Cropping potential or the red-laterite-gravelly belt of West Bengal based on moisture availability index and soil characteristics

Crop potential has been brought out over the red-laterite-gravelly belt of West Bengal using Moisture Availability Index (MAI) and broad soil information. MAI indicates that a crop of 15. 18-20 and 22-24 weeks. duration at 80%, 50% and 30% probability levels respectively maybe raised from this belt. In most of the stations of the belt, rice could be raised in eight out of every ten years without encountering much waterstress period. At lower probability levels. after rice, pulses like gram. tur and lentil and oilseeds like rapeseed and mustard may be raised based on residual soil moisture. In low rainfall years sorghum. groundnut, maize could be introduced in place of rice in the kharif season. Emphasis should also be given on agro-forestry and horticultural crops for increasing and stabilizing agricultural production.

Sex Results in Divergence in Gut Bacterial Community between Female and Male Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Sex is one of the important factors affecting gut microbiota. As key predators in agro-forestry ecosystem, many spider species show dramatically different activity habits and nutritional requirements between female and male. However, how sex affects gut microbiota of spiders is still unclear. Therefore, in this study, the compositions and diversities of gut bacteria, based on bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were compared between female and male Pardosa astrigera. We found that bacterial richness indices (P < 0.05) in female were significantly lower than male, meanwhile, β-diversity showed significantly different between female and male (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Actinobacteriota and Rhodococcus (belongs to Actinobacteria) were significantly higher in female than male (P < 0.05). Whereas, the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Acinetobacter (belongs to Proteobacteria), Ruminococcus and Fusicatenibacter (all belong to Firmicutes), were significantly higher in male than female (P < 0.05). The results of PICRUSt2 showed that amino acid and lipid metabolisms were significantly higher in female than male (P < 0.05), whereas glycan biosynthesis and metabolism was significantly higher in male than female (P < 0.05). Our results imply that sexual variation is a crucial factor in shaping gut bacterial community in P. astrigera. Male P. astrigera dispersed more widely than the female hence the male had a higher bacterial diversity. While the distinct differences of bacterial composition mainly due to their different nutritional and energy requirements.

KRIFS Quartet Model Improving Livelihoods and Fueling Tourism in Kitagwenda District,Western Uganda

Kyabwanswa Rural Integrated Farming Systems (KRIFS) is a Community Based Organization (CBO) with its Head Office in Kitagwenda Town Council. KRIFS quartet model involves emphasis of integrating four agricultural activities namely: Apiculture, agro-forestry, coffee and at least one type of livestock. The paper utilizes data obtained from January 2017 surveys, interviews, focus group discussions and observations by the authors. The authors observe that the four activities are symbiotic income generating enterprises. The quartet model has greatly contributed in reducing poverty, increasing agricultural productivity, facilitating value addition, conserving the environment, halting biodiversity loss and mitigating climate change. The model is strongly hinged on training of farmers in organized groups more especially the youth and the women.The involvement of KRIFS in integrated farming that involves introducing new innovations to improve production and productivity in agriculture through improved breeds of livestock and crops as well as environmental conservation being pivotal in its operations, has culminated to agro-tourism in the district. The authors recommend that the model be implemented in the whole of Uganda. Apiculture should be included in the priority commodity list for the parish model. Agro-tourism is yet another economi cactivity that should be exploited to reduce unemployment, conserve the environment and reduce effects of climate change.

Farmers' Knowledge Is the Basis for Local Level Agro-Forestry Management: The Case of Lemo Woreda in Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia

This research was designed to investigate the hypothesis that farmers practising traditional agro-forestry which dates back for centuries have accumulated immense knowledge of agro-forestry, which can be captured and incorporated into formal development programmes to improve it. Farmers' knowledge must be documented, valued and integrated in order to maximise its importance for planning and decision-making. This research aimed to investigate and document farmers' knowledge of managing agro-forestry and the contribution to sustainable management of natural resources. Accordingly, questionnaire surveys were conducted in six villages from three peasant associations. In total, 73 households were selected for interview and the data collected were analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) version 26. The findings revealed tree species that contribute to crop yield improvement and the important role agro-forestry trees play with regard to soil fertility. Farmers' strategies to associate trees and shrubs in their farmlands were revealed. Tree species with a negative effect on crop yields were identified and recorded. Farmers reported and ranked in the order of importance, opportunities and constraints in the management of agro-forestry. Farmers' accumulated knowledge of tree–crop and tree–animal interactions, the role of trees in soil fertility, crop and livestock improvement, revealed in the study can significantly enhance the stainability of agriculture. If local knowledge is not documented, it remains largely inaccessible to development workers seeking solutions to locally defined problems.

