Low Fertility Levels Research Articles

Involving unused land in the economic turnover of the agricultural sector of a region: institutional regulation and economic feasibility

The article shows the necessity of institutional regulation of the process of involving unused agricultural land into the economic turnover of the agrarian sphere of a region. It presents quantitative and qualitative characteristics of previously withdrawn agricultural lands, their territorial distribution by soil and climatic microzones and administrative districts of a region, unused period duration, residual fertility level (in terms of humus content), and land plots degradation degree. A calculation-analytical complex such as an algorithm representing a four-stage mechanism of analysis, preparation and decision-making on the choice of the land plots restoration method and their further use option has been developed and proposed for use. It is recommended to use three options for land plots restoration: direct return to economic turnover in case of a short period of non-use; carrying out cultural and technical measures with subsequent implementation into the turnover; transfer to another category of use in case of a high degree of degradation and low fertility level. The developed algorithm of unused agricultural land involvement is aimed at preserving the land potential of a region, strengthening the rational land use system. The presented stages provide not only theoretical and methodological, but also practical significance. Application scope is scientific organizations, agroindustrial complex management bodies at the municipal and regional levels, and agricultural producers.

Response to Addition of Lighting Duration and Electrical Induction in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Plant on the Uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphors, Potassium and Yield

Background: The impact of excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides causes problems of land degradation, low fertility levels and reduced cation exchange capacity. To increase nutrient uptake and yield of lettuce plants, cultivation techniques using induction and additional lighting are needed. The aim is to increase nutrient absorption and plant yields. Methods: The research design used a split plot with Factorial Randomized Groups. Factor 1 Lighting duration (P) for 4 and 8 hours per day and Factor 2, induction with DC (Direct Current) current (S). Induction 1 time per day (S1); The treatment in this study was repeated 4 times. Induction 2 times per day (S2) and Induction 3 times per day (S3). Result: The combination P2S2 showed good results regarding the uptake of Nitrogen (20.1 Kg.Ha-1), Phosphorus (2.71 Kg.Ha-1) and Potassium (67.23 Kg.Ha-1) in plant leaves. The P1S2 treatment showed a leaf area of (1652.19 cm2). The adding 4 hours of light and an induction interval of 2 times per day gave good results on the uptake of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in the leaf of lettuce plants.

Identification of land fertility and farmer income after an earthquake natural disaster

Liquefaction is a phenomenon where saturated sand and silt take on the characteristics of a liquid during the intense shaking of an earthquake. It takes place when a quake has increased water pressure in saturated soil and made particles in the soil lose contact with each other, making the soil, particularly sandy soil, act like a liquid. On September 28, 2018, an earthquake was occurred which caused liquefaction and a tsunami in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. This incident triggered a new phenomenon, namely liquefaction in several residential areas in Palu City, especially in the Balaroa and Petobo areas. The liquefaction phenomenon in Petobo Village caused changes in the shape of the land surface. The changes that occurred had an impact on decreasing soil fertility levels in the area along with low crop production and decreased farmer incomes. Soil fertility is a quality value of the soil's ability to provide nutrients for growth. This research aims to determine the level of fertility of agricultural land and the amount of farmer income as well as the best efforts to overcome changes in agricultural land after natural disasters. This research used a descriptive method with a population of all farmers living in the Petobo area affected by the earthquake and liquefaction. There were 25 informants who were determined using a purposive sampling technique. Soil samples were analyzed at the Soil Science laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University, Palu. The method used in this study is a direct survey method in the field, then continued soil sampling at several points according to the coordinate points carried out by purposive sampling techniques. The status of soil chemical properties at 4 sample points affected by liquefaction and 2 sample point not affected by liquefaction in Petobo Village, which classified as very low to very high. Areas affected by liquefaction had neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH content, very low to low C-organic content, very low N-total content, very high P-total content, low K-total content, and have medium to high CEC content. Meanwhile, areas that are not affected by liquefaction had neutral soil pH content, very low to low C-organic content, very low N-total content, very high P-total content, low K-total content, and have medium to high CEC. The low level of soil fertility in this area means that crop production is also low. Changes in the amount of income experienced by affected farmers who initially had around 77.26 USD- 186.71 USD/month declined to 61.16 USD-77.26/month. This is due to changes in the polarization of farmers' work. Actions that can be implemented to increase soil fertility are correct soil management, use of organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, harvest residues such as (legume plant stover, rice straw) and the addition of chemical fertilizers according to the dosage.

