Manure Sources Research Articles

Effect of different organic sources and their combinations onweed growth and yield of wheat Triticum aestivum

A field study was conducted at experimental farm of the Regional Research Station, Punjab Agricultural University, Gurdaspur during rabi season of 2014-15 to find out the effect of different sources of organic manures and their combinations on weed growth and wheat grain yield. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments namely, control (T1), recommended dose of NPK+ weedicide (T2), farmyard manure + poultry manure (T3), farmyard manure + bagasse ash (T4), farmyard manure + rice husk ash (T5), poultry manure + bagasse ash (T6), poultry manure + rice husk ash (T7), and bagasse ash + rice husk ash (T8). The results indicated that maximum dry weight of grassy weeds (2.65 g/m2) and broad leaf weeds (2.10 g/m2) was recorded in treatment where poultry manure was used in combination with farmyard manure whereas minimum dry weight of grassy (1.15 g/m2) and broad leaf weeds (1.00 g/m2) was obtained in treatment where these were controlled chemically. The minimum grain yield was obtained in control treatment where neither organic manure was added nor weeds were controlled by using herbicide. Among different combinations of organic manures, it was found that wherever poultry manure was used in combinations, higher yields were obtained due to higher plant height, maximum number of effective tillers/m2, maximum spike length in comparison to other manure combinations. Within the treatment combinations, rice husk ash combinations resulted in higher yield and also effectively controlled the weeds as compared to bagasse ash combinations.

Effect of Bio and Organic Fertilization on Chemical Constituents of Pea Plants and Availability of Npk.

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of two sources of organic manures (Farmyard manure and chicken manure) as main plots and 3 levels of Effective Microorganisms (EM) in foliar application (0, 1, 2 L.fed-1) as sub-plots on soil characteristics and Pea (Pisum sativum L) chemical constituents. Six treatments were arranged in split block design with 3 replicates. Results indicated that using organic manures as FYM and chicken manure recorded the highest values of chlorophyll content, N PK content, crude protein, total carbohydrates, total sugar and vitamin C. In addition, concentrations of NPK mg kg-1 soil were significantly increased with using chicken manures. Also, the results showed that the mean values of all mentioned parameters increased with increasing EM at rate of 2L.fed-1 comparing with the untreated plant. Best results for interaction between the treatments which recorded the highest values were obtained using chicken manure with foliar application of 2L fed-1 EM.

Influence of organic sources of nutrients on vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) as an intercrop in coconut garden

<p>Performance of vanilla, as influenced by organic source of nutrition when grown as intercrop in coconut garden, was studied in sandy loam soil at ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod, Kerala for seven years. Field experiments were carried out with different sources of organic manures, recommended NPK fertilizer and no fertilizer treatments. Application of cow dung slurry (6 tonnes ha<sup>-1</sup>) resulted in vigorous growth of vine (vine length of 5.5 m) and higher number of beans per vine (208) and a significantly higher mean fresh yield of bean (1.87 kg vine<sup>-1</sup>). Application of vermicompost (5 kg plant<sup>-1</sup>) + biofertilizers (<em>Bacillus</em> and <em>Azospirillum</em>) and vermiwash were on par and recorded mean fresh yield of 1.47 kg vine<sup>-1</sup> and 1.30 kg vine<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Control treatment without fertilizer application recorded significantly lower fresh bean yield (0.55 kg vine<sup>-1</sup>) due to lower number of beans per vine (72 nos.). In the rhizosphere of vanilla, no significant difference for either bacterial or actinomycetes population was noticed among the treatments. The fungal population differed significantly among the treatments and the highest population level was found with application of biogas slurry (62.1x10<sup>3</sup>cfu g<sup>-1</sup> soil), which was on par with application of cow dung slurry (59x10<sup>3</sup> cfu g<sup>-1</sup> soil). Among the function specific microbial communities, the highest population of P-solubilisers (98x10<sup>3</sup> cfu g<sup>-1</sup> soil) was recorded in the biogas slurry treatment, and it was the lowest in control and vermiwash application treatments. The average coconut yield realized during experimental period(2004-05 to 2009-10) was 136 nuts per palm, recording 53 per cent increase in yield compared to pre-experimental yield (89 nuts per palm). </p>

Physiological Parameters, Leaf Nitrogen Content and Grain Yield of Finger Millet as Affected by Different Sources of Organic Manures under INM in Comparison with RDF

