Status of accumulated heavy metals in soils from organic and conventional farms in Akinyele Local Government, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

The risk associated with the presence of heavy metals in soil is their potential toxicity and ability to enter the ecosystem through the food chain. Total heavy metal content of a soil is inadequate for predicting the toxicity of heavy metals in soil. Therefore, the current study was designed to determine the various forms in which the selected heavy metals: Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Cadmium (Cd) exist in the soil to ascertain the available forms for plant uptake. Soils samples were randomly collected from selected organic and conventional farms in Akinyele local government, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, at different depths (0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm) using random sampling method. Routine analysis was carried out to determine the textural classes and chemical properties of soil samples. The total heavy metals of the soil samples were determined and their fractions were analysed using sequential extraction method. Cadmium was not detected in most of the soil samples. Residual fraction was predominant in all the analysed heavy metals. In addition, Cr was more associated with the oxidizable fraction having a range of 0.1 mg/kg from Ajibode organic farm (AO) at 30-45 cm depth. Pb and Ni were both more associated with reducible fraction with Pb having a range of 2.7 mg/kg in Ajibode conventional farm (AI) at 0-15 cm depth and 0.1 mg/kg in (AI) at 30-45 cm depth. Reducible values of Ni ranges from 4.3 mg/kg in AI at 0-15 cm to 1.4 mg/kg in AO at 30-45 cm. The apparent mobility and bioavailability for these heavy metals in the studied soils were in the order: Pb>Cr>Ni. The result showed that uptake of heavy metals by the plants would be low as the concentration of the exchangeable form of the heavy metals in the analysed soil sample has the least concentration when compared with the other forms.

Linear Models for the Prediction of Animal Zone Ammonia in a Weaned Piglet Building

Measuring ammonia inside livestock buildings poses many challenges that hinder the incorporation of this variable into environmental control systems. The aim of this study was to measure various microclimate variables inside a weaned piglet building and analyse their interactions with NH3 concentrations for setpoint temperatures of 26 and 25 °C, in order to control NH3 concentrations based on other easily measurable variables. The experimental test was conducted on a conventional farm in Northwest Spain. NH3 concentrations in the animal zone were best correlated with CO2 concentrations in the animal zone (R = 0.91 and R = 0.55) and velocity of air extracted through the fan (R = 0.72 and R = 0.65) for setpoint temperatures of 26 and 25 °C, respectively. Similarly, strong correlations were found with relative humidity in the animal zone and temperature of inlet air. Because NH3 concentration in the animal zone is related to the performance of the ventilation system, strong positive correlations were found between NH3 concentration and temperature of inlet air whereas negative correlations were found between NH3 concentration and ventilation rates. Linear regression models based on CO2 concentrations in the animal zone and temperature of inlet air are recommended, because they provide a good fit for both setpoint temperatures using variables that can be readily measured.

Sow Contact Is a Major Driver in the Development of the Nasal Microbiota of Piglets

The nasal microbiota composition is associated with the health status of piglets. Sow-contact in early life is one of the factors influencing the microbial composition in piglets; however, its impact has never been assessed in the nasal microbiota of piglets reared in controlled environmental conditions. Nasal microbiota of weaning piglets in high-biosecurity facilities with different time of contact with their sows (no contact after farrowing, contact limited to few hours or normal contact until weaning at three weeks) was unveiled by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Contact with sows demonstrated to be a major factor affecting the nasal microbial composition of the piglets. The nasal microbiota of piglets that had contact with sows until weaning, but were reared in high biosecurity facilities, was richer and more similar to the previously described healthy nasal microbiota from conventional farm piglets. On the other hand, the nasal communities inhabiting piglets with no or limited contact with sows was different and dominated by bacteria not commonly abundant in this body site. Furthermore, the length of sow–piglet contact was also an important variable. In addition, the piglets raised in BSL3 conditions showed an increased richness of low-abundant species in the nasal microbiota. Artificially rearing in high biosecurity facilities without the contact of sows as a source of nasal colonizers had dramatic impacts on the nasal microbiota of weaning piglets and may introduce significant bias into animal research under these conditions.

Soil carbon pool under organic and conventional crop production system of semi arid tropics

Regardless of land use, the results indicated significant differences in all the studied parameters. Total % SOC ranged from 0.52 to 0.72 for conventional farm samples (mean 0.62%) and 0.63 to 1.59 for the organic samples (mean 1.19). Bulk density (g/cc) ranged from 0.43 to 0.81 (mean 0. 62) for conventional and 0.17 to 0.28 (mean 0.20) organic farm soils. Organic manures increased microbial biomass carbon by 117% and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration by 181% over conventional farming. The results suggested that organic matter is better protected in organic soils and are consequently less vulnerable to mineralization.

