scholarly journals Effect of short-rotation trees on nutrient dynamics and rooting pattern in intercropped with aromatic grasses in terai of U.P.

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-23
Author(s):  
Faiz Mohsin ◽  
◽  
Afreen Mohsin ◽  
S.S. Dhaka ◽  
◽  
...  

An Experiment was conducted in District Pilibhit.U.P., to study the yields of aromatic grasses in pure fields as well as intercrops under Populus deltoids and Eucalyptus hybrid. Quantity of litterfall, its chemical composition, nutrient addition, changes in chemical constituents of soil and herb and oil yield of Cymbopogon spp. were studied under agroforestry systems involving Populus deltoids and Eucalyptus hybrid with intercrop of Aromatic grasses (C.winterianus, C.martinii, C.flexouses). Trees were intercropped with grasses have significantly more diameter and height in comparison to trees planted without intercrops. High herbage and oil yield was recorded in pure fields of grasses than their crops intercropped with trees. Maximum yield was produced by Palmarosa and minimum by Citronella in poplar plantation intercropped. In Eucalyptus hybrid intercropped grasses, maximum oil yield was produced by Lemon grass and minimum by Palmarosa. Higher quantity of litter was produced in Palmarosa and lower was produced in Citronella intercropped trees. The litter produced by the intercropped stands had higher NPK contents than pure stands. The concentration of nutrients in the litter decreased with increasing age of the stands. Similarly, the total addition of nutrients (NPK) through litter fall to the soil increased as the age of trees increased. In the field of trees intercropped with Palmarosa was maximum addition of nutrients, while in Citronella intercropped field it was seen minimum. In comparison to intercropped stands, available NPK content of soil was higher in pure stands of trees. Maximum amount of N and K was found in superficial layer of the soil, which decreased with increasing depth. Most of the phosphorus was accumulated in the soil at the depth of 15-30cm in all the stands. The concentration of roots was more near the base of the trees at juvenile age,but as the age increases the roots tended to proliferates uniformly.. The total root biomass decreased continuously with increasing soil depth at all the radial distances and under all the age groups. It is clear that there is no completion among the root system with roots of intercrops grown along with Poplar and Eucalyptus.

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laras Prasakti ◽  
Rochmadi Rochmadi ◽  
Arief Budiman

The increasing demand of energy in Indonesia has led to the urgency to conduct research and development in renewable energy. Biomass is one of the largest renewable energy sources in Indonesia. For biomass to energy conversion, hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) has been considered as one of the potential methods where biomass is processed using subcritical water to produce bio-oil, aqueous phase, gas, and solid product. In this research, the effect of biomass-water ratio on hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process of microalgae Botryococcus braunii has been investigated. The HTL was conducted using biomass/water ratio 1:10, 1:20 and 1:30 with various holding time for each ratio. The product was bio-crude oil with similar characteristics to crude oil. Experimental results showed that biomass-water ratio affected the distribution of bio-crude oil yields. For biomass-water ratio of 1:10 and 1:20, it was found that bio-crude oil yields reached a maximum at 20 minutes, while the highest bio-crude oil yield of 4% was obtained at biomass-water ratio of 1:10. On the other hand, with biomass-water ratio of 1:30, bio-crude oil yield was continuously increasing with holding time until it reached the maximum yield of 4% at 40 minutes of holding time. The aforementioned results indicated that the highest bio-crude oil yield was obtained using biomass-water ratio 1:10 and 20 minutes of HTL processing time. A B S T R A KPeruraian anaerobik merupakan salah satu bidang riset yang sangat menarik perhatian dalam era krisis energi. Biogas tidak hanya menyediakan energi alternatif, tetapi juga dapat mencegah pencemaran akibat limbah organik. Limbah lemak susu adalah substrat yang potensial untuk proses peruraian anaerobik karena memiliki potensi biogas teoritis yang tinggi akibat kandungan lemaknya yang tinggi. Namun, peruraian anaerobik dari limbah organik dengan kandungan lemak yang tinggi memiliki tantangan tersendiri. Hambatan utama dalam peruraian anaerobik dari limbah lemak susu adalah kecenderungan untuk membentuk lapisan padatan yang tidak larut dan mengapung di bagian atas fase cair. Fenomena ini menghambat akses bakteri hidrolisis terhadap substrat. Saponifikasi adalah salah satu cara untuk meningkatkan kelarutan lapisan padatan tersebut, sehingga meningkatkan ketersediaan substrat untuk bakteri. Saponifikasi akan mengubah kandungan lemak menjadi sabun yang memiliki gugus fungsi polar maupun non-polar. Gugus fungsi yang bersifat polar akan meningkatkan kelarutan substrat dalam air. Studi ini mengevaluasi pengaruh dari berbagai dosis larutan basa yang ditambahkan sebagai reaktan selama perlakuan awal saponifikasi terhadap peruraian anaerobik limbah lemak susu. Kinetika proses peruraian anaerobik dianalisis dengan menggunakan model matematika. Variasi dosis yang diamati pengaruhnya untuk perlakuan awal saponifikasi adalah 0,04 mol basa/g sCOD; 0,02 mol basa/g sCOD; dan nol (tanpa perlakuan awal saponifikasi). Dari penelitian ini, terbukti bahwa saponifikasi berhasil meningkatkan kelarutan limbah lemak susu dan juga ditunjukkan oleh nilai konstanta hidrolisis (kH) 0,00782/hari lebih tinggi dua puluh kali lipat dibandingkan dengan nilai kH 0,00032/hari pada reaktor tanpa saponifikasi. Akan tetapi, penelitian ini juga mengindikasikan bahwa bakteri asidogenik bawaan substrat terhambat kinerjanya oleh paparan pH yang tinggi selama perlakuan awal saponifikasi berlangsung sehingga hasil gas metan yang diperoleh lebih rendah daripada reaktor kontrol.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Taiwo Oluwafunmilola Abifarin ◽  
Gloria Aderonke Otunola ◽  
Anthony Jide Afolayan

