Videos in Improving Farmers’ Innovation Capacity for Climate-Smart Forest and Agricultural Practices: An Experience of Madhupur Sal Forest in Bangladesh

Madhupur Sal forest is one of the major forests in Bangladesh which is also under intimidation of severe deforestation due to settlement of the ethnic people and encroachment for farming. However, deforestation is one of the major factors responsible for climatic change events like recurrent natural calamities and degradation of natural resources. Thus, a pilot project was taken in the forest area by Bangladesh Agricultural University to minimize carbon emission through introduction of low emission agricultural practices (vermi-compost and botanical pesticide) in crop production and to increase women’s participation in social forestry program. It also introduced improved cooker in the study area for reducing amount of fire wood for cooking. Video mediated extension approach was used to teach the people of the forest community regarding the consequences of climate change on their livelihoods. Findings showed that, project beneficiaries are now impressively aware on consequences of climate change issues. Around 75% of them are now using own made vermi-compost and botanical pesticide in agricultural production mixed with social forestry, while 42% of them are using improved cooker which has significantly reduced amount of fire wood for cooking. This is ultimately contributing in minimizing the rate of deforestation. However, the project initiatives have created alternate income opportunities of the forest community people through safe and organic cultivation of vegetables and fruits in the leased land. On the other hand, this social forestry programme will directly contribute in reducing consequences of climate change in the long run.

Green manuring facilitates bacterial community dispersal across different compartments of subsequent tobacco

Green manure–crop rotation is a sustainable approach to protect crops against diseases and improve yield.However,the mechanism by which green manuring manipulates the crop-associated microbial community remains to be elucidated.In this study,we explored the horizontal processes of bacterial communities in different compartments of the soil–root interface(bulk soil,rhizosphere soil,rhizoplane and endosphere)of tobacco by performing a field experiment including four rotation practices,namely,tobacco rotated with smooth vetch,ryegrass,radish,and winter fallow(without green manure).Results showed that the co-occurrence networks constructed by adjacent compartments of the soil–root interface with green manuring had more edges than without green manuring,indicating dramatic microbial interactions.Green manuring increased the dispersal-niche continuum index between bulk soil and other compartments,indicating that it facilitated the horizontal dispersal of microbes.For the different green manuring practices,the neutral community model explained 24.6–27.6%of detection frequency for bacteria,and at least one compartment under each practice had a normalized stochasticity ratio higher than the 50%boundary point,suggesting that the deterministic and stochastic processes jointly shaped the tobacco microbiome.In conclusion,green manuring generally facilitates bacterial community dispersal across different compartments and enhances potential interactions among adjacent compartments.This study provides empirical evidence for understanding the microbiome assembly under green manure–crop rotation.

Environmental benefits and farmers' adoption of winter cover crops in the North China Plain

The introduction of cover crops into monoculture systems to improve soil health has been widely adopted worldwide. However, little is known about the environmental risks and application prospects of different cover crops in spring maize(Zea mays L.) monocultures proposed in the North China Plain. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different winter cover crops on subsequent maize yield, soil fertility, and environmental risks of nitrogen(N) loss, and a questionnaire survey was conducted to examine factors influencing farmers' willingness to adopt cover crops in the North China Plain. Based on the same fertilization regime during the maize growing period, four winter cover crop treatments were set up, including bare fallow, hairy vetch(Vicia villosa Roth.), February orchid(Orychophragmus violaceus), and winter oilseed rape(Brassica campestris L.). The results indicated that winter cover crops significantly increased subsequent maize yield and soil organic carbon, total N, and microbial biomass carbon and N compared with the bare fallow treatment.The incorporation of cover crops led to a negligible increase in nitrous oxide(N_(2)O) emissions and had a very limited effect on ammonia(NH_(3)) emissions.The incorporation of February orchid and winter oilseed rape decreased nitrate leaching compared with the hairy vetch treatment in the maize growing season.The N losses via N_(2)O and NH_(3) emissions and N leaching accounted for 71%–84% of the N surplus. However, yield increase and environmental benefits were not the main positive factors for farmers to accept cover crops. Financial incentive was rated by 83.9% of farmers as an “extremely important” factor, followed by other costs, when considering winter cover cropping. These results indicate that the environmental benefits depend on the type of cover crop. Maintaining high levels of soil fertility and maize yield, providing sufficient subsidies, and encouraging large-area cultivation of cover crops are critical measures to promote winter cover cropping in the North China Plain.

