Mixture Of Medium Research Articles

A study of sustainable growing media through the utilization of agricultural by-products as organic substrates for tomato seedling production

Tomato is a widely cultivated and consumed vegetable crop in the world. It is a valuable source of nutritional compositions and health-promoting phytochemicals. This study aimed to evaluate the growth response of tomato seedlings to the use of media mixtures formulated from rice husk ash (RHA), coir (C), canna residue (CR), and animal manures, including pig manure (PM), chicken manure (CKM), and cow manure (CM). Five treatments were applied at proportions: 25% RHA + 25% C + 25% CR + 25% PM (T1), 25% RHA + 25% C + 25% CR + 25% CKM (T2), 25% RHA + 25% C + 25% CR + 25% CM (T3), 25% RHA + 25% C + 25% CR + 25% peat (T4), and 100% TS2 (Kultursubstrat aus Weibtorf White Peat Potting Substrate) commercial product (T5). Our results suggested that, in comparison with the treatment of T5 the experimented media showed positive effects on the growth of tomato plants during the nursery stage. The best response was recorded in the treatment T1 with the highest germination rate (96.05%) after 10 days of sowing. Also, T1 obtained great values of plant height, leaf number, and root volume on day 30 after sowing, which were 7.85 cm, 3.5 leaves per plant, and 1.08 cm3, respectively. These findings indicated that the tested byproduct materials offer a viable and sustainable alternative to producing growing media for tomato seedling practices.
 Keywords: Growing media, rice husk ash, coir, canna residue, and animal manures, tomato by-product.

Absorption of Heavy Metal Mercury (Hg) in Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) with Variation of Planting Period and Planting Medium

The amalgamation technique of Sekotong gold mining produces heavy metal pollution in agricultural areas. The purpose in this study to find the effect of mine soil variations on growing media on growth and absorption of mercury in long bean (V. unguiculata L. Walp). This experimental study uses RCBD with a mixture of katel soil and mine soil media A (100% katel soil), B (80%: 20%), C (60%: 40%), D (40%: 60%) and E (20%: 80%) and 5 replications. Data collection on growth of stem height and number of leaves every week while the absorption of mercury every 1, 2, 3 and 4 months of planting. Data analyzed with One Way Anova test, Mann Whitney test and T-test. Results of analysis showed effect of variation in planting media on stems height and number of leaves from highest to lowest is media A, B, C were significantly different, followed D and E not significantly different. Mercury absorption of media A and C roots, stems, leaves, fruits 1 and 4 months of planting significantly different, not significantly different from root 2 months of planting and roots, stems and fruits 3 months of planting. Total absorption of mercury media A and C was significantly different.

Effect of particle regularity on the shear response of geogrid-granular material interface under cyclic normal loading

The investigation of shear behaviour on geogrid-granular material interface under cyclic normal loading (CNL) is significant in seismic design of reinforcement structure. The cyclic shear mechanism about the effect of particle overall regularity on reinforced soil interface was analysed using dynamic direct shear apparatus. Five mixtures of round spherical media and crushed limestone with different percentages were selected to obtain various particle overall regularity. By comparing the shear behaviour under various overall regularity, the interface shear stress and vertical displacement under the CNL condition were smaller than those under the static loading condition. The decrement in interface shear stress of lower overall regularity was smaller than that of higher overall regularity. The interface peak shear stress, final vertical displacement decreased with the increase of cyclic normal loading amplitude and overall regularity. The effect of initial normal loading on ratio of strength reduction and energy consumption was reverse to that of the overall regularity. Based on the constant relative phase shift of the peak normal stress and friction coefficient for various overall regularity, the prediction formula was proposed. The test results improve the understanding on how normal loading perturbations and particle overall regularity affect the shear behaviour of reinforced soil interface.

