Arecanut Plantation Research Articles

Impact of Fertilizer and Mulch on Growth, Yield and Quality of Carrot in Arecanut Cropping System Under Conservation Agriculture Practices

This study aims to comprehensively assess the influence of conservation agriculture techniques, encompassing reduced tillage, cover cropping (live mulch) and nutrient levels on a range of growth parameters and the ultimate yield of crop. As per the principles of conservation agriculture i.e., soil was disturbed minimally, berseem mulch was incorporated in the experiment and carrot was raised under arecanut plantation during rabi and it was succeeded by mint crop in pre-kharif season. Experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with seven treatments of different nutrient doses and mulch replicated thrice. Field experiments were conducted across two growing seasons i.e., 2019-20 and 2020-21 during Rabi (Winter) at Balindi research farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur. Precise measurements and meticulous analyses were conducted on key parameters; Vegetative growth i.e., plant height and number of leaves, yield attributing parameters like root length, diameter, weight and total yield of crop. TSS and beta carotene was also estimated. These parameters unequivocally indicate that conservation agriculture practices exert a substantial influence on both the growth and yield. Among various nutrient levels, higher dose of fertilizer (T4 - 120:90:120 NPK kg ha-1) with berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) as a cover crop in the interspaces showed maximum vegetative growth i.e., plant height and number of leaves plant-1 at all growth stages (30, 60 and 90 DAS) while decreasing trend was observed in yield parameters with higher levels of nutrient doses, medium level of fertilizer dose (T5 - 90:60:90 kg ha-1 + berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) recorded highest root length, diameter, weight and projected yield of 18.5cm, 3.58 cm, 118.37 g plant-1 and 26.63 t ha-1 respectively. These findings underscore the considerable potential of conservation agriculture practices as a sustainable approach to optimize carrot crop production. This research contributes valuable scientific insights that hold significant implications for agricultural stakeholders, including farmers and practitioners, seeking to fine-tune carrot cultivation methodologies while concurrently fostering soil health and environmental sustainability.

Active Soil Organic Carbon Pools Decrease with Increased Time since Land-Use Transition from Rice Paddy Cultivation to Areca Nut Plantations under the Long-Term Application of Inorganic Fertilizer

Many croplands in the tropics of China have been converted over the last decades into areca nut plantations due to their high economic returns. This land-use transition was accompanied by changes in agricultural practices such as soil moisture regimes and fertilizer inputs, which may affect soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions, especially in tropical soils with low fertility and high nitrogen loss. Yet, how the time since land-use transition from rice paddy cultivation to areca nut plantations affects soil carbon dynamics and their underlying mechanisms in the tropics of China remains elusive. Here, areca nut plantation soils with different ages (2, 5, 10, 14, and 17 years) and paddy fields in the tropical region of China were investigated. The study result indicates that the contents of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), easily oxidized organic carbon (EOC), light organic carbon (LFOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) decreased significantly with increased time since land-use transition from rice paddy cultivation to areca nut plantations. Similarly, the ratios of DOC/SOC, MBC/SOC, POC/SOC, LFOC/SOC, and EOC/SOC decreased significantly with increased time since land-use transition. Compared with the paddy soil, the carbon pool management index decreased by 36.6–76.7% under the areca nut plantations, concluding that increasing the time since land-use transition from rice paddy cultivation to areca nut plantations with high application rates of chemical fertilizers resulted in reduced soil active carbon fractions and SOC supply capacity. Therefore, agricultural practices such as the use of organic fertilizers should be applied to improve the soil’s ability to supply organic carbon in managed plantation ecosystems in the tropics of China.

Effect of Intercropping System of Vegetables on Yield and Economics of Arecanut Plantation

