On-farm Evaluation Research Articles

On-farm evaluation of commonly grown rice cultivars from Jumla, Nepal, based on different agronomic traits

On-farm evaluation of commonly grown rice cultivars from Jumla, Nepal, based on different agronomic traits

On-Farm Evaluation of the Replacement Value of Sugarcane Tops in the Basal Diets of Fattening Local Cattle Bulls in Adama Area

On-Farm Evaluation of the Replacement Value of Sugarcane Tops in the Basal Diets of Fattening Local Cattle Bulls in Adama Area

On-farm evaluation of a crop forecast-based approach for season-specific nitrogen application in winter wheat

Inadequate nitrogen (N)-fertilisation practices, that fail to consider seasonally variable weather conditions and their impacts on crop yield potential and N-requirements, cause reduced crop N-use efficiency. As a result, both the ecological and economic sustainability of crop production systems are put at risk. The aim of this study was to develop a season-specific crop forecasting approach that allows for a targeted application of N in winter wheat while maintaining farm revenue compared to empirical N-fertilisation practices. The crop forecasts of this study were generated using the process-based crop model SSM in combination with state-of-the-art seasonal ensemble weather forecasts (SEAS5) for the case study region of Eastern Austria. Results from three winter wheat on-farm experiments showed a significant reduction in applied N when implementing a crop forecast-based N-application approach (-43.33 kgN ha-1, -23.42%) compared to empirical N-application approaches, without compromising revenue from high-quality grain sales. The benefit of this reduced N-application approach was quantified through the economic return to applied N (ERAN). While maintaining revenue, the lower amounts of applied N led to significant benefits of + 30.22% (+ 2.20 € kgN-1) in ERAN.

Identifying a sustainable rice-based cropping system via on-farm evaluation of grain yield, carbon sequestration capacity and carbon footprints in Central China

ContextRice-based cropping system is a major anthropogenic source of direct greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, agricultural inputs also produces numerous indirect GHG emissions and environmental problems. Identification of rice cropping systems with lower GHG emissions and higher grain yields is of great significance to ensure food security while minimizing agricultural carbon footprint (CF). ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the optimal rice-based cropping system with lower greenhouse effects and comparable annual yield in central China. MethodsUsed life cycle assessment, a two-year field experiment was performed to evaluate the direct and indirect GHG emissions, CF, and carbon sequestration capacity in the six rice-based cropping systems widely used in central China, which consisted of fallow-early rice-late rice, rapeseed-early rice-late rice, fallow-ratoon rice, rapeseed-ratoon rice (RRaR), fallow-middle rice, and rapeseed-middle rice. ResultsThe results showed that compared with the three systems with fallow season, the three systems with rapeseed had lower annual CH4 emissions. The two systems with ratoon rice had lower annual indirect and direct GHG emissions than the two systems with double rice. The three systems with rapeseed had higher annual biomass, grain yields, and fixed carbon in biomass and significantly lower CF than the three systems with fallow season, and RRaR had the highest value of fixed carbon in biomass. The systems with ratoon rice had lower average CF than those systems with double rice. CH4 emissions from paddy fields were the primary source of total annual GHG and the main component of CF. Compared with the three systems with fallow season, the three systems with rapeseed had significantly higher annual carbon sequestration capacity based on net ecosystem production (NEP). Ratoon rice systems had higher average NEP than double- and middle-rice systems. RRaR had the lowest CF per unit yield and highest NEP among all the six systems. ConclusionsThe results indicated that appropriate rice-based cropping systems may alleviate the greenhouse effect via reducing GHG emissions and enhancing paddy NEP, RRaR could achieve relatively higher annual grain yield and carbon sequestration capacity as well as lower CF. SignificanceThis study highlight conversion of double rice and middle rice systems to RRaR may help improve grain yield and mitigate greenhouse effect. The findings may provide a theoretical basis for selection of sustainable development of rice based cropping systems in central China.

