Agro-economic Performance Research Articles

Agro-economic performance of the association of beet with green cowpea in different amounts of hairy woodrose

ABSTRACT Intercropping systems of beet and green cowpea are beginning to be implemented in the northeastern semi-arid region in Brazil. The great challenge is to know if there is agro-economic efficiency in these systems when fertilized with organic matter produced by spontaneous species of the Caatinga biome. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of green manuring using different amounts of hairy woodrose (Merremia aegyptia) in the association of beet with green cowpea under the semi-arid conditions. The experiment was carried out at the Rafael Fernandes Experimental Farm, rural area of Mossoró, RN, Brazil, in the period of September-December 2015, in a randomized complete block design with four treatments and five replicates. The treatments consisted of hairy woodrose amounts incorporated into the soil (10, 25, 40, 55 t ha-1 on a dry basis). The cultivars of beet and green cowpea planted were ‘Early Wonder’ and ‘BRS Itaim’, recommended for the semi-arid conditions of the Brazilian Northeast. The best agro-economic performance for intercropping system of beet and green cowpea was obtained with 55 t ha-1 of hairy woodrose incorporated in the soil. The use of the hairy woodrose species as green manure is agronomically viable in intercropped systems with beet and green cowpea.

PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF CARROT AND COWPEA INTERCROPPING SYSTEM UNDER DIFFERENT SPATIAL ARRANGEMENTS AND POPULATION DENSITIES

ABSTRACT Spatial arrangement and population density of component cultures, when well structured, may contribute to increased crop yields relative to monocultures. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the productive performance of carrot and cowpea in an intercropping system under different spatial arrangements and population densities. This research was conducted on the “Rafael Fernandes” experimental farm of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Mossoró, RN, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replicates, where the treatments were arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme, in which the first factor was three spatial arrangements (2:2, 3:3, and 4:4) and the second factor was four different population densities of cowpea (100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% of the recommended population in the single crop [RPSC]). Rooster tree Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br., a spontaneous species of the „Caatinga‟ biome, was used as fertilizer. The characteristics evaluated in carrot were as follows: total and commercial productivity of roots and classified root production. The following characteristics were evaluated for cowpea: number of pods per square meter, length and yield of green pods, number of grains per pod, 100grain weight, and yield of green grains. The modified monetary advantage was used to evaluate the feasibility of the intercropped systems. Spatial arrangements between the component cultures did not influence the agroeconomic performance of the carrot-cowpea intercropping system. The highest agro-economic performance of the carrot-cowpea intercropping was obtained in the population of cowpea, which was 42% of the RPSC.

Increasing cropping intensityand productivity through boro t.aus-t.aman-mustard cropping pattern in Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted at Multiplication Testing Site (MLT) Trishal of on-farm research division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Mymensingh during 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the comparative agro-economic performance of four crops pattern for increasing cropping intensity and productivity as compared with existing farmers’ pattern. Four crops pattern (Boro-T.Aus-T.Aman-Mustard) and farmers’ existing pattern (Boro-fallow-T.Aman- fallow) as control were tested. On an average, organic matter 3.94 t ha-1and 2.60 t ha-1 were added to soil in four crops pattern and farmers existing pattern by incorporation of biomass of respective crops.. Two years average results showed that the highest rice equivalent yield (20.63 t ha-1) was obtained from four crops pattern. The highest average gross return and gross margin of the four crops pattern were obtained Tk.359570 and Tk. 170162 ha-1 which were 80 and 207 % higher over farmers’ pattern. Farmers’ practice gave the lower gross return (Tk. 199790 ha-1). The mean marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) was found 2.23 which indicated the superiority of four crops pattern over the farmers’ existing pattern. The marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) analysis also showed that inclusion of mustard and T.Aus rice in the existing pattern might be profitable and acceptable to the farmers. Nutrient uptake and balance showed that considerable amounts of N, P, K and S were removed by crops every year. However, the N, K and S balances were found negative in all cases but P balance was found positive. From the above result showed that four crops can be grown successfully one after another in sequence of the tested pattern.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 103-112 (2017)

