Lowland Research Articles

Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Storage and Distribution in the Agricultural Soils as Affected by Soil Depths and Inundation Land Types

A study was initiated on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) storage and their distribution as affected by soil depths and inundation land types selecting ideal two catena across eight soil profiles up to the depth of 120 cm in the Brahmaputra and the Ganges alluviums. Soil organic carbon and TN storage is higher in the surface soil depth than the other soil depths. The contents and distribution of SOC and TN in all the soil depths varies significantly. Moreover, inundation land types and soil depths exhibited a significant effect (p<0.001) on SOC and TN storage. Soil organic carbon and TN storage were higher in the lowland (LL) and medium lowland (MLL) sites than that in the highland (HL) and medium highland (MHL) sites across the alluviums, which indicates that the topographic variability as well as their water recession conditions which ultimately focuses on SOC loss or sequestration. The Brahmaputra alluvium possesses higher SOC and TN storage than the Ganges alluvium which may be due to the variability of their land use and local management practices. Proper emphasis should be given on sub soil depths and inundation levels in formulating any agricultural policy planning. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 50(1-2): 137-152, June-December 2024

Persistent Stigma in Space: 100 Years of Japan's Invisible Race and Their Neighborhoods

Abstract We provide evidence of a large and persistent land price discount in neighborhoods historically inhabited by the outcaste group (buraku) in Japan. Our border design shows that this price discount declined from 53% in 1912 to 11% in 2006 but remained constant thereafter. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the vestiges of territorial stigma of buraku areas is the primary cause of these persistently lower land prices. Living in the stigmatized buraku area increases the risk of being identified as buraku and experiencing discrimination. Therefore, the lower land prices reflect the higher discrimination risk in the spatial equilibrium of our model.

Effect of Land Use Types and Slope on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties in Bubisa Watershed, Adea Berga District, Central Ethiopia

Soil physicochemical properties can be affected by different land use type in Ethiopia. The nutrient content of soil in the three sites was varied based on; soil management systems, organic inputs and other factors. Cognizant of this fact, research was conducted in Bubisa Watershed to evaluate the effect of different land use types and slope on selected physicochemical properties of soil. Accordingly, lands such as; crop, grazing and forest land were nominated and twenty seven (27) core and composite soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm layers. Soil analysis was done and the highest (1.29 g cm<sup>-3</sup>) bulk density was recorded on the upper slope of crop land and lower (0.99 g cm<sup>-3</sup>) on the lower slope of forest land. Total porosity and Available water holding capacity were high (60.02%; 172 mm/m) in forest land and lower (49.56%); 152 mm/m) in crop land respectively. Soil pH was high in forest land and low in crop land soils. The result of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen were also high (4.51%; 0.22%) in forest land and low (1.4; 0.15) crop land soils, respectively. Moreover, CEC and basic cations varied across the three sites and high in forest land and low in crop land in the study watershed. Based on the results, it was concluded that forest has high concentration of soil nutrients except bulk density than crop land. As recommendation, studies should be expanded to provide more conclusive recommendation to have qualified; productive soils and estimate the effect of land use types and slope on soil properties for sustainable agricultural productivity.

Analysis of the Dynamic Changes and Driving Mechanism of Land Green Utilization Efficiency in the Context of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Synergistic Development

Studying the development of land green utilization efficiency and the factors that influence it in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region can improve the distribution of land resources among regions and reinforce interregional integrated planning. By constructing a super-efficiency SBM model, calculating the Malmquist–Luenberger index, and constructing a Tobit model, this study explores the spatial features and temporal variations of land green use efficiency in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region from 2010 to 2022. It also examines the mechanism that drives land green use efficiency in the context of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei synergistic development. According to this research, Beijing has consistently had the highest land green usage efficiency and a strong green development strength, whereas Baoding, Xingtai, Handan, and other cities in Hebei Province have lower land green utilization efficiency. According to the geographical dimension, the research area’s land green use efficiency exhibits a pattern of “high in the middle and low in the surroundings”, with Cangzhou, Langfang, and Tangshan standing out in terms of both industrial transformation and ecological building. Based on the results of the driving mechanism of land green use efficiency, it is evident that while the degree of urbanization and population concentration has a negative effect on land green use efficiency, the degree of economic development, industrial synergy, opening up to the outside world, environmental regulation, and ecological output all have positive and promoting associations with it. In summary, increasing the optimization of the economic and industrial structure, bolstering technological innovation and policy coordination, and attaining a harmonious coexistence of the economy and ecology are all essential steps in the process to increase the land green use efficiency in the research area when attempting to achieve the goal of sustainable development in the region.

