Soybean Stover Research Articles

Aplikasi Pupuk Branglai (Brangkasan Kedelai) dalam Upaya Peningkatan Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Beberapa Varietas Tanaman Kedelai (Glycine max L.)

Soybean (Glycine max L.), which is widely grown in Indonesia, is a popular food crop because of its high protein content. This plant plays an important role in increasing protein intake for the community, because it is a safe and economically affordable source of vegetable protein. To increase the productivity of soybean plants, it is not only important to choose quality seed varieties, but also to implement appropriate cultivation practices. One of the main techniques is to use superior seed varieties. Apart from that, increasing the quality and yield of soybean production can be achieved by providing fertilizer that meets the nutritional needs of plants. This research used a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with 2 factors and 2 replications to obtain 24 research plots. Factor I of Branglai Fertilizer (B) which consists of 4 levels,namely: B0=0ml/liter.air/plant, B1=20ml/liter.air /polybag, B2=40 ml/liter.air/polybag, B3 = 60 ml/ liter. water/polybag. Factor II Soybean Variety (V) which consists of 3 levels, namely: V1 = Dega 1 Variety, V2 = Ring 1 Variety, V3 = Devon 1 Variety. The research procedure consists of making fertilizer, land preparation, filling polybags, planting, fertilizer application branglai (soybean stover), determination of sample plants, maintenance and harvest. Keywords: soybean, branglai fertilizer, soybean variety

Comparison of Emulsion Stabilizers: Application for the Enhancement of the Bioactivity of Lemongrass Essential Oil.

Recent focus on cellulose nanomaterials, particularly biodegradable and biocompatible cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), has prompted their use as emulsion stabilizers. CNCs, when combined with salt, demonstrate enhanced emulsion stabilization. This study explored three emulsion stabilizers: Tween 80, soybean CNCs with salt (salted CNCs), and a combination of salted CNCs with Tween 80. Soybean CNCs, derived from soybean stover, were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Antifungal testing against Aspergillus flavus revealed increased bioactivity in all lemongrass essential oil (EO)-loaded emulsions compared to pure essential oil. In addition, all three emulsions exhibited a slight reduction in antifungal activity after 30 days of room temperature storage. The release experiment revealed that the EO-loaded nanoemulsion exhibited a slow-release profile. The nanoemulsion stabilized by salted CNCs and Tween 80 exhibited significantly lower release rates when compared to the nanoemulsion stabilized solely by Tween 80, attributed to the gel network formed by salted CNCs. The findings of this study highlight the efficacy of cellulose nanocrystals procured from soybean byproducts in conjunction with synthetic surfactants to create nanoencapsulated essential oils, resulting in improved antimicrobial efficacy and the achievement of sustained release properties.

Synergistic Stabilization of Nanoemulsion Using Nonionic Surfactants and Salt-Sensitive Cellulose Nanocrystals.

Soybean stover is a lignocellulose biomass that is rich in cellulose. In the present study, soybean cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were prepared from soybean stover by alkaline treatment, bleaching treatment, acid hydrolysis, dialysis and ultrasonication. The as-prepared soybean CNC was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zetasizer and rheometer. The effects of NaCl on the particle size, zeta potential, and viscosity of soybean CNC was studied. Soybean CNC was explored as an emulsion stabilizer for lemongrass-essential-oil-loaded emulsions. Soybean CNCs could stabilize the oil-in-water emulsion against coalescence but not flocculation. The addition of NaCl reduced the creaming index and enhanced the encapsulation efficiency and freeze-thaw stability of the CNC-stabilized emulsion. Salted CNC (i.e., CNC in the presence of NaCl) enhanced the thermodynamic stability (i.e., heating-cooling and freeze-thaw stability) of Tween 80 stabilized emulsion, while unsalted CNC did not. Synergistic effects existed between Tween 80 and salted CNC in stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions. The nanoemulsion stabilized with Tween 80 and salted CNC had a mean particle size of ~70 nm, and it was stable against all thermodynamic stability tests. This is the first study to report the synergistic interaction between salted CNC and small molecular weight surfactants (e.g., Tween 80) to improve the thermodynamic stability of nanoemulsion.

