Agro-ecological Factors Research Articles

Gender and endogenous knowledge inclusion for agroforestry systems improvement in Benin, West Africa

In West Africa, and Benin particularly, local forest resources can potentially contribute to both increasing and stabilizing soil productivity. However, these resources continue to be neglected with efforts instead concentrated on promoting exotic species. This study aimed to prioritize local agroforestry species on agricultural landscape by investigating the gendered, socio-demographic and agro-pedological factors of local knowledge and use of agroforestry species amongst small-holder farmers in Benin. An agroforestry inventory combined with an ethno-agroforestry survey was conducted on 364 farms with 364 farmers. A cluster analysis based on farmers' socio-demographic and agroecological factors was used to cluster farmers into two homogeneous agroforestry systems. Median score, species diversity and ecological networks were established for these two systems. Results illustrate that gendered difference exist between the priority that farmers give to multi-purpose species and this prioritization depends on priority ecosystem services for farmers and gender. Therefore, it would be useful first to consider gender and specific needs of each category of farmer to optimize the choice of agroforestry species to be promoted in such systems. The successful introduction of identified species through extension programs requires more advanced research related to the real contribution of these species to farmland fertilization, as well as the nutrient transmission pathways to associated crops in an agroforestry system to address simultaneously specific ecological, economic and socio-cultural sustainability criteria, as well as improved crop production.

Экологическая типизация сельскохозяйственных земель и моделирование устойчивых агроландшафтов на локальном уровне

The purpose of the study: carry out an ecological typification of the territory of agricultural land use and model the sustainability of agricultural landscapes by assessing agro-ecological factors. Research methods: general scientific methods were used: observation, description, comparative, historical, modeling. When studying the structure, system analysis was used, analysis and synthesis methods were used to identify agro-ecologically homogeneous areas and territories of the same type, cartographic methods were used to zoning and compile cartographic material, and information analysis was used to model agricultural landscapes. Research results. A study of the agricultural lands of an economic entity with an area of more than 87 km2 showed that it consists of five landscape areas that are universally susceptible to degradation processes. As a result of a comprehensive analysis of agricultural landscapes, factors limiting the productivity of agricultural crops were identified. The agro-ecological assessment of landscapes made it possible to typify agricultural land and zone the territory. For each agro-ecotype of land, a complex of agro-, phyto-, reclamation measures has been developed aimed at increasing the sustainability of agricultural landscapes, as well as land use models that allow predicting the use of land resources for a multi-term perspective. Conclusions. 1. The scientific article presents the results of a study of the agro-ecological state of agricultural land use through agro-ecological typification of land, carried out on the basis of an analysis of limiting factors and conditions affecting the adaptive potential of agricultural plants. 2. It has been established that the agricultural landscapes of the study area are actively used in agricultural production (mainly crop production) and are everywhere subject to degradation processes. It was determined that land use includes five landscape areas that differ significantly in area and morphological characteristics. The ecological classification of lands at the local level (level of an economic entity) is shown, highlighting groups, subgroups, classes, subclasses, genera and subgenera. Limiting agro-ecological factors and conditions inherent in the study area were identified and its zoning was carried out. It was found that the agro-ecological state of the territory (assessed using more than ten indicators) differs significantly among agricultural groups. The assessment of the agro-ecological state made it possible to draw up a unique map-scheme of land agro-ecotypes and develop a set of agro-, phyto-, and reclamation measures aimed at optimizing agricultural land use. Three models of agricultural land use aimed at increasing the sustainability of agricultural landscapes are presented, with calculated forecast characteristics. 3. The results of scientific research can be used in the organization, monitoring, protection of agricultural lands and management of the sustainability of agricultural landscapes at the local level.