Challenges and Future Scope in Onion and Other Root Crop De-Topping Machines and Its Performance: A Review

Onion is one of the important vegetable and spice commodity crop which has yearlong demand but seasonal in production. Onion de-topping (i.e., separation of matured leaves from bulbs) is the important post-harvest operation in onion production which conducted after curing process of onion bulbs. In India onion de-topping done mostly manually in farms using sickle, khurpi and knife. Manually onion de-topping of onion bulbs is time consuming and labour-intensive operation. Availability of labours are difficult in peak harvesting season of onion; therefore, farmers may incur financial and crop loss. Mechanical onion de-topping done using onion harvesters during digging operation of onion bulbs. There are many onion de-topping machines are available for onion bulbs with different mechanism. The different onion de-topping machine were studied in terms of their mechanism, construction, working principles, performance and efficiency. The comparison of performance of the machines with manual onion de-topping was studied over the cutting capacity, efficiency, damage percentage, saving of labour cost and time. This paper reviews such onion de-topping harvesters and de-topping machines. It highlights the mechanism used for de-topping in these machines with their performance in terms of de-topping capacity and de-topping efficiency. It also tries to highlight the necessity of requirement of de-topping machines and current status of adoption of such machines by farmers in India. It was observed that number of onion de-topping machines are available though it is difficult to adopt by the farmers specially medium and low land holding farmers because of cost concern. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the machine which should be low cost, efficient and labour saving for such farmers. Using such an onion de-topping machines will help to save their labour cost, operational time, drudgery of labour and increase efficiency of labour. Also adopting such technologies can encourage the farmers to increase the production of such crop.

MODELING HOUSE SELLING PRICES IN JAKARTA AND SOUTH TANGERANG USING MACHINE LEARNING PREDICTION ANALYSIS

The increasing demand for housing in urban agglomerations, particularly in areas like Jakarta, has made homeownership a significant challenge for many, especially first-time buyers and the lower-middle class. Post-pandemic shifts have further influenced housing preferences, driving interest towards suburban areas with green spaces. Despite government efforts through mortgage subsidy programs, affordability remains a concern, particularly in peripheral regions. This study aims to analyze housing prices in various Jakarta regions using machine learning models, including Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM), and Random Forest. A dataset of 554 house prices from West Jakarta, South Jakarta, Central Jakarta, and South Tangerang was used. The analysis focused on key predictors like land area, building area, bedrooms, and carports, with R² and Mean Squared Error (MSE) metrics evaluating model performance. Results showed that LGBM and Random Forest outperformed others with 0.8 R2 and low MSE, with building and land area as the most significant factors influencing prices. The study concludes that property size is a primary determinant of house prices, and there is a need for policy interventions to make housing more affordable. Additionally, apartment rentals offer a viable alternative, especially in central urban areas, where proximity to economic activities and facilities is crucial. The findings suggest that enhancing marketplace features with predictive tools could further assist buyers in making informed decisions.

