2025-12-29
Pavithira Rishitharan, Somasundaram Sutharsan, Thayamini H. Seran
This research evaluates the efficacy of bamboo-derived biochar (BB) as a pivotal amendment for optimizing compost quality and nutrient retention. The study utilized BB produced via a Kon-Tiki kiln, a method selected to preserve the feedstock's biogenic integrity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed that the resulting biochar possesses a highly developed micro and mesoporous network, a structural attribute critical for augmenting water retention, cation exchange capacity, and microbial habitat stability. When integrated into the composting matrix, the Bamboo Biochar enriched Compost (BBC) demonstrated superior physicochemical balance, characterized by a near-neutral pH (7.14) and an electrical conductivity of 3.79 dS/m. Crucially, the co-composting process yielded a robust nutrient profile that significantly exceeds typical values for conventional compost, with elevated concentrations of Nitrogen (1.09%), Phosphate (0.79%), and Potassium (1.18%), alongside secondary nutrients such as Calcium (4.31%) and Magnesium (1.27%). The analysis also highlighted substantial micronutrient retention, including Zinc (379.73 mg/kg), Manganese (543.17 mg/kg), Iron (1.73%), and Copper (55.6 mg/kg). While raw BB serves as a stable carbon sink (86.7% organic carbon), the BBC formulation achieved a functional equilibrium with a moderate organic carbon content (28.6%) and an optimized C:N ratio of 26.2, thereby fostering efficient microbial activity and compost maturity. Ultimately, these findings confirm that the synergy between the porous structure of bamboo biochar and the nutrient density of compost fosters a circular waste valorization approach, delivering a sustainable, high-quality soil amendment
2025-12-29
Hailu Kendie Addis, Temesegen Mulualem, Beyene Belay, Simegnew Tamir, Shigdaf Mekuriaw, Tadesse Birehanu, Anteneh Tilahun, Tilaye Teklewold, Almaz Giziew Adugna, Belete Anteneh, Yismaw Wuletaw, Esmelalem Mhiret, Likawent Yeheyis, Hailemariam Kefyalew, Tesfaye Feyisa, Menale Wondie, Asmare Dejen
In the Amhara region of Ethiopia, severe soil erosion problems have been a persistent issue due to long-term human-related activities, intense rainfall events, and erosion-sensitive landscapes. The regional government initiated a campaign-based soil and water conservation (SWC) program in response to this pressing issue. A comprehensive soil erosion modeling study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. The findings show the positive impact of implementing community-based watershed management practices for combating erosion in the region. Specifically, the findings revealed a decline in soil loss from 22.67 Mg ha -1 yr -1 in 2014 to 20.75 Mg ha -1 yr -1 in 2022, indicating a reduction of 1.92 Mg ha -1 yr -1 . This decline in soil loss in the region can be directly related to the successful implementation of community-mobilized SWC measures that have been in place since 2011. Despite this progress, it is still alarming to note that a significant 68.61% of the region is classified as high-risk, highlighting the pressing need for immediate action to address soil erosion. Upon examination of the distribution of soil loss across the region, it is evident that cropland, which makes up 39.73% of the total area, is responsible for a substantial 52.04% of the estimated soil loss. Among the 14 agroecology, the warm moist lowlands, tepid sub-moist mid-highlands, and tepid moist mid-highlands cover 48.65% of the total area and contribute a staggering 73.33% of the overall soil loss, underscoring the need for location-specific conservation efforts in these areas to mitigate further degradation.
2025-12-29
Jonas Kwedibana, Nnyaladzi Batisani
The southern African region is considered a “climate change hotspot” due to its projected substantially warmer and drier future. Climate change projections show that Botswana is warming at a faster pace than the global average. Therefore, there is a need to determine the likely impact of climate change-induced heat stress on dairy farming across ecological regions in the country. This study’s goal was to determine the recent and future spatially differentiated dispersion of heat stress conditions for dairy cattle across Botswana for the recent (2020), near-term (2030), mid-term (2050), and long-term (2070) under the high greenhouse gas emission scenario using the temperature humidity index. Results show an increase in the temperature humidity index ranging from 73.35 to 79.18 in 2020; 76.01 to 81.30 in 2030; 77.76 to 84.16 in 2050; and 79.60 to 85.84 in 2070. Areas in the north, i.e., Northwest, Northeast, and northern parts of the Central and Ghanzi Districts, are projected to record higher maximum temperatures, higher temperature humidity index, a greater number of heat stress days, and experience a higher degree of heat stress severity than those in the south of the country, i.e., Southern, Kgatleng, Kweneng, and Kgalagadi districts. Thus, the intensity of heat stress is projected to increase as you go further north in the country. The spatial variability of heat stress intensity implies that without the implementation of adaptation measures, the entire country could experience dairy farming challenges due to heat stress in the future, exacerbating the already dire dairy production environment in the country. Future policies and programs for developing the dairy sector in Botswana should thus factor in the heat stress challenge to attain the intended objectives.
