Green Legumes Research Articles

Harnessing Virtual Insights: A Computational Study on the Molecular Characterization of a Drought‐Inducible RNA‐Binding Protein for Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

AbstractAbiotic stresses, particularly drought and salinity, significantly impact agricultural crop yields, with mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) being no exception. This annual green legume, vital to agricultural systems in Asia, is generally resilient to limited water supply; however, severe drought conditions at critical growth stages can drastically diminish both its quality and yield. Drought stress negatively affects various morpho‐physicochemical properties, impeding plant growth and highlighting the need for sustainable approaches to enhance mung bean's drought tolerance through improved farming practices. In this study, we focused on identifying and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying drought tolerance in mung beans. We retrieved the target gene sequence from the NCBI database, but found no direct sequence similarity, which led to the use of homology modeling. The structure of a known protein (PDB ID: 5T9P) was identified as the most suitable template. Motif prediction using the Motif Search tool highlighted specific motifs relevant to drought stress responses. To investigate potential drought‐tolerance mechanisms, we screened ABA agonists using Density Functional Theory (DFT) analysis. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed the interactions between these ligands and the modeled protein, shedding light on how they might influence drought tolerance. We performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess the stability and conformational dynamics of the modeled protein across different time scales. Our findings underscore the potential of ABA agonists to modulate physiological responses and enhance drought resistance. This research offers valuable insights into the conformational dynamics of drought‐related proteins in mung beans, elucidating the molecular underpinnings of drought response mechanisms. By advancing our understanding of these processes, our findings provide novel strategies for improving breeding approaches aimed at enhancing crop resilience against water scarcity and other abiotic stresses. This work promises to mitigate the detrimental effects of drought on mung bean yields and supports sustainable agricultural practices, thereby contributing to global food security.

Effect of the Drying Method and Storage Conditions on the Quality and Content of Selected Bioactive Compounds of Green Legume Vegetables.

This study aimed to determine the effect of the drying method (freeze-drying, air-drying), storage period (12 months), and storage conditions (2-4 °C, 18-22 °C) applied to two legume species: green beans and green peas. The raw and dried materials were determined for selected physical parameters typical of dried vegetables, contents of bioactive components (vitamin C and E, total chlorophyll, total carotenoids, β-carotene, and total polyphenols), antioxidative activity against the DPPH radical, and sensory attributes (overall quality and profiles of color, texture, and palatability). Green beans had a significantly higher content of bioactive components compared to peas. Freeze-drying and cold storage conditions facilitated better retention of these compounds, i.e., by 9-39% and 3-11%, respectively. After 12 months of storage, higher retention of bioactive components, except for total chlorophyll, was determined in peas regardless of the drying method, i.e., by 38-75% in the freeze-dried product and 30-77% in the air-dried product, compared to the raw material.

Processing of Legume Green Manures Slowdowns C Release, Reduces N Losses and Increases N Synchronisation Index for Two Years

The number of livestock farms decreased by 40% in Europe over the last 10-year period. Stockless organic cropping systems started to dominate in many intensive agricultural regions in Europe. Developing the sustainable management of an organic stockless agroecosystem is related to guaranteeing self-sufficiency in nitrogen (N) supply, maintaining high grain yields, and promoting carbon (C) sequestration in the soil. The aim of this study was to investigate if the processed legume green manures can be an alternative to granulated cattle manure and direct ploughing of legume biomass in order to develop the sustainability of the stockless organic cropping system. The decomposition rate and C and N release were observed for green manures made of fermented red clover and composted red clover with wheat straw. Fresh red clover biomass and granulated cattle manure were used for the comparison. Results of the 3-year field experiment showed that technologically processed legume biomass had a positive effect on the productivity of crops at least two years in rotation. Fermented red clover and red clover compost increased N use efficiency by 15% and biomass output efficiency by 16% compared with fresh red clover biomass. Processed legume green manures significantly increased the synchronisation index between crop N demand and N supply. In autumn, incorporated fresh red clover biomass lost 65.6% of its initial C and 37.6 kg ha−1 (50.1%) of its initial N under decomposition in the first non-growing season. It also increased mineral N losses deeper into the subsoil by 52.7%. Meanwhile, fermented red clover and red clover compost released 43% of its N during the first crop growing season, sustained at least one year slower C release to the soil, promoted ecosystem productivity, prevented mineral N losses to subsoil and gained high N synchrony indexes. The best N synchrony was achieved using fermented red clover, with a higher decomposition rate positively significantly correlated (r = 0.47–0.78, p < 0.05) with grain yield, total biomass, protein content and total N accumulated in the plant of spring wheat and spring barley.