The on farm trials were conducted to study the effect of intercropping system of vegetables on yield, economics and soil fertility status of Arecanut plantation during the year from 2015-16 to 2016-17 at various villages in Tiptur taluk of Tumkur district, Karnataka state. The three intercropping systems involved viz., Treatment T1- Arecanut as mono-cropping (farmers practice), Treatment T2 - Arecanut intercrops with vegetable cowpea and Treatment T3- Arecanut intercrops with vegetable french bean conducted at seven farmers field as replication. The 26 year old Arecanut plantation of Gubbi local variety planted with 2.7 m x 2.7 m spacing. The result reveals that the two year mean data of experiments were recorded. The maximum chali yield of Arecanut was recorded (12.53 q/ha/year) in Arecanut plantation intercrops with vegetable french bean, which is on far with Arecanut plantation (12.25 q/ha/year) intercrops with vegetable cowpea. Whereas, significantly minimum chali yield of arecanut was obtained in Arecanut as mono-cropping system in farmers practice. The cultivation of Arecanut intercrops with vegetable french bean was obtained highest net annual income (Rs. 2,56,832/ha) and B:C ratio (2.85) with additional income of the farmers and high market demand of vegetable beans as compared to cultivation of Arecanut plantation intercrops with vegetable cowpea at Rs. 2,29,083/ha with B:C ratio of 2.72 with less demand of vegetable cowpea at market, whereas, cultivation of Arecanut as monocropping system was recorded lowest net annual income (Rs.1,45,290/ha) with B:C ratio (2.29) and no additional income from arecanut mono-cropping system practices in farmers field.
 The soil samples were collected from arecanut plantation before initiated and after the experiment, analyzed the soil fertility status of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash availability, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) in soil. Soil pH and organic matter content of samples were slightly alkaline to neutral and low to high respectively. The soil fertility status of Arecanut plantation intercrops with vegetable French beans was recorded numerical improved (P<0.05) in all three major nutrients over the pre-treatment observation in the soil, which is on far with soil fertility status of Arecanut plantation intercrops with vegetable cowpea, whereas, soil fertility status of NPK were found to lowest in Arecanut as mono- cropping system as farmers practices. This might be due to incorporated residue of French bean and cowpea biomass into soil, which fixes atmospheric nitrogen as results in improved of soil fertility status. Arecanut plantation intercrops with vegetable french bean were recorded higher net returns and sustainability of the soil fertility by cultivating more suitable cropping system to enhanced income of farmers.

INOVASI PENJERNIHAN AIR SEBAGAI SOLUSI KETERSEDIAAN AIR BERSIH DI DESA PANDAN SEJAHTERA

INOVASI PENJERNIHAN AIR SEBAGAI SOLUSI KETERSEDIAAN AIR BERSIH DI DESA PANDAN SEJAHTERA

Modeling Land Use and Climate Change Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Storage under Different Plantation Systems in Mizoram, Northeast India

Soil carbon sequestration is vital to reduce the atmospheric carbon concentration, which is expected to increase within future climatic scenarios. The present study aims to investigate the effects of land use changes to different plantation systems on SOC stocks, and simulate these changes using the RothC model in Mizoram, India. With this aim, four land uses, viz., secondary forest, oil palm, orange, and arecanut plantations, established on degraded shifting cultivation lands, and a control natural forest were selected for this study. The soils were sampled 0–30 cm in the secondary forest, plantations, and the natural forest, at an interval of five years. Measured SOC stocks were the highest in the secondary forest (67.0 Mg C ha−1) and the lowest under the oil palm plantation (37.4 Mg C ha−1), 10 years after land use conversion. The climate change projections for 2021–2035 and 2036–2050 indicated that temperature and rainfall changes, projected to increase by 0.8 and 2.0 °C, and 5.9 and 5.4%, respectively, will affect SOC stocks in the future differently, depending on the land use and carbon input from vegetation. Baseline climate simulations under land use change showed the highest increase in the SOC stock under the secondary forest (116%), and the lowest in the oil palm plantation (27%). Overall, the model predicted that SOC stocks would increase, but the rate of change (0.23–1.86 Mg C ha−1 yr−1) varied with different land uses, plant species, and land management practices. The model results indicated that restoring secondary forest following the abandonment of a shifting cultivation and orange plantations are the best options to improve SOC stocks within future climate change scenarios. Conversely, arecanut and oil palm need to be reduced because the SOC storage is lower.

