Semi-deciduous Forest Zone Research Articles

Natural durability of Eucalyptus species harvested as electricity transmission poles in two different ecological zones of Ghana

This study assessed the possibility and feasibility of using two Eucalyptus species for electricity transmission poles in Ghana as a means of minimizing the import of transmission poles in the country. Eucalyptus species are grown in private and government-owned plantations in Ghana due to its growing demand for use as power line transmission poles. The species are seldom used by the furniture industry. The demand from the pole treatment industry for raw materials exceeds the domestic supply of teak, which is commonly used as transmission poles, resulting in the importation of pine poles to cover the deficit, hence the need for this study. The natural durability of Eucalyptus alba and Eucalyptus robusta in the Coastal Savanna Zone (CSZ) and Moist Semi-Deciduous Forest Zone (MSDFZ) was tested using white rot fungus (Coriolopsis polyzona) under an accelerated laboratory test. The results indicated significant variations in the mass lossess be-tween trees in the two vegetation zones. The sapwood and outer heartwood of the E. alba tree species of CSZ recorded the highest mass losses of 41.21 % and 20.79 %, respectively, compared to the E. robusta trees felled from MSDFZ that recorded mass losses of 32.3 % and 5.42 %, respectively. Also, the outer heart- wood and inner heartwood of the E. robusta MSDFZ felled trees were highly resistant (5.42 % and 6.99 %). CSZ wood species were less naturally resistant to C. polyzona attack than those harvested from MSDFZ, which appeared to be less susceptible and more naturally resistant to decay by C. polyzona. Both species are feasible for use as transmission line poles; however, trees from both ecological zones would need chemical preservatives to improve their service life, especially for outdoor applications.

Citrus Black Spot Disease in Ghana: A Review on Impacts, Management Options and Current Status

Citrus is one of the most common seasonal fruit crops cultivated across most semi-deciduous forest zones across the globe. Apart from its refreshing nature when consumed in a fresh state, it is also packed with an abundant supply of vitamins A, B and C. Apart from being served in the raw state as a fruit or a dessert, it also serves as a critical raw material for the beverage industry. In some instances, it also serves as a very important material for the pharmaceutical industry. As important as this fruit can be, its production is challenged by the incidence of pests and diseases. One of the major diseases facing the industry is the Citrus Black Spot (CBS), caused by Phyllosticta citricarpa. In Ghana, CBS is known to affect almost all citrus species and varieties in commercial groves, except for sour orange (C. aurantium) and its hybrids and Tahiti lime (C. latifolia). It is estimated to be responsible for about 22% of fruit/yield loss annually. This review highlighted the impact on the citrus production industry in Ghana, the management options available and future perspectives.

The Influence of Slope Gradient on Termite Assemblages and Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Koudi Secondary Forest Patches of the Central Region of Cameroon

Soil is the Cameroon’s primary economic driver and an indispensable natural resource for agriculture. Various factors including physical, chemical and biological directly affect agricultural production by enhancing soil fertility. The influence of relief on termites’ diversity was extensively studied. However, the effect of the slope gradient on termite diversity and functional groups remains less studied. This study evaluated termite assemblages in relation to some edaphic parameters, with emphasis on gradual changes in soil slope. The study was conducted in Koudi, in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Southern Cameroon. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of slope gradient on termite diversity and some soil physico-chemical factors; the influence of some physico-chemical soil properties on termites. To achieve these, three slope gradients: gentle slope: A [0 - 15°]; moderate slope: B [15.1°- 31°]; and steeper slope: C [x > 31°[were chosen. The experimental design was composed of 66 rectangular quadrants of 5m x 2m in order to determine the presence or absence of termites. Two soil samples were taken per slope gradient for the determination of physico-chemical parameters. Termite community was characterized using species richness, Shannon diversity, Pielou Evenness and Simpson dominance indexes. Data obtained were subjected to Spearman correlation test and ANOVA followed by the Tukey HSD test at a threshold p = 0.05. Our findings suggested thirty-five(35) termite species belonging to eighteen (18) genders, six (6)subfamilies that were sampled and identified. Termites’ diversity and species richness decreased as slope gradient increased; slope gradient displayed a significant detrimental correlation with sand (%) and total organic (g/kg) content, with a positive significant correlation with clay (%) content, according to Spearman's test. It appeared that variations of slope at soil surface have been identified as one of the factors controlling nutrients and termite diversity.