PENGEMBANGAN CABAI KATOKKON (Capsicum annuum L. var. sinensis) DI LUAR HABITAT ASLINYA

This research aims to develop Katokkon chilies outside their natural habitat with different environmental conditions. Increase soil fertility levels in areas with low fertility levels by adding manure and NPK fertilizer. The study used a two-factor randomized block design (RBD): NPK fertilizer and cow manure. NPK fertilizer consisted of 2 grams, 4 grams, 6 grams per 10 kg of soil, and control (without NPK fertilizer). Cow manure treatment consisted of 0.5 kg, 1 kg, and 1.5 kg per 10 kg of soil and without cow manure (control). Each treatment was repeated 3 times and consisted of 3 plants for each observation unit. The research results show that developing katokkon chili plants outside their natural habitat is still possible. Providing 0.5 kg of cow manure had the best effect on the parameters of plant height, fruit weight, and production of Katokkon chili plants. Adding 2 g NPK fertilizer provided the best growth in terms of plant height, fruit weight, and production parameters. However, the addition of 6 g NPK fertilizer affected the productive branch parameters of Katokkon chili plants. There was a real interaction between 0.5 kg cow manure and the addition of 2 g NPK fertilizer on the parameters of plant height, fruit weight per plant, and production of Katokkon chili plants

Impact of formulated organic fertilizers on soil physical and chemical properties in sandy loam soil of North-Eastern Nigeria

The excessive and sole use of inorganic fertilizers has led to soil nutrient depletion, acidification and loss of soil organic matter. Decreased organic matter content reduces the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients, which can lead to reduced crop yields. Organic fertilizers provide a slow release of nutrients to soil while at the same time improving soil health and reducing the risk of soil degradation. Hence, there is a need to investigate the impact of formulated organic fertilizers on soil physical and chemical properties in the study area. The study site is in the Teaching and Research Farm, Yobe State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Gujba, Damaturu, Yobe State. Its geographic coordinates are 11.7461° N, 11.9608°. The study area is approximately twenty hectares while the size of land for the experiment was approximately two hectares. The soil analysis conducted revealed varying levels of nutrients. Nitrogen (N) ranged from 0.11 to 0.20 g/kg-1, indicating medium fertility. Phosphorus (P) levels ranged from 0.17 to 0.19 g/kg-1, indicating signifying low fertility, while potassium (K) varied from 0.46 to 0.89 g/kg-1, indicating high fertility. Copper (Cu) levels ranged from 0.67 to 0.85 g/kg-1, suggesting medium fertility. Zinc (Zn) ranged from 0.55 to 0.38 g/kg-1, indicating medium to low fertility, particularly in deeper soil layers. Iron (Fe) ranged from 0.53 to 0.01 g/kg-1, categorized as medium to low fertility. Manganese (Mn) ranged from 0.11 to 0.04 g/kg-1, showing low fertility levels insufficient for optimal agricultural production. Despite minor improvements post-application of organic fertilizer, overall fertility ratings remained largely unchanged. The study highlights the heterogeneous distribution of nutrients in the study area, emphasizing both strengths and deficiencies crucial for agricultural productivity.

Induced abortion after advent of fetal sex detection technology and child sex at birth

BackgroundNational level Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) is normal in Bangladesh despite its patriarchal social structures, strong son preference, and low fertility level, widely recognized as preconditions for Gender-Biased Sex Selection (GBSS). To better understand this anomaly, we examine the trend in SRB in a sub-district in Bangladesh and assess the impact of the introduction of fetal sex-detection technology and the history of induced abortion on child sex using longitudinal data.MethodsWe have used secondary data collected routinely by icddr, b’s Matlab Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) between 1982 and 2018. All births occurring during this period (N = 206,390) were included in the analyses. We calculated the SRB and used multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the likelihood of birth of a male child before and after the introduction of ultrasonogram in Matlab.ResultsOverall, SRB was within the natural limit (106) during 1982–2018 in Matlab. SRB among women with a history of induced abortion was 109.3 before the introduction of ultrasonography in 2001 and 113.5 – after 2001. Women’s history of induced abortion prior to introduction of ultrasonogram (1982–2000) increased the likelihood of birth of a male child 1.06 times (AOR 1.06; 95% CI- 1.01–1.11). In the period after, however, this likelihood was 1.08 (AOR 1.08; 95% CI- 1.02–1.15).ConclusionsIn a context with normal SRB, it was found to be skewed among women who had induced abortion. SRB was relatively more skewed among such women after the advent of ultrasonogram compared to a period without ultrasonogram. Moreover, induced abortion after introduction of fetal sex determination technology increased the likelihood of birth of a male child. These findings suggest the plausibility of GBSS in a sub-group. Further research is needed, particularly in regions with skewed SRB to examine whether GBSS is indeed a threat to Bangladesh.

