Local Agro-ecosystems Research Articles

Biofertilizer Production using Phosphate-solubilizing Pseudomonas spp. Isolated from Rhizosphere Soil: Towards Indigenous Biofertilizer for Enhanced Crop Productivity in Katsina, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study offers an approach to sustainable agriculture by isolating and identifying phosphate-solubilizing Pseudomonas species from the rhizosphere soil of Wagini ward, Katsina state, for the production of biofertilizers. The research highlights the significant phosphate-solubilizing activity of these native strains, which enhances phosphorus availability to plants through the secretion of organic acids and enzymes. By demonstrating the positive effects of these Pseudomonas-based biofertilizers on maize, beans, and millet, this study provides valuable insights into the development of eco-friendly, cost-effective biofertilizers tailored to local agroecosystems, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria. Full Abstract The utilization of biofertilizers holds promise as a sustainable approach to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Beyond nitrogen, phosphorus is integral to various aspects of plant metabolism, including cell division, growth, development, sugar breakdown, and nuclear transport. The present study focuses on isolating Pseudomonas as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from the rhizosphere soil to produce biofertilizer. Ten samples of rhizosphere soil samples were collected from agricultural fields in Wagini ward, Batsari Local Government area, Katsina state. The isolation and identification of Pseudomonas species from the soil samples were conducted using standard microbiological techniques, followed by screening for plant growth-promoting traits (phosphate solubilization). Subsequently, selected Pseudomonas species exhibiting robust phosphate solubilization were assessed for their efficacy in biofertilizer production, after which the produced biofertilizer was tested on maize, beans, and millet. The formulated biofertilizers demonstrated remarkable positive effects on the tested crops’ growth compared to those that were not treated with the Pseudomonas-based biofertilizer after seven days of cultivation under controlled conditions. The results of this study revealed that the isolated Pseudomonas strains exhibited significant phosphate-solubilizing activity. This indicates their potential to release phosphorus from insoluble forms, making it more accessible to plants. The solubilization activity was attributed to the secretion of organic acids and enzymes by the Pseudomonas strains, which can dissolve complex phosphates. This study underscores the importance of tacking native microbial resources for the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective biofertilizers tailored to local agroecosystems, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural intensification and food security in Nigeria.

Efficiency of the Integrated Production Systems: Evidence from the Winegrowing Firms in Italy

In Italy, the environmental sustainability of the agricultural sector is regulated by the National Integrated Production Quality System. It is the foundation of the regional Integrated Production Regulations (IPRs), which identify voluntary agronomic strategies on the use of pesticides, fertilisers, and irrigation water, as well as on soil and plant management. The aim is a reduction in the environmental impacts of the agricultural processes and an increase in the production quality. However, the direct relationship between environmental and economic sustainability of the regional IPRs is not obvious and its absence could weaken the economic efficiency of firms. The study, through the stochastic frontier (SF) method, investigates the possible inefficiencies of the regional winegrowing firms that voluntarily adhere to the Apulian IPRs. The results highlight that some measures in the IPRs aimed at preserving the local agroecosystems (soil management and use of resistant varieties) are efficient, therefore allowing for an increase in the production value and quality. On the contrary, crucial measures concerning the management of irrigation water and pesticides decrease efficiency. Thus, more thoughtful measures are requested by policy makers to improve the economic impacts of the regional IPRs on firms and to make possible a certain convergence between environmental and economic sustainability.

SEEDING RESILIENCE: THE IMPACTS OF A SEED-SAVING NETWORK IN WESTERN MONTANA

ABSTRACT The practice of saving seed is as old as agriculture, although due to an increasingly industrialized, economically concentrated, and globalized agricultural system, it has dwindled worldwide. Understanding how community-based, seed-saving networks continue to thrive, and their potential impacts, may shed light on the creation of more resilient agro-ecosystems. This inquiry assessed a seed-saving network and its impacts in the Bitterroot and Missoula valleys of western Montana. The guiding question for this inquiry was: How does a local seed-saving network contribute to the social-ecological resilience of the local agro-ecosystem? The main methods of data collection were semistructured interviews and participant observation. We addressed our research question first by defining our network as a “rooted network,” and then by exploring “resilience effects,” or resultant resilience that emerged from actor connections. In conclusion, we reflect how this informal seed-saving network might play vital roles in fostering resilience of local agro-ecosystems now and in the future. Keywords: agro-ecosystem, rooted network, informal seed network, seed-saving, social-ecological system, resilience, Montana.