Comparative evaluation of nutritive value of maize stover treated with chopped and mineralized groundnut and soybean stover

This study assessed the value of upgrading the quality of crop residues. The study involved improvement of quality of maize stover with urea, groundnut powder, soybean powder, mineralized groundnut solution and mineralized soybean solution. The nutritional value of the ground groundnut, ground soybean, mineralized groundnut solution, mineralized soybean solution, and the feeds improved with the ground legume stover and the solutions were assessed for nutritive value using laboratory proximate chemical analysis procedures. The stover were chopped before being mixed with urea, ground stover or the solutions and then offered to animals. Effect of upgrading maize stover with selected legumes was studied for nutritive value by proximate analysis. Five(5) samples of each feeding material were subjected to proximate analysis to determine their nutritive value in terms of crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extractives (NFE), crude fibre(CF) using the AOAC methods of 2016. Samples were also evaluated for neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), using the Van Soest and Moore Method of 1991 calcium (Ca) using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS-2016) and direct determination of phosphorus by Atomic Absorption Flame Spectrometry (AAFS-2017).

Effect of parity on milk yield in lactating dairy cows

This study evaluated the effect of parity on milk yield among dairy cows fed maize stover improved using legume stover (LS) and feed grade urea fertilizer (UET). The main objective was to assess the effect of parity number on milk yield among dairy cows. The study was carried out at the Livestock Development Trust Centre (LDTC) of the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust near Batoka in Southern Province of Zambia. Three feeding trials involving twelve (12) lactating dairy cows were conducted to assess the effect of parity on Daily Milk Yield (DMY). Feed supplements were offered to cows in form of chopped MS supplemented with chopped groundnut stover (cGS), chopped soybean stover (cSS), mineralized groundnut solution (mGS) and mineralized soybean solution (mSS). The mean daily DMYs for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd parities were (5.06ltrs ±2.33, 8.00 ltrs±3.23 and 6.89ltrs±4.00 respectively). These means differed significantly (p<0.05). Results of the current study have indicated that milk yield is influenced by parity with cows in 2nd parity showing the highest milk yield of first three parities.

Effects of different mulching materials on yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays L.)

Two field experiments were conducted during dry season (October, 2019 to March, 2020) at Yezin Agricultural University farm and Sepin research farm, Yamethin, Myanmar to investigate the effect of different mulching materials on yield and yield components of maize. No mulching and six mulching materials (rice straw mulching, rice husk mulching, maize stover mulching, mung bean stover mulching, soybean stover mulching and white plastic polyethylene mulching) were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCB) with three replications on NK-621 variety. The longest days to 50% tasseling (69.67) at Yezin and (71.67) at Yamethin were obtained in no mulching while the shortest days to 50% tasseling (62.00) at Yezin and (64.33) at Yamethin were observed from rice straw mulching at Yezin and white plastic polyethylene mulching at Yamethin. Number of kernel row-1, rows ear-1, row length, kernels ear-1, thousand grains weight were significantly different among different mulching materials at Yezin. The maximum grain yield (5.72 ton ha-1) and (10.39 ton ha-1) were observed from rice straw mulching at Yezin and Yamethin. According to the results, rice straw mulching resulted in the highest yield and yield components of maize at two locations.