Costs, viability and risks of organic tomato production in a protected environment

ABSTRACT The aim of this research was to evaluate the agro-economic performance of two table-tomato cultivars (Santa Clara and Siluet), under organic cultivation and in a protected environment. Through the analysis of production costs, economic viability and project risk, it was sought to generate a proposal for agricultural profitability having less socio-environmental impact on family farming. To achieve that, the Operating and Total Production Costs, Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) were calculated. A sensitivity analysis and economic risk analysis were then carried out. Both cultivars under consideration presented satisfactory economic indicators for the period being analysed. Judging by the criterion of Net Present Value, almost all discount rates (except for the rates of 10 and 12% for the Santa Clara cultivar) were found to be economically viable, with internal rates of return higher than the annual rate of 6%, the minimum rate of financial attractiveness considered. The sensitivity analysis revealed that price received and productivity have the greatest interference on project profitability, followed by packaging and labour costs. The estimated economic risk was relatively low, with a probability of obtaining a negative NPV of 30.31% in the case of the 'Santa Clara', and 4.48% for the 'Siluet'. It is therefore concluded that the organic production of 'Siluet' and 'Santa Clara' tomatoes under protected cultivation is an economically viable activity, with emphasis on the agro-economic superiority of the Siluet cultivar.

Effect of bioslurry on transplanted aus rice under rainfed condition in Sylhet

An experiment was conducted in farmer’s field with the aim to evaluate the effect of integrated use of bioslurry and inorganic fertilizer on the agroeconomic performance of transplanted aus rice (t. aus) (cv. BRRIdhan42) in AEZ 20. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were three treatments viz., T1: soil test based inorganic fertilizer dose for high yield goal (HYG), T2: cowdung (CD) slurry @ 5 t ha-1 with integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS) basis inorganic fertilizer dose for HYG and T3: Farmer’s practice (average of 20 farmers fertilizer dose). The highest mean grain yield (3.93 t ha-1) of t. aus rice was obtained from the treatment T2 followed by T1 (3.46 t ha-1). Gross return, gross margin and benefit cost ratio were also observed higher in T2. Therefore, fertilizer package NPKSZn @ 56-4-20-9-1 kg ha-1 + cow dung slurry @ 5 t ha-1 in IPNS approach might be helpful for getting higher grain yield of t. aus rice and maintaining sustainable soil health as well.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(3): 467-474, September 2017

Agro-economic efficiency of polycultures of arugula-carrot-lettuce fertilized with roostertree at different population density proportions

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the agro-economic efficiency of agrosystems of two croppings of arugula (A) and two of lettuce (L) intercropped with carrot (C) under different biomass amounts of roostertree incorporated into the soil and population density proportions between the component crops. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications, with the treatments arranged in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme. The first factor was made up of the amounts of roostertree biomass incorporated into the soil (10, 25, 40 and 55 t ha-1 on a dry basis) and the second factor by the population density proportions of the component crops in the polycultures (50A-50C-50L%, 40A-50C-40L%, 30A-50C-30L% and 20A-50C-20L% of the population recommended for single crops – PRSC). The agro-economic performance of arugula, carrot and lettuce in polyculture was optimized at 25 t ha-1 of roostertree incorporated into the soil. The population density proportions of arugula, carrot and lettuce of 50A-50C-50L% of the PRSC provided the best agro-economic efficiency to the polyculture.

Viability of polycultures of arugula-carrot-coriander fertilized with hairy woodrose under different population densities

ABSTRACT Polycultures from broadleaves with tuberoses are being used in vegetable crop production systems in the semiarid region of Potiguar. The challenge is to determine whether these systems are productively viable when fertilized with organic matter produced by spontaneous species of the Caatinga biome. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agro-economic performance of arugula (A), carrot (C), and coriander (Co) polycultures fertilized with hairy woodrose biomass incorporated into the soil under different population densities among the component crops. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications, with the treatments arranged in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, from the combination of four amounts of hairy woodrose biomass incorporated into the soil (7.5, 15.0, 22.5, and 30.0 t ha-1 on a dry matter basis), with four population densities (20A-50C-20Co%, 30A-50C-30Co%, 40A-50C-40Co%, and 50A-50C-50Co% of the recommended population in the single crop). The efficiency of polycultures was evaluated through indexes and agro-economic indicators. The most productive agro-economic performance was obtained with a biomass of 18.21 t ha-1 of hairy woodrose incorporated in the soil and a population density of 50A-50C-50Co%.