Drivers of land use land cover change and intensity analysis of land transformation in the moist semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana: Case of Bobiri Forest Reserve and its environs

Understanding land cover transformation over time and space is crucial for comprehending ecological challenges, particularly in environmentally vulnerable areas. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the demand for fuel, food, and fibre is expected to significantly expand croplands, resulting in the degradation of natural ecosystems. This research presents a spatiotemporal analysis of land-cover change in the Bobiri forest and its surrounding areas in Ghana's moist semi-deciduous forest zone. The study’s main objectives were to identify the drivers of land-cover change, and to analyse the intensity of land transformation from 1986 to 2022 in the study area. The methodology used measured land-cover changes at different levels, including intervals, categories, and transitions. The findings indicate that the annual rate of land change was higher from 1986 to 2007 (1.64%) compared to the period from 2007 to 2022 (1.04%). Additionally, the analysis at the category level reveals that the increase in cropland and non-vegetated areas during both time intervals was higher than the uniform intensity. The analysis at the transition level suggests that most of the cropland gains originated from non-vegetated areas during both periods. There is also evidence of localized increases in closed forests, likely due to afforestation policies implemented by the Ghanaian government. However, overall, there has been a decline in closed forests over the entire timeframe, with an annual rate of change of -1.25%. This study contributes valuable data for enhancing our understanding of the scale and direction of land-cover change, which is essential for developing policies aimed at mitigating the impact on local livelihoods and the environment at national and sub-national levels.

Effects of post-mining forest restoration and alternative land uses on ground-dwelling arthropods in Ghana

In an Afrotropical region experiencing massive deforestation, restoration approaches should provide sustainable solutions for recovering biodiversity. Arthropods are a sensitive taxonomic group for habitat alteration by deforestation and can be good indicators for restoration studies. Ground-dwelling arthropods provide important ecosystem functions, such as predation or organic matter decomposition, thereby contributing to ecosystem functionality. The consequences of post-mining management on arthropods in the Afrotropical region remain understudied. We carried out a comprehensive sampling of ground-dwelling arthropods in the dry and wet seasons across four land-use types in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. We then analysed whether the specific tree communities, vegetation structure and seasonal differences affected arthropod communities in the restored post-mining forest compared to the dominant alternative land-use type (agroforestry plantation), a natural reference (natural forest) or an unmanaged former mining area (gravel mine). In total, 43,364 arthropods were sampled and assigned to 78 taxonomic groups representing 14 order/sub-order, 28 beetle families, 25 spider families, 5 hunting guilds of spiders and 6 trophic groups of beetles. Overall, Araneae, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Orthoptera all had higher activity densities in the wet season. The vegetation structure of the three land-use types with trees supported a greater overall activity density of arthropods and a more diverse functional composition compared to the unmanaged gravel site. Pronounced variation between the dry and wet seasons further influenced the taxonomic and functional composition. The active forest restoration of this post-mining area is a promising approach to drive arthropod communities towards a comparable state observed in the natural forest.

Qualitative mutant traits within the indigenous chicken population in selected ecological zones of Ghana