Perceptions paysannes sur les services écosystémiques d’approvisionnement, la vulnérabilité et les stratégies de conservation de Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst en zone soudanienne du Tchad

Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. est une espèce d’arbre à usage multiple des forêts tropicales sèches qui est encore exploitée à l’état sauvage et dont les pratiques sylviculturales ne sont pas documentées. La présente étude avait pour but d’appréhender les perceptions paysannes sur l’importance socio-économique, le niveau de vulnérabilité et la pratique de la culture de cette espèce dans la zone soudanienne du Tchad. L’approche méthodologique a consisté en des enquêtes réalisées auprès de 350 personnes réparties dans 10 villages, ainsi que des observations de terrain. Les résultats ont montré que D. mespiliformis est bien connu des populations locales (100 % des enquêtés) qui en font usage dans six catégories d’usage, avec un large consensus au niveau des utilisations médicinales (Cs = 0,96), alimentaires (Cs = 0,33), dans les constructions (Cs = 0,26) et comme bois d’énergie (Cs = 0,24). Par contre le consensus est resté faible pour l’utilisation dans l’artisanat (Cs = - 0,76) et comme bois d’œuvre (Cs = - 0,83). Selon 80,2 % des répondants, les revenus tirés de l’exploitation de cette ressource contribuent significativement à l’amélioration du bien-être des ménages. En dehors de la cueillette et du ramassage des fruits, toutes les autres méthodes de récolte citées par les répondants (écorçage, prélèvement des racines, effeuillage et abatage) sont destructives, mais seulement 17,7 % des répondants en sont conscients. Une tendance régressive de la dynamique du peuplement de l’espèce est perçue par la majorité (52 %) des répondants. Selon 83,5 % des enquêtés, les habitudes en matière de culture de cette espèce sont rares voire inexistantes, à cause des difficultés de germination des graines, de la rareté des graines et des conditions climatiques défavorables à la réussite du drageonnage. Les répondants dans la quasi-totalité (99 %) se sont déclarés prêts à adopter la pratique de la culture de la plante si les contraintes de régénération sont levées. Les résultats de cette étude indiquent clairement que D. mespiliformis serait une espèce propice à la domestication participative pour l’intensification du système agroforestier dans la zone soudanienne du Tchad. Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. is a multipurpose tree species from tropical dry forests that is still exploited in the wild and whose silvicultural practices are not documented. The aim of this study was to understand the peasants’ perceptions on the socio-economic importance, the level of vulnerability and the cultivation practice of this species in the Sudanese zone of Chad. The methodological approach consisted of surveys carried out among 350 people in 10 villages, as well as field observations. The results showed that D. mespiliformis is well known to local populations (100% of respondents) who use it in six categories of use, with a broad consensus for use in medicine (Cs = 0.96), food (Cs = 0.33), constructions (Cs = 0.26) and as fuelwood (Cs = 0.24). On the other hand, the consensus remained weak for use in crafts (Cs = - 0.76) and as lumber (Cs = - 0.83). According to 80.2 % of respondents, income from the exploitation of this resource significantly contributes to improving household well-being. Apart from picking and collecting fruit, all other harvesting methods cited by respondents (debarking, root picking, leaf stripping and felling) are destructive, but only 17.7 % of respondents are aware of this. A regressive trend in the population dynamics of the species is perceived by the majority (52 %) of respondents. According to 83.5 % of respondents, the cultivation habits of this species are rare or even non-existent, because of poor seed germination, the scarcity of seeds and climatic conditions unfavorable to the success of suckering. Almost all respondents (99 %) declared themselves ready to adopt the practice of growing the plant if the regeneration constraints are lifted. The results of this study clearly indicate that D. mespiliformis would be an interesting species for participatory domestication for the intensification of the agro-forestry system in the Sudanese zone of Chad.

Obtaining Cellulose-Available Raw Materials by Pretreatment of Common Agro-Forestry Residues With Pleurotus spp.

The goals of the present study were to characterize the profile of ligninolytic enzymes in five Pleurotus species and determine their ability to delignify eight common agro-forestry residues. Generally, corn stalks were the optimal inducer of Mn-dependent peroxidase activity, but the activity peak was noted after wheat straw fermentation by P. eryngii (3066.92 U/L). P. florida was the best producer of versatile peroxidase, especially on wheat straw (3028.41 U/L), while apple sawdust induced the highest level of laccase activity in P. ostreatus (49601.82 U/L). Efficiency of the studied enzymes was expressed in terms of substrate dry matter loss, which was more substrate-than species-dependent. Reduction of substrate dry mass ranged between 24.83% in wheat straw and 8.83% in plum sawdust as a result of fermentation with P. florida and P. pulmonarius, respectively. The extent of delignification of the studied substrates was different, ranging from 51.97% after wheat straw fermentation by P. pulmonarius to 4.18% in grapevine sawdust fermented by P. ostreatus. P. pulmonarius was also characterized by the highest cellulose enrichment (6.54) and P. ostreatus by very low one (1.55). The tested biomass is a highly abundant but underutilized source of numerous value-added products, and a cocktail of ligninolytic enzymes of Pleurotus spp. could be useful for its environmentally and economically friendly transformation.

