Agricultural Plots Research Articles

Short-Term PE Generation Processes in the Soils of a Farmer Plots Network in the Madagascar Highlands: Actors and Drivers

Carbon sequestration in agricultural soils, through the accumulation of high-quality organic matter, represents great potential to mitigate climate change and simultaneously improve soil fertility. Such a challenge is particularly important and relevant in developing tropical countries like Madagascar, where soil carbon storage is vulnerable to climatic variations and where fertilization is generally applied through amendments in organic matter of various origins. The priming effect (PE) is considered here as the stimulation of the mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM) by a supply of fresh organic matter (FOM). PE results from different microbial processes driven by specific biotic and abiotic parameters. Depending on the processes involved, it has been suggested that PE could either counteract SOM accumulation or promote it. The objective of the present study was to explore the relationships between certain agricultural practices (type of crop, quality of fertilization, association with trees), the potential intensity of PE, as well as several abiotic (texture, quantity and quality SOM, nutrient enrichment) a1nd biotic (biomass and phylogenetic composition of microbial communities) factors which have been proposed in the literature as specific determinants of the different PE generation mechanisms. The soils for this study come from a network of farms in a commune in the Highlands of Madagascar. The PE, generated by a supply of 13C-enriched wheat straw, could not directly correlate with agricultural treatments. However, several indirect correlations could be found via several specific abiotic and microbial determinants that are discussed in terms of soil fertility restoration.

Interannual Variation and Control Factors of Soil Respiration in Xeric Shrubland and Agricultural Sites from the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico

Arid and semi-arid ecosystems dominate the RS variability due to the multiple changing factors that control it. Consequently, any variation, in addition to climate change and land use change, impacts the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Here, the effect of the interannual variation and the controlling factors of RS in native xeric shrublands and agricultural systems is investigated. This study was conducted in four sites per condition for two years (2019 to 2020), where RS and the soil properties were measured. The RS presented a higher variation in the xeric shrubland. The agricultural plots showed the highest RS (0.33 g CO2 m−2 hr−1) compared to the xeric shrubland (0.12 g CO2 m−2 hr−1). The soil water content was the main controlling variable for RS in both land uses. However, soil temperature affected RS only in agricultural plots. The variation in the RS under different land uses confirms that changes in the soil and environmental conditions (i.e., season) control the RS. In addition, if current management practices are maintained in agricultural sites and under a temperature increase scenario, a significant increase in the RS rate is expected.

Household Labor Practices and Dryland Agroforestry in Upland Kula, Maui Island

ABSTRACT The relationship between agricultural systems and the development of complex societies in ancient Hawai`i has been debated for decades. To contribute to this debate, we examine a terrace complex representing an extended family agricultural land plot in the Kula dryland field system of East Maui, Hawaiian Islands. Botanical, faunal, soil, and architectural analysis data reveal a variety of household labor practices related to agroforestry ca. a.d. 1400–1820. A pre-human open forest soil substrate was replaced with stone agricultural terracing which was in turn enclosed by upslope-downslope garden walls that parceled the terrace complex into distinct garden areas. These results lead us to conclude that a wide range of specialized upland activities were practiced, including food cultivation, forestry, pig husbandry, and bird-hunting. The net sum of these local activities helped underpin the formative process of larger regional-level agricultural systems which in turn can inform us about polity-level staple and wealth finance systems.

Does awareness and concern for the environment influence the use of detrimental inputs? A study of maize farmers in Ghana

Sustainable food systems are necessary not only as a channel for addressing the food security needs of the world’s growing population, but are also crucial in ensuring that the needs of future generations are not compromised. This study examined the influence of environmental awareness and concern about the use of detrimental inputs in crop production. The study involved 400 maize farmers from the Northern Region of Ghana, and made use of multivariate multiple linear regression and the translog profit function for the data analysis. The results show that farmers with characteristics including being male, the head of the household, the decision maker on the farm, receiving frequent extension visits and being the owner of the farm, along with the nature of the farm plot, significantly determine the level of farmers’ environmental awareness and concern. Moreover, environmental awareness and concern have a significant effect on the use of detrimental inputs in production. The results contribute to an understanding of the importance of knowledge in facilitating actions towards environmental conservation. Environmental awareness campaigns are thus relevant to the promotion of sustainable agricultural production and should be championed by governments, development agencies and NGOs.

