Has global deforestation accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded,questions arose as to whether the pandemic would amplify or pacify tropical deforestation.Early reports warned of increased deforestation rates;however,these studies were limited to a few months in 2020 or to selected regions.To better understand how the pandemic infl uenced tropical deforestation globally,this study used historical deforestation data(2004–2019)from the Terra-i pantropical land cover change monitoring system to project expected deforestation trends for 2020,which were used to determine whether observed deforestation deviated from expected trajectories after the fi rst COVID-19 cases were reported.Time series analyses were conducted at the regional level for the Americas,Africa and Asia and at the country level for Brazil,Colombia,Peru,the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia.Our results suggest that the pandemic did not alter the course of deforestation trends in some countries(e.g.,Brazil,Indonesia),while it did in others(e.g.,Peru).We posit the importance of monitoring the long-term eff ects of the pandemic on deforestation trends as countries prioritize economic recovery in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Trait associations in common bean genotypes grown under drought stress and field infestation by BSM bean fly

Understanding functional relations among plant traits and their modulation by growing conditions is imperative in designing selection strategies for breeding programs. This study assessed trait relationships among 196 common bean genotypes exposed to stresses for drought and field infestation of bean fly or bean stem maggot(BSM). The study was carried out at two locations and data was analyzed with linear correlation, path coefficient and genotype × trait biplot analyses. Multiple trait data related to mechanisms of drought and bean fly tolerance were collected on 196 genotypes grown under i) water deficit at mid-pod fill, or ii) unprotected against bean fly; iii) irrigated, well watered conditions, or iv) bean fly protection with chemicals. Seed yield exhibited positive and significant correlations with leaf chlorophyll content, vertical root pulling resistance, pod harvest index, pods per plant and seeds per pod at both phenotypic and genotypic levels under stress and non-stress conditions. Genotypic correlations of traits with seed yield were greater than their respective phenotypic correlations across environments indicating the greater contribution of genotypic factors to the trait correlation. Pods per plant and seeds per pod had high positive direct effects on seed yield both under stress and non-stress whereas pods per plant had the highest indirect effect on seed yield through pod harvest index under stress.In general, our results suggest that vertical root pulling resistance and pod harvest index are important selection objectives for improving seed yield in common beans under non-stress and stress conditions, and particularly useful for drought and BSM tolerance evaluation.

Assessing Post-Conflict Challenges and Opportunities of the Animal-Agriculture System in the Alpine Region of Uvira District in Sud-Kivu Province, D. R. Congo

The Alpine region of Uvira District in South-Kivu Province faces low agricultural productivity challenges largely due to human population pressure on the natural resource base. During the dry season, conflicts between crop farmers and livestock breeders are common. This region is located 2500 - 3020 m a.s.l. and is almost inaccessible due to poor road infrastructure. To understand the interactions between natural resources (forests, pastures, soils) and sedentary agriculture, and to propose solutions for sustainable natural resource management, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) sessions covering three farmer group interviews were conducted in July 2010 in Marungu, Kitembe and Kahololo location. The livelihoods of the Banyamulenge have been transformed from pastoralism to a sedentary system with the introduction of crop cultivation after 1980. Maize, bush beans and Irish potatoes are cultivated with limited success because of late crop maturity under the prevailing climatic conditions. Livestock, mainly cattle, sheep and goats is managed under extensive system, relying on natural pasture far from the human settlements. Livestock plays an important role to define people’s wealth and is mainly managed by men. There is a real need of forages during the dry season;however, cultivation of forages is unknown. On the other hand, pastures appear to be degenerating due to overgrazing. Access by farmers to efficient and effective agricultural extension services is fundamental in order to promote locally adapted and profitable crop and livestock production while at the same time, sustaining the productive resource base and security.

Genotypic Variation for Tolerance to Low Soil Phosphorous in Common Bean under Controlled Screen House Conditions

Production of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is often limited by the low availability of soil phosphorus (P). Identification of common bean genotypes adapted to low phosphorus (P) availability may be a feasible strategy to overcome the poor plant growth and production in P-deficient soils. Genetic variation for P response of thirteen common bean genotypes was studied under screen house controlled conditions using triple super phosphate as P source. The common bean genotypes varied in leaf area, shoot mass, root mass, total root length, basal and lateral roots production, shoot P concentration and P uptake under phosphorous deficiency and high phosphorous. All the measured variables were significantly correlated with each other, which in turn were correlated to P uptake. Generally the large-seeded genotypes RWR 1946 and RWR 2075 appeared to have the best growth, hence superior P efficiency under low P availability, while at the same time they were more responsive to added P. These results complement the earlier field based observed tolerance to low soil phosphorous of the selected genotypes under the BILFA strategy.

