PRODUCTION METHODS AND FARMING SYSTEMS IN MAJOR BARLEY (HORDEUM VULGARE) GROWING REGIONS OF THE WEST BANK, PALESTINE

2004 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
IHSAN ABU-ALRUB ◽  
ALA JOMA ◽  
JØRGEN. L. CHRISTIANSE
Keyword(s):  
West Bank ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Coastal Zones ◽  
Livestock Farming ◽  
The West ◽  
Production Methods ◽  
Land Preparation ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Barley Landraces ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

A survey of barley and barley-based farming systems was carried out in Palestine during the 2000 growing season to assess traditional cultivation methods and to analyse developments in the production systems. Seventy-six farmers in the three barley growing agro-ecological zones in the West Bank were included in the study. The research area encompasses a range of agro-ecological conditions, from high to low potential environments, strongly related to precipitation. Estimated grain yields varied from below 1000 kg ha−1 in the driest part of the Eastern Slopes zone to above 4000 kg ha−1 in the more fertile areas in the Central Highlands and Semi-Coastal zones. Barley was found to be closely linked to the dominant crop-livestock farming systems. Thus 84% of the farmers interviewed grew barley as a feed for their own livestock during the dry season. In the more fertile agro-ecological zones, the traditional farming system is shifting towards more intensive production methods with increased mechanization, mainly for land preparation, sowing, harvesting and use of fertilizer. Here animal production is becoming more intensive and a larger proportion of the farm products, including barley, is now produced for the market. Despite the relatively high yields, in comparison to other barley growing areas in the region, local barley landraces, particularly 6-rowed types, persist well and were preferred by 86% of the farmers interviewed. However attempts to modernize agriculture may result in the replacement of traditional barley landraces, and even the barley-livestock cropping system in the more fertile agro-ecological zones. An effort should therefore be made to conserve this valuable genetic resource.

scholarly journals Perbandingkan Karakteristik Berbagai Zona Agroekologi Sistem Peternakan Babi; Studi Kasus Sistem Peternakan Babi di Pulau, Pesisir dan Dataran Rendah di Papua dan Papua Barat

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deny A Iyai
Keyword(s):  
Farming Systems ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Pig Farming ◽  
Key Words Pig ◽  
Household Members ◽  
Breed Selection ◽  
Papua Barat ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

<p>The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics of pig farming<br />performances of the three different agro-ecological zones, i.e. at island, coastal and lowland ecological zones. Sites represented island pig farmers were Biak and Yapen. Samples subsequently were taken from Samofa District and South Yapen District comprised of Famboaman, Anotaurei, Mariadei and Mantembu villages. Sites in Manokwari were taken from six districts and 15 villages. Characteristic of farmers and pig keeping systems such as household information, pig population and reproduction, and social technical aspects, were studied. Participatory research using interview and observation was separately done towards 155 pig farmers. Statistical analysis used Duncan multiple comparisons and Chi-square (χ2) were used to analyse the data. Coastal pig farmers are younger than island and lowland pig farmers. They have middle number of experiences compared to island pig farmers. The majority of farmers is men-pig farmers and has adequate household members. It was found that many are not educated and are elementary graduation. Altough their objectives are directed to commercial production system. Coastal pig farmers have higher number of animal population added to this is herd size per household compared to the two other agro-ecological zones. Feeding systems are practised in proper combination, such as feeding ration of physiological ages every day and feeding processing. Natural mating is practised by the majority of pig farmers. Several of pig farmers know the sign of oestrus, gestating and practising procedures of breed selection. Distance to market and distance to town are experienced by lowland pig farmers compared to coastal and island pig farmers. Perception of pig farmers is satisfy and they have lack of extensionist visiting, lack in middlemen visiting and positive social acceptances.</p><p>Key words: pig farming systems, agro-ecological zones, pig production, West Papua</p>

scholarly journals Analysis of Length of Growing Season in Some Agro-ecological Zones Using Non-parametric Trend Test

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-248
Author(s):  
Olumuyiwa Idowu OJO ◽  
Charity C. TEMENU ◽  
Masengo Francois ILUNGA
Keyword(s):  
Rainy Season ◽  
Daily Rainfall ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Trend Test ◽  
Rainfall Characteristics ◽  
Land Preparation ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Agricultural Enterprise ◽  
Savannah Zone ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

