Reductions in non-point source pollution through different management practices for an agricultural watershed in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

Non-point source water pollution generated by agricultural production is considered a major environmental issue in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area （TGRA） of China. The Annualised Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution （AnnAGNPS） model was selected to assess the impact of the application of various management treats, including seven crops, five fertilizer levels and three-group management practice scenarios, on water quality from Heigou River Watershed in TGRA. The scenario subsets include conservation tillage practice （CTP）, conservation reserve program （CRP） and conversion of cropland into forestland program （CCFP）. Results indicated that tea can not be replaced by other crops because comparatively tea resulted in a higher sediment yield. CTP with no-tillage was more effective to reduce sediment yield, but could increased nutrient loss. CRP reduced sediment yield significantly, but slightly benefited on nutrient loss. CCFP reduced not only sediment yield but also the nutrient loss significantly. The conversion of cropland with a slope greater than 10° into forestland was found to be the best scenario as the sediment yield export is less than 5 tons/ha and nutrient loss is within the permissible limit.

Effects of cotton field management practices on soil CO2 emission and C balance in an arid region of Northwest China

Changes in both soil organic C storage and soil respiration in farmland ecosystems may affect atmospheric CO2 concentration and global C cycle. The objective of this field experiment was to study the effects of three crop field management practices on soil CO2 emission and C balance in a cotton field in an arid region of Northwest China. The three management practices were irrigation methods（drip and flood）, stubble managements（stubble-incorporated and stubble-removed） and fertilizer amendments（no fertilizer（CK）, chicken manure（OM）, inorganic N, P and K fertilizer（NPK）, and inorganic fertilizer plus chicken manure（NPK＋OM））. The results showed that within the C pool range, soil CO2 emission during the whole growing season was higher in the drip irrigation treatment than in the corresponding flood irrigation treatment, while soil organic C concentration was larger in the flood irrigation treatment than in the corresponding drip irrigation treatment. Furthermore, soil CO2 emission and organic C concentration were all higher in the stubble-incorporated treatment than in the corresponding stubble-removed treatment, and larger in the NPK＋OM treatment than in the other three fertilizer amendments within the C pool range. The combination of flood irrigation, stubble incorporation and application of either NPK＋OM or OM increased soil organic C concentration in the 0-60 cm soil depth. Calculation of net ecosystem productivity（NEP） under different management practices indicated that the combination of drip irrigation, stubble incorporation and NPK＋OM increased the size of the C pool most, followed by the combination of drip irrigation, stubble incorporation and NPK. In conclusion, management practices have significant impacts on soil CO2 emission, organic C concentration and C balance in cotton fields. Consequently, appropriate management practices, such as the combination of drip irrigation, stubble incorporation, and either NPK＋OM or NPK could increase soil C storage in cotton fields of Northwest China.

Effects of Land Management Practices on Soil Water in Southwestern Mountainous Area, China

The effects of selected land management practices （cross-sloping tillage, ridge culture, organic manure, and straw mulch） on soil water conservation in a southwestern mountainous area, China, were studied during November 2002 to November 2004. The experimental field is divided into three parts based on soil layer depths, 0-60 cm （part Ⅰ）, 0-40 cm （part Ⅱ）, and 0- 20 cm （part Ⅲ）, and they all had the same slope azimuth （SE）, slope （10°）, and slope type （linear）. The experimental plots were subjected to the following treatments： cross-sloping tillage （CST）; cross-sloping tillage with organic manure （CST/ OM）; cross-sloping tillage with straw mulch （CST/SM）; contour ridge culture （CRC）; contour ridge culture with organic manure （CRC/OM）; and contour ridge culture with straw mulch （CRC/SM）, to identify the effects of management practices on soil water. Water contents were determined for soil samples collected, using a 2.2 cm diameter manual probe. Soil water was monitored once every five days from Nov. 20, 2002 to Nov. 20, 2004. The results indicated that, in the study stages, an integration of rainfall, evaporative losses, and crop transcription controlled the basic tendencies of profile （mean） soil water, while land management practices, to a certain extent, only modified its amount, distribution, and routing. Moreover, these modifications also mainly focused on the first 20 cm depth of topsoil layer. When each management practice was compared with control treatment, season changes of profile （mean） soil water were pronounced, while interannual changes among them were not significant. More comparisons indicated that, in the study stages, contour ridge culture had better effects than cross-sloping tillage. And under the same tillage, the combination of organic manure could achieve more than straw mulch. These management practices should be recommended considering the effectiveness of soil and water management techniques in the southwestern mountainous area, China.