Application of a system dynamics model to evaluate the implementation of payment for environmental services as a reconversion mechanism in high mountain farming

In Colombia, livestock farming has been developed in highlands areas, with influence on these ecosystems and their ecosystem services. Reason why, in 2017, the Colombian issued legal regulations (Decree Law 870), which establishes the payment for environmental services (PES) as a key instrument in the conservation of strategic areas to achieve comprehensive rural development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of two type of highlands livestock agroecosystems to the implementation of a mechanism such as the PES, through scenario simulation based on the System Dynamics methodology. It should contribute to the understanding of this activity and to the formulation of policies for land management, use and conservation. Data and information used in this study came from farms located in La Nevera, municipality of Palmira, Department of Valle del Cauca. Gathered information were used to develop qualitative models (i.e. causal loop diagrams) and quantitative models (stock and flow diagrams) in order to built a mechanistic model aimed to improve understanding of the multiple interactions and synergies that constitute the local agro-ecosystems. It includes the livestock and landscape components and their interaction influencing the ecosystem. The developed model evaluated three alternative scenarios of management with eventual economic incentives to farmers: i) business as usual; ii) incentive for areas destined to preservation; iii) areas released for restoration and future conservation. The main results showed that the proposed PES are a viable strategy for obtaining additional income for the land owners and they would also contribute to the maintenance of the typical natural coverage of the territory. However only considering economic balances, the opportunity cost of reducing livestock farming to preserve land is lower than cost of expected preservation. It might impair the choice of modifying the preferences of land use within the farms. The novelty of the study was the use of a system dynamic model to evaluate future sustainable patterns of PES to prevent side effects on the Colombian mountain area from a social and environmental point of view.

Seasonal variation and controlling factors of carbon balance over dry semi-humid cropland in Guanzhong Plain

A theoretical basis for optimizing mitigation and adaptation to future climate change can be obtained by determining the carbon balance and their control mechanism in agroecosystems. To better understand summer maize (Zea mays L.)/winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) agroecosystems in dry semi-humid carbon balance mechanism, we conducted an in-depth analysis of three-year (2019.6–2022.6) seasonal dynamics of carbon fluxes and their driving factors in summer maize/winter wheat cropland in the Guanzhong Plain combined with path analysis. The results showed that net radiation (Rn) was the main direct controlling factor of the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) in the summer maize growing season, followed by leaf area index (LAI). However, LAI was the main factor controlling the seasonal variation of NEE in the winter wheat growing season, followed by Rn. Furthermore, LAI was the dominant direct driving factor for the gross primary productivity (GPP) in the summer maize and winter wheat growing seasons. In addition, LAI was the dominant driving factor for the total ecosystem respiration (TER) in the summer maize season, while Rn (indirect effect) and LAI (direct effect) were the main controlling factors of TER in the winter wheat season. The NEE values of the summer maize system, winter wheat system, and summer maize/winter wheat system in the study area were from 119 to 221, − 601 to − 595, and − 433 to − 291 g C m−2, respectively (the net biological production (NBP) were − 709 to − 437, 220–303, and − 496 and − 260 g C m−2, respectively). Notably, the average carbon emission rate of the summer maize/winter wheat agroecosystem in the Guanzhong Plain, considering the carbon output at harvest is 386.2 g C m−2year−1. Therefore, this study may guide assessment of carbon balance of agroecosystems in dry sub-humid regions, and provide a strong reference for achieving carbon neutrality in local agroecosystems.

Exploration and evaluation of robusta coffee quality in Merangin Regency, Jambi Province

Jambi known as one of the Robusta coffee producing areas in Indonesia. Many of promising Robusta coffee clones were found at coffee plantations in Jambi and have adapted to local agroecosystems. The study aimed to evaluate the quality of Robusta coffee in Merangin Regency, Jambi Province. The exploration and evaluation were carried out in July 2020 and December 2021 using the survey method. In this study, several Robusta coffees clones that had developed in the community were found, such as Prima, Tugusari Kuning, Bengko, Mendo, and Tugusari Hijau. These clones are preferred because they have good taste and high productivity as well as adaptive in the highlands. The result of cupping test for Prima, Bengko, Local, Tugusari Kuning, Mendo, and Tugusari Hijau clones showed a final score of >80 (Fine Robusta) with a final score ranging from 80.50-81.63, while Parabola and Curup clones were categorized as not specialty with the score of 70.50 and 78.375, respectively. On the other hand, the results of caffeine content analysis of the Curup, Mendo, Parabola, Tugusari Hijau, and Tugusari Kuning clones ranged from 1.33-1.74%. This initial evaluation is expected to provide an overview of the existence of promising Robusta coffee clones in Jambi. Hence, these coffee clones can be developed as local superior clones in the future.