Do rotation and fertilization practices shape weed communities and affect rice yield in low input rainfed agroecosystems in the Malagasy highlands?

Weeds are a major threat in tropical regions where climate conditions favor their growth and development. This is particularly true in low-input rice-based cropping systems in the Malagasy highlands, where weed management is mainly done by manual removal. Crop rotation is often promoted as an efficient way to control weed infestations, while the role of fertilization is more controversial. In this study, we compared rice monoculture to three rainfed rice-based two-year rotations: rice followed by groundnut, rice followed by sorghum-cowpea mixture, and rice followed by a velvet-bean crotalaria mixture. Each rotation was tested with two levels of fertilization (5 t DM ha−1 organic manure, sole or in combination with mineral fertilizer - 400 kg ha−1 NPK + 200 kg ha−1 urea). We assessed the effect of rotation and fertilization on weed composition, diversity, biomass and rice yield. Additionally, the farmers’ perception of weed harmfulness and the relation between their assessment of weed harmfulness and rice production was tested. Our results showed that weed biomass significantly decreased rice yield but only under the low fertilization level. The rotation of rice with the velvet bean-crotalaria mixture was efficient in reducing weed biomass, modified weed community composition and allowed to achieve the highest rice yield. A significant negative relationship was found between weed community harmfulness index and weed species richness. Yet, the lowest rice yield was observed under rice monoculture despite a higher species richness over years and under high fertilization level. The lack of significant correlation between the harmfulness index and the actual rice yield is probably because our index is partly based on farmer’s perception, and only on major weeds. More studies on tropical weed harmfulness are needed to support the design of ecologically intensified cropping systems.

Seedling development of Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum inoculated with Rhizoglomus clarum in different doses of phosphorus

This work aimed to evaluate the growth and phosphorus uptake of Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum (Huber ex Ducke) Barneby (pinho-cuiabano) seedlings inoculated with Rhizoglomus clarum (T.H.Nicolson & N.C.Schenck) Sieverd., G.A.Silva & Oehl at different doses of phosphorus. The treatments consisted of five levels of phosphorus (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg dm-³) and inoculation or not with R. clarum. After 45 days of seedling inoculation, we analyzed: height, root fresh and dry matter, shoot fresh and dry matter, number of leaves, survival, stem diameter, root volume, Dickson quality index, mycorrhizal colonization, relative water content, leaf tissue density, phosphorus content, efficiency of phosphorus uptake and efficiency of phosphorus utilization. Inoculation with R. clarum and the lowest doses of phosphorus resulted in lower seedling mortality rates. R. clarum did not increase the phosphorus content, efficiency of phosphorus uptake, efficiency of phosphorus utilization, relative water content and the Dickson quality index of the seedlings, but it was efficient in increasing the shoot fresh and dry matter as well as leaf tissue density. Inoculation with R. clarum and phosphate fertilization had a significant joint effect on seedling height and root fresh matter. Thus, it can be concluded that R. clarum may represent an important sustainable technology for the production of pinho-cuiabano seedlings, increasing seedling growth, even at low levels of phosphate fertilization.

