scholarly journals The effect of invasive species Lantana Camara L. on soil nutrients at Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-32
Author(s):  
M N Wekhanya ◽  
P. K. Mbugua ◽  
J. K. Mworia

The aim of this study was to establish whether the invasive plant Lantana camara L. alters the soil chemical properties at Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park. The key objective was to evaluate the soil nutrient composition in areas invaded by L. camara and how these differ from areas without L. camara. Five study sites were selected by purposeful sampling, out of the existing 10 blocks. Soil samples were collected randomly from L. camara invaded areas and similarly from adjacent areas free from L. camara. The soil samples were subjected to determination of the following nutrients and parameters: pH, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) magnesium (Mg), total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), total organic carbon (TOC), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and sodium (Na). The data obtained was analysed using Two-way ANOVA test to determine difference in nutrients composition in L. camara invaded and non-invaded areas. Three-way ANOVA test was used to gauge the interactions between wet and dry season, invaded and non-invaded areas and study sites. A post-ANOVA test, Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference was done to separate the means. The results from the study indicated L. camara invaded areas had a significant difference in pH, P, N, Mn, Fe and total organic C compared to the patches that had native plants and not invaded by L. camara. High pH also makes P to be more available to plants that is why P was high in the L. camara invaded areas. This study revealed that L. camara remarkably changes the concentration and balance of soil nutrients resulting to a change in chemistry of soil nutrients. This is in a bid to suit its survival to the detriment of the native plant species. This study is hence vital for designing an effective eradication and preventive strategy of L. camara in Ol-Donyo Sabuk National Park and other protected ecological habitats in Kenya.

Author(s):  
A Alemayhu ◽  
G Yakob

Different studies have shown that the effect of eucalyptus trees on soil physicochemical properties is variable, which indicates that more investigations that focus on different specific geographical locations and eucalyptus tree species are required. The objectives of this study was to evaluate the status of soil nutrients under four eucalyptus tree species planted in hedgerow system in comparison with that in its adjacent open land. To achieve these objectives, soil samples were taken from a soil depth of 0-20 cm from 15-20 spots by using auger and composited for respective treatments. Each soil samples analyzed at Teppi soil laboratory following standard procedures. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and treatments separation were made by using Least Significance Difference (LSD) at 95% probability level. The analysis result indicated that there were no significance differences between Eucalyptus tree species and its adjacent open land in the level of soil nutrients (total N, available P, pH, OM, soil moisture and OC) (p<0.05). The only significant difference recorded between Eucalyptus tree species and its adjacent open land in the level of sand percentage whereas non-significant difference was noticed between the treatments on the level of silt and clay percentage in the study. Finally, the results indicate that the eucalyptus tree species established in hedgerow system on clay soil in high rainfall area have no significant impact on soil physicochemical properties under short rotation period of the tree species. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 10(2): 7-14, December 2020


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-26
Author(s):  
Farzaneh Mirzaei ◽  
Mohammad Zibaei ◽  
Mohammad Ali Mohaghegh ◽  
Vahid Raissi

Background: Cryptosporidium species are coccidian parasites that cause gastrointestinal disorders in humans and other animals worldwide. Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the rate of contamination with Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in soils collected from public parks, primary schools, green areas, kindergartens, suburban areas, streets, residential complexes, backyards and a passenger terminal in Yazd, central Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2014 to February 2015, and the samples were collected from 9 different study sites and 56 regions. Soil samples were investigated by flotation technique and modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Finally, the slides were examined with a light microscope. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0 and chi-square statistical test. Results: Of a total of 220 soil samples, 47 (21.36%) were found to contain Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the contamination rate and different study sites in Yazd, central Iran (P>0.05). The highest contamination rate was observed in public parks (38.3%) and the lowest in passenger terminal, kindergartens and streets (4.25%) (P=0.934). Conclusion: The results of the present study show that the contamination of soil with Cryptosporidium spp. can be considered a serious problem in Yazd, central Iran. It should be considered particularly in public parks.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 331-343
Author(s):  
Arafat Rahman ◽  
MJ Uddin ◽  
Md Raisuddin Sikder ◽  
Humyra B Murshed ◽  
JA Faysal ◽  
...  