The ever increasing population and consequently increase in demand for food and the increasing exploitation of the land justifies the need for adequate studies on rainfall as an important factor affecting agricultural production. The date of the onset of rains is an important factor in planning agricultural operations such as land preparation and sowing. The study conducted agro-statistical analysis of rainfall characteristics over three different zones of Nigeria. Daily rainfall data were collected for the period between 1971 and 2005 for 6 stations and were subjected to standard analysis to determine trends and variations in the onset dates, cessation dates, length of rainy season, number of wet days, drought episodes. The results showed that the inter-annual variability of the onset dates is higher than that of cessation dates with a progressive shift in both onset and cessation dates. The length of rainy season varied from 77-291 days in Guinea zone, 77-243 days for Savannah and 73-155 days for the Sahel. Changes in the length of growing season ranged between -9 and -10 for Guinea zone, -21 and 11 days for Savannah zone and -28 and 20 days for the Sahel. Similarly, the numbers of wet days have declined over Nigeria. The information presented in this study are to serve as input for proper land and water resources management for productive agricultural enterprise across the three major agro-ecological zones of Nigeria.

scholarly journals Performance of elite grain sorghum varieties in the West Nile Agro-ecological Zones

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 139
Author(s):  
E Awori ◽  
M Kiryowa ◽  
A Basirika ◽  
F Dradiku ◽  
R Kahunza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Sorghum ◽  
The West ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

scholarly journals Farmers’ Knowledge and Perception on CommonBeans Production Constraints and their Mitigation Methods in the Humid Rainforest and Highland Savanna of Cameroon

2021 ◽  
pp. 70-85
Author(s):  
Henry A. Andukwa ◽  
Nelson N. Ntonifor
Keyword(s):  
Insect Pests ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Common Beans ◽  
The South ◽  
The West ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
West Region ◽  
South West ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Background: Common beans, Phaseolus vulgaris is one of the most important plant protein sources in many African countries including Cameroon. It is a major source to smallholder farmers and some large-scale farmers. Common beans also fixes atmospheric nitrogen in symbiosis with rhizobia thus improving soil fertility. Despite the importance of this major food and cash crop, its production in Cameroon is constrained by several abiotic and biotic factors. Therefore it was hypothesized that bean farmers in the study regions have knowledge on; (1) the various factors that hamper bean production; (2) the planting periods/seasons that the various constraints are more important; (3) they have their own indigenous methods of mitigating these constraints but would prefer more appropriate methods if available. Aims: To document when farmers plant beans,how they handled the crop when matured, and if they faced problems with rot/mould, insects orany other constraints in their beans and how they manage these problems. Study Design: Random interviewing of beans farmers. Place and Duration of Study: Interviewed farmers in Buea and Dschang of the humid rainforest and highland agro-ecological zones of Cameroonrespectively from January 2017 to December 2017. Methodology: A semi-structural questionnaire was administered to 519 randomly selected bean farmers in two agro-ecological zones; the humid rainforest and highland savanna. A total of 163 from Bueain the south west (humid rainforest) and 356 from Dschang in the west (highland savanna) were randomly interviewed to document the farmers’ perceptions on various constraints hampering beansproduction, when these are most limiting and the various methods they use to mitigate them. Results: Farmers in both agro-ecological zones lacked adequate land surface area for bean production and suffered from low yields. In the highland savanna or west region, 166 (45.98%) and 119 (75.32%) in the humid rainforest or south west region grew beans in farms of sizes <1Ha. Only 2 (1.27%) of bean farmers in the South West and 35 (9.69%) in the West produced beans on farms >2Ha. Most farmers in the west 267 (73.96%) and 139 (87.97%) in the south west produced only 1-3 bags of 50kg each of beans/ha.The farmers faced problems with mold/rot and insect pests; the mold/rot was the most nagging for beans that matured during the rainy season while insect pests was the major constraint for the dry season beans. The mold/rot was controlled mainly by the adjustment of the planting dates of beans while different types of insecticides were used against the insect pests. Farmers also face problems in having adequate/appropriate staking materials for the climbing or indeterminate bean varieties. Conclusion: Considering that farmers face the actual daily challenges of bean production. Their knowledge and perceptions of the production constraints of this crop are quintessential and should count in defining research priorities aimed at mitigating the problems in order to increase beans production. Therefore, there is need for research to test and/or validate these farmers knowledge and perceptions about bean production constraints as a prelude to vulgarizing the effective control/management options.

scholarly journals Application of Multiple Criteria Decision Models for Oilseed Crops in Pakistan’s Punjab

2000 ◽  
Vol 39 (4II) ◽  
pp. 515-532
Author(s):  
Muhammad Azeem Khan ◽  
Tahir Rehman
Keyword(s):  
Development Policy ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Oilseed Crops ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Alternative Crops ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Target Locations ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

Pakistan is deficient in major food products. Self-sufficiency in food has virtually always been a major priority, because imports of wheat, edible oil, sugar, pulses and milk products put a massive burden on the balance of payments for the country. The increase in the production of oilseed has been a priority goal of the agricultural development policy in Pakistan. The oilseed crops have been validated as alternative crops on several target locations of different agro-ecological zones [PARC (1990)]; but the success of this validation work in terms of their dissemination is very limited. The possibility of including these crops in well established systems needed to be well conceived. The selection of farming systems, which have the potential to adopt such crops, is a prerequisite to investigate the problems and prospects of oilseed crops.