Pengenalan teknologi dan strategi dalam pemanfaatan limbah pelepah pinang menjadi produk kreatif di Gampong Lamtamot Kabupaten Aceh Besar (Introduction to technology and strategy in the utilization of areca nut leaf waste into creative products in Lamtamot Village, Aceh Besar District)

The community of Lamtamot Village makes agriculture and plantations their primary income, especially areca nut plantations. The community has not used areca nut leaf waste to be used as products. The purpose of this paper was to determine the knowledge and sustainability of the utilization of areca nut leaf sheaths into creative local products and can increase household income for the community of Lamtamot Village. The activity began with distributing questionnaires before service activities (pre-test), socialization, distributing questionnaires after socialization activities (post-test), testing tools, and promotions. The results of the evaluation showed an increase in the level of knowledge and understanding of areca nut farmers and the community regarding the utilization of areca nut leaf sheaths into products that can be used and marketed. The highest moisture content test result on the areca nut leaf sheaths to be printed was 16.04%. In comparison, the lowest moisture content was 9.7%. The ideal leaf sheaths for printing were 12-16%. The next step was the testing of the areca nut leaf sheaths printing tools (machine manufacturer and plate production) to be able to form plates and curves as packaging. The community can operate the machine because the machine was very simple even though it uses a manual jack. The pre-test results from the questionnaire showed that 84 % of the respondents had no knowledge regarding the utilization of areca nut leaf sheaths. After completing the introduction of tools and explanations, 92% of the respondents already have knowledge of the utilization of the areca nut leaf sheath treatment, and 32% have the desire to develop an areca waste processing business. Products marketing is carried out online, supported by the ability of the public to access e-commerce accounts.

Efficacy of new generation oomycete-specific fungicides on life stages of Phytophthora meadii and field evaluation through bunch spraying system

Fruit rot disease (FRD) of arecanut, caused by Phytophthora meadii, is an important fruit disease of this palm tree that resulted in huge economic losses to the growers in India. In recent years, the control of this disease has become a prime factor in the management of arecanut plantations. Though prophylactic sprayings of Bordeaux mixture (1%) along with other older fungicides are useful in reducing the disease severity. Hence, there is an urgent need for new generation molecules to combat FRD under field conditions. The present investigation was aimed at evaluating newer oomycete-specific fungicides in in-vitro on different life stages of Phytophthora and in-vivo through a Bunch Spraying System (BSS) from ground level. The pathogen was isolated, identified, and characterized from varied regions and one virulent isolate from each region was used. Out of the 11 fungicides tested, EC50 for mycelial inhibition among isolates was lowest in Famoxadone + Cymoxanil. Similarly, the lowest EC50 for sporangial production was recorded in Iprovalicarb + Propineb, Famoxadone + Cymoxanil, and Kresoxymethyl ranging from 210.70 to 517.87 mg mL_1. The most effective fungicide for inhibition of zoospore release was Dimethomorph + Mancozeb which ranged from 406.81 to 565.80 mg mL_1. Bunch spraying of fungicides such as Bordeaux mixture (1%), mandipropamid (0.5%), fosetyl-Al (0.3%), and a combination of metalaxyl-mancozeb (0.2%) from ground level had a significant (P < 0.05) effect against FRD. These fungicides were found most effective in reducing the disease up to an extent of 65–70% and which in turn increased the dry nut yield by 75–95% when applied twice compared to untreated control. However, a semi-systemic fungicide mandipropamid could be a potential alternative to the Bordeaux mixture for effective control of FRD under field conditions.

Stochastic Resource Algorithm for Effective Utilization of Bandwidth for IoT Sensor Networks in Arecanut Agriculture Applications

Cognitive radio technology is growing positive solution for the effective utilization of the bandwidth for IoT device networks. The fixed spectrum allocation scheme leads to insufficient spectrum utilization, to overcome this problem, the stochastic resource allocation algorithm is proposed in the present work. This method of internet spectrum allocation considerably increases the performance of IoT sensor network by utilizing the internet spectrum by non-cognitive inactive IoT sensors (white space/spectrum holes) by continuous spectrum sensing. In this paper we have discussed the effective resource allocation for interweave and underlay conditions and also at variable interference constraints (short time and longtime spectrum sensing) of IoT network. The arecanut plantation for agriculture scenario is considered in the present paper and the sensor environment simulation is performed using MATLAB.