DETERMINANT FACTORS OF MARKETING AND NON-MARKETING RURAL-URBAN LINKAGE OF ADWA TOWN AND ITS SURROUNDING RURAL ADWA

This study attempts to assess the determinant factors of marketing and non-marketing rural-urban linkage of Adwa town and its surrounding by employing a cross-sectional research design. A two-stage sampling procedure was used. Random sampling was mainly used to select 221 research subjects. A Household sample survey was the principal method used to solicit the primary data. Quantitative statistical tools such as mean, quartiles, Chi-square, ANOVA, and regression were employed. About 62% of the poor have experienced a strong non-marketing linkage, whereas 64.9% of the sample poor respondents had experienced a weak marketing linkage. The findings of the study show that a household's access to irrigation, livestock ownership, beehive ownership, access to a mobile phone, number of farm plots, age, and distance from the town was found to be the most important determinants of the orientation as well as the magnitude of marketing linkage. Similarly, a household head's gender, family size, livestock ownership, and the number of farm plots were found to be the most important determinants of non-marketing linkage.

Preschool child growth attainment and velocity during an agriculture intervention in rural Panama may be diminished by soil-transmitted helminths.

Agricultural interventions are often recommended to address undernutrition in subsistence farming communities. However, intensified agriculture exposure can increase soil transmitted helminth (STH) infections, which are linked with poor child growth. This study examined impacts of the VERASAN public health and agricultural intervention program on preschool child growth attainment (HAZ and WAZ) and relative growth velocity over 7 months [change in height-for-age (∆HAD) and weight-for-age (∆WAD) difference]. VERASAN was initiated in 15 subsistence farming communities in rural Panama experiencing chronic undernutrition. Activities targeted improved household food security, preschool child diets and growth by intensifying and diversifying household agriculture. Our objectives were to explore the relationship between VERASAN and preschool child growth attainment (HAZ and WAZ) and velocity (∆HAD and ∆WAD) during one agricultural cycle in 238 households. We compared those new to VERASAN with those involved for 1 or 5 years, and identified if agricultural practices, food security, diet diversity and treatment of pre-existing STH infection were associated with growth attainment or velocity. Prior participation in VERASAN did not directly influence WAZ, HAZ or ΔHAD but VERASAN-related benefits had an indirect influence. ΔHAD was positively associated with VERASAN-associated improvements in diet diversity and food security. HAZ and WAZ during land preparation were positively associated with diet diversity and HAZ with food security during harvest. HAZ was negatively associated with children visiting the agricultural plot, consuming leafy green vegetables and pre-existing hookworm infections. Both agricultural season and STH influenced ΔWAD. Children in VERASAN for 1 or 5 years experienced growth faltering between land preparation and growing season, but not those new to VERASAN. In contrast, between growing and harvest, ∆WAD declined in children new to VERASAN compared to children in VERASAN for longer. ΔWAD from land preparation to harvest was higher with pre-existing Ascaris infection whereas it was lower between growing season and harvest for pre-existing hookworm infection. In a context of preschool child growth faltering, malnutrition and STH infections, improved food security, agricultural production and diet diversity associated with VERASAN were associated with improved growth. In contrast, STH infections were negatively associated with some, but not all, growth outcomes.

Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Agroforestry Tree and Shrub Species Diversity on Small-Scale Farms in Kisumu County, Kenya

Kenya is one of the developing countries experiencing rise in demand for arable land and tree products. This has led to the scarcity of available land for productive agriculture. To improve this situation, agroforestry technologies have been assimilated in many regions in Kenya. However, at the local level in Kisumu County, agroforestry technologies are yet to be adopted effectively for agrobiodiversity improvement. This study therefore sought to determine the socio-economic factors influencing the diversity of tree and shrub species of agroforestry on the small-scale farms in Kisumu West Sub-county. Descriptive research was undertaken and respondents were selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Use of questionnaire instruments together with Key Informant Interviews were employed to 404 household heads and forest officers respectively in Kisumu West Sub-county. Inventory data of tree species was conducted on each of the sampled farm plots and together with the questionnaire data; Microsoft Excel and SPSS software were used for exploratory statistics, tree diversity measurement, chi-square and regression analysis tests. Diversity of agroforestry tree species was analysed using Shannon-Wiener Index. The results showed that the most abundant tree species were Eucalyptus spp and Grevillea robusta. The overall Shannon-Wiener Index was 1.9311 which was regarded as very low. In the study, there was a significant positive relationship between gender, level of education completed by household head, household size and the species diversity. In addition, there was a significant positive relationship between farm size and species diversity. The study recommends that information on socio-cultural factors such as education and gender, in addition to economic factors such as the farm size, that influence diversity should be a priority to the development partners and even to the local communities