Isolation and Characterization of Gibberellin (GA-3) from Banana Blossom of Musa balbisiana Colla and Effect of The Isolate Addition on The Growth of Soybean (Glycine max) Plant

There is a type of banana that is unique because the flesh is filled with black seeds locally known as “pisang batu” (Musa balbisiana Colla). The objective of research was directed to determine the content of GA3 in banana blossom of M. balbisiana Colla and its effect on the growth of soybean (Glycine max) plant in vegetative and generative phase. GA3 was prepared by maceration followed by extraction using ethyl acetate and further purified using adsorption column chromatography and preparative TLC. The isolated product was then characterized using FTIR and HPLC. Sprouts of soybeans with uniform height were planted on polybags containing a mixture of planting media (soil: husk: manure = 3:2:1). The sprout was divided into five groups. The first group is the control only spraying with water, while others groups were treated by spraying GA3 isolate, crude extract, commercial Biostimulant and 1% NPK fertilizer. The soybean was determined for chlorophyll content of the leaf, proximate content and α-amylase activity. The results of HPLC and FTIR on gibberelline isolates showed a retention time and wave number which is relatively similar to the GA3 standard. GA3 levels in banana blossom of M. balbisiana Colla were 2.55 mg/g dry weight. The results of research showed that the GA3 isolate, crude extract and commercial biostimulant have significant effects on the growth of soybean plant both in the vegetative and generative phases for each parameter determined, proximate content, chlorophyll content and α-amylase activity compared to the control and NPK fertilizer.

(Invited) Unravelling Water-Ion Dynamics in Reverse Osmosis Membranes with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Fundamental understanding of the charge (ions and water) transport in polymeric membranes used at the forefront of the water-energy nexus challenge is yet uncertain and depends on the complex interplay between polymer structure and dynamics that facilitate transport. Herein, we investigated the dynamics-transport of proton and ion transport in a rather neutrally charged organic membrane (i.e., polyamide) using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Specifically, the role of competing ions' effect in complex ionic mixtures at the membrane interface has been explored on a molecular level. Proton and sodium ion diffusion measurements are made using pulsed-field gradient NMR diffusometry. The energy barriers for proton and ion transport within the active layer of the reverse osmosis (RO) membrane are assessed using magic angle spinning (MAS) and static NMR spectral line shape analysis. We have investigated the dynamics-transport of water and sodium ions in complex ionic mixtures of polyamide polymeric media using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Through monitoring 13C, 23Na, and 1H NMR nuclei, quantitative insights into the diffusion of water (1H), sodium mobile ion (Na+), and polymer membrane dynamics (13C) are extrapolated. Furthermore, the spin-lattice (T1) relaxation time of sodium and water ions is investigated to obtain quantitative insight into how sodium and water ions’ rotational movements occur in the absence and presence of other competing seawater cations such as potassium. Room temperature spectra and spin-lattice relaxation times indicated the presence of both mobile and rigidly held ionic species in the membrane at different levels of relative humidity. The concentration and temperature dependence of relaxation times and chemical shifts have been investigated. NMR relaxation measurements detect how the water rotation is modified by sodium and potassium cations in the membrane. Results show that at low relative humidity and in the presence of competing ions, there are sodium ion resonances for crystalline sodium ions and rigidly held sodium ions on the surface. With increasing relative humidity and decreasing competing ions, the resonance suggests solution-like dynamic rotational movements of sodium ions in polyamide. The results confirm the change in activation energy barrier for sodium and hydrogen ion permeation in polyamide upon the presence of potassium ions.

KAJIAN MEDIA TANAM DAN PEMBERIAN PUPUK P DAN K TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN TOMAT (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.)

Low soil fertility rates and not yet intensive crop cultivation have an impact on the declining trend on tomato production in the eastern multiplication. Low productivity of tomatoes due to low quality of seedlings and pest and disease attacks. Efforts to increase tomato production have been carried out, among others, by improving cultivation techniques, namely by improving the physical properties of the soil by adding organic materials and adding nutrients using inorganic fertilizers. The design of this study is; Complete randomized design with factorial analysis 2 x 4 and repetition as much as 3 times. In the first factor, the media mixture consists of 2 levels, namely T0 = Soil, T1 = Mixture of soil, manure, and chaff (2:1:1). The second factor is the combination of fertilizer K and P consists of 4 stages, namely: P0 = without fertilizer, P1 = 5gram KCL and 15grams SP-36, P2 = 10 grams KCL and 15 grams SP-36; P3 = 15 grams KCL and 15 grams SP-36. The number of polybags in the study is 24 with a per polybag size of 30 x 40 cm. The results showed the addition of manure and chaff gave clear results to the growth and production of tomatoes. The application of KCl and SP-36 fertilizers affect the high growth of plants but does not affect the production of tomato plants. Recommendations for the use of organic materials and KCL fertilizers, SP-36 is applied separately

Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Profiles of Multi-Media Use for Risk Communication in the General Population.

