AgroEnvironmental Sustainability

Impact of Rainfall Variations on the Production of Major Crops: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and Maize (Zea mays) in Burao District, Somaliland

Sharmake Mohamed Ahmed — 2025-03-15

This study examines the impact of rainfall variability on the production of major crops sorghum and maize in Burao District, Somaliland. Given that agriculture in the region is predominantly rainfed, fluctuations in rainfall patterns significantly affect crop yields and food security. The study reviews existing literature and data to assess trends in rainfall variations and their consequences for agricultural productivity. Findings indicate that inconsistent rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and drought conditions have led to decreased crop yields, affecting both food availability and farmer livelihoods. Additionally, farmers in the region face multiple constraints, including limited access to irrigation, financial resources, and modern agricultural techniques. The study highlights the necessity of climate adaptation strategies, such as drought-resistant crop varieties, improved water management, and policy interventions, to mitigate the impacts of climate variability. Strengthening agricultural extension services and adopting climate-smart farming practices are crucial to ensuring sustainable crop production in Burao District.

A Review on What Consequence Did COVID-19 Leave on Agriculture and Its Associated Sectors?

Neeraj Pandey — 2025-03-15

Throughout history, humanity has grappled with the widespread repercussions of pandemics, both economically and socially. The contemporary landscape contending with multifaceted challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic brings to the forefront a need for a thorough examination of its pervasive impact on agriculture and its interconnected sectors. Governments across the globe have responded with a spectrum of non-pharmaceutical interventions, encompassing measures such as social distancing, self-quarantine, and travel restrictions. While these interventions aim to mitigate the spread of the virus, their consequences also extend to vital sectors such as agriculture, that have received limited attention thus far. The disruption of supply chains, coupled with reduced production and distribution, has engendered a cascade of challenges. Notably affected are sectors integral to agriculture, including floriculture, information collection, pisciculture, irrigation facilities, agro-processing units, animal husbandry, labor availability, etc. The current study aims to disentangle the intricacies of challenges faced by agriculture and its allied sectors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By unravelling the complexities of this global crisis, it aims to contribute to the academic discourse, fostering a deeper understanding of the implications for sustainable development, economic resilience, and policy information.

Efficacy of Insecticides Against Thrips (Thrips tabaci) in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. Chadani)

Puja Khadka — 2025-03-15

Both biotic and abiotic factors have a considerable impact on cucumber production; the frequency of pests and diseases operate as important restrictions, resulting in yield losses ranging from 35 to 60%. Among pests, cucumber leaves, flowers, buds, stems, and fruits are severely damaged by thrips. This study compares the effectiveness of various insecticides in controlling cucumber thrips. The Chadani variety was the subject of an experiment utilizing a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replications at the Gauradaha Agriculture Campus in Jhapa, from February 14 to May 30, 2023. Treatments were applied 3 times using a foliar spray method. Data regarding the thrips population before spraying insecticides and after the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days of spraying were recorded. Data were collected and analyzed using ANOVA in GenStat (15th edition), with mean separation by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Thiamethoxam exhibited the highest Population Reduction over Control (PROC) at 68.65% (first spray), 28.00% (second spray), and 34.44% (third spray), followed by Imidacloprid (61.54%, 27.95%, and 32.27%) and Dimethoate (53.66%, 18.11%, and 17.31%). The highest yield was recorded in Thiamethoxam (28.13 tons/ha), followed by Imidacloprid (26.62 tons/ha) and Dimethoate (19.09 tons/ha). These findings demonstrate that Thiamethoxam significantly reduces thrips populations and enhances productivity and economic returns, making it a superior choice for pest management in cucumber cultivation in Jhapa, Nepal.