Genotyping-by-Sequencing Defines Genetic Structure within the "Acquaviva" Red Onion Landrace.

Genetic structure and distinctive features of landraces, such as adaptability to local agro-ecosystems and specific qualitative profiles, can be substantially altered by the massive introduction of allochthonous germplasm. The landrace known as “Cipolla rossa di Acquaviva” (Acquaviva red onion, further referred to as ARO) is traditionally cultivated and propagated in a small area of the Apulia region (southern Italy). However, the recent rise of its market value and cultivation area is possibly causing genetic contamination with foreign propagating material. In this work, genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) was used to characterize genetic variation of seven onion populations commercialized as ARO, as well as one population of the landrace “Montoro” (M), which is phenotypically similar, but originates from another cultivation area and displays different qualitative features. A panel of 5011 SNP markers was used to perform parametric and non-parametric genetic structure analyses, which supported the hypothesis of genetic contamination of germplasm commercialized as ARO with a gene pool including the M landrace. Four ARO populations formed a core genetic group, homogeneous and clearly distinct from the other ARO and M populations. Conversely, the remaining three ARO populations did not display significant differences with the M population. A set of private alleles for the ARO core genetic group was identified, indicating the possibility to trace the ARO landrace by means of a SNP-based molecular barcode. Overall, the results of this study provide a framework for further breeding activities and the traceability of the ARO landrace.

Climate change in the Catalan Pyrenees intersects with socioeconomic factors to shape crop diversity and management

Most studies on climate change’s impacts on agriculture focus on modeling techniques based on large-scale meteorological data, while few have investigated how farmer’s perception of climate change’s impacts can affect crop diversity and crop management practices, especially in industrialized contexts. To fill this gap, we conducted 24 semi-structured interviews in a study site located in the Catalan Pyrenees. Our results show for the first time in an industrialized context that farmers perceive multiple interrelated climate change impacts on local agroecosystems. For instance, snowfall and freeze events have decreased, which respondents associated with the increase of pests and diseases affecting both wild flora and cultivated plants. Similarly, changes in precipitation patterns lead to a perceived decrease in useful rain for agriculture. Farmers are also reporting changes in their management practices, such as increased irrigation or use of pesticides, which respond to these climatic factors but also to changes in the crops that are cultivated. Crop diversity is in decline in the area both at the species and landrace levels, especially in rainfed fields. This is mainly driven by socioeconomic factors such as agricultural abandonment or access to commercial seeds, although climate change factors such as increased pests or decreased rainfall can have an impact. Despite the crop diversity losses found, many landraces have been maintained, mainly due to their cultural value, and also new crop species have been introduced, which are now viable due to the increase in temperature. Although we focused on a specific case study, we found several trends that are also present in other contexts. Therefore, the results of this research are relevant at a global scale since they show that climate change is affecting mountain agroecosystems in industrialized contexts and may affect more drastically both agrobiodiversity and crop management practices in agroecosystems worldwide.

The Spatial Distribution and Genetic Diversity of the Soybean Cyst Nematode, Heterodera glycines, in China: It Is Time to Take Measures to Control Soybean Cyst Nematode.

The continuous evolution and spread of virulent forms of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) driven by the environment and anthropogenic intervention is a serious threat to the soybean production worldwide, including China. Especially in China, the implemented measures to control SCN are insufficient for sustainable agricultural development yet. We summarized our knowledge about the spread and spatial distribution of SCN in China and the virulence diversity in the main soybean growing areas. To reveal the genetic relatedness and diversity of SCN populations, we re-sequenced 53 SCN genomes from the Huang-Huai Valleys, one of the two main soybean growing areas in China. We identified spreading patterns linked to the local agroecosystems and topographies. Moreover, we disclosed the first evidence for the selection of complex virulence in the field even under low selection pressure in an example from North Shanxi. SCN is present in all soybean growing areas in China but SCN susceptible cultivars are still largely grown indicating that SCN-related damage and financial loss have not received the attention they deserve yet. To prevent increasing yield losses and to improve the acceptance of resistant cultivars by the growers, we emphasized that it is time to accelerate SCN resistance breeding, planting resistant cultivars to a larger extent, and to support farmers to implement a wider crop rotation for sustainable development of the soybean production in China.