Photosynthetic potential of Malus domestica columnar group

Productivity is one of the primary economic and biological characteristics of an apple tree variety; it is this characteristic that determines the value and economic feasibility of the variety. The photosynthetic activity of the leaf surface of plants plays a leading role in forming the potential productivity of the apple tree. By "potential productivity," we mean the productivity of plants under conditions of ideal agroenvironment, optimal nutrition, and absence of diseases. To diagnose the potential productivity of cultivars we used an indicator of chlorophyll fluorescence induction–induction coefficient (Кі). According to our data, the Кі of leaves of columnar cultivars ranged from 0.720 to 0.740, indicating a high level of efficiency of photophysical processes near the photosystem II (PS II) reaction centers. For plants of columnar cultivars, the viability index ranged from 1.78 to 2.19. It has been established that individual age sections of tree trunks form different productivity potentials. Thus, based on the chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence induction index, a higher intensity of photosynthesis was observed in the leaves of the cultivars ‘Valuta’, ‘Favoryt’, and ‘Bilosnizhka’ on seven to nine-year-old trunks. In contrast, for ‘Tantsivnytsia’, the highest intensity was observed on the oldest spur formation (14–19 years old). In traditional apple cultivars, the intensity of photosynthesis, as indicated by Кі, decreased with the age of spur formation; however, such a decline was not observed in columnar cultivars. The leaves of plants from the traditional cultivar ‘Idared’, situated on a homogeneous shoot, exhibited the highest photosynthetic intensity based on the F680γt / F680βt light intensity. Conversely, in the leaves of three-year-old spur formations, a 25.3% decrease in photosynthetic intensity was observed, falling to a 45.7% decrease in six-year-olds. With the optimal combination of agroecological factors for columnar cultivars, stability in the photosynthetic potential across various complex spur formations is observed. In typical apple cultivars, the age of spur formation leads to a suppression of photosynthetic intensity. The cultivar ‘Bilosnizhka’ is characterized by the highest Chl a/ Chl b content, indicating lower adaptability. In the leaves of this cultivar, the amount of Chl a exceeded Chl b by three times; in contrast, in the cultivars ‘Sparta’ and ‘Tantsivnytsia’, the difference was 2.5 times higher. This value (2.5x) correlates with increased adaptability to the conditions in which they were studied. The highest level of leaf net productivity of photosynthesis (NPP) is observed in plants of the ‘Valuta’ cultivar (13.9 g/m² for day); in the cultivars ‘Bilosnizhka’, ‘Favoryt’, ‘Bolero’, ‘Sparta’, ‘Tantsivnytsia’, and ‘Papirovka’, the accumulation of dry matter is lowered by 32.6–40.6%.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Tract Parasites in Small Ruminants in and around Jaja Town, Melka Belo Woreda Of East Haraghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION: Parasitic diseases are global problem and effects are more pronounced, in Sub-Saharan Africa in general and Ethiopia in particular due to the availability of a wide range of agro-ecological factors suitable for diversified hosts and parasite species. Common abdominal parasites of livestock are coccidia species of phylum protozoa. Trematodes belong to flukes, nematodes commonly called roundworms, cestodes famous on tapeworms. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from May, 2023 to August, 2023 to determine the prevalence and to identify gastrointestinal tract parasites from fecal samples collected from goats and sheep in and around Jaja town and to identify the parasitic fauna circulating in the study area. RESULTS: In the present study a total 384 small ruminants (322 goats and 62 sheep) were examined for prevalence of gastrointestinal tract parasites coprological examination there was an overall prevalence of 81.51% (313/384). The gastrointestinal tract parasites infection was more prevailing in female (83.41%) than male (78.71%) in case of sex, in adult (83%) than young (78.83%) in case of age, in sheep (85.5%) than goats (80.75%) in case of species, Statistically significant difference were recorded (OR=1.85231, CI=1.204293-2.849005, P=0.005) between body conditions and the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract parasite infection and Dhagaya Belo (97.5%) followed by Makanisa (88.75%), Jaja Town (79.9), Ifabas (77.5%) and Tokuma Jalala (70%) in case of Address. CONCLUSIONS: In the study area indicates gastrointestinal tract parasites the most impairments of small ruminants. Statistically there were no significance difference between address, species, sex, age and the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract parasite infection. The majority of small ruminants were infected with one, two or three genera of the same or different gastrointestinal tract parasites.

