GIS-based spatio-temporal analysis of rainfall trends under climate change in different agro-ecological zones of Wolaita zone, south Ethiopia.

Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of climatic conditions within a region is paramount for informed rural planning and decision-making processes, particularly in light of the prevailing challenges posed by climate change and variability. This study undertook an assessment of the spatial and temporal patterns of rainfall trends across various agro-ecological zones (AEZs) within Wolaita, utilizing data collected from ten strategically positioned rain gauge stations. The detection of trends and their magnitudes was facilitated through the application of the Mann-Kendall (MKs) test in conjunction with Sen's slope estimator. Spatial variability and temporal trends of rainfall were further analyzed utilizing ArcGIS10.8 environment and XLSTAT with R programming tools. The outcomes derived from ordinary kriging analyses unveiled notable disparities in the coefficient of variability (CV) for mean annual rainfall across distinct AEZs. Specifically, observations indicated that lowland regions exhibit relatively warmer climates and lower precipitation levels compared to their highland counterparts. Within the lowland AEZs, the majority of stations showcased statistically non-significant positive trends (p > 0.05) in annual rainfall, whereas approximately two-thirds of midland AEZ stations depicted statistically non-significant negative trends. Conversely, over half of the stations situated within highland AEZs displayed statistically non-significant positive trends in annual rainfall. During the rainy season, highland AEZs experienced higher precipitation levels, while the south-central midland areas received a moderate amount of rainfall. In contrast, the northeast and southeast lowland AEZs consistently received diminished rainfall across all seasons compared to other regions. This study underscores the necessity for the climate resilient development and implementation of spatiotemporally informed interventions through implementing region-specific adaptation strategies, such as water conservation measures and crop diversification, to mitigate the potential impact of changing rainfall patterns on agricultural productivity in Wolaita.

Trematode infection in ruminants and diversity of snail hosts across three agro-ecological zones in Ethiopia.

The occurrence of trematodes among ruminants and their snail vectors is a major concern across various agro-ecological regions of Ethiopia. Trematodes pose significant threats to animals, causing considerable economic losses and impacting public health. In this study, we have investigated 784 ruminant fecal samples, and 520 abattoir samples, alongside the collection and identification of snail vectors from various agro-ecological regions. Fecal examinations revealed Fasciola, Paramphistomum and Schistosoma species infected 20.5% (95% CI: 17.6, 23.8), 11.7% (95% CI: 9.6, 14.2), and 6.3% (95% CI: 4.1, 9.1) of the animals, respectively. The overall prevalence of trematodes among ruminants was 28.8% (95% CI: 25.7, 32.1%), with 6.0% (95% CI: 4.3, 7.7) showing mixed infections. Fasciola was more prevalent in Asela (26%) compared to Batu (19%) and Hawassa (11.5%), while a higher proportion of animals in Batu were infected with Paramphistomum. Schistosoma eggs were detected only in Batu (12.5%), but not in other areas. Sheep and cattle exhibited higher infection rates with Fasciola, Paramphistoma, and Schistosoma compared to goats. Significant associations were observed between trematode infections and risk factors including agro-ecology, animal species, body condition score, and deworming practices. About 20.8% and 22.7% of the slaughtered animals harbored Fasciola and Paramphistomum flukes, respectively, with a higher prevalence in Asela and Hawassa abattoirs compared to Batu abattoir. Additionally, a total of 278 snails were collected from the study areas and identified as lymnae natalensis, lymnae trancatula, Biomphalaria pffiferi, Biomphlaria sudanica, and Bulinus globosus. In conclusion, the study highlights the widespread occurrence of trematode infections, emphasizing the need for feasible control measures to mitigate their economic and public health impacts.

Floral enhancement of arable field margins increases moth abundance and diversity.