Does Outsourcing Service Reduce the Excessive Use of Chemical Fertilizers in Rural China? The Moderating Effects of Farm Size and Plot Size

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers (OCF) is one of China’s main sources of agricultural nonpoint source pollution. It is debatable whether outsourcing service adoption (FOS) reduces OCF. This article argues that farm size and plot size can moderate the effectiveness of FOS in reducing OCF. Particularly, organizations earn more profits when they provide outsourcing services to large-sized farms and plots, thereby preventing their opportunistic behavior and reducing the OCF. Based on the survey data of wheat growers from six major grain-producing counties in Anhui Province, China, the Cobb–Douglas production function is used to measure the OCF, and ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation is used as a benchmark. In addition, propensity score matching (PSM) is used to eliminate the selection bias, and two-stage least squares estimation (IV-2sls) is used to eliminate endogeneity. The results indicate that approximately 90% of the sampled households used excessive fertilizers, signifying that the excessive use of chemical fertilizers in China’s agricultural production remains a serious problem. FOS reduces the OCF on large farms and plots. However, the effectiveness of FOS in reducing OCF disappeared when it was provided to small farms and plots. Extending FOS and organizing efficient land transfers should receive equal consideration from policymakers.

Natural Farming Practices Impact on Yield and Macro Nutrient Uptake of Sorghum

The objective of the experiment is to study the effect of different natural farming practices on sorghum yield and nutrient uptake. For this a field experiment was carried out in 2023 at the Eastern block - Field No. NA 02, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore. The experiment included a randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications. Zero Budget Natural Farming techniques were fully implemented, encompassing the use of Ghanajeevamirit as a basal application, treating seeds with Beejamirit, applying Jeevamirit every two weeks via irrigation, practicing intercropping and mulching, and employing Whapasa (Alternate Furrow irrigation). Additionally, both organic and integrated plots were integrated into the approach. Results revealed that application of 50% organic and 50% inorganic treatments with organic pest repellants as ICM (T8) produced noticeably highest grain yield (2781 kg ha-1), stover yield (5682 kg ha-1) and NPK uptake (135.39, 45.09 and 80.49 kg ha-1), which was comparable to T9 ICM using chemical pest repellants. In comparison to natural farming plots, the organic farming plot (T7) showed considerably higher grain yields (2555 kg ha-1), stover yields (5456 kg ha-1) and NPK uptake (122.49, 39.40, and 66.91 kg ha-1). There were considerably greater grain yield (2294 kg ha-1), stover yield (5173 kg ha-1) and NPK uptake (108.32, 34.17, and 56.17 kg ha-1) in complete Natural Farming plot T2, which include all components (B+J+G+M+I+W) compared to control treatment which had considerably lower grain yield (1597 kg ha-1), stover yield (4306 kg ha-1) and NPK uptake rates (58.28, 15.49 and 27.75 kg ha-1).

Optimizing phosphorus fertigation management zones using electromagnetic induction, soil properties, and crop yield data under semi-arid conditions.