Is crossbreeding of cattle beneficial for mixed farming systems in Central Java?

2015 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. 127-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.S.M. Widi ◽  
H.M.J. Udo ◽  
K. Oldenbroek ◽  
I.G.S. Budisatria ◽  
E. Baliarti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Farming Systems ◽  
Mature Female ◽  
Cropping Pattern ◽  
Crossbred Cattle ◽  
Market Prices ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Feed Resources ◽  
Mixed Farming ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

SummaryFrom 1980s onwards, Indonesia's government has been implementing crossbreeding with European beef breeds through artificial insemination to improve the beef performance of local cattle, in response to the increasing demand for meat. Crossbreeding is promoted and implemented throughout the country, regardless of the various agro-ecological zones, each endowed with different feed resources in the smallholder farming systems. This study analyses the impact at farm level of crossbreeding in the different mixed farming conditions in Central Java. Quantitative and qualitative information was collected through participatory approaches involving famers (n= 252) in four study areas representing three agro-ecological zones: Wet lowlands (subdivided in two areas based on the history of breeding local cattle and crossbreeding), Wet uplands and Dry uplands. Phenotypic characteristics, reproductive performances, and carcass characteristics of Ongole and crossbred cattle were assessed, together with farmers’ reasons for keeping Ongole or crossbred breeding stock, the functions of cattle on the farms and the Gross Margins (GM) of the cattle component on Ongole and crossbred farms. Across different agro-ecological zones, crossbreeding is not changing the farming systems: herd sizes, farm types, experience in cattle keeping and functions of cattle were about the same for Ongole and crossbred farms. The agro-ecological zones differed in the cropping pattern and feed resources; however, they did not differ in amounts of dry matter and crude protein fed to individual animals. Crossbreeding is changing the individual characteristics of cattle and consequently the market prices of animals. In general, mature female crossbred cattle were approximately 25 percent heavier than mature female local cattle. Male crossbred progeny was 16 percent heavier their local counterparts, whereas female crossbred progeny was 24 percent heavier than female local cattle. In terms of reproduction performances, both local and crossbred cows performed well with calf crops ranging between 73 and 86 percent per year. Most farmers preferred crossbred over Ongole cattle. Simmental cross is the most preferred. GM for crossbred and Ongole farms were comparable within the different study areas; selling prices of crossbreds are higher, but feed costs too. Crossbreeding will continue. It is promoted by government policies and farmers are motivated to keep crossbred cattle as body weights and market prices are higher than for Ongole cattle; however, farmers said that they do not prefer upgrading to very high levels of Simmental. A viable Ongole population is needed to reduce the risk of upgrading to too high levels of Simmental.

scholarly journals Study on Profitability Using Modern Inputs against Traditional for Potato Production at Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Bangladesh

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-87
Author(s):  
MM Haque ◽  
N Tabassum ◽  
NAME Kabir ◽  
S Akter ◽  
M Saha
Keyword(s):  
Potato Production ◽  
Labor Cost ◽  
Traditional Practices ◽  
Piedmont Plain ◽  
Land Preparation ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Net Profit ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Unit Yield ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

The study on Economics Faculty in using modern inputs against traditional inputs and practices for potato production were conducted in the different agro-ecological zones and agro-climatic locations of Bangladesh during 2011-2012. The aim of the study was how to enrich the knowledge of farmers and traders by the use of modern inputs (fertilizers, green pesticides and micronutrients) for potato production and management technologies. A total number of 150 farmers were randomly selected from Rangpur, Thakurgaon, and Comilla regions under agro-ecological zones of Tista Meander Floodplain, Old Himalayan Piedmont Plain and Middle Meghna River Floodplain respectively. Cobb-Douglas production function was used to measure the effect of various factors on potato production. The factors of production considered in this study were land preparation, labor cost, seed, fertilizer, pesticides, irrigation and land use cost. The cost was comparatively low in modern practices than higher in traditional practices as it was mainly due to adoption of recommended technology, appropriate dose and time in case of modern inputs and practices whereas non-recommended technology, higher dose of inputs adopted in traditional practices. The out-put in-terms of per unit yield was found 26 t ha-1 in modern practices but 24 t ha-1 in traditional practices. The net profit was significantly higher in modern practices than traditional practices; the net profit in modern practices was found at Rangpur Tk 98,079, Thakurgaon Tk 72, 741 and Comilla Tk 46, 950. It transpires from the study that the farmers would be economically benefitted if they use modern inputs; adopt technologies and practices in terms of using quality seed of improved varieties at recommended dose and time of use of fertilizers and pesticides, timely application of irrigation and appropriate crop management including weeding and other practices.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(2): 83-87 2015

