Nationwide Assessment of Population Structure, Stability and Plant Morphology of Two Mimusops Species along a Social-Ecological Gradient in Benin, West Africa

Understanding tree species autecology and population structure supports effective conservation actions. Of particular importance are multipurpose trees that provide non-timber forest products (NTFPs). We assessed the population structures and morphologies of two species of NTFP trees in the genus Mimusops across bioclimatic zones in Benin by sampling 288 plots within 11 forests. Structural characteristics were compared between species, forests and zones. Correlations were also observed between Mimusops tree regeneration density, tree features and ecological characteristics. The density of trees ≥5 cm and of regeneration and mean tree height were higher for M. andongensis (within more protected forest) than M. kummel (in forests with access to people), while the highest mean diameter was observed for M. kummel. Tree and regeneration densities and mean height were greatest in the humid zone of Benin, whilst the largest mean diameter was obtained in the sub-humid zone. The results showed significant correlations between regeneration density and soil properties for M. andongensis but not for M. kummel. The correlations between tree morphology and soil characteristics were weak for both species. Ecological characteristics, along with the species’ functional traits and pressures, are important factors related to the observed differences between the species. All diameter classes were represented, and the population seemed more stable in the more protected forest relative to other forests. Mimusops trees with a diameter of 5–15 cm represented more than 30% of this species in most forests; this suggests, for M. kummel, whose trees flower when quite small (≥6 cm dbh), that there are sufficient reproductive trees. Thus, as a long-lived species, its populations could be maintained even with low/episodic recruitment. However, we found no regeneration in many forests and climate change could threaten populations. Therefore, it is important to investigate regeneration growth and dynamics, seed production and germination of the species in relation to the biophysical conditions and disturbances experienced by Mimusops stands.

Galápagos Derailed

The same species of Galápagos rail, a 6-inch insectivorous ground bird, has been reported on all eight islands with a highland humid zone. Evidence suggests that the rail colonized Galápagos at roughly the same time as giant tortoises, which evolved into 15 species with life spans of 150 years. So why is there just one species of rail? The question is especially germane given reports of the rail’s “reduced flight ability” (as is true of many island-dwelling rails), which would effectively isolate different island populations. And why has the species survived when so many similar rails have succumbed to human influence on other Pacific islands? The human history of Galápagos helps to answer these questions. Two things have saved the Galápagos rail from extinction: (1) It remains capable of flying between islands, which explains why it failed to differentiate like tortoises. (2) There have been massive efforts to eradicate or control invasive species, restoring habitat for rails to repopulate.

Modern aspects of scientific support for the restoration of drainage systems in the humid zone of Ukraine

Modern aspects of scientific support for the restoration (reconstruction and modernization) of drainage systems in the humid zone of Ukraine were determined, which were established based on the results of the analysis of the current state and features of drainage systems functioning. One of the priority areas is the development of a scientific justification of improving water supply for drainage systems. The most effective and economical technological method of increasing the water supply in reclaimed areas is the accumulation of local drainage runoff. Given the shortage of local drainage and surface runoff, increasing the water supply in reclaimed areas is provided by withdrawing and supplying to reclamation systems extra water volumes from existing reservoirs, rivers, ponds, lakes, located both within and beyond the systems. The current structure of agricultural use of drained lands in the humid zone is subject to both climate change and export market conditions. In agricultural production such crops as grain corn, sunflower, rapeseed, soybeans are cultivated. Changes in the use of drained land should be taken into account when justifying the reconstruction or modernization of drainage systems. This will enable to develop and implement a set of measures for technical re-equipment and reconstruction of drainage systems, introduce advanced resource-saving technology for growing economically attractive crops and ensure effective water regulation on drained land sin accordance with the requirements of agricultural production. The technical state of modern drainage systems in the humid zone is mainly characterized by two conditions: satisfactory, when the systems are under operation (operational) and can perform their functions keeping the design mode, and unsatisfactory, when the restoration of drainage systems is only possible provided modernization measures. Given climate change, the priority measures for the modernization of drainage systems should include work to expand their functionality to regulate soil water regime throughout the growing season. In view of the cost of modernization to expand the functionality of different types of systems (drainage, drainage and irrigation, polder and water circulation) by constructing irrigation systems on them is much lower compared to modernize them to drainage and irrigation ones when using sluice technology, preference should be given namely to the construction of irrigation systems.