The impact of climate change on water resource availability and soil quality is more and more emphasized under the Mediterranean basin, mostly characterized by drought and extreme weather conditions. The present study aims to investigate how electromagnetic induction technique and soil mapping combined with crop yield data can be used to optimize phosphorus (P) use efficiency by chickpea crop under drip fertigation system. The study was carried out on a 2.5-ha agricultural plot and the agronomic experiments in two growing cycles of chickpea crop. Soil spatial variability was first assessed by the measurement of soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) using the CMD Mini-Explorer sensor, and then, soil physicochemical properties were evaluated based on an oriented soil sampling scheme to explore other soil spatial variabilities influencing chickpea yield and quality. Data from the first agronomic experiment were used in geostatistical, multiple linear regression (MLR), and fuzzy c-means unsupervised classification algorithms to properly identify P drip fertigation management zones (MZs). Results from the Person's correlation analysis revealed that chickpea grain yield was more influenced by soil ECa (r = - 0.56), pH (r = - 0.84), ECe (r = - 0.6), P content (r = 0.72), and calcium (Ca) content (r = - 0.83). The proposed MLR-based model to predict chickpea grain yield showed good performances with a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 0.11% and a coefficient of determination (R2) equal to 0.69. The identified MZs were verified by the one-way variance analysis for the studied soil and plant attributes, revealing that the first MZ1 presents a high grain yield, high soil P content, and low ECa. The low fertility MZ2 located in the south part of the studied site presented a low chickpea grain yield due to the low P content and the high ECa. Moreover, the application of P-variable rate fertigation regimes in the second field experiment significantly improved P use efficiency, chickpea grain yield, seed quality, and farmer income by 18%, 12%, 9%, and 136 $/ha, respectively, as compared to the conventional drip fertigation practices. The approach proposed in this study can greatly contribute to optimizing agro-input use efficiency under drip fertigation system, thereby improving farmers' incomes, preserving the ecosystem, and ensuring sustainable cropping systems in the Mediterranean climate.

Frontline demonstrations in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh : An impact analysis

Madhya Pradesh is one of the potential States for castor cultivation with highest productivity after Gujarat. Several technologies and crop management options have been developed by Directorate of Oilseeds Research (DOR) and All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on castor centres, that can significantly increase the yield, but adoption of these technologies by farmers has been far less than anticipated. Realizing the importance of extending these technologies for improving the yields at farmers' level, frontline demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted to show the productivity potential and profitability of improved production and protection technologies by AICRP Castor Chhindwara centre, Madhya Pradesh. The present study assessed the impact of these FLDs in enhancing the yield of castor and the socio-economic factors contributing to the adoption of improved technology by farmers. The results indicated that the mean seed yield and the additional net returns were higher in FLD farmers plots compared to non-FLD farmers. Adoption of farmer was highly correlated with socio-economic characteristics such as knowledge level, farm size and training programmes attended. The major contributing factors for adoption of improved practices were knowledge level and exposure to demonstrations.

Changes in soil properties with long-term organic inputs due to distance from homestead and farm characteristics in southern Ethiopian farmlands

Traditional farming systems across much of Sub-Saharan Africa have greater organic inputs near to the homestead than in fields further away. This is likely to produce a fertility gradient that impacts production capacity, and so provides an opportunity to explore impacts of organic amendments on soils. Across 198 farm plots in 69 households in Halaba, Southern Ethiopia, we investigated the influence of different organic input systems on soil properties. The study also examined the influence of household and farm characteristics on the adoption of land management practices and its impact on soil properties. Samples were taken from farm plots located close (<30 m), near (30–300 m) and far (>300 m) from the homestead, representing different levels of organic amendments. Soils located close to homesteads had significantly greater soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity and soil nutrient content compared to soil located near and far from the homestead areas. Soil organic carbon concentrations close to the home were 15%, 27% and 45% greater than farm plots located at far from the home in Andegna Choroko, Asore and Lay Arisho kebeles, respectively. Across all sites, the mean soil organic carbon stock ranged from 20.6 t ha−1 to 84.6 t ha−1, depending on the location of the plots with respect to the homestead. Household and farm characteristics also influenced land management practices and soil properties. In some catchments, farm plots managed by female headed households and relatively rich farmers displayed significantly greater soil organic carbon than farm plots managed by male headed and relatively poor households. This was likely due to greater organic inputs in female headed households in areas where men were otherwise engaged in off-farm activities and in wealthier households with greater access to organic manures. Tree cover in farmlands influenced accumulation of soil organic carbon. The results suggest that out-scaling farm management practices that are common around homesteads, such as adding animal manure or household wastes and maintaining tree cover, would help to improve key soil properties and agricultural productivity.