On-farm Evaluation and Selection of Manually Operated Honey Extractor

In the study area, honey is extracted using traditional methods, which leads the product to degradation in nutritional quality and quantity. As a result of this, honey extracted traditionally does not meet international market standards; to minimize this problem several honey extractors are available, but the problem of cost, maintenance place, and durability were the main issues for the farmers. Therefore, the main objective of this research work is to collect and evaluate the performance of available honey extractors and to select a better-performed model. Data like time of extraction (min), mass of honeycomb before and after extraction (kg), and mass of extracted Honey (kg) were collected. Losses (kg), Extraction efficiency (%), and Extraction capacity (kg/hr) were calculated. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Accordingly, the mean extraction capacity was 68.28, 62.88, and 56.76 kg/hr, and the mean extraction efficiency was 71.39, 65.83 and 60.31 % for the Imported, Jimma Agricultural Engineering Research Center and Fadis Agricultural Research Center models, respectively. As depicted from the results all extractors have good performance. However, the Jimma Agricultural Engineering Research Center model will be recommended for small-scale holders based on its price, maintenance availability, spare parts, simplicity, and durability.

Enhancing Farmers Maize Productivity and Profitability in Central Ethiopia: Insights from Participatory Demonstration and Evaluation of Maize Varieties

Despite its significance for food security and income, maize production in the Guraghe zone faces challenges like low yield and susceptibility to pests and disease. Cognizant of this fact, this study aims to determine the maize variety with optimal productivity and economic feasibility through active participation of farmer’s in Abeshge district of Gurage zone and Kebena special districts. A participatory action research design was followed to demonstrate and evaluate maize technologies for two consecutive years in the study areas. A total of 124 purposively selected farmers were participated in the on-farm evaluation of the varieties. While a total of 24 demonstration has been made in both districts over the course of two years’ time 2021/22-2022/23 main cropping seasons. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected viz focus group discussion, key informant interview and formal data sheet. The analysis of collected data involved the application of descriptive statistics, including mean, median, and percentage, alongside inferential statistics like the Mann-Whitney U-test. Evaluation of demonstrated maize varieties utilized techniques such as pair-wise ranking matrix, technological gap index, and extension gap. Additionally, the economic feasibility of these varieties was assessed through partial budget analysis. BH-549 consistently outperforms BH-546 in grain yield and technological performance, with a mean grain yield advantage ranging from 4.49% to 14.6%. In addition, the Mann Whitney U-test result also reveals that BH-549 has a statistically significant (P=0.019) higher grain yield than BH-546 in 2021/22 and (P=0.026) in 2022/23. Farmers’ preferences also align with BH-549, ranking it higher across various traits. Economically, BH-549 demonstrates superior profitability, highlighted by a higher Marginal Rate of Return (MRR) and MRR percentage (770), emphasizing its economic viability for smallholder farmers. As BH-549 exhibits a consistent superiority in yield, farmers preference and economic viability, the study recommends for further dissemination of BH-549 (Ilu) maize variety than BH-546 concerned bodies such as zonal and district level agriculture offices, NGO’s and seed enterprises in the study areas.

On-farm evaluation of formulated diets on the growth and body composition of Etroplus suratensis reared in cages in low-saline coastal ponds

On-farm evaluation of formulated diets on the growth and body composition of Etroplus suratensis reared in cages in low-saline coastal ponds

Performance Evaluation of Lohman Brown Commercial Layer Chicken Breeds Under On-Station Management at Pawe, Benishangul Gumuz, Ethiopia