Toxicological Effects of Mercury-Induced Biochemical Alterations in Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii) Plants

Mani Vijay — 2025-03-15

Heavy metals, including mercury (Hg), accumulate in the environment via atmospheric deposition, aquatic transport, and terrestrial pathways, eventually settling in soil and sediments. Once these metals become bioavailable, they pose significant ecological and toxicological risks. Upon exposure, plants absorb them, leading to harmful agronomic, physiological, and biochemical effects. The present study aims to assess the toxicological effects of mercury on the biochemical alterations in Murraya koenigii (curry leaves) plants. M. koenigii plants were assigned to four groups: Group 1 (control) in uncontaminated soil, and Groups 2, 3, and 4 exposed to 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg of Hg, respectively. All plants were kept under controlled environmental conditions to promote optimal growth. The results revealed that elevated mercury concentrations significantly impaired critical growth parameters, including seed germination, root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight, and vigour index, all of which reflect suppressed plant growth and productivity. Biochemical analysis further demonstrated substantial reductions in primary metabolites, such as carbohydrates and proteins, with the most pronounced decreases observed at higher mercury concentrations. These alterations suggest that Hg-induced oxidative stress causes cellular damage, disruption of nutrient assimilation, and disturbances in enzyme activity. Additionally, significant reductions in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content were observed, further indicating impaired photosynthetic capacity. Overall, the findings underscore the detrimental effects of mercury on plant metabolic processes, highlighting its potential to cause long-term growth inhibition and metabolic dysfunction, with broader implications for plant productivity, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem health.

Using Digital Tools to Assess Soil Variables in Selected Counties in North Rift, Kenya

Jonathan Mutonyi — 2025-03-15

The need for techniques and instruments that enable rapid soil testing has gained attention in the face of climate change and environmental degradation. This could improve efficiency and productivity by providing real-time, high-quality, and accessible data for decision-making. This study used GPS tools to visualize, analyze, and gather essential field information and applied Near Infra-Red Spectrometry to assess soil parameters and recommend corrective action for sustainable livelihood in five Counties in North Rift Kenya. Soil reaction varied from 5.5 in Kaptega, Transnzoia, to 7.8 in Kospir, Turkana counties. Low soil pH and CEC were recorded in parts of Nandi and Transnzoia counties. Soils from the dryland ecologies in Turkana, W. Pokot, and Samburu were predominantly alkaline. Total organic Carbon was generally low in the dryland ecologies of Samburu and Turkana. Low soil fertility was generally indicated in Samburu, Turkana, and W. Pokot. This was attributable to the low organic carbon levels and low precipitation, which may have negatively influenced soil microbial activity. Sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, mulching, mixed farming, cover cropping, and minimum/conservation tillage are recommended in areas where crop cultivation is feasible. Amelioration of soils with agricultural lime and organic matter is highly recommended in the affected areas within the agropastoral counties for improved production to guarantee food security and sustainable livelihoods.

Impact of Packaging Materials on Banana Shelf Life and Quality in Subtropical Nepal

Bigyan Puri — 2025-03-15

Banana is a highly perishable crop susceptible to significant postharvest losses, particularly during handling and transportation throughout the supply chain. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different packaging materials—polythene bags, cardboard boxes, banana leaves, rice straw, and no packaging (control)—on the shelf life and quality of bananas in subtropical conditions. A completely randomized design (CRD) was employed with five postharvest treatments and four replicates. Major quality parameters assessed over a 16-day storage period included total soluble solids (TSS), pulp firmness, pH, fruit volume, pulp-to-peel ratio, and fruit weight. The results revealed that bananas packaged in polythene bags exhibited the highest fruit volume (81.25 cm³) and the greatest pulp firmness (0.38 kg/cm²), indicating better texture retention. The highest pH value (6.64) was recorded for bananas packed in cardboard, suggesting slower ripening. The control group (no packaging) exhibited the highest TSS, reflecting faster ripening and potential deterioration. Polythene packaging proved most effective in preserving the initial fruit weight and reducing moisture loss during storage. Both polythene and cardboard packaging significantly enhanced the shelf life and maintained the quality attributes of bananas compared to other treatments. The findings suggest that appropriate packaging materials, particularly polythene and cardboard, play a crucial role in minimizing postharvest losses and extending the shelf life of bananas in subtropical environments. Adopting these packaging methods could improve fruit quality during storage and transportation, thereby supporting better market value and reducing economic losses.