The role of crop diversity in escape agriculture; rice cultivation among Maroon communities in Suriname

Societal Impact StatementAgricultural techniques are inherently connected to social organization. Under colonialism, broadly understood as foreign powers suppressing (parts of) a local population, escape agriculture offers a way to avoid despotism by producing food and other produce in independent and sustainable ways. Crop diversity plays an important role in escape agriculture, demonstrated here by the variation of rice varieties on Maroon farms in Suriname. Histories of Maroon agricultural practices, and similarly marginalized groups in (formerly) colonized regions, are informative for current interventions in agriculture. Agronomic support to marginalized groups will only be successful when addressing historically grown social disengagement.SummaryRationale: Food is essential for successfulmarronageand produced by means of escape agriculture. Today, communities in the interior of Suriname continue to farm by following practices of escape agriculture. Our study traces the historical development of these farming practices, in particular the extensive cultivation of rice. Our aim is to show that the diversity of rice varieties used in their fields reveals the sophisticated farming techniques and social significance of escape agriculture.Methods: We visited about 60 farm plots upstream the main rivers of Suriname where we interviewed the person in charge about the rice varieties grown in their fields. We asked about origin, names, and characteristics of each rice variety. We also screened historical sources, primary and secondary, as well as anthropological accounts of these communities for historical evidence of rice cultivation and varietal diversity.Results: Plots were farmed primarily by women and contained a broad range of different rice varieties. Naming and origin stories show a clear reference to the escape from plantations and the leading role of women in farming and food security. In some fields, a small patch was reserved for a rice type with very dark grains, used mostly for ritual purposes. Results also show adoption of more recently introduced rice varieties.Conclusion: Rice plays a key role in escape agriculture as practiced by Maroon communities in Suriname. Rice varieties are used as agricultural markers of difference.

A Holistic Analysis of Food Security Situation of Households Engaged in Land Certification and Sustainable Land Management Programs: South Wello, Ethiopia.

Land degradation, food and tenure insecurity are significant problems in the northern highlands of Ethiopia, particularly in the region known as the country's famine corridor. Addressing these twine issues in the region has become a focal point for both local and international organizations, underscoring the significance of preventive measures. Since 2000, the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) has been implementing sustainable land management and certification programs. This study aims on households involved in these programs, specifically in Dessie Zuria and Kutaber Woredas, South Wello Zone (SWZ). The primary objectives of the research were to assess households' current food security status, identify factors influencing their food security, and classify coping and survival strategies employed by households during food shortages. Primary and secondary sources have been used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Quantitative data were collected from surveyed households and analyzed USING SPSS software version 26, whereas qualitative data were transcribed, grouped, and interpreted in line with the aim of the research. Three food security models, namely the Household Food Balance Model, Months of Adequate Household Food Provisioning, and Household Dietary Diversity Score, were employed to evaluate food security. Consequently, a significant percentage of the surveyed households, amounting to 88.3%, 35.6%, and 93.8%, were found to experience food insecurity according to the respective models. Rainfall shortages and variability, crop pests and diseases, shrinking farm plots, and land degradation are among the identified food security determinants. During dearth periods, households deploy a variety of coping and survival strategies. To mitigate food insecurity stemming from both natural and socio-economic factors, the research suggests several recommendations. These include advocating for tenure policy reforms by the GoE, and the local governments should promote the adoption of efficient land management practices, instituting a land certification system based on cadasters, encouraging family planning, boosting investments in education and literacy, raising awareness and providing training in climate-smart agriculture techniques, educating communities on optimal grain utilization, saving, trade, and storage methods, facilitating opportunities for income generation through off-farm and non-farm activities, and offering support for crop and livestock diversification.

Effect of Different Tillage and Nutrient Management Practices on Yield Attributes and Economics of Direct Seeded Rice

An experiment was conducted in an ongoing trial at the Agronomical Research Farm (plot no. 5) of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi (RPCAU, Pusa) during Kharif 2019. The experiment was laid out in ‘split-plot design’ with tillage practices under main plot treatments and nutrient management practices as subplot treatments. The results revealed that yield attributes such as no. of panicles per square metre and no. of grains per panicle were significantly influenced by both tillage and nutrient management practices with higher values of both the yield attributes were recorded in Zero tillage + Residue management (239; 122) among tillage practices and site specific nutrient management (SSNM) based on Nutrient expert® (228; 119) respectively among nutrient management treatments whereas, panicle length, test weight and harvest index were not significantly influenced by any of the tillage or nutrient management practices. Zero tillage + Residue management and Zero tillage increased the grain and straw yield of direct seeded rice to the tune of 14.03% (grain); 9.27% (straw) and, 10.15%(grain); 6.1% (straw) over Conventional tillage, respectively. While SSNM based on Nutrient expert® and 60% RDN + GSGN + 100% PK of, RDF increased grain and straw yield of direct seeded rice to the tune of 14.91%; 7.73% and 12.07%; 5.52% over RDF, respectively. Zero tillage + Residue management among tillage practices and SSNM based on Nutrient expert® among nutrient management treatments resulted in maximum gross returns (₹ 91451, ₹ 91321 /ha); net returns (₹ 59050, ₹ 59313 /ha) and BCR (1.83, 1.86) respectively.