Productivity of spring barley on soils of different agroecological groups of r. Tatarstan, Nizhnekamsk district

In this work, the contribution of the group of main agroecological factors to the final yield of spring barley was assessed using the model of principal component method and multivariate regression. It was found that in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of Tatarstan the most significant factors are the group of variables that determine the conditions of heat and moisture availability, namely: the amount of precipitation during the growing season, the amount of temperature during the growing season, morphometric parameters of slope steepness and exposure. The method and depth of tillage did not have a significant effect on the final yield, as well as a number of other variables analyzed: forms of fertilizers used, predecessors in crop rotation, etc. Such variable as Exposition was not significantly related to Yield. With Pearson correlation method R=0.30 units, which is not reliable at n=31, but Exposition had a significant effect on Temperatures > 10 and Precipitation (R=0.78 units and -0.77 units), the strongest and most important factors in the formation of Yield. The information obtained will be very valuable in the development of management approaches, rational agro-technologies and adaptive systems.

Unlocking the nexus potential: A techno-economic analysis of joint deployment of minigrids with smallholder irrigation

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the lowest rate of electricity access and irrigation in the world, at 45% and 5% respectively. The problem is in part due to the low economic viability of rural electrification, particularly through grid extension, lack of low-cost irrigation energy, and limited access to finance for the high cost of irrigation infrastructure. Despite their promising potential, minigrids’ deployment has been rather slow in SSA, partly due to the lack of viable business models for the dispersed low-income rural population. In this paper, we present an integrated model that couples a minigrid model with a crop model to explore the nexus potential of joint deployment of minigrids with smallholder irrigation to alleviate barriers to both minigrid scale-up and irrigation adoption. We apply the proposed model to three rural case studies in different geographical contexts in SSA. Our simulation results show the potential of irrigation loads to lower the unit cost of minigrid energy (LCOE) by up to 47%, depending on the quantity of irrigable land and its spatial distribution. A further scenario-based sensitivity analysis of the minigrid with and without aggregate irrigation load shows wide variations in LCOE–between a minimum of $0.24/kWh and a maximum of $1.2/kWh–with changes in the cost of capital and technology cost. Regarding irrigation viability, our model results show that irrigation profitability is a function of a complex interplay of factors, including crop type, soil fertility, infrastructure costs, energy prices, fertiliser application rate, and crop farm gate prices. We further test the effects of pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) business model incentives on the profitability of irrigation with minigrids; our results show that various incentives that alleviate either all or a fraction of upfront capital cost do not only mitigate irrigation adoption barrier but also enhances its profitability on the part of the farmer. Finally, our model results underscore that the economic viability of joint deployment of minigrids with smallholder irrigation depends on the optimal combination of agro-ecological factors of production (location suitability), type of crop (on a descending order, onion, tomato, and potato are the most profitable crops in our model), fertiliser application rate (near-optimal to optimal soil fertility is recommended) and cost scenarios (low cost of capital and technology preferred). In the main, our model and the results thereof highlight the potential benefits of co-planning minigrids and irrigation projects. Our model and results presented in this paper can be used as high-level decision-making pointers on the nexus planning of minigrids with smallholder irrigation farming.

Opportunities to close wheat yield gaps in Nepal's Terai: Insights from field surveys, on-farm experiments, and simulation modeling

CONTEXTWheat (Triticum aestivum) is among the most important staple food crops in the lowland Terai region of Nepal. However, national production has not matched the increasing demand. From a South Asian regional perspective, average productivity is low with high spatial and temporal variability. OBJECTIVESThis study determines entry points for closing yield gaps using multiple diagnostic approaches, i.e., field surveys, on-farm experiments, and simulation models across different wheat production environments in the Terai region of Nepal. METHODOLOGYYield and production practice data were collected from 1745 wheat farmers' fields and analysed in tandem with over 100 on-farm experiments. These were complemented by long-term simulation modeling using the APSIM Next Generation to assess system production behavior over a range of climate years. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONOn-farm survey data suggests that yield and profit gaps under farmers' management (difference between the most productive (top 10th decile) and average wheat fields) were 1.60 t ha−1 and 348 USD ha−1 in the Terai region. The potential yield gap (difference between simulated potential yield and surveyed population mean) estimated was 4.63 t ha−1, suggesting ample room for growth even for the highest-yielding fields. Machine learning diagnostics of survey data, and on-farm trials identified nitrogen rate, irrigation management, terminal heat stress, use of improved varieties, seeding date, seeding method, and seeding rate as the principal agronomic drivers of wheat yield. While fields in the top 10th decile yield distribution had higher fertilizer use efficiencies and irrigation and seeding rates with similar overall production costs as average-yielding farmers. Our results suggest a complementary set of agronomic interventions to increase wheat productivity among lower-yielding farms in the Terai including advancing the time of seeding by 7–10 days on average, increasing nitrogen fertilizer by 20 kg ha−1, and alleviating water stress by applying two additional irrigations. SIGNIFICANCEAlthough wheat yields in the Terai are among the lowest in the region, biophysical production potential is high and remains largely untapped due to sub-optimal agronomic management practices rather than intrinsic agroecological factors. Data from this study suggests that incremental changes in these practices may result in substantial gains in productivity and profitability.