Agro economic performance of Bio-slurry on boro rice cultivation in some sites of Moulvibazar district

Soil fertility in Bangladesh is gradually diminishing and this is now becoming a critical issue. Biogas slurry is a renewable energy produced organic fertilizer can be applied for maintaining the fertility of soil. In this study, a two years experiment was conducted in the year 2011 and 2012 at the farmer’s field of Moulvibazar district under the agroecological zone 20 (AZE-20). The overall objective of the study was to observe the effect of bio-slurry on the agroeconomic performance of boro rice cultivation at on-farm condition. Three fertilizer treatments viz., T1: Soil test based (STB) inorganic fertilizer for high yield goal (HYG), T2: Integrated Plant Nutrient System (IPNS) based inorganic fertilizer + cowdung bio-slurry 5 tha-1 for HYG and T3: Farmer’s practice as control i.e. average of 20 farmers fertilizer application dose in boro rice were considered during experimentation. Results revealed that bioslurry based boro rice production is more profitable than chemical fertilizer. The highest grain yield (5.06 t ha-1) was recorded from IPNS with 5 t ha-1 cow dung slurry for HYG (T2) while the lowest yield was obtained from farmer’s practice. However, yield increase due to application of 5 t ha-1 Cowdung slurry slurry with IPNS based inorganic fertilizer was 115 and 124% compared to STB inorganic fertilizer and farmers followed treatment. Gross margin (Tk.65900 ha-1), benefit cost ratio (2.59) and marginal rate of return (451) were also obtained higher in the same treatment. Thus, nutrient package NPKSZn @102-12-25-18-2 kg + cowdung slurry 5 tha-1 might be helpful to get increased yield and improve soil health in AZE-20.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 42(2): 363-371, June 2017

Effect of coloured shade nets on yield and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum) cv. Mridula in semi-arid region of Punjab

The productivity of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Mridula was examined under shade nets of different colours (Red, Black and Green) with shade intensities (Red 50% PAR, Black 50% PAR, Green 35% PAR and 50% PAR) in Abohar, Punjab over two growing seasons. To overcome the evaporation losses, use of fogger and microsprinkler was done along with Kaolin 4% and Borax 0.4% to prevent sunburn and cracking problem. An insect net (50 mesh) was also used to prevent the damage from insects especially pomegranate fruit fly. The experimental results clearly showed that photoselective nets influenced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmitted through the canopy which caused variation in average monthly temperature and humidity. The quality of the fruits was affected under the open field conditions as compared to other treatments. Maximum acidity (0.412%), Vitamin C (13.52 mg/100 g), total sugars (13%) and highest antioxidant activity (40.1%) were recorded under open field conditions. Whereas minimum acidity (0.206%), minimum vitamin C (5.80mg/100g), total sugars (6.8%), and total phenols (7.5%) were recorded in the fruits grown under black shade net (50%). On the other hand, the application of shade net had significant impact on the quantitative characteristics. Shading with the net (Red 50%) resulted in the significant increase in the length of the fruits (83.39 mm) along with higher fruit weight (310 g) and highest yield of 6.70 kg/plant as compared to the open field condition (3.14 kg/plant). The results, therefore, demonstrate the potency of photoselective netting (Red colour) for improving the agro-economic performance of horticultural crops especially inharsh climates and arid zones. Placing the red nets over mature plants at intermediate shade levels (35% PAR and 50% PAR) provides higher yield without any detrimental effects on fruit quality.