Rethinking the Impact of Land Certification on Tenure Security, Land Disputes, Land Management, and Agricultural Production: Insights from South Wello, Ethiopia

Land is a precious resource in the Ethiopian highlands, where the entire agricultural system depends on rain-fed system. The resource faces multiple interconnected environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Among these, the absence of tenure security has significantly affected farmers’ willingness to adopt soil and water conservation practices (SWCPs), leading to a decline in land productivity, hindering household food security, and contributing to an increase in land-related disputes. Bearing this in mind, the government of Ethiopia (GoE) has undertaken two rounds of land certification programs in selected regions, one of which was Amhara National Regional State (ANRS). This study examined how land certification strengthens tenure security, lowers land-related disputes, motivates farmers to employ SWCPs, and raises the productivity of farm plots in Dessie Zuria and Kutaber Woredas. The research followed an exploratory survey method which utilized both qualitative and quantitative data. The survey involved purposefully selected 401 household heads. Additionally, cross sectional data were collected from various sources, including Woreda and zonal agriculture, court, land, and Natural Resource Management (NRM) offices. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, graphs, figures, cross-tabulation, and descriptive statistical methods. Meanwhile, qualitative data were transcribed, grouped, and interpreted in line with the research’s objectives. SPSS software version 26 was used for data analysis. The findings denoted a positive relationship between land certification and tenure security. Furthermore, enhanced tenure security has played a positive role in reducing land-related disputes, initiating farmers to invest in SWC practices and improving the productivity of farm plots. The research suggests the adoption of a cadastral land registration system, the encouragement of community involvement, and the enforcement of laws and bylaws. The research recommend implementation of cadastral land registration system, promote community participation, and enforcement of laws and bylaws. The work has implications for development practitioners, academia and policymakers working on land tenure, SWC practices, and food security.

Observing farm plots to increase attentiveness and cooperation with nature: a case study in Belgium

Observing farm plots to increase attentiveness and cooperation with nature: a case study in Belgium

An Appraisal of Technological Interventions on Mustard Crop under Cluster Front Line Demonstrations

Aims: To boost production and profitability, The current study's evaluation of technical interventions focused on a cluster front line demonstration on mustard crop, which was carried out in the KVK's operational territory in district Bhadohi of Uttar Pradesh.&#x0D; Study Design: Yield gap analysis under cluster front line demonstration.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The present study was conducted by ICAR-IIVR - Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhadohi on mustard at farmer’s field in different blocks of Bhadohi district under cluster front line demonstration during the period 2016-17 to 2020-21.&#x0D; Methodology: From 2016-17 through 2020-21, 374 demonstrations were carried out on farmer fields totaling 153 hectares under cluster front line demonstration, with farmer practice acting as the comparison control. KVK scientists collected yield, production expenses, and return data from farmers' practice plots (control plots) and front-line demonstration plots. Finally, the extension gap, technology gap, and technology index were calculated using the methods describe in Samui et al. [1].&#x0D; Results: The five-year study's findings show that the demonstration plots' average annual yield was 24.20 q/ha in compared to the traditional agricultural plots' average annual yield of 17.26 q/ha. This higher yield of 4.85 q/ha and the 40.12% rise in mustard productivity over the previous five years may be enough to meet the state's current needs for oilseeds. The five-year averages for the technology gap, extension gap, and technology index were found to be 5.8 q/ha, 6.8 q/ha, and 19.35%, respectively. The finding unequivocally shows that CFLDs have advantages over conventional practices. The technology gap, extension gap, and technology index five-year averages were determined to be 5.8 q/ha, 6.8 q/ha, and 19.35%, respectively. Under the demonstration plot, the Benefit Cost Ratio was shown to be greatest (3.0) during the study year 2017-18 and lowest (2.24) during the study year 2019-20, but it averaged 2.65 during the five-year study period. As a result, positive benefit-cost ratios established the economic sustainability of the interventions and persuaded farmers in the Uttar Pradesh area of Bhadohi of their worth.&#x0D; Conclusion: According to the findings of the five-year study, the demonstration plots' pooled five-year average production was 24.20 q/ha as opposed to the traditional farmer practices plots' 17.26 q/ha. This enhanced yield of 4.85 q/ha and the 40.12% rise in mustard productivity over the previous five years, may be helpful meet to the state's current needs for oilseeds. The finding unequivocally shows that CFLDs have advantages over conventional practices. During the years of investigation, it was shown that the benefit-cost ratio was higher when agricultural practices were demonstrated. According to the result it is concluded that the yield and net profit may be increase using HYV RH-749 with the recommended packages of practices in mustard crop.