This study was aimed at comparing the essential oils obtained from Heteromorpha arborescens leaves by Solvent-Free Microwave Extraction (SFME) and Hydrodistillation (HD) methods in terms of their chemical compositions, yield, CO2 emission, and energy consumption. The solvent-free microwave extraction method indicated a higher oil yield of 0.7 mL/200 g (0.35%) as compared to 0.59 mL/200 g (0.295%) obtained through hydrodistillation. GC-MS analysis of the oils revealed a total of 52 chemical components from both methods with the presence of 35 (96.52%) and 30 (71.15%) chemical constituents for HD and SFME, respectively. The major constituents observed in the essential oil extracted by SFME methods include α-pinene (6%), D-limonene (11.27%), β-ocimene (9.09%), β-phellandrene (6.33%), β-mycene (8.49%), caryophyllene (5.96%), and camphene (4.28%). However, in the hydrodistillation method, the oil was majorly composed of a-pinene (4.41%), β-pinene (10.68%), β-ocimene (6.30%), germacrene-D (5.09%), humulene (5.55%), and α-elemene (6.18%). The SFME method was better in terms of saving energy (0.25 kWh against 4.2 kWh of energy consumed), reduced CO2 emission (200 g against 3360 g of CO2), a higher yield, and better quality of essential oil due to the presence of higher valuable oxygenated compounds (8.52%) against that of the hydrodistillation method (2.96%). The SFME method is, therefore, a good alternative for extracting the oils of H. arborescens leaves since the essential oil yield is higher with more oxygenated compounds, considerable energy savings, lower cost, and reduced environmental burden at substantially reduced extraction time (30 min as opposed to 180 min).


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
Krishna Prasad Bhattarai ◽  
Tej Narayan Mandal ◽  
Tilak Prasad Gautam

The present study was conducted to understand the effect of altitude on the nutrient concentration, nutrient stock, and uptake in the fine root of the Terai Sal forest (TSF) and Hill Sal forest (HSF) in eastern Nepal. Annual mean fine root biomass in 0-30 cm soil depth was found higher in HSF (6.27 Mg ha-1) than TSF (5.05 Mg ha-1). Conversely, fine root production was higher in TSF (4.8 Mg ha-1 y-1) than HSF (4.12 Mg ha-1 y-1). Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in fine roots were slightly higher in TSF than HSF. Nutrient concentration in fine roots of smaller size (<2 mm diameter) was nearly 1.2 times greater than that of larger size (2–5 mm diameter) in both forests. In HSF total stock of different nutrients (kg ha-1) in fine root was 55.62 N, 4.99 P, and 20.15 K whereas, these values were 49.49 N, 4.14 P, and 19.27 K only in TSF. However, total nutrient uptake (kg ha-1y-1) by fine root (both size classes) was greater in TSF (48.5 N, 4.3 P, and 18.6 K) than HSF (36.9 N, 3.3 P, and 13.5 K). The variability in fine root nutrient dynamics between these two forests was explained by the differences in fine root biomass and production which were influenced by the combined effect of varied altitude and season. The fine root, as being a greater source of organic matter, the information on its nutrient dynamics is inevitable for the management of soil nutrients in the forest ecosystem.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Dupraz ◽  
Kevin Wolz ◽  
Isabelle Lecomte ◽  
Grégoire Talbot ◽  
Grégoire Vincent ◽  
...  