Although disaster research has acknowledged the role of social media in crisis communication, the interplay of new (e.g., mobile apps) and traditional media (e.g., TV, radio) in public warnings has received less attention, particularly from the recipients’ perspective. Therefore, we examined sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of different types of media use (i.e., traditional, new, mixed) for receiving public warning messages in a population survey (N = 613, 63% female; Mage = 31.56 years). More than two-thirds (68%) reported mixed media use, with 20% relying on new media and 12% on traditional media. Traditional media users were older and reported lower levels of education, while new media users were significantly younger and reported lower trust toward traditional media (i.e., TV). Migrants were more likely to use new but not mixed media. In sum, most participants utilized a mixture of traditional and new media for warning purposes, which has implications for crisis communication. Though, vulnerable populations (e.g., older and less educated participants) mainly rely on traditional media, stressing the need for continued support. Thus, it is paramount to increasingly use mixed methods designs and concurrently examine multiple channels to reflect real-world warning practices and generate ecologically valid results.

A STUDY OF SELECTED MICROGREENS IN SOIL-LESS MEDIA

Growing microgreens in soilless media is a very easy task. Here, coco peat and Rice husk are used as growing media. Microgreens are considered as a very good diet source and consumed for good health. They are rich in vitamins and carotenoids. Microgreens are miniature form of leafy vegetables and can be grown anywhere. Carrot, Radish, and Spinach microgreens are taken for the present study in mixture of soilless media. Comparatively a good result was achieved in soilless mixture as media than soil.

Black Carbon-Amended Engineered Media Filters for Improved Treatment of Stormwater Runoff.

Urban stormwater runoff is a significant driver of surface water quality impairment. Recently, attention has been drawn to potential beneficial use of urban stormwater runoff, including augmenting drinking water supply in water-stressed areas. However, beneficial use relies on improved treatment of stormwater runoff to remove mobile dissolved metals and trace organic contaminants (TrOCs). This study assesses six engineered media mixtures consisting of sand, zeolite, high-temperature gasification biochar, and regenerated activated carbon (RAC) for removing a suite of co-contaminants comprising five metals, three herbicides, four pesticides, a corrosion inhibitor, six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), five polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This long-term laboratory-scale column study uses a novel approach to generate reproducible synthetic stormwater that incorporates catch basin material and straw-derived dissolved organic carbon. Higher flow conditions (20 cm hr-1), larger sized media (0.42-1.68 mm), and downflow configuration with outlet control increase the relevance of this study to better enable implementation in the field. Biochar- and RAC-amended engineered media filters removed nearly all of the TrOCs in the effluent over the course of three months of continuous flow (480 empty bed volumes), while sample ports spaced at 25% and 50% along the column depth provide windows to observe contaminant transport. Biochar provided greater benefit to TrOC removal than RAC on a mass basis. This study used relatively high concentrations of contaminants and low biochar and RAC content to observe contaminant transport. Performance in the field is likely to be significantly better with higher biochar- and RAC-content filters and lower ambient stormwater contaminant concentrations. This study provides proof-of-concept for biochar- and RAC-amended engineered media filters operated at a flow rate of 20 cm hr-1 for removing dissolved TrOCs and metals and offers insights on the performance of biochar and RAC for improved stormwater treatment and field trials.