Hodnotenie vybraných genotypov Miscanthus na produkciu bioplynu ako možného riešenia regionálnej bioenergie

Plantations of fast-growing crops represent local agroecosystems providing provisioning services in the form of phytomass that can be utilized for energy and/or non-energy purposes. Permanent grasses such as Miscanthus are identified as potentially suitable sources of raw materials for the output of second-generation biofuels. The experiments focused on the production ability of the perennial energy grass Miscanthus were performed in the region of SW Slovakia. It was confirmed that the studied genotypes (Miscanthus sinensis Tatai and Miscanthus × giganteus) exceeded the cost-efficient level of biomass production. The above-ground biomass of the studied genotypes was ensiled and afterwards fed to the experimental fermenters to evaluate the biogas production. The experiments with individual silage mixtures lasted 600 hours. The total amount of biogas produced from M. × giganteus and M. sinensis Tatai silage mixture was 273 dm3 and 328 dm3, respectively. The average share of methane in the biogas of both studied samples of silage mixtures was 51%. On the basis of the 10-year average yields of the studied Miscanthus genotypes achieved in our conditions, it is possible to produce 8 181 m3/ha (M. × giganteus) and 11 248 m3/ha (M. sinensis Tatai) of biogas from the silage mixtures. The achieved production represents sufficient and stable amount of biogas and its use can be economically efficient and sustainable in the long run in SW Slovakia.

Interference competition and predation between invasive and native herbivores in maize

Interspecific interactions (e.g., competition, predation) are core determinants of insect population evolution, geographical distribution, trophic dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Following its recent invasion of eastern Asia, the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) co-inhabits maize fields with native lepidopteran herbivores, such as the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura. Here, drawing upon laboratory and field studies, we demonstrate how late-instar S. frugiperda larvae directly prey upon S. litura immature stages and competitively displace them from the maize whorl. Individual maize plants did not mediate the above interactions, with herbivore-damaged leaves not affecting the development rate of either species. In the field, ecological niches of S. frugiperda and S. litura overlapped, with species-specific occupancy rates of whorl-stage leaves (vegetative phase) and ears or tassels (reproductive phase) exceeding 70% and 90%, respectively. Field cage trials showed that S. frugiperda larvae either preyed upon or repelled S. litura larvae from maize plants, routinely resulting in more than 90% mortality of the latter. Field visits and cage studies in Yunnan (SW China) also revealed how—within an approx. 1-year time period—S. frugiperda has become a dominant species in local maize fields and co-infestation of both herbivores on the same plant is rare. Overall, our work shows how the invasive S. frugiperda exhibits a clear competitive advantage over native lepidopterans and could replace certain species within local agroecosystems. This study not only unveils the mechanistic causes of rapid ecological shifts within S. frugiperda-invaded cropping systems, but may also guide subsequent monitoring and management interventions.

Fonio and Bambara Groundnut Value Chains in Mali: Issues, Needs, and Opportunities for Their Sustainable Promotion

As the effects of climate change are severely straining West African agricultural systems, the adoption of more incisive interventions in support of sustainable development agendas for the region is highly critical and cannot be further delayed by governments. Neglected and underutilized species (NUS) are one important ally in pursuing resilience in both production and food systems because of their promising traits in terms of nutrition, adaptation to local agroecosystems, and economic potential for local populations. Focusing on fonio, a gluten-free traditional cereal, and Bambara groundnut, a protein-rich leguminous crop, we investigate issues in their production, commercialization, and consumption in southern Mali. The aim was to assess needs and opportunities for improving their value chains and increasing their use and societal benefits. Using a Rapid Market Appraisal method, we surveyed traders, producers, processors, and consumers of target crops in 2017 and 2018. Our findings indicate that while both crops are consumed and praised by local populations, critical bottlenecks inhibit their wider socioeconomic potential. Lack of access to inputs and equipment and presence of sand in the commercialized product are important issues for fonio, whereas the Bambara groundnut value chain suffers from poor processing facilities and lack of market promotion. Policy recommendations to tackle the identified bottlenecks are proposed.