Sedimentation retention basin utilization for best management practice

Approaches to the artificial impoundment and theoretical design of sedimentation retention basin are reviewed with particular attention to best management practice(BMP) to control agriculture and surface runoff. Sediments retention basins are the small version of farm pond used where a criteria of farm pond is not met. Such basin traps the pollutants and suspended solids prior to entry into streams and lakes. The study is focused with special reference to the assessment and control of non point source pollution(NPSP) from the sub basin area of Tai Lake in the Xishan County of Wuxi City of China. The author suggested two different approaches to conduct this study including theoretical design for sedimentation retention basin and computation of flow, sediment transport and deposition during the artificial impoundment of retention basin for BMP's utilization. Theoretical design will provide a useful function as a first line defense against the movement of sediments and transport of pollutants into the Tai Lake while the assessment of sediments deposition will help to make its proper use and periodic cleanup.

Management Practices and Production Constraints of Indigenous Somali Cattle Breed in Shabelle Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Shabelle zone of Somali Regional State to assess management practices and production constraints of indigenous Somali Cattle. A total of 200 household heads were selected from four cattle potential districts;Dhanan, Ber’ano, Godey & Adadle. The relevant information was collected through semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussion, key informants interview, and personal observations. Majority of the respondents were illiterate. The average cattle holding size was 8.97 heads/household and cattle were mainly kept for milk production. The major feed resources in the study area were natural pasture and crop residue, and communal grazing was the most important feeding system in the area. Feed shortage was a problem hindering cattle production in the study area during dry season mainly January up to March. Animals traveled long distances to watering points (>5 km) during dry season, while in wet season, animals were watered in nearby water sources. Cattle housing was open kraal fenced with the thorned plenty acacia trees and calves were housed separately from other cattle. Breeding in the study area was uncontrolled and was bred with their own or neighbors’ bull. Age at first mating, age at first calving and calving interval were 3.25 years, 4.05 years and 16.56 months, respectively. The daily milk yield and lactation length were 2.22 liters and 8.07 months, respectively. The production and reproduction performance of Somali cattle was relatively higher than other local breeds in the country mainly in terms of milk yield and fertility potential under the existing environmental conditions. The major constraints of cattle production were feed shortage, disease, water scarcity, lack of veterinary services, marketing problem and predator. Among those constraints, inadequate supply of quality feed, diseases and water shortage were the main reasons for low productivity of cattle and are the major factors limiting productivity. Therefore, to sustain the production system in the study areas, it is recommended to improve the current condition of communal rangelands through management of degraded areas by awareness creation on the value of these common resources and development of rules and regulation to sustain the existing resource and implement over the utilization of communal/pastoral rangeland management systems to reduce constraints such as shortage of feed, drought and grazing land deterioration which perpetuated through time due to land-use changes and seasonal fluctuation).