ORGANIC FARMING: DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS IN RUSSIA, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET

The production of organic agriculture products has become one of the most growing areas of economic activity, with projected annual growth of 10-12%. At the same time, the demand for organic products significantly exceeds the supply, which is largely due to the lack of land that can be allocated for this production. Russia, which has significant areas of virtually unused land on which mineral fertilizers and pesticides have not been used for a long time, reaching 19.7 million. ha, has a significant potential for development in this direction. At the same time, considering that a significant part of unused territories is located within the zone of risky agriculture, and also has soils with a low level of natural fertility, degraded, arid, waterlogged, etc., the actual amount of land resources that can be involved in organic agriculture is significantly less. For the most complete introduction into circulation of unused agricultural lands, it is necessary to increase the knowledge intensity and manufacturability of organic agriculture, for which research work in the following areas is highly relevant: 1) optimization of the balance of humus and nutrients in soils, 2) breeding and seed production of crops for organic agriculture, 3) development of biological products for disease and pest control, 4) development of optimal farming systems taking into account local soil and climatic conditions, 5) optimization of agricultural landscapes based on increasing the diversity of agricultural land use. Along with the involvement of unused lands in the organic production system, the development of the industry largely depends on the system of training qualified personnel in this area, which should take into account the specifics of the technologies used, which differ significantly from traditional farming systems. To do this, it is necessary to update existing professional standards, which should include generalized labor functions related to the development and implementation of organic farming technologies, as well as knowledge and skills in organizing organic production. On the basis of updated professional standards, universities should form new professional competencies and a corresponding set of academic disciplines. The personnel training system for the industry should include various levels of training: agricultural classes, higher education, additional professional education.

Root and shoot studies of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and baby corn (Zea mays) under intercropping system with different levels of fertility and stress-mitigating chemicals

An experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2019 and 2020 at College of Agriculture (Agriculture University, Kota), Ummedganj, Rajasthan, to study the root and shoot of summer cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] and baby corn (Zea mays L.) under intercropping system with different levels of fertility and stress-mitigating chemicals. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with 4 replications having 30 treatment combinations with 5 intercropping systems [sole cowpea; sole baby corn; cowpea + baby corn (2:1); cowpea + baby corn (3:1); and cowpea + baby corn (4:1)] in the main plot and 3 fertility levels, viz. 100; 125; and 150% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) in subplot and 2 stress mitigating chemicals (0.5% CaCl2 and 1% KNO3 at flowering and pod development stage of cowpea) in sub-sub plot. Results revealed significant increase in shoot weight, root weight, root-to-shoot ratio, cowpea equivalent yield (CEY) and number and dry weight of nodules in 2:1 row cowpea + baby corn intercropping system over other row ratios. The 2:1 row ratio significantly increased root:shoot ratio of cowpea by 20.9, 15.2, and 7.3% over sole cowpea, 4:1 and 3:1 row ratio, respectively, and resulted in the highest root-to-shoot ratio for baby corn, recording 18.3, 14.5, and 6.8% increase over sole baby corn, 4:1, and 3:1 row ratios of cowpea and baby corn, respectively. Further shoot weight, root weight, root:shoot ratio in cowpea and baby corn, CEY and the number and dry weight of nodules in cowpea exhibited a notable increase in 150% RDF as compared to lower fertility levels (100 and 125% RDF). Applying 150% RDF resulted in a significantly higher root:shoot ratio for both cowpea and baby corn, with increases of 11.3 and 4.5% over 100 and 125% RDF for cowpea, and 11.6 and 5.5% over 100 and 125% RDF for baby corn, respectively. Foliar application of 0.5% CaCl2 at the flowering and pod-developing stages significantly augmented all the aforementioned parameters for both cowpea and baby corn.

Degradation Rate/Vulnerability Potential and Fertility Status of Luvisols in the Mandara Mountains (Far-North Cameroon).