Effects of Intercropping Pandanus amaryllifolius on Soil Properties and Microbial Community Composition in Areca Catechu Plantations

The areca nut (Areca catechu L.) and pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb.) intercropping cultivation system has been widely practiced to improve economic benefits and achieve the development of sustainable agriculture in Hainan Province, China. However, there is a lack of research on the relationships among soil properties, soil enzyme activities, and microbes in this cultivation system. Therefore, a random block field experiment of pandan intercropped with areca nut was established to investigate the effects of environmental factors on the diversity and functions of soil microbial communities in Lingshui county, Hainan Province. The diversity and composition of soil microbial communities under different cropping modes were compared using Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA (bacteria) and ITS-1 rRNA (fungi) genes, and FAPROTAX and FUNGuild were used to analyze and predict the bacteria and fungi community functions, respectively. Correlation analysis and redundancy analysis were used to explore the responses of soil microbial communities to soil environmental factors. The results showed that the bacterial community was more sensitive to the areca nut and pandan intercropping system than the fungal community. The functional predictions of fungal microbial communities by FAPROTAX and FUNGuild indicated that chemoheterotrophy, aerobic chemoheterotrophy, and soil saprotroph were the most dominant functional communities. The intercropping of pandan in the areca nut plantation significantly enhanced the soil bacterial Ace and Chao indices by reducing the soil organic carbon (SOC) and total phosphorus (TP) content. In the intercropping system, urease (UE) and acid phosphatase were the key factors regulating the soil microbial community abundance. The dominant bacterial and fungal phyla, such as Firmicutes, Methylomirabilota, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Verrucomicrobia, and Ascomycota significantly responded to the change in planting modes. Soil properties, such as UE, total nitrogen, and SOC had a significant stimulating effect on Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Ascomycota. In summary, soil bacteria responded more significantly to the change in cropping modes than soil fungi and better reflected the changes in soil environmental factors, suggesting that intercropping with pandan positively affects soil microbial homeostasis in the long-term areca nut plantation.

Pengamatan Penyakit pada Tanaman Pinang (Areca Catechu L.) di Desa Mandala Jaya Kecamatan Betara Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat

Areca nut (Areca catechu L.) is one of the leading plantation commodities in Jambi Province which has high economic value and plays an important role as a source of foreign exchange for the country. Areca nut plants in Jambi Province are most widely located in Betara District, West Tanjung Jabung Regency. To increase the yield of areca nut, it is necessary to know the diseases that attack areca nut and the percentage of the disease attack. It is useful for disease control in areca nut. This study aims to find out about the main diseases that attack areca nut plants such as yellowing leaf spot, leaf blight, leaf red rust, root rot/base of stem, fruit rot, shoot rot, yellow leaves, foot rot, flower die back and fruit drop, and Bacterial leaf stripe. The research was conducted using the Simple Random Sampling method. Plant samples were taken randomly at the people's areca nut plantations in Mandala Jaya Village, Betara District. Observations were made by looking at the symptoms of the disease and calculating the percentage of plants affected by the disease. Samples of areca nut plant parts that were attacked by the disease were identified at the Unbari Basic Laboratory.The research that has been conducted in Mandala Jaya Village, Betara District, Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, it can be concluded that three main diseases were found in areca nut, namely yellowing leaf spot caused by the fungus Curvularia sp, leaf blight disease caused by the Pestalotia palmarum fungus and red rust leaf disease caused by the fungus Cephaleuros sp. The percentage of disease attacks, namely, yellow leaf spot disease (Curvularia sp.) was highest on P1 land by 40%, the highest percentage of Leaft Blight disease was found in P1 area at 35% and the highest percentage of red rust leaf disease was found in P1 area, which was 20%.

Decrease in soil inorganic nitrogen supply capacity under long‐term areca nut plantations in the tropics

AbstractUnderstanding the dynamics and availability of soil nitrogen (N) affected by the conversion of cropping patterns is critical for environmental sustainability, especially in tropical soils with low fertility and high N loss. In this study, the 15N tracing technology combined with the 15N tracer model was used to explore the dynamic change of soil N transformation in long‐estabished areca nut (Areca catechu) plantations. Areca nut plantations with different ages (2, 5, 10, 14, and 17 years) and paddy fields in the tropical region of China were studied. The results demonstrated that the gross N mineralization rate (M) of areca nut plantation soil was much lower than that of paddy soil. The NH4+ immobilization (INH4) rate was also significantly reduced in areca nut plantations. Besides, the ONH4 (autotrophic nitrification) in long‐term areca nut planted soil decreased significantly with decreasing ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) abundance. Inorganic N supply (INS) capacity of areca nut planted soil was much lower than the paddy soil, indicating declined N supply in long‐term areca nut plantations soil. The decline in soil gross N transformations rate and INS capacity of areca nut plantations soil was significantly correlated to reduced levels of TN and soil pH. Thus, agricultural practices that increase the soil pH (e.g., biochar or lime application) and the soil organic matter content (e.g., organic fertilizers) could improve soil INS capacity.