Beneficial Effects on Winter Wheat Production of the Application of Legume Green Manure during the Fallow Period

Legume green manure (LGM) is an excellent organic amendment conducive to soil quality and nutrient cycling; however, the use of LGM was once repealed in the rain-fed agriculture of northern China. The objective was to investigate the effects that planting LGM would bring and whether it would affect other fertilization regimes regarding the productivity and water and nutrient use efficiencies of succeeding crops. A short-term (2016–2019) field experiment was established with a split-plot design in the Loess Plateau of China, which included ten treatments consisting of two planting systems (main treatments)—conventional winter wheat monoculture (G0) and planting and incorporating LGM followed by winter wheat planting (G)—and five fertilization regimes (sub-treatments)—no fertilization (CK), basal fertilization with chemicals N, P and K (NPK), basal fertilization plus wheat straw return (NPK + S), basal fertilization plus farmyard manure application (NPK + M), and basal fertilization plus wheat straw return plus farmyard manure application (NPK + S + M). The results demonstrated that compared with G0, the G did not remarkably affect the total water consumption (WC) and water use efficiency (WUE) across the three trial wheat seasons. Specifically, during the third wheat season, the winter wheat yield of G increased by 7.5% more than that of G0 (p < 0.05). G primarily increased the N concentration in winter wheat and universally increased the uptake of N, P and K by 18.8%, 11.7% and 18.8%, respectively. The apparent use efficiencies (AUEs) of chemicals N, P and K under G were 88.0%, 102% and 93.2% higher than those under G0 (p < 0.05). In contrast, the wheat yields of NPK, NPK + S, NPK + M and NPK + S + M were 14.3%, 22.2%, 26.4% and 19.5%, respectively, higher than those of CK. The WC and WUE increased under NPK, NPK + S, NPK + M and NPK + S + M relative to the CK (p < 0.05). Compared with CK, the NPK, NPK + S, NPK + M and NPK + S + M primarily increased the N concentration in winter wheat and universally increased the uptake of N, P and K (p < 0.05). The AUEs of N, P and K were increased by 44.3–75.3%, 72.4–103% and 128–160%, respectively, by NPK + S, NPK + M and NPK + S + M compared with CK. In conclusion, the revival of planting LGM during the fallow period was considered an appropriate measure in the Loess Plateau and similar rain-fed regions due to its ability to improve the growth and nutrient utilization of subsequent winter wheat even in the short term, as well as the lack of negative effects exerted on other organic amendments in its effectiveness.

Pigeon Pea Green Manuring and Nitrogen Fertilization Increase Agronomic Efficiency by Improving Yield and Ear Characteristics of Maize

Green legume incorporation is an encouraging, at least unfinished, substitute for chemical fertilizers, particularly for nitrogen (N). The experiment was conducted in an RCB design with a split plot arrangement replicated four times. Pigeon pea green manuring (GM) of 3.4, 6.3 and 7.3 t ha-1 at pre flowering (GM1), at flowering (GM2) and post flowering (GM3) were assigned to the main plots, respectively, and nitrogen levels (N) (0, 70, 100 and 130 kg N ha-1) were allotted to the subplots. Results showed that GM2 significantly improved plant height (183 cm) and leaf area (393.6 cm2). Whereas, GM1 significantly enhanced biological yield (9826 kg ha-1), grain yield (3500 kg ha-1), thousand grain weight (203.6 g), grain ear-1(319), ear length (18 cm) and ear diameter (11.4 cm) as compared to GM2. Similarly, nitrogen application at the rate of 130 kg ha-1 resulted in taller plants, higher leaf area, thousand grain weight, biological and grain yields, harvest index, grains ear-1, ear height, length, weight and diameter than other N levels. The agronomic efficiency (AE) was significantly increased by 13.8 kg kg-1 and 11.8 kg kg-1 at GM1 and 70 kg N ha-1, respectively. It was concluded from the outcomes of the study that pigeon pea GM at pre flowering stage and 130 kg N ha-1 improved maize crop production.

