Efficiency of soil and water conservation practices in different agro-ecological environments in the Upper Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia

In developing countries such as Ethiopia, research to develop and promote soil and water conservation practices rarely addressed regional diversity. Using a water-balance approach in this study, we used runoff plots from three sites, each representing a different agro-ecological environment, e.g., high, mid and low in both elevation and rainfall, in the Upper Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia to examine the runoff response and runoff conservation efficiency of a range of different soil and water conservation measures and their impacts on soil moisture. The plots at each site represented common land use types（cultivated vs. non-agricultural land use types） and slopes（gentle and steep）. Seasonal runoff from control plots in the highlands ranged 214–560 versus 253–475 mm at midlands and 119–200 mm at lowlands. The three soil and water conservation techniques applied in cultivated land increased runoff conservation efficiency by 32% to 51%, depending on the site. At the moist subtropical site in a highland region, soil and water conservation increased soil moisture enough to potentially cause waterlogging, which was absent at the lowrainfall sites. Soil bunds combined with Vetiveria zizanioides grass in cultivated land and short trenches in grassland conserved the most runoff（51% and 55%, respectively）. Runoff responses showed high spatial variation within and between land use types, causing high variation in soil and water conservation efficiency. Our results highlight the need to understand the role of the agro-ecological environment in the success of soil and water conservation measures to control runoff and hydrological dynamics. This understanding will support policy development to promote the adoption of suitable techniques that can be tested at other locations with similar soil, climatic, and topographic conditions.

Impacts of Soil-Water Conservation in Jialing River on Sedimentation of the Three Gorges Reservoir

The Jialing River is one of the main tributaries of the Yangtze River. The average annual runoff accounts for 16 % and the sediment load 26% of the total at Yichang therefore it＇s one of the main contributors of sediment to the Three Gorges Reservoir. Ever since 1989, our country has implemented ＂Yangtze River soil and water conservation＂ project, Till the end of 1996, altogether 25.8 % of erosion area in Jialing River has been improved after large scale conservation has taken effect. The analysis and comparison between records taken before and after the implementation of soil and water conservation on runoff and sediment yield indicated that the sediment load soil erosion in Jialing river basin has been taken under control to some extent. Amount of annual runoff in main conservations have generally dropped by exponential function. Obvious result has been achieved in Jialing River, efficiency of sand reduction is about 10%-25%. Therefore, sediment to Three Gorges Reservoir is decreased accordingly, and it will be beneficial to take advantage of reser- voir＇s synthetic benefit.

Evaluating the Conservation Efforts of Multi-Projects Using Remote Sensing and Light Use Efficiency Model: A Case of Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

This paper investigates the effectiveness of conservation efforts in the Nyungwe Forest National Park (Nyungwe). The forest is one of the six key landscapes identified for conservation in the Albertine Rift because it hosts many threatened species. As such, a number of different stakeholders have been involved in its conservation since 1987;yet, studies that emphasize and evaluate the success of these conservation efforts are limited. We combined a rapid and relatively low cost remotely-sensed data and the Light Use Efficiency model to generate forest conservation indicators such as NDVI, forest canopy Net Primary Productivity and carbon sequestered from 1986 to 2010. The influence of topographic and climatic factors on these indicators was examined. The supervised classifier was used to catalogue the area into Forest, Wetland, and Bareland. The forest was the major category (above 90%) of Nyungwe relative to wetland and bareland. Based on degradation intensity, two distinctive periods were realised;the first period spans 8 years (1986-1994) whereas the second spans 16 years (1994-2010). The former degradation intensity period is 10 times higher than the latter period. Although the size of forest recovered up to 90%, the daily NPP and carbon sequestration capacity decreased by 37.1% (i.e. NPP 6.5 Mg tons in 1986 to 4.1 Mg tons in 2010). Areas of the forest that are physically constrained (high altitude) had a higher degradation. Guided by our indicators, there is an overall success in conservation efforts, but efforts were mostly concentrated in accessible areas. Therefore, conservation efforts that aim to respond to degradation of the inaccessible areas of the forest should be stressed in the management plan of the park.