A study was carried out in the Lalmai hill ecosystem of Bangladesh regarding their soil properties and soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. The Lalmai hill ecosystem consists of three toposequence arrangements as hills, piedmonts, and floodplains. Forty-five soil samples covering nine soil profiles were selected to conduct the present study. Soil samples were collected at five different depths of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, 40-60 cm, 60-80 cm and 80-100 cm intervals from each pit of the study sites. Soil pH, percent SOC, percent total nitrogen (TN), bulk density, cation exchange capacity (CEC), particle size distribution, and SOC storage (kg/m2) dataset indicates that piedmont deposits and floodplain soils are more enriched than the upper hill soils. Regarding SOC storage, the post hoc test indicates that hill soils are significantly different from the other two physiographic units, but there is no significant difference between piedmont deposits and floodplain soils. The soil property varies differently depending on their depth level at different physiographic units. Estimation on SOC stock revealed that 2.01Tg, 21.75Tg, 12.68Tg carbon remains in the hill soils, piedmont soils, and estuarine floodplain soils, respectively. The total SOC stock was estimated at 36.44 Tg in the Lalmai hill ecosystem of Bangladesh, where piedmont deposits contained the highest level of SOC stock. It is assumed that more clay-organic substances are washed in at the foot of piedmont units due to the well-drained nature of upper Pleistocene hill soils. Thus, fine soil textural nature, diverse land and land cover accelerates to sequester more carbon in piedmont zone rather than hill or floodplain zones. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(2): 331-343, 2021 (July)


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-205
Author(s):  
Suneeta Bhatta ◽  
Laxmi Raj Joshi ◽  
Bharat Babu Shrestha

SummaryInvasive alien plant species (IAPS) are spreading into protected areas worldwide; however, knowledge of these invasions and their impacts in Nepal’s protected areas is poor. Here, the spatial distribution pattern of IAPS in Bardia National Park (BNP), Nepal, was analysed using roadside surveys and grid sampling. The impacts of the most abundant IAPS, Lantana camara, on plant communities were analysed by comparing 60 pairs of non-invaded and invaded quadrats. Twelve IAPS, including two of the most prolific species globally, L. camara and Chromolaena odorata, were recorded from BNP. The Karnali floodplain in the south-western region of the park, a prime habitat of one-horned rhinoceros, was highly invaded by the IAPS. Tree canopy and distance to road, river and settlement were the major factors affecting IAPS occurrence. Lantana camara modified plant community structure and significantly reduced plant species richness and diversity; species richness of native plants was reduced to less than half in invaded plots. Plant invasions and impacts on native plant diversity have been increasing in BNP. We recommend management interventions involving immediate eradication of C. odorata and other species with single satellite populations and control measures for other widespread species such as L. camara and Ageratum houstonianum.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 164-170
Author(s):  
Sahala Bonardo Siahaan ◽  
Pujiono Wahyu Purnomo ◽  
Bambang Sulardiono

Taman Nasional Karimunjawa (TNKJ) merupakan tempat konservasi bagi lingkungan dan biota. Kualitas terumbu karang di Karimunjawa mempunyai keanekaragaman yang tinggi. Ada berbagai teknik yang dapat digunakan untuk merehabilitasi terumbu karang, salah satunya adalah Biorock.Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui kelangsungan hidup dan pertumbuhan karang yang ditransplantasi pada biorock dan mengetahui keanekaragaman ikan yang berada di sekitar biorock. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode eksperimen lapangan di mana terdapat 2 stasiun penelitian. Biorock digunakan sebagai tempat untuk dijadikannya proses transplantasi karang jenis Acropora sp. Pengukuran pertumbuhan karang dilakukan di dalam air dengan periode selama 2 bulan dengan tenggang waktu 1 bulan menggunakan jangka sorong. Untuk mengevaluasi perbedaan  perbedaan pertumbuhan dan kelangsunggan hidup setiap spesies yang ditransplantasi mempergunakan uji t independen. Spesies terumbu karang yang memiliki persentase kelangsungan hidup paling tinggi adalah Acrophora nasuta. Berdasarkan uji t tentangperbedaan kelulushidupan karang stasiun 1 dan 2 menunjukkan bahwa tidak adanya perbedaan yang signifikan (α>0,05). Jenis ikan yang ditemukan pada lokasi penelitian adalah Zanclus sp, Selaroides sp, dan Sigauns sp. Ditemukan pula spesies bulu babi yaitu Diadema sp. Parameter Fisika-Kimia kedalaman, kecerahan, temperatur, pH, dan salinitas pada 2 stasiun sudah memenuhi syarat untuk pertumbuhan karang.  Karimunjawa National Park  is a conservation area for the environment and biota.There are various techniques that can be used to rehabilitate coral reefs, one of which is Biorock. The purpose of this research is to know the survival and growth of transplanted corals in biorock and to know the diversity of fish that are around the biorock. The method used in this research is the field experimental method. The location of this research consists of 2 research stations. Biorock is used as a place to make its transplant coral process type Acropora sp. Measurement of coral growth measured in water for a period of 2 months with a period of 1 month using a vernier caliper. To evaluate differences in growth and survival of each transplanted species using independent t test. The coral reef species that have the highest survival rate is Acrophora nasuta. Based on the result of t test about difference of coral reef life at station 1 and 2 shows that there is no significant difference between them (α> 0,05). Fish species found at the study sites were Zanclus sp, Selaroides sp, and Siganus sp. Also found species of sea urchin is Diadema sp. Physical-Chemical parameters of depth, brightness, temperature, pH, and salinity at 2 stations have included requirements for coral growth.