Exploring the Impact of Climatic Variables on Arecanut Fruit Rot Epidemic by Understanding the Disease Dynamics in Relation to Space and Time.

To understand the spatio-temporal dynamics and the effect of climate on fruit rot occurrence in arecanut plantations, we evaluated the intensity of fruit rot in three major growing regions of Karnataka, India for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019). A total of 27 sampling sites from the selected regions were monitored and the percentage disease intensity (PDI) was assessed on 50 randomly selected palms. Spatial interpolation technique, ordinary kriging (OK) was employed to predict the disease occurrence at unsampled locations. OK resulted in aggregated spatial maps, where the disease intensity was substantial (40.25–72.45%) at sampling sites of the Malnad and coastal regions. Further, Moran’s I spatial autocorrelation test confirmed the presence of significant spatial clusters (p ≤ 0.01) across the regions studied. Temporal analysis indicated the initiation of disease on different weeks dependent on the sampling sites and evaluated years with significant variation in PDI, which ranged from 9.25% to 72.45%. The occurrence of disease over time revealed that the epidemic was initiated early in the season (July) at the Malnad and coastal regions in contrary to the Maidan region where the occurrence was delayed up to the end of the season (September). Correlations between environmental variables and PDI revealed that, the estimated temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and total rainfall (TRF) significantly positively associated (p = 0.01) with disease occurrence. Regression model analysis revealed that the association between Tmax, RH1 and TRF with PDI statistically significant and the coefficients for the predictors Tmax, RH1 and TRF are 1.731, 1.330 and 0.541, respectively. The information generated in the present study will provide a scientific decision support system, to generate forecasting models and a better surveillance system to develop adequate strategies to curtail the fruit rot of arecanut.

A versatile rhodamine B-derived fluorescent probe for selective copper(II) sensing

In the current study, a colourimetric/fluorimetric rhodamine-hydroxy benzaldehyde molded Schiff base chemosensor-RL was developed and characterized. The chemosensor-RL was screened for metal ion sensing capabilities and discovered to be detecting Cu2+ ions with great sensitivity and selectivity. The complex formation between the RL and Cu2+ was characterized by 1H NMR-based titration studies as well as Job’s method with 1:1 binding stoichiometry between the RL and Cu2+ ion. The limit of detection was found to be 1.16 µM. Moreover, real-time detection was successfully performed on samples such as water, natural soil from areca nut plantation, and leaching of copper cookware. As copper is an essential trace element for both humans and animals. Both deficiencies of copper and chronic exposure to high levels can be detrimental to the body. Therefore having a reliable method to detect the deposition of copper within the body may have vast application in the field of metal imaging. To test the hypothesis of in vivo Cu2+ imaging, we used Drosophila melanogaster that was exposed to chronic levels of copper(II) as a model organism. The preliminary results show that the RL was capable of detecting Cu2+ deposits within the tissue, thereby establishing the feasibility and practicality of the assay.

Attitude of the Adopters and Non-adopters towards Inter-cropping in Areca Nut Plantation in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya

Background: Attitudes are learned, emotionally, predisposition to react in a consistent way, favourable or unfavourable to the situation of inter-cropping practices. The purposed of this finding was to find out the attitude of the adopter and non-adopter of inter-cropping in areca nut plantation in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya. It is important to study the attitude of the respondents towards the inter-cropping practices as this can help to understand the reason behind the adoption or non-adoption of the practices in the study area. This study also helped in determining the relationship between the attitude and the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. Methods: This field survey was done during the year 2017 to 2019. Ex-Post Facto research design was used for this study. The sample study was selected through multistage sampling method in the selected study area of the respondents. Number of respondents was selected using a simple random method by using computer aided random selection based on the criteria of practicing areca nut plantation and those who practiced both areca nut plus inter-cropping. A survey of 310 adopters and 310 non-adopters of areca nut plantation were selected for the study. Collection of primary data was done using an interview schedule and appropriate statistical tools were used for interpretation of the data. Independent variables included in this were gender, age, marital status, educational level and type of house, family size, family type, social category, and annual income. Result: Based on the study it was observed that the attitude of the adopters and the non-adopters of Ri-Bhoi district were found to be favourable towards the inter-cropping practices but the attitudinal level among them were found to have been different based on some factors. The adopters were having most favourable attitude than the non-adopters. The findings of this study led to the conclusion that the attitudes of adopters and non-adopters differ depending on their educational status, annual income, land size and so on. The findings of this study can be used by the government to assist farmers in any way possible, so that non-adopters can also adopt inter-cropping practices because, according to the study, they have a favourable attitude toward this practice, but they require government assistance.

