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Carbon and Nutrients Dynamics Along a Lixisol Profile as Affected by Long-Term Organic and Mineral Fertilization
Dohan Mariam Soma*,
Delwendé Innocent Kiba,
Ouakoltio Youssouf Abidine Traoré,
Zacharia Gnankambary,
François Lompo,
Papaoba Michel Sedogo
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2023
Pages:
1-7
Received:
28 November 2022
Accepted:
16 December 2022
Published:
10 January 2023
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20231201.11
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Abstract: Lixisols in sub-Saharan Africa are known to be deficient in nutrients and organic matter and therefore long-term studies could provide appropriate solutions for their better management. This study was conducted at the long-term field trial of Saria established since 1960 in the Centre West region of Burkina Faso. In plots where sorghum and cowpea were grown in rotation, we assessed the effects of long term organic and mineral fertilization on soil carbon and nutrient dynamics. The soil chemical properties, namely total C, N, P and pH, were measured along the profile down to 40 cm. We calculated available P stocks for the 40-60, 60-80 and 80-100 cm horizons and N and P balances for two cropping seasons. With an application of 40 t ha-1 of manure every second year, soil carbon stock was maintained but the risk of P losses was high (about 50 kg ha-1 of available P found in the 80-100 cm horizon). In the contrast 5 tha-1 of manure every second year did not maintain soil carbon stock but led to low amount of P in the horizon 80-100 cm (< 10 kg ha-1). When water soluble mineral fertilizer was applied solely, the uptake of P and K was more with cowpea than with sorghum, leading to a negative K budget. On the contrary when manure was added, the uptake of P and K was more with sorghum than with cowpea and their budgets were positives.
Abstract: Lixisols in sub-Saharan Africa are known to be deficient in nutrients and organic matter and therefore long-term studies could provide appropriate solutions for their better management. This study was conducted at the long-term field trial of Saria established since 1960 in the Centre West region of Burkina Faso. In plots where sorghum and cowpea w...
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Understanding Coastal Residents’ Perception on Urban Green Spaces in Benin, West Africa
Djikpo Vignon Adelphe Rosos,
Teka Oscar,
Djossa Bruno,
Oumorou Madjidou,
Sinsin Brice
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2023
Pages:
8-17
Received:
7 January 2023
Accepted:
30 January 2023
Published:
14 February 2023
Abstract: Urban green spaces have several benefits for humans and environment as ecosystem services that are neglected and underestimated in developing countries. This study was undertaken to assess the importance of UGS to citizens’ communities, evaluate threats to their viability, and identify participatory strategies locally applicable for urban green space viability in three cities (Ouidah, Cotonou and Porto-Novo) of Benin. Surveys were conducted with a questionnaire and 360 respondents were selected from three cities. Data were analyzed belonging to socioeconomic variables such as age, gender, and educational levels. Chi-square test, correlations through corrplot packages, and Principal Component Analysis were also performed under R software. Results reveal six services: shading, air pollutants absorption, aesthetics, recreation, medicinal uses, and economic benefit. However, communities also consider urban green spaces as dumping waste, mosquito lodges, and threats to roads and buildings cracking with roots. These benefits and disturbances differed significantly between the three cities (χ2 = 110.65; p < 0.001) and three categories of interviewees (χ2 = 25.32; p = 0.004). Urban green spaces are also illegally cut, debarked, pruned, topped, and rooted. Otherwise, communities' willingness to participate in urban green management varies belonging to gender. Therefore, urban green spaces play an important socioeconomic role for surrounding communities and it’s urgent to ensure the viability of these ecosystems.
Abstract: Urban green spaces have several benefits for humans and environment as ecosystem services that are neglected and underestimated in developing countries. This study was undertaken to assess the importance of UGS to citizens’ communities, evaluate threats to their viability, and identify participatory strategies locally applicable for urban green spa...