Preference and adoption of Farmer Field School (FFS) Prosopis juliflora management practices: Experiences in Baringo District, Kenya

This research was carried out to evaluate the preference and adoption of harvesting, uprooting, stump burning, pruning and thinning practices for controlling the spread ofProsopisjuliflora （prosopis） within Marigat Division of the Baringo District, Kenya. A survey methodology was employed using a random sample of 25 Farmer Field School （FFS） members and 5 non=FFS members from each of the five locations of Marigat Division. In total, 100 FFS members and 25 non-FFS members participated in the study; addi- tional supplementary data were collected from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute （KEFRI）, a major facilitator and trainer of the identified FFS activities and practices in the study area since 2004. More than 80% of the local community never undertook any form of prosopis management practice; however, this changed after FFS training, indicating an acquisition and retention of knowledge which probably diffused to the non-FFS counterparts, through either formal or informal ways. Harvesting was the most preferred （100%） and stump burning the least preferred （46%） practice of managing the spread of prosopis. The success and preference of any prosopis management practice was attributed to wood and non-wood benefits derived from prosopis and growing of animal fodder and food crops on rehabilitated land. More than 80% of respondents attributed ineffectiveness of any prosopis management practice to coppicing and viable seed banks of the tree, while 50% highlighted a lack of consistency and integration in carrying out manage- ment practices. The reported negative attitude towards prosopis changed after training with none of the view to eradicate it. Labor intensity and frequent regeneration of seedlings were identified as the major challenges faced during the implementation of proso- pis management practices. In conclusion, the study shows that harvesting, uprooting, stump burning, pruning and thinning realized through consistent holistic integration contribute to containing the spread of prosopis trees in Baringo, Kenya.

Management Practices, Utilization and Challenges of Donkey in Godey Town, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Godey town of Shebelle zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to assess management practices, utilization, and challenges of donkey. A total of 200 households who own working donkeys were selected purposely for this study. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, key informants interviews, focus group discussions with communities who own donkeys and personal observations. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents were illiterate which might be associated with poor education access in the area. The study further revealed that 92% of working donkeys were involved in drought work, whereas 18% were used for pack work. The common feed resources for donkeys were feeds obtained from natural pasture, green maize leaves, hay, household wastes and grain supplements. Pipe water, river water, and pond water were the main water sources for working donkeys in the study area. About 91% of households kept their donkeys in an open backyard, while 9% of them kept them in a separate shed built adjacent to or a short distance away from the family home. Donkeys provide cart services in the study area, transporting various items weighing more than 300 kg in order to obtain a high benefit in a short period of time and are more than six days per week. Working donkeys in the current study area had a life span of fewer than 6 years, 7 - 10 years, and more than 10 years, with 18.5%, 75.5%, and 6%, respectively. The most important constraints that affect donkey production and utilization in the study area were a lack of feed, health problems (sickness, wounds, etc.), overloading and overworking, poor road and harnessing problems, and poor attitude/lack of awareness. As a result, in order to enhance working donkey management concerns, area-based development interventions that can overcome current constraints should be employed.

Study on Management Practices and Constraints of Black Head Somali Sheep Reared in Awbarre District of Fafen Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to assess management practices and constraints of Black head Somali sheep in Awbarre district of Fafen zone, Somali regional state, Ethiopia. A total of 120 households were purposively selected for this study using purposive sampling technique. The data were collected through the questionnaire, key informants interview, focus group discussions & field observations. The primary purpose of keeping sheep was for income generation followed by saving, meat production, milk, social and cultural functions. The main feeds for sheep during wet season were communal & private natural pastures. In dry season, communal natural pasture, crop residues & private natural pasture were used. The major source of water during wet season was dam/pond, whereas in the dry season spring & pipe water were used. The majority of the respondents (85.8%) used houses enclosed with thorn woody trees and houses enclosed with stone/brick fence were also reported. Majority of the respondents used controlled mating system and sheep are bred to lamb when forage is plentiful because they are less drought tolerant than goats and to avoid unwanted lambing in dry season. Majority (90%) of respondents own their breeding ram and those who have no breeding males used their neighbors’ rams and borrow from others. The breeding rams were born in the flock implying that animals within the flock are very closely related which leads to inbreeding. The most important health problems affecting sheep were circling disease, sheep pox, tick lameness (tick paralysis), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), bloating, and Foot & mouth disease (FMD). The major constraints hindering sheep production in the study area were shortage of veterinary service, feed shortage, scarcity of water, predators, diseases, and marketing. Therefore, to improve and increase the productivity of sheep production in the study area, better management practices and establishing of veterinary service centers are necessary.