Finger millet was grown under three year old Melia azedarach in red sandy loam soil with different management options viz., application of farm yard manure (FYM) @ 10 t ha-1, 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (40:20:20 NPK kg ha-1) alone, and in conjunction with 75% RD N with 25% N through FYM, Vermicompost, Poultry manure; also with biofertilizers @ 5 kg ha-1Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) along with finger millet alone as sole cropping with 100% RDF. The physiological parameters such as LAI, CGR, NAR and SPAD values (leaf nitrogen content) were recorded at critical growth stages of the crop along with grain yield of finger millet. The physiological parameters such as LAI, CGR, NAR and SPAD values (leaf nitrogen content) were recorded at critical growth stages of the crop along with grain yield of finger millet. Higher physiological parameters and grain yield of rice was recorded with the INM practice followed by recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) treatment. Among the organic treatments, higher grain yield of finger millet was recorded with sole crop on par with 75% RD N + 25% N poultry manure (2405 kg ha-1) and 100% RDF (2393 kg ha-1). The lowest grain (1583 kg ha-1) was found with control FYM @ 10 t ha-1 i.e., farmers practice. Similar trend was observed for all the physiological parameters recorded and harvest index of the rice crop. From the present investigation, it can be inferred that, among nutrient management practices tested, 75% RD N + 25% N poultry manure and 100% RDF in agri-silviculture system was better for realizing higher grain yield and physiological parameters apart from sustaining better soil nutrient status on sandy loam soils of Southern Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.

Different leguminous pre-crops increased yield of succeeding cereals in two consecutive years

ABSTRACTLeguminous pre-crops are an important source of green manure in organic crop rotations for improving soil fertility and achieving high yields of cereals. We aimed to study the potential of various leguminous species, other than the traditionally cultivated red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), as green manure pre-crops for subsequent cereals. The use of different legume species enables to exploit advantages of specific legumes in organic cereal production. In order to test the legumes as pre-crops for cereals, we carried out trials located in the temperate climate zone of northeast Europe (58°44′59.41″ N, 26°24′54.02″ E). We sowed the following perennial legumes as pre-crops: red clover, alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum L.) and Washington lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl.), biennial white sweet clover (Melilotus albus Medik.) and annual Alexandria clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.). Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) was used as a control. The leguminous pre-crops were followed by three spring cereals (barley, oat and spring wheat) and two winter cereals (rye and winter wheat). We tested the first-year after-effect (all cereals) and second-year after-effect (only barley and oat) of pre-crops on the grain yield of cereals. Perennial and biennial legume species produced the highest dry matter yield and contained the highest amount of nutrients, especially nitrogen, compared to annual species. All subsequent cereals produced significant extra yields after each leguminous pre-crop in the following two years, although the effect was smaller in the second year. The most suitable pre-crops for spring cereals were red and alsike clover followed by lupine, whereas the best pre-crops for winter cereals were sweet clover and annual clovers. Our results show the potential of various leguminous pre-crop species as valuable sources of green manure in organic crop rotation.

Bayesian nitrate source apportionment to individual groundwater wells in the Central Valley by use of elemental and isotopic tracers

AbstractGroundwater quality is a concern in alluvial aquifers that underlie agricultural areas, such as in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Shallow domestic wells (less than 150 m deep) in agricultural areas are often contaminated by nitrate. Agricultural and rural nitrate sources include dairy manure, synthetic fertilizers, and septic waste. Knowledge of the relative proportion that each of these sources contributes to nitrate concentration in individual wells can aid future regulatory and land management decisions. We show that nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate, boron isotopes, and iodine concentrations are a useful, novel combination of groundwater tracers to differentiate between manure, fertilizers, septic waste, and natural sources of nitrate. Furthermore, in this work, we develop a new Bayesian mixing model in which these isotopic and elemental tracers were used to estimate the probability distribution of the fractional contributions of manure, fertilizers, septic waste, and natural sources to the nitrate concentration found in an individual well. The approach was applied to 56 nitrate‐impacted private domestic wells located in the San Joaquin Valley. Model analysis found that some domestic wells were clearly dominated by the manure source and suggests evidence for majority contributions from either the septic or fertilizer source for other wells. But, predictions of fractional contributions for septic and fertilizer sources were often of similar magnitude, perhaps because modeled uncertainty about the fraction of each was large. For validation of the Bayesian model, fractional estimates were compared to surrounding land use and estimated source contributions were broadly consistent with nearby land use types.