Agroeconomic evaluation of intercropping rocket and carrot by uni- and multivariate analyses in a semi-arid region of Brazil

The emergence of new vegetable cultivars enables the development of novel combinations of intercrops. Producers require information and comparative data on the behavior of these cultivars in intercropping agroecosystems to learn which crops can combine well and can consequently provide higher productivity and agroeconomic efficiency. This study evaluated the agroeconomic performance of two carrot and two rocket cultivars in a strip-intercropping system, with two harvests of rocket, under the hot and sunny conditions of the municipality of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, in northeastern Brazil. The experiments used a randomized complete block design with five replicates and treatments arranged in a 2×2 factorial scheme. The treatments were the four possible combinations of two carrot cultivars (Brasília and Esplanada) and two rocket cultivars (Cultivada and Folha Larga). Each block contained plots of these four treatments and four monocultured plots, one for each carrot and rocket cultivar, for evaluating the efficiencies of the intercropping indices. Each treatment was evaluated for commercial productivity of carrots, green mass yield of rocket, land equivalent ratio, productive efficiency index, gross income, net income, rate of return and profit margin. Intercropping of the rocket cultivar Folha Larga and the carrot cultivar Brasilia is recommended. The multivariate analysis of the vegetable crop yields as compared to the univariate analysis of land equivalent ratio and productive efficiency index was quite effective in the discrimination of the carrot cultivars in the intercropping systems. However, this same method of multivariate analysis applied to the yields of the same vegetable crops when compared to the univariate analysis of the same indices was not effective in the discrimination of the rocket cultivars in the intercropping systems.

Agro-Economic Performance of Crop Diversification in Rice Based Cropping Systems of Northwest Bangladesh

Among the winter (Rabi) crops, wheat is one of the most important temperature-sensitive crops and is the second most important grain crop after rice in Bangladesh. An experiment was conducted in research field of Wheat Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Dinajpur, Bangladesh with 5 different cropping patterns including wheat and transplanted (T) Aman rice, and a non-wheat cropping pattern started from Rabi of 2008-09 to Kharif II of 2012 to evaluate the agronomic and economic performance of the patterns in the light soil of northwestern part of Bangladesh. Wheat-Jute-T.Aman Rice cropping pattern gave comparable gross margin with higher benefit-cost ratio (BCR) but need lower total variable cost. Lower gross return and gross margin were obtained from cropping pattern Wheat-T.Aus Rice-T.Aman Rice. Cropping pattern Wheat-Mungbean-T.Aman Rice produced higher gross return and gross margin than the cropping pattern Wheat-T.Aus Rice-T.Aman Rice. Cropping pattern Potato-Wheat-Maize-T.Aman Rice produced higher wheat equivalent yield in all the 4 years. Cropping pattern Wheat-T.Aus Rice-T.Aman Rice produced lower wheat equivalent yield than other cropping patterns and also induced acidity rapidly. Cropping pattern Wheat-Mungbean-T.Aman Rice needed lowest cost but gave economic benefit with comparable BCR.

Effect of cowdung and sulphur on agro-economic performance of potato tubers in Bangladesh

Effect of cowdung and sulphur on agro-economic performance of potato tubers in Bangladesh

Agro-Economic Evaluation of Various Maize Hybrids Under Different Planting Patterns

Abstract An experiment was carried out at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad to assess the agro-economic performance of two maize hybrids (SIPRA-4444 and TS- 13) under five different sowing patterns viz. ridge sowing 60 cm apart rows, bed sowing 60 cm apart rows, 60 cm apart single row strips, 90 cm apart double row strips and 120 cm apart triple row strips. The results indicated that the hybrids and the sowing patterns had a significant influence on the grain yield of maize. SIPRA-4444 produced maximum grain yield (6.02 tha-1) as compared to TS-13 (5.80 tha-1). Among the planting methods, ridge sowing produced highest grain yield (7.13 t ha-1). The interactive effect of hybrids and sowing methods showed that the hybrid SIPRA - 4444 produced maximum yield when it was sown on 60 cm apart ridges. From economic point of view, maximum net income of Rs. 114172 and benefit to cost ratio of (2.37) was obtained when the hybrid SIPRA-4444 was sown on 60 cm spaced ridges.