2003 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 3600-3606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna C. Renshaw ◽  
Verity Halliday ◽  
Geoffrey D. Robson ◽  
Anthony P. J. Trinci ◽  
Marilyn G. Wiebe ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT An assay to detect UO2 2+ complexation was developed based on the chrome azurol S (CAS) assay for siderophores (B. Schwyn and J. B. Neilands, Anal. Biochem. 160:47-56, 1987) and was used to investigate the ability of fungal metabolites to complex actinides. In this assay the discoloration of two dyed agars (one containing a CAS-Fe3+ dye and the other containing a CAS-UO2 2+ dye) caused by ligands was quantified. The assay was tested by using the siderophore desferrioxamine B (DFO), and the results showed that there was a regular, reproducible relationship between discoloration and the amount of siderophore added. The ratio of the discoloration on the CAS-UO2 2+ agar to the discoloration on the CAS-Fe3+ agar was independent of the amount of siderophore added. A total of 113 fungi and yeasts were isolated from three soil samples taken from the Peak District National Park. The fungi were screened for the production of UO2 2+ chelators by using the CAS-based assay and were also tested specifically for hydroxamate siderophore production by using the hydroxamate siderophore auxotroph Aureobacterium flavescens JG-9. This organism is highly sensitive to the presence of hydroxamate siderophores. However, the CAS-based assay was found to be less sensitive than the A. flavescens JG-9 assay. No significant difference between the results for each site for the two tests was found. Three isolates were selected for further study and were identified as two Pencillium species and a Mucor species. Our results show that the new assay can be effectively used to screen fungi for the production of UO2 2+ chelating ligands. We suggest that hydroxamate siderophores can be produced by mucoraceous fungi.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Indah Purwaningsih ◽  
Supriyanto Supriyanto

Abstract: Chlorine is a green halogen-shaped halogen gas at normal temperature and serves as bleach, stain remover and disinfectant. Chlorine is now widely used for bleaching rice so that less quality rice looks like quality rice. Chlorine is very toxic and causes mucous membrane irritation, highly reactive and very powerful oxidizer. The purpose of this research was to determine the difference of chlorine level in chlorinated rice washed once, twice and 3 times. The sample in this study amounted to 11 samples calculated by replication formula. Each sample was treated 3 times, ie 1 washed once, 2 washed twice and washed 3 times. The samples then examined by iodometric titration method. Based on the results of the study using ANOVA test, 11 samples obtained the average value of chlorine after washed once amount of 0.0176%, after washed twice amount of 0.0111%, and after washed 3 times amount of 0.0052% with the value significance p = 0.03 (p <0.05) at 95% confidence level which means there was a significant difference between chlorine levels in chlorinated rice washed once, twice and 3 times.Abstrak: Klorin merupakan unsur halogen berbentuk gas berwarna kuning kehijauan pada suhu normal danberfungsi sebagai pemutih, penghilang noda maupun desinfektan. Klorin sekarang banyak digunakan untuk bahan pemutih beras agar beras yang kurang berkualitas tampak seperti beras berkualitas. Klorin sangat toksik dan menyebabkan iritasi membran mukosa, sangat reaktif dan merupakan oksidator yang sangat kuat. Tujuan dari penelitian ini ialah untuk mengetahui perbedaan kadar klorin pada beras berklorin yang dicuci sebanyak 1 kali, 2 kali dan 3 kali. Sampel dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 11 sampel yang dihitung dengan rumus replikasi. Setiap sampel diberi perlakuan sebanyak 3 kali, yaitu 1 kali pencucian, 2 kali pencucian dan 3 kali pencucian. Sampel penelitian kemudian diperiksa dengan metode titrasi iodometri. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menggunakan uji Anova secara komputerisasi terhadap 11 sampel diperoleh nilai rata-rata kadar klorin setelah 1 kali pencucian sebesar 0,0176 %, setelah 2 kali pencucian sebesar 0,0111 %, dan setelah 3 kali pencucian sebesar 0,0052 % dengan nilai signifkansi p = 0,03 (p<0,05) pada tingkat kepercayaan 95% yang artinya ada perbedaan yang bermakna antara kadar klorin pada beras berklorin yang dicuci sebanyak 1 kali, 2 kali dan 3 kali.