Characterization of NEOSOLS through a pluviometric gradient in brazilian Semiarid / NEOSSOLOS Regolíticos em um gradiente pluviométrico no Semiárido brasileiro

There is still little information about Neossolos Regoliticos ( Neosols) , therefore, generating information about fertility, genesis and mineralogy is important to define the proper use and management. The work aimed to characterize morphologically, physically, chemically and mineralogically three Neossolos Regoliticos (Neosols) along a pluviometric gradient (400 mm; 400 and 600; 600 mm). For this purpose, trenches were opened, where the description and collection of soil samples proceeded. It was not possible to notice rainfall interference in the differentiation of horizons and depth of soils. However, increased clay contents from very dry soil to the sub-humid zone, showing the influence to rainfall that is also reflected in the natural fertility of Neossolos Regoliticos (Neosols)

Live weight changes during lactation and its relationship with milk off-take and yield in West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats intensively managed within the humid zone of Nigeria

This study focused on changes in doe live weight during lactation in West African dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats intensively managed within the humid zone of South-western Nigeria. The data analysed was based on 202 weekly records. from 17 lactations of 8 WAD and 9 RS goats from year 2000-2002. Mean live weight for RS does (21.16+0.34 kg) was higher (P<0.001) than the estimate (18.15+0.34 kg) for WAD does. Live weight decreased (P>0.05) from parturition up to fourth week and increased (P> 0.05) thereafter till the 12th week of lactation. There was no significant interaction between breed and week of lactation. Cumulative mean weight changes of 0.16+4119 kg for WAD and 0.38+0.22 kg for RS were not significantly different, Does had higher (P<0.001) body weights during the late- wet and early-dry seasons than during late-thy and early-wet seasons.. Live weight increased .significantly (P<0.001) with parity of doe, the trend being maintained with regards to cumulative weight change. Does that suckled male kids were less superior in body weights. This was reflected by a negative cumulative weight change. Live weight was positively con-elated with milk yield (rp = 0.24; P<0.05,4 estimated at 270.61+13.48 ml and 281.98+ 13. 17 ml respectively for RS and WAD goats (P>0.05). Corresponding values for milk off-take were (.14.09+3.64 and 16,45+3.56 ml; P>0.05), Milk off-take was lowly correlated with live weight (rp= 0_06; P>0.05) while its relationship with milk yield was positive and significant (rp= 0.40: P<0.001).

THE PREVALENCE OF TRYPANOSOME INFECTIONS AMONG TRADE CATTLE IN SUBHUMID AND HUMID ZONES OF NIGERIA

The prevalence of trypanosome infections among trade cattle in the sub-humid and humid zones of Nigeria was investigated during a twelve-month period. The infections were prevalent throughout the year and a mean infection rate 11.04% was recorded in both zones, among 1,775 selected cattle. In the more northern area of sub-humid zone (Kaduna), mean prevalence was 12.16% in 989 cattle and monthly figures ranged from 2.10% to 19.62%. Trypanosome vivax and 7 congolense contributed almost equally to the infections being responsible for 36.6% and 35%, respectively of all positive cases. The importance of T. vivax, however, increase in Gboko (in the humid zone) where it was responsible for 50% of the parasitaemia encountered. Monthly prevalence in Gboko averaged 9.46% and ranged between 4.17% and 16.88%. Peak infections were common at the beginning of the dry season. The difference in PCV between infected and non-infected cattle was significant (P<0.05) only in Kaduna where higher prevalence was also associated with increase differences in mean monthly PCV. T. brucei subspecies isolated from Gboko did not exhibit potentials for human infectivity: there were all T. brucei brucei, an animal pathogen.

Drainage and watering systems on even lands with the use of frontal and frontal-circular sprinklers

Purpose: research and development of design solutions for drainage and watering systems using linear and frontal-circular movement sprinkling machines for the effective use of system water resources when draining and moistening reclaimed lands in non-sloping (low-slope) areas and with a slight slope. Materials and methods. During the research, the well-known design solutions of drainage and watering, irrigation and water circulation systems of various scientists were analyzed. In the course of analysis of constructive solutions and methods of movement, analytical, comparative and logical methods were used. When developing (improving) design solutions, the design method was used. Results. During the research, it was found that in the humid zone, due to the decrease in irrigation norms, there is a possibility of increasing the seasonal load of sprinklers. Based on the results of studies of the principles of moving sprinkler machines and currently used design solutions in order to reduce energy consumption and increase the land use coefficient, three design solutions have been proposed for reclaimed lands with different slopes. It is proposed to use frontal and frontal-circular sprinklers in drainage and watering systems. Humidification in these solutions is carried out by accumulated drainage runoff with the possibility of discharging its excess water into a water intake-water source, as well as, additional withdrawal from it in case of necessity. Conclusions. As a result of the research, the constructive solutions for drainage and watering systems have been proposed using frontal-circular and frontal sprinklers on non-slope (low-slope) reclaimed lands, as well as those with a slope, which make it possible to reduce the number of sprinklers due to reduced irrigation norms and the location of the combined drainage-watering and watering networks.