The status and distribution characteristics of residual mulching film in Xinjiang, China

Pollution of residual plastic film in arable lands is a severe problem in China. In this study, the status of residual film and influential factors were investigated using the methods of farm survey in combination with questionnaires and quadrat sampling at a large number of field sites in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The results showed that the amount of film utilization increased largely and reached to 1.8×10~5 t in 2013. Similarly, the mulching area also substantially increased in recent decades, and reached to 2.7×10~5 ha in the same year. According to the current survey, 60.7% of the sites presented a greater mulch residue than the national film residue standard(75 kg ha^(–1)), and the maximum residual amount reached 502.2 kg ha^(–1) in Turpan, Xinjiang. The film thickness, the mulching time and the crop type all influenced mulch residue. The thickness of the film had significantly negative correlation with the amount of residual film(P<0.05), while the mulching years had significantly positive correlation with it(P<0.05). The total amount of residual film in Xinjiang was 3.43×105 t in 2011, which accounted for 15.3% of the cumulative dosage of mulching. Among all the crops, the cotton fields had the largest residual amount of mulch film(158.4 kg ha^(–1)), and also the largest contribution(2.6×10~5 tons) to the total amount of residual film in Xinjiang.

Early selection of bread wheat genotypes using morphological and photosynthetic attributes conferring drought tolerance

Genetic diversity is the base of any genetic improvement breeding program aimed at stress breeding.The variability among breeding materials is of primary importance in the achievements of a good crop production.Herein,105 wheat genotypes were screened against drought stress using factorial completely randomized design at seedling stage to determine the genetic diversity and traits association conferring drought tolerance.Analysis of variances revealed that all the studied parameters differed significantly among all genotypes,indicating the significance genetic variability existed among all genotypes for studied indices.The 10 best performance genotypes G1,G6,G11,G16,G21,G26,G39,G44,G51,and G61 were screened as drought tolerant,while five lowest performance genotypes G3,G77,G91,G98,and G105 were screened as drought susceptible.Root length,chlorophyll a,chlorophyll b,and carotenoid contents were significantly correlated among themselves which exhibited the importance of these indices for rainfed areas in future wheat breeding scheme.Shoot length exhibited non-significant and negative association with other studied traits,and its selection seems not to be a promising criteria for this germplasm for drought stress.Best performance genotypes under drought stress conditions will be useful in future wheat breeding program and early selection will be effective for developing high yielding and drought tolerant wheat varieties.

Effects of Microbial Inoculums on Soil Enzyme Activity and Microbial Diversity in a Reclaimed Mining Area

Through a pot experiment,effects of various microbial inoculums on soil microbial diversity and enzyme activity in a typical reclaimed mining area in Shanxi Province were discussed based on quantitative analysis of PLFA,soil urease,phosphatase and sucrase activity. The results showed that the application of microbial inoculums increased microorganism quantity in rhizosphere of rape by 2. 3%-66. 4%,and quantities of bacteria,gram-positive bacteria,gram-negative bacteria,fungi and actinomycetes in the treatments with microbial inoculums were significantly higher than the contrast( P <0. 05),while there was no obvious change in protist quantity. In comparison with the contrast,the application of various microbial inoculums also improved soil urease,sucrase and phosphatase activity by 4. 2%-61. 4%,18. 0%-32. 5% and 64. 2%-199. 0% respectively. It indicated that the application of microbial inoculums can improve soil microbial diversity and enzyme activity,so it is an effective way to speed up ecological restoration of soil.