Geospatial Approach to Soil Fertility Mapping in Dailekh District, Nepal: A GIS Perspective

Gaurab Dhakal — 2025-03-15

Spatial mapping of the soil gives the distribution patterns of the nutrients, which is crucial for integrated nutrient management, site-specific crop selection, water resource management, and adaptation to climate change for optimizing productivity. This research aims to identify the spatial variability of soil chemical properties in the Dailekh district of Karnali Province, Nepal, by preparing a map in a raster setting. A total of 204 samples were collected using stratified random sampling techniques using Google Earth Pro and were analyzed using IBM SPSS 27.0 and Arc Map 10.2 software. The classical statistical method was used for the descriptive analysis of sampled data. The Quantile Quantile (QQ) plot was made to visualize the distribution pattern, and non-normal data were log-transformed to match the straight line. Before making a map, sampled datasets were examined using the trend analysis feature of Arc Map using second-order polynomials in 3D scattered plots. The widely used interpolation technique, Ordinary kriging of two Exponential and Circular models, was applied to data and cross-validated with minimum estimated errors. Fertility mapping of parameters results in more than 81%, 56 %, and 57% of the areas covered by nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with medium in status. Similarly, organic matter has low content shades in 65% of areas and moderately acidic pH in 49% of areas. This research supports decision-making for nutrient distribution across agricultural fields and sustainable land management for precision farming.

Assessment of Agro-Morphological and Yield-Related Traits of Vijay Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Variety Under Different Ploughing and Non-Ploughing Techniques

Md. Shamshad Ansari — 2025-03-15

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is essential for global food security, but its productivity is constrained by biotic and abiotic stresses, including climate change. This study examines the effects of different tillage methods on the agro-morphological and yield-related traits of the Vijay wheat variety under varying ploughing and non-ploughing techniques. Conducted at the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Research Centre (AMTRC) in Nawalpur, Sarlahi, Nepal, the experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven tillage practices: (i) Cultivator + Rotavator + Seed sowing, (ii) Cultivator + Zero tillage, (iii) Rotavator + Seed sowing + Rotavator, (iv) Zero tillage + Seed drill, (v) Seed drill, (vi) Zero tillage, and (vii) Farmer’s practice. Key traits measured included phenological stages, tiller count, plant height, spike length, leaf number, and grain yield. The results revealed significant variations among tillage practices. The Cultivator + Rotavator + Seed sowing method produced the highest grain yield (4.060 t/ha), outperforming other treatments. Correlation analysis showed that days to maturity (DM) had a strong positive correlation with grain yield (r = 0.700***), whereas days to anthesis (DA) exhibited a negative correlation (r = -0.195). Regression analysis confirmed DM as a key yield determinant (b = 0.1167, r² = 0.462), while plant height also showed a positive influence (r² = 0.412). These findings highlight the importance of selecting optimal tillage practices to improve wheat productivity. Integrating conservation tillage with conventional methods offers a sustainable approach to enhancing yield in diverse agricultural systems.

Utilizing Temple Floral Waste to Address the Resource Crunch in the Perfume Industry: A Case Study of Kannauj District, Uttar Pradesh, India

Prankur Shukla — 2025-03-15

Temples have long served as centers of devotion, where offering flowers is a significant ritual. However, this practice generates substantial floral waste, with renowned temples like Sheetala Chaukiya, Diyawan Mahadev, and Markandeya Mahadev collectively disposing of several quintals of flowers daily in Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh, India. These discarded flowers are often dumped into water bodies or open pits, contributing to environmental pollution. Addressing this challenge, the present study explores the sustainable conversion of floral waste into Itra (perfume) using various extraction techniques. The study employed a convenience sampling method, gathering data from 500 respondents involved in the perfume industry in Kannauj. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between increased profit and the success of the perfumery industry (r = 0.567, p < 0.01), as well as between financial assistance and business success (r = 0.643, p < 0.01). These findings underscore the potential of floral waste conversion to enhance economic outcomes for stakeholders. The perfume extraction process demonstrated efficiency, supporting entrepreneurship and providing employment opportunities. Additionally, residual floral waste can be repurposed for composting, contributing to sustainable waste management practices. Overall, this study presents an eco-friendly solution to floral waste pollution while promoting economic development through value-added product generation. This approach not only aids in environmental sustainability but also supports socio-economic growth by encouraging local entrepreneurship and reducing waste disposal issues.