scholarly journals The genus Agave in agroforestry systems of Mexico

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio Torres-García ◽  
Francisco Javier Rendón-Sandoval ◽  
José Blancas ◽  
Alejandro Casas ◽  
Ana Isabel Moreno-Calles
Keyword(s):  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Cultural Relevance ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Ecological Economic ◽  
Multipurpose Species ◽  
Live Fences

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The genus <em>Agave</em> L. is recognized for its wide distribution in Mexican ecosystems. Species have been described as multipurpose as part of agroforestry systems (AFS). There has not been a systematized, detailed analysis about its richness in AFS nor their ecological, economic and cultural relevance.</p><p><strong>Questions</strong>: What is the <em>Agave</em> richness in Mexican AFS? What is their ecological, agronomical, economic and cultural relevance? What are the risks and perspectives for strengthening their role in AFS?</p><p><strong>Species studied</strong>: 31 <em>Agave</em> species in Mexican AFS.</p><p><strong>Study site and dates</strong>: AFS throughout Mexican territory. January to august 2018.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: Systematization of published information, scientific reports, repositories, and our fieldwork, was performed. The data base “The genus <em>Agave</em> in AFS of Mexico” was created, containing information about <em>Agave</em> richness in AFS, ecological, economic and cultural relevance, as well as the current and future perspectives of the AFS they are included in.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: We recorded 31 species with 22 uses that were part of AFS practices (hedgerows, boundaries and live fences), in homegardens, terraces and agroforests in temperate, semiarid and sub-humid regions, managed by 12 cultural groups. The main benefits of agaves are soil retention, infiltration of water and satisfaction of socio-economic and cultural needs. The decrease of multipurpose species and functions was observed in relation with the commercialization of mezcal.</p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: There has been ample recognition of AFS as settings for conservation and use of <em>Agave,</em> as well as the importance of the knowledge and management practices associated to agave species in AFS.

scholarly journals Farmers’ knowledge and perception of finger millet blast disease and its control practices in western Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilton Mbinda ◽  
Agnes Kavoo ◽  
Fredah Maina ◽  
Margaret Odeph ◽  
Cecilia Mweu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finger Millet ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Blast Disease ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Global Food Security ◽  
Disease Occurrence

Abstract Background Finger millet blast disease, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, is a serious constrain of finger millet production which is threatening global food security especially to the resource poor smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid regions. The disease adversely affects finger millet production and consumption due to its wide distribution and destruction in all finger millet growing areas of southern Asia and eastern Africa. Here, we present a study that investigated the occurrence, impact, risk factors and farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of finger millet blast in Kenya. Methods We surveyed blast disease occurrence and interviewed farmers in Bungoma and Kisii Counties of Kenya during March–April 2019. Data were analysed using SPSS statistical program. Descriptive analysis was done by calculating means, percentages, frequencies, and standard errors. Comparative statistics, chi-square and t-tests, were used to evaluate differences existing among the farm characteristics and socio-demographics and the knowledge and perceptions of blast disease and its management practices. Results Our results show that blast disease is prevalent in all surveyed areas and adversely affects the productivity of the crop leading to poor yields. The disease occurrence varied from 92 to 98%, and was significantly higher in the major finger millet growing areas compared to the minor ones. Blast occurrence was associated with rainfall, altitude, planting density, intercropping and other farming practices. In all the surveyed regions, farmers had little knowledge about blast disease identification, its detection and spread. Further, the farmers’ awareness of blast disease control was inconsistent with established practices. Conclusions Our results show mitigation of finger millet blast disease should aim at improving farmers’ adoption of best practices through development of acceptable blast-resistant finger millet varieties, use of sustainable disease management practices, fostering linkages and creating new partnerships in the production-supply chain and maintaining a functional seed system. Findings from this study provide essential insights for effective decision making and management of the disease. This is fundamental to sustainable and secure food and income for finger millet growing farmers in Kenya.

scholarly journals Fruit Tree-Based Agroforestry Systems for Smallholder Farmers in Northwest Vietnam—A Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 451
Author(s):  
Van Hung Do ◽  
Nguyen La ◽  
Rachmat Mulia ◽  
Göran Bergkvist ◽  
A. Sigrun Dahlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Fruit Trees ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Fruit Tree ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Forage Grass ◽  
High Investment

Rapid expansion of unsustainable farming practices in upland areas of Southeast Asia threatens food security and the environment. This study assessed alternative agroforestry systems for sustainable land management and livelihood improvement in northwest Vietnam. The performance of fruit tree-based agroforestry was compared with that of sole cropping, and farmers’ perspectives on agroforestry were documented. After seven years, longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.)-maize-forage grass and son tra (Docynia indica (Wall.) Decne)-forage grass systems had generated 2.4- and 3.5-fold higher average annual income than sole maize and sole son tra, respectively. Sole longan gave no net profit, due to high investment costs. After some years, competition developed between the crop, grass, and tree components, e.g., for nitrogen, and the farmers interviewed reported a need to adapt management practices to optimise spacing and pruning. They also reported that agroforestry enhanced ecosystem services by controlling surface runoff and erosion, increasing soil fertility and improving resilience to extreme weather. Thus, agroforestry practices with fruit trees can be more profitable than sole-crop cultivation within a few years. Integration of seasonal and fast-growing perennial plants (e.g., grass) is essential to ensure quick returns. Wider adoption needs initial incentives or loans, knowledge exchange, and market links.