Multi-objective optimization of urban logistics land: a gradient-based method approach with Wuhan city as an example

ABSTRACT Effective planning of logistics land is crucial for mitigating urban freight congestion, fostering economic activities, and achieving environmental equilibrium. However, the dual challenge of mismatched logistics supply and demand, along with conflicts in land use functions, can lead to inefficiencies in resource allocation and urban freight system performance. To tackle this issue, our study integrates truck GPS trajectory data with urban land use datasets to formulate a multi-objective optimization model. By utilizing the gradient descent algorithm, which effectively handles large-scale datasets, we can navigate the complexities of logistics land planning with precision. The application of this model in the Wuhan Urban Development Area reveals that: (1) across various scenarios, the model balances the utilization of multiple optimization objectives and demonstrates high solution efficiency; (2) in both the equal weight scenario and the economic preference scenario, the areas of logistics land change are characterized by high economic output, relatively good traffic conditions, greater distance from residential zones, and comparatively low land prices; and (3) based on urban development goals, the model can determine the upper bounds of the optimization objectives through manual supervision of the selection of ideal points.

Analysis of Flood Hazard Level in Widas Sub Watershed of Nganjuk Regency Using Geographic Information System

Widas Subwatershed in Nganjuk Regency is a tributary of the Brantas Subwatershed that often experiences flooding during the rainy season. The data on flooding is still in the form of numbers and tables so it needs to be mapped. The presentation of data in the form of a map is needed so that readers can analyse its distribution and help in mitigation planning against flood disasters. The purpose of this research is to analyse the level of flood hazard in the Widas Subwatershed of Nganjuk Regency and present it in the form of a map. The method used was scoring of 6 flood parameters, namely slope, land elevation, soil type, rainfall, land use, and river density, then weighting with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The result of this research is that Widas Sub Watershed of Nganjuk Regency is dominated by flood hazard area of 33,375.95 Ha while the flood hazard area is 3,415.55 Ha. Flood hazard areas are found in 28 villages in Gondang, Loceret, Nganjuk, Pare, Sukomoro, and Tanjunganom sub-districts. The flood-prone areas are caused by 4 main factors: low land elevation, Alluvial soil type, residential land use, and the density of the river is very sparse.

RESEARCH ON THE INCREASE OF TRITICALE PRODUCTION THROUGH THE MODIFICATION OF THE SOWING RATE AND SUPPLEMENTARY FERTILIZATION, IN THE CLIMATE CONDITIONS OF 2023-2024 IN NORTH-WESTERN ROMANIA

Triticale are known around the world for their properties, borrowed from the genera Triticum aestivum and Secale cereale. They have a high production capacity and a high content of protein and lysine, show a very good resistance to abiotic and biotic stress, and have a high capacity to capitalize on low fertility and acid lands, lands where wheat cannot be cultivated. Along with the advancement of technology and science, the use of triticale grains and plants has seen new fields of use. In addition to feeding animals in different forms, triticale production is also used in the bioethanol, cellulose industry, in the bakery industry and in the manufacture of biscuits, beer, in the food packaging industry, in human medicine and in diets, aquaculture, etc. Due to the expansion of the use of this culture, the need to obtain higher productions is absolutely necessary. In the current study, which took place at the Livada Agricultural Research and Development Station, in Satu-Mare county, northwest Romania, in the period 2023-2024. It was based on the testing of 4 varieties of triticale that were sown in different sowing rates and that received different fertilization schemes, the control version was based on chemical fertilization at the soil level, with complex fertilizer in the fall, and with Nitrolime in the spring vegetation. The experiment was placed under the method of subdivided plots, having three experimental factors; the variety, with 4 graduations, the fertilization, with 3 graduations, the seed size, with 3 graduations. In the pedoclimatic conditions of the reference area, it was found that the Utrifun variety was the most productive, it reacted favorably to the additional fertilization with foliar fertilizer and signed at a plot of 550 seeds/m2 , obtaining productions of over 11.000 kg/ha, in in the case of additional fertilization and with biostimulator, the production started to decrease, however, Utrifun fertilized only in the soil managed to produce over 10.000 kg/ha. This was followed by the Zvelt variety, the latter being Tulnic. These results were obtained under conditions specific to the 2023-2024 period, and in the following years it will be established whether additional fertilization with foliar fertilizers ensures increases in production and whether the additional application of a biostimulator leads to increased production.