This study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of Lohman Brown under on-station conditions at Pawe Agricultural Research Center. To evaluate the breed production performance and to generate information for private commercial farms and multiplication centers. A total of 100 (sixty-day-old) chicks and commercial layer feed were purchased from Alema poultry farm in Bishoftu. Vaccinations were administered to the chicks while bio-security measures were employed throughout the experimental period (83 weeks). Daily feed intake, body weight, feed conversion rate, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, and mortality, were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics free R-4.0.4 software. Average feed intake during the growing period (10-20 weeks) 59.29g/head and in the layer period (21-72weeks) 117.26g/head/day. The average feed conversion rate at12, 16 and 20weeks of age was 8.85, 8.23 and 7.35 respectively. Average body weight at age at first egg lay and peak egg production were 1368.6 and 1553.9g/head respectively. Average daily weight gain at 10-12, 12-16, and 16- 20 weeks of age was 5.43, 7.22 and 11.09g/bird respectively. Age at first and 5% egg-laying were recorded at the beginning of 21weeks (141days). Age at 50% and peak egg production were recorded at 22 weeks (151 days) and 36weeks. The average HHEP (90.71) and HDEP (92.03) were recorded at peak production, while the overall percentage of lay from 21-72(52) weeks of age were HHEP (74.77%) and HDEP (78.28%). The total amount of egg production from 21-72(52) weeks of age in terms of HHEP and HDEP was 272.2 and 284.93egg/hen/year. Average egg weight at age at first egg lay, 50% egg lay and peak egg production were 47.43, 51.5 and 57.03g. Overall mean egg weight from 21-72(52) weeks of age was 57.81g. The average daily egg mass at the age of first egg lay, 50% egg lay and peak egg production were 7.59, 25.68, and 52.48g. On the other hand, the overall mean daily egg mass from 21-72(52) weeks of age was 45.38g. The average feed conversion rate and feed conversion efficiency for egg mass from 21-72 weeks were 2.64 and 0.387. There was no mortality record up to 28 weeks but, the overall mortality rate was 10% up to 83 weeks. The higher egg production and lower mortality record showed that the breed is adapted in the study area. Lohman Brown is recommended for users with basic input packages and on-farm evaluation of chickens should be done.

Participatory on-farm evaluation of new orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Sweetpotato is the second most important root crop in Ethiopia, making an important contribution to food security in the densely populated areas of southern Ethiopia. While the white-fleshed sweetpotato (WFSP) varieties have been widely grown, the recently bred pro-vitamin A orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) varieties are also gaining popularity nationwide. This study evaluated on-farm performances of five new OFSP varieties along with two previously released “check” varieties, one of which is a WFSP, across 13 locations in southern Ethiopia for 2 consecutive seasons (2017 and 2018) with the objective of selecting farmer preferred varieties. The experimental design used was randomized complete block design. Results revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.05) among the tested varieties for all parameters considered. Overall, the new varieties were superior to the check varieties for most of the parameters considered. Kulfo, the OFSP check and the only OFSP variety under production, was inferior in above-ground biomass yield, taste, vegetative, and physical root quality performance. There was a strong negative correlation between altitude and root yields, with the highest root yields being in areas 1,500–1,650 m above sea level. The new varieties were accepted by the farmers due to their better yields, adaptability to the local agro-ecological conditions, and high dry matter content. The results of this study implied that the conventional variety evaluations should be complemented by farmers' participatory processes to ensure the release of acceptable varieties targeting both food security and marketability.

Participatory On-Farm Evaluation of Improved Groundnut Genotypes in the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana

The on-farm mother–baby trial experimental approach was employed to evaluate the performance of elite groundnut genotypes on farmers’ fields in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana in the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons. Analysis of the data from the mother trial revealed significant (p < 0.05) genotypic differences for the traits measured over the two years. The genotype ICGV-IS 13842 reached physiological maturity in 88 days and was identified as the genotype with the shortest maturity period. However, in terms of pod yield and its associated components, genotype ICGV-IS 13864 emerged as the best from the mother trial. During farmer evaluation of the materials, genotype ICGV-IS 13979 was selected as the most preferred in addition to genotypes ICGV-IS 13864 and ICGV-IS 131090. The genotypes ICGV-IS 13864 and ICGV-IS 131090 were observed to combine both high pod yield and high haulm yield. These two traits were identified as very important by the farmers who participated in the study as the haulms serve as fodder for their animals and fetch additional household income when sold with the pods harvested. The preference for genotype ICGV-IS 13842, an early maturing genotype, can be seen as an indication of farmers responding to the changing growing season due to erratic rainfall. However, if genotypes ICGV-IS 13864 and ICGV-IS 131090 are combined with some water management practices in the future, they could potentially withstand the changing growing season. Economic analysis showed that the improved genotypes had a greater net return on investment and higher cost–benefit ratio ranging from 2.74 to 4.84 across both years.