scholarly journals Cacao agroforestry systems do not increase pest and disease incidence compared with monocultures under good cultural management practices

2020 ◽  
Vol 130 ◽  
pp. 105047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Armengot ◽  
Leone Ferrari ◽  
Joachim Milz ◽  
Fortunato Velásquez ◽  
Pierre Hohmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Cultural Management

scholarly journals Agroforestry and the Improvement of Soil Fertility: A View from Amazonia

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel C. Pinho ◽  
Robert P. Miller ◽  
Sonia S. Alfaia
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Tropical Soils ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Northern Brazil ◽  
Physical And Chemical

This paper discusses the effects of trees on soil fertility, with a focus on agricultural systems in Amazonia. Relevant literature concerning the effects of trees on soil physical and chemical properties in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions is reviewed, covering both natural ecosystems and agroecosystems. Soil carbon, in the form of organic matter, is considered as an indicator of biological activity as well as in relation to policy issues such as carbon sequestration and climate change. In the case of tropical soils and Amazonia, information on the effects of trees on soils is discussed in the context of traditional agriculture systems, as well as in regard to the development of more sustainable agricultural alternatives for the region. Lastly, attention is given to a case study in the savanna region of Roraima, northern Brazil, where a chronosequence of indigenous homegarden agroforestry systems showed clear effects of management practices involving trees on soil fertility. The use of diverse tree species and other practices employed in agroforestry systems can represent alternative forms of increasing soil fertility and maintaining agricultural production, with important practical applications for the sustainability of tropical agriculture.

scholarly journals Evaluation De La Performance Des Pratiques De Gestion De La Fertilite Des Sols Dans Le Bassin De La Riviere Okpara Au Benin

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (33) ◽  
pp. 370
Author(s):  
M.A. Akpo ◽  
A. Saidou ◽  
I. Balogoun ◽  
I. Yabi ◽  
L.B. Bio Bigou
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Soil Fertility Management ◽  
Fertility Management ◽  
Yield Level

A good management of agricultural land based on scientific knowledge and farmer indigenuous knowledge is necessary to ensure sustainable agricultural production. Our research aims to evaluate the performance of farmers' strategies and improved soil fertility management practices in improving level of crop yields in the basin of the Okpara River in Benin. Surveys using semi-structured questionnaire were conducted from October 11 to November 30, 2015 on a sample of 1048 farmers belonging to socio-cultural groups Tchabè, Mahi, Ditamari, Lokpa, Bariba and Fulani. Informations collected concerned farmers' soil fertility management practices and soil fertility improvement strategies introduced by the extension services. Crop rotation, long term natural fallow, fallow with perennial crops especially cashew trees, cassava "fallow" and cereal and leguminuous intercropping (respectively 91.11; 41.66; 48.53; 54.61 and 86.25% of respondents) are endogenous soil fertility management practices. However, mineral and organic fertilizers (respectively 25.45 and 20.38% of respondents) are improved soil fertility management practices introduced. Generally 42% of respondent mentioned that indigenuous soil fertility management practices could improve only by 25% crop (especially maize) yield level against 98.5% of respondents who mentioned that improved soil fertility management practices could improve by 50% of the crop yield level. Considering the efficiency of these soil fertility management practices our study suggests some issues to be taken into account for better land management in the study area.

Defining Magdalenian cultural groups in Franco-Cantabria by the formal analysis of portable artworks

Antiquity ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 88 (339) ◽  
pp. 64-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia Rivero ◽  
Georges Sauvet
Keyword(s):  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Formal Analysis ◽  
Family Resemblance ◽  
Ice Age ◽  
Upper Palaeolithic ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Northern Spain ◽  
Territorial Expansion ◽  
Last Ice Age ◽  
Palaeolithic Art

The motifs, techniques and stylistic features of Upper Palaeolithic art offer enormous potential for the investigation of social and cultural interactions in south-western France and northern Spain during the later stages of the last ice age. The key regions of Aquitaine, Cantabria and the Pyrenees clearly share an overall family resemblance, but detailed analysis of horse heads on portable objects of bone, antler and stone from Magdalenian contexts reveal that particular features can be attributed to different regions at different periods. Furthermore, the patterns of interconnection are structured very differently in the Upper Magdalenian than in the Middle Magdalenian, perhaps as rising temperatures in the latter period led to territorial expansion and social realignment.

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