Soil degradation emerges as one of the major problems in the locality of Sir in the Mandara Mountains, Far-North Cameroon. Inappropriate agricultural techniques resulting in land use change affect soil functions and seriously harm forest ecosystems. This study was conducted to analyse the current character of soils and access their degradation and their level of fertility. Twenty soil samples were taken at 15 cm depth. This includes ten in the plot under forest reserve and ten others in the plot under cultivation. Cultivation is responsible for the increase in bulk density (BD) (1.59 to 2.23 g/cm3), Mg (4.76 to 6.40 cmol·kg-1), Ca (10.44 to 11.26 cmol·kg-1), P (7.93 to 9.93 g/kg), and Mg/K (2.28 to 5.84) and decrease in CEC (38 0.15 to 31.46 cmol·kg-1), OM (2.76 to 1.08%), OC (1.66 to 0.62%), total nitrogen (0.08 to 0.05%), K (4.59 to 1.15 cmol·kg-1), Na (1.32 to 0.91 cmol·kg-1), C/N (25.69 to 13.86), and Ca/Mg (2.32 to 1.89). This variability in physicochemical properties reflects progressive soil degradation. Cultivated soils are subject to severe degradation or potential vulnerability (SDR/Vp = 4/2) due to texture, organic carbon, soil aggregate stability, sealing index, and total nitrogen. On the other hand, soils under forest reserve are subject to severe degradation or vulnerability due to the total nitrogen and sodium absorption ratio. The soils of the study area are subject to severe and extreme potential degradation or vulnerability due to BD, respectively, under forest reserve and cultivation. Two classes of fertility were identified: class II (plots under forest reserve) having a good level of fertility, characterized by good physical properties and severe limitations in nitrogen and phosphorus and class IV (cultivated plots) with a low level of fertility due to severe limitations in organic matter, phosphorus, and poor physical characteristics. The best indicator of the good quality of the luvisols of Sir is the pH, while the bulk density is an indicator of severe to very extreme degradation or high to very high vulnerability. The application of organic and mineral amendments is essential for raising the organic matter and nitrogen and phosphorus contents in these soils.

The influence of farm resources and management decisions on the severity of Striga infestation and maize productivity in western Kenya

AbstractThe control of Striga is of critical importance for smallholder farmers cultivating maize and other cereals in the western region of Kenya. Therefore, advanced knowledge and analysis is needed to understand farmers' resource endowment and decision making with regards to crop management, and the possible effect on Striga infestation and crop productivity. The overall objective of the study was to understand the role of resource endowment and allocation decisions on Striga infestation and maize productivity and offer effective and locally adapted options in western Kenya. The study used semi‐structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and resource flow mapping to identify farm resources and key management decisions that are critical in management of Striga on smallholder farms. Soil was sampled from fields of selected farms and taken to the laboratory for analysis including Striga seed counts. In the fields, Striga shoots counts, and maize yield were recorded. Socio‐economic variables such as land size, household income, labour availability, were used to construct a farm typology and assign farmers to different resource groups (RGs). Our results showed that household diversity leads to different land‐use patterns, resource‐use intensity and agricultural management practices which affect soil fertility and Striga infestation. Poor‐resourced farmers tend to be associated with poor crop and soil management which results in maize fields with low soil fertility and high level of Striga infestation. Soil organic carbon showed a strong negative association with Striga infestation. Improving soil fertility is, therefore, the central component of any integrated and sustainable Striga management approaches, and technological solutions to address Striga and soil fertility issues, and they must be tailored to the farm and field diversity. The inclusion of legumes is highly recommended either as rotation or intercropping depending on land availability. Where possible, farmers may use mulch from previous crop residues to suppress weed emergence and prevent flowering and seed setting. Hand weeding though tiresome, remains a low‐cost effective method to control Striga especially in areas where fields are small as in western Kenya.

Phosphorus Uptake Model of Oil Palm Seedlings in the Main Nursery

Oil palm is generally cultivated on tropical soils that have low levels of chemical fertility and various physical fertility. Environmental factors, genetics, and cultivation techniques generally influence oil palm productivity. This study aimed to obtain a model of oil palm growth and phosphorus (P) uptake in the main nursery. The oil palm growth model was carried out through literature studies and field trials. The trial was conducted at Leuwikopo Trial Farm (Bogor Agricultural Institute) IPB University from May 2021-January 2022. The experiment was designed using a non-factorial randomized block design with five replications. The experiment consisted of one treatment with five levels of P fertilization: P0 = no fertilizer; P1 = 50% standard fertilization; P2 = 100% standard fertilization; P3 = 150% standard fertilization; and P4 = 200% standard fertilization. The fertilizer dose of 100% using the standard fertilization for oil palm of the Damimas variety was 28 g P seedling-1. This study concluded that the model of oil palm nutrient P uptake for the main nursery was able to simulate oil palm nutrient uptake as shown by actual measurements (observations in the field). The dry weight simulation results fell within the range of standard deviation values for average measurements in the field. The nutrient uptake simulation model is thus a valid tool for planning the optimal fertilization of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery.

