Bean Production Research Articles

CÁLCULO DE LA HUELLA VIRTUAL DEL AGUA EN EL PROCESO PRODUCTIVO Y BENEFICIADO DE CAFÉ (Coffea arabica L.) EN HUATUSCO, MÉXICO, UTILIZANDO EL SOFTWARE CROPWAT 8.0

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The use and expenditure of water within agriculture is of vital importance, especially in coffee farming, therefore it is very important to know that the virtual water in the production of coffee beans, as well as in the process of wet processing (transformation of cherry coffee to dry parchment coffee), so far there is no data on the use of virtual water in coffee production in the study region. <strong>Objective:</strong> To determine the virtual water (green and gray) calculation of the virtual footprint by means of the FAO program CROPWAT 8.0 and the calculation of water expenditure in coffee mills in the region of Huatusco, Veracruz. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The program CROPWAT 8.0 was obtained, and normal climatological data were reviewed to obtain the data and to be able to make the calculations to obtain the virtual footprint, subsequently the water expenditure was measured in five wet coffee mills, for this purpose the mills were visited during the harvest season and the measurements could be made. <strong>Results:</strong> A total green and gray virtual footprint of 977.61 m<sup>3</sup>/kg of coffee produced in the field production process was estimated. In relation to the virtual water expenditure in the wet coffee mills where water expenditure was measured: two of the five mills analyzed had the following data: The third mill reached an expense of 566 m<sup>3</sup>/kg of processed cherry coffee and the five mill had an amount of 162 m3/kg of processed cherry coffee and an average of 155.13 m<sup>3</sup>/kg of processed coffee. In total, the virtual footprint obtained: green, gray and water consumption in the processing process was 1132.73 m<sup>3</sup>/kg of parchment coffee. The blue virtual footprint was considered zero since irrigation is not used in the region for coffee production. <strong>Implications:</strong> The data found are the pioneers in the calculation of the virtual footprint of the species <em>(Coffea arabica</em> L.) more studies on this subject are needed in the region which will raise awareness about the virtual footprint generated in the coffee production and processing process, as well as proposed alternatives for a more sustainable use. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The virtual footprint obtained was high in the study region and like studies carried out in other countries, which indicates that there is an awareness of how much water is used in the production and processing of coffee, as well as its impact in the short, medium and long term.</p>

CRISPR/Cas9 editing of two adenine phosphoribosyl transferase coding genes reveals the functional specialization of adenine salvage proteins in common bean.

Adenine metabolism is important for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) productivity since this legume uses ureides derived from the oxidation of purine nucleotides, as their primary nitrogen storage molecules. Purine nucleotides are produced from de novo synthesis or through salvage pathways. Adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (APRT) is the enzyme dedicated to adenine nucleobase salvage for nucleotide synthesis, but it also acts on the inactivation of cytokinin bases. In common bean, the APRT enzyme is encoded by four genes. Gene expression analysis, biochemical properties and subcellular location suggest functional differences among the common bean APRT isoforms. CRISPR/Cas9 targeted downregulation of two of the four PvAPRTs followed by metabolomics and physiological analyses of targeted hairy roots reveals that, although the two proteins have redundant functions, PvAPRT1 mostly participates in the salvage of adenine, whereas PvAPRT5 is the predominant form in the regulation of cytokinin homeostasis and stress responses with a high impact in root and nodule growth.

‘Kikatiti’ to Expand Pinto Bean Production and Consumption in East Africa

‘Kikatiti’ to Expand Pinto Bean Production and Consumption in East Africa

The Collaborative Role of Non-Synthetic Fertilizers on Production of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in Ethiopia's Central Highlands, Ejere District

This study sought to determine how non-synthetic fertilizers collaborated to produce faba bean in the 2019–20 and 2021–2022 cropping seasons in agricultural settings in the Ethiopian district of Ejere. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance by SAS statistical platform version 9.3. Means were compared with the Least Significance Difference (LSD) at a 5% probability level. To compute the economic advantage of the intervention, farm get prices of inputs and outputs were considered and marginal rate of return (% MRR) was work out for each treatment, and values ≥100 was set as profitable in absolute terms. The mean outcome of the two years’ worth of data analysis showed that there was substantial (p ≤ 0.05) difference in all parameters among the treatments at Ejere. At Ejere, the treatments (FB-17 + 0.76 ton ha-1 VC), (FB-17+ 0.57 ton ha-1 VC), (0.76 ton ha-1 VC) and (FB-17+ 0.38 ton ha-1 VC) yielded the highest mean GYs (3582kg ha-1), (3535kg ha-1), (3430 kg ha-1) and (3234 kg ha-1), respectively. However, the results of the partial budget analysis showed that the treatments (FB-17) and (FB-17 + 0.57 ton ha-1 VC) had the greater marginal rates of return 7218% and 1148%, respectively. These treatments are thought to be very good candidates for more testing in farmers' fields across various aggro-ecologies in order to determine which ones are the best substitute non-synthetic fertilizers for faba bean production in Ethiopia's Nitisol zones.

