Life Sciences Commons^™

An Assessment Of The Effects Of Desertification In Yobe State, Nigeria, Jibril Musa Phd

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

Desertification is one of the most serious environmental and socio-economic problems of our time. Desertification describes circumstances of land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions resulting from the climatic variation and human activities. The fundamental goal of this thesis was to assess the effects of desertification in Yobe State, Nigeria. The present threat of desertification in the sahel has reached an alarming stage where crops cultivation and animal rearing/grazing are no more productive, soil has lost its nutrient/fertility, various infrastructure had given way because of windstorm from the neighbouring Niger Republic and sand dunes had taken over. The …

Buried Clay Pipe Irrigation, David A. Bainbridge

David A Bainbridge

The buried clay pipe method of irrigation is one of the most efficient systems known and is ideal for gardeners and small farmers. Buried clay pipe irrigation uses a buried, unglazed clay pipe filled with water to provide controlled irrigation to plants as the water seeps out through the clay wall at a rate that is influenced by the plant's water use. It has been used for more than one hundred years.This auto-regulation leads to very high efficiency--considerably better than drip irrigation and many times better than conventional surface irrigation. This also reduces weeds, increases yields, and can speed maturity …

Using Remote Sensing Data To Improve Rice Production In Kutigi, Niger State, Nigeria, Jibril Musa Phd, M B. Yunusa

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

This research work looked in the used of Remote Sensing to improve Agricultural production in Kutigi, Niger State. The aim of the study is to use remote sensing to improve rice farming activities in Kutigi, Niger State. It is very important to identify such methods to improve Agricultural production because experts are always interested in new researches and findings to better the standard of living in any environment. In view of this, Remotely-sensed data could be used or employed to elevate most of these agricultural problems in Kutigi through the following objectives: Using Landsat imagery to assess the present landuse …

Effect Of Potassium Fertilizer And Different Fertilization Methods On The Growth Of Tuberose, A Mohammadi Torkashvand, Yaser Shariati, R Onsinejad

y shariati

An appropriate fertilization method is an important topic in nutrition of ornamental plants for obtaining suitable quality and quantity yield. This study was conducted in Farvardin greenhouse of Mashhad Township, Khorasan province, Iran, in summer and autumn 2011 to find appropriate fertilization method on the growth of tuberose as the test plant. The experiment was performed by 21 treatments and 3 replications in a randomized completely design. Different methods of fertilization by different fertilizers in three levels of basic potassium were evaluated. The treatment containing 100 kg potassium as base + one-third N and P as base and two-third N …

Effect Of Weaning Age On Nursery Pig Performance, Alison Smith, Kenneth J. Stalder, Timo Serenius, Thomas J. Baas, John W. Mabry

Dr Alison Smith

Weaning age is an extremely important management decision in commercial pork production. The decision is based upon many factors which include sow performance, herd health, pig performance and costs and revenues associated with these factors such as lactation space utilization, and weaned pig value. The industry shifted to weaning litters at earlier ages in order to improve piglet health throughout the nursery and grow finish phases of production. In order to avoid transmission of pathogens from sow to piglet, the Segregated Early Weaning (SEW) concept was developed. This process consists of farrowing sows on the same site as the rest …

Constraints In Adoption Of Moongbean Production Technology In Sundarban, West Bengal, Ganesh Chandra

Ganesh Chandra

The new agricultural technologies are considered to be the prime mover to the process of agricultural development in India. Understanding farmers’ perceptions of a given technology is crucial in the generation and diffusion of new technologies and farm household information dissemination. Pulses in India have long been considered as the poor man’s only source of protein. Moongbean (green gram) is one of the important pulse crop in India, plays a major role in augmenting the income of small and marginal farmers of Sundarban. Constraints are the circumstances or causes, which prohibit farmer to adopt improved farm technology. This constraint study …

Some Cultivated Plants In Ndumba, Eastern Highlands Province, Terence E. Hays

Terence Hays

This paper reports on the cultivation and uses of 47 species of minor food crops and other useful plants in Habi'ina village, a Tairora speaking community in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea.