Desempenho agroeconômico da cenoura adubada com jitirana (Merremia aegyptia)

O uso de plantas espontâneas do bioma Caatinga como adubo verde vem se constituindo numa opção viável de produção de hortaliças na região do Nordeste brasileiro. Entre essas plantas, está a jitirana, planta espontânea adaptada às condições edafoclimáticas da região, com alta produção de fitomassa, rápido crescimento e estreita relação C:N. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho agroeconômico da cenoura (cv. Brasília) em função de quantidades de jitirana adicionadas sob o solo e de seus tempos de incorporação. O estudo foi conduzido em área rural, localizada em Mossoró (RN), de setembro a dezembro de 2009. O delineamento experimental usado foi em blocos completos casualizados com os tratamentos arranjados em esquema fatorial (4x4) + 1, com 3 repetições. O primeiro fator foi constituído pelas quantidades de jitirana colocadas entre as linhas de cenoura até a profundidade de 15 cm (5,4; 8,8; 12,2 e 15,6 t ha-1 em base seca) e o segundo fator pelos tempos de incorporação desse material (0, 15, 30 e 45 dias depois da semeadura da cenoura). O tratamento adicional (testemunha) foi de 40 t ha-1 de esterco bovino aplicado 10 dias antes da semeadura. Foram avaliados a produtividade comercial e total de raízes, percentagens das diversas classes de raízes e os indicadores econômicos, renda bruta, renda líquida, taxa de retorno e índice de lucratividade. Não houve interação significativa entre os fatores quantidades de jitirana sob o solo e seus tempos de incorporação em nenhuma das características avaliadas na cenoura. O melhor desempenho agroeconômico do cultivo da cenoura foi obtido com a adição ao solo de 15,6 t ha-1 de jitirana. A otimização desse desempenho foi alcançada no tempo de incorporação de 26 dias.

Exploring options for integrated nutrient management in semi-arid tropics using farmer field schools: a case study in Mbeere District, eastern Kenya

The farmer field school (FFS) approach was used in semi-arid eastern Kenya in the period 2002–2003 to explore technology options for addressing declining soil fertility and to institute learning processes on integrated nutrient management (INM). Participatory diagnosis of soil fertility constraints and experimental design workshops led to the formulation of the INM-FFS learning curriculum and choice of INM technologies for testing in the central learning plot. INM technologies jointly chosen for testing included farmyard manure (FYM = T1), diammonium phosphate (DAP = T2), combined application of FYM and DAP (T3); and T3 combined with Tithonia diversifolia applied as green manure (T4). Maize was used as a test crop. The treatments were replicated twice using a pair-wise design and data collected, bi-weekly, using the agroecosystem analysis (AESA) framework to aid learning and data analysis with farmers. Farmers' evaluation of the trials was conducted at the end of the study period using matrix scoring and ranking. Treatments with combined application of organic and inorganic materials had better agro-economic performance than sole application of either FYM or DAP (T4 > T3 > T2 and T1) and they had a high value cost ratio (VCR > 2). The technologies of T1 to T3 did not have a positive impact on either nitrogen or phosphorus balances. However, T4 resulted in a positive partial N balance. Farmers' evaluation corresponded well with the majority of the quantitative agro-economic analysis. The study showed that there is a potential to use FFS for INM technology development and testing by stimulating interactions, farmer learning and closer working relationships between farmers, research scientists, extension and the institutions that they represent.