Changes in soil carbon stocks under plantation systems and natural forests in Northeast India

Understanding the impact of land use conversion from forests to plantations on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks is critical for sustainable land and forest management in Northeast India (NEI). The present study was conducted in West Garo hills district of Meghalaya state in NEI, to evaluate the impact of plantations (rubber, tea, areca nut, cashew nut and pineapple) on SOC stocks in comparison with a natural forest. Soil samples were collected from plantations of different age classes (0–5, 5–10, 10–15, 15–20, 20–25, 25–30, and 30–40 years old) to assess their potential for C storage. RothC model was run at equilibrium on forest land-use, and thereafter was calibrated and validated to model SOC stocks in the plantations over the 40 years chrono-sequence using the baseline average climate data. Results showed that with increase in age of plantations (at 40 years), SOC stocks decreased to 57.4, 50.3 and 44.4 Mg C ha−1 in rubber, areca nut and pineapple plantations at the average rate of 0.41, 0.58 and 0.73 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, respectively. This corresponded to a SOC stock loss of about 22, 32 and 40% compared to the initial SOC stock under forest (73.6 Mg C ha−1). Conversely, SOC stocks in tea and cashew nut plantations increased to 83.4 and 75.4 Mg C ha−1 (at the average rate of 0.24 and 0.05 Mg C ha−1 yr−1), corresponding to a SOC gain of about 13 and 2.5% compared to that under forest over 40 years. The data on abrupt climate change (ACC) scenario by RothC simulations showed that rubber, areca nut, pineapple and forest land uses would lose carbon at the rate of 0.65, 0.65, 1.42 and 0.13 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Conversely, tea and cashew nut plantations might gain C at the rate of 0.35 and 0.23 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, respectively, representing a valuableoption for storing C and mitigating and adapting to climate change. Further, protecting and restoring natural forests and/or mixed stands of native tree species might reduce the risks of the loss of biodiversity and be a viable option for sustainable land management in NEI.

Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) plantation for enhancing farmer's income: An evidence from Karnataka state

Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) plantation for enhancing farmer's income: An evidence from Karnataka state

Studi Komparatif Tingkat Pendapatan Antara Usaha Kelapa dan Pinang pada Perkebunan Rakyat Desa Sungai Beras Kabupaten Tanjab Timur

This type of research is quantitative research that is research using data expressed in numerical form on parts and phenomena and their relationships. This research usually aims to develop and use mathematical models, theories or hypotheses related to natural phenomena. This research is a survey and interview directly to the owners of coconut and areca nut business and records everything that the writer needs in connection with the problem of the writer. In this study using data analysis methods, namely qualitative data analysis. Qualitative data is data in the form of not numbers but with words that can be used to describe, complete and explain and strengthen quantitative data directly in the field. (Sugiyono, 2011: 23). production costs are all costs associated with the goods produced, wherein there are elements of raw material costs, direct labor costs and factory overhead costs. Based on the time period, production can be divided into short-term and long-term. In the short term the company during its production period can add one factor of production while other factors of production are considered constant. This means that some factors of production cannot be added. Whereas in the long run, companies can change or add to all factors of production they use. The initial investment of a coconut plantation business is Rp.37,004,000 which is calculated before the production period of 7 (seven) years and the initial investment of areca nut plantation is Rp.34,750,000 which is calculated before the production period for 4 (four) years, for production costs in one the coconut plantation business year is obtained at Rp.5,600,000 and the production cost of the areca nut business in one year is Rp.108,200,000, the comparison between the coconut plantation business income and the areca nut business revenue is obtained for the income of the coconut plantation business income for one year of Rp. .14,400,000 and the results of areca nut business revenue for one year amounted to Rp. 110,200,000 So, it can be concluded that the biggest income is in the nut business compared to the coconut business.