Relationship Between Allelopathic Effects and Functional Traits of Different Allelopathic Potential Rice Accessions at Different Growth Stages

In this study,effects of temperature,light and their interactions on allelopathic effects and the functional traits specific leaf area(SLA)and stem mass fraction(SMF)of different allelopathic potential rice accessions at different growth stages were analyzed.The main results were as follows:Allelopathic responses to temperature and light varied with different allelopathic potential rice accessions at different growth stages.With the rise of temperature and the extension of photoperiod,allelopathic effect increased firstly and then decreased at 2–3 leaf stage,but increased constantly at the 4–5 and 7–8 leaf stages in strong allelopathic rice accessions[O.longistaminata,F1(O.longistaminata×RD23),F2(RL159 and RL169)].Temperature had significant impact on allelopathic effect without considering light factors,but light showed little effect on rice allelopathy at the same temperature conditions.The greatest allelopathic effect was attained with moderate temperature and long photoperiod at 2–3 leaf stage in strong allelopathic rice accessions,but all the rice accessions showed weak allelopathic effects at the low temperature condition(15oC/10oC),and the influence of different factors on allelopathy followed a general trend as temperature>leaf stage>light,indicating that among the multiple factors impacting rice allelopathy,temperature was the main factor.Allelopathic characteristics of F1 and F2 to various temperature and light were similar to O.longistaminata,showing that allelopathic genes from wild rice can be expressed in its descendants.Temperature and light also had significant effects on SLA and SMF,and rice allelopathy was closely correlative to SLA in strong allelopathic rice accessions at the 4–5 and 7–8 leaf stages,but there was no correlation between rice allelopathy and SMF at different growth stages.These results suggested that rice adjust the relationship between allelopathy and SLA and adapt to the varied environments,and that high temperature and long photoperiod can enhance rice allelopathic activity.

Application of Biochemical Fulvic Acid Potassium in Transplantation of Trees

[Objective]The paper was to clarify the application of biochemical fulvic acid potassium on the survival rate and growth of various trees transplanted in the process of landscaping.[Method]Two experimental treatments(i.e.decomposed organic fertilizer+biochemical fulvic acid potassium water soluble fertilizer,decomposed organic fertilizer+compound fertilizer)were designed to determine the changes in physical and chemical properties before and after soil treatment,and the survival rate,plant height and ground diameter of four different cultivated plants within one year,and the effects of applying biochemical fulvic acid potassium on cultivated plants were investigated.[Result]The soil organic matter,total nitrogen,alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen,soil available phosphorus,soil available potassium and p H value in the soil treated with decomposed organic fertilizer+biochemical fulvic acid potassium soluble fertilizer,and decomposed organic fertilizer+compound fertilizer increased significantly,and the soil bulk density decreased obviously.The survival rates,plant heights and ground diameters of four different cultivated plants were significantly improved after application of decomposed organic fertilizer+biochemical fulvic acid potassium water soluble fertilizer,and decomposed organic fer-tilizer+compound fertilizer(P<0.05).[Conclusion]The application of biochemical fulvic acid potassium on cultivated plants effectively improved soil fertility,increased the utilization of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium,improved the growth of plants,and promoted the growth of landscaping plants after transplantation.

Resistance of Diamondback Moth Population against Eight Kinds of Insecticides in Luliang County of Yunnan Province

Resistance of diamondback moth( Plutella xylostella L.) population against eight kinds of insecticides in Luliang County of Yunnan Province in China was determined in laboratory by leaf dipping method in autumn of 2009 and spring of 2010. The monitoring results showed that diamondback moth population in Luliang County of Yunnan Province had produced extremely high resistance against beta-cypermethrin and avermectin; LC50in autumn of 2009 were 1 035. 21 and1 055. 19 mg / L,while those in spring of 2010 were 9. 55 and 13. 84 mg / L,respectively; the resistance ratios were from 291. 61 to 692. 00. The diamondback moth population had moderately high resistance to spinosad,indoxacarb and chlorfluazuron; LC50in autumn of 2009 were 1. 59,2. 80 and 23. 97 mg / L,while those in spring of 2010 were 13. 83,24. 57 and 42. 73 mg / L,respectively; the resistance ratios were from13. 25 to 129. 98. The diamondback moth population was sensitive to diafenthiuron,BT and chlorfenapyr; LC50in autumn of 2009 were 16. 51,47. 40 and 0. 85 mg / L,while those in spring of 2010 were 1. 34,3. 38 and 1. 60mg / L,respectively; the resistance ratios were from 0. 77 to 8. 45. The resistance of diamondback moth population in Luliang County of Yunnan Province against eight kinds of insecticides successively were diafenthiuron < BT preparations < chlorfenapyr < spinosad < indoxacarb < chlorfluazuron < beta-cypermethrin <avermectin,and the resistance in spring was higher than that in autumn.