Effects of Management Practices on Agronomic Parameters in Cocoa Agroecosystems at Peripheral Zone of Ebo Forest Reserve, Littoral Region, Cameroon

The study was carried out to assess the effect of management practices on agronomic parameters of cocoa agroecosystems in the peripheral zone of Ebo Forest Reserve. Purposive random sampling was conducted to establish experimental plots on the farms of willing farmers. Demonstration plots were established and agronomic parameters were monitored for “farmers’ practice (FP) and integrated crop pest and disease management (ICPM) practice” using indicators of Cocoa agro-ecosystem analysis (AESA). The FP and ICPM treatments were replicated in ten sites. From AESA records of agronomic parameters, the “observe, learn, decide and act” (OLDA) model was implemented in the ICPM treatments only. The effects of management practices were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means compared using Turkey’s T-test at 5% probability. Results of ANOVA between the two Management practices showed that over 50% of the response variables were statistically significant. Means separated through GLM ANOVA with Tukey pairwise comparisons at α = 0.05 showed that 14 (53.8%) out of 26 response variables monitored were statistically significant between the two management practices. Pruning, shade management, phytosanitary harvest, rational use of pesticides, farm sanitation, pod harvesting, breaking, fermentation of beans and drying were regular in the ICPM treatment and time-bound in the FP treatment. The average total production varied from 385.83 kg/ha in FP treatment to 572.8 kg/ha in the ICPM treatment, still below the average standard of 1000 kg/ha. The OLDA model applied in ICPM treatment following AESA is a relevant tool to enhance sustainability in the management of cocoa agroecosystems. Farmers should be sensitized and trained on appropriate farm management techniques and enhance access to extension services as well as make available improved and grafted planting materials to ensure appropriate productivity levels.

Awareness,Attitude and Behavioural Intention of Medium and Large Scale Poultry Producers to Poultry Waste Management Practices in Lagos State:A Principal Component Analysis

The study analyzed awareness,attitude and behavioural intentions of medium and large scale poultry producers to poultry waste management practices in Lagos State with reference to problems of poor on-farm harness of excessive poultry waste,retrogression/unmet global environmental and economic waste management standards,exorbitant waste management charges imposed by LAWMA.Purposive and simple random sampling(using the lottery draw approach)was used in the selection of sixty(60)medium scale poultry farmers and forty(40)large scale poultry farmers,making a grand total of one hundred(100)medium and large scale poultry farmers interviewed in the study.A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the selected medium and large scale poultry farmers with the aid of a list provided by the Poultry Association of Nigeria(PAN),Lagos chapter.Principal Component Analysis(PCA)was used to analyse the data.In the principal component analysis for medium scale poultry farmers,the key component named was that LAWMA should offer special service for isolated dead bird collection(V75);and for large scale poultry farmers,the key component was that the disposal of poultry waste in an environmentally friendly way is LAWMA’s duty(V76).The study recommended that the government makes provisions to offer awareness campaigns in order to improve environmental knowledge and encourage environmental enthusiasm amongst society.

The association between self-care management practices of patients with diabetes and their demographic factors in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Patient care management behavior in diabetes is an essential component of maintaining diabetes under control, and roughly 95% of illness management is typically undertaken by the patients themselves and/or their families. This study aimed to identify the association between self-care management practices of patients with diabetes and their demographic factors within the last three months. Methods: The design of this study was cross-sectional. 150 participants from four different hospitals in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia participated in the study. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance were used to measure differences in self-care management practices concerning patients ’ demographic factors. Results: The results of the study showed that there were no significant differences in the mean score of five areas of self-care management patients ’ practices regarding diet, exercise, foot care, testing blood sugar, and medication concerning their gender ( P > 0.05), employment status ( P > 0.05), their marital status ( P > 0.05), their income ( P > 0.05), and comorbidities ( P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the mean score of patients ’ HgbA1c and demographic factors. However, patients with diabetes who have a university education have significantly higher mean scores of testing blood sugar than patients with diabetes who have below secondary school ( P = 0.019). Conclusion: Although the study reported no significant differences in the mean score of self-care practices of patients with diabetes regarding their gender, income, age, education (except testing Blood Sugar), marital status, income, and employment status. This is still needed to counsel and educate every patient regarding reasonable glycaemic control as the study included participants with poor diabetic control (HbA1c > 7). Furthermore, it is recommended to replicate the study with a large sample size to explore the significant differences.

