Influence of organic cocoa agroforestry on soil physico-chemical properties and crop yields of smallholders’ cocoa farms, Ghana

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Michael Asigbaase ◽  
Barry H. Lomax ◽  
Evans Dawoe ◽  
Sofie Sjogersten
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yields ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Organic Management ◽  
Conventional Management ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Cocoa Agroforestry ◽  
Cocoa Production ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The success of sustainable Theobroma cacao (cocoa) production depends on the physical and chemical properties of the soils on which they are established but these are possibly moderated by the management approach that farmers adopt. We assessed and compared soil physico-chemical properties of young, mature and old organic and conventional cocoa agroforestry systems at two depths (0–15 and 15–30 cm) and evaluated the production of cocoa pods, banana and plantain in the two farm types. Cocoa farms under organic management had 20, 81, 88 and 323% higher stocks of soil organic carbon, P, Mn and Cu, respectively, compared to those under conventional management. Higher soil moisture content, electrical conductivity and pH were found on organic systems than the conventional farms. Annual cocoa pod production per tree was similar in both cocoa systems (Org. 10.1 ± 1.1 vs Con. 10.1 ± 0.6 pods per tree). The annual production of banana and plantain was higher on organic farms (186.3 ± 34.70 kg ha−1 yr−1) than conventional systems (31.6 ± 9.58 kg ha−1 yr−1). We concluded that organic management of cocoa agroforestry systems result in soils with the greater overall quality for cocoa production than conventional management and it increases the yield of co-products. Studies focusing on the impact of organic management on cocoa agroforestry systems at the landscape and regional scales are urgently needed to further deepen our understanding and support policy.

scholarly journals Physico-chemical Properties of Soil and Pods (Theobroma cacao L.) in Cocoa Agroforestry Systems

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hortensia Brito-Vega ◽  
Jose Manuel Salaya-Dom ◽  
Edmundo Gomez-Mend ◽  
Armando Gomez-Vazq ◽  
Jesus Bernardo Antele-Gom
Keyword(s):  
Theobroma Cacao ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Cocoa Agroforestry ◽  
Theobroma Cacao L ◽  
Properties Of Soil

scholarly journals The Impact of Filler Geometry on Polylactic Acid-Based Sustainable Polymer Composites

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Karol Leluk ◽  
Stanisław Frąckowiak ◽  
Joanna Ludwiczak ◽  
Tomasz Rydzkowski ◽  
Vijay Kumar Thakur
Keyword(s):  
Polymer Composites ◽  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Matrix Material ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Precipitated Calcium Carbonate ◽  
Cellulose Fibres ◽  
Shape Factors ◽  
Pure Cellulose ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
The Impact

Recently, biocomposites have emerged as materials of great interest to the scientists and industry around the globe. Among various polymers, polylactic acid (PLA) is a popular matrix material with high potential for advanced applications. Various particulate materials and nanoparticles have been used as the filler in PLA based matrix. One of the extensively studied filler is cellulose. However, cellulose fibres, due to their hydrophilic nature, are difficult to blend with a hydrophobic polymer matrix. This leads to agglomeration and creates voids, reducing the mechanical strength of the resulting composite. Moreover, the role of the various forms of pure cellulose and its particle shape factors has not been analyzed in most of the current literature. Therefore, in this work, materials of various shapes and shape factors were selected as fillers for the production of polymer composites using Polylactic acid as a matrix to fill this knowledge gap. In particular, pure cellulose fibres (three types with different elongation coefficient) and two mineral nanocomponents: precipitated calcium carbonate and montmorillonite were used. The composites were prepared by a melt blending process using two different levels of fillers: 5% and 30%. Then, the analysis of their thermomechanical and physico-chemical properties was carried out. The obtained results were presented graphically and discussed in terms of their shape and degree of filling.

scholarly journals A Study on Effects of Soil Physico-Chemical Properties on Cocoa Production in Ondo State

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac Rotimi Ajayi ◽  
Isaac Ayodele Ololade ◽  
Emmanuel Alaba Gbadamosi ◽  
Muraina Zaid Mohammed ◽  
Ayodeji Gabriel Sunday
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Cocoa Production ◽  
Ondo State

scholarly journals Unveiling the Efficiency of Vermicompost Derived from Different Biowastes on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Plant Growth and Soil Health