Evaluation of a Tomato Waste Biofilter for the Retention of Gaseous Losses from Pig Slurry Hygienization by pH Modification

The use of pig slurry as organic fertilizer in intensive horticulture could be possible after hygienization to avoid contamination of products. This research aimed to evaluate a mixture of a tomato waste and rice husk as biofilter media to reduce NH3, N2O, CO2, and CH4 losses from a simple and low-cost solution for slurry hygienization by pH modification. The experiment was made in a system of laboratory scale biofilters connected to jars filled with raw slurry as control and three treatment methods: acidified slurry, alkalinized slurry, and neutralized slurry. The gas concentrations were measured for 35 days, and the composition of slurries and biofilters were determined. The results of this study showed that the mixture of biofiltering media, composed of tomato waste and rice husk, has the potential to retain NH3 and greenhouse gases (GHG) from a simple and low-cost solution for slurry hygienization by pH modification. Compared to the treatment raw slurry biofilter, the treatment neutralized slurry biofilter, subjected to a combined treatment by alkalinization/neutralization, retained 19% NH3, 4% CO2, and 83% CH4 losses and had no impact on N2O and global warming potential. Thus, the use of tomato waste biofilter during alkalinization did not increase the loss of NH3 and reduced GHG compared to raw slurry, avoiding the subsequent neutralization of slurry for environmental reasons, and could be used as an organic fertilizer in horticulture. However, using the combined alkalinization/neutralization treatment will improve the fertilizer value of the slurry by adjusting the pH from 9.5 to 7.5.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT NATURAL MIXED MEDIA ON THE BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GREEN LACEWING Chrysoperla carnea (STEPHENS)

The experiments were carried out in the laboratories of the mass rearing units of biological enemies Plant Protection Directorate / Ministry of Agriculture /Abu Ghraib in order to study the effect of different nutritional mixtures of media on some biological charecters of the adult predator Chrysoperla carnea(stephens). The results showed that the highest egg laying was obtained at the mixture (0.5 g yeast + 1.5 g Spirulina + 4g Honey + 0.5 Ml Water), reached to 881.33 eggs / female. In addition, the feeding on the mixture (0.5 g Spirulina + 4g Honey + 0.5 Ml Water) showed a positive effect in the incubation period of eggs, with an average of 3.54 days. The feeding on the mixture (0.5 g Ganoderma + 4g Honey + 0.5 Ml Water) resulted in better egg hatching ratio, reaching to 93.33%. A positive effect was shown with females’ survival when fed on the mixture (0.5 g yeast + 1.5 g Spirulina + 4g Honey + 0.5 Ml Water), the average longevity was 54 days. The longest male longevity was 36 days recorded at the mixed media of (0.5 g yeast + 1.5 g Spirulina + 4g Honey + 0.5 Ml Water). Longest post oviposition period was 5 days recorded at the mixed media of (1.5 g Spirulina + 4g Honey + 0.5 Ml Water). The longest period of eggs laying was at the mixture (Spiro Lina 1.5 g + yeast 0.5 g + honey 4 g + sterile distilled water 0.5 ml) was (46.47) days. Result indicated that some of the mixed media have a positive effect on the performance of aphid lion therefore; these combinations can be used in the quantitative mass rearing of the predator aphid lion.

Phase-specific stable isotope fractionation effects during combined gas-liquid phase exchange and biodegradation

Stable isotope fractionation of toluene under dynamic phase exchange was studied aiming at ascertaining the effects of gas-liquid partitioning and biodegradation of toluene stable isotope composition in liquid-air phase exchange reactors (Laper). The liquid phase consisted of a mixture of aqueous minimal media, a known amount of a mixture of deuterated (toluene-d) and non-deuterated toluene (toluene-h), and bacteria of toluene degrading strain Pseudomonas putida KT2442. During biodegradation experiments, the liquid and air-phase concentrations of both toluene isotopologues were monitored to determine the observable stable isotope fractionation in each phase. The results show a strong fractionation in both phases with apparent enrichment factors beyond −800‰. An offset was observed between enrichment factors in the liquid and the gas phase with gas-phase values showing a stronger fractionation in the gas than in the liquid phase. Numerical simulation and parameter fitting routine was used to challenge hypotheses to explain the unexpected experimental data. The numerical results showed that either a very strong, yet unlikely, fractionation of the phase exchange process or a – so far unreported – direct consumption of gas phase compounds by aqueous phase microorganisms could explain the observed fractionation effects. The observed effect can be of relevance for the analysis of volatile contaminant biodegradation using stable isotope analysis in unsaturated subsurface compartments or other environmental compartment containing a gas and a liquid phase.