scholarly journals Perbandingkan Karakteristik Berbagai Zona Agroekologi Sistem Peternakan Babi; Studi Kasus Sistem Peternakan Babi di Pulau, Pesisir dan Dataran Rendah di Papua dan Papua Barat

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deny A Iyai
Keyword(s):  
Farming Systems ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Pig Farming ◽  
Key Words Pig ◽  
Household Members ◽  
Breed Selection ◽  
Papua Barat ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

<p>The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics of pig farming<br />performances of the three different agro-ecological zones, i.e. at island, coastal and lowland ecological zones. Sites represented island pig farmers were Biak and Yapen. Samples subsequently were taken from Samofa District and South Yapen District comprised of Famboaman, Anotaurei, Mariadei and Mantembu villages. Sites in Manokwari were taken from six districts and 15 villages. Characteristic of farmers and pig keeping systems such as household information, pig population and reproduction, and social technical aspects, were studied. Participatory research using interview and observation was separately done towards 155 pig farmers. Statistical analysis used Duncan multiple comparisons and Chi-square (χ2) were used to analyse the data. Coastal pig farmers are younger than island and lowland pig farmers. They have middle number of experiences compared to island pig farmers. The majority of farmers is men-pig farmers and has adequate household members. It was found that many are not educated and are elementary graduation. Altough their objectives are directed to commercial production system. Coastal pig farmers have higher number of animal population added to this is herd size per household compared to the two other agro-ecological zones. Feeding systems are practised in proper combination, such as feeding ration of physiological ages every day and feeding processing. Natural mating is practised by the majority of pig farmers. Several of pig farmers know the sign of oestrus, gestating and practising procedures of breed selection. Distance to market and distance to town are experienced by lowland pig farmers compared to coastal and island pig farmers. Perception of pig farmers is satisfy and they have lack of extensionist visiting, lack in middlemen visiting and positive social acceptances.</p><p>Key words: pig farming systems, agro-ecological zones, pig production, West Papua</p>

Soil quality indicators across different agro-ecological zones of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome Kimaro ◽  
Anna Treydte ◽  
Bernd Huwe ◽  
Christina Bogner
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Quality Indicators ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Soil Quality Indicators ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Ecological Zones ◽  
Agro Ecological Zones

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction &lt;/strong&gt;The agroecosystems at the southern slope of Mt. Kilimanjaro have been an important resource for the provision of ecosystem services, in particular food production. However, their potential is increasingly threatened by a rapid change in agricultural land use and its future sustainability remains uncertain. Various efforts to achieve sustainable management of agroecosystems have not been successful and therefore there is a risk of land degradation and poverty. This problem is attributed to a lack of knowledge about the actual causes and extent of the problem among local farmers, extension officers and researchers, thus limiting decision options on the selection of appropriate adaptation measures.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Goals&lt;/strong&gt; Therefore, we conducted a study to determine how changes in traditional farming systems affect soil quality within the agroecosystem at the southern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro.&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Material and Methods&lt;/strong&gt; We measured C, N, P, soil texture, bulk density and the cation exchange capacity (CEC) in 24 plots across major agro-ecological zones (mainly related to elevation) and in two farming systems (maize and agroforestry).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt; We found that sand content increased, clay content and bulk density decreased with increasing elevation. C content was slightly lower in maize compared to agroforestry (-0.88%), but not N and P. C and N contents increased in the upper compared to the lower elevation zones (3.8% and 0.3%, respectively), while P decreased by 19 mg/kg. The content of cations from CEC showed a heterogeneous picture. The largest difference was the decrease of Ca and Mg in the upper elevation zone (-1191 mg/kg and -458 mg/kg, respectively).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt; Soils in the agroecosystems of Mt. Kilimanjaro differ in their properties which implies that crop yield and quality could be higher on some plots than others. Therefore, the vulnerability to food insecurity and efforts required to improve soil quality could vary locally. The use of soil quality indicators would benefit both farmers and extension officers as a decision-making tool to identify suitable locations for crops, achieve precise use of production inputs and manipulate crop calendars.&lt;/p&gt;

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