Management Practice and Comparison of Reproductive and Productive Performance of Dairy Cattle between Beneficiary and None Beneficiary of Estrus Synchronization and Mass Insemination in North Shewa Zone,Amhara Region,Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to assess the overall management practice and comparison of reproductive and productive performance between beneficiaries and none beneficiaries of oestrus synchronization and mass insemination(OSMI)of dairy cattle in north shewa zone of dairy cattle.Data were obtained by interviewing 270 estrus synchronization and mass insemination beneficiaries and 135 none beneficiaries’dairy farmers.Data were analyzed using Statistical Packaging for social science(SPSS)version 20.Natural pasture and crop residue were the most common feed resources in the study areas.River water was the major source of water for their cattle and well water was used when river water is not available.In their order of importance;FMD,mastitis,and abortion were the major diseases of cattle in the study area.The reproductive performance of dairy cows in OSMI beneficiaries were age at first service(30.81±7.6),calving interval(6.9±5.2),lactation length(8.95±2.46),day open(5.3±3.18)and number of service per conception(1.5±0.38)whereas in none beneficiary age at first service(32.88±6.64),calving interval(18.18±5.8),lactation length(9.6±0.54),day open(5.17±3.43)and number of service per conception(1.22±0.54)months.There was a significant(p<0.05)difference in milk yield between beneficiaries and none beneficiaries in HFC,HHFC and JERC dairy cows per day per cow.The major factors affecting reproductive performance of dairy cows are management,nutritional status,genotype,and disease.Therefor the productive and reproductive performance of the dairy cows reared by the participants were better than those of the nonparticipants.

Analysis of Practical Teaching Methods for Logistics Management Major in Higher Vocational Colleges-Taking the Procurement Management Practice Course as an Example

As a teacher majoring in Logistics Management in higher vocational colleges with deep understanding of the course for many years and taking the Procurement Management Practice course as an example,this study selects the after-school cases in the"'Purchase Price and Cost ControF5 chapter in the second edition textbook of Procurement Management Practice of Machinery Industry Press as the research subject of this case analysis.In addition,combined with the chapter content of this textbook,this paper expounds the teaching methods of practical training projects.In hope to provide some ideas for practical teaching,through research and analysis,there is a clearer understanding of the practical teaching of the core curriculum of Logistics Management major.

Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Management in the Farmgate Area of Dhaka North City Corporation

This investigation is focused on conducting a thorough analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM). MSWM encompasses a range of interdisciplinary measures that govern the various stages involved in managing unwanted or non-utilizable solid materials, commonly known as rubbish, trash, junk, refuse, and garbage. These stages include generation, storage, collection, recycling, transportation, handling, disposal, and monitoring. The waste materials mentioned in this context exhibit a wide range of items, such as organic waste from food and vegetables, paper, plastic, polyethylene, iron, tin cans, deceased animals, byproducts from demolition activities, manure, and various other discarded materials. This study aims to provide insights into the possibilities of enhancing solid waste management in the Farmgate area of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). To accomplish this objective, the research examines the conventional waste management methods employed in this area. It conducts extensive field surveys, collecting valuable data through interviews with local residents and key individuals involved in waste management, such as waste collectors, dealers, intermediate dealers, recyclers, and shopkeepers. The results indicate that significant amounts of distinct waste categories are produced daily. These include food and vegetable waste, which amount to 52.1 tons/day;polythene and plastic, which total 4.5 tons/day;metal and tin-can waste, which amounts to 1.4 tons/day;and paper waste, which totals 5.9 tons/day. This study highlights the significance of promoting environmental consciousness to effectively shape the attitudes of urban residents toward waste disposal and management. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between authorities and researchers to improve the current waste management system.