Understanding sheep baa‐haviour: Investigating the relationship between pasture and animal grazing patterns

AbstractBackgroundGrasslands are the primary source of feed for grazing livestock, and as such, knowledge on how to best manage livestock and grasslands, through the use of spatiotemporal modelling, will assist in the long‐term management of a valuable ecosystem resource.MethodsThis study was conducted over 14 months between March and April 2017 in Orange, NSW, Australia. The study evaluated sheep behaviour in relation to the presence of pasture species, environment and paddock structures, using random forest modelling, to predict sheep location under continuous high (HSR, 13 DSE ha−1) and low (LSR, 7 DSE ha−1) stocking rates.ResultsIn the LSR, significant drivers included water, shade and fence lines (p < 0.01). In the HSR, only fence lines and available biomass were found to be significant (p < 0.01). The presence of green legumes in both stocking rates often increased residency by sheep. Animals spent more time together in the LSR, suggesting that social behaviour played a larger role than pasture quantity and quality in driving grazing behaviours.ConclusionsUnderstanding how pasture type can influence grazing behaviours and also how animal behaviour affects pasture performance and utilisation is important in developing long‐term sustainable management strategies on a paddock scale.

Effect of Legume Green Manure on Yield Increases of Three Major Crops in China: A Meta-Analysis

The application of legume green manure (LGM) is a traditional and valuable practice for agroecosystem management. In the present study, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the effect of LGM on the yields of three major grain crops in China under different cropping systems and environmental conditions based on 315 field trial datasets. LGM application increased the yield of the three major grain crops significantly by 12.60% compared to those under no LGM application, with wheat, maize, and rice yields increasing significantly by 9.49%, 16.70%, and 19.22%, respectively. In addition, yield increases were significant under crop rotation with grain crops but not under intercropping. The amount of LGM returned to the field (dry weight) at only 2000–3000 kg/ha and 3000–4000 kg/ha increased yield significantly by 12.32% and 11.94%, respectively. The greatest yield increases were observed when annual precipitation was higher than 600 mm, while annual average temperature was higher than 10 °C, and when soil organic matter content was 0–10 g/kg, with 19.64%, 14.11%, and 32.63% increases, respectively. All regions in China, excluding North China, had significant yield increases, with the largest yield increase, 27.12%, observed in Northeast China. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that LGM increases yield of all the three major grain crops in China. Additionally, the benefits were also observed under appropriate planting system, green manure biomass, and environmental factors.

P8 Acceptance of Legumes as a Food Group Among Sri Lankan Young Adults

<h3>Background</h3> Although legumes are a staple food worldwide, its consumption has seen a decline in recent times. <h3>Objective</h3> To evaluate the acceptance of legumes as a food group and to identify the levels of legume consumption among Sri Lankan young adults. <h3>Study Design, Settings, Participants</h3> A cross-sectional online survey focusing on the legume consumption patterns, perceived importance, benefits and barriers for consumption and remedies to promote legumes as a food group was evaluated from a conveniently selected group of undergraduate students (n = 180) of ages 19-24 in July 2020. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Legume consumers were subdivided based on their recent legume consumption pattern: those who consume below current dietary recommendation (<45g/d, low), those consume above current dietary recommendations; but below levels demonstrating nutritional and disease prevention benefits (45g and 87.5g/d, marginal), and at levels demonstrating nutritional and disease prevention benefits (>87.5g/d, disease prevention). The legume consumption groups were identified to evaluate their differences in consumption, perceived importance, benefits and barriers. The data from the online survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics rather than using significance testing. <h3>Results</h3> The majority were legume consumers (75%) and the mean intake of legume consumption was 114.64g/d, while consumption of lentils (48%) accounts for nearly half of the legume consumption compared to other legume varieties (52%). Most consumers belonged to the disease prevention consumer group (59%). Lentils were the most often consumed, followed by green legumes, chickpeas and green grams, which were most commonly consumed as a curry or either as a breakfast item. Consumers were well-aware of legumes' benefits as a good protein source and as a meat alternative and had fewer barriers for their consumption. The main barriers perceived by non-consumers and low consumers were the cost of legumes and preparation challenges. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The acceptance of legumes as a food group among the young adults was fair and the differences between consumption were due to poor knowledge about legumes' disease prevention benefits, legume and recipe variety, and legume preparation techniques.