Agroecological drivers of winter rye (Secale cereale) yield spatio-temporal variation

The study of yield-limiting factors of rye, a typical European cereal, is a crucial concern today as it significantly impacts global food safety. The objecive of the study was to determine the contribution of agroecological factors, namely bioclimatic variables, soil parameters, and landscape diversity, to the variation of rye yields in the central and northern regions of Ukraine, which is one of the world’s five largest producers of this crop. A symmetric log-logistic model was used to describe the dynamics of rye yields, and the parameters of this model can be used to analyze the spatial dynamics of yields, in particular, such characteristic points of the yield model as: the lower limit of the response (the lowest yield level); the upper limit (the highest yield level); the slope of the response curve in the vicinity of the inflection point, which shows the rate of yield change over time, ED50 – the time required to reach half of the maximum yield growth. In the preliminary principal component analysis, we identified 4 climate principal components and 6 soil principal components. Landscape diversity was assessed based on the Shannon index and distance to the protected areas. The results of the regression analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between the parameters of rye yield and the identified environmental drivers. Among the rye yield parameters, the highest sensitivity to environmental factors was the upper yield limit (70%), and the lowest was the rate of yield increase (25%). Only the highest rate of yield growth demonstrated liner dependence on the Shannon index. Among the soil factors, the most influential for rye yields was the particle size distribution and especially the sand content. The rye yield parameters were primarily influenced by the variability of the temperature regime throughout extreme periods of the year and contrast in the temperature conditions. The yield parameters of rye were contingent upon the diversity of the landscape cover. The correlation between almost all yield characteristics and landscape-ecological diversity was not linear, leading to the identification of an optimal level of diversity in natural protected areas which results in the best rye yields.

EVALUATION OF VITICULTURE AND WINEMAKING REGIONS OF CRIMEA IN ACCORDANCE WITH CLIMATIC FACTORS, AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF GRAPES

A grape plant is capable to adapt, grow and produce crops in different environmental conditions. At the same time, agro-climatic conditions of grape growing area have a significant effect on the product quality. Environmental climatic conditions of Crimea contribute to cultivating grapes from very early to late ripening varieties. Diverse range of abiotic conditions allows choosing an optimal terroir for the formation of necessary grape conditions depending on the application target. Significant spatial climate variability within the region makes it possible to evaluate the impact of environmental factors on biosynthetic and accumulative properties of grapes.
 The purpose is to study changes in the profile of carbohydrate-acid complex of wine grape varieties under the influence of agro-ecological growing conditions.
 Materials and methods. Study objects were white and red grape varieties growing in various viticulture and winemaking regions of Crimea. A research for grape plant response to the variability of environmental factors basing on a long-term comparative study of chemical composition of its fruits, determining the varietal biochemical identity and technological properties in a particular region, was carried out.
 Results and conclusion. As a research result, the cumulative effect of agro-ecological factors on the accumulation of components of carbohydrate-acid grape complex was established, and in particular years it was possible to identify the dependence between their quantitative content and individual environmental factors. Accumulation of the mass concentration of sugars in grape berry directly correlated with the Huglin index value (r = 0.7). With regard to the mass concentration of titratable acids, an inverse correlation was revealed with the Winkler index value (r = -0.59). A comparative analysis of the results shows that one grape variety grown under different climatic conditions may show different ability to synthesize the components of carbohydrate-acid complexes, determining its suitability for various output production. There is a direct correlation of the mass concentration of sugars on the average air temperature for the last month before harvest (r=0.70) within the variety.

