scholarly journals Pollinator-attracting Companion Plantings Increase Crop Yield of Cucumbers and Habanero Peppers

HortScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-169
Author(s):  
John E. Montoya ◽  
Michael A. Arnold ◽  
Juliana Rangel ◽  
Larry R. Stein ◽  
Marco A. Palma
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Multiple Cropping ◽  
Borago Officinalis ◽  
Habanero Pepper ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Companion Plants

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) growers have observed increased crop yield by placing bees in close proximity to these vegetable crops. However, adding managed bees typically may not be feasible for small-scale farmers or homeowners. Limited studies have demonstrated the potential of pollinator-attracting plants to be used as a lure to enhance the visitation of pollinators to adjacent food crops. This study evaluated the potential of adding pollinator-attracting plants in close proximity to cucumber and habanero plants to improve yields by either establishing permanent perennial companion plantings adjacent to the crops or interplanting annual companion plants within the row anew with each crop. The perennial treatment group consisted of Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene, Borrichia frutescens (L.) DC., Salvia farinacea Benth. ‘Henry Duelberg’, and Eysenhardtia texana Scheele. The annual treatment group consisted of Cosmos bipinnatus Cav., Zinnia ×marylandica D.M. Spooner, Stimart, & T. Boyle, Borago officinalis L., and Ocimum basilicum L. Multiple cropping cycles were initiated using both spring and fall seasons, and yield was assessed for three successive cropping cycles. Fruit quality was unaffected by pollinator-attracting companion plantings; however total and marketable yields were impacted. Cucumber yields were significantly (P < 0.05) greater during fall harvests with annual companion plantings and with the second fall harvest in perennial companion plant plots. Perennial companion plots initially yielded less than control plots or annual companion plots due to the space allocated to the companion plantings and the fewer pollinators initially attracted to the plots compared with the annual companion plantings. When the perennial plots became more established, they resulted in similar yields as the annual companion planting plots. Although habanero yields were increased by annual companion plantings in spring and fall, cucumbers were unaffected by companion plantings in spring. This suggests a potential seasonality for the efficacy of some pollinator-attracting companion plantings for a given crop that could offer an opportunity to tailor companion plantings to attract specific pollinators at different times of the year.

Factors Affecting Marketing of Vegetables among Small-Scale Farmers in West Bengal: An Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lapasam Raplang
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
West Bengal ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

This study was conducted to identify and analyse factors affecting marketing of vegetables among small-scale farmers in West Bengal. Data collected with structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and regression analysis. Data collected from 80 vegetable growers selected from Cooch Behar using structured interview schedule and analyzed through econometric techniques. Regression analysis showed that the factors like price, production, farm size, extension contact, competition, transportation, etc. determine the arrival of vegetable crops in the market. Correlation analysis among the variables from demand-side showed that population growth, per capita income and production level had positive correlations with market arrival (demand) of vegetable crops. The study recommended higher investment, favourable government policy, quality of produce, post-harvest facilities, etc. for improving overall marketing efficiency.

scholarly journals Feasibility study of gravity drip irrigation for small scale farmers

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-187
Author(s):  
Abhishek Mishra ◽  
Arpan Sherring
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Drip Irrigation ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Vegetable Crops ◽  
Distribution Uniformity ◽  
Small Scale Farmers ◽  
Set Up

Gravity fed drip irrigation techniques have been used in the small agricultural production as an advanced water saving irrigation method in recent times. However advantageous this method, there are still some difficulties in projecting the efficiency of such systems. Most especially, feasibility study of gravity drip irrigation for small scale farmers is very important in order to set up an efficient irrigation system. This study is focused to test the feasibility of the drip irrigation the experiment was run and Uniformity co-efficient and Distribution uniformity. In the study, the discharge of emitters at 1.0 m and 0.5 m emitter spacing and 1.0 m lateral spacing and for four irrigation durations (15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes) was measured. The results clearly indicates that the selected emitters of 4 LPH rated discharge and 2.0 kg/cm2 pressure when used under gravity drip irrigation and at about 0.5-0.8 kg/cm2 pressure, discharges between 1.8-2.5 LPH. 6. The gravity drip irrigation can meet the water requirement of vegetable crops with acceptable UC and DU and can be a better solution for small scale farmers of the region in order to save the scarce fresh water resources.