Sustainable diversification in Indian agriculture: Effectiveness of integrating horticultural crops as intercrops in mono-cropping coconut system

Coconut, also known as Kalpaviruksha, is a gift from nature that is grown all over the world for its many uses. The distinctive characteristics of the coconut tree indicate that mono-cropping coconut results in extremely low land use efficiency. Another drawback of mono-cropping from an economic standpoint is the substantial initial investment required to develop the crop until it reaches bearing age, which may be beyond the means of smallholders. In most coconut-growing countries, planting coconut alongside a range of other crops is a popular practice to maximise land use efficiency. It has been determined that over 100 distinct crop and system combinations can be cultivated as intercrops alongside coconut plantations. Intercropping is more efficient than mono-cropping and increases yield, if the components of the intercrop utilize natural resources in ways that complement each other's utilization of those resources, which generates a higher benefit-cost ratio than the sole crop. The relevance and possibilities of multiple-cropping and intercropping systems suitable for different coconut stands are covered in this article. The results provide an overview of coconut farming's lucrative and sustainable intercrop species that support the income of farmers, as well as the advantages, drawbacks, and prospects of several multiple-cropping systems. The paper concludes by outlining potential research avenues for the effective adaptation of different cropping systems based on coconut.

Engaging Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC) Members in Conservation Training Programs: A Case Study from Kerala, India

The participation of BMC members in training programs on biodiversity conservation holds immense importance in fostering effective stewardship of natural resources. These training initiatives equip BMC members with essential knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for understanding and addressing biodiversity challenges within their communities. By enhancing their capacity, BMC members can play a pivotal role in implementing conservation strategies, promoting sustainable practices, and safeguarding local ecosystems. Moreover, their active involvement in training programs fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective action, thereby strengthening the overall effectiveness of biodiversity conservation efforts at the grassroots level. Ultimately, BMC member participation in training programs not only enhances their capabilities but also contributes significantly to the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity resources for present and future generations. The BMC member's participation in training programmes on biodiversity conservation was investigated in this study. Based on the biodiversity richness and ecological sensitivity four blocks each were selected purposively from low lands of Kannur and Alappuzha districts, mid lands of Kollam and Malappuram districts and the high ranges of Wayanad and Idukki districts of Kerala. A sample of 180 BMC members were selected from the 6 districts for the study. The results of the study indicate that approximately 18.89 per cent of BMC members have not received any training on biodiversity conservation. In contrast, 40 per cent of the members have participated in two training sessions, while 32.22 per cent have attended at least one training program on the subject. Only 8.89 per cent of the members have participated in three or more training programs related to biodiversity conservation. These findings suggest that there is a need to enhance the participation of BMC members in training programs related to biodiversity conservation. Increasing the number of training sessions and ensuring the availability of relevant resources can help enhance the capacity of BMC members to implement conservation strategies, promote sustainable practices, and safeguard local ecosystems.

Genetic Variability and Character Association Analysis for Yield and Its Related Traits in Rain Fed Lowland Rice (<i>Oryza sativa </i>L.)<i> </i>Genotypes at Teppi and Fogera, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, rice variety development started very recently and is mainly dependent on the introduction breeding materials in which characterization and understanding of the genetic variability of genotypes is the critical step. Knowledge of the extent of genetic variability and interrelationships of yield and yield components is pre-request for designing an effective selection-based rice improvement programs for evolving high yielding rice genotypes. Therefore, this study was carried out with all objectives of assessing genetic variation for yield and yield related traits in lowland rice genotypes. Thirty-six selected lowland rice genotypes were evaluated in simple lattice design with two replications during 2017 cropping season and data on 15 quantitative morphological traits were collected and subjected to various statistical analysis. Combined analysis of variance across location revealed significant location, genotype and genotype × location interaction effects for the traits evaluated at p ≤0.01. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was high for un fertile tiller per plant (88.16 %), followed by infertile grain per panicle (50.66%), and grain yield (21.57%), and the genotypic coefficient of variation was high for un fertile tiller per plant (50.38 %), followed by infertile grain per panicle (27.22%), and culm length (17.7%). The estimate of broad sense heritability ranges from 15.2% for biological yield to 91.5% for plant height. The expected genetic advance as present of mean varied from 5.42% for biological yield to 59.3% for unfertile tiller per plant. Phenotypic and genotypic correlation revealed grain yield had a a significant and positive association with primary branches per panicle (rp=0.4, rg=0.7), fertile grain per panicle (rp=0.5, rg=0.72) and harvest index (rp=0.76, rg=0.73) at both genotypic and phenotypic. Path coefficient analysis of grain yield revealed that harvest index, total tiller per plant and thousand grain weights showed positive phenotypic direct effect. A Positive direct effect was found for total tiller per plant, harvest index and biological yield at genotypic level. The present study indicated sufficient genetic variability for the characters studied in rain fed low land rice genotype, which will create opportunity for future improvement. To have full scale data, further study at various locations and years with the help of molecular techniques should be done.