Improving yield and irrigation water productivity of green beans under water stress with agricultural solid waste-based material of compacted rice straw as a sustainable organic soil mulch

AbstractThis research aimed at water saving in irrigation by applying deficit irrigation using two strategies, standard drip and partial root drying (PRD), while applying organic and plastic mulch over two growing seasons of green beans. A field experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023, using four irrigation treatments supplying 100% of the irrigation requirement (IRg), 75% IRg, 50% IRg, and 50% IRg—PRD, and four soil mulching treatments: uncovered soil (UC), plastic mulch (PM), rice straw mulch (RSM), and compacted rice straw mulch (CRSM). The combined effect of deficit irrigation strategies and soil mulching showed that the maximum irrigation water productivity (IWP) of 5.56 kg m−3 was achieved under 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM for both growing seasons, followed by 50% IRg—PRD & RSM and 50% IRg—PRD & PM, with 5.19 and 4.96 kg m−3, respectively. The highest yield of 8936 kg ha−1 was achieved with 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM, followed by 8914 kg ha−1 and 8898 kg ha−1 with 100% IRg & CRSM and 75% IRg & CRSM, respectively. The lowest yield of 6009 kg ha−1 was obtained with 50% IRg & UC. The highest soil moisture content was observed under 100% IRg & CRSM. The application of organic mulches was found to be particularly effective in conserving soil moisture due to enhanced infiltration, improved retention capacity, and suppression of weed growth, ultimately fostering optimal crop development and higher yield. The results of soil temperature variations beneath soil mulches showed that CRSM is effective in alleviating plant water stress, lowering the temperature below the cover and reducing water loss through evaporation from the soil surface. The combination of 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM produced plants with enhanced plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf area, pod length, and green bean weight, as well as the highest vegetative growth indices. Generally, the organic mulching increased soil temperature, soil moisture, IWP, and green bean production.

Local mechanism of engagement in rural landscapes in the Nicaragua-Honduras sentinel landscape: examples of a local farmers' organisation and a multi-actor platform

Landscape approaches have been encouraged as a means of addressing the intricate challenges related to natural resource management and the well-being of land users/farmers. The study presents two mechanisms applied to territory development: first, a multi-stakeholder platform to improve governance in a natural reserve area (space/geographical dimension); second, how a local cooperative can become a learning network and address land-use and landscape management issues. The study evaluates the planning tool interventions of a local project, aiming to enhance landscape governance and value-chain collaboration in Nicaragua's biosphere reserve. We interviewed 403 residents and 29 cocoa cooperative members to evaluate their view of the tools/methodologies' effectiveness in natural resource management and cocoa farmers' resilience and well-being, respectively. Factorial analysis showed that the people of "Peñas Blanca" were aware of the multi-stakeholder platform managing the reserve. Generally, they had a positive opinion of the platform and its ability to balance economic and cultural values with conservation. The local cocoa cooperative has faced a financial and organisational crisis in recent years, with only a small number of members using the cooperative to sell their cocoa beans. This is due to decreased productivity and quality of the cocoa beans for some individual farmers, which impacts their ability to commercialise the beans with the cooperative. However, current access to social and cultural capital is supporting the resilience and adaptive capacity of the cocoa farmers in the territory. The studied cases provide evidence of the effectiveness of multi-sectoral and community-led organizations in integrating economic, ecological, and social objectives in a territory supporting landscape governance with sectoral approaches as valuable entry points.