The farms activity under the martial law

The paper analyzes the legal regulation of the activities of farms in Ukraine under the conditions of the legal regime of martial law. The concept of farms, the procedure for their registration and the composition of their land plots are given. The procedure for acquiring ownership rights to agricultural land plots by citizens of Ukraine – members of farms and farms is generalized. The grounds for the preferential right to purchase (repurchase) land plots and register the lease of land plots are indicated. It has been established that the state, under martial law, is trying to legally regulate land relations and the work of agricultural producers, including farms. The peculiarities of the legal regulation of the activities of farms in the conditions of martial law are determined. The changes in the current legislation during the period of the introduction of the legal regime of martial law on the territory of Ukraine, which relate to the activities of farms, in particular regarding lending, reservation of conscripted farm workers, simplification of licensing of seed material and equipment, are analyzed. The judicial practice in the field of land relations of farms was analyzed and proposals were made for making changes to the current legislation. According to the results of the scientific research, it is proposed to add part 7 of Article 81 of the Law of Ukraine "On Land Leasing" with the following content: "After the state registration of the farm and the transfer to it of the rights and obligations of the lessee of the land plot under the land lease agreement of the state or communal form of ownership, such the transfer does not require the parties to the lease to take any additional actions, including the conclusion of additional agreements. In this case, the lessee does not alienate the right to lease the land, which is limited by the first part of this article".

Antifungal activity of Leonotis nepetifolia extracts against Colletotrichum species causing bean anthracnose and their phytochemical analysis using LC-MS

Bean anthracnose results in significant yield losses, and the present primary management strategy of using synthetic fungicides is hampered by a number of factors. This study assessed the antifungal effects of aqueous, methanolic, and ethyl acetate extracts of Leonotis nepetifolia (Lamiaceae) against Colletotrichum species that cause bean anthracnose. The poisoned food technique was used to evaluate extracts in-vitro, and trials were carried out on farmer's plots. On the other hand, phytochemical analysis was done using LC-MS. Results obtained in-vitro show that the ethyl acetate extract was the most effective since it completely inhibited mycelial development at concentrations of 5 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL. On the other hand, the aqueous and methanolic extracts exhibited a comparable inhibitory effect, and at the higher concentration (5.0 mg/mL), a remarkable percentage of inhibition of 73.3% and 83.1% was recorded. According to field trials, bean anthracnose incidence was low and there were fewer infected pods per plant in plots treated with L. nepetifolia extracts than in the negative control. In comparison to the negative control plots, extracts-treated plots had larger weights of 100 seeds but no discernible negative effect in seed germination. LC-MS analysis indicated the presence of Linoleoyl ethanolamide, Curcumol, Deguelin, 9,10-dihydroxy-12Z-octadecenoic acid, Naringenin-7-O-glucoside, and 9S-hydroxy-10e 12z 15z-octadecatrienoic acid in the ethyl acetate extract whereas 6-Methoxyluteolin, Genistein, 5,7,3,4-tetramethoxyisoflavone, and 3,4-Dihydroxymandelic acid were identified in the aqueous extract. Antifungal activity and the presence of bioactive components revealed by extracts in this study demonstrate the potential of L. nepetifolia as a source of botanical fungicide for the management of bean anthracnose.