Mining and utilization of salinity tolerant legumes in tropical coastal agroecosystems: An overview

Coastal saline soils are increasing year by year caused by climate change and human activities.Most of the coastal saline soils are idle due to their high salinity level and few crops can grow normally.Salinity tolerant legumes are naturally tolerant to salt,which can ecologically cover the coastal saline soil,enhance soil fertility by symbiotic nitrogen fixation and increase the smallholder farmers’benefits in terms of forage,green manure,food or medicine.However,few reports are available for the systematic evaluation of salinity tolerant legumes.This review summarizes and evaluates currently available salinity tolerant legume species that could potentially be used and discusses their potential for integration into smallholder mixed coastal systems of the Asia-Pacific region.Fourty four salinity tolerant legumes were summarized,six of them showed a high level of salinity tolerance,17 of them showed a moderate level of salinity tolerance and 21 of them showed potential salinity tolerance but need to be further studied.Many gaps such as combined tolerance evaluation,nitrogen fixation efficiency,animal feeding experiments and salinity tolerant rhizobia screening/inoculants exist.Case studies demonstrate legumes could be used to reclaim coastal saline soils,but commitment and support from government and public services are necessary to address both seed system and extension needs,through the provision of adequate incentives,policies and development efforts.

Agro-Ecological Adaptation and Participatory Evaluation of Multipurpose Tree and Shrub Legumes in Mid Altitudes of Sud-Kivu, D. R. Congo

Livestock is traditionally managed in mixed crop-livestock production systems in Sud-Kivu, D. R. Congo. Currently, livestock production is facing numerous constraints due to wars and insecurity in the country, with looting of animals, demographic pressure on natural resources, and lack of extension services. Multipurpose trees and shrubs with adequate forage quality could help overcome dry-season feed shortage. The objective of this research was to assess the agro-ecological adaptability of selected forage tree and shrub legumes combined with farmer participatory evaluation. The study was carried out at two distinct mid-altitude sites in Sud-Kivu. Trees and shrubs were planted randomly in eleven lines, with each species/accession consisting of nine plants split into three replications. Following a standardization cut after one year of growth, regular biomass harvests were performed every eight weeks during one year;Desmodium and Flemingia were cut at 0.5 m above soil surface, while Leucaena and Calliandra at 1 m. Before every harvest, plant height was measured and number of stems counted. Fresh leaf and stem biomass were weighted, sub samples dried and leaves analyzed for nutritive value. Results from agronomic evaluation show that Leucaena diversifolia ILRI 15551 and Leucaena leucocephala had the highest yield in the rainy season on fertile soil;during dry season, Leucaena diversifolia ILRI 15551 was superior. On poor soil, Flemingia macrophylla CIAT 17403 performed best in both seasons, however, its forage quality was relatively low. Forage tree and shrub legumes chosen by farmers were, in general, the same as those superior ones in agronomic evaluation.

Effects of Conservation Tillage on Total and Aggregated Soil Organic Carbon in the Andes

Many Andisols of the Andes have been disturbed by traditional potato-based rotation agriculture disrupting soil structure, water retention capacity and organic matter content. This study was undertaken to investigate the contribution of conservation farming technology or reduced tillage in potato-based rotations in the Colombian Andes in order to rehabilitate total and aggregated soil organic C in disturbed organic matter-rich Andisols. Soils were sampled from farms with 7-year of reduced tillage and farms with conventional farming practices. Ultrasound energy was applied to samples to disrupt aggregation and total soil C was determined in order to investigate the amount of carbon held inside the aggregates of different soil size classes. Results indicated that reduced tillage in potato-based crop rotations increased the soil C concentration and average C content in the whole profile (≈117 cm depth) by 50 and 33% (1636 t C ha?1 vs. 1224 t C ha?1), respectively, as compared to conventional farming practices. Carbon content increased 177% in the subsoil (A2 horizon, 78 -117 cm depth, from 215 to 596 t?ha?1), although most of the soil C was in the A1 horizon (between 0 -78 cm average thickness, 1097 t?ha?1). These increases show that reduced tillage enhances C stores in Andisols which are already high in organic matter. In addition, C in aggregates represented more than 80% of the total organic matter and it was positively affected by conservation practices. The C increase was preferential in the smaller macroaggregates (