Use of Flexible Retort Pouch as a Packaging Alternative for Three Mexican Ready-to-eat Bean Products

Objective: This study aimed to design a thermal process for three Mexican bean products packaged on flexible retort pouches and to compare the changes in quality, proximate composition, and antioxidant activity. Method: Three Mexican bean products: “pork beans” (PB), refried beans (RB), and mixed beans (MB, 50% “pork beans” and 50% refried beans), were packaged in retort pouches and processed in a steam/air retort at temperature 122°C, pressure = 2.6 kg·cm-2, come-up time = 13.5 min and 40 min of process, under overpressure conditions. Additionally, nine samples of each bean product packaged in plastic containers of 500 mL were added from the manufacturer's regular hot-fill processing line to be analyzed as control tests. Parameters of quality in all the products were evaluated. Research results and discussions: The Fo values were 13.2, 13.5, and 11.3 min for PB, RB, and MB, respectively. The beans thermally processed showed better protein, fiber, total phenolic, and essential minerals than traditional treatment, were viable, and did not need refrigerated storage. Research implications: The study of thermal processes in heat-resistant pouches in three types of ready-to-eat beans is a healthy and nutritious food alternative. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the development of sterilized foods safe by adjusting the temperature and process time to a Fo value that guarantees the destruction of Clostridium botulinum, with less impact on the final quality of the processed food.

Assessment of faba bean-cereal intercropping: Impact on black aphids, weed management, and faba bean yield in the Meknes region, Morocco

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the association between faba bean and cereal crops on the incidence and severity of black aphids, weed control, and faba bean yield in Meknes region, Morocco. Regression and correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between different parameters. The results showed that the combination of faba bean with cereals significantly reduced black aphid infestation, weed density, and biomass compared to faba bean alone. The present study also revealed a positive correlation between reduced aphid incidence and improved faba bean yield. Analyses also revealed significant correlations between weed density and aphid incidence/severity as well as notable associations between faba bean crop biomass, weed biomass, and faba bean yield. These findings underscore the importance of crop associations in enhancing the resilience and productivity of faba beans through integrated aphid and weed management. They highlight the complexity of the interactions between aphids, weeds, and faba bean crops, requiring a holistic approach to understand their impact on crop yield.

New emerging Pseudomonads as causal agents of bean blight disease

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production is negatively affected by several bacterial plant diseases. A severe outbreak of bean blight was observed in the nine major bean-producing provinces of Iran during 2021–2022. Necrotic spots were observed on leaves which become necrotic with chlorosis beyond it. One hundred-sixty bacterial strains with a greyish-white colony appearance were consistently isolated from the one-hundred eighteen symptomatic bean leaf, pod, seed and root samples on nutrient agar. All strains were screened for their ability to cause disease bean leaves among which 134 strains induced chlorosis three days after inoculation on bean leaves of cv. Yaghoot followed by necrotic spots on the inoculated sites one week after inoculation. The pathogenic strains clustered in three groups based on phenotypic characters and multilocus sequencing analyses. Three housekeeping genes including gyrB, rpoB, and rpoD of representative strains were partially sequenced. In the phylogenetic tree based on concatenated sequences of these three genes or each gene individually, the strains were divided into three clusters each with high bootstrap support. The first group of the strains clustered with Pseudomonas simiae CCUG 50988T. This is the first report of this species as causal agent of bean blight. The second group clustered close to Pseudomonas alloputida NMI5768T which apparently belong to a new species. The third group clustered in a separate clade in Pseudomonas chlororaphis species which belongs to a new subspecies based on pathogenicity on bean, phenotypic characters, sequences of five housekeeping genes which named as subsp. phaseoli subsp. nov. with the type strain UT-M315.

Key Determinants of Local Bean Production and Marketing in Mbeya District, Tanzania

Common beans are a widely cultivated crop in East and Central Africa. This study aimed to assess the factors affecting local bean production and marketing at the household level. Using a non-experimental research design, the study surveyed 111 farmers from the Isangati division in Mbeya District. Cross-sectional data were collected through expert sampling methods, and regression analysis was employed to examine the influence of socio-economic factors on the production and marketing of local bean varieties. The results indicated that variables such as age, education, occupation, and farm size significantly influenced bean production (p<0.01), as did market accessibility and the acceptability of bean varieties (p<0.01). The study concluded that proximity to markets, socio-economic conditions, and consumer preferences play a crucial role in shaping bean production and marketing outcomes. As a result, interventions should be tailored to meet both user and consumer preferences.