Socio-economic Factors, Soil Fertility Management and Cropping Practices in Mixed Farming Systems of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Study in Kiambu, Central Highlands of Kenya

A study was carried out in Kiambu District, central highlands of Kenya to explore the effects of household socio-economic factors on farm nutrient balances and agro-economic performance and to determine nutrient depleting and conserving cropping practices in the crop-dairy (mixed) farming system. Data was collected from 30 smallholder farmers and processed using nutrient monitoring (NUTMON) tool. Family earnings (sum of net farm income and off-farm income) were low and off-farm income accounted for 61% of family earnings of the studied households. On-farm livestock density (TLU ha-1) was the main determinant of farm N, P and K nutrient stocks and balances. The mean farm (total) nutrient balances were -2.6 kg N ha-1 half year-1, 36.7 kg P ha-1 half year-1 and 16.9 kg K ha-1 half year-1. In the analysis, purchased livestock feeds (and fertilizers) were the major determinants of farm N, P and K nutrient balances. The major loss pathway for P and K was erosion, accounting for 35 and 66% of total P and K outflows respectively. For N, it was leaching. Farmers adopted preferential soil fertility management strategies for cropping practices resulting in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium nutrient mining under Napier (monocrop) and coffee (intercrop) fields and nutrient conservation under maize (intercrop) fields.

Desempenho agroeconômico do consórcio cenoura x alface lisa em dois sistemas de cultivo em faixa

O desempenho de quatro cultivares de alface lisa, em cultivo solteiro e consorciado com cenoura, em dois sistemas de cultivo em faixas, foi avaliado em experimento, de outubro a dezembro de 2000, na ESAM em Mossoró. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados completos em esquema fatorial 3 x 4 + 1, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos do fatorial resultaram da combinação dos sistemas de cultivos (solteiro, consorciado em faixas com três fileiras de cenoura alternadas com três fileiras de alface e consorciado em faixas com quatro fileiras de cenoura alternadas com quatro fileiras de alface) com quatro cultivares de alface lisa (Babá de Verão, Karla, Verdinha e Elisabeth), mais um tratamento adicional (cenoura 'Brasília' solteira). Avaliou-se para a cultura da alface: altura e diâmetro de plantas, número de folhas por planta, matéria seca da parte aérea e produtividade; para a cultura da cenoura avaliou-se: altura de plantas, matéria fresca da parte aérea, produtividade total, comercial e classificação de raízes. Alguns indicadores agroeconômicos foram usados para medir a eficiência dos sistemas consorciados. Não houve interação significativa entre sistemas de cultivos e cultivares de alface para nenhuma das características avaliadas. Os sistemas de cultivo afetaram todas as características avaliadas tanto na cultura da alface como na da cenoura, e as cultivares de alfaces testadas influenciaram apenas o número de folhas/planta, com a cultivar 'Karla' registrando maior número. A produtividade média da alface nos sistemas consorciados, embora inferior à do sistema solteiro, representou uma fonte adicional de renda. O consórcio cenoura 'Brasília' x alface cv. 'Verdinha' em faixas com quatro fileiras foi o que apresentou maior viabilidade agroeconômica, com índice de uso da terra em torno de 19% e taxa de retorno ao redor de 3,0.

Agro-economic Performance of Tossa Jute at Growers Level in Bangladesh

Agro-economic Performance of Tossa Jute at Growers Level in Bangladesh

Agroeconomic Performance of Six Rice-Wheat Cropping Patterns, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh

Agroeconomic Performance of Six Rice-Wheat Cropping Patterns, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh

Agro-Economic Performance of Jackfruit-Pineapple Agroforestry System in Madhupur Tract

A survey was carried out in two villages of Durgapur union under Kapasia upazila of Gazipur district during January to March, 2005 to investigate profitability, problems and management system of practicing jackfruit-pineapple agroforestry practice. Result revealed that the existing jackfruit-pineapple agroforesty system is profitable and has a great contribution to the meet up of nutritional demand. There is a scope of adopting improved management practices and it may increase the total production. Among the various problems, jackfruit trunk borer is the major. Measures against insects, bat, hedgehog, squirrel etc., use of popular cultivar and training on improved management practices for development of jackfruit-pineapple agroforestry system were suggested to overcome these problems. Key words: Agro-economic performance, jackfruit-pineapple agroforestry system. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jard.v6i1.1672 J Agric Rural Dev 6(1&2), 147-156, June 2008