Three-dimensional pore-scale simulation of non-equilibrium in a two-layer porous burner

A pore-scale numerical simulation for combustion of methane-air mixtures in a two-layer porous media burner made of staggered arrangement of connected particles is preformed. Combustion is modeled by a one-step reaction mechanism, and solid surface radiation heat transfer is computed by discrete ordinates (DO) model. The bridge approach is used to deal with the point contact between adjacent particles. The present study is intended to investigate the non-equilibrium characteristics of gas velocity and temperature under two operating parameters such as the inlet velocity and equivalence ratio. A comparison of the numerical values and experimental values was carried out to prove the effectiveness of numerical model, and a good agreement is shown. The results showed considerable non-equilibrium of velocity and temperature along the space coordinate due to the inhomogeneous porous structure. The extent of flow non-equilibrium increases as inlet velocity and equivalence ratio are increased. The extent of gas temperature non-equilibrium decreases slightly with the inlet velocity, but the equivalence ratio effect on thermal non-equilibrium can be neglected.

Environmental impacts of stormwater bioretention systems with various design and construction components

Nature-based blue-green infrastructure for urban stormwater management, such as bioretention systems, is considered to provide multiple benefits compared with conventional stormwater runoff quantity and quality control. There are a range of bioretention systems and design and construction can vary widely. Studies comparing environmental impacts between different stormwater bioretention systems with various design elements and construction components have been lacking and hence, this study aims to address this gap. Various designs of stormwater bioretention systems with differing construction components and filter media mixtures have for the first time been compared using a life cycle assessment approach. Environmental impacts related to the production, transportation, and installation phases (i.e. before operation) of four types of bioretention systems, encompassing 11 configurations, have been assessed. The various construction components and filter media mixtures used incur differing degrees of environmental impacts. The filter media mixtures requiring longer transportation distances were associated with the highest environmental impacts. In this analysis, the bioretention systems built with more kerb stone, without geotextile and a filter media with sand, soil and gravel incurred the lowest environmental impacts. Whereas the bioretention systems constructed with the most concrete and with filter media that included pumice incurred the highest environmental impacts in all categories, up to 9–24 times greater than the systems with less concrete and no pumice. When means of transportation and distances were considered further in the sensitivity analysis, the concrete intensive structures incurred the highest environmental impacts. These findings can improve design choices and selection of construction components for stormwater bioretention systems where environmental impacts are considered important. • Comparing various blue green infrastructure bioretention designs with LCA approach. • Construction components used in bioretention systems incur environmental impacts. • Differing design elements and types of system incur different impacts. • The greatest environmental impacts are associated with the use of concrete and pumice. • The material transportation phase accounts for the largest environmental impacts.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COCOPEAT AS A PLANTING MEDIA ON THE GROWTH OF SOME OIL PALM VARIETIES (Elaeis guineensis Jacq)

The purpose of the study was to determine the growth of several oil palm to the application of cocopeat as a growing medium. This research was carried out at the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic University of North Sumatra, Medan, which is located on Jalan . Karya Wisata, Johor Building, Medan Johor District, Madya City, North Sumatra Province with an altitude of ± 25 m above sea level, air humidity (RH) 68% and flat topography. The research was carried out from January-March 2016. This research used a factorial randomized block design (RBD) with two factors, namely: Cocopeat as a planting media mixture consists of 4 levels: C0 = Topsoil (Control) , C1 = Topsoil: cocopeat not soaked (2: 1) , C2 = Topsoil: cocopeat soaked in a bucket (2: 1) , C3 = Topsoil: cocopeat soaked in running water (2: 1) . The use of several varieties of oil palm consists of 3 levels: V1 = Simalungun SP540 DXP , V2 = Yangambi DXP PPKS718 , V3 = Langkat DXP Langkat. The research results showed that the growth of several oil palm varieties had no significant effect on all treatment parameters. The use of cocopeat had a significant effect on the number of leaves, but had no significant effect on plant height, leaf area , leaf chlorophyll, base weight and dry weight. Good growth was seen when cocopeat was soaked in C3 running water. The interaction of cocopeat with several oil palm varieties had a significant effect on the number of leaves of oil palm seedlings, whereas it had no significant effect on the other treatments.