Chemical and Physical Properties of Organic Bedding Materials

Highlights Finely ground particles absorb more water than medium or coarse particles. Corn stover and wheat straw have highest water holding capacity and a moderate rate of evaporative water loss. Corn cobs absorb the least amount of water but retain the water longer than other bedding materials. Corn stover, wheat straw, and soybean stover have highest fertilizer value. Considering all characteristics, wheat straw, corn stover, and soybean stover are the most favorable materials to use in livestock housing systems. Abstract. Physical and chemical characteristics of organic bedding materials determine how well they will absorb and retain moisture and may influence the environment in livestock facilities where bedding is used. The objective of this study was to determine water holding capacity (WHC) and rate of evaporative water loss (EWL) of organic materials used as bedding in livestock facilities. Corn stover, soybean stover, wheat straw, switch grass, paper, corn cobs, and wood (pine and cedar) were evaluated; coarse, medium, and fine particle sizes of each bedding material were measured. The WHC was determined by submerging bedding materials in permeable nylon bags for 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min, and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Generally, finely ground particles had higher WHC (P < 0.05) than the medium or coarsely ground particles of the same material. Corn stover (3.2 g g-1) and wheat straw (3.3 g g-1) had the highest WHC. Switch grass, dry cedar, green cedar, and corn cobs (1.4, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.9 g g-1, respectively) absorbed the least amount of water. Corn cobs retained water the longest when EWL was measured at 100°C, 25°C, and 15°C (6.0, 33.0, and 38.1 days, respectively). Based on N, P, and K content, corn stover, wheat straw, and soybean stover bedding had the highest fertilizer value of the bedding materials studied. Considering all characteristics, wheat straw, corn stover, and soybean stover are the most favorable bedding materials to use in livestock housing systems. Keywords: Bulk density, Corn stover, Evaporative water loss, Soybean stover, Switch grass, Water holding capacity, Wheat straw, Wood chips.

Mulching as soil moisture conservation to improve physiological traits in maize (Zea mays L.)

Field experiments were conducted at Yezin farm and Sepin research farm, Yamethin, Myanmar to study the effect of different mulching materials on percent reduction of soil moisture content and physiological traits in Yezin and Yamethin. Randomized complete block design (RCB) was used with three replications from October, 2019 to March, 2020. Rice straw mulching (T2), rice husk mulching (T3), maize stover mulching (T4), mung bean stover mulching (T5), soybean stover mulching (T6) and white plastic polyethylene mulching (T7) and no mulching (T1) were tested with NK-621, variety. At Yezin, the minimum percent reduction of soil moisture content (45.89) was obtained from T2 and (76.79, 58.07) was resulted in T7 whereas the maximum percent reduction of soil moisture contents (76.93, 89.00, 83.93) were recorded from T1 at 14 DAI (Days after irrigation). At tasseling stage, the maximum photosynthesis rates (20.45 µmol m-2s-1) and (21.59 µmol m-2s-1) were observed from T2 at Yezin and Yamethin. At two locations, the maximum stomatal conductance (158.36 mmol m-2s-1) and (204.44 mmol m-2s-1) was observed from T2 at maximum growth stage. At maximum growth stage, the maximum SPAD values (33.90) and (53.98) were obtained from T6 at Yezin and T2 at Yamethin. The maximum five ears weight (1830.6 g) was recorded from rice straw mulching whereas the minimum five ears weight (1326.0 g) was resulted from no mulching at Yamethin. According to the results, rice straw mulching resulted in the highest physiological traits of maize, and white plastic polyethylene mulching recorded the minimum percent reduction of soil moisture content at Yezin and maize stover mulching at Yamethin.

Performance of different mulching materials on soil moisture content, weed infestation and growth of maize (Zea mays L.)