Nutrients Flow as Affected by Cropping System and Production Niche in Smallholder Farmers of Cyabayaga Watershed

Nutrient-balance assessments are valuable tools for both planning and monitoring the implementation of sustainable integrated soil fertility management strategies. The aim of this study was to assess nutrient flows as affected by cropping systems and production niche in soils of Cyabayaga watershed. yabayaga watershed is located in Nyagatare district, Eastern province of Rwanda. Production niches considered are homestead fields, remote hillside fields and wetland fields. Partial nutrient (N, P and K) flows were collected through a survey using MonQi structured questionnaire, administrated to a random sample of 35 farmers. There was nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) negative balances (– 67.5 kg N ha-1 season-1 and – 7.7 kg K ha-1 season-1 respectively) whereas phosphorous (P) balance was positive (17.4 kg P ha-1 season-1). N, P and K balances were negative in bean, maize-bean, cassava, groundnut, maize, onion, sorghum and tomato and positive in rice, banana and banana-bean. Highest amount of nutrients were significantly allocated in wetland fields while allocation of nutrients in homestead fields and remote hillside fields was almost the same. Groundnut and maize plots were experiencing highest negative nutrients balance (e.g. N balance in groundnut plot was – 40.6 N ha-1 season-1). N and K balance were positive in rice and banana plots;whilst P balance was positive in banana, bean, maize, rice and tomato plots. Partial nutrients flow and balance from this study show that nutrient depletion is a problem in the study area. A special attention should be put to fertility management and alternative solution for less fertile soil (uplands in particular), especially for farm that have reduced land size. From this respect, conservation agriculture is the main farm management which could be recommended.

Role of aminopeptidase N-like in the acquisition of begomoviruses by Bemisia tabaci,the whitefly vector

Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus(SLCMV)is a prominent causative agent of cassava mosaic disease in Asia and relies on the whitefly Bemisia tabaci cryptic complex for its transmission.However,the molecular mechanisms involved in SLCMV transmission by B.tabaci have yet to be understood.In this study,we identified an aminopeptidase N-like protein(BtAPN)in B.tabaci Asia II 1,an efficient vector of SLCMV,which is involved in the SLCMV transmission process.Through the use of glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay and LC-MS/MS analysis,we demonstrated the interaction between BtAPN and the coat protein(CP)of SLCMV.This interaction was further confirmed in vitro,and we observed an induction of BtAPN gene expression following SLCMV infection.By interfering with the function of BtAPN,the quantities of SLCMV were significantly reduced in various parts of B.tabaci Asia II 1,including the whole body,midgut,hemolymph,and primary salivary gland.Furthermore,we discovered that BtAPN is conserved in B.tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1(MEAM1)and interacts with the CP of tomato yellow leaf curl virus(TYLCV),a begomovirus known to cause severe damage to tomato production.Blocking BtAPN with antibody led to a significant reduction in the quantities of TYLCV in whitefly whole body and organs/tissues.These results demonstrate that BtAPN plays a generic role in interacting with the CP of begomoviruses and positively regulates their acquisition by the whitefly.

Assessing Soil Properties and Landforms in the Mai-Negus Catchment, Northern Ethiopia

Soil degradation is a serious environmental problem in Ethiopia. However, little information is documented on indicators such as variations in soil properties across different landforms in a catchment. This study was aimed to assess soil properties and their changes across sites with different erosion statuses, and identify landscape positions that require prior management attention in the Mai-Negus catchment, northern Ethiopia. Three types of erosion-status sites(stable, eroding and aggrading) were identified using reconnaissance surveys, and then the corresponding soil samples were collected and analyzed. The major soil properties were significantly varied(P ≤ 0.05) among the three erosion-status sites. The highest soil p H, organic carbon, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, iron and zinc were recorded from the aggrading sites in the reservoir and valley landforms of the study catchment. A higher bulk density was generally recorded in the eroding sites, whereas a lower value was observed in the aggrading sites. The highest sand content was observed in the eroding sites of the mountain followed by the central ridge landform. The paired mean difference and the correlation matrix of most soil properties between the different erosion statuses also showed significant differences. About 95% of the erosionstatus sites were correctly classified by the discriminant function, indicating that the field survey-based classification was acceptable for decision making. On the basis of this study, suitable interventions should thus be introduced to the prioritized landforms, which are the mountain and central ridge, and eroding sites with severely degraded soil properties across the catchment.