Assessment of nutrient fluxes and recovery for a small-scale agricultural waste management system

The efficiencies of removing or recovering nitrogen and phosphorus in widely implemented small-scale tubular anaerobic digesters are not well understood, as the technology is primarily promoted for its recovery of energy, not nutrients. The purpose of this study was to use nutrient mass balances to assess the fate of nitrogen and phosphorus in two tubular anaerobic digesters, specifically designed to digest animal manure, that were integrated with a conical batch reactor to precipitate struvite (MgNH4PO4) from the digester effluent. The field study showed that locally available products, bittern and soda ash, can be used as a magnesium source and for pH adjustment (respectively) in the struvite precipitation reactor. Results from the mass balances showed that PO43− and NH4+ were released from the manure during anaerobic digestion, increasing the concentrations of PO43− and NH4+ in the liquid phase (by 130% and 120%, respectively). Despite this increase in liquid-phase concentrations, average removals were 25% for total phosphorus and 4% for total nitrogen via sedimentation in the digesters. The digesters also removed an average of 87% of total suspended solids and 84% of chemical oxygen demand from the influent waste stream. During struvite precipitation, an average of 79% of PO43−–P and 14% of NH4+-N was removed from the digester effluent. Harvested precipitate comprised (by mass) 9.9% Mg, 2.4% N, and 12.8% P, consistent with struvite formation. The treatment system offers dual benefits: improved sanitation and recovery of nutrients as a fertilizer that may also indirectly reduce surface water and groundwater degradation. Quantifying nutrient recovery from small-farm-generated agricultural waste and understanding recovery mechanisms can improve environmental management and facilitate progress toward the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals by improving sanitation, promoting sustainable management of wastes and natural resources, improving food security, and supporting the ecological restoration of local agroecosystems.

Control of entomological diversity in agricultural systems

Our planet is undergoing the sixth wave of mass extinction of biota. So, according to the World Wildlife Fond (WWF) data, the living planet index for vertebrates (an indicator of global biodiversity) has decreased by almost 60% from 1970 to 2014. Ecologists are concerned because of the depletion of insect populations, as far as they make up about two thirds of all biota species, and are essential for maintaining the stability of ecosystems and providing environmental services. Currently, about one-third of all types of insects are under threat of extinction. In the last 30 years, the loss of insect biomass is about 75%. This is observed even in habitats with low levels of anthropogenic impact. The strategy of conservation of biodiversity requires, first of all, quantitative and comparative assessment in ecosystems of different levels. Such studies are carried out regularly for regional and global ecosystems of different nature. Biodiversity indicators have been developed and tested; databases have been compiled, which allows controlling the dynamics of population depletion process. But the state of entomological diversity in local acroecosystems (at the level of farms, separate agrocenoses) is researched not deep enough. Particularly in them biota falls under powerful anthropogenic influences. To evaluate the species richness of local ecosystems, such indices as Shannon-Weaver, Simpson, Macintosh, etc., are developed, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Scientific researches on substantiation of methods of system assessment of the state of the entomofauna of agricultural territories were insufficient, which determined the relevance of our work. The goal of the work was to substantiate the methods of controlling the state of the species diversity of insects in local agroecosystems using the Shannon-Weaver index. The analysis of the generalized results of faunal studies of agroecosystems showed that the entomological species diversity of crops included 167 species of 8 orders. The most abundant species were the Coleoptera order representatives (58 species) followed by Lepidoptera (35 species), Hemiptera (34 species), the least frequent were Homoptera (4 species) and Thysanoptera (2 species).It is known that the current species variety of different agrocenoses is primarily determined by the agricultural crop. Therefore, a differentiated assessment of the index indicator was conducted for each agricultural crop separately. For calculations, the results of faunal studies in each culture were used. The value of the Shannon-Weaver index is 2.4924. According to the Standard of Ukrainian Companies 73.10-37-694:2008 these data indicate a very high diversity of species, which is distinctive for natural ecosystems and lea lands. The reason of the large entomological diversity of the crop is due to the fact that wheat has long been cultivated in Ukraine, has a significant number of wild relatives, phytophagous insects from which were able to switch their nutrition to the cultivated culture. Studies have shown that the Shannon-Weaver index differentiates quite accurately the diversity of the entomofauna of different crops. Thus, faunal studies of maize and rape crops showed that the species abundance of entomofauna cultures varies by 2 taxa. Correspondingly, the index for maize was 1,6140 and for rape — 1,5849. The ability to reflect the current state of the entomofauna, simplicity of calculation, allows us to recommend the Shannon-Weaver index for controlling biodiversity of agrocenoses. The results of our field studies indicate a significant impoverishment of entomological biodiversity of agricultural landscapes, which is confirmed by numerous literary evidences of the global biodiversity crisis.