A study was carried out to find out the various mutant traits present in the indigenous chicken population and their influence on egg production in the three ecological zones of Ghana. Four hundred and five (405) households were purposively selected across the Guinea Savannah, Semi-deciduous Rain Forest and Coastal Savannah ecological zones. Structured questionnaire and on-site interviews were used to obtain information from the local chicken keepers. The individual birds were phenotypically observed for the presence of the following genes; frizzle, naked neck, silkiness, polydactyl, ptilopody, crest feathered and flightless. Data on flightless chickens were not available except their gene frequencies since the respondents do not keep them for economic purposes. The data collected were organised and analysed such that phenotypic groups were considered as treatments and ecological zones as blocks. The frequency of the genes responsible for mutant traits were obtained from a count of the proportion of recessive in the sample using the Hardy Weinberg rule. The calculated gene frequencies for the mutant traits observed within the local chicken population ranged from 0.01 to 0.05 which differed significantly (p<0.05) from the expected Mendelian values of 0.75. Average clutch size per year, number of eggs set and chicks hatched per natural incubation were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the three ecological zones. The percentage hatchability for Guinea savannah and Coastal savannah were relatively higher compared to Semi-deciduous rain forest. In terms of phenotypes, polydactyl birds were significantly better (p<0.05) in average eggs per clutch per bird, number of eggs set for natural incubation and number of chicks hatched. Despite the low frequencies of these mutant birds, they had a higher potential for egg laying compared to their recessive counterparts.

On-Farm Experimentation with Improved Maize Seed and Soil Amendments in Southern Ghana: Productivity Effects in Small Holder Farms

Maize production in Ghana is limited by several factors including inadequate use of improved varieties and poor soil fertility management. To contribute to addressing these challenges in maize production, two on-farm experiments were conducted each in the semi deciduous forest and coastal savannah agroecological zones (AEZs) of Ghana during the major and minor cropping seasons of 2017. The study adopted a 3 × 4 factorial arranged in an RCBD with four replications in the major season. The factors were three maize varieties (Omankwa, Obatanpa, and Ahomatea) and four soil amendments (goat manure at 5 t·ha−1; inorganic fertilizer (N-P2O5-K2O at 95-37.5–37.5 kg·ha−1); 50% goat manure (2.5 t·ha−1) + 50% inorganic fertilizer (N-P2O5-K2O at 47.5–18.75–18.75 kg·ha−1); and the control (no soil amendment)).To evaluate the residual implications of these soil amendments in the minor season, each plot used in the major season was further divided into two except for the control plot, resulting in a split plot design with factorial of 3 maize varieties × 7 soil amendments. The results revealed a significant interaction between maize variety and soil amendment in both seasons with the use of sole inorganic fertilizer resulting in significantly higher ( p &lt; 0.05 ) grain yields for all varieties in both AEZs in the major cropping season. In the minor season, the combined treatment of 50% goat manure + 50% inorganic fertilizer resulted in higher grain yields for all the varieties in both AEZs with improved maize (Omankwa and Obatanpa) having significantly higher ( p &lt; 0.05 ) grain yields (33–40%) than the landrace (Ahomatea). The significantly lower ( p &lt; 0.05 ) performance of maize varieties on the residual plots in both AEZs suggests that there were minimal residual effects from the major season. Thus, in continuously cropped fields, the use of inorganic fertilizer + goat manure is required in addition to improved seeds for sustainable maize production.

Soil quality and fertility dynamics under a continuous cassava-maize rotation in the semi-deciduous forest agro-ecological zone of Ghana

The practice of crop rotation is known to significantly influence soil nutrient dynamics, depending on the type of rotation and the crops involved. As such, a field study was conducted to find out the effect of continuous cassava-maize rotation, where mineral fertilizer was only applied to the maize crop, on soil nutrients dynamics and soil quality thereof under varying rotation periods. The study revealed that Soil Organic Matter (SOM) and levels of soil nutrients, such as total nitrogen, available phosphorus and exchangeable cations (potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium) significantly declined with rotation period. Long term maize–cassava rotation led to subsoil (20–50cm) acidification. Soil quality as measured by Carbon Management Index (CMI) on the different aged rotations decreased with age, with the longest rotation period giving the least quality. These results and observations imply that long term cassava-maize rotation reduced soil quality and the resilience of the cropping system for continuous sustainable crops production. A regression analysis of soil nutrients with CMI under the continuous cassava-maize rotation identified the crucial role of soil total N (r2 = 0.56) and exchangeable K (r2 = 0.44) in sustaining productive cassava-maize rotation system and improved soil quality within the semi-deciduous forest agro-ecological zone. It is thus, recommended that enhanced and targeted organic and inorganic fertilization regime could be deployed on the cassava-maize rotation system to improve the inherently low levels of nutrients and increase crop yields.