Agronomic performance and yield stability of extra-early maturing maize hybrids in multiple environments in the Sahel

Frequent occurrence of drought, heat, low soil fertility and Striga infestation are the main stress factors reducing maize yield in the Sahel. Adoption of stable multiple stress tolerant maize cultivars in the region is crucial for achieving food security. However, selection of a stable high yielding cultivar is complicated by genotype × environment interaction (GEI) due to differential responses to growing conditions. Eleven extra-early maturing multiple-stress tolerant maize hybrids and two checks arranged in a randomized complete block design was evaluated across nine locations for two years in Mali and Niger. The objectives of this study were to identify (i) stable and high-yielding maize hybrids, and (ii) suitable test locations for selecting promising extra-early maize hybrids. GGE biplot was used for graphical analysis. Significant genotype, location and GEI effects were detected for grain yield and number of ears per plant. EEWQH-13 produced the highest grain yield (3860 kg ha−1) while EEYQH-1 had the poorest yield (2663 kg ha−1) with trial mean of 3395 kg ha−1 for all hybrids. GGE biplot explained 69.6 % of the total variation in grain yield among the hybrids. The polygon view identified EEWQH-13 as the best hybrid across six of the nine test locations. EEPVAH-58 was identified as the most stable high yielding hybrid across the nine test locations followed by EEWQH-16 and EEWQH-13. The nine locations were clustered under two mega-environments (ME1, ME2). Among the nine test locations, Tara and Aderaoua clustered in ME1 were the most suitable ones for selecting promising extra-early maize hybrids for wider adaptation. The three hybrids, EEPVAH-58, EEWQH-16, and EEWQH-13, identified in this study could be recommended for on-farm evaluation to confirm the consistency of their yield performance for possible release and commercialization in Mali and Niger.

On-Farm Evaluation of Tractor Drawn Wheat Seed Drill

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of a tractor-drawn wheat seed drill machine which can sow wheat and fertilizer at predetermined depths and row spacing. The machine performances were evaluated in terms of Seed and fertilizer rate, depth of seed placement, row spacing, plant population, field capacity, and field efficiency. Randomized complete block design with three forward speeds, three hopper loading, and three replications were used as experimental design. There were no visible or internal seeds damaged by the machine and it shows that there was no reduction in germination percentage when compared with the seed supplier recommendation. The seed and fertilizer rate was calibrated and recorded as 125 kg/ha and 150 kg/ha respectively for 20 cm row spacing. The seed drill was evaluated at speeds of 3, 4, 5 km/hr and hopper loading levels of H50, H75, and H100. Both the operating speed and hopper loading capacity of the machine had a significant effect on seed and fertilizer rate at p < 0.05. The average field capacity, field efficiency, and fuel consumption at 4km/hr speed of operation were 0.43 ha/hr, 85.93%, and 3.8 l/hr respectively. 378 to 380 plant populations per 1.2 m2 area were counted during seedling count. Depending on the results of the performance evaluation, it is concluded that the developed seed drill machine can be efficiently and economically used by the majority of farmers.

On-farm evaluation of drip irrigation system on coffee production in Western Oromia, Ethiopia

On-farm evaluation of drip irrigation system on coffee production in Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Effect of urea-molasses-treated highland bamboo leaves supplementation on lactating crossbred dairy cows nutrient utilization, body weight, milk yield and its composition and economic performance under on-farm condition in Guagusa Shikudad district, Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, locally available feed resources are commendable in livestock production to make the sector sustainable and productive. This on-farm evaluation was conducted to evaluate the effect of urea-molasses-treated highland bamboo (Yushania alpina) leaves (UMTHBL) in lactating crossbred dairy cows' nutrient utilization, body performance, milk yield and quality and economic performance. On-farm feeding trial was conducted using 12 lactating cows with initial body weight (328.08±0.98kg), initial milk yield (3.14±0.78L) of uniform parity (2) and stage of lactation (early) using a Randomized Complete Block Design. Three dietary treatments, namely, 6h grazing (control)+concentrate (T1), control+UMTHBL ad lib (T2), control+untreated BL adlib (T3) with three replications were used. Analysis of variance was employed for the feeding trial data analysis. The UMTHBL increased more dry matter and nutrients intake than untreated. A significant difference (p<0.05) was recorded between UMTHBL feeding (T2) and T1 and T3 in terms of increased milk yield. The highest (6.26L) and the lowest (3.27L) mean milk yield per day were recorded for cows fed UMTHBL and the control group, respectively. Urea-molasses treatment improved the crude protein (CP) and reduced fibres content than untreated. Treatment effects were not-significant (p>0.05) for milk compositions. Similar to milk yield, dairy cows in T2 consumed more CP which is also reflected in higher body weight and economic benefit. It can be concluded that employing treatment technology for highland bamboo leaves could support the crossbred dairy cows' production in smallholder farmers.