Analyzing Uttarakhand's COVID-19 Outbreak: Demographic Insights and Strategies for Future Pandemic Prevention

Background:: The Indian state of Uttarakhand, also known as "Dev Bhoomi" or the Abode of Gods, is snuggled in the lap of the Himalayas. It is endowed with an abundant natural hilly environment and occupies more people in total than Israel, Switzerland, Hong Kong, etc. In this report, we look closely at the impact of COVID-19 on both high land/ hilly and low land/ plain bhabar zones across the state. Methods:: The data was retrieved from the Uttarakhand Government Covid-19 health bulletin for 12 months using the Python command line. The data analysis covers percentage positivity/COVID-19 positivity rate, recovery, deceased and doubling rate, along with a detailed statistical analysis. Results:: In the first wave, low-land- inhabitants residing in 4 districts, Dehradun, Haridwar, U. S. Nagar and Nainital, were found more vulnerable, with a peak positive case during the 21st – 26th week. On the other hand, the districts with exclusive hilly terrains, including Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, and Rudraprayag, were found to be the least susceptible and reported a high number of positive cases between the 30th and 31st week. The highest recovery rate was found to be in the hilly district of Rudraprayag. The multiple regression with confirmed cases was explained in relation to deceased, recovered, other, and tested variables (R2 adj= 0.99). The analysis also revealed a very high doubling rate from the last week of May to the first week of Jun 2020. Conclusion:: The reduced number of COVID-19 cases in high-altitude hilly districts may be associated with factors such as enhanced ventilation, improved arterial oxygen transport, and increased tissue oxygenation. The findings from this study offer insights that can contribute to future pandemic prevention efforts. Summarising the current study, we have suggested 5-point solutions for preventing the next pandemic. It's important to note that while this study suggests a potential link between these factors and lower COVID-19 cases, further research is needed to establish a conclusive connection.

Assessing the Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Groundnut Root Growth and Post-Harvest Soil Properties in Brown Forest Soil of South Odisha

The globe faces food security difficulties because of population increase and resource degradation, both worsened by climate change. Applying chemical fertilizer along with cereal-based cropping systems degrades soil health with respect to physical, chemical, and biological properties, which also results in low crop land productivity. However, adopting legume-based cropping systems with integrated nutrient management provides an appropriate way to reach Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, a field trial was conducted on groundnut in 2018 and 2019 at the Post Graduate Research Farm, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, India. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors as seed inoculation (solid carrier-based Rhizobium (SR) and liquid carrier-based Rhizobium (LR)) and nutrient management (N1: 100% N (fertilizer), N2: 75%N (fertilizer) + 25% N (FYM), N3: 50%N (fertilizer) + 50% N (FYM), N4: 25% N (fertilizer) + 75% N (FYM) and N5: 100% N (through farmyard manure, FYM) in ten treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The result revealed that seed inoculation with SR and LR showed an almost similar trend in root length, dry weight and nodule, post-harvest soil pH, organic carbon and Rhizobium population in the soil in both years, which remained statistically at par. However, SR showed the highest value for root growth. Among nutrient management, 100% N (through inorganic fertilizer) recorded the highest root length (11.72, 19.75 and 23.9 cm) and dry weight (0.394, 1.075 and 1.141 cm) at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) respectively. Further, in the pooled data, the interaction effect of seed inoculation and nutrient management significantly impacted both root length and root dry weight. The nutrient management treatment and interaction effect of both factors, seed inoculation and nutrient management, significantly influenced soil organic carbon % and Rhizobium population. The highest and equal value of organic carbon in the soil (0.46%) was recorded from NM3, NM4 and NM5 and the highest Rhizobium population (64.5 x 106 CFU g-1 soil) from 100% N (FYM). The results concluded that integrated nutrient management positively impacted groundnut root growth and post-harvest soil properties. The results concluded that integrated nutrient management positively impacted groundnut root growth and post-harvest soil properties. Integration of Rhizobium as seed inoculation, fertilizer, and organic manure (FYM) influenced soil properties and root growth, enhancing crop productivity.