Two field experiments were conducted at Yezin farm and Sepin research farm, Yamenthin, Myanmar to investigate the effect of different mulching materials on growth, soil moisture and weed infestation of maize and to identify the most
 Two field experiments were conducted at Yezin and Sepin research farms, Yamethin, Myanmar to investigate the effect of different mulching materials on growth, soil moisture and weed infestation of maize and to identify the most suitable mulching materials for maize cultivation in the study areas during the dry season (October, 2019 to March, 2020). The experiments used randomized complete block design (RCB) with three replications. No mulching and six mulching materials, including rice straw mulching, rice husk mulching, maize stover mulching, mung bean stover mulching, soybean stover mulching and white plastic polyethylene mulching were tested. NK-621 (120 days) was used as the tested variety. Different mulching materials showed higher plant height and SPAD value than no mulching whereas rice straw mulching was highest at both locations. The highest LAI was achieved from rice straw mulching at Yezin. At Yamethin, the maximum LAI (2.19) was recorded from rice straw mulching at maximum growth stage (MGS), LAI (2.71) observed from maize stover mulching at tasseling stage (TS). The maximum crop growth rate (CGR) (13.31 gm-2day-1) was achieved from rice straw mulching at Yezin and (14.19 gm-2day-1) at Yamethin. Soil moisture content and weed infestation were significantly different among different mulching materials at two locations. White plastic polyethylene mulching and rice straw mulching were observed as the most suitable for soil moisture content and minimal weed infestation. According to the results, rice straw mulching is the best in all parameters among the treatments for Yezin and Yamethin areas.
 suitable mulching materials for maize cultivation in the study areas during the dry season (October, 2019 to March, 2020). The experiments were assigned by using randomized complete block design (RCB) with three replications. A total of seven treatment; no mulching (T1) and six mulching materials including rice straw mulching (T2), rice husk mulching (T3), maize stover mulching (T4), mung bean stover mulching (T5), soybean stover mulching (T6) and white plastic polyethylene mulching (T7) were tested. The most widely sown variety, NK-621 (120 days) was used as the tested variety. Different mulching materials showed higher plant height and SPAD value than no mulching whereas rice straw mulching (T2) was highest at both locations. At three sampling times, the highest LAI was achieved from rice straw mulching (T2) at Yezin. At Yamenthin, the maximum LAI (2.19) was recorded from rice straw mulching at maximum growth stage (MGS), LAI (2.71) observed from maize stover mulching (T4) at tasseling stage (TS) and LAI (2.00) achieved from white plastic polyethylene mulching (T7) at grain filling stage (GFS). The maximum crop growth rate (CGR) (13.31 gm-2day-1) was achieved from rice straw mulching (T2) at Yezin and (14.19 gm-2day-1) at Yamenthin. Soil moisture content and weed infestation were significantly different among different mulching materials at two locations. White plastic polyethylene mulching and rice straw mulching were observed as the most suitable for soil moisture content and minimal weed infestation. According to the results, rice straw mulching is the best in all parameters among the treatments for Yezin and Yamenthin areas.

Comparative evaluation of effect of legume type on feed intake among dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

This study evaluated the use of maize, groundnut and soybean stover in cattle feeding. The study assessed the value of upgrading the quality of crop residues. The study involved evaluation of palatability of maize stover improved using urea (U), chopped groundnut stover (cGS), chopped soybean stover (cSS), mineralized groundnut stover solution (mGS) and mineralized soybean stover solution (mSS). In the feeding trial, twelve (12) crossbred dairy cows in their second parity were used as experimental units. A 22 factorial experiment within a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used. Maize stover was chopped before being mixed with urea, chopped legume stover and mineralized legume stover solutions. The effect of supplementation using maize stover upgraded with U, cGS, cSS, mGS and mSS was studied for supplement intake levels. Urea Ensilage Treatment (UET) was used as the novel therapy in the study. Both legume type and processing method had influence on supplement intake of maize stover. Groundnut stover had significantly (p˂0.05) higher (0.99kg/day, se=0.04) effect on supplement intake of maize stover than soybean stover(0.83kg/day, se=0.04). The use of mineralized legume stover solution proved significant (p˂0.05) to the use of chopped legume stover in improving the intake of maize stover. Results have indicated that intake was highest (1.01kg/day, s.e=0.04) for mineralised groundnut stover solution and lowest (0.67kg/day, s.e=0.04) for Urea Ensiling Treatment.