Moth populations have declined across large parts of north-western Europe since the mid-20th century due, in part, to agricultural intensification. Agri-environment schemes (AES) are widely implemented across Europe to protect biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Grass field margins enriched with wildflowers typically out-perform grass-only margins in terms of increasing insect abundance and diversity. However, the effect of wildflower enrichment on moths remains largely unstudied. Here, the relative importance of larval hostplants and nectar resources for adult moths within AES field margins are investigated. Two treatments and a control were compared: (i) a plain grass mix, the control, (ii) a grass mix enriched with only moth-pollinated flowers, and (iii) a grass mix enriched with 13 wildflower species. Abundance, species richness and Shannon diversity were up to 1.4, 1.8 and 3.5 times higher, respectively, in the wildflower treatment compared to plain grass. The difference in diversity between treatments became greater in the second year. There was no difference in total abundance, richness or diversity between the plain grass treatment and grass enriched with moth-pollinated flowers. The increase in abundance and diversity in the wildflower treatment was due primarily to the provision of larval hostplants, with nectar provision playing a smaller role. The relative abundance of species whose larval hostplants included sown wildflowers increased in the second year, suggesting colonisation of the new habitat. Implications for insect conservation. We show that, at the farm scale, moth diversity can be greatly enhanced and abundance moderately enhanced by sowing diverse wildflower margins, providing these insects with both larval hostplants and floral resources, compared to grass-only margins. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10841-023-00469-9.

Ecosystem Protection through Myco-Remediation of Chromium and Arsenic.

The current study emphasizes fungi as an important tool against heavy metals and how isolated fungal species can be used to create a successful strategy for the bioremediation of chromium and arsenic-contaminated sites/soils. Globally, heavy metal pollution is a serious issue. In the current investigation, contaminated sites were chosen, and samples could be taken from various localities of Hisar (29.1492° N, 75.7217° E) and Panipat (29.3909° N, 76.9635° E), India. A total of 19 fungal isolates were obtained from the collected samples through the enrichment culture technique using PDA media supplemented with Cr as chromic chloride hexahydrate (50 mg/L) and As as sodium arsenate (10 mg/L) and the potential of fungal isolates to be used for the removal of heavy metals was examined. The isolates were screened for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) exhibiting tolerance capabilities, and the four best isolates C1, C3, A2, and A6 with the highest MICs (>5000 mg/L), were chosen for further investigations. To use the chosen isolates in the remediation of heavy metals (Cr and As), the culture conditions were optimized. The fungal isolates C1 and C3 estimated the highest removal of 58.60% and 57.00% at 50 mg/L chromium concentration, while the isolates A6 and A2 recorded the highest removal efficiency of 80% and 56% at 10 mg/L arsenic concentration under optimal conditions. Finally, the chosen fungal isolates C1 and A6 were molecularly identified as Aspergillus tamarii and Aspergillus ustus, respectively.

The ecologically relevant genetics of plant-plant interactions.

Interactions among plants have been long recognized as a major force driving plant community dynamics and crop yield. Surprisingly, our knowledge of the ecological genetics associated with variation of plant-plant interactions remains limited. In this opinion article by scientists from complementary disciplines, the international PLANTCOM network identified four timely questions to foster a better understanding of the mechanisms mediating plant assemblages. We propose that by identifying the key relationships among phenotypic traits involved in plant-plant interactions and the underlying adaptive genetic and molecular pathways, while considering environmental fluctuations at diverse spatial and time scales, we can improve predictions of genotype-by-genotype-by-environment interactions and modeling of productive and stable plant assemblages in wild habitats and crop fields.

Ecological niche modelling as a tool to identify candidate indigenous chicken ecotypes of Tigray (Ethiopia).

The Tigray region is an ancient entry route for the domestic chickens into Africa. The oldest African chicken bones were found in this region at Mezber, a pre-Aksumite rural farming settlement. They were dated to around 800-400 BCE. Since then, the farming communities of the region have integrated chicken into their livelihoods. The region is also recognised for its high chicken-to-human population ratio and diverse and complex geography, ranging from 500 to 4,000 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.). More than 15 agro-ecological zones have been described. Following exotic chicken introductions, the proportion of indigenous chicken is now 70% only in the region. It calls for the characterisation of indigenous Tigrayan chicken ecotypes and their habitats. This study reports an Ecological Niche Modelling using MaxEnt to characterise the habitats of 16 indigenous village chicken populations of Tigray. A total of 34 ecological and landscape variables: climatic (22), soil (eight), vegetation, and land cover (four), were included. We applied Principal Component Analysis correlation, and MaxentVariableSelection procedures to select the most contributing and uncorrelated variables. The selected variables were three climatic (bio5 = maximum temperature of the warmest month, bio8 = mean temperature of the wettest quarter, bio13 = precipitation of the wettest month), three vegetation and land cover (grassland, forest land, and cultivated land proportional areas), and one soil (clay content). Following our analysis, we identified four main chicken agro-ecologies defining four candidates indigenous Tigrayan chicken ecotypes. The study provides baseline information for phenotypic and genetic characterisation as well as conservation interventions of indigenous Tigrayan chickens.