Assessment of Genetic Variability in Sorghum Genotypes under Dry Low Land Areas of Ethiopia

Assessment of Genetic Variability in Sorghum Genotypes under Dry Low Land Areas of Ethiopia

Advancing Water Security and Agricultural Productivity: A Case Study of Transboundary Cooperation Opportunities in the Kabul River Basin

The Kabul River Basin (KRB) is witnessing frequent flood and drought events that influence food production and distribution. The KRB is one of the world’s poorest regions regarding food security. Food security issues in the KRB include shifts in short-term climate cycles with significant river flow variations that result in inadequate water distribution. Due to the lack of hydro-infrastructure, low irrigation efficiency, and continuing wars, the Afghanistan portion of the KRB has experienced low agricultural land expansion opportunities for food production. This research assesses the relationship between flood mitigation, flow balances, and food production and, cumulatively, assesses the social and economic well-being of the population of the KRB. SWAT modeling and climate change (CCSM4) implications are utilized to assess how these relationships impact the social and economic well-being of the population in the KRB. The intricacies of transboundary exchange and cooperation indicate that the conservation of ~38% of the water volume would nearly double the low flows in the dry season and result in the retention of ~2B m3/y of water for agricultural developmental use. Results show that the peak flood flow routing in reservoirs on the Afghanistan side of the KRB would have a substantial positive impact on agricultural products and, therefore, food security. Water volume conservation has the potential to provide ~44% more arable land with water, allowing a ~51% increase in crop yield, provided that improved irrigation efficiency techniques are utilized.

Advanced Biofuel Value Chains Sourced by New Cropping Systems With Low iLUC Risk

ABSTRACTIncreasing lignocellulosic feedstock for advanced biofuels can tackle the decarbonization of the transport sector. Dedicated biomass produced alongside food systems with low indirect land use change (iLUC) impact can broaden the feedstock availability, thus streamlining the supply chains. The objective of this study was the design and evaluation of advanced ethanol value chains for the Emilia‐Romagna region based on low iLUC feedstock. Two dedicated lignocellulosic crops (biomass sorghum and sunn hemp) were evaluated in double cropping systems alongside food crop residues (corn stover and wheat straw) as sources to simulate the value chains. A parcel‐level regional analysis was carried out, then the LocaGIStics2.0 model was used for the spatial design and review of the biomass delivery chain options regarding cost and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the different feedstock mixes. Literature data on bioethanol production from similar feedstocks were used to estimate yields, process costs, and GHG emissions of a biorefinery process based on these biomasses. Within the chain options, GHG emissions were overly sensitive to cultivation input, mostly N‐fertilization. This considered, GHG emissions resulted similar across different feedstock with straw/stover (averaging 13 g CO2eq MJ−1 fuel), sunn hemp (14 g CO2eq MJ−1 fuel), and biomass sorghum (16 g CO2eq MJ−1 fuel). On the other hand, the bioethanol produced from biomass sorghum (608 € Mg−1 of bioethanol) was cheaper compared with straw (632 € Mg−1), sunn hemp (672 € Mg−1), and stover (710 € Mg−1). The bioethanol cost ranged from 0.0017 to 0.020 € MJ−1 fuel depending on the feedstock, with operations and maintenance impacting up to 90% of the final cost. In summary, a single bioethanol plant with an annual capacity of 250,000 Mg of biomass could replace from 5% to 7% of the Emilia‐Romagna's ethanol fuel consumption, depending on the applied sourcing scenario.