Agroforestry, the intentional integration of trees with crops and/or livestock, can lead to multiple economic and ecological benefits compared to trees and crops/livestock grown separately. Field experimentation has been the primary approach to understanding the tree–crop interactions inherent in agroforestry. However, the number of field experiments has been limited by slow tree maturation and difficulty in obtaining consistent funding. Models have the potential to overcome these hurdles and rapidly advance understanding of agroforestry systems. Hi-sAFe is a mechanistic, biophysical model designed to explore the interactions within agroforestry systems that mix trees with crops. The model couples the pre-existing STICS crop model to a new tree model that includes several plasticity mechanisms responsive to tree–tree and tree–crop competition for light, water, and nitrogen. Monoculture crop and tree systems can also be simulated, enabling calculation of the land equivalent ratio. The model’s 3D and spatially explicit form is key for accurately representing many competition and facilitation processes. Hi-sAFe is a novel tool for exploring agroforestry designs (e.g., tree spacing, crop type, tree row orientation), management strategies (e.g., thinning, branch pruning, root pruning, fertilization, irrigation), and responses to environmental variation (e.g., latitude, climate change, soil depth, soil structure and fertility, fluctuating water table). By improving our understanding of the complex interactions within agroforestry systems, Hi-sAFe can ultimately facilitate adoption of agroforestry as a sustainable land-use practice.


2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Santosh Singh

Field experiments were carried out at Lucknow, India to evaluate the optimum plant row arrangement of geranium and to study the effects of different rates of fertilizer N, P and Zn for the yield assessment in a geranium-garlic intercropping system. A paired row arrangement (40/80 cm) of geranium planting significantly increased the herb and essential oil yield over the conventional single row planting method (60x30cm). The former gave 20.6 % more herbage than the geranium single row intercrop system, with a 22.3 % increase in oil yield. Application of N at 160 kg ha<sup>−1</sup> significantly increased the herb and oil yields of geranium and bulb yield of garlic over the control and 80 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup>. Uptake of N by geranium was also significantly higher at 160 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup>. Application of phosphorus at 40 kg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> ha<sup>−1</sup> proved significantly better than the no P control in the production of geranium oil and garlic bulbs. Uptake of Zn increased significantly up to 40 kg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> ha<sup>−1</sup>. Higher rates of P decreased the Zn uptake by the plants. Application of 30kg ZnSO<sub>4</sub>ha<sup>−1</sup> showed a significant response on the herb and oil yields over the no zinc control. The higher growth indices such as monetary equivalent ratio (1.45), area time equivalent ratio (1.44), land use efficiency (144 %) and benefit cost ratio (6.37) were recorded with a geranium paired intercrop system compared to other cropping systems. The geranium paired intercrop system proved advantageous in enhancing the economic returns by 1.73 – a two fold increase over the geranium single row, sole cropping system. It is concluded from this study that intercropping of garlic with a geranium paired row system proved highly beneficial in terms of getting higher economic returns by almost a factor of two over the conventional geranium single row planting method. A fertilizer addition of 160 kg N, 40 kg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> and 30 kg Zn SO<sub>4</sub> ha<sup>−1</sup> is recommended for achieving the maximum yield advantages in a geranium-garlic intercropping system.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 1119
Author(s):  
Rafael Felippe Ratke ◽  
Alcinei Ribeiro Campos ◽  
Alberto Vasconcellos Inda ◽  
Ronny Sobreira Barbosa ◽  
Yuri Jacques Agra Bezerra da Silva ◽  
...  

The sustainable use of soil requires a broad knowledge of its genesis, morphology, properties, and distribution in the landscape. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize the pedogenetic attributes of representative soils from the cerrado-caatinga transition of the Gurguéia river basin to indicate their agricultural potential and limitations for the implementation of agroforestry systems. National and international soil classification systems were used to define the soil classes. The limiting factors and agricultural potential were characterized following the evaluation system of the agricultural potential of Brazilian land. In general, profiles 1, 3, 5, and 6 had a low nutrient budget and a sandy to loam texture. Profiles 2, 4, and 7 showed high clay content and nutrient budget. The soil profiles were classified as Ustic Quartzipsamments, Udic Haplusterts, Xanthic Haplustox, Arenic Kanhaplustults, Typic Haplustox, and Aridic Dystrustept based on their pedogenetic characteristics. Udic Haplusterts and Arenic Kanhaplustults soils display restrictions regarding the planting of forests owing to oxygen and soil depth limitations. The other soil classes had adequate physical properties for the implementation of agricultural systems and pastures, including good drainage and medium texture; however, they had low natural fertility, and thus require technologies for soil acidity correction and fertilization. Ustic Quartzipsamments and Ustic soils require the implementation of conservation systems, such as agroforestry, to avoid degradation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-68
Author(s):  
Felix K. ABAGALE ◽  
Gbaal C. LETEY ◽  
Agyeman R. OSEI

