Nitrogen Status and Canopy Density Detection of Vegetation Using Multispectral Data

The use of ground-based multispectral data for the evaluation of plant water stress and nitrogen status in Old Oyo national Park, Nigeria was conducted and classification was performed. The active area of nitrogen concentration in hectares was between 0.0 and 0.4. This active area was expressed in hectares (ha) and percentages (%) respectively. From the assessment, 53.52 ha (69%) and 24.29 ha (31%) were recorded at 0.2-0.4 and 0.0-0.2 ha, respectively. Heat stress takes place when the regular temperature is above 30 °C, which could slow down plant growth and lead to the threat of deficiency. The heat stress reached a maximum of 40 °C in this analysis between February and May. The research concluded that the sustainability of crops and trees requires a certain quantity of 69 percent nitrogen and a certain level of wetness for their growth which is between 400 mm and 800 mm rainfall.

PROTEIN AND ENERGY IN BROILER STARTER DIETS: EFFECTS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT UTILIZATION

The effect of varying energy and protein concentration on performance and nutrient utilization of broiler chicks in the humid tropics was investigated in a 3 x 3 factorially designed experiment with three levels of energy (10.46, 12.13 and 13.81 MJME/kg diet) and three levels of crude protein (12, 24 and 27%) giving a total of 9 diets. A total of 180 seven - dy old Hubbard chicks into nine equal treatments of 20 birds, replicated twice, were used in the study which lasted 21 days. Percent nitrogen retained and fat and crude fibre ‘digested’ differed significantly (P < 0.05) among treatments. Birds fed 10.46 MJME/kg and 21% CP had the lowest (62.07) Percent fat digested increased as the percent dietary protein increased in each of the groups of diets, while percent fibre digested ranged between 48.12 and 59.89. Birds fed 10.46 and 12.13 MJME/kg had their mean weights improved, though not significantly (P > 0.05) as the percent dietary protein increased from 21 – 27% while birds fed 13.81 MJME diet had depressed body weight. Feed consumed also decreased, though not significantly (P > 0.05) with increased dietary protein in the first 2 groups of diets but birds on 13.81 MJME diets followed no definite tread. Birds fed 12.13 MJME/kg and 24% r 27%CP gave the best feed/gain rations, though the 2 values were not different (P > 0.05) from each other. Feeding up to 27% protein had no further advantage over 24% protein hance 12.13 MJME/kg and 24%CP with Calorie: Protein ration of 118.46 seem the best combination for optimal performance of broiler chicks in the tropics.

Determination of the Minimum Crude Protein Requirements of Broiler Starters and Finishers in the Tropics

THREE experiments were conducted with broiler chicks to determine the minimum crude protein levels in the diets of broiler starters and finishers reared in a tropical environment. The first two trials covered both the starter and finisher periods of 12 weeks while the third experiment covered only the finishing period. The calculated dietary crude protein levels used in the first trial were 14,16 18, 20, 22 and 24%; in the second trial, 20, 22, 24 and 26% and in the third trial, 14, 16, 18 and 20% on air dry basis. Results showed the 24% crude protein (trial 1) and 26% crude protein (trial 2) diets promoted highly significantly better live weight gains than all the other rations during the starter period while during the finishing period, there were no significant differences in the liveweight gains on the diets containing 18, 20, 22, 24 and 24% although growth was always better on the higher protein diets. Diets containing 14, 16 and 18% crude protein were grossly inadequate for the broiler starters while during the finishing period, if all the birds were on adequate broiler starter diets before being put on finisher diets, all those diets promoted growth almost equally well, there being no significant differences among growth rates. The feed/gain ratios followed the same trends as obtained for growth rates, the ratios becoming significantly better for higher protein diets. Mortality was highest for the lowest protein diets and lowest for the highest protein diets, while the percent nitrogen retained tended to be better, though not significantly so, for the higher protein diets. On the basis of these studies, it is recommended that the diets of broiler starter chicks in the tropics should not contain less than 24% crude protein, while those of the finishers should not contain less than 18% crude protein on air dry basis for optimal results.