The Quality and Health-Promoting Value of Meat from Pigs of the Native Breed as the Effect of Extensive Feeding with Acorns

The popularity of meat from animals of native breeds is growing all over the world, due to consumer belief regarding its higher quality compared to meat from industrial farm animals. In addition, the living conditions (welfare) are of great importance for consumers. We observed the effect of different ways of keeping and feeding pigs of the same conservative breed on the quality of meat and its health benefits. The aim of the study was to compare the meat quality from pigs of the native Złotnicka Spotted breed, fattened intensively or extensively (with conventional farm-produced compound feed and acorns). The meat from free-range pigs extensively fed on silage and small amounts of acorns was characterized by a higher content of fat, which acts as a carrier for flavor and juiciness, as well as higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (p ≤ 0.05) and lower atherogenic, thrombogenic, and peroxidability indices (p ≤ 0.05). It may be stated that the meat quality of the native pig breed is significantly dependent on the housing and feeding method. A more beneficial effect on the quality of meat and its dietetic value, as well as its susceptibility to rancidity, can be obtained throughextensive pig feeding with roughage and the addition of acorns.

MULCH APPLICATION ON BARLEY GRAIN YIELD AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL IN NEGELE ARSI DISTRICT, CENTRAL, ETHIOPIA

There is uncertainty about the type of mulch to use to reduce soil nutrient depletion and water loss and at the same time enhance crop yield that will also be influenced by the materials available locally for use and their management. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of mulch application on barley grain yield and physicochemical properties of soil in Negele Arsi district, Central, Ethiopia. Experimental plots were laid on farmers fields’ in randomized complete block design by taking farmers field as a replication. Five farms of each with a currently mulched plot, a year ago mulched plot with perennial mulch and conventional fields as control (15plots of 10m in width and 20m in length in general) were selected for the establishment of the experiment. Subplots of 1mx1m at each corner and a center of each main plot were used for taking barley grain yield and soil data. A total of 30 soil samples collected from two depth layers: 0–20 and 20–40cm were air-dried and passed through a 2 mm sieve to remove roots, and large organic residues. Soil organic carbon concentration in the soil samples was determined by Walkley and Black method. The soil data were subjected to a two-way ANOVA analysis using the general linear model Procedures of SAS. The pairwise comparison method was also used to assess the mean difference of the treatment types and depth levels depending on soil properties. The average barley grain yield obtained from plots mulched with perennial mulch in 2018 (1.52±0.209kg) was higher than plots mulched in 2017 (1.48±0.135kg) and conventional farmland plots (1.44±.0962kg). The overall mean SOC stock was found to be higher under plots mulched in 2018(49.8291±17.9301) and lower in soils under conventional farm plots (39.1182±13.5183) than another treatment type. The highest overall mean of soil carbon stock under plots mulched in 2018 indicates that perennial mulch might be the remedy for replenishing the declining soil fertility on conventional farmlands and to increase barley grain yield on a sustainable basis. KEYWORDS: conventional farm, grain yield, perennial mulch, soil fertility

The Yeast Atlas of Appalachia: Species and Phenotypic Diversity of Herbicide Resistance in Wild Yeast

Glyphosate and copper-based herbicides/fungicides affect non-target organisms, and these incidental exposures can impact microbial populations. In this study, glyphosate resistance was found in the historical collection of S. cerevisiae, which was collected over the last century, but only in yeast isolated after the introduction of glyphosate. Although herbicide application was not recorded, the highest glyphosate-resistant S. cerevisiae were isolated from agricultural sites. In an effort to assess glyphosate resistance and impact on non-target microorganisms, different yeast species were harvested from 15 areas with known herbicidal histories, including an organic farm, conventional farm, remediated coal mine, suburban locations, state park, and a national forest. Yeast representing 23 genera were isolated from 237 samples of plant, soil, spontaneous fermentation, nut, flower, fruit, feces, and tree material samples. Saccharomyces, Candida, Metschnikowia, Kluyveromyces, Hanseniaspora, and Pichia were other genera commonly found across our sampled environments. Managed areas had less species diversity, and at the brewery only Saccharomyces and Pichia were isolated. A conventional farm growing RoundUp Ready™ corn had the lowest phylogenetic diversity and the highest glyphosate resistance. The mine was sprayed with multiple herbicides including a commercial formulation of glyphosate; however, the S. cerevisiae did not have elevated glyphosate resistance. In contrast to the conventional farm, the mine was exposed to glyphosate only one year prior to sample isolation. Glyphosate resistance is an example of the anthropogenic selection of nontarget organisms.