How to establish an endoscopic bariatric practice

Obesity is a chronic,progressive,and relapsing disease of excess adiposity that contributes to more than two hundred medical conditions and is projected to affect more than half the adult population of the United States by the year 2030.Given the limited penetrance of traditional bariatric surgery,as well as the cost and adherence barriers to anti-obesity medications,there is growing interest in the rapidly evolving field of endoscopic bariatric therapies(EBTs).EBTs are minimally invasive,same-day,per-oral endoscopic procedures and include endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty,intragastric balloons,and endoscopic bariatric revisional procedures.This field represents an exciting and innovative subspe-cialty within gastroenterology.However,building a successful endoscopic bariatric practice requires intentional,coordinated,and sustained efforts to overcome the numerous obstacles to entry.Common barriers include acquisition of the technical and cognitive skillset,practice limitations including the availability of nutrition counseling,facility capabilities,direct-to-consumer marketing,and financial pressures such as facility and anesthesia fees.As the highest-volume center for metabolic and bariatric endoscopy in the United States,we provide insights into successfully establishing an endoscopic bariatric program.

Evaluation of non-point source pollution reduction by applying Best Management Practices using a SWAT model and QuickBird high resolution satellite imagery

This study evaluated the reduction effect of non-point source pollution by applying best management practices （BMPs） to a 1.21 km^2 small agricultural watershed using a SWAT （Soil and Water Assessment Tool） model. Two meter QuickBird land use data were prepared for the watershed. The SWAT was calibrated and validated using dally streamflow and monthly water quality （total phosphorus （TP）, total nitrogen （TN）, and suspended solids （SS）） records from 1999 to 2000 and from 2001 to 2002. The average Nash and Sutcliffe model efficiency was 0.63 for the streamflow and the coefficients of determination were 0.88, 0.72, and 0.68 for SS, TN, and TP, respectively. Four BMP scenarios viz. the application of vegetation filter strip and riparian buffer system, the regulation of Universal Soil Loss Equation P factor, and the fertilizing control amount for crops were applied and analyzed.

SOIL AGGREGATE AND ITS RESPONSE TO LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

This paper provides a broad review of the existing study on soil aggregate and its responses to land management practices. Soil aggregate is used for structural unit, which is a group of primary soil particles that cohere to each other more strongly than other surrounding particles. The mechanism of soil particle aggregation may be expressed by a hierarchical model, which is based upon the hypothesis that macroaggregates （〉250μm） are collections of smaller microaggregates （〈250μm） held together with organic binding agents. Primary particles form microaggregates and then macroaggregates. Carbon （C）-rich young plant residues form and stabilize macroaggregates, whereas old organic C is occluded in the microaggregates. The interaction of aggregate dynamics with soil organic carbon （SOC） is complex and embraces a range of spatial and temporal processes within macroaggregates and microaggregates. The nature and properties of aggregates are determined by the quantity and quality of coarse residues and humic compounds and by the degree of their interaction with soil particles. The mechanisms resulting in the binding of primary soil particles into stable aggregates vary with soil parent material, climate, vegetation, and land management practices. Land management practices, including tillage methods, residue management, amendments, and soil fertility management, enhance soil aggregation. However, there is still much uncertainty in the dynamics of organic matter in macroaggregation and microaggregation, and research is still needed to understand further the mechanisms of aggregate formation and its responses to human activities.