Effect of Integration of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Rice (Oryza sativa l.) Yield

Field experiments were conducted during Kharif-2017 and 2018 at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Mangaluru of coastal Karnataka to study the effect of integration of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen on the yield of midland rice. The results indicated that the integration of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen significantly influenced the growth and yield attributes of rice. The highest grain yield (5434 and 5372 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6817 and 6927 kg ha-1) were recorded in the treatment comprising VC substituted with 50 percent recommended dose of nitrogen which was on par with PM substituted at 50 percent in both the years. A similar trend was also noticed in both the years for the growth and yield parameters where the highest plant height (94.93 and 96.30 cm) highest productive tillers (16.85 and 18.12) and longer panicle length (17.54 and 18.65 cm) was recorded in the treatment where 50 percent nitrogen was substituted by vermicompost compared to control. The remaining treatments of organic substitution ratios with urea also had a beneficial effect on yield and yield parameters of rice compared to control.

Effect of diets containing graded levels of groundnut haulms on Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and Nitrogen balance of Friesian x Bunaji Bulls

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feeding concentrate diets containing varying levels of groundnut haulms on dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and nutrient balance in Friesian x Bunaji bulls. The feed consisted of four concentrate mixed diets formulated to contain on average 14.45- 14.65% crude protein. Groundnut haulms (GH) in the concentrate diets were on nitrogen basis at 0, 25, 50 and 75% levels with control diet having 0% inclusion of GH. Sixteen bulls aged 12-18months were divided into four each and were randomly allotted to the four treatment diets in a completely randomized design for metabolic trial. During trial, the bulls were housed in metabolic crates and fed Gamba hay adlib and the basal or particular test concentrate mixture at 40% of estimated DM intake. Chemical composition and energy contents of the diets were determined. Dry matter intake (D M ) and organic matter intake (OMI) were also determined. The CP value averaged 14.45±0.44 - 14.65±1.22% for the four experimental diets. The metabolizable energy content expressed in Kcal/kg of diets decreased with increase in GH level from 0-75% (3166-1752 kcal/kg). There was no significant (P>0.05) difference on voluntary DMI and OMI. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and ash were significantly (P<0.05) higher at 75% level of groundnut haulms. CF and ADF digestibility were significantly influenced (P<0.05) when groundnut haulms level reached 25%. Conversely, the digestibility of NFE did not differ (P>0.05) across treatments. Nitrogen balance were similar (P>0.05) among animals fed concentrate mixtures. Nitrogen balance expressed in percent was slightly higher at 75% level of groundnut haulms. It is concluded that inclusion of GH in concentrate diets of crossed bulls up to 75% can improve nutrient digestibility and the percent Nitrogen balance.

Keragaman Unsur Hara Nitrogen pada Lahan Sawah di Desa Maduran, Kecamatan Maduran, Kabupaten Lamongan Jawa Timur

Informasi keragaman pada suatu daerah dapat dijelaskan dengan membagi daerah tertentu ke dalam zona homogen. Proses homogenitas dalam sistem informasi geografis dilakukan dengan menggunakan interpolasi. Interpolasi spasial adalah memperkirakan nilai sebuah variabel lapangan yang tidak termasuk dalam sampel penelitian dan berlokasi di dalam area yang dicakup oleh lokasi sampel. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk menggambarkan keragaman unsur hara nitrogen dengan sifat pendukung tanah seperti EC (Electrical Conductivity), pH (Derajat keasaman), kadar air, SOM (Soil Organic Matter) pada lahan sawah di Desa Maduran, Kecamatan Maduran, Kabupaten Lamongan, Jawa Timur dengan luas 142 ha. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis spasial IDW atau jarak inverse tertimbang. Teknik IDW mengasumsikan setiap titik memiliki pengaruh lokal, yang berbanding terbalik dengan kekuatan yang dipilih dari kejauhan. Unsur hara nitrogen tersedia pada lahan menunjukkan keragaman yang memiliki range termasuk kategori rendah hingga sedang, nitrogen pada lahan memiliki rata-rata sedang sebesar 0,25 persen. Distribusi nitrogen pada lahan termasuk kategori significant cluster yaitu distribusi secara kelompok dan memiliki hubungan pada setiap lokasi. Rata-rata sifat pendukung tanah pH, EC, SOM, dan kadar air masing-masing sebesar (7,25; 0,852 mS/cm; 22,43% dan 10,70%). Keragaman unsur hara nitrogen yang rendah terdapat pada lahan yang memiliki kadar air rendah, SOM gambut rendah, EC sangat rendah dan pH netral. Sedangkan unsur hara nitrogen sedang terdapat pada lahan kadar air sedang, SOM gambut sedang, EC sangat rendah hingga rendah dan pH netral. Variability information in the area can be explained by dividing certain regions into homogeneous zones. The homogeneity process in geographic information system is carried out using interpolation. Spatial interpolation is estimating the value of a field variable that is not included in the study sample and is located within the area covered by the sample location. The aim of this research were to describe the variability of nitrogen content with soil supporting properties such as EC (Electrical Conductivity), pH (acidity level), MC (moisture content) and SOM (Soil organic matter) on paddy fields in Maduran Village, Maduran District, Lamongan Regency, East Java with an area of 142 hectares. This research used spatial IDW analysis or inverse distance weighted analysis. The IDW technique assumes each point has a local influence, which is inversely proportional to the power chosen from a distance. The nitrogen contents in paddy fields indicated by a variability had a range of low to medium categories, nitrogen content had a medium average of 0,25 percent. Nitrogen distribution included significant cluster catagories or distribution was grouped and has relationships at each location. The average supporting properties of soil were 0.852 mS/cm; 7.25; 22.43 percent; and 10.70 percent for EC, pH, MC, and SOM, respectively. Low nitrogen content variability was found in land that has low MC, low peat SOM, very low EC and neutral pH. Whereas nitrogen content were found in moderate MC, medium peat SOM, EC are very low to low and neutral pH