Do We Really Need New Policies? A Study On Soil Sealing In Egypt, Ahmed Harb Rabia

Ahmed Harb Rabia A.H. Rabia

Egypt has the lowest area of agricultural land per individual in Africa. The agricultural land stands for a total of approximately 3.5 million ha which characterized about 3.5% of the total area of Egypt in 2007. The urban encroachment over arable productive agricultural land in Egypt is common and is called (urban desertification). Therefore, the annual loss of arable land to urbanization is 1.2%. This indicates a serious situation to the agricultural area. the Academy of Scientific Research & Technology (1994) has reported that during the period from 1978 to 1984, the annual expansion rates of the dwelling area ranged …

Variations In Climatic Parameters And Food Crop Yields: Implications On Food Security In Benue State, Nigeria., Emmanuel Adamgbe, Fanan Ujoh

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

Agricultural production in Nigeria like in other developing countries is highly vulnerable to variations in climatic parameters which may have inverse or direct effect on the performance of food crops. This paper examines the patterns and trends of the variations in the climatic parameters and the implications of such variations on efficient yield rates of some food crops in Benue State using data on climatic variables (rainfall, temperature, sunshine) and the yield of some crops per hectare for 25 years (1986-2010). Data on the climatic variables were collected from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, AirForce Base, Makurdi while the data on …

G73-73 Sweet Potatoes (Revised June 1992), R.E. Neild, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

Varieties, requirements and culture, harvesting and storage of sweet potatoes. The sweet potato, a member of the morning glory plant family, is native to tropical America. It is an important food plant in warmer regions of the world and is adapted to southeastern Nebraska. Sweet potatoes may be boiled, baked, fried, or candied. They have high food value. Varieties with deeply yellow colored roots are a good source of vitamin A.

G1425 Garlic Production In The Home Garden, Laurie Hodges, Susan D. Schoneweis

Laurie Hodges

Garlic provides flavor to many favorite recipes, is relatively easy to grow and offers plenty of varieties from which to choose. Garlic, Allium sativum L., is used as a seasoning in many foods worldwide. It isn't considered a major vegetable because consumption is generally small due to its strong flavor. But without garlic, many of our popular dishes would lack the flavor and character that make them favorites. Fortunately, garlic is relatively easy to grow in the home garden. The most difficult decision may be deciding what kind of garlic to plant since there are over 100 cultivars available from …

Nf97-344 Weights And Measures Guidelines For Sales At Farmers' Markets, Roadside Stands And Other Commercial Outlets, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact focuses on the sale of fresh produce at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and other seasonal outlets.

Bindweed Identification And Control Options For Organic Production, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

Two species of bindweed are commonly found in the Great Plains and one unrelated weed is often confused with bindweed.

Nf04-607 Growing Scallions (Green Onions) For Market Gardeners, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

Growing scallions (green onions) can provide market gardeners with early cash flow and customers with quality increases in storage life, freshness and flavor. Growing quality scallions is easier than growing quality bulb onions simply because they are in the field for a shorter time and bulb formation is not an issue when growing true scallions. This NebFact discusses choosing and growing scallions from seed, fertilizing, the use of pesticides and herbicides for controlling pests and weeds, and a listing of seeding companies.

Nf91-50 Bee Pollination Of Cucurbit Crops, Laurie Hodges, Fred Baxendale

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact discusses bee pollination of cucurbit crops.

Nf92-107 Resource List For Marketing Alternative Crops, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact is a resource list of companies, organizations, and government offices who offer and supply information for helping the small farmer/gardener market their alternative crops.

Ec00-1207 Growing Onions, Shallots, And Chives, Susan Schoneweis, Laurie Hodges, Loren J. Giesler

Laurie Hodges

The common onion (Allium cepa) is the most popular and widely grown Allium in Nebraska home gardens. Many members of the onion family (Alliaceae) are used in flower gardens because of their interesting flowers and foliage, but here we're going to focus on the onion as a vegetable crop. This publication will discuss the different types of onions and how to grow onions from onion sets, plants, transplants, and seed. It will cover the different cultivars found here in Nebraska, the nutrition, fertilizing, harvesting, curing and storing of onions.

G03-1522 Damping Off Of Seedlings And Transplants, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

The shift toward more ecological means of pest control is a driving force in research and in growers' fields. Growers need to understand how the various pathogens causing plant disease respond to environmental conditions and cultural practices — what keeps the level of disease below an economic threshold and how these conditions can be developed and maintained for more sustainable production. This NebGuide provides information on two common pathogens that cause seedling disease (damping off) in many crops. Although vegetable production is used in the examples, the principles apply to many cropping systems.

Nf92-69 Selected Vegetable Cultivars For Nebraska, Susan Schoneweis, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact provides information about cultivars of garden vegetables available to grow in Nebraska.

