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Research Article
Soil Test Crop Response Based Phosphorus Calibration Study for Maize in Negele Arsi District of Western Arsi Zone Oromia
Kasahun Kitila Hunde*
,
Mekonnen Workineh Lindi
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
129-135
Received:
29 August 2025
Accepted:
16 September 2025
Published:
18 October 2025
Abstract: A phosphorus calibration study based on soil testing for maize was carried out in the Negele Arsi district, located in the Western Arsi Zone of Oromia, during the main cropping seasons spanning 2014 to 2016. The primary objectives were to establish the critical phosphorus level (Pc) and determine the phosphorus requirement factor (Pf) for maize, as well as to formulate soil test-based, site-specific phosphorus fertilizer recommendations. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial setup involving five nitrogen application rates (0, 23, 46, 69, and 92 kg ha-1) combined with three doses of phosphorus (0, 46, and 92 kg ha-1) to identify the optimum nitrogen rate for maize cultivation. During the subsequent two years of the study, a fixed nitrogen rate of 69 kg/ha (identified as optimum) was applied across all plots with varying phosphorus levels of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 kg ha-1 to pinpoint the phosphorus critical value and requirement factor. Soil samples were collected from the composite surface layer at each site before planting and again 21 days post-planting. Results revealed that the highest maize grain yield, averaging 7108 kg/ha, was achieved with an application of 69 kg N/ha alongside 46 kg P2O5/ha. The combination of 69 kg N/ha with 69 kg P2O5/ha yielded the maximum net return of 209,806 Birr per hectare. The study concluded that the phosphorus critical level for maize production in these soils is 31 ppm, with a phosphorus requirement factor of 3.06. These values merit validation through further trials before recommending for broader application.
Abstract: A phosphorus calibration study based on soil testing for maize was carried out in the Negele Arsi district, located in the Western Arsi Zone of Oromia, during the main cropping seasons spanning 2014 to 2016. The primary objectives were to establish the critical phosphorus level (Pc) and determine the phosphorus requirement factor (Pf) for maize, as...
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Research Article
Nature and Extent of Livestock Depredation in Wildlife Dispersal Areas of Maasai Mara National Reserve - Kenya
Elizabeth Wakoli*,
Dorothy Masiga Syallow
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
136-146
Received:
1 September 2025
Accepted:
28 September 2025
Published:
22 October 2025
Abstract: The study in the wildlife dispersal areas of Maasai Mara National Reserve established the nature and extent of livestock depredation in in terms of the types of livestock attacked, the specific carnivores responsible for depredation, the causes of depredation, as well as the timing and seasonality of these events. It also examines the locations and habitats where depredation occurred and identifies hotspot areas for livestock depredation. Qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used through questionnaires, focus group discussions, interviews with key informants, observation and monitoring sheets. Data from the questionnaire survey were analyzed using frequencies and chi-square, while spatial-temporal data were analyzed through Kernel Density and Standard Deviation Ellipse. The results showed that all respondents interviewed experienced livestock depredation in the study area. Although lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas were identified as the problem animals, the most problematic carnivore involved in depredation was hyenas (98.8%, n=338), followed by lions (56.7%, n=194). The chi-square analysis showed that the type of carnivore involved in depredation was dependent on the location where depredation took place (χ2=60.732, df=4, p=0.001). The most vulnerable livestock to depredation were sheep (n=208, 71% killed and n=31, 62% injured), followed by goats (n=59, 20% killed and n=15, 30% injured). The cattle that had an “eye” mark on their hinds to scare predators were not attacked during the entire study period. The results revealed that there was no association between the type of livestock attacked and the habitat where the attack took place (χ2=6.215, df=3, p=0.400). The major cause of livestock depredation was the grazing of livestock on the conservancies (n=152, 44.2%). When the herders carry defensive equipment like knives, clubs, sticks, and spears, depredation cases are less experienced (n=173, 51%). In conclusion, the type of livestock significantly influences the rate of depredation, with sheep and goats being the most vulnerable to predator attacks. The absence of attacks on cattle with "eye-marked" signs highlights the potential effectiveness of this low-cost, simple deterrent method. The high incidence of injuries and fatalities among sheep and goats calls for targeted interventions to protect these more vulnerable livestock types. Given the high involvement of hyenas in depredation, the study recommends that specific strategies to mitigate livestock attacks should be prioritized.
Abstract: The study in the wildlife dispersal areas of Maasai Mara National Reserve established the nature and extent of livestock depredation in in terms of the types of livestock attacked, the specific carnivores responsible for depredation, the causes of depredation, as well as the timing and seasonality of these events. It also examines the locations and...