Stoichiometric characteristics of different agroecosystems under the same climatic conditions in the agropastoral ecotone of northern China

Ecological stoichiometry affects the processes and functions of ecosystems, but the similarities and differences of stoichiometric characteristics among diverse agropastoral ecosystems under the same climatic conditions remain unclear. In this study, plant and soil stoichiometric characteristics of different agroecosystems, namely natural grassland (free-grazing and mowed grassland), artificial grassland (oat, Chinese leymus and corn silage), field crops (naked oats, flax and wheat) and commercial crops (cabbage and potatoes), were investigated in Guyuan County, China. Results showed total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and N:P ratios in plant tissue varied significantly among ecosystem types (P < 0.05). In general, the mean soil organic carbon, TN and TP content in the 0–0.3 m soil layer in potatoes (8.01, 1.05 and 0.33 g kg–1 respectively) were significantly lower than in other agroecosystems (P < 0.05). The mean C:N ratios of the 0–0.3 m soil layer did not differ significantly among the agroecosystems (P > 0.05). However, the C:P ratio was lower in potato than cabbage sites (24.64 vs 33.17), and was lower at both these sites than in other agroecosystems (P < 0.05). With regard to N:P ratios, only the potato ecosystem had lower values than in other ecosystems (P < 0.05), which did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Above all, N is more likely to be limiting than P for biomass production in local agroecosystems. Soil C:P and N:P ratios decreased significantly with an increase in the utilisation intensity (from natural grassland to commercial crop). The findings of this study suggest that restoring, preserving and increasing soil organic carbon (especially for cabbage and potatoes), scientifically adjusting the application of N and P fertiliser and enhancing subsidies for low-loss soil nutrient systems, such as grassland, rather than commercial crops will help improve and sustain agroecosystems.

Local knowledge of Karangwangi People of Cianjur District, West Java, Indonesia on water pollution of the Cikawung River

Abstract. Primadiani D, Iskandar J, Sunardi. 2018. Local knowledge of Karangwangi People of Cianjur District, West Java, Indonesia on water pollution of the Cikawung River. Asian J Ethnobiol 1: 9-14. In the past, village people of Karangwangi, Cianjur District, West Java Province did not face any problem of water supply, including supply from the Cikawung River. Of late, however, they are experiencing problems with water sources, particularly water supply from the Cikawung River. Since pesticides have been intensively used in the local agroecosystems, such as irrigated rice fields and monoculture vegetable gardens, the Cikawung river water is polluted. In addition, the consequences of increase in conversion of forests and traditional mixed-gardens into agricultural and settlement areas have dramatically affected hydrological balances. On this background, this research was carried out to elucidate the local knowledge of the Karangwangi people on the status of pollution of water of the Cikwaung river. This research used a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods with descriptive qualitative analysis. Qualitative data collection technique used was deep interviews with informants chosen purposely with snowball sampling. Quantitative data collection technique was interview with respondents using questionnaires and measurement of physical, chemical and biology parameters of Cikawung River water. Results of this research confirm that village people of Karangwangi have considerable local knowledge on water categorization, pollution and pollution indicators of Cikawung River

Climate change impacts on rainfed cropping production systems in the tropics and the case of smallholder farms in North-west Cambodia

The consequences of climate change on smallholder farms are locally specific and difficult to quantify because of variations in farming systems, complexity of agricultural and non-agricultural livelihood activities and climate-related vulnerability. One way to better understand the issues is to learn from the experiences of farmers themselves. Thus, this study aimed to better understand rainfed upland cropping systems in NW Cambodia and to identify practical, social and economic constraints to adoption of known climate adaptation options applicable to local agro-ecosystems. The study also sought to document the climate change perceptions and adaptation options employed by farmers to mitigate the climate risks. A household survey was conducted in the districts of Sala Krau and Samlout in North-west Cambodia in 2013 where 390 representatives of households were randomly selected for interviews, group discussions and field observations. The majority of respondents perceived that changes had occurred in the rainfall pattern such as a later start to the monsoon season, decreasing annual rainfall, increasing frequencies of drought and dry spells, and warmer temperatures. Farmers reported reductions in crop yields of 16–27 % over the five-year period of 2008–2012. However, these reductions were not evident in provincial data for the same period. Farmers claimed climate impacts resulted in significant yield reductions, but they appear not to have an effective strategy to adapt to the changes in climate. Further regional research is required to refine climate change adaptation strategies for rainfed upland cropping systems in Cambodia.