Evaluation of the artemisinin content of Artemisia annua L. grown in different Agro ecological zones of Cameroon

Artemisinin and its derivatives are potent antimalarials that have become essential components of Artemisinin Based Combination Therapies (ACTs) for malaria treatment. Production of artemisinin is less compared to its world demand and access to ACTs is still limited in worst hit countries. Secondary metabolite production in plants depends on a number of factors including agro ecology. This work sought to evaluate the growth characteristics and artemisinin content of Artemisia annua grown in four agro ecological zones of Cameroon. Experimental fields comprising of A annua were set up in the different agro-ecological zones, for growth and artemisinin assessments. Artemisinin detection and quantification was compared in leaves/flowers and stems of Artemisia annua from these agro-ecological zones, using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Soil provenance and other agro ecological factors significantly affected the growth parameters of A. annua as there were significant differences (p<0.05) in plant height, leaf area, number of branches, stem girth and number of leaves across the different study areas. There was significant variation (P<0.05) in the content of artemisinin from the plant in the different agro ecological zones. The mean levels of artemisinin in the samples was 0.34-0.80% in stem samples, and 0.18-0.61% for leaves/flowers. The highest artemisinin yield in leaf/flowers samples (0.61%) was recorded in samples from Bamenda, while that of stem samples (0.80%) was recorded in samples from Ngaoundere. The study confirms the effect of agro ecological factors on artemisinin content of A. annua in Cameroon and reveal that A. annua grown in most regions of the country contain commercially viable levels of artemisinin which can further be exploited for pharmaceutical purposes.

Soybean Seed Peroxidase

Research has been carried out to study the peroxidase activity of seed coats and the surface layer of seeds of various soybean varieties. It has been shown that the peroxidase activity of soybean seeds is located mainly on the surface layer behind the thin soybean shell, which plays a protective role against various agro-ecological stress factors. The content of proteins with peroxidase activity in soybean shells of the Vilana variety is 3.29-3.36% and the surface layer of seeds after separation of the shells is 0.95-1.1% of proteins containing peroxidase activity. The total protein content with peroxidase activity on whole seeds averages 1.7%.

Factors Affecting the Adoption of Digital Technology by Farmers in China: A Systematic Literature Review

Increasing pressure for food security and environmental sustainability has highlighted the need to switch from conventional agricultural methods to advanced agricultural practices. Digital agricultural technologies are considered promising solutions for sustainable intensification of food production and environmental protection. Despite significant promotional efforts initiated in recent years in China, the adoption rate remains low. The objective of this study is to gain insight into the factors affecting the adoption of on-farm digital technologies in China using a systematic review approach that analyzes 10 relevant studies. Data regarding methodological aspects and results are extracted. We identify 19 key adoption drivers that are related to socioeconomic, agroecological, technological, institutional, psychological, and behavioral factors. There is a predominance of ex-ante studies that use stated preference methods. We conclude with a discussion of the design of policy incentives to induce the adoption of digital technologies. Additionally, the review points to the limitations of existing research and suggests approaches that can be adopted for future investigations. This review provides meaningful implications for the development of future efforts to promote digital transformation for sustainable agriculture in China.

Ecological characterisation of the mycotoxin Alternariol in the green mass of spring wheat and white mustard under the conditions of the Moscow region

The article presents the results of the study of the influence of agro-ecological factors on the content of mycotoxins in the green mass of white mustard (Sinapis alba) and the spring wheat variety Lyubava (Triticum aestivum L.). The study was conducted at the experimental field «Yuzhnoe» of the Ecological Station of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy using chemical and microbiological methods. Agro-ecological factors were evaluated by the following parameters: humus content, soil acidity, phosphorus, potassium and lead content. The immunoenzyme method was used to determine the content of mycotoxins in the vegetative mass of white mustard and spring wheat (according to development stages). As a result, the highest levels of mycotoxin contamination were found in the mid-ripe stage of the crops, exceeding the average level of contamination by 8‑11 times in wheat and 4‑5 times in white mustard. The highest inverse correlation was found between the Alternariol content in the studied crops and the soil temperature of the upper layer of the humus horizon of 0‑5 cm. This fact justifies a more detailed study of the effect of this environmental factor.