Analysis of Meteorological Epidemic Factors and Soil Improvement Controlling Technology of Tobacco Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia solanacarum)

[Objective] The paper was to analyze the meteorological epidemic factors for occurrence and prevalence of tobacco bacterial wilt( Ralstonia solanacarum),and to study control effects of different soil conditioners on the bacterial disease in Gaoligongshan demonstration area of green,ecological,high quality tobacco leaf production. [Method] The plots attacked by tobacco bacterial wilt over the years were selected and the incidence of the disease was periodically surveyed in tobacco growth period in 2012,2103 and 2014,respectively. 10 d Effective accumulated temperature and rainfall were counted according to the meteorological data,and the relationship between meteorological factors and disease index was analyzed. The control effects of three kinds of soil conditioners " Zhuanggenfeng",refined fulvic acid and lime on tobacco bacterial wilt were tested. [Result] The analysis results of meteorological factors showed that 10 d effective accumulated temperature and rainfall were positively correlated to disease index. The variation curve of 10 d effective accumulated temperature and rainfall reflected the change trend of disease index. The p H values were increased by 0. 57,0. 50 and 0. 72 respectively after applying " Zhuanggenfeng",refined fulvic acid and lime. The average control effects on tobacco bacterial wilt were 60. 74%-62. 18%,53. 05%-59. 53%,and 48. 59%-58. 53%,respectively. [Conclusion] 10 d Effective accumulated temperature and rainfall could be used as important reference for disease forecasting and controlling. The usage of soil conditioner has a certain prevention and control effect on tobacco bacterial wilt disease by forming soil conditions conducive to flue-cured tobacco growth but adverse to disease survival,which is an effective auxiliary method against the disease.

Effects of Fertilization Type on Carbon Storage of Soil and Crops in Mine Wasteland

Taking a three-year fertilization trial in mine reclamation soil from Shanxi Province,China as an example,the effects of different fertilization treatments on soil carbon storage and carbon fixation by corn were studied in this paper. Four treatments were designed in the experiment,including fertilizer( F),organic manure( M),half organic manure plus half fertilizer( FM) and control( CK). The results showed that fertilization had certain roles in increasing organic carbon storage of mine reclamation soil,and the application of single or combined organic and inorganic fertilizers had the most remarkable influence. Meanwhile,the treatment of single or combined organic and inorganic fertilizers could improve the carbon fixation capacity of corn prominently,and increased soil organic matter input. Thus,the application of organic manure or combined organic and inorganic fertilizer has great contribution to enhancing soil carbon sink and sustainable development of agriculture. However,the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer is the best choice for agricultural field based on economic consideration.

Control Effect of Sex Pherom one Lure against the Asian Corn Borer( Ostrinia furnacalis) in Field

We studied the trapping effects on Ostrinia furnacalis from the aspects of different hanging heights and different color traps. The results suggested that the hanging height of 1. 5- 2. 0 m received a better trapping effect,but trap color had little impact on trapping effect. The sex pheromone traps at different densities were placed in corn field. The results showed that sex pheromone lure could trap adult O. furnacalis,and it was feasible to apply sex pheromone in short term forecast. Meanwhile,it reduced the number of larvae and eggs,thereby reducing the damage of O. furnacalis. The lure number of 10 per hm2 was more appropriate,which could result in increasing yield of 8. 61% compared with control.