Performance of different sources of organic manures in comparison with RDF and INM on nutrient uptake, nutrient balance and soil properties in rice-greengram cropping sequence

Field experiments were carried out at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India during samba (August- December) season of 2012 and 2013 to study the effect of different sources of organic manures in comparison with INM and RDF on nutrient uptake and soil properties in rice ( Oryza sativa L.). The experiment consisted of fourteen treatments which were laid out in Randomized Block Design, replicated thrice and SRI method of planting was adopted during both the years. Among fourteen treatments, four treatments with different organic manures at 100 per cent RDN on equi nutrient basis (farm yard manure, vermi-compost, poultry manure and (Dhaincha) green manure) another six treatments consisted of 50 per cent combination of each manure, one treatment with 1/4 th combination of all the manures and one absolute control (without organic or inorganic). These treatments were compared with the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and integrated nutrient management practice (RDF + Dhaincha). Higher N, P and K uptake was observed with INM practice followed by RDF. Among the organic treatments, 100 per cent RDN through green manure resulted with higher nutrient uptake followed by 25 per cent RDN through each organic manures. Lower nutrient uptake was observed with absolute control where no fertilizers / manures received during both the years of study. The soil available N and P balance was positive with the INM treatment (85.0 and 5.10 kg ha -1 ) at the end of two year of cropping sequence. Among the organic treatments, 100 per cent RDN through green manure recorded the highest N balance (46.0 kg ha -1 ) followed by 25 per cent RDN through each organic manures (42.0 kg ha-1) at the end of the cropping system (2012 -14). Similarly, the highest P balance was recorded with 25 per cent RDN through each organic manures (3.1 kg ha -1 ) and which was followed by 100 per cent RDN through green manure (3.0 kg ha -1 ) at end of the two years of cropping sequence. The least N and P balance was noticed with absolute control (-4.0 and -2.5 kg ha -1 ) at the end of cropping sequence. Invariably, all the treatments recorded net negative K balance in both the years of cropping sequence.

Effect of different nutrient resources on yield and quality of basmati/aromatic rice in inceptisol of Eastern Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Station, Masodha under Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad, (U.P.) during Kharif season 2008-2009 to evaluate the productivity and quality of aromatic/basmati rice variety under different nutrient parameters which included the application of nutrients through only chemical fertilizer, only organic source and combination of organic manure and fertilizer, besides the foliar spray of a plant growth retardant (Cycocel) in combination with inorganic fertilizer to reduce plant height. An improved basmati variety vasumathi, a traditional culture, tarori basmati and local non-basmati aromatic rice, Kalanamak were included as a test variety. A significant response of different nutrient resources @ 100:50:50 kg NPK ha -1 on rice production and their quality was observed. Use of inorganic fertilizer with cycocel produced maximum grain (3.77 t ha -1 ) and straw (5.93 t ha -1 ) yield followed by inorganic fertilizer alone treatment which recorded 3.68 grain and 5.32 straw yield t ha -1 . Organic sources applied alone produced minimum grain (3.31 t ha -1 ) and straw (4.94 t ha -1 ) whereas integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizer treatment significantly improved grain (3.60 t ha -1 ) and straw (5.03 t ha -1 ) over organic treatment alone. Among varieties, the improved basmati (Vasumathi) recorded higher grain (3.76 t ha -1 ) and straw (4.62 t ha -1 ) yield than traditional tarori basmati which recorded 2.30 t grain/ha and 4.04 t straw/ha. Whereas maximum grain (4.01 t ha -1 ) and straw (5.18 t ha -1 ) yield was produced by non-basmati aromatic variety Kalanamak. The influence of nutrients sources on grain quality was significant for kernel dimensions, amylase content and gell consistency. Organic sources in general, were superior to fertilizers in improving grain and the quality parameters and recorded maximum hilling (78.6%), millimg (67.79%), KL (6.74mm), KB (1.84mm), amylase content 26 per cent and gell consistency (61.6 mm). Among varieties, improved basmati (Vasumathi) recorded maximum hilling (79.5%) and milling (68.6%) fallowed by Kalanamak which recorded 78.2 per cent hulling and 67.6 per cent milling. The minimum grain quality parameters were recorded by traditional tarori basmati grown in Inceptisol of Eastern U.P.