A Concise Review of Dendrocalamus asper and Related Bamboos: Germplasm Conservation, Propagation and Molecular Biology

Bamboos represent an emerging forest resource of economic significance and provide an avenue for sustainable development of forest resources. The development of the commercial bamboo industry is founded upon efficient molecular and technical approaches for the selection and rapid multiplication of elite germplasm for its subsequent propagation via commercial agro-forestry business enterprises. This review will delve into the micropropagation of Dendrocalamus asper, one of the most widely cultivated commercial varieties of bamboo, and will encompass the selection of germplasm, establishment of explants in vitro and micropropagation techniques. The currently available information pertaining to molecular biology, DNA barcoding and breeding, has been included, and potential areas for future research in the area of genetic engineering and gene regulation have been highlighted. This information will be of relevance to both commercial breeders and molecular biologists who have an interest in establishing bamboo as a crop of the future.

Characterization of Organic, Inorganic and Integrated Farming Practices for Livelihood Assessment in Jammu Region – A Case Study of Sambha District

Aim: Organic farming is considered as a solution to environmental ills associated with modern agriculture. Survey covered crop, livestock, homestead, agro forestry systems with data pertaining to 120 farmers from 06 villages of Sambha district in Jammu division. Data refer to the input output details and other socio-economic characteristics of farm households in the crop year 2019-2020. Study Design: Descriptive statistics like sum, average, percentage and ratio were calculated to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the sample farmers. Place and Duration of Study: Survey covered crop, livestock, homestead, agro forestry systems with data pertaining to 120 farmers from 06 villages of Sambha district in Jammu division. Methodology: Random sampling technique has been used for collecting data. A combination of descriptive statistics, mathematical and statistical techniques was used to analyse the data collected. Results: Out of 120 sample farmers, the highest percentage of farmers was in small farm category followed by marginal, landless, medium and large. Average farm size for landless, marginal, small, medium and large were 0.02 ha, 0.71 ha, 1.43 ha, 2.65 ha and 4.80 ha, respectively. All the five categories of farmers showed little variation in terms of the age of households of the farmer. Farmer’s age, literacy and farm size are factors having impact on decision making processes in farming. Own cultivated land for marginal, small, medium and large were 0.53 ha, 1.21 ha, 2.23 ha and 4.21 ha, respectively whereas using above formula total cultivated land for marginal, small, medium and large were 0.71ha, 1.43ha, 2.65ha, and 4.80 ha respectively. Among the six major farming systems, the highest number of farmers practiced Crop+Livestock+Poultry (C-L-P) system. C-L-P was followed by Crop+Livestock+Poultry+Agroforestry (C-L-P-A), Crop+Livestock+Kitchen gardening (C-L-K), Crop +Vegetables (C-V), Crops+Horticulture (C-H) and Vegetable+Horticulture (V-H) systems. Cereals were major crops of the region followed by pulses in high land areas and horticultural crops. Out of five cropping patterns, net returns was the highest in Rice-maize-vegetable cultivation (Rs.120344 ha-1) followed by Maize-Potato-Wheat (Rs.103380 ha-1), Pulse-Mustard-Wheat (Rs.101100ha-1), Rice-Pulses-Wheat (Rs. 98000 ha-1) and Rice-Wheat system (Rs.88950 ha-1). The overall food security index in case of integrated farming practicing households was 1.13. However, food security indices of food secure households and food insecure households were 1.37 and 0.87, respectively. From the index it can be seen that even though the farmers are practicing integrated farming Conclusion: The study reveals that crop–livestock–poultry–homestead farming system was the most popular in integrated farming systems. Integrated farming has the potential of increasing farmers’ income and employment creation over the mixed and traditional farming practices in the study areas. The extent of food security situation was much better among the integrated farm households when compared to others. Farm households practicing organic in integrated farming were more economically self-sustainable having different modules comprising of livestock, horticulture, poultry and crop. In UT of Jammu where land is scarce, effort should be taken to increase production through integration of various production components in agriculture for efficient utilization of resources. It would result in production of diversified products from minimum area and help in increasing the income of the farmers