Growing Scallions (Green Onions) For Market Gardeners, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

Growing scallions can provide market gardeners with early cash flow and is easier than growing bulb onions; they are different than young bulbing onions.

Nf92-108 Sources Of Information — Organic Or Sustainable Vegetable Production, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact is a list of companies, organizations and government offices that supply information for the gardener and small farmer who are looking at instituting organic or sustainable vegetable production.

G90-993 Basic Cultural Practices For Commercial Production Of Green (Snap) Beans, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebGuide discusses cultivar selection, production, pest management and packing of commercial green beans. Cultivars Selection of cultivars depends on intended use or market. "Processor" cultivars are low in fiber and are best for home garden and roadside markets as well as processing. These include the various Bush Blue Lake selections (BBL 47, BBL 92, BBL 274) and others such as Early Gallatin, Eagle, Slenderwhite, Labrador, Flo, and Peak. The "fresh market" or "shipping" beans have high fiber to maintain quality during long distance shipping. These include Strike, Podsquad, Blazer, Triumph, Atlantic, Gatorgreen, Greencrop, Sprite, and many others. Cultivars with …

Ec92-1248 Growing Squash And Pumpkin For Food And Ornamentation, Laurie Hodges, Frederick P. Baxendale, David S. Wysong

Laurie Hodges

Pumpkin and squash are American members of the plant family Cucurbitaceae. Cucumbers, originally from India, muskmelons from the Middle East, and watermelons from Africa are other members of this important family of vine crops. Squash, like corn, was domesticated by Indians of Central America and spread to the 48 contiguous states of the United tates before the arrival of Columbus. Squash was among the first vegetables to be planted in Nebraska. These crops can be used in many ways. The quick-growing, tender-skinned summer squash, when harvested and used while still immature, are delicious either steamed and buttered or sliced and …

Ec81-1240 Vegetable Gardening In Nebraska, Dale T. Lindgren, Laurie Hodges, Don Steinegger, Ralph E. Neild

Laurie Hodges

Nebraskans are increasing their consumption of fresh vegetables — as appetizers, salads, side dishes, and snacks. Fresh vegetables are an integral part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Although Nebraska's climate and soil are well-suited for many vegetables, most are supplied from out of the state, even during summer. Growing fresh vegetables can provide higher nutrition and flavor at less expense than buying fresh produce at the grocery store. A garden also can be a source of personal enjoyment and satisfaction. This extension circular helps the gardener decide when, where, and how to plant and maintain a vegetable garden.

G81-540 Peppers (Revised May 1990), Dale T. Lindgren, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

Various peppers and their care are discussed here. Peppers are treated as warm-season annual crops when grown in Nebraska gardens. They are related to eggplants, potatoes and tomatoes, all of which belong to the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family.

G80-496 Tomatoes In The Home Garden, Laurie Hodges, Dale T. Lindgren, Susan Schoneweis

Laurie Hodges

This NebGuide outlines tomato rearing practices, cultivars and possible pest, disease and weed control problems.

Tomatoes come in a wide range of fruit colors, sizes, shapes and maturities. Ripe tomatoes may be red, yellow, orange, pink or even green. Shapes vary from globe or round to slightly flattened, pear-like or cherry-sized. Often consumers complain tomatoes purchased in grocery stores are lacking in flavor or have tough skin. In a home garden, you can grow the tomatoes you prefer, including a wide selection of fruit colors, flavors, textures and sizes. Although rumored, there is no direct link between fruit acidity and …

Nf96-313 Guides For Development Of A Farmers Market, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact contains a list of resources for starting and running a farmers' market.

Nf94-127 Growing Seedless (Triploid) Watermelons, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact has information on growing seedless watermelons.

G92-1123 Spinach And Swiss Chard, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This is a guide to the growing, harvesting and use of spinach and swiss chard. Spinach Spinach is a cool season crop and belongs to the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae), along with Swiss chard and beets. Spinach is low in calories. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and minerals, especially iron. After washing the leaves, cook them in a covered pan using only the water clinging to the leaves. After cooking, add salt and butter, vinegar, or mustard for added flavor. Spinach may be prepared in a souffle, creamed soup, or used raw in salads. Swiss Chard …

Nf99-404 Income Generation Using Alternative Crops, Roger D. Uhlinger, Laurie Hodges

Laurie Hodges

This NebFact examines considerations for utilizing alternative crops for income generation.