Aktivitas Antioksidan dan Profil Sensori Minuman Sari Kacang Merah (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) dengan Penambahan Ekstrak Jahe Merah

The diversification and product development of kidney bean and ginger products have not yet been fully explored, especially in relation to antioxidant activity and sensory profiles. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds (TPC), sensory profile, and consumer acceptance of a kidney bean drink with added red ginger extract. Three variations of the kidney bean drink were tested, each containing different concentrations of red ginger extract: 0, 4, and 8%. Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method, while TPC was determined using the Folin Ciocalteu method. Sensory analysis was conducted using the free choice profiling (FCP) method, with results analyzed through generalized procrustes analysis (GPA) to identify the sensory characteristics of the samples. Additionally, a hedonic test was used to assess the level of panelists' preference for each sample. The results showed that the addition of red ginger extract significantly affected (p<0.05) the antioxidant activity, TPC, sensory profile, and consumer acceptance of the kidney bean drink. Antioxidant activity demonstrated a substantial percentage of DPPH inhibition, ranging from 38.01 to 58.00%. TPC content values ranged from 0.91 to 1.80 mg GAE/g. The kidney bean drink exhibited various sensory attributes, including brown color, ginger aroma, caramel aroma, sweet taste, spicy taste, beany taste, liquid mouthfeel, creamy mouthfeel, spicy aftertaste, and beany aftertaste. The hedonic test results showed that panelists' preferences ranged from neutral to somewhat liking, with scores between 4.00 and 5.10.

Efficacy of Different Priming Methods on Germination and Growth of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Under Field Conditions in Mugu, Nepal

Low seed germination and poor growth have been major problems in French bean production in the hilly region of Nepal. An effective solution may lie in seed priming, which enhances rapid and uniform seed emergence, thereby improving yield. A field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of different seed priming methods on various varieties of French beans under field conditions in Chhaayanath Rara-4, Mugu, Nepal. The experiment was conducted in two factorial RCBD with three replications. Factor A was three French bean varieties; black, ghoratte, and red beans, and Factor B included two methods of priming; hydro and halo along with control. The results revealed that the germination parameter was significantly influenced by the method of priming and it was found non-significant in the case of varieties. Maximum germination percentage and higher speed of germination were found in seeds treated with hydro-priming. Similarly, the growth parameter was found significant for both varieties as well as priming methods. Vegetative growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, and number of primary and secondary branches were found significantly higher in hydro-primed seeds and ghoratte variety. Likewise, the yield parameters such as days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, and yield per hectare were found significantly higher in hydro-primed ghoratte beans. Hence, hydro-priming can be used as a simple and cost-effective technique to improve germination and growth of French beans along with suitable variety under field conditions in Mugu district, Karnali province, Nepal. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 12(3): 137-144.

Fermented and Unfermented Cocoa Beans for Quality Identification Using Image Features

Fermented cocoa bean products are one of the high-quality requirements of the cocoa processing industry. On an automated industrial scale, early identification of cocoa bean quality is essential in the processing industry. This study aims to identify the condition of quality cocoa beans based on fermentation and non-fermentation characteristics. This study applies analysis based on static images taken using a camera with a distance variation of 5 cm, 10 cm, and 15 cm in both classes, with 500 image data each. The Feature extraction Approach uses the Oriented Gradient (HOG) method with a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification technique. Image analysis of both object classes was also performed with a color change to show the dominance of the color pattern on the skin of the cocoa beans to be analyzed. The results showed that fermented cocoa beans show a color pattern and texture that tends to be darker and coarser than non-fermented cocoa beans. Computational results with performance analysis using Receiver Operating Characterisic (ROC) on both classes showed the results that the distance of 5 cm and 15 cm has 100% accuracy, but based on the best performance, comprehensively seen in terms of Precision, Recall, and F1-Score shows the best value is at a distance of 15 cm. The results of this research based on the literature review conducted have better achievements, thus enabling further research on the development of conveyor models with real-time video data for automation systems.

Trend Analysis of Dry Bean Production, Yield, Consumption, Import and Export in South Africa from 1970 to 2019

Trend Analysis of Dry Bean Production, Yield, Consumption, Import and Export in South Africa from 1970 to 2019

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seed value chain: implications for a sustainable seed supply in Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia

This research aimed to assess the production performance of faba beans, quantify the yield gap, and measure the adoption levels of improved varieties to map the actors and identify the major constraints of the faba bean seed value chain. The paper was based on primary data collected from a random sample of 168 farmers. The adoption rate of improved faba bean seed at the household level in the study area was 23%. It was low, primarily due to a lack of access to improved seeds (59.5%) and a lack of knowledge about the availability of improved varieties (23%). Improved seed users had a 13% higher average yield than non-users and received an 11% premium market price for better seed quality, uniform appearance, and larger beans. Furthermore, the econometric analysis revealed that family size and extension contact significantly influence farmers' use of improved seed. Adoption was positively and significantly associated with extension contact at the p < .001 level and inversely correlated with family size (p < .05), thereby indicating that larger families were less likely to adopt. Farmers' saved seed was their most important source of planting material. The formal seed industry only supplies about 2.2% of the total faba bean seed. Hence, farmer-to-farmer seed exchange, own-saved seed, community-based seed production, scaling activities, seed producer and marketing cooperatives, and farmer-to-farmer seed exchange were the main sources of faba bean seed. The main limitations to faba bean production were disease, limited availability of improved seeds, frost, and damage caused by pests. The study recommends promoting improved varieties, improving access to extension services, strengthening and improving the informal seed system, and linking and integrating all the actors in the chain. The institutional linkage and intensive communication among all the stakeholders are also important for technology scaling up and farmers’ easy access to improved seeds.

Improved Mung Bean (Vigna radiate L.) Technology Demonstration and Promotion Under North-West Ethiopia

North-West Ethiopia, particularly metekel area, was conducive for the production of lowland pulses including mung beans. However, because of some known and unknown factors the productivity of mung beans was not that much improved regardless of the study area’s potential. Due to this, a two season field experiment was conducted to demonstrate and promote improved mung bean varieties under pawe district for 2021 and 2022 consecutive cropping seasons. During 2021 and 2022 main seasons, demonstration and promotion of improved mung bean varieties with the direct involvement of stakeholders (farmers, agricultural experts, government officials, researchers) field day event was carried out. The improved mung bean varieties demonstrated and promoted were NVL-1, N-26 (Rasa), Shoarobit (as a check) and MH-97-6 (Borda). Small scale farmers and agricultural experts even district government officials were purposely selected from the nearby district (pawe) followed that theoretical trainings about the production of mung bean, were given during the event. Each event participants have set their own variety selection parameters; with this majority of the participants selected and promoted N-26 (Rasa), NVL-1 mung bean varieties based on high grain yield, more number of pods per plant, larger grain size, uniformity and earliness, the rest of the participants preferred Shoarobit (as a check) based on high biomass and grain yield whereas MH-97-6 (Borda) was selected and promoted based on medium duration and high yield. The author suggested that, those selected and promoted mung bean varieties (mainly N-26 (Rasa), NVL-1 and MH-97-6 (Borda) have been recommended for production under the study area and similar agro-ecologies to satisfy the seed demand raised by small scale farmers and other agents.

Effects of integrated fertilizer application on selected soil properties and yield attributes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on different soil types

In Ethiopia, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) productivity remains low because of low soil fertility. However, both plant production and soil fertility benefit from integrated application of fertilizers. Thus, this study investigates the effect of integrated application of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers on selected soil properties and yield components of common bean. A field experiment was conducted at three sites in southern Ethiopia, under two consecutive cropping season (2021 and 2022). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included three levels of inorganic fertilizer (Triple Superphosphate, TSP), applied at 0, 42.5, and 85 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Kokate; 0, 29, and 58 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Hawassa; and 0, 35.5, and 71 kg TSP ha⁻1 for Alage, tailored to the specific conditions of each site. Additionally, the experiment incorporated three levels of organic inputs 0, 5 t biochar ha⁻1, and 5 t compost ha⁻1 as well as Rhizobium inoculation (HB-429) applied at 500 g ha⁻1. These treatments were designed to assess the combined effects of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers on soil health and crop performance. Results showed that the integrated application of inorganic, and organic fertilizers significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved soil pH, soil organic carbon, and available P compared with the sole fertilizer application plots. Similarly, the integrated use of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers increased nodule numbers, seed weight, grain yield, and biomass yield. We also found that 23 and 24 % higher grain yield were achieved with integrated applications of TSP fertilizer with compost on Hawassa and Alage sites than sole inorganic fertilizer application. On the other hand, the integrated application of TSP fertilizer with biochar increased by 18 % grain yield on Kokate over the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. The highest economic benefit of 69,460 and 63,250 ETB was obtained from the integrated application of TSP fertilizer with compost at Hawassa and Alage sites, respectively. The highest economic benefit for the Kokate site was 53,583 ETB at TSP fertilizer with biochar application. Overall, the study confirms that site-specific integrated soil fertility management appears to be a prerequisite for sustainable and profitable common bean production over sole fertilizer application in southern Ethiopia.