Livelihood Vulnerability Index: An Approach to Assess Vulnerability of Crop Farmers to Climate Variability and Change in Ghana

Climate change has emerged as a global concern, especially its negative impacts on agriculture, particularly amongst poor subsistence and smallholder farmers because of the sector’s dependency on rainfall. The impacts of climate change and climate related extreme events may vary among farmers within the same locality based on the interplay of factors such as differences in households’ socio-demographic and economic characteristics. The extent of the impacts of climate change depends on the capacity of farmers and appropriateness of the adaptation measures undertaken to mitigate such impacts. This study adopts the Livelihood Vulnerability Index to assess the vulnerability of the two districts (Atwima Mponua and Ejura-Sekyeredumase) in different agro-ecological zones (Semi-Deciduous Forest and Transition Zone respectively). The study used household questionnaires to collect primary data from150 farming households from each district as well as using secondary data on rainfall and temperature from the Ghana Meteorological Agency. The Livelihood Vulnerability Index was used to assess the vulnerability of the two districts. The overall LVI indicates that Ejura-Sekyeredumase District may be more vulnerable to climate change impacts than Atwima Mponua District. The vulnerability triangle indicates that Ejura-Sekyeredumase District is more sensitive to climate change and variability impacts than Atwima Mponua District. Although Atwima Mponua District may have a higher adaptive capacity than Ejura-Sekyeredumase District, the difference is relatively small. The study found that while it is important to have generic policies that address the main agricultural issues in Ghana, development and implementation of region-specific adaptation policy is crucially important. Keywords: Climate variability and change, Livelihood Vulnerability Index, exposure, sensitivity, adaptative capacity DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-1-03 Publication date: January 31 st 2023

Climate Variability and Change Impact on Crop Production: Evidence from Ghana

This paper explores the impact of climate variability and/or change on two major crop yields (cassava and maize) and cash crop (cocoa) in two districts in different agroecological zones - Atwima Mponua (Semi-Deciduous Forest Zone) and Ejura-Sekyeredumase (Transition Zone) of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A comparative-case mixed-methods research design was adopted for the study, involving household survey questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews with key informants to discuss farmers’ perceptions about changes in climate and impact on crop yields. Three hundred participants were involved in the study - 150 from each district. The study also used time series panel data approach to analyse the impact of climate variables (mean annual maximum and minimum temperatures; and total rainfall) on the three crops over the period 1992 - 2014.Farmers perceived changes in the weather patterns - mainly increasing temperature and erratic and low rainfall. Besides, farmers had observed invasion of weeds; and dryness of aquatic habitats (especially, during dry periods); and loss of major staples. The findings from the analysis of secondary data corroborate farmers’ perceptions about changes in climate and its negative impacts on cassava and maize yields for the past 20-30 years. However, qualitative feedback about impact of climate variables on cocoa yield conflicted with the findings of analysis of secondary data. The findings from this study can form a basis for policy makers to develop region specific adaptation policies to address climate change impacts on crops studied and extend it to other crops. Keywords: Climate variability and change; Vulnerability; Food crop; Cash crop. DOI: 10.7176/JEES/12-12-03 Publication date: December 31 st 2022

Topography alters stand structure, carbon stocks and understorey species composition of Cedrela odorata plantation, in a semi-deciduous forest zone, Ghana