Improving growth and productivity of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) of south eastern Punjab with optimal plant population and fertility level

The study aimed to investigate the impact of plant populations and fertility levels on growth and yield attributes of chickpea cultivars. For this, a field experiment was conducted with two cultivars (PBG 7 and GPF 2), two levels of plant populations (3.33 and 2.22 lakh plants/ha) and two fertility levels (20:40:20 and 30:60:30 kg NPK/ha) at south-eastern Punjab (Patiala) during the winter season of 2018-2019 following factorial randomized block design. Chickpea cultivar PBG 7 recorded significantly highest growth parameters (plant height, dry weight, branches/plant) and yield attributes (pods/plant, grains/pod, 1000-seed weight and grain yield/plant) and yield as compared to the cultivar GPF 2. The lower plant population (2.22 lakh plants/ha) resulted significant increase in plant height (3.13%), dry weight (22.56%), branches/ plant (25.44%), pods/plant (7.60%), grains/pod (15.62%) over the plant population of 3.33 lakh plants/ha, but considerably higher grain yield (1471 kg/ha) was recorded with 3.33 lakh plants/ha. Higher fertility level (30:60:30 kg NPK/ha) significantly increased growth, yield attributing parameters, grain yield (1476 kg/ha) and net return (INR. 45,036/ha) as compared to low fertility level (20:40:20 kg NPK/ha). Therefore, for obtaining higher yield of chickpea, PBG 7 can be sown at 3.33 lakh plants/ha with 30:60:30 kg NPK/ha under south-eastern Punjab.

MENGGALI POTENSI PEMANFAATAN LAHAN MARGINAL MENJADI LAHAN PRODUKTIF DALAM RANGKA MEMPERTAHANKAN KETERSEDIAAN PANGAN DI MASA MENDATANG

<p><em><span lang="EN-US">Marginal land is a critical land that is less promising. This study aims to identify and analyze the potential of marginal land to anticipate future food availability and to review the constraints faced by marginal land. The methods used is literature study and comparative study. A literature study was conducted to obtain a theoretical basis on the standard of agricultural research centers on marginal lands, while a comparative study was conducted to obtain an overview of agricultural research on marginal lands in Indonesia. The results showed that marginal land had various cultivation potentials such as rice, corn, oil palm, sweet potatoes, and peanuts. The potential of the livestock sector and the tourism sector can also be a potential choice for exploiting the potential of marginal land. The potential for marginal land in the future is expected to be used as a more productive land as an alternative in preparing food availability in the future. So that food and ecosystem stability is maintained. Socio-economic aspects that are considered in the management of marginal land include agro-economy, production, marketing, and institutions. Meanwhile, the constraints on the utilization of marginal land are, among others, prone to high erosion rates, low fertility levels, limited capital, limited facilities and infrastructure, and high rates of crop failure.</span></em></p>

Growth and yield attributes of pearl millet as influenced by cultivars and fertility levels under rainfed condition of Jammu Region

A field experiment entitled “Growth and yield potential of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) cultivars as influenced by fertility levels” was conducted during kharif season of 2020 at Rakh Dhinsar, SKUAST, Jammu. In this experiment three cultivars (Puas composite 383, MBC-2 & local variety) was combined with five fertility levels. Totally there were fifteen treatment combinations and laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. Pearl millet cultivar MBC-2 recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz., dry matter accumulation (615.37), number of tillers/m2 (23.47), leaf area index (2.41) and crop growth rate (3.95) and yield attributes viz., ear head/m2 (22.13), 1000 grain weight (7.05g), number of grains/ear head (1593.41) as compared to Pusa Composite-383 and local variety. Whereas, among the fertility levels F5 - 80:50:25 kg/ha of N:P2O5:K2O + 25 kg N through FYM to recorded significantly higher growth parameters and yield attributes over lower fertility levels but remained at par with fertility level F4 (65:40:20 kg/ha of N:P2O5:K2O + 25 kg N through FYM). Hence, On the basis of one year finding it is concluded that under rainfed conditions of Jammu, pearl millet cultivar MBC 2 when fertilized with F4 marked its superiority by recording higher growth parameters and yield attributes statistically at par with fertility level F5.