Evaluation of milk quality from dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with chopped and mineralized groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

This study evaluated the effect of upgrading the quality of maize stover (MS) on milk nutritive value. The study involved feeding MS improved using urea (U), chopped groundnut stover (cGS), chopped soybean stover (cSS), mineralized groundnut stover solution (mGS) and mineralized soybean stover solution (mSS) to lactating dairy cows. The feeding trial involved twelve (12) dairy cows in their second parity. Effect of supplementation with MS improved with U, cGS, cSS, mGS and mSS on milk quality was evaluated following on-station feeding trials. The study involved 22 factorial experiments within a Completely Randomised Design (CRD). Milk samples were analysed for protein, lactose, fat and solid not fat (SNF). Mean milk protein levels ranged from 3.52mg/ml to 3,73mg/ml (s.e=0.03) for milk from cows fed on MS improved using cGS and mGS respectively. Protein and Lactose were observed to be the least variable (3.64g/ml ±0.12, and 5.24g ±0.24 respectively). Average milk fat content was highest (4.78%, se=0.52) in milk from cows fed on UET treated MS and lowest (3.43%, se=0.52) in milk from cows fed on gGS protein based MS. Within legume type milk fat was higher(4.75%±1.99) in milk from cows fed on MS blended with mGS than that in milk from cows fed on MS improved with cGS (3.43%±1.99). Similar result was observed in milk fat from cows fed on MS improved with the use of soybean. Lactose in milk from cows fed on UET treated MS was highest (5.51g, se=0.061) and lowest (5.10g, se=0.061) in milk from cows fed on MS blended with cGS. Milk from cows fed on MS improved with mGS was higher (9.61p/cwt, se=0.14) in SNF and lowest (8.88p/cwt, se=0.14) in milk from cows fed on MS with cGS. The milk density values ranged from 32.65sg, se=0.53 for milk from cows fed on UET treated MS to 30.42sg, se=0.053 for milk from cows fed on MS blended with cGS. Milk components were higher when cows were fed on MS improved using mineralized legume stover solutions.

Evaluation of milk quality from dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with chopped and mineralized groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

Evaluation of milk quality from dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with chopped and mineralized groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

Comparative evaluation of effect of legume type on feed intake among dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

Comparative evaluation of effect of legume type on feed intake among dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

Effect of legume type and nitrogen source on milk yield among dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

The main objective of the study was to develop technology for improving utilization of abundant quantities of under- utilized crop residues and leguminous plants during the dry season to mitigate effects of dry season on milk yield. The study was set up to test practical ways of upgrading low quality roughage and their effect on milk yield. A 22 factorial experiment within a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used. The study involved improving the quality of maize stover using urea fertilizer (UF), chopped groundnut (cGS) and soybean (cSS) stover, mineralized groundnut (mGS) and mineralized soybean (mSS) solution as sources of nitrogen. Research findings revealed superiority of UET over both groundnut and soybean stover in improving the quality of maize stover. Across legume types, groundnut stover had a higher positive effect on improving the quality of maize stover in terms of milk yield. Within legume stover type mGS showed superior milk yield values than cGS. The reverse was true for soybean stover. The study indicated the effect of improving maize stover with cSS on milk yield was higher than that of mSS in improving the quality of maize stover. It was generally observed that the use of mineralization of legume stover in improving the quality of maize stover is more effective than chopping. Pooled result of effect of mineralised groundnut and soybean stover on milk yield was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the chopped forms for the same legume stover. When evaluated across legume type the effect of legume type on milk yield did not differ significantly (p>0.05) for both processing methods.

Effect of legume type and nitrogen source on milk yield among dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

Effect of legume type and nitrogen source on milk yield among dairy cows fed maize (Zea mays) stover treated with groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) stover

Feeding value of shrimp waste meal for West African Dwarf sheep fed soybean stover basal diet