Pure plantations established across different topographic positions may respond differently and exhibit varied stand characteristics. However, there is limited information on variability of pure plantation stand attributes along topographic gradients, particularly in West Africa. This study examined the stand structure, carbon stocks and understorey woody species composition of relatively older Cedrela plantations on three topographic positions within the deciduous forest zone of Ghana. About 15, 40 × 40 m plots were surveyed in 23-year-old Cedrela odorata plantations located on hill top, flat terrain and valley bottoms in the Tinte Bepo Forest Reserve, Ghana. Data were analysed using ANCOVA, Bayesian modelling of diameter distribution and correspondence analysis.Diameter at breast height (DBH; p<0.0001), total height (p<0.025), and stem density (p<0.001) were significantly different among the three topographic areas. Trees on the valley bottom had the highest DBH, total height, and biomass carbon while the highest stem density and basal area occurred on the flat terrain. Slope explained 63% of the total variability in the stem density of the C. odorata stand. Bayesian modelling of diameter distribution revealed that the 3-parameter Weibull function better fitted the diameter distribution of the trees on the hill top while the Johnson SB was more appropriate at the flat terrain and the valley bottom. Understorey woody species composition was significantly different among geomorphic positions. Differences in aboveground biomass carbon stocks among topographic positions were not significant.The local topography therefore severely alters plantation stand structure, leading to different distribution models being adopted at different topographic positions. Furthermore, cedrela plantations facilitate climate mitigation, species recruitment and functional/trait diversity differences along topographic gradients. This has implications for large scale plantation development especially on heterogeneous terrains.

Bamboo leaf as quality fodder supplement for goat production in the dry semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana

Limited access to fodder with fair nutritive characteristics especially during dry periods is a challenge to livestock farming. However, it is envisaged that evergreen bamboo with year-round litter production and high nutritive characteristics, may provide a valuable supplementary source of feed. In Ghana, bamboo use as fodder is largely unknown and efforts to promote its use will require an understanding of base feed quality and results disseminated. Therefore, a field fodder quality experimentation using twenty Djallonké kids (juvenile goats) of 1-year-old with a mean initial weight of 13.77 ± 1.16 kg for the trial and allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized block design with five replicates per treatment was conducted. The study sought to assess the effect of leaves of two bamboo species (Oxytenanthera abyssinica and Bambusa balcooa) as a feed supplement to goats fed on basal diets of Pennisetum purpureum and Brachiaria decumbens. The fodder quality results indicated that nutrient composition and in vitro gas production of the treatments varied significantly among the grasses and the bamboo supplement. The highest crude protein and in vitro gas production was observed in O. abyssinica. Besides, O. abyssinica diets recorded the highest daily gain and the lowest feed-to-gain ratio. The treatment effect was significant on blood variables measured. Bamboo leaves are a viable feed supplement for goats as shown by their nutrient profile and positive influence on the growth performance of goats. Hence, the leaves of any of the bamboo species could be used as supplemental feed for goats.

Constraints on farmers’ adaptive capacity to climate variability and change

ABSTRACT This paper explores the constraints on the adaptive capacity of crop farmers in two districts in different agroecological zones – Atwima Mponua (Semi-Deciduous Forest Zone) and Ejura-Sekyeredumase (Transition Zone) of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A comparative-case mixed-methods research design was adopted using household survey questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews with key informants. The study involved 150 farming households from each district. The study found that farmers’ adaptive capacity to either plan or implement adaptive strategies has not always been successful due to lack of resources among other things. Constraints mentioned by farmers include lack of infrastructure, and secured land rights while the local institutions mentioned inadequate financial resources and poor technological capacity. Robust policy formulation and implementation aimed at equipping farmers with resources and strengthening institutional capacities is necessary to enhance the adaptive capacity of crop farmers to climate variability and change impacts.

The Functional Structure of Tropical Plant Communities and Soil Properties Enhance Ecosystem Functioning and Multifunctionality in Different Ecosystems in Ghana