Legume Green Manuring Improves Soil Fertility and Plant Growth of Eucalyptus Plantation in South Subtropical China

Legume green manure is extensively planted to improve soil fertility in crop field. However, the application of legume in Eucalyptus plantation is still limited and depends on site specific and species. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of green manure interplantation on soil fertility and plant growth of Eucalyptus plantation in a short term. A field experiment of one year was established to investigate the green manure growth, forest soil nutrients and Eucalyptus plant growth inter-planted with two legume species (Tephrosia candida, TC and Sesbania cannabina, SC) at south subtropical China. Legumes were inter-planted in linear among the tree space of Eucalyptus stand. Result showed that the green manure inter-plantation increased soil organic matter by 9.66% of TC and 18.44% of SC. Soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were improved significantly by the legume treatments as well. The increment of height and diameter at breast height of Eucalyptus during the experiment was significant in legume treatments. Thus, the timber volume increment was improved significantly by 46.81% of TC and 35.47% of SC compared with the control treatment. Therefore, the inter-plantation of legume green manure under the Eucalyptus plantation is effective to improve soil fertility and tree growth. Such a measure is potential and referenced for the sustainable forest management.

INCREASING SOIL FERTILITY AS A RESULT OF THE ACCUMULATION OF NITROGEN BY LEGUMINOUS CROPS

Analysis of literary sources shows that legume-rhizobial systems annually fix nitrogen from the atmosphere in the amount of from 40 to 300 kg of per 1 ha of crop. Crops of legumes by Nitrogen fixation capabilities play an important role in saving and improvement of the natural soil fertility. It is known that in the process of the crop rotation with legumes the species composition of soil microorganisms is restored, as a result stable soil fertility rate is supported. Legumes plants are valuable siderata. Green legume fertilizer has a positive effect on increasing the productivity of plants, causes to the conservancy and increase of soil fertility. The plowing of the siderates leads to an increase in the humus content in the soil and the availability of phosphate treatment, a reduction in nitrogen gas losses from the soil. After decomposition and mineralization of leguminous siderata, the soil is replenished with nutritious macro- and microelements. Siderata is able to loosen heavy soils, improve their structure, and inhibit the growth of weeds that create water deficiency and reduce the content of minerals in the soil. Growing of peas leads to increased of the absorption efficiency of organic fertilizers by the following crops. The article approves the results of increasing the nitrogen-fixing ability of sowing pea with applying of the microbial preparation Bioinoculant and plant growth regulator Mars EL, and their role in increasing of biological nitrogen content for repair of soil fertility. It was established that the symbiotic activity of pea plants depends on the growth phase of the crop. The highest indexes of active nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots of pea plants were found in the budding phase after pre-sowing seed complex treatment with Bioinoculant and growth regulator Mars EL. It was researched that he combined use of Bioinoculant and plant growth regulator Mars EL provided the increase of the mass of active nodules at the roots of the plant by 33% (phase of formation of 5-6 leaves), 38,8% (budding phase) and 22,8% (flowering phase) compared to the control. It was found that the use of inoculant and plant growth regulator with N30P30K30 fertilizer background leads to the greatest concentration of nodules on the main roots of the plants. The nodules had a pink color. In the technological process, the pre-sowing treatment of pea seeds with Bioinoculant and plant growth regulator Mars EL is an important perspective for improving the symbiotic activity of culture. This induces the reproduction of the soil's natural fertility. It is advisable to investigate the effect of inoculation and growth regulators with the different mechanism of action on the symbiotic activity of winter peas. Key words: soil fertility, legumes, siderata, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, inoculant, plant growth regulator

Legume Consumption Patterns in US Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014 and Beans, Lentils, Peas (BLP) 2017 Survey.