Assessment of the severity and incidence of Septoria tritici blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici) of wheat in Northwestern Ethiopia

Wheat is a global staple crop, which contributes 20% of the total dietary proteins and calories. Despite its importance, wheat production and productivity are affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses. Septoria leaf blotch is one of the biotic stresses that decreases production and grain quality. A field survey was conducted in twenty-four districts of Northwestern Ethiopia to figure out its distribution, incidence, severity, and association with agronomic practices and agroecological factors. Logistic regression models were used to figure out associations of the disease intensity with independent variables. The highest mean disease incidence and severity were 90.7 and 46.67%. High severity and incidence were associated with early planting, milk growth stage, and vertisol soil type. This shows that Septoria leaf blotch is a major biotic constraint for the study area. Therefore, effective, and suitable disease management options should be developed to improve the productivity of the crop in Northwestern Ethiopia.

Analysis the characterization of climate change and its impacts on smallholder farmers in Eastern Ethiopia

The impact of climate change on agriculture and food production is manifested through alterations in agro-ecological factors. The region of sub-Saharan Africa is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change and variability, given its reliance on rainfall-dependent agriculture and inadequate adaptive capabilities. The objective of this study was to analysis of the characterization of climate change and its impacts on smallholder farmers in eastern Ethiopia. Historical daily rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature in 1991–2021 years of 12 weather station were collected from National Meteorological Institute of Ethiopia and NASA/POWER. Data quality control, trend test and outlier detection test were used. Climate characterization (onset, cessation, LGS and Dry/wet spell length) and precipitation concentration index were examined. The earliest, and latest start of rainy season in Kombolcha and Haramaya were 81DOY (March 21) and 225DOY (August 13) within mean 130DOY and 125DOY, respectively. In study area the minimum and maximum length of growing period of was recorded in Chinakesen and Haramaya by the values of 32DOY and 253DOY (Days of the year) respectively. In this arid and semi-arid areas, growing period was recorded under the short season crop maturity while long cropping season maturity does no satisfy crop water requirement due to moisture stress. The coefficient of variation of length of growing season from Mieso and Chinakesen were 36.2% and 47.9% which implies that the areas were highly vulnerable to climate extreme events of drought. Length of growing season (LGS) of Gemechis district was decreasing by a factor −2.533 shows highly significant at alpha value of 0.05 confidence level. Dry spell length probability occurrence of 5 days during the main cropping rainy season is significantly very high. The 30 years of data record suggests that a 29–48% precipitation concentration index of kiremt (JJAS) and belg (FMAM) seasonal rainfall which are demonstrating irregular precipitation. kiremt (JJAS) rainfall trend tests of Babile, Kurfa chale and Mieso districts were increasing by a factor of 2.016, 2.043 and 2.117, respectively and statistically significant at 95% confidence level, in the time period of 1991–2021 years. If furtherstudy will be examined climate extreme indices and adaptation strategies designed to simulate the impacts and variability of climate change in the study area.

ВЫДЕЛЕНИЕ АМПЕЛОЭКОТОПОВ ДЛЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОГО ВЫРАЩИВАНИЯ ВИНОГРАДА В СЕВАСТОПОЛЬСКОМ РЕГИОНЕ

The article presents the research results on the degree of favorability of agro-ecological conditions of Sevastopol for grapevine cultivation. The analysis according to the available multi-year data of weather stations of the Crimean peninsula is given. The following climatic indices characterizing vegetation period and grape ripening period were calculated: sum of temperatures above 20°C, ratio of sum of temperatures above 20 °C to sum of temperatures above 10 °C, Huglin and Winkler indices, average temperature of vegetation period, Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient, sum of precipitation per year and vegetation period. Besides, the main agro-ecological factors limiting the possibility and efficiency of grapevine cultivation were considered: average of absolute minima of air temperature and sum of active temperatures above 10 °С. A digital complex map of the spatial distribution of these indices on the analyzed territory was constructed by means of geoinformation modeling. The distribution of Sevastopol territories that are not suitable for vineyards establishment was analyzed: with unfavorable soil conditions, with a height of more than 600 m above sea level, with a slope of over 20 degrees, as well as lands of forest and reserve funds. As a result of a comprehensive analysis of agro-ecological conditions in the territory of Sevastopol 9 ampeloecotopes were identified. According to the results of the comparison of agro-ecological conditions of the selected ampeloecotopes with the requirements of grapevine varieties to growing conditions, taking into account the dependence of the quality indicators of viticulture and winemaking products on agro-ecological factors, recommendations for agroecological optimization of the varietal composition and terroir specialization of the viticulture and winemaking industry in the territory of the city of federal significance − Sevastopol were developed.