Plant functional traits are useful in tracking changes in the environment, and play an important role in determining ecosystem functioning. The relationship between plant functional traits and ecosystem functioning remains unclear, although there is growing evidence on this relationship. In this study, we tested whether the functional structure of vegetation has significant effects on the provision of ecosystem services. We analysed plant trait composition (specific leaf area, leaf carbon and nitrogen ratio, isotopic carbon fraction, stem dry matter content, seed mass and plant height), soil parameters (nutrients, pH, bulk density) and proxies of ecosystem services (carbon stock, decomposition rate, invertebrate activity) in twenty-four plots in three tropical ecosystems (active restored and natural forests and an agroforestry system) in Ghana. For each plot, we measured above-ground biomass, decomposition rates of leaves and invertebrate activity as proxies for the provision of ecosystem services to evaluate (i) whether there were differences in functional composition and soil properties and their magnitude between ecosystem types. We further aimed to (ii) determine whether the functional structure and/or soil parameters drove ecosystem functions and multifunctionality in the three ecosystem types. For functional composition, both the leaf economic spectrum and seed mass dimension clearly separated the ecosystem types. The natural forest was more dominated by acquisitive plants than the other two ecosystem types, while the non-natural forests (agroforest and restored forest) showed higher variation in the functional space. The natural forest had higher values of soil properties than the restored forest and the agroforestry system, with the differences between the restored and agroforestry systems driven by bulk density. Levels of ecosystem service proxies and multifunctionality were positively related to the functional richness of forest plots and were mainly explained by the differences in site conditions. Our study demonstrated the effects of functional forest structure on ecosystem services in different forest ecosystems located in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana.

Height-Diameter Relationship of Some Forest Species Exploited for Wood in the Natural Tropical Forest of the Congo Basin

To enrich knowledge on the growth dynamics of commercial forest species in the Congo Basin, a study was conducted in Cameroon, within a community forest in savannah forest transition zone (Zone 1) and within FMU 10 052 in dense semi-deciduous humid forest (Zone 2). It aimed to obtain, in 8 species, the height (H) of the tree from its diameter (D) more accessible: Entandophragma cylindricum (Meliacea), Eribroma oblongum, Sterculia rhinopetala et Triplochiton scleroxylon (Malvaceae); Erythrophleum suaveolens et Piptadeniastrum africanum (Fabaceae), Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) et Terminalia superba (Combretaceae). The destructive method was used. After felling and flushing out a tree, the dendrometric parameters were measured and/or calculated. In Zone 1, 6 species including T. scleroxylon were calibrated using 30 trees of each. In Zone 2, 45 trees of E. cylindricum, 99 of E. suaveolens and 82 of T. scleroxylon constituted the sample. At the 5% threshold (95% confidence interval), the height-diameter relationship is a linear model. In all species, the height of a tree is predicted by measuring its diameter through linear regression. In Zone 1 regression equation is: H(m) = 28.13 + 19.09 * D(m) for T. scleroxylon; H(m) = 12.35 + 30.38 * D(m) for S. rhinopetala; H(m) = 23.09 + 26.42 * D(m) for E. oblongum; H(m) = 14.86 + 20.92 * D(m) for P. africanum; H(m) = 14.98 + 24.78 * D(m) for T. superba and H(m) = 1.55 + 32.37 * D(m) for M. excelsa. In Zone 2, the relationship is: H(m) = 27.40 + 14.21 * D(m) for T. scleroxylon; H(m) = 7.79 + 20.18 * D(m) for E. cylindricum and H(m) = 20.08 + 9.74 * D(m) for E. suaveolens (probability associated with F < 0.0001). The influence of site parameters (biotic and abiotic) on the height-diameter relationship should be more studied in multilayers forests specifically in the Congo Basin.

Determinants of choice of climate change adaptation practices by smallholder pineapple farmers in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana

This paper explored the extent to which the awareness of climate change affects the choice of climate change adaptation practice by smallholder pineapple farmers. This study used a cross-sectional data collected from 150 farmers in the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality, Ghana. We applied the Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify sub-population of pineapple farmers based on their awareness levels of climate change and socioeconomic characteristics. We then used a multinomial logistic regression to examine the extent to which differences in climate change awareness influence adaptation choices. Results indicated that, smallholder pineapple farmers are well aware of climate change and perceived changes in rainfall and temperature patterns. Further, the findings revealed that smallholder pineapple farmers are implementing a host of on-farm and off-farm climate change adaptation practices including irrigation, adjusting planting time, land fragmentation, the use of agro-ecological knowledge, and seasonal migration. The LCA identified three subgroups of smallholder pineapple farmers based on their level of awareness of climate change – strong climate change awareness group (n = 111; 74%), moderate climate change awareness group (n = 18; 12%) and poor climate change awareness group (n = 21; 14%). Results showed marginal differences in the adoption rate of adaptation practices across the observed subgroups of farmers. We identified that institutional factors including the quality of climate information, quality of extension services, access to credit, education and access to extension services have a stronger effect on climate change awareness and the choice of adaptation practice compared to individual factors such as gender, marital status and farmers' age. • Smallholder pineapple farmers are aware of climate change effects. • Climate change awareness levels vary amongst smallholder farmers. •Smallholder farmers are responding to climate change threats through adaptation. •Climate change awareness levels influence the choice of adaptation strategy. •Institutional factors have a widespread effect on the choice of adaptation strategy.

English

This experiment was conducted in 2019 major cropping season in the Semi-deciduous forest Agro-ecological zone of Ghana to solve low maize yield and improve maize productivity and enhance farmer&rsquo;s income using foliar and soil applied fertilizers as nutrient sources. Eight treatments (T) were used; T1= {N, P2O5, K2O (90-60-60) kg/ha} at 2 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS); T2= {Poultry manure (4 t/ha)} at 2 weeks before sowing (WBS); T3= {Foliar fertilizer (4 L/ha)} at 2, 4 and 6 WAS; T4= {Poultry manure (2 t/ha)} at 2 WBS + {N, P2O5, K2O (45-30-30) kg/ha} at 2 and 6 WAS; T5= {N, P2O5, K2O (45-30-30) kg/ha} at 2 and 6 WAS + {Foliar fertilizer (2 L/ha)} at 4 WAS; T6= {Poultry manure (2 t/ha)} at 2 WBS + {Foliar fertilizer (2 L/ha)} at 2 and 6 WAS; T7= {Poultry manure (2 t/ha)} at 2 WBS + {N, P2O5, K2O (45-30-30) kg/ha} at 2 and 6 WAS + {Foliar fertilizer (2 L/ha)} at 4 WAS and T8= Control (No Fertilizer). The results showed that T7 performed better than T8 (Control) in terms of plant height, stem girth, cob length, 1000-grain weight and grain yield as well as economic net benefit. Key words:&nbsp; Semi-deciduous forest, agro-ecological zone, 1000-grain weight, economic benefit analysis, foliar fertilizer, integrated nutrient management.

Estimating Soil Loss for Sustainable Crop Production in the Semi-deciduous Forest Zone of Ghana

Quantitative information on soil loss is relevant for devising soil conservation and crop management strategies to ensure sustainable fertility management and crop production. Estimations from runoff/erosion plots are expensive and laborious and thus requiring the exploration of other less expensive but reliable methods such as modeling. This study aimed to estimate current and future rates of soil loss for conservation planning toward sustainable crop production in the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE), which took into consideration the rainfall characteristics of the study area, inherent soil physicochemical and hydraulic properties, variations in slopes and terrain differences, land cover types, and soil management practices, was employed to estimate the magnitude and rate of soil loss in the study area. Output from three regional climate models (RCMs) from Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment including CCCma-CanESM2, GFDL-ESM2M, and HadGEM2-ES were used to estimate the impact of climate change on soil erosion in the study area. The results showed that soil loss estimated for bare soils was high ranging from 12.7 to 163.8 t ha−1 year−1 largely due to variation in slopes coupled with soil physicochemical and hydraulic properties. The simulated annual soil losses under various land cover options showed variable degrees of soil loss for maize cultivation under conventional tillage (8.2–106.5 t ha−1 year−1), soya bean monocropping (4.4–57.3 t ha−1 year−1), and low soil loss for oil palm plantation with grass or leguminous cover (2.5–32.8 t ha−1 year−1). Evaluation of the RCMs showed excellent performance for CCCma-CanESM2 and GFDL-ESM2M. Predictions of climate change impact using outputs from CCCma-CanESM2 and GFDL-ESM2M indicated that 9–39% increase in soil loss is expected by 2070, and it will be more severe (16–42%) by 2100. The model predictions indicate that the adoption of site-specific land cover management strategies such as tree–cover crop intercropping and reduced tillage has a huge potential to reduce soil loss and sustain soil fertility. The model can be used as an advisory tool for mapping areas for appropriate cropping systems for a particular site.