A degradability and feeding trial was carried out to estimate the utilization of soybean stover (SBS), Shrimp waste meal (SWM) and their mixtures (SBS+SWM) in West African Dwarf sheep. Sole sammples of SBS< SWM and mixture of SBS+SWM were incubated in the rumen of castrated West African Dwarf rams. Degradation lasted 48 hours. Feeding trial entailed feding levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%) of SWM to a sole SBS diet. The growth study lasted for eight weeks. Results obtained in the degradability trial showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differnces in the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and acid detergentfibre (ADF) degradability parameters for the feedstuffs. The effective DM degradability 'ED' was highest in SBS (343.0g/kg) and lowest in SWM (250.0g/kg). Crude protein effective degradability 'ED' ranged between 101.0 and 301.0g/kg for SBS and SBS+SWM respectively. NDF 'ED' ranged between 398.6g/kg for SWM and 815.7g/kg for SBS. ADF degradation characteristics for the constituents were also significantly (P<0.05) different with the soluble fraction 'a' values ranging between 126.0 and 624.0g/kg. When graded levels of shrimp waste meal was used as supplement to soybean stover, there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the average daily weight gain, which ranged from 9.52 to 22.85gd-1.The mean live weight gain was highest at 10% level of inclusion. Average daily DM intake increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing level of SWM in the diet. The sole soybean stover diet however had the least DMI. MD, OM, NDF and ADF apparent digestibility coefficients were not significantly affected by the treatment imposed. CP digestibiliy increased (P<0.05) with increasing level of SWM to peak at the 15% level of inclusion (0.767) compared to the sole SBS treatment (0.593). Nitrogen balance was significantly (P<0.05) increased as the level of inclusion of SWM increased. Results suggest that feeding soybean stover as roughage along with up to 10% SWM to sheep may be sufficient to meet the requirements for weight gain and proper nutrient utilization

Utilization of malted sorghum sprout, shrimp waste meal and Tephrosia bracteolate hay by West African dwarf sheep fed soybean stover based diets

In a completely randomized design, sixteen (16) West African Dwarf (WAD) rams aged between 10-15 months with an average pre-trial body weight of 14.5 kg were used to study the influence of a compounded concentrate diet (Diet 1), malted sorghum sprout (MSP) (Diet 2), shrimp waste meal (SWM) (Diet 3) and Tephrosia bracteolata hay (Diet 4) as supplement to soybean stover (SBS) + Panicum maximum hay for 13 weeks. The total DM intake was highest (P<0.05) for rams on Tephrosia bracteolata hay (153.89gd-1W0.75) and lowest for those on SWM (137.51gd-1W0.75). the highest (P<0.05) weight gain was recorded for sheep on Tephrosia (41.97gd-1) and lowest for SWM (13.73gd-1). The nitrogen retention of all the rams ranged between 68.53 and 70.65%. The DM digestibility ranged from 0.639 in SWM to 0.692 in concentrate diet. Organic matter digestibility ranged from 0.650 for SWM to 0.695 in concentrate while CP digestibility was 0.654 for SWM and 0.687 in Tephrosia. NDF digestibility varied between 0.563 in SWM and 0.6545 in MSP. Total serum protein (9.0g/dL), blood urea nitrogen(17.85mmol/L), cholesterol (158mg/dl) and plasma glucose (0.53 mmol/L) were significantly (P<0.05) increased in rams fed the concentrate (5.4g/dL, 11.06mmol/l, 15.6mg/dL, 0.38mmol/L), MSP (5.3g/dL, 10.7mmol/L, 152mg/dL, 0.3mmol/L) and Tephrosia (5.0g/dl, 9.63mmol/L, 143mg/dl, 0.3mm0l/L) in that order. It was concluded that these unconventional supplements could be fed with soybeans stover to improve feed intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization leading to a better weight gain with sheep.