This study analyzed the effect of different water sources of irrigation on the chemical constituents of soils in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana. Soil samples were taken from depths of 0 – 30 cm and 30 – 60 cm in wastewater, pipe water and non-irrigated (control) sites. Variations in levels of concentration of the various chemical properties, however, occurred among the three different soils. With the exception of % N and Mg, there was no significant difference among all the three soils for all the parameters. The results indicated that N level increased in wastewater irrigated soils as compared to pipe water and non-irrigated soils. P increased with wastewater irrigation but decreased with soil depth. K concentration in wastewater irrigated soils increased in the depth of 0 – 30 cm but decreased in the depth of 30 – 60 cm. Wastewater and pipe water irrigation decreased soil Na and Cl levels compared to the control (non-irrigated soils). Wastewater irrigation increased the level of EC and CEC whilst Cu, Zn and Cd levels increased with soil depth. Cu, Zn and Cd levels of the wastewater, pipe water and non-irrigated soils were higher than the FAO (1985) recommended levels for both depths. It can be concluded that irrigation with wastewater increased soil primary macro nutrients (NPK) whilst micro nutrients such as sodium and chloride decreased with wastewater and pipe water irrigation.


Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diogo Vilar da Fonsêca ◽  
Carlos da Silva Maia Bezerra Filho ◽  
Tamires Cardoso Lima ◽  
Reinaldo Nóbrega de Almeida ◽  
Damião Pergentino de Sousa

Epilepsy is a most disabling neurological disorder affecting all age groups. Among the various mechanisms that may result in epilepsy, neuronal hyperexcitability and oxidative injury produced by an excessive formation of free radicals may play a role in the development of this pathology. Therefore, new treatment approaches are needed to address resistant conditions that do not respond fully to current antiepileptic drugs. This paper reviews studies on the anticonvulsant activities of essential oils and their chemical constituents. Data from studies published from January 2011 to December 2018 was selected from the PubMed database for examination. The bioactivity of 19 essential oils and 16 constituents is described. Apiaceae and Lamiaceae were the most promising botanical families due to the largest number of reports about plant species from these families that produce anticonvulsant essential oils. Among the evaluated compounds, β-caryophyllene, borneol, eugenol and nerolidol were the constituents that presented antioxidant properties related to anticonvulsant action. These data show the potential of these natural products as health promoting agents and use against various types of seizure disorders. Their properties on oxidative stress may contribute to the control of this neurological condition. However, further studies on the toxicological profile and mechanism of action of essential oils are needed.


Author(s):  
Sabi Gogoi ◽  
Gaurav Mishra ◽  
A. K. Deka

The study was conducted in above 50 year old tea plantation in Naharoni, Golaghat district of Assam with the objective to know soil physicochemical properties under long term tea monocropping. A total of 48 soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere zone of tea bush in four seasons namely pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter from three depths i.e.0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm. Soil profile study was also done in non-rhizosphere zone. Soil pH ranged from 4.1 to 4.8 in rhizosphere soils and 4.5 to 5.1 in soil profile. Soils are strongly acidic in reaction. Studied soils were rich in soil organic carbon. In 0-20 cm soil depth of rhizosphere soils organic carbon ranged from 1.32 per cent in monsoon season to 1.82 per cent being highest in winter season. And in subsurface soils it ranged from 0.79-1.25 per cent in 20-40 cm to 0.66-0.78 per cent in 40-60 cm soil depth. In soil profile study it varied between 1.71-0.20 per cent. Irrespective of any season significantly higher concentration of nutrient elements such as N, P and K were recorded in top layer (0-20 cm) of soil. Nutrient elements showed significant seasonal variations. Moderate quantity of available nitrogen was found in all the three depths in rhizosphere soils. Low to medium amount of available nitrogen was recorded in the soil profile of non-rhizosphere soils. Available Phosphorous was recorded high and it ranged between 64.22-71.35 kg ha-1 P2O5 in 0-20 cm soil depth and decreased significantly in the subsurface soils. Medium range of available potassium 185.56-232.68 kg ha-1 K2O was recorded in top soils and it was very low in 20-40 and 40-60 cm soil depth. Cations like exchangeable Ca and Mg were also found in low amount and did not show significant seasonal variation. From the results it can be concluded that the soils are poor to moderate in concentration and availability of major soil nutrients and also there is imbalance in their availability with soil depths and seasons.


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