Participatory evaluation of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) varieties under irrigation conditions at Abergelle district, Eastern Amhara

Participatory on-farm evaluation of improved tomato varieties (‘Melka salsa’, 'Roma VF' and 'Kochero’) against the local tomato variety was carried out during the 2019/2020 growing season involving six farmers of Abergelle district, Eastern Amhara. The objective of the experiment was to assess the performance of different tomato varieties for the farmers, then to collect their feedback. Based on the actual and farmers’ preference data, the analysis underscores the better performance of improved tomato varieties over local varieties by most yield-related attributes. Average marketable fruit yields of ‘Melka salsa’, ‘Roma VF’, ‘Kochero’, and the local variety were 4.62, 3.88, 3.64, and 3.10 ton ha-1, respectively. The improved varieties thus had a yield advantage of 72.38%, 37.14%, and 25.72% over the local variety in that order. Among improved tomato varieties, ‘Melka salsa' provided the highest fruit yield on top of owing the highest score of overall preference attributes rank. Scale-wide diffusion of ‘Melka salsa’ tomato variety is therefore suggested for similar and potential agro-ecologies. Biological scientists also should take farmers’ preference attributes and feedback as a backup for future breeding and adaptation studies on tomato varieties.

Participatory Evaluation of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Varieties Under Irrigation Condition at Abergelle Woreda, Ethiopia

Participatory on-farm evaluation of improved tomato varieties namely;‘Melka salsa, 'Roma VF' and 'Kochero’ against the local variety was carried out in the 2019/20 irrigation season. The trial was laid on unreplicated simple plots using six farmers as replication at irrigation scheme of Saka kebele in Abergelle woreda. The experiment was intended to evaluate and demonstrate the performances of different tomato varieties for farmers, then to collect and assess their feedback. Based on the actual biological and farmers’ preference data, the analysis result underscores the better performance of improved tomato varieties over the local variety by the most yield-related attributes. The average marketable fruit yields of ‘Melka salsa, 'Roma VF', 'Kochero’, and the local variety were 4.62, 3.88, 3.64, and 3.10 ton.ha-1, respectively. The improved varieties had thus yielded an advantage of 72.38%, 37.14%, and 25.72% over the local variety in the given order. Among the improved tomato varieties, ‘Melka salsa' provided the highest fruit yield, and owing the highest score of overall preference attributes rank. The medium-sized, oval-shaped, and tasty flashed ‘Melka salsa’ tomato fruit is most liked by farmers for its less perishability, better market demand and good taste. The ‘Melka salsa’ tomato variety is therefore suggested for up-scaling for similar agro-ecologies that have irrigation schemes and production potential. The biological scientists were also advised to consider the farmers’ preference attributes and feedback as a backup for future tomato breeding studies.