Performance of Soybean's Farmer Field School-Integrated Crop Management in Central Java and West Nusa Tenggara Provinces, Indonesia

Indonesia is challenged by a shortage of soybean production to meet local demand. The Ministry of Agriculture has developed a strategy to increase soybean production through an integrated crop management (ICM) program, which was implemented through a farmer field school (FFS) approach in 2008. This paper aims to evaluate the performance of FFS-ICM implementation in two of the main areas for soybean production—Grobogan Regency in Central Java Province and West Lombok Regency in West Nusa Tenggara Province. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews of 120 farmers. The before and after performance of the FFS-ICM program was evaluated using paired sample t-tests. The study found that FFS-ICM has increased soybean productivity significantly both in Grobogan Regency (1,854 kg/ha) and West Lombok Regency (1,492 kg/ha). However, this was less than the optimal productivity, which can reach 2,490 kg/ha in Grobogan Regency and 1,680 kg/ ha in West Lombok Regency, therefore a soybean productivity gap remains. In order to improve the implementation of soybean FFS-ICM, four policy recommendations were suggested: improving the understanding of extension workers and participant farmers on the philosophy of FFS to dispel the perception that FFS-ICM is "an aid distribution" project; intensive assistance and monitoring by field extension workers during the FFS-ICM implementation; ensuring that inputs (especially seeds) are available on time by strengthening breeding institutions at the local level; and strengthening the research and dissemination of new high-yielding varieties that are suited to local agroecosystems and in accordance with market demand.

Monitoring of the CO2 emission and the contents of microbial biomass in agroecosystems on gray forest soils of the Cisbaikal region under conditions of fluoride pollution

The influence of the technogenic pollution of gray forest soils in the forest-steppe zone of the Cisbaikal region with fluorides emitted by aluminum smelters on the functioning and state of local agroecosystems was studied within the framework of a long-term agroecological monitoring program. Hydrothermic conditions of the growing season during the monitoring period (1997–2012) were compared with the climatic norm (1961–1990). It was found that the adverse effect of the technogenic pollution on the agroecosystem becomes more pronounced during the years with abnormal weather conditions. An increase in the CO2 emission into the atmosphere as a response of the microbial complex to the rise in the air temperatures was characterized by the linear dependence irrespectively of the degree of soil contamination. The methods of systems analysis were applied to generalize the results. The considered agroecosystem was studied as the system of particular components (soil-microorganisms-plants-atmosphere) integrated by the carbon fluxes. The regimes of the agroecosystem functioning and the ecological loads on it were estimated on the basis of data on the fluxes of net mineralized and (re)immobilized carbon. The environmental factors affecting the state and functioning of the agroecosystem were identified.

Long-term effects of fertilizer on soil enzymatic activity of wheat field soil in Loess Plateau, China.

The effects of long-term (29 years) fertilization on local agro-ecosystems in the Loess Plateau of northwest China, containing a single or combinations of inorganic (Nitrogen, N; Phosphate, P) and organic (Mature, M Straw, S) fertilizer, including N, NP, SNP, M, MNP, and a control. The soil enzymes, including dehydrogenase, urease, alkaline phosphatase, invertase and glomalin, were investigated in three physiological stages (Jointing, Dough, and Maturity) of wheat growth at three depths of the soil profile (0-15, 16-30, 31-45 cm). We found that the application of farmyard manure and straw produced the highest values of soil enzymatic activity, especially a balanced applied treatment of MNP. Enzymatic activity was lowest in the control. Values were generally highest at dough, followed by the jointing and maturity stages, and declined with soil profile depth. The activities of the enzymes investigated here are significantly correlated with each other and are correlated with soil nutrients, in particular with soil organic carbon. Our results suggest that a balanced application of fertilizer nutrients and organic manure (especially those containing P) has positive effects on multiple soil chemical parameters, which in turn enhances enzyme activity. We emphasize the role of organic manure in maintaining soil organic matter and promoting biological activity, as its application can result in a substantial increase in agricultural production and can be sustainable for many years.