ВЫДЕЛЕНИЕ ПЕРСПЕКТИВНЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ ДЛЯ ВЫРАЩИВАНИЯ ВИНОГРАДА В ВОСТОЧНОЙ ЧАСТИ СТЕПНОЙ ЗОНЫ КРЫМА

The article presents the results of studies of the degree of favorability of agroecological conditions of the eastern part of the Steppe zone of Crimea for growing grapevine. The long-term data on weather stations of the Crimean peninsula are analyzed. The following climatic indices characterizing the growing season and the ripening period of grapes are calculated: the sum of temperatures above 20 °C, the ratio of the sum of temperatures above 20 °C to the sum of temperatures above 10 °C, the Huglin and Winkler indices, the average temperature of the growing season, the Selyaninov hydrothermal coefficient, the sum of precipitation for the year and the growing season. In addition, the main agroecological factors limiting the possibility and efficiency of growing grapes are considered: the average of the absolute minima of air temperature and the sum of active temperatures above 10 °C. With the help of geoinformation modeling, a digital complex map of the spatial distribution of index data on the analyzed territory is constructed. The distribution of territories in the central part of the Steppe zone of Crimea that are not suitable for planting vineyards is analyzed: with unfavorable soil conditions, with a height of more than 600 m above sea level, with a slope of more than 20 degrees, as well as lands of forest and nature reserves. As a result of a comprehensive analysis of agroecological conditions on the territory of the eastern part of the Steppe zone of Crimea, 10 ampeloecotopes were identified, including: on the territory of the Kirovsky district – 9, Leninsky district – 7. As a result of a comparison of agroecological conditions of selected ampeloecotopes with the requirements of grapevine varieties to growing conditions, taking into account the dependence of quality indicators of viticultural and wine products on agroecological factors recommendations on agroecological optimization of varietal composition and terroir specialization of the viticulture and wine industry in the eastern part of the Steppe zone of Crimea have been developed.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ФАКТОРОВ НА ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ КАЧЕСТВЕННЫХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК СЕМЯН СОРТОВ ЯРОВОГО ЯЧМЕНЯ В ПРЕДКАМСКОЙ ЗОНЕ РЕСПУБЛИКИ ТАТАРСТАН

The article presents the results of studies of the influence of agroecological factors on the formation of qualitative characteristics of spring barley varieties. Spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is widely cultivated as a fodder, industrial and food crop. The aim of the work is to study the features of the formation of some qualitative characteristics (laboratory germination, weight of 1000 seeds, bulk weight) of seeds of various varieties of spring barley, depending on the agro-climatic conditions of the growing season during the years of their formation. The objects of the study are 14 varieties of spring barley of domestic and foreign breeding, grown in 2020 and 2021, in the Arsk variety plot of the Predkama zone of the Republic of Tatarstan. The seeds of these varieties obtained in 2020 and 2021 were used for the study. At the same time, in 2020, the weather conditions were quite favorable for the growth and development of barley plants, and the conditions of 2021 were characterized by severely dry phenomena. Field experiments were laid in 2022 in the fields at Agrobiotechnopark LLC of Kazan State Agrarian University. At the same time, seeds of spring barley of the studied varieties of the harvest of 2020 and 2021 were sown. All seeds met the requirements of the standard for seed material. Presowing treatment of seeds was not carried out. Seeding rate - 5 million viable seeds per 1 ha. The growing season of 2022 was characterized by relatively moderate temperatures and sufficient precipitation to form a high yield. Agro-climatic conditions during the years of formation of the seed material (2020 and 2021) significantly affected the quality characteristics of the seeds of the 2022 crop. It was found that the seeds of the 2020 offspring varieties (Kamashevsky, Endan, Cornet resistant, Guzel, Zhivago) had low laboratory germination - 76%, 84%, 76%, 18%, and 68%, respectively. For the seeds of the 2021 harvest, the germination rate of the Kamashevsky and Kornet resistant varieties increased by 16%, the Guzel variety - by 58%, and the Zhivago variety - by 32%. Soratnik and Zhivago varieties showed the maximum laboratory germination from the seeds of the 2021 crop, their germination was 100%. The mass of 1000 grains of the harvest of 2022 of the variants of sowing with seeds of 2020 varied in the range from 45.9 to 59.3 g. The Nord 17/2645 variety turned out to be the most coarse - 66.5 g. Sorcerer (679 g/l). The volumetric weight of the crop obtained from the seeds of 2021 for varieties varied in the range from 640 to 690 g/l. The varieties Tevkech, Rafael, Soratnik, Eifel and Nord 17/2645 showed relatively high stability of these traits over the years.