Thinking on Orientation of Engineering Research of China's Sorghum Industry

To solve engineering problems restricting development of China's sorghum industry in the whole chain,this paper firstly introduces functions of sorghum industry to national economic and social development.Then,it analyzes current situations of engineering research of sorghum industry.Finally,it discusses countermeasures for engineering research of sorghum industrial development.On the basis of current situations,it proposes 7 pertinent countermeasures.(i)Collection and storage of sorghum germplasm resource;(ii)Innovation on germplasm resource for sorghum breeding;(iii)Seed selection for new variety of special sorghum;(iv)Integrated innovation on high yield,high quality and high efficient cultivation technology;(v)Research and development of integrated prevention and control technology for disease,pests and weeds;(vi)Improvement in technological extension service system;(vii)Research of sorghum deep processing and use technology.It is intended to promote rapid,sustainable and healthy development of sorghum industry in China.

Development of Straw Decomposition Accelerator and Field Experiment

The mixture ratio of the three strains in the decomposition accelerator was 2∶ 1∶ 2. The experiment on the degradation of straw was carried out in field by using the self-made straw decomposition accelerator. The results showed that the straw decomposition accelerator has an obvious effect of promoting the degradation.The degradation rate was 8. 03% at 10 d and 26. 98% at 20 d,and reached 40. 2% at 30 d.

Role of a Coastal NGO in Attaining Climate Resilience in Bangladesh

The emergence of NGOs represents an organized response by civil society especially in those areas in which the state has either failed to reach or done so inadequately. NGOs have been taking a number of steps to promote discussion and debate about climate change issues. The study was conducted to determine the role of a coastal NGO named Speed Trust in attaining resilience in response to climate change in coastal region;viz. Kalapara sub-district under Patuakhali district. The sample size of the study was 80 respondents. The study followed a mixed-method of research design. Both structured and semi-structured questionnaires were prepared for collecting quantitative and qualitative data from the respondent. The empirical data for the study were collected through personal interviewing of the respondents. The findings of the study revealed that the role of Speed Trust in attaining climate resilience of the study area was varied with the change of aspects of climate resilience. It also indicated that majority (80 percent) of the respondents perceived the idea that Speed Trust is playing moderate to highly effective role in attaining climate resilience. While only 1.2 percent had perceived as poor role in attaining resilience in response to climate change. Correlation analysis indicated that among the selected socio-economic characteristics, respondent’s education, organizational participation, training on climate resilience, consequence due to climate change and participation in climate resilience program showed positive and significant relationship with the role of Speed Trust in response to climate resilience. Step-wise multiple regression analysis explored that amongst five variables, three independent variables finally entered into the model and the contribution factors are: participation, training, and organizational participation. They are jointly accounted for 62.2 percent of the total variation with perceived role of Speed Trust in attaining climate resilience. It was also established that the absolute majority (100 percent) of the respondents had to face low to medium level problems in getting Sped Trust’s services on climate change issues.

Effects of Wheat-Faba Bean Intercropping on Soil Microbial Community Structure in the Rhizosphere

Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) analysis and real-time quantitative PCR were used to investigate the effect of wheat-faba bean intercropping on soil microbial community in the rhizosphere and ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene abundances of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) at harvest stage via field trials in the red soil. We found that the bacteria and fungi of faba bean and actinomycetes of wheat in the rhizosphere showed significant (p < 0.05) difference between intercrops and monocrops at harvest. In total, 37 PLFA were detected at harvest stage in the rhizosphere, including 31 bacterial PLFA, 3 fungal PLFA, and 3 actinomycete PLFA. Compared with the rhizosphere of monocropped faba bean, a lower AOB abundance was found in the intercropping at harvest stage, whereas no significant difference in the AOB abundance was found in the rhizosphere of monocropped and intercropped wheat. There was no significant difference in the AOA abundance between monocrops and intercrops rhizosphere, but a higher AOA abundance in the intercropping systems was found. After intercropping, the abundance of AOB in rhizosphere was significantly higher than that of AOA. Our findings suggest that wheat-faba bean intercropping may change the micro-environment and microbial community structure in the rhizosphere.