A Clearinghouse for Genome-Edited Crops and Field Testing

Latin America was commonly called"sleeping giant"for its humid tropics and land base relative to its population size.The International Center for Tropical Agriculture(ClAT,by.its Spanish acronym)was initiated in 1967 to serve three important zones-coastal plains,savannahs,and“hot,humid jungles.”In line,the research areas were organized to be fitted as appropriate into these important ecological zones.Over the 50 years,CIAT has been a forerunner in developing and disseminating improved crop varieties and agricultural technologies,including its pioneering approaches in the tropics.

Competition for land resources:driving forces and consequences in crop-livestock production systems of the Ethiopian highlands

Introduction:Ethiopia has made efforts to tackle the challenges of low crop and livestock productivity and degradation of land resources through various rural development strategies.However,increasing demands for food,animal feed,fuel,and income-generating activities are putting pressure on the land.In this paper,we describe the production pressure and competition between crop and livestock production,quantify rates of land-use/cover(LULC)changes,and examine driving forces and consequences of land conversion.Methods:The study was conducted in Gudo Beret watershed,North Shewa Zone of Amhara region,Ethiopia.It used a combination of methods including remote sensing,household interviews,field observations,focus group discussions,and key informant interviews.Supervised and unsupervised image classification methods were employed to map LULC classes for 31 years(1984–2016).Results:The results of satellite remote sensing revealed that 51%of the land in the study area was subject to accelerated land conversions.The household survey results indicated that feed resources and grain production pressures were 1.43 and 1.34 t ha^(−1) respectively.The observed annual changes in plantation and settlement areas were 2.6%and 2.9%.This was mainly at the expense of bushland and grazing land systems.Cropland increased(0.4%year^(−1))while grazing land reduced(3.5%year^(−1))under contrasting dynamics and competitive changes.An increase in human and livestock populations and farm expansion were major drivers of land conversion that adversely affected household livelihoods and the natural ecosystem.The consequences of these pressures resulted in a lack of animal feed,low crop-livestock productivity,and a reduction in natural vegetation coverage.Conclusions:We suggest that sustainable land resource management,more integrated crop-livestock production,and the use of productivity-enhancing technologies could play a role in managing competition for land resources.

The power of phenomics:Improving genebank value and utility

Genebanks are considered the"crown jewels"of research organizations,as they safeguard valuable plant genetic resources and address the emerging challenges posed by climate-related constraints(Anglin et al.,2018).Currently,7.4 million accessions have been conserved in 1750 gene banks worldwide.Of these,only 10%are being used for crop improvement(Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture,2010).The limited availability of passport data and the challenge of characterizing trait attributes of accessions at large scale are some of the challenges to relate their true value(Tadesse et al.,2019).Obtaining traits such as agronomic or nutritional characteristics requires extensive field phenotyping and multiple site testing over several seasons.This will create value with accurate evaluation of genotype-by-environmental variation in a given trait.The use of low-cost high-throughput phenotyping(HTP)methods to characterize the genotypic and phenotypic representations of genebank genetic resources,otherwise known as genebank phenomics,will help in understanding crops'potential for use in breeding programs with desirable traits.

Effects of land management practices and land cover types on soil loss and crop productivity in Ethiopia:A review

Identifying land management practices(LMPs)that enhance on-site sediment management and crop productivity is crucial for the prevention,reduction,and restoration of land degradation and contributing to achieving land degradation neutrality(LDN).We reviewed studies in Ethiopia to assess the effects of LMPs on soil loss(84 studies)and crop productivity(34 studies)relative to control practice.Yield variability on conserved lands was assessed using 12,796 fixed plot data.Effects of LMP on soil loss were 0.5-55 t ha^(−1)y^(−1)compared to control practices yielding 50 to 140 t ha^(−1)y^(−1).More than 55%of soil loss records revealed soil loss less than the tolerable rate(10 t ha^(−1)).Area closure,perennial vegetation cover,agronomic practices,mechanical erosion control practices,annual cropland cover,and drainage groups of practices led to 74.0±18.3%,69.0±24.6%,66.2±30.5%,66.1±18.0%,63.5±20.0%,and 40±11,1%soil loss reduction,respectively.A yield increase of 25.2±15.0%,37.5±28.0%,and 75.4±85.0%was found from drainage,agronomy,and mechanical erosion control practices,respectively.The average yield loss by erosion on fields without appropriate land management practice and on conserved fields was 26.5±26.0%and 25±3.7%,respectively.The findings suggest that practices that entail a continuous presence of soil cover during the rainy season,perennial vegetation,retention of moisture,and barriers for sediment transport were most effective at decreasing soil loss and increasing productivity.This review provides evidence to identify the best LMP practices for wider adoption and inform decision-making on LMP investments towards achieving sustainable solutions to reverse land degradation.