Efficacy of Saflufenacil for Dry Bean and Annual Weed Desiccation

The efficacy of saflufenacil for desiccating dry bean and annual weeds may be influenced by application rate, single or sequential applications, adjuvant selection and rate, and water carrier volume. Five field experiments were conducted from 2021 to 2023 near Exeter and Ridgetown, Ontario, Canada to evaluate the efficacy of saflufenacil applied at two rates, applied once or sequentially, with four adjuvants at various rates, and three water carrier volumes for desiccating dry bean and common weed escapes in Ontario dry bean production. Saflufenacil (25 g ai ha-1) + Merge (1.0 L ha-1) applied with a 200 L ha-1 water carrier volume desiccated dry bean 96, 100, and 100% at 5, 8, and 14 days after application (DAA), respectively; there was no improvement in dry bean desiccation by increasing the rate of Merge to 2.0 L ha-1 or with a sequential application. With saflufenacil (50 g ai ha-1) + Merge (1.0 L ha-1), there was no impact on dry bean desiccation with water carrier volumes of 100, 200, or 300 L ha-1. Dry bean desiccation with saflufenacil (50 g ai ha-1) plus the adjuvants Merge, MSO, AMS, or Merge + AMS was similar. Sequential applications of saflufenacil (25 g ai ha-1) applied twice at a 1-week interval did not improve dry bean desiccation. For weed species desiccation, saflufenacil + Merge desiccated green pigweed (38-100%) and common ragweed (65-96%) most effectively. However, it was less effective on common lambsquarters (0-48%), barnyardgrass (9-24%), and green foxtail (6-14%), with no significant effect of saflufenacil rate, adjuvant selection, adjuvant rate, single vs sequential application, or water carrier volume. This study highlights the potential and limitations of saflufenacil for desiccating dry bean and common weed escapes in Ontario dry bean production.

Evaluation of Environmental Impacts in Legume Crops: A Case Study of PGI White Bean Production in Southern Europe

Evaluation of Environmental Impacts in Legume Crops: A Case Study of PGI White Bean Production in Southern Europe

The role of conservation agriculture in enhancing biodiversity and common beans productivity

Conservation of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes is vital for maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience. Conservation agriculture, a sustainable farming approach that involves minimum tillage and reduced use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and growth promoters, has gained attention as a potential strategy to enhance biodiversity and reduce production costs. This study investigated the role of conservation agriculture in enhancing biodiversity and common bean productivity in Tanzania. The study compared plots practicing conservation agriculture (minimum tillage and reduced agrochemical use) with those using conventional farming methods. Biodiversity metrics, that is, earthworm populations, bird species richness, bird nest abundance, bird species diversity, bee visitation rates, and bean yield were assessed. The results showed significant positive effects of conservation agriculture on biodiversity, emphasizing its potential role in promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and household improvement due to reduced production costs and increased yield per unit area. Earthworms per meter square observed to increase from 12 in the non-conservation plots to 34 in the conservation plots, which is likely to improve nutrient cycling and productivity. Furthermore, conservation plots had a higher number of bird species flying around (36−76) compared with 14–32 in non-conservation plots (4000 m2) at 50 % bean flowering. The number of bird nests observed in the two plots during bean harvesting varied significantly (P<0.05), where the number of bird nests observed in 4000 m2 of non-conservation plots ranged from 14 to 36, compared to 12–62 in conservation plots. High bird nest numbers in conservation plots indicated higher bird habitat quality in conservation plots than in non-conservation plots. Bees as chief pollinators, bees visiting conservation plots during 50 % flowering per square meter ranged from 5 to 11, compared to 2–6 in non-conservation plots. Bee visitation to bean flowers has a significant influence on productivity, as it influences pollen transfer and fertilization. Common beans yield among plots ranged 0.9 tons/ha to 1.4 tons/ha in conservation plots compared to 0.35–1.01 tons/ha, in non-conservation plots. Land use conservation contributes considerably to economic growth through increased productivity and reduced production costs, where the production cost is reduced by 50 % in conservation plots compared with non-conservation plots. However, the present study was conducted in a single location with smallholder farmers; hence, further experiments over larger areas and longer time periods are needed for a more robust conclusion.