Application of Resource-Efficient Elements in the Construction of Conservation-minded Garden

By analyzing the concept of conservation-minded garden,connotations of such gardens and their significance for the garden construction are specified.From the perspectives of spatial layout,compound planting pattern,tridimensional greening,terrain processing,utilization of underground spaces,the significance of resource-efficient elements in the construction of conservation-minded garden is respectively discussed.This study proposes that spatial layout of the conservation-minded garden should build vertical transportation,save green spaces,take terrain features into consideration,expand three-dimensional spaces,reasonably plan road network,and improve utilization rate of green spaces;advantages of the compound planting pattern are analyzed;tridimensional greening pattern is analyzed from the perspectives of roof greening and vertical greening;concepts of "core" and "surface" are highlighted in terrain processing;land-saving efficiency of underground garage and market are introduced in terms of the utilization of underground spaces.Design cases are taken as examples to summarize the application of resource-efficient elements to better serve the landscaping industry and provide references for the construction of conservation-minded garden.

Research on the Present Situation and Improvement Strategy of Water Conservancy Project Construction Quality Management based on the Quality Efficiency Equilibrium Theory

In this paper, we conduct research on the present situation and improvement strategy of the water conservancy project construction quality management based on quality efficiency equilibrium theory. Water conservancy engineering construction enterprises should refer to oneself circumstance, and the characteristics of the water conservancy project, determine the quality objectives of specific quality assurance plan and the related measures, clear implementation content, methods and effects. Strictly control the factors influencing the water conservancy engineering quality of many aspects, in the process of the water conservancy project construction, to establish a meet the requirements of the technical process and quality standards, operation procedures. Establish the strict appraisal system, continuous improvement and improve the level of construction technique and technology. Establish strict quality assurance system and quality responsibility system, each division, subdivisional work will comprehensively implement in place management to ensure the engineering quality.

Effects of Different Tillage Systems on Soil Properties,Root Growth,Grain Yield,and Water Use Efficiency of Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Arid Northwest China

Studies on root development, soil physical properties, grain yield, and water-use efficiency are important for identifying suitable soil management practices for sustainable crop production. A field experiment was conducted from 2006 through 2008 in arid northwestern China to determine the effects of four tillage systems on soil properties, root development, water-use efficiency, and grain yield of winter wheat （Triticum aestivum L.）. The cultivar Fan 13 was grown under four tillage systems：conventional tillage （CT） without wheat stubble, no-tillage without wheat stubble mulching （NT）, no-tillage with wheat stubble standing （NTSS）, and no-tillage with wheat stubble mulching （NTS）. The soil bulk density （BD） under CT system increased gradually from sowing to harvest, but that in NT, NTSS, and NTS systems had little change. Compared to the CT system, the NTSS and NTS systems improved total soil water storage （0-150 cm） by 6.1-9.6 and 10.5- 15.3% before sowing, and by 2.2-8.9 and 13.0-15.1% after harvest, respectively. The NTSS and NTS systems also increased mean dry root weight density （DRWD） as compared to CT system. The NTS system significantly improved water-use efficiency by 17.2-17.5% and crop yield by 15.6-16.8%, and the NTSS system improved that by 7.8-9.6 and 7.0-12.8%, respectively, compared with the CT system. Our results suggested that Chinese farmers should consider adopting conservation tillage practices in arid northwestern China because of benefits to soil bulk density, water storage, root system, and winter wheat yield.

Toward Water Conservation Society:the Connotationand Assessment Indication System

Water saving and developing water conservation society are the two key strategies both for wise water allocation and sustainable utilization. The paper analyses the connotation of water saving and water conservation society. Essentially, water saving means freeing up water from non-beneficial uses and providing it to some more productive uses. Basic principles for setting indicator are presented by providing efficient use of water, considering social issues and ecological protection. An integrated assessing water saving system aiming at more sustainable and efficient consumption is given considering unbalanced social and economic development in regions and basins. The hierarchy indicator system provides qualified tools to the practice of water conservation and evaluates the value for water conservation society construction.