Adaptation of Desert Banana (Musa spp.) Varieties in the Low Land of East Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Adaptation of Desert Banana (Musa spp.) Varieties in the Low Land of East Hararghe Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Sustainability metrics of the UK diet using myfood24

Promotion of sustainable healthy diets requires comprehensive metrics to assess environmental impact of foods consumed1. Existing food systems are failing to meet the needs of current and future generations, by operating outside several planetary boundaries. Promoting healthy diets from sustainable food systems is central to realizing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Standard food composition tables do not include sustainability metrics. The aim of this work was to add UK focussed sustainability metrics to the food composition table used in myfood24.Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), land and water use were added to each food item in the myfood24 UK generic and branded databases. This is recorded as per 100g of product. The values for GHGE2 takes account of factors including production method, land use management, feed used, soil and climate, processing and transport of both the product and aspects of its production e.g., fertiliser and feed. Values were weighted for UK trade statistics to reflect values for the UK food supply. Land use and freshwater withdrawals were also added.Exploration of the sustainability metrics in the myfood24 database by food category show, as expected, that meat (1.5 kg CO2eq, SD 1.4), fish (1.8 kg CO2eq, SD 1.0) and dairy (1.3 kg CO2eq, SD 0.8) plus dried herbs/spices (1.4 kg CO2eq, SD 1.2) have the highest GHGE per 100g. In the meat category, beef and lamb had GHGE ∼3.8 kg CO2eq with pork and chicken having lower values ∼1.0 kg CO2eq. Plant based protein sources had much lower GHGE per 100g, with pulses at 0.3 CO2eq (SD 0.2) and nuts at 0.2 CO2eq (SD 0.2). Land use was by far the highest per 100g for lamb (63 m2year/day, SD 18) with beef next at 8 m2year/day (SD 4). Chocolate (5 m2year/day, SD 2) was the sixth highest food category for land use. Drinks, vegetables, fruit and potatoes had the lowest land use values. Regarding water use, seafood per 100g had high values at 484l/day (SD 167), followed by nuts (218l/day, SD 172), lamb (171l/day, SD 36) and rice (164l/day SD 42). Drinks, potatoes and breads had the lowest land use values per 100g.Through addition of sustainability metrics to food and nutrient composition databases we can measure the impact of food intake in relation to both nutrients and sustainability. This linked data will help us to understand how to adapt our diets to be healthier and better for the planet.

Analysis of the Effect of Insufficient Community Engagement in Land Registration through the Lens of Sunaryati Hartono's Typology of Legal Culture

Abstract: This research discusses the factors that cause low community participation in land registration in Sukoanyar Village and the impacts caused, as well as efforts made by the village government to improve land registration. We employ a juridical sociological research method, examining actual community situations to gather necessary facts and data. The findings demonstrated that Sukoanyar Village's low land registration phenomenon remains rooted in a pre-conventional legal culture. This is evident in the community's local customs, which include the conviction that they possess physical control over their land, negating the need for a certificate, their egocentric interests, and their disinterest in government land registration initiatives. The low interest of the community in registering land has several impacts on the certainty of their land rights, including uncertainty of ownership, proneness to disputes, and limited utilization of land ownership rights. In response to this phenomenon, the Sukoanyar Village government made several efforts to improve land registration in the village, including (a) conducting extension and socialization activities involving all villagers to increase public understanding of the importance of land certification and (b) participating in the Complete Systematic Land Registration (PTSL) program conducted by the government through ATR/BPN. Keywords: Community Participation, Land Registration, Legal Culture, Land Certificate.