EFFECTS OF Gliricidia sepium RESIDUE VERMICOMPOST ON THE YIELD AND DRY MATTER BIOMASS OF ORGANIC CHOY SUM MUSTARD

As the population grows and resource consumption increases, waste management has become a significant environmental challenge. A more sustainable approach to waste management is essential to maximize the recovery of materials acquired from nature. Vermicomposting is one of the answers to sustainable waste management. A study was conducted to determine the viability of vermicomposting Gliricidia sepium leaves and office scrap paper with matured compost as feedstock and to determine the vermicompost characteristics and suitability as potting mixtures for vegetable cultivation. The choy sum mustard was selected as the test crop. The plants were grown in the pots in a netted nursery in Serdang, Selangor. Treatments were mixtures of vermicompost to soil ratio by volume: control (0% no vermicompost), T1 (20% vermicompost), T2 (40% vermicompost), T3 (60% vermicompost), T4 (80% vermicompost) and T5 (100% vermicompost). Physicochemical properties of the potting media mix were determined and compared to an established growth media concentration and other ASEAN standards. Crop growth was evaluated by measuring plant height, the number of petioles, and fresh and dry weights at harvest. A significant improvement in the physicochemical properties of the media was observed, where the optimum ratio of potting media was 60% to 80% (T3 & T4). The number of petioles was 20-46% higher, plants were 39-46% taller, and dry matter accumulation was three-fold higher than controls. Crop yields were 200% higher in media treatments consisting of 60-80% vermicompost. In conclusion, G. sepium based vermicompost could be used in media mixtures for potting plants.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF FABOMOTIZOLE DIHYDROCHLORIDE FOR STUDY OF DISSOLUTION PROFILES

Establishing the biopharmaceutical equivalence of generic drugs is a necessary component of the relevant drug dossier. Determination of in vitro equivalence is a test designed to assess the equivalence of the dissolution profiles of the study and reference drugs in three dissolution media with pH values of 1.2; 4.5 and 6.8. A value of f2 in the range from 50 to 100 guarantees the similarity or equivalence of the two profiles and the equivalence of the pharmacological action of the test drug and the reference drug. A method for the quantitative determination of the fabomotizole dihydrochloride by spectrophotometric method has been developed, which is suitable for studying the dissolution profiles of BAFAZOL IC tablets, 10 mg tablets. Measure the absorbance of the test solution and the reference solution in a 1 cm cell relative to the compensation solution at wavelength: 302 nm for 0.1 M hydrochloric acid solution and 296 nm for acetate buffer pH 4.5 and phosphate buffer pH 6 8. The method was validated on the parameters of specificity, accuracy, correctness, linearity in the studied range of concentrations. Excipients do not interfere on the determination of the fabomotizole dihydrochloride. The absorption spectra of the test solution and the reference solution coincide in nature and position of the maximum. This also confirms the specificity of the method. Linearity was investigated on model mixtures in different dissolution media inthe range of 10. – 130%. The coefficients of linear dependences in the studied concentration ranges correspond to the allowable values. The stability of the tested solutions and reference solutions in the case of their storage at room temperature for 8 hours was confirmed. The release of more than 85% of fabomotizole dihydrochloride in 15 min in all dissolution media indicates the similarity of the dissolution profiles and does not require the calculation of the similarity factor f2.