Strategies for Energy Efficiency Improvement in Zimbabwean Industries Using the Energy Audit

Energy efficiency is a modern approach for using energy resources economically. Energy audit ensures that every unit of energy gives the maximum in terms of production. This paper brings out the advantages of using energy audit to save future installation of power generation capacity and load reduction of distribution systems. It also envisages the introduction of energy conservation techniques to eliminate sub-standard equipment.

Applying systematic conservation planning to constitute a protection strategy for broad-leaved Korean pine forests in Changbai Mountains, China

The broad-leaved Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis) forest is one of the most biodiverse zonal communities in the North Temperate Zone and an important habitat for many endangered species.Broad-leaved Korean pine forests(BKPFs) are shrinking quickly due to deforestation and rapid urbanization. Thus, scientific protection strategies are urgently needed to change this status. Changbai Mountains contains one of the largest BKPFs and is considered a priority biodiversity conservation area in China. Guided by systematic conservation planning(SCP) methods and procedures, we chose representative species and communities in BKPFs ecosystem as priority conservation objects, and set quantitative conservation target, which is in the light of the biodiversity characteristic of BKPFs. The watershed area is used as planning unit. We used CPlan software to calculate the irreplaceability(Ir)value of each planning unit and the contribution value(Ti) of each conservation object to(1) assess the conservation efficiency;(2) identify the conservation gap of the existing conservation network. Then wecalculated a human disturbance index(HDI) for planning units in the conservation gaps and combine this with the Ir value to design three conservation scenarios to optimize the conservation network.Results show that planning units with high conservation value 14.16% of the total area, with3084.36 km2 were covered by the existing conservation network. 79.28% of planning units with high conservation value have not been protected which were concentrated mainly in the eight gap areas.Only 25.3% of protection objects achieved their conservation target with the existing conservation network. Conservation efficiency is low. Three conservation scenarios are constituted, each prioritizing a different aim:(1) ecological value;(2)species rescue; and(3) economical avoidance. The three conservation schemes potentially enable 93%,88% and 51% of conservation objects, respectively, to achieve identified conservation targets, thereby improving conservation efficiency significantly.

Historic Centers Restoration and Ancient Buildings Energetic Efficiency Improvement

The historical center is a part of the city with specific environmental, architectural and historical values, which emerges from the urban fabric structural continuity. This complex reality requires a comprehensive understanding to determinate the most proper ways to carry out functional transformations and system adaptations, with respect to historical buildings values. Each building must obtain those proper improvements and functional adjustments, also in terms of technology and energetic efficiency. The achievements of a complex interdisciplinary research project on Ceglie Messapica historical center (BR, Italy) are explained. They lead to guidelines for mulation for the historical buildings’ critical conservative restoration.

Energy conservation and environment protection technologies of the blast furnace under resources deterioration conditions

In 2009,the pig iron output of China increased dramatically up to 543.75 Mt and was 15.87%higher than that in 2008,accounting for 60.53%of the world production.The processing of pig iron must consume huge amount of iron ores and coal and consequently leads to the shortage of ores and cokemaking coals supply,with prices soaring but quality worsening remarkably.How to maintain or even improve the efficiency of blast furnace production under negative conditions of constantly worsening resources of iron ore and coal has become an important scenario the Chinese ironmaking industry must face.In this paper,the production with high coal injection rate,low fuel rate and big productivity in the Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation(Group) was introduced and revealed.The quantitative correlation between blast furnace production efficiency and diverse technical measures through combined mass-heat balances and gas-liquid counter-current flow dynamics analysis.Moreover,potential problems and countermeasures in ironmaking by feeding high Al_2O_3 and low grade iron ores were also discussed.