Researching Alternative Cash Crops for Small Scale Farmers in Southern Ohio

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 530a-530
Author(s):  
Brad Bergefurd ◽  
Gary Gao
Keyword(s):  
Applied Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Extension Agents ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Cash Crops ◽  
Grant Program ◽  
Culinary Herbs ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Speciality crops are great alternative cash crops for small scale farmers. Small scale farmers are constantly searching for viable economic crops to grow. We have been conducting applied research on the production and marketing of culinary herbs, oriental vegetables, colored peppers, and muskmelons to name a few. These crops show excellent potential for southern Ohio. Field demonstration, seminars, and surveys were used to gather and disseminate information on these speciality crops. More than 230 people attended our seminars on alternative cash crops. More than 150 people attended our field days. In addition, we had identified many chefs that are willing to purchase from local speciality crop growers. It will be a win-win situation for both chefs and growers. Growers will be able to maximize their profitability while chefs will receive fresh and unique produce. As a result of our research, we were able to show small scale growers what they can grow successfully and how they can market their crops for most profit. These applied research projects received a combined funding of $10000.00 from OSU Extension-Innovative Grant program. These projects are a great way to establish credibility among clients. We would also like to demonstrate how other extension agents can help their clients. A lecture utilizing slides and overhead transparencies will be the format of the seminar.

Welfare effects of small-scale farmers' participation in apple and mango value chains in Ethiopia

Agrekon ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Mengistie Mossie ◽  
Alemseged Gerezgiher ◽  
Zemen Ayalew ◽  
Zerihun Nigussie
Keyword(s):  
Welfare Effects ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

scholarly journals Simulating Agroforestry Adoption in Rural Indonesia: The Potential of Trees on Farms for Livelihoods and Environment

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 385
Author(s):  
Beatrice Nöldeke ◽  
Etti Winter ◽  
Yves Laumonier ◽  
Trifosa Simamora
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Scenario ◽  
Agroforestry System ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Change Scenario ◽  
Trees On Farms ◽  
Agroforestry Adoption ◽  
Mitigate Climate Change ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

In recent years, agroforestry has gained increasing attention as an option to simultaneously alleviate poverty, provide ecological benefits, and mitigate climate change. The present study simulates small-scale farmers’ agroforestry adoption decisions to investigate the consequences for livelihoods and the environment over time. To explore the interdependencies between agroforestry adoption, livelihoods, and the environment, an agent-based model adjusted to a case study area in rural Indonesia was implemented. Thereby, the model compares different scenarios, including a climate change scenario. The agroforestry system under investigation consists of an illipe (Shorea stenoptera) rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) mix, which are both locally valued tree species. The simulations reveal that farmers who adopt agroforestry diversify their livelihood portfolio while increasing income. Additionally, the model predicts environmental benefits: enhanced biodiversity and higher carbon sequestration in the landscape. The benefits of agroforestry for livelihoods and nature gain particular importance in the climate change scenario. The results therefore provide policy-makers and practitioners with insights into the dynamic economic and environmental advantages of promoting agroforestry.

Evaluating the capacity of small farmers to adopt aquaponics systems: empirical evidence from Brazil

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Alexandria Brewer ◽  
Jose F. Alfaro ◽  
Tadeu Fabricio Malheiros
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Product Placement ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Farmers ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Small Scale Farmers

Abstract Aquaponics technology has recently been offered as a good option for sustainable food systems among small-scale farmers, particularly those seeking an organic production or dealing with land quality constraints, such as urban farmers. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence for the capacity of small farmers to adopt the technology. The unique requirements of aquaponics may create technical, economic and even cultural constraints and opportunities. This paper uses empirical evidence gathered with small-scale farmers in São Carlos, State of São Paulo, Brazil, to present the capacity of adoption for the technology, including possible limiting factors and incentives for farmers. The study conducted interviews with owners of ‘agriculturas familiares’ (Portuguese for small family owned farms) within 30 km of São Carlos. The interviews revealed that there is widespread interest in the potential profitability of aquaponics systems, significant interest in environmentally friendly practices, familiarity with organic production and hydroponics and a large base of agricultural knowledge in the community that can drive adoption. However, lack of initial financing, limited human power and concerns about product placement were significant barriers to adoption. For settlement farmers (those working on land formerly abandoned) poor soil quality and water scarcity are key issues that could be alleviated by the technology. The city of Sao Carlos present program for purchasing specific types of products from these farms could be used as a model for increasing aquaponics adoption and relieving success concerns.

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