Vulnerability of local farmers’ livelihood to climate variability across different agro ecology zone in Suha watershed, Upper Blue Nile basin, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Ethiopia is frequently mentioned as highly vulnerable to climate variability due to its climate-sensitive agricultural sector. As a result, this study aimed to examine farmers’ vulnerability across the various agroecological zones (AEZs) in the Suha watershed based on survey data from 384 respondents. A considerable difference in the two-measurement index, livelihood vulnerability index and IPCC vulnerability index, was seen across the selected agro-ecological zones. The lowland AEZ was more exposed, had a lower adaptive capacity, and was more vulnerable than the mid/high AEZ. This was confirmed by the LVI-IPCC analysis result, which was found as −0.07, 0.03 and 0.18 for midland, highland and lowland AEZs, respectively. The variation is associated with the difference in agro-ecological and socio-economic factors of the respondents. The results suggested that building well firmed adaptation strategies based on agro-ecological scenarios are vital to reduce the vulnerability of smallholder farmers. Further, understanding the physical and climatic diversity of each agro-ecological zone enables us to identify the appropriate requirements to adapt and minimize the vulnerability of smallholders’ livelihood. In the meantime, adaptation measure based on the above index can be applicable at local area since the appraisal takes farmers’ perception about climate variability into consideration.

Adolescent girls in aquaculture ecozones at risk of nutrient deficiency in Bangladesh development and validation of an integrated metric

BackgroundThis study developed and validated an integrated metric that enhances understanding of linkages between agro-ecological and socio-economic factors that are important for explaining nutritional wellbeing in relation to fish consumption; especially among adolescent girls who are at risk of nutritional deficiency in Bangladesh. Currently, there is no metric that takes account of environmental, cultural and economic contexts when considering fish consumption and dietary health from a policy perspective.MethodsThe study was designed as a bi-seasonal survey, repeated in the same population of adolescent girls recruited during the dry and wet seasons. Sampling was stratified by five settings (four aqua-agroecological zones and one processing plant community), with 60 girls recruited in each. Associations between candidate predictors (salinity, diet diversity, religion, socio-economic status and women’s autonomy score) and dependent variables representing nutritional outcomes (anthropometry, omega-3 index and micronutrient levels) were explored in multivariable regressions. The fitted model with its predictors was validated, and a risk score derived from responses to a few short questions on religion, salinity zone, female autonomy, diet diversity and tilapia consumption.ResultsThe omega-3 index showed the clearest distinction between seasons, by salinity and religion. Higher female autonomy, religion (being Hindu rather than Muslim), geographical location (living in a high or mid-saline area), and a higher dietary diversity were the strongest predictors of whole blood omega-3 index. The c-index for the prognostic model was 0.83 and 0.76 in the wet and dry season respectively, indicating good predictive accuracy. There appeared to be a clear trend in risk scores differentiating between those ‘chronically at risk’ and those ‘never at risk’.ConclusionsObservational data on different aquaculture-ecozones defined by salinity enabled us to establish linkages between seasonal fish intake, religion, diet diversity, female autonomy and nutritional wellbeing. The purpose of the metric is to reveal these specific linkages in practice. This tool should improve targeting of timely, preventative and cost-effective nutritional interventions to adolescent girls most at-risk from low omega-3 levels in communities where seafood is produced.