Effect of Moisture Conservation Methods and Plant Density on the Productivity of Two Maize (<i>Zea mays</i>L.) Varieties under Semi-Arid Tropics of Hamelmalo, Eritrea

The productivity of maize in Eritrea in general and under semi-arid tropics of Hamelmalo in particular is low because of moisture stress. The low moisture content is ascribed to the low and erratic distribution of rainfall, high temperature, lack of suitable varieties, and competition by weeds and low soil fertility. To overcome some of these problems, a field experiment was carried out to assess the effect of moisture conservation methods (MCM) and plant density on the productivity of two maize (Zea mays L.) varieties under semi-arid tropics of Hamelmalo, Eritrea. The experiment was conducted in split-split plot design with three MCM viz tied ridge, ridge and furrow and flat-bed in main plots;two maize varieties viz early local and 04sadve hybrid in sub plots and three plant densities by manipulating the plant to plant distance viz 35 cm, 25 cm and 15 cm at a fixed 75 cm row spacing in sub-sub plots, each replicated thrice. The experiment was focused in addressing the effective moisture conservation techniques, optimum plant density to each variety thus to improve productivity. The crop experienced 10°C to 34.8°C minimum and maximum temperature, respectively and received 429.1 mm total rainfall. The results of the experiment indicated that among all the combinations, 04sadve hybrid variety sown at 75 cm × 25 cm spacing in ridge and furrow method or at 75 cm × 15 cm spacing in tied ridge or flat-bed method and early local variety sown at 75 cm × 15 cm spacing in flat-bed being statistically at par resulted in significantly higher moisture conservation and consequently higher grain yield (4509 kg·ha-1) and higher water use efficiency. It is, therefore, recommended that tied ridge or flat-bed of moisture conservation method at 15 cm plant spacing and 04sadve is preferable to optimize productivity in Hamelmalo area, Eritrea.

Moisture conservation practices and nutrient management on growth and yield of <i>rabi</i>sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor</i>) in the Vertisols of peninsular India

The effect of moisture conservation and nutrient management on growth and yield of rabi sorghum was studied at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Babbur Farm, Hiriyur Karnataka under rainfed conditions on medium black soil during rabi seasons of 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Paired row planting (30-60-30 cm) and opening of furrow in wide rows at 35 Days After Sowing (DAS) proved superior over sowing across the slope and even ridges and furrows with tied ridging in terms of grain yield (1.10 t/ha), stover yield (1.51 t/ha) and 1000 grain weight (24.6 g). Similarly application of 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF + Farm Yard Manure (FYM) 2.5 t/ha + Microbial consortia (Trichoderma, Azospirillum and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) recorded significantly higher plant height (121 cm), panicle length (8.7 cm), panicle diameter (7.4 cm), 1000 grain weight (24.3 g), grain yield (0.95 t/ha) and stover yield (1.42 t/ha) over other treatments but on par with the application of 100% RDF + FYM 2.5 t/ha. Paired row planting (30-60-30 cm) and opening of furrow in wide rows at 35 DAS was also superior with maximum output energy of 43350 MJ/ha, rainwater use efficiency of 5.15 Kg/ha/mm and BC ratio of 2.31. Similarly application of 50%RDF + FYM 2.5 t/ha + Microbial consortia recorded higher output energy of 39525 MJ/ha and rainwater use efficiency of 4.48 Kg/ha/mm.