Given the emerging health benefits of regular legume consumption, we hypothesized that the historically low legume consumption levels in US adults increased. We evaluated legume consumption patterns in US adults using cross-sectional data from the 2011–2012 and 2013–2014-year cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) and a 2017 cross-sectional, online survey of Oregon families named “Beans, Lentils, Peas (BLP) Survey”. We also compared legume consumption patterns between consumers below US dietary recommendations for mature legumes (<37.5 g/day, marginal), below levels showing nutritional and disease-prevention benefits (37.5–87.49 g/day, recommended); and levels demonstrating nutritional and disease prevention benefits (≥87.5 g/day; beneficial). In NHANES, legume consumption remained low in US adults and declined from 2011 to 2014 (mature legumes: 12.8 to 8.3%; dry beans: 10.0 to 6.5%). In BLP, less than 5% consumed legumes daily; approximately one-third did not consume legumes during the last month. Marginal mature-legume consumers ate a limited variety of legumes (dry beans and green legumes on a weekly to monthly basis). Beneficial amount consumers ate mature legumes daily or every other day and included chickpeas, lentils and dry peas to their legume mix. Our data suggest that legume consumption declined in US adults, warranting improved communication about the benefits of regular legume consumption.

Phytate, iron, zinc, and calcium content of common Bolivian foods and their estimated mineral bioavailability.

There is a scarcity of information on mineral and phytate content in plant‐based foods in Bolivia. This study aimed to analyze iron, zinc, calcium, and phytate content and estimate the mineral bioavailability of foods consumed in Chapare, Bolivia. Minerals and phytate were analyzed, and bioavailability was estimated in 17 food samples. Leafy vegetables and green legumes had the highest mineral content, followed by pseudocereals. Estimated mineral bioavailability was low for cereals, dry legumes, pseudocereals, and flaxseeds foods mainly due to phytate content. But estimated zinc bioavailability for black cornmeal, yellow corn, and dry peas was moderate. Strong correlations (p < 0.01) were found between the three minerals, while phytate correlated negatively to iron, zinc, and calcium. To get an overview of the estimated mineral bioavailability of plant‐based diets, we have included foods, from the same area, analyzed in a previous study where the evaluated diet covers 80% of RNI for iron and zinc, but <40% of calcium. In conclusion, leafy vegetables and green legumes had the highest contents of minerals and the lowest phytate content of the foods analyzed in the study. The usage of processing strategies and dietary diversification to reduce phytate content would significantly improve estimated mineral bioavailability in plant‐based diets.

Current Legume Consumption in U.S. Adults: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 (P04-135-19)

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate current legume consumption in U.S. adults by using cross-sectional data from the 2011–12 and 2013–14-year cycles of NHANES MethodsParticipants were grouped into non-legume consumers and consumers, which were further grouped into low mature legume consumers (<37.5 g/d, which are the dietary recommendations for mature legume consumption), marginal mature legume consumption (37.5–87.49 g/d, the latter being the cut-off point demonstrating nutritional and disease prevention benefits), and disease prevention mature legume consumption (≥ 87.5 g/d legume consumption). Groups were compared using a t-test (for comparison of legume consumers vs. non-consumers) or generalized least-squared means (for comparison among legume consumer groups) for continuous data and a chi-square test for categorical data. All tests were two-sided. Significance of group differences was determined to be at P ≤ 0.05. ResultsLegume consumption frequency in U.S. adults was low and showed a downward trend from 2011 to 2014 of 18.5% to 13.7% on a given day. The downward trend is primarily due to a decrease in dry bean consumption from 10.0% to 6.5%. The primary legume groups consumed were dry beans and green legumes; chickpeas and lentils were consumed by about 1% of participants at a given day. Legumes were mainly consumed as side or main dish (both primarily dry beans and green legumes) with a declining trend over time for using legumes as soup and main dish. 2.2% (2011–2012) and 1.8% (2013–2014) of NHANES participants ate at least 1 cup/d of mature legumes, 7.1% (2011–2012) and 5.3% (2013–2014) at least 0.5 cup/d of mature legumes, and 14.0% (2011–2012) and 10.7% (2013–2014) at least 37.5 g/d of mature legumes during the 2 surveying days after adjusting for caloric intake. ConclusionsLegume consumption declined rather than increased in U.S. adults, warranting improved communication about the disease prevention benefits of regular legume consumption. Funding SourcesNone.