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Research Article
Development and Fecundity of Pseudococcus cryptus (Hempel) Is Temperature-Dependent
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
147-153
Received:
2 September 2025
Accepted:
28 September 2025
Published:
22 October 2025
Abstract: This experiment examines the impact of temperature on the physiology and reproductive output of Pseudococcus cryptus (Hempel), a major vector of areca palm yellow leaf disease (APYLD). P. cryptus, mealybug, a vector of areca palm velarivirus 1 (APV1), which causes areca palm yellow leaf disease (AYLD), it has a toxic effects on plantations in Hainan, China. Keeping in view, the financial value of areca palms in Hainan, optimal pest management is crucial. An integrated pest management (IPM) strategy such as natural enemies and insecticides and temperature directly affects P. cryptus development and reproduction. Research indicates that P. cryptus shows the highest average egg production of P. cryptus was observed at 25°C (182 eggs per female), and 30°C (117 eggs per female), and in the same line the average viability of the entire nymphal was highest at 25-30°C, outside this range; decline in the two parameters were observed due to thermal stress. The minimum days recorded for female development was 29.9 d at 25°C, and the female developmental periods extended up to 37.3 d to 44.1 d at 35°C and 20°C, respectively, due to a decrease in metabolic rates. This extends larval vulnerability to natural enemies and chemical control. By monitoring temperatures in the 25-30°C range, agricultural technician can forecast potential pest surges, such as those from the spindle bug or leaf-eating caterpillars common in areca palms, enabling proactive scouting and targeted interventions to curb infestations early.
Abstract: This experiment examines the impact of temperature on the physiology and reproductive output of Pseudococcus cryptus (Hempel), a major vector of areca palm yellow leaf disease (APYLD). P. cryptus, mealybug, a vector of areca palm velarivirus 1 (APV1), which causes areca palm yellow leaf disease (AYLD), it has a toxic effects on plantations in Haina...
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Research Article
Impact of Climate Change Vulnerability on Forest and Range Species in North Darfur States, Sudan
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
154-169
Received:
13 September 2025
Accepted:
24 September 2025
Published:
28 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.20251305.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: The methods for assessing climate change vulnerability in Africa are not designed to be easily modified. Finding the appropriate methods for assessing climate change risk is one of the most difficult steps in Africa as general and in Sudan in particular. Therefore, this study was conducted in three localities in North Darfur State (NDS) during 2019 with aim to asses’ climate change vulnerability by using the NDVI and Aridity Index (AI) and to study the impact of climate change on forestry and range species. Three methods were used (1) Remote sensing method (2) Focus group discussion and (3) Key informant interview (KII). According to MODIST and LAND SAT-8 data about 57.1% of locality of Kalamendo was classified as highly vulnerable to climate change, 42.7% as moderate vulnerable and 0.2% as slight vulnerable. In El Koma locality about 59.2% from the locality area was classified as highly vulnerable 40.5% as moderate vulnerable and 0.03 are classified as slightly vulnerable. In Mellit locality 99.1% of the locality is classified as highly vulnerable, 07% as moderately vulnerable and the rest of locality as slightly vulnerable. It was observed that Mellit locality is highly affected by climate change vulnerability. The results from focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interview showed that the forest cover and range conditions were highly deteriorated an affected by climate change. The targeted localities experienced drought spells during the periods 64, 72, 75, 85 and 1992 which lead to crop failure, death of livestock and massive people displacement. According to FGD and KII the coping strategies during the drought and famine period include; use of seeds of grasses and tree species as famine foods, selling assets; displacement of local communities to the nearest towns and reduce food consumption. Therefore, the study recommended using alternatives for energy and building materials sources. This includes solar energy and stabilized soil blocks. Furthermore, capacity building of communities on sustainable forests management, establishment of villages’ nurseries and, establishment of community/private forests and improve stove (Azza, Elsurur and easy avi-stoves) to minimize dependency on the traditional stove/three stone stove. The recommendations for improvement of range condition in NDS include adoption of water harvesting techniques, equal distribution of water point, rehabilitating of range land by reseedings of perennials palatable range species, opening of the fire lines, range improvement by broadcasting of seeds to enrich the soil seeds banks and improvement of the poor animal genetic stocks.
Abstract: The methods for assessing climate change vulnerability in Africa are not designed to be easily modified. Finding the appropriate methods for assessing climate change risk is one of the most difficult steps in Africa as general and in Sudan in particular. Therefore, this study was conducted in three localities in North Darfur State (NDS) during 2019...
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