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Research Article
Effect of fertilizer Microdosing of and Microbial Inoculation on Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) Growth on Two Soils of the Peanut Basin of Senegal
Khady Diaw,
Ramatoulaye Thiaba Samba*
,
Malick Ndiaye,
Mame Arame Fall Ndiaye
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
110-119
Received:
25 May 2026
Accepted:
8 June 2026
Published:
3 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijaas.20261204.11
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Abstract: Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) is a very important cereal crop in the semi-arid regions of West Africa, serving as a primary food source for local populations. Therefore, its productivity remains lowered by soil degradation and low availability of inputs as fertilizers. In this context, biofertilizers and organic amendments offer sustainable and ecological alternatives for enhancing crop performance. This study aims to contribute to improve pearl millet production through the application of biofertilizers arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) combined with microdose NPK. The research focuses on two soils of the peanut basin of Senegal (Touba Toul and Gossas). Thus, a greenhouse experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design with five treatments (control, microdose, fungal inoculation (AMF), bacterial inoculation (PGPR) and dual inoculation (AMF+PGPR)) and five replicates, on each of the two soils. The parameters assessed included mycorrhization, collar diameter, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, shoot and root biomass, and ears length. Results revealed that, the microdose generated the best agronomic performance, including 46% increase in chlorophyll content and 30% increase in collar diameter compared to control. The AMF, PGPR and AMF+PGPR treatments showed more variable effects. While close to some parameters such as shoot biomass, improved significantly (up to 20% increase), but with no significant improvement in root biomass (1.02% increase). A notable site effect was observed: Touba Toul proved to be more favourable for millet growth, with an overall performance increase of around 60% compared to Gossas. These findings suggest that combining biofertilization with fertilizer microdosing could be a promising strategy for sustainable pearl millet production in sahelian regions.
Abstract: Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) is a very important cereal crop in the semi-arid regions of West Africa, serving as a primary food source for local populations. Therefore, its productivity remains lowered by soil degradation and low availability of inputs as fertilizers. In this context, biofertilizers and organic amendments offer sust...
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Research Article
Reproductive Performance of Artificially Inseminated Dairy Cattle Under Smallholder Management Systems in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
120-128
Received:
3 June 2026
Accepted:
22 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijaas.20261204.12
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Abstract: This study assessed the reproductive performance of dairy cattle bred through artificial insemination (AI) under smallholder management conditions in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania. Records from 200 cows were used to estimate the conception rate (CR), while a subset of 128 cows with complete reproductive records was used to evaluate the calving interval (CI), the number of services per conception (NSC), and the days open (DO). Overall mean NSC, CI, DO, and CR were 1.61, 470.80 days, 111.55 days, and 59.91%, respectively. Season of insemination, breed group, and parity significantly affected NSC (p < 0.05). Cows inseminated during the dry season required more services per conception than those inseminated during the wet season (IRR = 1.34, p < 0.001). Parity and breed group significantly affected CI, with cows in parity ≥5 having longer calving intervals (510.01 ± 68.23 days) than first-parity cows (420.63 ± 29.74 days; p < 0.001). Local cattle had the longest CI (574.50 ± 78.79 days), whereas Friesian cows had the shortest CI, (433.00 ± 17.89 days). Higher-parity cows also had longer DO (p < 0.05). CR was significantly associated with breed group, although the Jersey estimate should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample size. These findings indicate that reproductive performance under smallholder AI systems is influenced by both animal-related and management-related factors particularly breed group, parity, and seasonal conditions.
Abstract: This study assessed the reproductive performance of dairy cattle bred through artificial insemination (AI) under smallholder management conditions in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania. Records from 200 cows were used to estimate the conception rate (CR), while a subset of 128 cows with complete reproductive records was used to evaluate the calving inte...
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Research Article
Factors Influencing Catfish Fingerling Production in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria
Olubunmi Olanike Alawode*,
Abiodun Wakeel Olayiwola
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
129-140
Received:
22 June 2026
Accepted:
1 July 2026
Published:
24 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijaas.20261204.13
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Abstract: Although catfish farming is a highly lucrative investment for Nigerian entrepreneurs, its success depends on many factors. This paper examines the factors influencing catfish fingerling production among catfish farmers in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria. The study used primary data from 31 catfish farmers who produce fingerlings in the area. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, and ordinary least square regression model. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse socio-demographic features, mode of operation, and production capacity of the farmers. Chi-square analysis was used to investigate the relationship between the mode of operation and the fingerling production capacity, and the ordinary least square regression was used to determine the factors influencing catfish fingerlings production. Results show that most fish farmers (61.3%) operate full-time. Over half (54.8%) used leased or rented ponds, 38.7% used earthen ponds, and a majority (83.9%) farm mainly for profit. The mean fish seed per production cycle was 15,451.6 (±1,231.4) pieces. There was a significant relationship between the number of catfish fingerling rearing units and the farmers’ production capacity (x2=26.672, p=0.000). Being educated (p<0.10) and having years of experience (p<0.01) in fingerling production improved production capacities while part-time operation (p<0.10) and sourcing water from boreholes (p<0.05) hindered production. Also, the total variable cost had a positive relationship with production at p<0.05. Capacity-building programmes and diversification of water sources are suggested for a more productive and efficient system.
Abstract: Although catfish farming is a highly lucrative investment for Nigerian entrepreneurs, its success depends on many factors. This paper examines the factors influencing catfish fingerling production among catfish farmers in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo state, Nigeria. The study used primary data from 31 catfish farmers who produce fingerlings in the area. ...
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