Field test of best management practice pollutant removal efficiencies in Shenzhen,China

This paper presents a study on the use of best management practices(BMPs)for controlling nonpoint pollution in the Xikeng Reservoir watershed located in Shenzhen,China.A BMP treatment train design,including a pond,a wetland,and a buffer strip placed in series was implemented at the reservoir location.A separate grass swale was also constructed at the site.Low impact development(LID)BMPs,namely a planter box and bioboxes,were used at the parking lot of the reservoir’s Administration Building.Samples were collected during storm events and were analyzed for total suspended solids(TSS),biochemical oxygen demand(BOD5),ammonia nitrogen(NH3-N),and total phosphorus(TP).The removal efficiencies of both BMP systems were evaluated using the Efficiency Ratio(ER)method based on the event mean concentration(EMC)data.In summary,the pond/wetland treatment train removed 70%–90%of TSS,20%–50%of BOD5,and 30%–70%of TP and NH3-N.The swale removed 50%–90%of TSS,30%–55%of BOD5,–10%–35%of NH3-N,and 25%–70%of TP.For the planter box and biobox,the ranges of removal rates were 70%–90%,20%–50%,and 30%–70%for TSS,BOD5,and ammonia and phosphorus,respectively.

Grassland management practices in Chinese steppes impact productivity, diversity and the relationship

Grasslands are crucial parts of the terrestrial ecosystem, with an extremely high differentiation of productivity and diversity across spatial scales and land use patterns. The practices employed to manage grassland,such as grazing, haymaking, fertilization or reseeding, can improve the grassland condition. This study focuses on the changes in productivity and diversity and the relationship between them as affected by management practices.Productivity and diversity have unequivocally been altered in response to different management practices. When grazing intensity of a typical steppe increased from 1.5 to 9 sheep per hectare, both productivity and diversity declined.Higher grazing intensity(6 to 9 sheep per hectare)accelerated loss of diversity because of lower productivity.Productivity was significantly improved but diversity was lost by fertilizing. N fertilization also reduced the sensitivity of diversity to productivity. A similar response was found in mown grassland with increased productivity and diversity but their relationship was negatively affected.Mowing also slowed down the decline in diversity as productivity increased. Reseeding purple-flowered alfalfa led to an increased diversity, while yellow-flowered alfalfa increased productivity significantly. The negative productivity-diversity relationship was transformed to a positive one by reseeding alfalfa. These results enhance understanding of how productivity, diversity and their relationships change in response to altered grassland management practices, and support an integrated approach for improving both productivity and diversity.

Factors that influence the implementation of sustainable land management practices by rural households in Tigrai region, Ethiopia

Background:Sustainable land management is considered as one of the useful approaches to combat the threat of various forms of land degradation in Ethiopia.Despite this,there is scant information regarding households’decision towards the implementation of sustainable land management practices.This paper,therefore,looks into the determinants for the continued use and choice of the sustainable land management practices by smallholder farmers and its productivity effect in three randomly chosen districts in Tigrai region,Ethiopia.The study uses data from household survey and key informant interviews.The paper employs a binary logit to analyze the determinants for the decision of continued use of sustainable land management practices,and a multivariate probit to analyze the simultaneous adoption decision of sustainable land management practices using cross sectional data collected from 230 randomly selected households.The impact of sustainable land management practices was also evaluated using propensity score matching.Results:Farming techniques,wealth status,agro-ecological variations,and plot level characteristics were found to be associated with the implementation decision of sustainable land management practices by rural households.Besides,institutional supports and access to basic infrastructures influenced the overall continued use of sustainable land management practices and the preference of households toward these practices.The study also finds that the value of crop production of sustainable land management users was on average 77–100%higher than that of nonusers.Conclusions:The results of the current study confirm that the implementation of various sustainable land management practices are influenced by farming technologies deployed by rural households,agro-ecological variations,plot characteristics,and institutional supports.The findings also affirm that most of the sustainable land management practices are complementary to one another,and implementing two or more sustainable land management practices on a given plot is highly associated with higher value of crop production.Such complementarity highlights that the productivity effect of a given sustainable land management practice is enhanced by the use of the other ones.