Abonos verdes de leguminosas: integración en sistemas agrícolas y ganaderas del trópico

In dry areas dominated by dual purpose cattle systems, the production of milk decreases significantly in the dry season. An alternative to maintaining production in the dry season is through the use of annual crops (corn and sorghum) to silage. The objective of this literature review was to compile information on aspects associated with the technology of green legume fertilizers and how they could be integrated into different agricultural and livestock production systems in tropical zones. Whether for crop production, animal feed or for use as hay directly. The use of forage crops to be sustainable requires the application of N since it is one of the most limiting elements to produce forage biomass. The use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers is limited by high costs, and they also have adverse effects, such as production and leaching of nitrates that contaminate groundwater with negative effects on human health and production of nitrous oxide, which is a potent greenhouse gas which has negative effects on global warming. An alternative to the use of chemical nitrogen is the use of N-fixing forage legumes as green fertilizers to supply the N required by forage crops, but the adoption of green manures in livestock systems is very low, possibly since the benefits obtained with their use are not reflected directly in milk production at critical times of the year, which is important for producers. It is necessary to select N-fixing legumes with high biomass production and drought tolerance and demonstrate that these legumes have positive effects directly in the dry season.

Evaluation of Mineral Retention in Green Legumes Submitted to Thermal Treatment

A producao de leguminosas tem grande impacto na agricultura familiar, alem de grande importância nutricional. O consumo de feijao verde e generalizado no Brasil. Tecnicas culinarias, alem do processamento industrial, podem levar a perda de micronutrientes e especies toxicas por mecanismos de lixiviacao. Este estudo avaliou a influencia do tratamento termico na retencao de Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Mg, Cu, Cr, Co, Ba, Cd, Pb nas seguintes leguminosas. Os elementos quimicos caracteristicos de cada uma dessas especies de leguminosas podem ser usados em estudos dos padroes de identidade das leguminosas avaliadas. Em geral, o mangalo (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet) apresentou um menor numero de elementos cujas concentracoes se alteram significativamente quando um tratamento termico e realizado. O feijao guandu mostrou uma maior diversidade de elementos quimicos que diferem significativamente apos o cozimento, enquanto o feijao caupi esta em uma posicao intermediaria.

Hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic potential of raw, boiled, and sprouted mung beans (Vigna radiataL. Wilczek) in rats

This study was carried out to investigate the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic potential of raw, boiled, and sprouted mung beans in rats. Oven dried mung bean powders; raw, sprouted, and boiled were included at 30% level in the diet of seven weeks old male Wistar rats maintained for 5 weeks on high (0.5%) cholesterol diet in comparison with control diet. Low serum glucose and triglyceride concentrations (p < .05) in raw and processed mung bean diets fed rats were supported by low serum insulin level in both raw mung bean diet and boiled mung bean diet fed rats. Hypoglycemic effect in sprouted mung bean fed rats was supported by higher α-amylase inhibitory activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of sprouted mung beans. Increase in serum non-HDL cholesterol concentration and decrease in HDL cholesterol concentration caused by high cholesterol diet were modulated (p < .05) by both boiled and sprouted mung bean diets. Practical applications Mung bean is a green legume rich in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic potential of raw mung beans have been shown previously. It is well known that cooking and processing modulate nutritional and biochemical parameters of foods. However, very limited information is available on the effect of processing on functional properties of legumes. Results of this study showed that boiling and sprouting improved the soluble fiber content and hypocholesterolemic potential of mung beans. Thus, the processed mung beans may be more suitable for developing food supplements for patients with hypercholesterolemia.

KAJIAN KARAKTERISTIK DAN EVALUASI PRODUKSI TERNAK KAMBING BERDASARKAN INDIKATOR KETERSEDIAAN PAKAN DI KABUPATEN MUNA BARAT

West Muna regency is quite potential for development of livestock goats. However, the productivity level of goat in every region of West Muna regency and support of animal feed resources have been unknown for sure, therefore detailed information about the potential of animal feed resources is needed to be able fulfill production needs before developing goat farms. This study aimed to calculate the carrying capacity of goat farm based on the availability of animal feed in 18 villages within 6 sub-regencies including Kusambi, Napano Kusambi, Lawa, Central Tiworo, South Tiworo, and Tiworo Islands based on a criteria of population ownership. Primary data were collected from 101 respondents with a total of 408 animal units. The availability of animal feed was calculated by multiplying production of animal feed with harvested area and was expressed in dried materials (BK) and organic materials (BO). Samples of the production of green animal feed was obtained by taking grass from protected square meter and agricultural by products. Production of green legumes was calculated based on the production of each tree multiplies with harvested green area. Result of the study showed that with the current production of animal feed it is still possible to develop goat farm up to 359.52 UT/ha (2.247 animal units) or 227.5 UT cow per hectare. Keywords: production of goats, animal feed, carrying capacity