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Best Sowing Date for Wheat Summer Planting in Kunming
Cheng Jia-sheng,
Wang Zhi-long,
Qiao Xiang-mei,
Wang Zhi-wei,
Liu Lie,
Huang Ge,
Cui Yong-zhen,
Yu Ya-xiong,
Wu Yu
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2023
Pages:
18-22
Received:
30 January 2023
Accepted:
22 February 2023
Published:
9 March 2023
Abstract: [Background] Wheat is the most important food crop, with the largest planting area in the world. However, in the production process, due to the species degradation and the occurrence of new diseases, the antigens of old varieties are lost, resulting in reduced yield and even no harvest. In order to ensure the stable yield and increase of wheat, the varieties need to be updated in time. By using different seasons and different places to carry out additional generation breeding of wheat, two or even three generations can be bred in a year. Accelerate wheat breeding process and accelerate the rate of variety renewal. [Objective] Kunming is an ideal place for wheat summer breeding in China due to its special climate. The optimal sowing time of wheat summer sowing in Kunming was studied to provide guidance for wheat planting of double seasons. [Methods] Local spring varieties were used as research materials, yield components of wheat were investigated and analyzed at four sowing dates. [Results] Agronomic traits data of summer sown wheat were lower than that of winter sown whea except nonbearing tillering numbert. The yield was the highest sowing on June 5. The reproductive coefficient, number of effective tillers, plant height, spike length, number of grains per spike, 100 ear grain weight and biomass decreased with the delay of sowing date. [Conclusion] Wheat summer sowing in Kunming should be no later than June 25 to obtain more breeding seeds.
Abstract: [Background] Wheat is the most important food crop, with the largest planting area in the world. However, in the production process, due to the species degradation and the occurrence of new diseases, the antigens of old varieties are lost, resulting in reduced yield and even no harvest. In order to ensure the stable yield and increase of wheat, the...
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Evaluation of Lactic Acid Bacteria for the Control of Aflatoxin Contamination in Silage
Sheila Okoth,
Leonard Wamae,
Innocent Kariuki,
Limbikani Matumba,
Vesa Joutsjoki,
Hannu Korhonen
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2023
Pages:
23-31
Received:
17 February 2023
Accepted:
7 March 2023
Published:
16 March 2023
Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on fermentation and aflatoxin concentrations of napier grass, whole crop green maize and whole crop dry maize plant silages, infested with aflatoxigenic mold Aspergillus flavus. The forage was chopped into 10kg portions in duplicates and inoculated with 100 ml of 106-7 CFU/ml, B2 27 Lb. plantarum/pentosus/paraplantarum (LAB1); B410Lb. plantarum/pentosus/paraplantarum (LAB 2); LAB 1 + 100 ml of cultured spores (100 cfu/ml) of mold; LAB 2 + 100 ml of cultured spores (100 cfu/ml) of mold; control 1- no addition; control 2 – mold only; control 3 – LAB 1 only; control 4 – LAB 2 only. The inoculated silage bags were sealed for 90 days and sampling done monthly to evaluate LAB, fungal counts and aflatoxin B1. Dry matter (DM), pH, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were determined using AOAC methods. Mold population decreased in month one but increased thereafter. Silage type determined LAB (p = 6.2e-08) and mold (p= 3.9e-08) proliferation. Dry maize and napier grass silages favoured LAB and mold growth, respectively. LAB inhibited mold growth and aflatoxin production (p= 2.2e-04). Silage pH in the third month ranged between 4.55 – 5.67 with no smell of butyric acid. Though napier and dry maize plants showed higher nutritional qualities, they favoured mold growth and aflatoxin proliferation. Aflatoxin-inhibiting LAB starters are useful in controlling aflatoxin risk in silage.
Abstract: This study evaluated the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on fermentation and aflatoxin concentrations of napier grass, whole crop green maize and whole crop dry maize plant silages, infested with aflatoxigenic mold Aspergillus flavus. The forage was chopped into 10kg portions in duplicates and inoculated with 100 ml of 106-7 CFU/ml, B2 27 Lb. ...
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