Soil salinity prediction in the Lower Cheliff plain(Algeria) based on remote sensing and topographic feature analysis

Soil salinity and ground surface morphology in the Lower Cheliff plain(Algeria) can directly or indirectly impact the stability of environments. Soil salinization in this area is a major pedological problem related to several natural factors, and the topography appears to be important in understanding the spatial distribution of soil salinity. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between topographic parameters and soil salinity, giving their role in understanding and estimating the spatial distribution of soil salinity in the Lower Cheliff plain. Two satellite images of Landsat 7 in winter and summer 2013 with reflectance values and the digital elevation model(DEM) were used. We derived the elevation and slope gradient values from the DEM corresponding to the sampling points in the field. We also calculated the vegetation and soil indices(i.e. NDVI(normalized difference vegetation index), RVI(ratio vegetation index), BI(brightness index) and CI(color index)) and soil salinity indices, and analyzed the correlations of soil salinity with topography parameters and the vegetation and soil indices. The results showed that soil salinity had no correlation with slope gradient, while it was significantly correlated with elevation when the EC(electrical conductivity) values were less than 8 d S/m. Also, a good relationship between the spectral bands and measured soil EC was found, leading us to define a new salinity index, i.e. soil adjusted salinity index(SASI). SASI showed a significant correlation with elevation and measured soil EC values. Finally, we developed a multiple linear regression for soil salinity prediction based on elevation and SASI. With the prediction power of 45%, this model is the first one developed for the study area for soil salinity prediction by the combination of remote sensing and topographic feature analysis.

Distribution Assessment and Source Identification Using Multivariate Statistical Analyses and Artificial Neutral Networks for Trace Elements in Agricultural Soils in Xinzhou of Shanxi Province, China

Multivariate statistical analyses were used to assess the contents and distributions of trace elements in agricultural soils in Xinzhou of Shanxi Province, China, and to identify their sources. Samples with high levels of trace elements were concentrated in eastern Xinzhou, with contents declining from the east to west. Principal component and redundancy analyses revealed strong correlations among Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, V, and Zn contents, suggesting that these elements were derived from similar parent materials. There were also strong correlations between the contents of these elements and soil properties. Contents of Cd and Pb were significantly higher in the agricultural soil samples than in the background soil samples(P < 0.05), and were higher in areas with higher levels of gross domestic product but decreased with distance to the nearest road. Therefore, human activities appear to have a strong influence on the Cd and Pb distribution patterns. A novel artificial neural network(ANN) model, using environmental input data, was used to predict the soil Cd and Pb contents of specified test dates. The performances of the ANN model and a traditional multilinear model were compared. The ANN model could successfully predict Cd and Pb content distributions, projecting that soil Cd and Pb contents will increase by 128% and 25%, respectively, by 2020. The results thus indicated that the economic condition of an area has a greater effect on trace element contents and distributions in the soil than the scale of the economy itself.

Chinese agricultural technology transfer to African typical dry areas:practice and experience

Africa has experienced increasing aridity and higher frequency of droughts due to climate change during the half past century with possible adverse effects on agricultural production,especially in dry areas with low rainfall.Under the auspices of the Africa Water Action Program between the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology(MOST)and the United Nations Environment Program(UNEP),the Institute of Agricultural Environment and Resources,Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences(SAAS-IAER)worked closely with domestic and overseas partners on technology transfer in Morocco,Zambia,Egypt,Niger and Ethiopia from 2008 to 2013.A drought early warning system has been established and validated,and drought adaptation technologies have been trialed,modified,demonstrated and extended in African countries,and this shows great potential to increase crop production,water and fertilizer use efficiency and desert control in rainfed areas of Africa.The project has continued for six years and is a successful case of technology transfer and capacity building in Africa.The knowledge and experience gained will be useful to researchers,technicians,aid agencies and policy makers who work on agricultural technology transfer for in dry areas of Africa.