The Yeast Atlas of Appalachia: Species and Phenotypic Diversity of Herbicide Resistance in Wild Yeast

Saccharomyces cerevisiae are a phenotypically diverse species that adapt to a wide variety of environments by exploiting standing genetic diversity and selecting for advantageous mutations. Glyphosate and copper-based herbicides/ fungicides affect non-target organisms, these incidental exposures can impact microbial populations. In this study, glyphosate resistance was found in the historical collection of yeast which was collected over the last century, but only in yeast isolated after the introduction of glyphosate. The highest glyphosate-resistant yeasts were isolated from agricultural sites. However, herbicide application at these sites was not recorded. In an effort to assess glyphosate resistance and impact on non-target microorganisms, yeast were harvested from 15 areas with known herbicidal histories, including an organic farm, conventional farm, remediated coal mine, suburban locations, state park, and a national forest. Yeast representing 23 genera were isolated from 237 samples of plant, soil, spontaneous fermentation, nut, flower, fruit, feces, and tree material samples. Saccharomyces, Candida, Metschnikowia, Klyveromyces, Hanseniaspora, and Pichia were other genera commonly found across our sampled environments. Managed areas had less species diversity and at the brewery, only Saccharomyces and Pichia were isolated. A conventional farm growing RoundUp Ready™ corn had the lowest phylogenetic diversity and the highest glyphosate resistance. The mine was sprayed with multiple herbicides including a commercial formulation of glyphosate; however, the yeast did not have elevated glyphosate resistance. In contrast to the conventional farm, the mine was exposed to glyphosate only one year prior to sample isolation. Glyphosate resistance is an example of the anthropogenic selection of nontarget organisms.

PERTANIAN VERTIKAL DI ARJUNA UTARA

Millennial are an innovative generation both in terms of technology and in solving problems. This generation has its views both on the way the world works and its impact on the environment. In terms of food availability and quality, Millennial are very concerned about their food. This generation of "foodies" prefers organic foods whose sources are guaranteed, given a large amount of environmental pollution and excessive use of pesticides. Millennials in Jakarta are competing to find innovatives solution to fix this problem, agriculture in the city began to emerge in the form of hydroponics. This is also done to improve the problem of Jakarta food distribution system that has been outdated, where all food is produced from the suburban areas and distributed to markets in Jakarta. The vertical farming system is a system that can be said to be new in Jakarta. This system can supply all parts of Jakarta in the form of a "decentralized" system in which each area has its own vertical farming which will supply food. Arjuna Utara is a road in the Duri Kepa area which is a border area between West and South Jakarta where this area does not have any formal market. The informal market that stands in the patra area is a less organized area. This site has an existing conventional farm where the land is cultivated as a vegetable garden. In this project the building has 8 floors, 4 of which are using aeroponic systems. The rest are in the form of public spaces and eating places that can become a new center of crowd on North Arjuna Road. AbstrakMilenial merupakan generasi yang inovatif baik dari segi teknologi maupun dalam memecahkan masalah. Generasi ini memiliki pandangannya sendiri baik terhadap cara dunia bekerja dan dampaknya terhadap lingkungan. Dalam hal ketersediaan dan kualitas pangan, milenial sangat memperhatikan makanan mereka. Generasi “foodies” ini lebih memilih makanan organik dan makanan yang sumbernya terjamin, mengingat banyaknya pencemaran lingkungan dan penggunaan pestisida secara berlebihan. Para milenial di Jakarta berlomba-lomba mencari inovasi untuk memperbaiki masalah ini, pertanian di dalam kota mulai bermunculan dalam rupa hidroponik. Hal ini sekaligus dilakukan untuk memperbaiki masalah sistem distribusi pangan Jakarta yang sudah tertinggal, di mana semua pangan dihasilkan dari daerah terluar Jakarta dan didistribusikan ke pasar-pasar di Jakarta. Sistem pertanian vertikal adalah sebuah sistem yang dapat dikatakan baru di Jakarta. Sistem ini dapat menyuplai seluruh bagian Jakarta dalam bentuk sistem desentralisasi yang masing-masing wilayah memiliki pertanian vertikalnya yang akan menyuplai makanan sendiri. Arjuna utara merupakan sebuah jalan di wilayah Duri Kepa yang merupakan area perbatasan antara Jakarta Barat dan Selatan di mana area ini belum memiliki pasar formalnya sendiri. Pasar informal yang berdiri berada di area patra di mana merupakan area yang kurang tertata. Tapak ini memiliki existing pertanian konvensional di mana tanah digarap sebagai kebun sayuran. Dalam proyek ini bangunan memiliki 8 lantai yang 4 diantaranya merupakan area pertanian bersistem Aeroponik dan sisanya berupa ruang publik dan tempat makan yang dapat menjadi pusat keramaian baru di jalan Arjuna Utara.