Effect of knowledge on adoption and performance of legume fodder (berseem cv. Vardan) under field conditions

The adoption of complete package of practices on farmer's fields gave higher economic return rather than when practices were adopted partially. The yield of green legume fodder berseem cv. vardan was compared on farmer’s field with the yield of unidentified varieties. The performance of berseem cv. Vardan showed better results as compared to the unidentified varieties sown under field conditions. The data were recorded from all the selected farmers and compared the same with of green fodder. The knowledge of farmers regarding growing of high yielding variety of berseem fodder two crops was measured and it was observed that majority of the farmers (66%) were in the category of medium knowledge level. Maximum fodder requirement through out the year was fulfilled from the sugarcane and other crops such as wheat and paddy straw etc. So, only limited area in the selected village Lalukheri was put under fodder crops cultivation. All the selected farmers perceived that fodder yields of Vardan Berseem were high as compared to unidentified varieties grown on their fields. Knowledge level was positively and significantly correlated with variables such as education (0.778), family education status (0.526), income (0.387) and extension contact (0.566). The other variables such as age, caste, size of holding, and social status were not significantly correlated.

Study on extruding process of grain concentrate mixture with chopped green mass of legumes

The work objective is to study an advanced way of enhancing the nutritive value of the mixed feed by co-extrusion of the grain mixtures with chopped green legumes that differ in high content of vitamins and protein. The task of this investigation is an experimental determination of rational parameters and operating modes of the equipment for the extrusion process. Standard techniques are used to study the extrusion process when the properties of raw materials and modes of the extruder EC-75 (75kg/hr) change: extrudable mixture humidity, weight percentage of the chopped green mass in the mixture, and the extruder screw frequency of rotation at different feed rate of the mixture. The residual content of β-carotene as a quite valuable but impermanent component of the received product is used as a key marker of the process. The restrictive conditions are organoleptical properties of the product, humidity after cooling, and occurrence of the undistorted grain material. Energy efficiency of the process is evaluated by the criteria of the specific energy consumption. The study results of the extrusion process are as follows. Its optimal characteristics are determined: mixture supply is 60 kg / hr, mixture temperature at the matrix outlet is 120-125°C, content of the chopped green mass in the mixture is 14-15%, screw rate speed is 220-240 rpm with the specific energy consumption of 90-95 kW hr/t.

Effects of Legume Green Manures on Forage Produced in Continuous Wheat Systems

Inorganic N fertilizers are important to continuous systems of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell.) in the U.S. southern Great Plains (SGP). Costs have increased in recent years and resulted in producers considering summer‐grown legumes as green N sources. This study (2008–2012) defined effects of lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet ‘Rio Verde’] cover crops on subsequent forage production by wheat under conventional and no‐till management, compared to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Laredo’], two inorganic fertilizer rates (40; 80 kg N ha−1yr−1), and unfertilized controls. Inoculated legume seeds were sown annually after wheat harvest, grown during June to August, and terminated in early‐September. Wheat was sown late‐September and samples collected at four growth stages through maturity. Wheat forage (kg ha−1), N concentration (g kg−1) and N accumulated (kg N ha−1) in forage were analyzed to define treatment, tillage, growth stage, and year effects. Precipitation was 53 to 92% of long‐term average (LTA) for the wheat growing (October‐May) period (1977–2012; 688 mm). Treatment x year interaction was significant (P &lt; 0.01) for biomass, N concentration, and N accumulated in forage. Treatment effects on forage production varied among years; response to legume treatments were ≤ control. Response of N concentration and N accumulated in forage under legume treatments were largely ≤ control; responses to all treatments declined with length of study. Neither legume was an effective N source for forage production by continuous wheat systems in the SGP.