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zubair Aslam ◽  
Safdar Bashir ◽  
Waseem Hassan ◽  
Korkmaz Bellitürk ◽  
Niaz Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Test Plant ◽  
Cow Dung ◽  
Aphid Infestation ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Chemical Attributes ◽  
The Impact

The present study was conducted to explore the role of different types of vermicomposts (VCs) prepared from different substrates to improve soil health (physical and chemical properties) and wheat plant growth under field conditions. Different combinations of vermicompost prepared from different substrates (cow dung, paper waste, and rice straw) and inorganic fertilizers were applied in soil using wheat as a test plant. The impact of three different VCs on physico-chemical characteristics and nutrient availability in soil was evaluated to examine their efficacy in combination with chemical fertilizers. Temporal trends in vermicomposting treatments at various stages showed significant improvement in physico-chemical attributes of the VCs substrates. All the plant physiological attributes showed significant response where N:P:K 100:50:50 kg ha−1 + 10 t ha−1 cow dung vermicompost was applied. In addition, post-harvest analysis of soil not only revealed that different combinations of the vermicomposting treatments improved the soil health by improving the physico-chemical attributes of the soil. Conclusively, application of cow dung vermicompost along with recommended NPK not only improved crop yield, soil health, reduced insect (aphid) infestation but also fortified grains with Zn and Fe.

scholarly journals IMPACT OF AGRO-ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS ON SOIL EROSION PROCESSES AND SOIL PROPERTIES ON HILLY LANDSCAPE IN WESTERN LITHUANIA

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gintaras JARAŠIŪNAS ◽  
Irena KINDERIENĖ
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Soil Texture ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Erosion Processes ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
The Impact

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different land use systems on soil erosion rates, surface evolution processes and physico-chemical properties on a moraine hilly topography in Lithuania. The soil of the experimental site is Bathihypogleyi – Eutric Albeluvisols (abe–gld–w) whose texture is a sandy loam. After a 27-year use of different land conservation systems, three critical slope segments (slightly eroded, active erosion and accumulation) were formed. Soil physical properties of the soil texture and particle sizes distribution were examined. Chemical properties analysed for were soil ph, available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (N). We estimated the variation in thickness of the soil Ap horizon and soil physico-chemical properties prone to a sustained erosion process. During the study period (2010–2012) water erosion occurred under the grain– grass and grass–grain crop rotations, at rates of 1.38 and 0.11 m3 ha–1 yr–1, respectively. Soil exhumed due to erosion from elevated positions accumulated in the slope bottom. As a result, topographic transfiguration of hills and changes in soil properties occurred. However, the accumulation segments of slopes had significantly higher silt/clay ratios and SOC content. In the active erosion segments a lighter soil texture and lower soil ph were recorded. Only long-term grassland completely stopped soil erosion effects; therefore geomorphologic change and degradation of hills was estimated there as minimal.

scholarly journals MRI Relaxivity Changes of the Magnetic Nanoparticles Induced by Different Amino Acid Coatings

Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iryna Antal ◽  
Oliver Strbak ◽  
Iryna Khmara ◽  
Martina Koneracka ◽  
Martina Kubovcikova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Nanoparticles ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Hydrodynamic Diameter ◽  
Contrast Imaging ◽  
Dispersed Particles ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
The One ◽  
Molecular Contrast ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positively Charged

In this study, we analysed the physico-chemical properties of positively charged magnetic fluids consisting of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalised by different amino acids (AAs): glycine (Gly), lysine (Lys) and tryptophan (Trp), and the influence of AA–MNP complexes on the MRI relaxivity. We found that the AA coating affects the size of dispersed particles and isoelectric point, as well as the zeta potential of AA–MNPs differently, depending on the AA selected. Moreover, we showed that a change in hydrodynamic diameter results in a change to the relaxivity of AA–MNP complexes. On the one hand, we observed a decrease in the relaxivity values, r1 and r2, with an increase in hydrodynamic diameter (the relaxivity of r1 and r2 were comparable with commercially available contrast agents); on the other hand, we observed an increase in r2* value with an increase in hydrodynamic size. These findings provide an interesting preliminary look at the impact of AA coating on the relaxivity properties of AA–MNP complexes, with a specific application in molecular contrast imaging originating from magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic resonance techniques.