Estimate of changes in agricultural terrestrial nitrogen pathways and ammonia emissions from 1850 to present in the Community Earth System Model

Abstract. Nitrogen applied to the surface of the land for agricultural purposes represents a significant source of reactive nitrogen (Nr) that can be emitted as a gaseous Nr species, be denitrified to atmospheric nitrogen (N2), run off during rain events or form plant-useable nitrogen in the soil. To investigate the magnitude, temporal variability and spatial heterogeneity of nitrogen pathways on a global scale from sources of animal manure and synthetic fertilizer, we developed a mechanistic parameterization of these pathways within a global terrestrial land model, the Community Land Model (CLM). In this first model version the parameterization emphasizes an explicit climate-dependent approach while using highly simplified representations of agricultural practices, including manure management and fertilizer application. The climate-dependent approach explicitly simulates the relationship between meteorological variables and biogeochemical processes to calculate the volatilization of ammonia (NH3), nitrification and runoff of Nr following manure or synthetic fertilizer application. For the year 2000, approximately 125 Tg N yr−1 is applied as manure and 62 Tg N yr−1 is applied as synthetic fertilizer. We estimate the resulting global NH3 emissions are 21 Tg N yr−1 from manure (17 % of manure production) and 12 Tg N yr−1 from fertilizer (19 % of fertilizer application); reactive nitrogen runoff during rain events is calculated as 11 Tg N yr−1 from manure and 5 Tg N yr−1 from fertilizer. The remaining nitrogen from manure (93 Tg N yr−1) and synthetic fertilizer (45 Tg N yr−1) is captured by the canopy or transferred to the soil nitrogen pools. The parameterization was implemented in the CLM from 1850 to 2000 using a transient simulation which predicted that, even though absolute values of all nitrogen pathways are increasing with increased manure and synthetic fertilizer application, partitioning of nitrogen to NH3 emissions from manure is increasing on a percentage basis, from 14 % of nitrogen applied in 1850 (3 Tg NH3 yr−1) to 17 % of nitrogen applied in 2000 (21 Tg NH3 yr−1). Under current manure and synthetic fertilizer application rates we find a global sensitivity of an additional 1 Tg NH3 (approximately 3 % of manure and fertilizer) emitted per year per °C of warming. While the model confirms earlier estimates of nitrogen fluxes made in a range of studies, its key purpose is to provide a theoretical framework that can be employed within a biogeochemical model, that can explicitly respond to climate and that can evolve and improve with further observation.

Effect of Different Sources of Organic Manure on Growth and Yield of Sweet Pepper

Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers is a common practice which is hazardous both for soil health and environment. It has been more than three decades that the global agriculture has been depicted towards organic agriculture owing to sustainability and reduced environmental effects. A pot experiment was conducted at IAAS, Lamjung Campus to study the effect of various surces of organic manure on the growth and yield of sweet pepper. The experiment was conducted in Complete Randomized Design using 7 treatments replicated thrice. Each treatment consist of single pot with single plant. The treatments used were; Control, Chemical fertilizer, Vermi-compost, Poultry manure, Farm yard manure, Goat manure and Commercial organic fertilizer. Effect of different treatments on growth and yield of sweet pepper was affected significantly. The results revealed better growth and yield performance by vermi-compost followed by poultry manure over control and FYM. Chemical fertilizers, however, had similar yield as the previous mentioned treatments, but was slow in its flowering and fruiting behavior.

Livestock feed resources utilization practices in Tanqua-Abergelle district of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.

A study was carried out with the objective to assess the utilization practices of local feed resources. It was implemented in Tanqua-Abergelle district of the Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. Lemlem and Gera peasant associations (PAs) were selected purposively based on their potentiality in livestock resources and road access for household (HH) interview purpose. Likewise, Sheka-Tekli and Hadinet PAs were chosen for the purpose of focus group discussion (FGD). A total of 60 HHs (30 from each PA) were selected randomly for interview using semi-structured questionnaire. About 16% of the respondents were female HHs. Two FGDs were held with key informants. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (2013, version 21) statistical software procedures. The study area is characterized by mixed crop-livestock farming system with high interaction between crop and livestock. Livestock are the mainstay for the farm community with many benefits as sources of draught, meat, milk, income, and manures. Cattle are kept primarily for the purpose of draught power with meat and milk as secondary products, whereas shoats are kept mainly for cash income, manure, meat, and milk. The land holding size per HH was 1.44ha while the herd size was 4.93 tropical livestock unit (TLU). Almost all the land holding (97%) is allocated for crop cultivation with lesser for forage production (<1%) indicating poor attention for fodder harvesting. The cattle herd is composed of local breeds (99%) with less exotic/crossbred (1%), indicating that the livestock rearing is practiced using local breed. Crop residues, natural pastures, stubble grazing, hay, and browsing are the main feed resources for animals. The availability and contribution of each feed vary with season and areas. Sorghum stover is the main feed source in the area and followed by maize stover, Eragrostis tef straw, and pulse straws. Crop residues are fed as basal diet with no or less supplementation using local concentrates like Attela and mill by-products. Industrial by-products are rarely used in the livestock feeding system for their high price and less availability. Likewise, improved forages are not widely utilized as feed sources.