A Comparative Study of Carbon Storage in Two Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Shade-Types and a Teak Plantation in the Moist Semi-deciduous Forest Zone of Ghana.

on life, it is important that steps are taken to mitigate its effects. With the intensification of cocoa production, there has been a shift in traditional cocoa farming over the years leading to the removal of shade trees, hence, removal of carbon sinks. This study was carried out to compare the amount of carbon stored in cocoa ecosystems to that of a 20 years teak plantation and to calculate the trade-off of carbon between the two systems. Cocoa farms of similar ages (20 years) were selected in which three-subplots were demarcated on each farm at Piase in the Bosomtwe District. Tree Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) was measured and soils samples were collected and analyzed for organic carbon percentage and bulk density. One-way Analysis of Variance was used to analyze above and belowground tree carbon and two-way analysis of variance was used to analyze soil organic carbon stored. Teak plantation recorded higher carbon stock (739.33±2.24 Mg C.ha-1) compared to full sun cocoa (9.36±2.24 Mg C.ha-1). Soil organic carbon across the three farms showed significant (p = 0.0010) variations with depths. The 0-20 cm soil depth stored significantly more (p = 0.0000) organic carbon compared to 20-40 cm soil depth. Total soil carbon stored revealed significant differences amongst the various farms with the full sun (40.857±0.52 Mg C.ha-1) being the least whilst the teak plantation stored the highest (72.42±0.52 Mg C.ha-1). Total carbon (above-ground tree carbon + below-ground tree carbon + soil organic carbon) showed significant difference (p= 0.0000) between land use types with shaded cocoa farm (74.3±0.89 Mg C.ha-1), full sun cocoa farm (32.02±0.89Mg C.ha-1) and that of the teak plantation (950.91±0.89 Mg C.ha-1) respectively. Traditional cocoa ecosystem (shaded cocoa farms) has the potential to store carbon significantly higher than that of the full sun systems.

Response of Late Valencia Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis (L.) Osbeck) to Fertilization on Acrisols of the Semi-Deciduous Forest Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana

ABSTRACT We conducted a study to determine the response of Late Valencia sweet orange to organic and inorganic fertilizer application for two seasons in the semi-deciduous forest agro-ecological zone of Ghana. The experiment which was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications consisted of six treatments: (1) 9 t/ha oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB); (2) 4 t/ha poultry manure (PM); (3) NPKZn (90 kg/ha N, 60 kg/ha P, 80 kg/ha K and 4.8 kg/ha Zn); (4) 0.5 EFB (4.5 t/ha) + 0.5 NPKZn (45 kg/ha N, 30 kg/ha P, 40 kg/ha K and 2.40 kg/ha Zn); (5) 0.5 PM (2 t/ha) + 0.5 NPKZn (45 kg/ha N, 30 kg/ha P, 40 kg/ha K and 2.40 kg/ha Zn) and (6) Control. In the 2019 harvest season, the treatment PM+NPKZn recorded the highest yield of 14.7 t/ha while the control recorded the least yield (6.4 t/ha). In the 2020 harvest season, fruit yield ranged from 17.3 t/ha with the NPKZn treated plots to 28.8 t/ha with the EFB treated plots. Economic analysis showed that for the five fertilizer application treatments, the highest benefit/cost ratio was attained with the EFB treatment for the two harvesting seasons combined. Fertilization did not significantly affect leaf nutrient content 253 days after application. However, leaf nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) contents were generally higher 253 days after fertilizer application than the initial levels while phosphorus (P) level did not change. The study suggests the need for farmers to adopt the use of organic wastes as a soil fertility management practice for citrus while at the same time ensuring timely control of diseases to reduce fruit drop and improve fruit yield.