Determination of site-specific management zones using soil physico-chemical properties and crop yields in coastal reclaimed farmland

Geoderma ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 232-234 ◽  
pp. 381-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong-Jiang Yao ◽  
Jing-Song Yang ◽  
Tong-Juan Zhang ◽  
Peng Gao ◽  
Xiang-Ping Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yields ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Site Specific ◽  
Management Zones ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Specific Management

scholarly journals Cocoa agroforestry systems in Africa – the art of reconciling sustainable production and ecological services

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Patrick Jagoret ◽  
Stéphane Saj ◽  
Aurélie Carimentrand
Keyword(s):  
Crop Protection ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Ecological Services ◽  
Cocoa Agroforestry ◽  
Cocoa Production ◽  
Indicator Measurement ◽  
Scientific Results ◽  
Technical Solutions ◽  
Technical Recommendations

Combining mixed trees with cocoa trees in so-called cocoa agroforestry systems is emerging as a viable option for regenerating cocoa cropping in Africa. Pure cocoa crop stands currently prevail in these areas but are running out of steam. Technical solutions are therefore urgently needed to stabilize cocoa-growing areas, reduce pressure on forests and adapt to climate change. A balance can be struck in stands by combining cocoa trees with diverse trees chosen by farmers for their different uses, while maintaining a suitable and sustainable cocoa yield. Ecological services such as carbon storage and crop protection are co-benefits of this balance. Recent research in Cameroon highlights that cocoa agroforestry stands can be managed using a straightforward indicator—measurement of the basal area of cocoa trees and associated trees. This indicator could be adopted for sustainable cocoa production certification purposes, while the observed convergence between local know-how and scientific results could facilitate joint drawing up of technical recommendations.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Physico-Chemical Properties of Liposomes Assembled from Bioconjugates of Anisic Acid with Phosphatidylcholine

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (23) ◽  
pp. 13146
Author(s):  
Hanna Pruchnik ◽  
Anna Gliszczyńska ◽  
Aleksandra Włoch
Keyword(s):  
Phase Transition ◽  
Lipid Bilayer ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Main Phase ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Anisic Acid ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this work was the evaluation of the physico-chemical properties of a new type of liposomes that are composed of DPPC and bioconjugates of anisic acid with phosphatidylcholine. In particular, the impact of modified anisic acid phospholipids on the thermotropic parameters of liposomes was determined, which is crucial for using them as potential carriers of active substances in cancer therapies. Their properties were determined using three biophysical methods, namely differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), steady-state fluorimetry and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Moreover, temperature studies of liposomes composed of DPPC and bioconjugates of anisic acid with phosphatidylcholine provided information about the phase transition, fluidity regarding chain order, hydration and dynamics. The DSC results show that the main phase transition peak for conjugates of anisic acid with phosphatidylcholine molecules was broadened and shifted to a lower temperature in a concentration- and structure-dependent manner. The ATR-FTIR results and the results of measurements conducted using fluorescent probes located at different regions in the lipid bilayer are in line with DSC. The results show that the new bioconjugates with phosphatidylcholine have a significant impact on the physico-chemical properties of a membrane and cause a decrease in the temperature of the main phase transition. The consequence of this is greater fluidity of the lipid bilayer.

scholarly journals Biodiversity of the Cocoa Agroforests of the Bengamisa-Yangambi Forest Landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1096
Author(s):  
Germain Batsi ◽  
Denis Jean Sonwa ◽  
Lisette Mangaza ◽  
Jérôme Ebuy ◽  
Jean-Marie Kahindo
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Congo Basin ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Forest Landscape ◽  
Cocoa Agroforestry ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
The Impact

Cocoa agroforestry has evolved into an accepted natural resource conservation strategy in the tropics. It is regularly proposed as one of the main uses for REDD+ projects (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, few studies have characterized the cocoa agroforestry systems in this country. Hence, this research proposes to determine the impact of distance from Kisangani (the unique city in the landscape) and land-use intensity on the floristic composition of cocoa agroforests in Bengamisa-Yangambi forest landscape in the Congo Basin. The results revealed that species diversity and density of plants associated with cocoa are influenced by the distance from Kisangani (the main city in the landscape and province). Farmers maintain/introduce trees that play one or more of several roles. They may host caterpillars, provide food, medicine, or timber, or deliver other functions such as providing shade to the cocoa tree. Farmers maintain plants with edible products (mainly oil palms) in their agroforests more than other plants. Thus, these agroforests play key roles in conserving the floristic diversity of degraded areas. As cocoa agroforestry has greater potential for production, biodiversity conservation, and environmental protection, it should be used to slow down or even stop deforestation and forest degradation.

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