AGRICA ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-68
Author(s):  
Sri Wahyuni ◽  
Murdaningsih Murdaningsih

The goal of this research was to identify the dryland cereal crop seed plasma types growing around Kelimutu National Park, located in Ende district on the island of Flores in Indonesia, by observing crop morphology and cultivation techniques.  Cereal crops represent the largest source of carbohydrates in the regional diet in comparison to other food groups in this area where dry land makes up 80% of the total available land.  It is estimated that the Ende district of Flores has adequate potential to produce dryland cereal as a staple food crop.  Previous studies have shown that farmer preference is shifting towards the cultivation of crops with a higher economic value which threatens the existence of some cereal crops.  Concurrently, shifts in eating habits have made rice a staple food in this region, leading to increased consumption and threatening the existence of other cereal crops.  Furthermore, outsiders tend to think of areas like Flores as being impoverished, with frequent problems with food security. Currently, there is a lack of knowledge within the youth population about the types of foods, especially cereals, which are rich in nutrients and their use in rituals.  This research aims to address this gap by collecting information on cereal crops in and around Kelimutu National Park for dissemination through educational and cultural tours. This study was conducted in the eastern subdistrict of Ndona, Flores and Wolojita Detusoko between June and December 2011.  Study findings identified 5 main cereal crops: paddy fields (consisting of: Are Rumba, Are Sela, Are Obo, Are Laka, Amera, Eko Ndale, Kea Ria, Are Mera, Are Kea Mboa, Eko Ena), corn (consisting of Java Roga, Nggela Java, Java, Keo Ri’a), sorghum (consisting of mera Lolo, Lolo Mite and Lolo Telo Leko), barley (consisting of Mera and Wete Wete Bara) and millet (consisting of Ke’o Mite and Ke’o).  Of the five types of cereal crops identified, one type (Pega, a subspecies of barley with a sorghum-like panicle) is not found in four of the districts.  It was found that corn, classified as a native plant, is strengthened through cultivation by re-seeding.  Study results illustrated that corn in this area is of reduced genetic quality, as illustrated by the fact that 3-4 cobs did not develop.  Alternatively, the Ke’o Bara strain of barley has a morphology and panicle strand number (270-300) that suggest that this species is typical of this region.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 8006
Author(s):  
Till Schmäing ◽  
Norbert Grotjohann

The Wadden Sea ecosystem is unique in many respects from a biological perspective. This is one reason why it is protected by national parks in Germany and by its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In biology didactics, there are only a few studies that focus on the Wadden Sea. This work investigates students’ word associations with the two stimulus words “national park” and “UNESCO World Heritage Site”. The survey was conducted among students living directly at the Wadden Sea and among students from the inland. The analysis of the identified associations (n = 8345) was carried out within the framework of a quantitative content analysis to be able to present and discuss the results on a group level. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. Overall, results showed that the students made subject-related associations as well as a large number of associations to both stimulus words that could be judged as non-subject-related. In some cases, a connection with the region of residence could be found, but this was not generally the case. Even students’ immediate residential proximity to the Wadden Sea is no guarantee that they have knowledge of the two considered protection terms.


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