Assessment of ensiled Pearl millet stover with or without legumes stover for quality and acceptability by West African dwarf goat

This study was conducted to evaluate ensiled millet stover with or without legumes stover for quality and acceptability by West African dwarf goats. The materials (millet stover and legumes stover) were ensiled for 90 days in bag silo. There were five silage treatments: A (100% Pearl Millet stover only), B (80% Pearl Millet stover + 20% Groundnut stover), C (80% Pearl Millet stover + 20% Bambaranut stover), D (80% Pearl Millet stover + 20% Soybean stover), E (80% Pearl Millet stover + 20% Cajan cajanus stover) with four replicates each. Acceptability studies was done using eight (8) female West African dwarf goats of average weight of 8-12kg. Results of physical characteristics of ensiled pearl millet stover with or without legumes produced good quality silages with greenish yellow colour, firm texture and good aroma (fruity and pleasant). Coefficient of preference (CoP) indicates that 100% ensiled pearl millet stover was highly preferred, followed by ensiled pearl millet stover with bambaranut stover by WAD goats with CoP values of 1.08 and 1.02, respectively. However, daily mean consumption (g/day) suggested that with time the goats would get use to other silage types. The CP contents of the silage types ranged significantly (P<0.05) from A silage (11.50%) to D silage (14.08%). The pH, temperature, moisture and DM values were similar (P>0.05) across the treatments. The silage pH and temperature (0C) values however, ranged from 3.70 to 3.83 and 25.75 to 26.75oC, respectively. Moisture content ranged from A silage (63.90%) to E silage (67.28%) and dry matter (DM) from E silage (32.71%) to A silage (36.60%). It was observed that all the silage types preserved well and legumes stover improved CP content of ensiled millet stover significantly. Therefore, the various silage from this study could be used for feeding ruminants, since CP contents were above 7% threshold recommended for ruminants.

Soil mesofauna amount and diversity by returning fresh and compost of crops biomass waste in ultisols in-situ

Abstract. Barus J, Meithasari D, Lumbanraja J, Sudarsono H, Hidayat KF, Dermiyati. 2021. Soil mesofauna amount and diversity by returning fresh and compost of crops biomass waste in ultisols in-situ. Biodiversitas 21: 92-98. Newly added organic matter to the soil often has no significant effect on the physical and chemical properties of the soil. However, the addition of organic matter greatly affects the abundance and diversity of living organisms in the soil, because the addition of organic matter is one of the sources of food. The aim of this research was to study the impact of returning crop biomass waste in fresh or compost forms on the abundance and diversity of soil mesofauna. Three types of crop biomass residues (i.e. maize stover, rice straw, and soybean stover) were used at doses of 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 t ha-1. Mesofauna observations were carried out three times, namely at two weeks after biomass waste application (before planting rice), at eight weeks (there were rice plants in the soil), and at fourteen weeks (after rice harvest). The soil sample for mesofauna observation was dry extracted using a Berlese funnel set up, and to calculate and identified using a binocular microscope. The result showed that the number and diversity of mesofauna in the addition of compost was higher than that of fresh biomass waste. Increasing the dose of biomass waste has an effect on increasing the number and diversity of soil mesofauna. The presence of rice plants in the soil at the time of observation also affected the abundance of soil mesofauna.

Improvement of several indicators of physical and biological properties of soil after adding crops biomass residues and yield of upland rice

Returning and addition of organic material to soil is a key to protecting the soil, plants, and the environment. A study aimed to elucidate the effect of residual biomass application on some indicators of soil physical properties, abundance of earthworms and soil microbial activities was conducted in Kebun Percobaan (KP) Natar, BPTP Lampung from February to July 2017. The treatments were three types of crops biomass residues, i.e., maize stover, rice straw, and soybean stover (fresh or compost). The dosage rates were 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 t/ha. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with three replicates. Upland rice (Inpago 9 variety) was planted after two weeks application of biomass residues treatments. The results showed that application of crops biomass residues improved bulkdensity and significantly increased soil water content at the high dose of biomass residues (7.5 or 10 t/ha). The amount and weight of earthworms with added of compost biomass was significantly correlated with soil water content (r values 0.491 and 0.376, respectively). The dose of biomass residues had a significant effect on soil respiration that the highest soil respiration was obtained in maize compost biomass treatment (at 12 weeks observation) was 31.7 and rice straw compost (at 8 weeks observation) which was 30.19 mg/hour/m2 C-CO2.