Assessment of the Implementation of Energy Conservation Opportunities Arising from Energy Audits;A Study of Four-Star and Five-Star Hotels in Nairobi Kenya

This study assesses the implementation of energy conservation opportunities in four-star and five-star hotels in Nairobi. The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the Hospitality Industry. Currently, there is a growing inclination to furnish guests with superior and sustainable services in an energy-efficient and eco-friendly way. Comprehensive research was conducted from energy audits gathered from the establishments and contracted auditing companies, on top of this, hotel staff were given digital questionnaires. To add to the data, the researcher surveyed the hotels with engineering managers. The Energy Audits found that all 10 hotels had adopted Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECOs). After further analysis, the mean adoption rate of Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECOs) during the past three years was 55.83%, which was below the aim of 100%. According to studies, hotel staff manages energy to cut costs. The researcher found that hotels use up a lot of energy. However, they have conservation potential, depending on government policies, costs, ease of implementation, and management commitment to sustainable practices. Essentially, Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECOs) reduce energy expenditures and boost reliable revenues, especially during high energy prices and uncertainty.

Energy efficiency and soil conservation in conventional,minimum tillage and no-tillage

The objective of this research was to determine the capacity of a soil tillage system in soil conservation,in productivity and in energy efficiency.The minimum tillage and no-tillage systems represent good alternatives to the conventional(plough)system of soil tillage,due to their conservation effects on soil and to the good production of crops(Maize,96%-98%of conventional tillage for minimum tillage,and 99.8%of conventional tillage for no till;Soybeans,103%-112%of conventional tillage for minimum tillage and 117%of conventional tillage for no till;Wheat,93%-97%of conventional tillage for minimum tillage and 117%of conventional tillage for no till.The choice of the right soil tillage system for crops in rotation help reduce energy consumption,thus for maize:97%-98%energy consumption of conventional tillage when using minimum tillage and 91%when using no-tillage;for soybeans:98%energy consumption of conventional tillage when using minimum tillage and 93 when using no-tillage;for wheat:97%-98%energy consumption of conventional tillage when using minimum tillage and 92%when using no-tillage.Energy efficiency is in relation to reductions in energy use,but also might include the efficiency and impact of the tillage system on the cultivated plant.For all crops in rotation,energy efficiency(energy produced from 1 MJ consumed)was the best in no-tillage-10.44 MJ ha-1 for maize,6.49 MJ ha-1 for soybean,and 5.66 MJ ha-1 for wheat.An analysis of energy-efficiency in agricultural systems includes the energy consumed-energy produced-energy yield comparisons,but must be supplemented by soil energy efficiency,based on the conservative effect of the agricultural system.Only then will the agricultural system be sustainable,durable in agronomic,economic and ecological terms.The implementation of minimum and no-tillage soil systems has increased the organic matter content from 2%to 7.6%and water stable aggregate content from 5.6%to 9.6%,at 0-30 cm depth,as compared to the conventional system.Accumulated water supply was higher(with 12.4%-15%)for all minimum and no-tillage systems and increased bulk density values by 0.01%-0.03%(no significant difference)While the soil fertility and the wet aggregate stability have initially been low,the effect of conservation practices on the soil characteristics led to a positive impact on the water permeability in the soil.Availability of soil moisture during the crop growth period led to a better plant watering condition.Subsequent release of conserved soil water regulated the plant water condition and soil structure.

An Energy Efficient Color Based Topology Control Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are universally being used and deployed to monitor the surrounding physical environments and detail events of interest. In wireless Sensor Networks energy is one of the primary issues and requires energy conservation of the sensor nodes, so that network lifetime can be maximized. To minimize the energy loss in dense WSNs a Color Based Topology Control (CBTC) algorithm is introduced and implemented in Visual Studio 6.0. The results are compared with Traditional dense WSNs. In the evaluation process it was observed that the numbers of CPU ticks required in traditional WSNs are much more than that’s of CBTC Algorithm, both in Normal and Random deployments. So by using CBTC, delay in network can be minimized. Using CBTC algorithm, the energy conservation and removal of coverage holes was also achieved in the present study.