G2X awards contracts to Toyo & JM for Lake Charles methanol project

Over 60% of land in southern Africa is suitable for livestock production and the contribution to gross domestic product is about 36%. Livestock play important roles in rural livelihood systems including food provision like meat and milk, services like draught power and transport, nutrient supply through manure, and key sociocultural roles like bride price and household firm. However, climate change threatens livestock industry through loss of feed-base, increased disease incidences, and increased global footprint for greenhouse gas production, more restrictive livestock production polices. More difficulties in livestock industry would lead to low supply of livestock products, low off-take, under developed marketing infrastructure, and poor market access leading to increased poverty in rural households. The main objective of this chapter is to explore opportunities for livestock production and marketing systems that can transform the livestock industry and help to build resilience through climate-smart technologies. Livestock is a form of wealth, source of draught power and manure; however, the livestock contributes to greenhouse gases through belching and manure mineralization. Production systems should take into account increased productivity with reduced environmental pollution.

Residues and risks of veterinary antibiotics in protected vegetable soils following application of different manures

The protected vegetable farming is a style of high frequent rotation farming which requires a huge amount of fertilizers to maintain soil fertility. A total of 125 surface soils covering from east to west of China were sampled for the analysis of 17 antibiotics in order to identify antibiotics contamination caused by long-term manures application. The results indicate that the agricultural land has accumulated a statistically significantly higher antibiotics concentration than conventional open croplands. The maximum oxytetracycline concentration was 8400 μg kg−1, the highest level that has ever been reported for oxytetracycline in soils. The residual concentration is decided by both plant duration and manure type. Short-term (<5 years) planting shows the highest residues of tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones in the soils. The organic farming characteristic of applying commercial compost as a single fertilizer in planting shows the lowest antibiotics residue in the soils on the whole. Principal component analysis suggests that the various combinations of antibiotic compounds in the soil may be used to trace the manure source. The antibiotics in soil may threaten water quality through contamination by diffusion. Ciprofloxacin and sulfachinoxalin are calculated to be a higher migration risk to surface waters, hence their environmental fate requires further study.

Poultry Manure Nitrogen Availability Influences Winter Wheat Yield and Yield Components

Standard poultry manure use recommendations in North Carolina consider waste analysis but not differences among manure types, cropping seasons, or application timing. This study evaluated poultry manure source, N rate strategy, and application time effects on soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) tiller density, yield components, grain yield, and N availability coefficients. Coefficients included fertilizer N equivalence based on grain yield and plant‐available N based on aboveground plant N content. Four field experiments used broiler litter (BL) and composted layer manure (CLM), two rates (67 and 134 kg total‐N ha−1), and three different application times (incorporated in October preplant, Feekes’ 3 in December/January, or Feekes’ 4 in February). Dual‐source treatments received 67 kg N ha−1 of manure plus 67 kg N ha−1 as urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution at Feekes’ 5. Fertilizer‐N (UAN) rate treatments (0, 39, 78, 117, and 156 kg N ha−1) were also included. Yields responded to N inputs but were lowest when BL and CLM were applied at 67 kg N ha−1 either preplant or at Feekes’ 3. Grain yield and N availability were greater with CLM than with BL (3.0 vs. 2.8 t ha−1 grain and 58 vs. 52 kg ha−1 N uptake, respectively). Availability coefficients ranged from 12 to 32%, lower than the standard assumed values of 50 to 60%. The feasible poultry manure application window includes preplant until Feekes’ 4, but fertilizing winter wheat crops solely with poultry manure may supply less N than intended.