Estimating landscape susceptibility to soil erosion using a GIS-based approach in Northern Ethiopia

Soil erosion is a very critical form of land degradation resulting in the loss of soil nutrients and downstream sedimentation of water storages in the highlands of Ethiopia.As it is technically and financially impossible to conserve all landscapes affected by erosion,identification of priority areas of intervention is necessary.Spatially distributed erosion models can help map landscape susceptibility to erosion and identify high erosion risk areas.Integration of erosion models with geographic information systems(GIS)enables assessing evaluate the spatial variability of soil erosion and plan implementing conservation measures at landscape levels.In this study,the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation adjusted for sediment delivery ratio was used in a GIS system to assess landscape sensitivity to erosion and identify hotspots.The approach was applied in three catchments with size being 10–20 km^(2) and results were compared against quantitative and semi-quantitative data.The model estimated mean soil loss rates of about 45 t ha^(−1) y^(−1) with an average variability of 30%between catchments.The estimated soil loss rate is above the tolerable limit of 10 t ha^(−1) y^(−1).The model predicted high soil loss rates at steep slopes and shoulder positions as well as along gullies.The results of the study demonstrate that knowledge of spatial patterns of high soil loss risk areas can help deploy site-specific conservation measures.

How utilizing the genes involved in drought tolerance could tackle the climate change-related food crisis?

The global population is expected to increase by 10 billion by 2050,the demand for food and water is also likely to increase.Several factors intensify the growing water scarcity,such as inefficient water use in the food value chain and inadequate infrastructure to save water.The changing climate also exacerbates the rising temperature by making the drier areas drier and negatively impacting agriculture production in most parts of the world.A decrease in precipitation has been observed in the tropics and sub-tropics,such as the Sahel region of Southern Africa,the Mediterranean,South Asia,and the Southwest of US since 1970(https://www.climatecommunication.org).

The influence of grazing and cultivation on runoff, soil erosion, and soil nutrient export in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Background:Grazing by livestock and cultivation have been considered as two important causes of soil erosion and nutrient export.However,there has been limited evidence that grazing or cultivation matters to soil erosion and nutrient export in Ethiopia.Hence,this study was conducted in the Galesa watershed in Ethiopia to examine the effects of grazing and cultivation on runoff,soil loss,and nutrient export.Daily values of runoff,soil erosion,and nutrient outflow were measured for three consecutive years following standard procedures.Independent t test was performed to check if the means of runoff,soil loss,and nutrient loss from grazing and cultivated lands were significantly different.Moreover,repeated analysis of variance(ANOVA)was used to test if mean values of runoff,soil loss,and nutrient export varied significantly over the study years.Results:Although the average annual runoff depth was 7.8%higher in grazing land(GL),soil erosion was significantly lower(39%)in GL as compared to cultivated land(CL).Similarly,sediment and runoff-associated annual losses of total nitrogen(N),available phosphorus(P),exchangeable potassium(K),and organic carbon(OC)were low in the GL treatments.Lowest losses of total N(9.30 kg ha^(−1) year^(−1)),available P(0.83 kg ha^(−1) year^(−1)),and exchangeable K(1.84 kg ha^(−1) year^(−1))were recorded in GL treatment.Likewise,lowest losses of sediment-associated total N(32.8 kg ha^(−1) year^(−1)),available P(0.39 kg ha^(−1) year^(−1)),exchangeable K(0.23 kg ha^(−1) year^(−1)),and soil organic carbon(630 kg ha^(−1) year^(−1))were recorded from GL over the 3 years of experimentation.Conclusion:Our results indicate that cultivation increased soil erosion as compared to grazing.Although there were significant reductions in soil erosion and nutrient export from grazing lands compared with cultivated lands,the absolute losses were still high.This implies the need for grazing land management using appropriate physical and biological erosion control measures to increase productivity and reduce soil erosion as well as nutrient export.