Farming methods impact on soil and water conservation efficiency under tea[Camellia sinensis(L.)]plantation in Nilgiris of South India

Growing of tea on sloping land without any soil and water conservation measures causes enormous soil loss especially in the initial years.For sound soil and water conservation planning,there is a need to evaluate the various conservation measures as related to the amount of expected runoff and soil erosion.In this context,a field study was conducted in the farmer's field in Nigiris of South India for evaluating the impact of farming methods on soil and water conservation eficiency under new tea plantation One year old B-6 tea clones were planted at double hedge spacing(135 cm×75 cm×75 cm)in two slopes(8-12%and 30-35%)with treatments viz,contour staggered trenches(CST),vegetative barrier(VB),CST alternate with VB,CST with cover crop of beans and farmers'practice of plantation.Minimum runoff(14.6%)was observed from CST with cover crop of beans followed by CST(15.4%)under 8-12%slope range with exactly similar trend in runoff from the plots under 30-35%slope.Contrary to runof,minimum soil loss was observed from CST(4.9 and 6.9t ha^(-1)yr^(-1))fllowed by CST with cover crop of beans(5.3 and 73 t ha^(-1)yr^(-1))under 8-12%and 30-35%respectively.Implementation CST and CST with cover crop of beans are resulted in better soil moisture under both the slope ranges in comparison to remaining measures as well as farmers'practice of plantation.Therefore,either CST alone or in combination with cover crop of beans are recommended for soil and water conservation under new tea plantation in the hill slopes.

Energy Efficient Direction-Based Topology Control Algorithm for WSN

A wireless sensor network consists of hundreds or thousands of small nodes which could either have a static or dynamic position. These nodes are deployed through normal or random distribution to report events of a particular area to the base station through sink nodes. Having limited onboard energy of sensor nodes, conservation of energy in wireless sensor network is necessary. For this purpose, a new algorithm is proposed titled Energy-Efficient-Direction-Based-Topology-Control-Algorithm (EEDBTC). In proposed algorithm, direction is the main concern whenever an event occurs the node will send data in the direction of base station so that less energy is consumed. The results of the same were compared with customary dense wireless sensor network, color based WSNs and it was observed that this algorithm is much better than previous topology control algorithms used.

BARRIERS AND IMPEDIMENTS TO A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PROMOTING SUPER-ENERGY-EFFICIENT (SEE) HOMES

Reducing energy consumption and environmental impacts of homes remains a critical task for researchers and practitioners.Although numerous energy efficient(EE)home strategies have been developed,their adoption across the entire industry has still been limited.Nationwide,only a small number of EE homes have been built under several well-known EE home programs.Therefore,the research question of,“what prevents EE homes from being widely accepted and built?”needs to be addressed and investigated thoroughly.This paper presents the findings-a comprehensive set of barriers and impediments to the wide spread adoption of EE homes-from an on-going effort made by an alliance of researchers,educators,builders,suppliers,appraisers,real estate agents,and other parties associated with the home construction industry.These findings are being used to develop and implement a holistic action plan to advance the cause of EE homes through research,education,and outreach.The provided insights will also help other researchers,educators,practitioners and government agencies re-evaluate the strategies used in promoting EE homes and improve the effectiveness of on-going and future programs.

DECISION PROCESS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING RETROFITS:THE OWNER’S PERSPECTIVE

The process by which a building owner evaluates and decides upon energy conservation measures(ECMs)for a building retrofit is key towards achieving efficient results.However,many owners rely on unsophisticated evaluation methods,which potentially limits the amount of energy reduced in the commercial building.Reducing energy in the nearly 4.9 million commercial buildings is critical because they account for approximately one fifth of the total energy consumption in the United States.Reducing their energy consumption levels will have significant impacts on energy dependency,Greenhouse Gas emissions(GHG),and operations costs.The decision processes of twelve private and public organizations in New Mexico were evaluated through collective case study research.The processes of each organization were compared and key steps were identified.Then the most used and critical steps were combined to create an integrated decision approach that optimizes cost savings and GHG emission reductions.This integrated decision process involves five main steps:(1)Building Energy Data;(2)Energy Identification and Analysis;(3)Assessment;(4)Design and Planning;and(5)Approval.