Enhancing Soil Fertility Status, Sweet Potato Yield and Tuber Nutrient Composition through Different Manure Sources in Southeastern Nigeria

Enhancing Soil Fertility Status, Sweet Potato Yield and Tuber Nutrient Composition through Different Manure Sources in Southeastern Nigeria

Evaluation of Varietal Effect and Different Manure Sources on the Soil Chemical Properties, Growth and Yield of Sweet Potato (lpomea batatas L.) in Ishiagu, Southeastern Nigeria

Evaluation of Varietal Effect and Different Manure Sources on the Soil Chemical Properties, Growth and Yield of Sweet Potato (lpomea batatas L.) in Ishiagu, Southeastern Nigeria

Green Manure Source Affects Growth and Vegetative Yield of Fluted Pumpkin

Green Manure Source Affects Growth and Vegetative Yield of Fluted Pumpkin

Remediation of Crankcase Oil Contaminated Soil with Different Sources of Manure in Abakaliki, Southeast, Nigeria

Remediation of crankcase oil contaminated soil with different sources of manure was studied using randomized complete block design with four treatments which were replicated five times. Oba super Π hybrid variety of maize was used as a test crop. Results showed significant (P<0.05) treatment effect on aggregate stability, gravimetric moisture content (GMC), available phosphorus, calcium and cation exchange capacity (CEC) as well as plant height and grain yield of maize relative to control. Significantly (P<0.05) higher aggregate stability, GMC, Calcium and CEC were obtained in plots receiving a combination of poultry droppings and NPK fertilizer compared to other sources of manure and control. Aggregate stability, GMC, Ca, CEC and organic carbon were higher by 12, 47, 75, 66 and 20% respectively in plots amended with combination of poultry droppings and NPK fertilizer when compared to the control. Grain yield of maize was 44, 36 and 40% higher in plots amended with combined poultry droppings and NPK fertilizer compared to the control, poultry droppings and NPK fertilizer amended plots. Remediation of crankcase oil contaminated soil could be achieved through manure amendment for increased and sustainable productivity.

Prospects of Organic Farming in Bhutan: A SWOT Analysis

A study was conducted to investigate the prospects of organic agriculture (OA) in Bhutan from the experts’ perspective, particularly the SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat) aspect. Thirty-five Bhutanese experts were interviewed. The strengths of OA were (i) good alignment of the principles of OA with Bhutan’s development philosophy, (ii) strong policy and political support, (iii) pristine environment, (iv) OA practices similar to traditional farming, and (v) compatibility of OA with the local farming knowledge. The major weaknesses were (i) a lack of awareness of the benefits of OA, (ii) lack of incentives, (iii) shortage of farm labor, (iv) small and irregular supply of organic product, (v) lack of clarity in policy, (vi) limited plant protection materials, and (vii) a lack of coordination between agencies. Opportunities were (i) a huge regional and global organic market, (ii) promoting healthy lifestyle, (iii) sustainable use of resources, (iv) lowering dependence on food and input imports, (v) development of local organic manure suppliers, (vi) creating seed sovereignty, (vii) conserving local crops, (viii) building soil fertility, (ix) introducing premium price for organic products, and (x) addressing unemployment. Threats included (i) increasing incidences of pests and diseases, (ii) decline in sources of organic manure, and (iii) limited sources of organic manures and fertilizers.

Assessment of Livestock Production System and Feed Resources Availability at Melka Watershed of Nile Basin, Jeldu District, Western Ethiopia

A rapid assessment on the livestock feed resource availability and livestock production system was undertaken to identify main livestock production constraints and come up with possible intervention strategies in the Melka watershed area of the Nile basin. The watershed was chosen for its strategic representation and accessibility. Three villages (Abeyi, Bore’a and Dini) were selected for the study from Melka watershed area of Jeldu district. A total of 45 participants were selected from the three villages for the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and individual interviews. The FEAST excel macro program (www.ilri.org/feast) was used for data summary and analysis. Livestock production in the study area is mainly based on production of indigenous livestock breeds, with the exception of Bore’a village, where some farmers keep crossbred dairy cattle. Livestock serve as sources of draught power and manure for crop production, and sources of meat, milk and eggs and as sources of cash income. However, the productivity level of the livestock resources was indicated to be very low. The respondents from the different villages identified different constraints that affect productivity of their animals, among which shortage of feed was ranked as the most important constraint in all the three villages. Natural pastures and crop residues are the main feed resources and their availability varies from season to season. The availability and use of improved forages and concentrate feeds is almost nil. Thus it would be necessary to alleviate the prevailing livestock production constraints in order to enhance the productivity and contribution of the livestock resources to the livelihood of the households in the study village as well as the district.