (32.91 t ha-1) was achieved using irrigation water with 100% ASMDL. Reducing soil moisture loss from the recommended level (0.35) did not increase water productivity. However, no significant difference in water productivity was observed between irrigation water application at 60% of the ASMDL and irrigation water application at 100% of the ASMDL (FAO recommended depletion limit). Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of the FAO recommended ASMDL can provide the highest marketable tuber yield and water productivity of potatoes in the study area and in a similar agro ecology. Therefore, further investigation and verification work under different climatic conditions is recommended.
Abstract: Irrigation technologies that save water are necessary to ensure the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture. Accurate irrigation planning is critical to improving irrigation efficiency. Therefore, this activity aimed to evaluate the responses of potato plants to the irrigation system (when and how much) and to determine the water p...
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Role of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Fertility Improvement and Selected Crop Production in Ethiopia: Review Study
Habtamu Hailu,
Samuel Feyissa
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 5, September 2023
Pages:
149-158
Received:
7 August 2023
Accepted:
29 August 2023
Published:
8 October 2023
Abstract: Ethiopia's most significant industry, accounting for 46% of the country's GDP and 90% of its export revenues, is agriculture. A decline in soil fertility is the major constraint to agricultural production and food security in Ethiopian farming systems. The ability of farmers to invest in soil conservation techniques or fertilizers is quite limited. Because of low yields, many farmers must use fallow and marginal areas for crops to fulfill their food demands. The first stage in preserving soil fertility should focus on preserving the soil's organic matter level. This may be achieved by adding organic compost or manure in addition to mineral fertilizers while employing the proper crop husbandry techniques. This review was focused on production of five selected crops namely barley, maize, teff, wheat, and onion through application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Accordingly, different Authors stated that the application of (integrated nutrient management) INM with various components increases plant nutrient uptake by improving the availability of nutrients for them. Under acidic soil conditions incorporating liming materials also played a dominant role to raise the Power of Hydrogen (pH) and other cations like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and others of the soil from the initial point. On the other hand, application of INM play a great role in increasing the yields and yield components of crops and is economically more beneficial compared to using sole use of either organic or inorganic fertilizers.
Abstract: Ethiopia's most significant industry, accounting for 46% of the country's GDP and 90% of its export revenues, is agriculture. A decline in soil fertility is the major constraint to agricultural production and food security in Ethiopian farming systems. The ability of farmers to invest in soil conservation techniques or fertilizers is quite limited....
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Research Article
Effect of Controlled Fertilization on Crop Resistance to Stem Borers: Case of Sugarcane at the Borotou-Koro Integrated Agricultural Unit (North-West Côte d’ivoire)
Yao Kouakou Ladji,
Gala Bi Trazie Jérémie,
Binate Nozene,
Yao Kouakou,
Yao-Kouame Albert
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 5, September 2023
Pages:
159-167
Received:
21 September 2023
Accepted:
10 October 2023
Published:
28 October 2023
Abstract: The stem borer Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a major limiting factor in sugarcane production in Côte d'Ivoire, while yield is also reduced by poor soil quality. Borer management options include multiple approaches, including the proper application of chemical inputs. In such a context, it was interesting to study the effect of reasoned fertilization on the defence responses of sugarcane to Eldana saccharina. 3 plots divided into several microplots were used for experimentation. Each plot was subdivided into 3 blocks and each block received a dose based on soil analyses and the objective set. A significant reduction in damage caused by stem borers was observed on the T1 microplots due to the low rate of fertilizer applied, with average attack rates ≤ 10% overall. It should also be noted that the treatments that received urea alone had attack rates in the order of 6 to 7% unlike the treatments where urea was combined with other types of fertilizer. In fact, nitrogen is not only a factor in sugarcane yield but also a key element in the development of stalk borer larvae if it is not applied in an appropriate manner. While agro-ecological pest management, unlike conventional pest management, does not provide a faster response, it can provide sustainable protection of crops against stem borers while preserving the environment. In this respect, applications of silicon-based fertilizers, the installation of light traps and the application of essential oil against stem borers should be a feature of the next agricultural seasons in Borotou-Koro.
Abstract: The stem borer Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a major limiting factor in sugarcane production in Côte d'Ivoire, while yield is also reduced by poor soil quality. Borer management options include multiple approaches, including the proper application of chemical inputs. In such a context, it was interesting to study the effect o...
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Research Article
Study on the Application of Sex Pheromone in the Control of Asian Corn Borer
Jin Long-fei,
Li Meng-han,
Liu Bin,
Xu Wen-ping
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 5, September 2023
Pages:
168-174
Received:
20 September 2023
Accepted:
23 October 2023
Published:
28 October 2023
Abstract: Aim: To verify the control effect of the 0.75% volatile core of the sex pheromone of the Asian corn borer, and provide a optimal dosage and method for the green control of the Asian corn borer. Methods: The experimental reagent treatment area adopts the method of trapping, with a trapping device installed every 666.67 m2, and 1, 2, and 3 volatile cores suspended in the device. The control agent and the blank control area were treated with spray, and the control agent was prepared by twice dilution method, and the blank control area was treated with the same amount of water. Investigate the number of the trapped moths, harm rates, and population decline rates at different times. Results: The cumulative amount of the trapped moths increased with the increase of the dosage. The control effect of pest and the damage coursed by the pest increased with the time and the increase of dosage. After 56 days, the control effect of pest and the damage coursed by the pest were 70.30%, 71.92%, 77.32%, and 71.36%, 73.40%, and 76.47%, respectively. The control agent showed a gradual decrease in its control effect over time, with only 13.20% and 11.26% of the pest and damage control effects observed 56 days after treatment. Conclusions: The 0.75% volatile pheromone core showing good damage control and pest control effects on the Asian corn borer, after 28 days of suspension, and is safe for other non-target organisms.
Abstract: Aim: To verify the control effect of the 0.75% volatile core of the sex pheromone of the Asian corn borer, and provide a optimal dosage and method for the green control of the Asian corn borer. Methods: The experimental reagent treatment area adopts the method of trapping, with a trapping device installed every 666.67 m2, and 1, 2, and 3 volatile c...
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