Sustainable land management interventions lead to carbon sequestration in plant biomass and soil in a mixed croplivestock system:the case of Geda watershed,central highlands of Ethiopia

Background:Sustainable land management interventions were introduced in Geda watershed in 2012 to reduce soil erosion,improve water infiltration,and increase plant-carbon inputs into the soil.This study explored the impact of the interventions on biomass production,carbon stock,and carbon sequestration.Stratified sampling was employed in the main and the dry seasons in the treated and untreated sub-watersheds that are found adjacent to each other.Above-and below-ground plant biomass,soil bulk density and organic carbon in 0-15-and 15-30-cm depths,and soil moisture content in 0-20-and 20-40-cm depths were collected from the crop,grazing,and tree lucerne plots.All analyses were performed based on standard procedures.Results:Plant biomass production,carbon stock,and carbon sequestration varied highly significantly(P≤0.001)among sub-watersheds,landscape positions,and land uses.Higher mean values were observed for treated subwatershed,lower landscape position,and tree lucerne plot.The higher mean values in the lower landscape position of the treated sub-watershed were due to tree lucerne plantation.Similarly,topsoil(0-15 cm)carbon stock was statistically higher(P≤0.001)in the treated sub-watershed and at tree lucerne plot(P≤0.05).In addition,carbon stock by sub-surface soil(15-30 cm)was significantly higher(P≤0.001)in the treated sub-watershed under crop and grazing lands but the higher value was in cropland and in the upper position.This could be due to the decomposition of organic materials from biomasses of crops and biological supporting measures(tree lucerne and Phalaris)facilitated by tillage.Six years of sustainable land management interventions led to the sequestration of 12.25,7.77,and 13.5 Mg C ha^(−1) under cropland,tree lucerne,and grazing plots,respectively.Conclusion:Sustainable land management interventions revealed auspicious ecological impacts in Geda watershed in terms of improving plant biomass production,carbon stock,and correspondingly capturing higher carbon dioxide equivalent taking untreated sub-watershed as a baseline.Prohibition of free grazing was the key element of the intervention to reduce biomass export and increase carbon sequestration in the treated sub-watershed.Thus,sustaining tree lucerne plants as a conservation measure and the prohibition of free grazing practices are principally essential.

Effects of sustainable land management interventions on selected soil properties in Geda watershed,central highlands of Ethiopia

Background:Land degradation through soil erosion by water is severe in the highlands of Ethiopia.In order to curb this problem,the government initiated sustainable land management interventions in different parts of the country since 2008,and in Geda watershed since 2012.However,the impacts of the interventions on soil properties were not assessed so far.Thus,this study investigated the impacts of sustainable land management interventions on selected soil properties in Geda watershed.Soil samples were collected from treated and untreated subwatersheds at the upper and lower landscape positions,from cropland and grazing lands at two soil depths(0-15 cm and 15-30 cm).Selected soil physicochemical properties were assessed with respect to landscape position,land-use type,and soil depth in both treated and untreated sub-watersheds.Results:Generally,most of the soil physicochemical properties differed greatly across sub-watersheds,land-use types,and soil depths.Clay,electrical conductivity,total N,available P,exchangeable K,and organic carbon were higher in the treated sub-watershed,whereas sand,silt,bulk density,and pH were higher in the untreated subwatershed.The higher sand,silt,and bulk density could be attributed to erosion,while the higher pH could be due to the higher exchangeable Na in the untreated sub-watershed.Most of the selected soil chemical properties were not affected by landscape position,but land-use type affected available P and organic carbon with higher mean values at croplands than at grazing lands,which could be ascribed to the conservation structure and tillage of the soils in that conservation structures trap and accumulate transported organic materials from the upper slope,while tillage facilitates aeration and decomposition processes.Conclusion:Sustainable land management interventions improved soil physicochemical properties and brought a positive restoration of the soil ecosystem.Maintaining the soil conservation measures and enhancing community awareness about the benefits,coupled with management of livestock grazing are required to sustain best practices.

Frontline remote sensing tool to locate hidden traits in root and tuber crops

Root and tuber crops(RTCs)play an important role in alleviating poverty,improving health and nutrition,and providing excellent opportunities for improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in countries like sub-Saharan Africa.Starch roots and tubers are edible starch materials that are stored in the subterranean stems,roots(cassava and sweet potatoes),rhizomes(canna and arrow roots),corms(taros and cocoyams),and tubers(potatoes and yams)(Chandrasekara and Kumar,2016).