On-farm Evaluation of Potato Genotypes at High Hills of Karnali Province, Nepal

An on-farm varietal trial was carried out to evaluate promising genotypes of potatoes received from the National Potato Research Program (NPRP), Khumaltar at Urthuchautara settlement of Patrashi Rural Municipality of Jumla, Nepal at an altitude of 2430 meters above mean sea level during two consecutive years 2019 and 2020. Four promising potato genotypes: PRP 226567.2, PRP 136769.1, CIP 395077.242, CIP 393617.1 and two check cultivars i.e. Desiree and Jumli Local were tested in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Each treatment was replicated four times. Compost was used at the rate of 20 tons per hectare (t/ha) and there was no chemical fertilizer used. Well-sprouted tubers of 25-50 g were planted at 60cm x 25cm spacing. Observations were recorded on vegetative parameters as well as yield attributes. Among different parameters observed most all the vegetative as well as yield and yield attributing parameters were found significant among each other whereas emergence at 45 DAP and plant height during 2020 were found non-significant. The highest tuber yield (30.88 t/ha) was recorded in PRP 226567.2 followed by PRP 136769.1 (23.89 t/ha). Based on the average of two-year results, PRP 226567.2(30.88 t/ha) and PRP 136769.1 (23.89 t/ha) were superior for the purpose of variety recommendation for high hills of Karnali province.

On-farm evaluation of models to predict herbage intake of dairy cows grazing temperate semi-natural grasslands

The objective of the present on-farm study was to evaluate the adequacy of existing models in predicting the pasture herbage DM intake (PDMI) of lactating dairy cows grazing semi-natural grasslands. The prediction adequacy of 13 empirical and semi-mechanistic models, which were predominantly developed to represent stall-fed cows or cows grazing high-quality pastures, were evaluated using the mean bias, relative prediction error (RPE), and partitioning of mean square error of prediction, where models with an RPE ≤ 20% were considered adequate. The reference dataset comprised n = 233 individual animal observations from nine commercial farms in South Germany with a mean milk production, DM intake, and PDMI (arithmetic means ± one SD) of 24 kg/d, (±5.6), 21 kg/d (±3.2), and 12 kg/d (±5.1), respectively. Despite their adaptation to grazing conditions, the behaviour-based and semi-mechanistic grazing-based models had the lowest prediction adequacy among the evaluated models. Their underlying empirical equations likely did not fit the grazing and production conditions of low-input farms using semi-natural grasslands for grazing. The semi-mechanistic stall-based model Mertens II with slight modifications achieved the highest and a satisfactory modelling performance (RPE = 13.4%) when evaluated based on the mean observed PDMI, i.e., averaged across animals per farm and period (n = 28). It also allowed for the adequate prediction of PDMI on individual cows (RPE = 18.5%) that were fed < 4.8 kg DM of supplement feed per day. Nevertheless, when used to predict PDMI of individual animals receiving a high supplementation level, the model Mertens II also did not meet the threshold for an acceptable adequacy (RPE = 24.7%). It was concluded that this lack of prediction adequacy for animals receiving greater levels of supplementation was due to a lack of modelling precision, which mainly could be related to inter-animal and methodological limitations such as the lack of individually measured supplement feed intake for some cows. The latter limitation is a trade-off of the on-farm research approach of the present study, which was chosen to represent the range in feed intake of dairy cows across the diverse low-input farming systems using semi-natural grasslands for grazing.

On-farm evaluation of Azolla as a non-conventional feed ingredient in broiler diets under backyard rearing system

On-farm evaluation of Azolla as a non-conventional feed ingredient in broiler diets under backyard rearing system

Opportunities and risks of double cropping in southwestern France with a focus on soybean and sunflower crops

Growing a second food, fodder or bioenergy crop during the fallow period commonly refers to sequential double cropping or relay cropping practices, as a function of sowing date (following or within the primary crop, respectively). Such practice may generate an additional income while supplying support and regulation services. As such, it could be referred as a form of ecologically intensive agriculture but also an opportunity offered by climate change. The decision-making process in the adoption of double cropping relies on many factors related to soil and climate conditions, but also on profit expectation and risk perception. The CASDAR project “3C2A: Three crops in two years” (2019–2023) strived to create references for sequential double cropping in the South-West of France, which encompasses the regions of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie. The project focused mainly on grain crops and raised the interest of the use of oil-protein crops such as soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) for such practice. As a preliminary contribution of 3C2A project, this paper aims at illustrating the potential interest of soybean and sunflower as double crops in the South-West of France through a qualitative analysis of farmers’ perceptions about the risks and opportunities of double-cropping completed by a 4-years on-farm evaluation of agronomic and economic performances of this practice (110 fields).