The Impact of Education on Fertility During the Chinese Reform Era (1980–2018): Changes Across Birth Cohorts and Interaction with Fertility Policies

We examined the influence of education on fertility decisions in contemporary China, drawing upon theoretical insights that emphasise the role of social institutions, gender relations, and life course dynamics in shaping family behaviour. This led us to propose a set of hypotheses that explain the differential effect of education on each parity. We used information on female cohorts born between 1960 and 1989, coming from the China Family Panel Studies for 2010–2018. We applied event history models with both independent and simultaneous equations models to account for selection and endogeneity effects. The results point to a substantial contribution of the increased educational attainment in the population in the fertility decline and current low levels of fertility, beyond the role of fertility policies. Consistent with our hypotheses, the results show that woman’s educational attainment has a strong negative effect on the hazard of bearing a second or third child. Male partner’s educational attainment also has a negative effect on the hazard of transition to a second or third birth, yet with a weaker intensity. We also found that the negative effect of education on second birth rates significantly declines across birth cohorts. The results show little educational differentials in the probability of bearing a first child, while the better educated postpone first births. Moreover, the effect of fertility policies, measured at the individual level, gradually increases with the level of education.

KARAKTERISASI INDIKATOR KESESUAIAN LAHAN KOMODITI NANAS LOKAL (Ananas comosus) KABUPATEN MAJENE

Indonesia boasts a high biodiversity, intricately linked to the various ecosystems within its territories. In Majene Regency, West Sulawesi Province, for instance, there is a unique commodity in the form of pineapple, locally known as 'pondang'. One of the efforts to preserve this unique pineapple commodity is to understand the characteristics of the cultivation land that has sustained it over time. This research aimed to characterize the land in the cultivation areas of Majene's local pineapple as fundamental information for farmers to comprehend the plant growth ecosystem and manage the land optimally. The research utilized purposive random sampling based on the cultivation locations of Majene's local pineapple. Observations revealed that the cultivation land conditions for Majene's local pineapple had an average temperature ranging from 25.65 to 29.75 ºC, rainfall between 1,488.05 and 2,820.50 mm, with humidity ranging from 63.38 to 89.00%. Additionally, soil fertility conditions in the research locations indicated high nutrient retention, as shown by slightly acidic to neutral soil pH values and high Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), although some available nutrients indicated very low to low soil fertility levels, such as potassium. Soil management significantly influenced nutrient availability, soil salinity, and alkalinity in the research locations.

Suggestions for Promoting a Better Public Service System under the Low Fertility Dilemma Based on VAR Modeling

Abstract This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the rapid decline in fertility and population aging. Using LASSO penalized Poisson regression and TVP-VAR model improved by MCMC algorithm based on Bayesian network, the factors affecting the fertility level and their interrelationships are studied. It is found that fertility and education levels affect each other with probabilities of 0.0806 and 0.0825 respectively at 10% significance level. The positive shock of social security level on fertility level increases the response value of fertility level from −1.5 to about 7.5 in 10 lags, showing a positive effect. In contrast, the response of fertility level to house prices gradually decreases from 5 in period 1 to −2.5 in period 10, indicating a negative impact. These analyses provide a scientific basis for constructing a public service fertility support system that can help mitigate the current challenges of low fertility levels.

A novel deep learning model to predict the soil nutrient levels (N, P, and K) in cabbage cultivation

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a green cruciferous vegetable. Major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) are frequently applied to the soil due to low fertility levels. However, optimizing required fertilizer levels are extremely important to avoid any overuse and underuse. Therefore, it is important to develop a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the major nutrients in the soil. In this research, a deep learning model was introduced to predict the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content of the soil by analyzing the growing characteristics of the plants, such as plant height, the number of leaves, and the average leaf area of the plant. To achieve this, the growing characteristics of the cabbage plants were recorded weekly along with the respective soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content of the nearby soil. After the data was trained using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm and tested with different transfer functions such as logarithmic sigmoid, pure linear, and tangent sigmoid, better predictions were obtained through the model. According to the Pearson correlation values, pure linear and tangent sigmoid showed higher values, ranging from 0.99 for training, testing, validation, and all data points from the model, indicating a strong relationship between the actual and predicted values. According to the Mean Square Error values, the tangent sigmoid transfer function outperformed the others, giving a value of 1.0813, indicating better predictions of the soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content from the model.