Linking nutrient stoichiometry to Zika virus transmission in a mosquito

ABSTRACTFood quality and quantity serve as the basis for cycling of key chemical elements in trophic interactions, yet the role of nutrient stoichiometry in shaping host-parasite interactions is under appreciated. Most of the emergent mosquito-borne viruses affecting human health are transmitted by mosquitoes that inhabit container systems during their immature stages, where allochthonous input of detritus serves as the basal nutrients. Quantity and type of detritus (animal and plant) were manipulated in microcosms containing newly hatched Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. Adult mosquitoes derived from these microcosms were allowed to ingest Zika virus infected blood and then tested for disseminated infection, transmission, and total nutrients (percent carbon, percent nitrogen, ratio of carbon to nitrogen). Treatments lacking high quality animal (insect) detritus significantly delayed development. Survivorship to adulthood was closely associated with the amount of insect detritus present. Insect detritus was positively correlated with percent nitrogen, which affected Zika virus infection. Disseminated infection and transmission decreased with increasing insect detritus and percent nitrogen. We provide the first definitive evidence linking nutrient stoichiometry to arbovirus infection and transmission in a mosquito using a model system of invasive Ae. aegypti and emergent Zika virus.

Mangrove leaf and root traits and their relation to urbanization

Root and leaf traits are one means of understanding plant ecophysiological responses to environmental variation and disturbance. In mangroves, both chemical and morphological variations have been recorded in response to changes in inundation, salinity, and nutrient levels. Some have also been noted in urban environments, primarily in response to elevated nutrients and toxic substances. Yet these studies have not attempted to isolate the urban from the non-urban influences on both morphological and chemical traits. This study measured mangrove leaf and root chemical and morphological traits in herbarium samples and in field collected leaves and roots along a quantified urban gradient in three watersheds of Puerto Rico. It then correlated these traits with predictors of surrounding land cover, as well as with metrics of flooding and water chemistry. There were significant lines of evidence leading to an influence of urban sewage and roads on leaf and root traits. Leaf percent nitrogen increased with urbanization and with surface water nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, but its isotopic content decreased with increasing phosphorus, leading to the hypothesis that both nitrogen and phosphorus are fueling an otherwise co-limited community of mangroves and nitrogen fixing microbes. The most urban site harbored some of the highest metal concentrations, and there was evidence that elevated concentrations primarily influence fine roots. Other morphological traits are more likely explained by both water chemistry and leaf chemistry and should be considered when interpreting the influence of urban landscapes on mangroves. Percent nitrogen in herbarium samples increased at the least urban site, but remained unchanged at the most urban site, reflecting the relative levels of urbanization at the time of the first samples and their subsequent changes. Most metals from herbarium samples decreased or remained unchanged, suggesting regulation and infrastructure have helped to reduce the release of trace metals to the estuaries. Understanding the influence of urbanization in the context of water chemistry and flooding dynamics will aid in the management of these systems as global urbanization continues.