Release kinetics of Zn from soil and growing media mixtures in a laboratory study

Aim: To assess the zinc release from soils and various soilless growing media mixtures comprising different organic manures mixed at various proportions and to understand the kinetic behaviour of Zn release. Methodology: An incubation study was conducted to examine the time dependent release of zinc from soil and different growing media mixtures of Cocopeat (CP), Vermicompost (VC), Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Pressmud (PM), Vermiculite (VL) and Composted coco peat (CCP) by adding various levels of ZnSO4 (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50 kg ha-1) for 60 days. The Zn release at required time interval was quantified in soil and growing media mixtures. Results: Higher zinc release was recorded with growing media mixture of Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Pressmud (1:1:1) as compared to other mixtures. The release was linear up to 30 days and dropped at 45 days then increased. Fitting of various kinetic equations for better understanding of zinc release satisfactorily accounted (R2, 0.975 to 0.998, at p ≤0.05) by the zero order kinetic equation. Higher half-life time for Zn release (t1/2) was noticed with Soil + FYM and Cocopeat + Vermicompost + Pressmud mixtures, which confirmed their suitability. A significant negative correlation between pH, C:N ratio with Zn availability as well as linear decrease in organic carbon content prompted zinc release. Interpretation: Based on the amount of zinc released and grouping through principal component analysis with hierarchical clustering, a mixture of Cocopeat +Vermicompost +Pressmud at 1:1:1 was the best growing media mixture. Higher initial zinc availability and half-life time (t1/2) for zinc release makes it more efficient and best growing media mixture to sustain Zn supply to crops for a longer period of time.

Effect of Cinnamon Powder Supplementation with Diets Containing Maize Cobs and Sugarcane Pulps/Peels on In-Vitro Methane Emission and Performance of Goats

The study was conducted to examine the effects of cinnamon powder as additive in diets containing maize cobs and sugarcane pulps/peels on in-vitro methane production and performance of goats using a completely randomized design. The basal and each of the supplementary diets that were used in a ratio of 60: 40 in treatment diets D1, D2, D3 and D4 contained 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% on dry matter basis of cinnamon powder inclusion respectively in the study. About 200mg of each of the diets in three replicates with a mixture of medium solution and rumen liquor (2:1) were used for in-vitro methane emission. Thirty-two West African dwarf goats of about 7 to 8 months of age with average body weight of 7.00 ± 0.80kg were randomly assigned to the four treatment diets. The experiment lasted for 84 days. Data obtained on in-vitro gas production, live-weight gain, digestibility and nitrogen retention variables were analysed using inferential statistics that was one-way analysis of variance. Results showed that gas production, methane emission, substrate degraded, neutral detergent fibre degradation, ether extract digestibility, nitrogen intake, faecal with urinary nitrogen output and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p<0.05) higher in diet D1 than other diets. Feed intake, live weight gain, digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre with nitrogen free extract and nitrogen retention were significantly (p<0.05) better in diet D3 as compared with diets D1, D2 and D4. Reduction in methane gas production was best in D3. In conclusion, the use of 2% cinnamon powder as additive to diet containing 22% maize cobs and 19% sugarcane pulps/peels enhanced performance in goats

Pemanfaatan Lahan Pekarangan untuk Budidaya Pakcoy Sistem Vertikultur pada KWT Mawar di Desa Kuaken Kabupaten Timor Tengah Utara

Utilization of Yard Land for Pakcoy Cultivation Verticulture System at KWT Mawar in Kuaken Village Timor Tengah Utara Regency . Mawar’s Woman Farmers Group (KWT) is located in Kuaken Village and has dry land with shallow and rocky solum. One of the businesses of KWT Mawar is cultivating vegetables. However, the land condition, which is quite dry and far from home, makes it difficult to cultivate crops, and they left her job as a housewife. The yard of Mawar’s KWT can be more productive for growing vegetables through the verticulture system. This service aims to utilize the yard as a pakcoy cultivation area with a vertical system using cow manure and biochar as a planting media at KWT Mawar, Kuaken Village. The activities were carried out in the KWT Mawar in June-August 2021. The activities consisted of several stages, namely: 1) verticulture pipe preparation, 2) planting media preparation, 3) seed sowing, 4) planting, and 5) harvesting. The result showed that the use of yardland through pakcoy cultivation with a vertical system provides many benefits for the community compared to cultivation in beds. This activity resulted in an average plant weight of 80.66 g/hole so total production of about 63 kg in 1 harvest was obtained. The productivity was 1.05 kg/paralon pipe. In addition, these activities have created food resiliences for the family, easier to carry out other activities as housewives, saved time and energy, can process rice husk and cow dung waste for a mixture of planting media, and made the yard have aesthetic value.