2025-12-29
Mujiyo Mujiyo, Riska Adityaningrum, Ongko Cahyono, Aktavia Herawati
This study aims to estimate biomass and carbon stocks stored based on variations in slope gradient and vegetation cover types in the Community Forest, Selopuro, Indonesia. The study was conducted on 24 sample plots arranged stratified based on a combination of four slope classes (0–8%, 8–15%, 15–30%, >30%) and two vegetation cover types (teak and mixed vegetation). The parameters observed included tree biomass, litter biomass, carbon content, and soil physical-chemical properties. Tree biomass estimation was calculated based on Diameter Breast Height (DBH) measurements and tree height using allometric equations. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's extended test, and Pearson correlation analysis. The results showed that slope and vegetation cover types significantly affected litter biomass and the amount of carbon stored. Plots with mixed vegetation on slope classes 0–8% and 8–15% showed the highest biomass and carbon values. The main factors influencing carbon storage include soil organic C content, canopy length, and soil permeability. These findings emphasize the importance of conservation-based community forest management practices and agroforestry to increase carbon stocks sustainably and support climate change mitigation efforts.
2025-12-29
Ibidon Firmin Akpo, Filikibirou Tassou Zakari, Zachée Houessingbe, Afouda Jacob Yabi
Pigeon pea farms are heterogeneous, applying varied cropping systems. In this context, the study of the typology of farms taking into account the cropping systems they adopt is of practical importance for the implementation of targeted and effective technological interventions. The objective of this research is to identify and characterize the pigeon pea cropping systems practiced in Central Benin. A field survey was conducted among 240 pigeon pea producers randomly selected in the communes of Bantè, Glazoué and Ouèssè. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Chi-square test of independence, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multinomial logit regression were used to analyze the collected data. Three types of cropping systems were identified. The first system, adopted by 31.25% of farmers, is characterized by pure stand cultivation, the use of herbicides and a reduced frequency of manual weeding. The second system, chosen by 47.08% of participants, is characterized by mixed cultivation with maize, legumes (soybean, peanut), or other crops (cassava, yam, market garden crops and sometimes in cashew plantations), without the use of herbicides but with a moderate frequency of manual weeding. The third system, adopted by 21.67% of farmers, is characterized by mixed cultivation with maize, the use of herbicides and a limited frequency of manual weeding. These systems have varying levels of economic performance and appear to be specific to each municipality. Factors such as available agricultural area, Mahi ethnicity, and location within the Glazoué and Ouèssè communes significantly influence the choice of these systems. The results advocate for promoting pure stand systems and improved varieties to optimize yields across all cultivation systems.
2025-12-29
Zineb Moudni, Younes Hmimsa, Imane El Hassani, Nouhaila Dihaz, Widad Benziane, Penelope J. Bebeli, Salama El Fatehi
Cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important food crop, renowned for its nutritional quality and resilience to harsh climatic conditions. In Morocco, this legume remains a marginal crop, which threatens the conservation of its local genetic resources. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate germination capacity, assess morphological diversity, and examine patterns of variation and correlations between these traits in nineteen traditional cowpea populations collected across Morocco, using seven germination parameters and twelve morphological traits. Results revealed significant variability within and between populations for both germination and seed morphological traits. Most populations exhibited high germination capacity and rapid germination rates, indicating an almost complete absence of dormancy. Seed morphological traits showed substantial intra- and inter-population variability, reflecting high phenotypic richness. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified four distinct population clusters, suggesting that the spatial structuring results from a combined effect of differentiation in morphological and germination traits, further influenced by geographical connectivity. Overall, these findings highlight the remarkable richness of Morocco’s local cowpea genetic resources, offering valuable insights for conservation and breeding programs to support food security and sustainable agriculture.