Socio-economic Characteristics of the Adopters and Non-adopters of Inter-cropping in Areca Nut Plantation in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya

The socio-economic status of farmers plays a vital role in Agriculture. It is observed from the present study that the farmers economic level affect the livelihood of the farmers in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya. The farmers have tried to change their way of cropping by introducing inter-crops with the main crops to increase their income level. The purposed of this finding was to compare the difference in the socio-economic characteristics of the adopter and non-adopter of inter-cropping in areca nut plantation in Ri-Bhoi District of Meghalaya. Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya is therefore selected for the study. Since time immemorial, areca nut has been grown in Meghalaya as an important commercial crop. Ex-Post Facto research design was used for this study. The sample study was selected through multistage sampling method in the selected study area of the respondents. Number of respondents was selected using a simple random method based on the criteria of practicing areca nut plantation and those who practiced both areca nut plus inter-cropping. A survey of 310 adopters and 310 non-adopters of intercropping in areca nut plantation were selected for the study. Collection of primary data was done by interview schedule and appropriate statistical tools were used for interpretation of the data. Independent variables included in this were gender, age, marital status, educational level, type of house, family size, family type, social category, annual income, information seeking behaviour, participation in extension activities, social participation, innovativeness, scientific orientation, economic motivation and risk orientation. Based on the study it is observed there are few variables contributing to the significant difference between the adopters and the non-adopters in related to their socio-economic characteristics.

A Study on Areca nut Husk Fibre Extraction, Composite Panel Preparation and Mechanical Characteristics of the Composites

Areca nut husk fibre is an agricultural waste, which does not contribute to the economy of areca nut plantation. The use of areca nut husk fibre as reinforcing material in the preparation of low-cost and lightweight composites provides utility value to areca nut husk fibre. Low-cost and lightweight composites have wide range of applications in construction industry, marine structures, automobile industry and aerospace industry. The present work focuses on extraction of areca nut husk fibre with alkali treatment process by using 6% of sodium hydroxide solution, composite panel preparation and determination of mechanical properties of composite panels. Different fibre compositions (fine fibre, coarse fibre and coarse fibre sandwiched with glass fibre) of 15% by weight were used in the present study. Tensile, flexural and impact tests were conducted to find the mechanical characteristics the composite materials. The tensile strength of composites made with fine fibre (15.1 MPa) is observed to be more than that of composites made with coarse fibre (10.8 MPa). Further improvement in tensile strength of composite panels made of coarse areca nut husk fibre layer sandwiched with two layers of glass fibre (24.8 MPa) is observed. The flexural strength of fine fibre composites is more when compared to that of the coarse fibre composites. The average flexural strength of composites reinforced with fine fibre, coarse fibre and coarse fibre sandwiched with glass fibre is observed as 73 MPa, 66.7 MPa and 284 MPa, respectively. The impact strength of coarse fibre composites is found to be higher when compared to that of fine fibre composites.

Quantitative analysis of copper levels in areca nut plantation area – A role in increasing prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis: An in vitro study

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) commonly seen in the South Asian countries is mostly associated with the chewing of areca nut (AN). Copper content in the AN has been implicated to play a major role in the pathogenesis of OSMF. It was found that most of the AN plantations in South India commonly use a copper-based fungicide, Bordeaux mixture (BM). To evaluate the level of copper in the AN, root, and soil of the AN plantation with and without the application of BM and to correlate the role of copper in the pathogenesis of OSMF. ANs, roots, and soil were obtained from plantations located in Tanniadi, Kerala. Four areas were selected from the plantation with and without BM application. The samples were collected twice with the interval of 6 months during January 2015 and July 2015, respectively. Arithmetic mean and standard deviation were calculated. The differences between means were calculated by paired sample t-test. There was statistically significant difference in the copper content of ANs, soil, and roots from both groups (P < 0.05). Samples treated with BM showed significantly higher copper levels as compared to their counterparts in January and July 2015. External copper from BM and increased processing for the commercial products could collectively increase the total copper content of the commercial AN products, and this high copper concentration may be implicated to the pathogenesis and the increasing prevalence of OSMF.