Biomass composition and dry matter yields of feed resource available at Lalo kile district of Kellem Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia.

This study aimed to assess the available livestock feed resources in the Lalo kile district of Kellem Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia, in terms of species biomass composition and dry matter yield of dominant forage species. The district was stratified into two agro-ecologies: mid-altitude areas and low-altitude areas. The effects of grazing intensity on dry matter yields and biomass composition were analyzed using a randomized complete block design replicated three times having two blocks differed by two agro-ecologies (three mid-altitude kebeles and three low-altitude kebeles). The present study used seventy-two pasture samples and 20 × 20 m forage trees collected randomly from the two agro-ecologies of the study area. The General Linear Model of the SAS 19.0 version was used to compare the effects of the agro-ecology and species on dry matter yield and biomass composition. The result of the study indicated that the average dry matter yield for grasses, legumes, and other herbaceous forages was 1.156 t/ha, 0.242 t/ha, and 0.182 t/ha, with an overall 1.58 t/ha in the study district, respectively. About 73.13% of grasses, 15.32% of legumes, and 11.55% of other herbaceous were the species biomass composition in the study area. The midland agroecology had the average biomass fodder yields 7.98-19.78 kg/tree and 1.06-2.41 kg/shrub while lowland agroecology had 9.87-178.06 kg/tree and 1.34-3.87 kg/shrub. There was an estimate of 74.36-100 kg/ha fodder shrubs and 500-800 kg/ha fodder trees on cultivated and uncultivated land in the study area. The herbage yield of natural pasture is 1.733 t DMha-1 in the mid and 1.427 t DMha-1 in the low altitudes of the study area, with a mean herbage yield of 1.58 t DMha-1 during vegetation cover. The grazing capacity of the study area was 0.23 TLU/ha/year in the mid and 0.19 TLU/ha/year in the low altitudes of the study area, with a mean value of 0.21 TLU ha/year. The presence of limited grazing land in the study area led to overgrazing, which in turn resulted occurrence of land degradation associated with poor biomass yield, low quality and variable supply of feeds between the season. Therefore, this study suggests setting up land-use regulation policy to allocate separate land for feed production and commonly use for livestock feeding to improve livestock productivity and contribute to food security and poverty alleviation of small holder farmers in the study area.

Agronomic Factors Influencing Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Infestation and Damage and Its Co-Occurrence with Stemborers in Maize Cropping Systems in Kenya.

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda J.E Smith, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious invasive pest of maize that has been established in Kenya since 2016. Little is known about its co-occurrence with resident stemborers, relative infestation and damage and how agronomic factors influence its infestation and damage in maize cropping systems across different agro-ecological zones. This study assessed FAW co-occurrence with resident stemborers, relative infestation and damage across three agro-ecological zones, and the effects of different agronomic practices on its infestation and damage in maize cropping systems in Kenya. A total of 180 maize farms were surveyed across three different agro-ecological zones. FAW infestation and damage was highest in lowlands compared to mid-altitude and high-altitude lands. Its population (eggs and larvae) dominated that of resident stemborers in maize fields. Maize grown under mixed cropping systems, with rainfed production and weeded frequently had low infestation and damage compared to those grown under monoculture, with irrigation and no weeding, respectively. Young vegetative maize plants were more infested and damaged compared to mature plants. Different maize varieties were found to have different infestation and damage levels with Pioneer having the least damage. These results demonstrate that agronomic practices play a role in influencing FAW infestation and damage in maize cropping systems. Further, the population of FAW is dominating that of stemborers in maize cropping systems in Kenya, four years after its invasion. Thus, agronomic practices need to be considered while designing sustainable agro-ecological-based management solutions for resource-constrained smallholder farmers.

Evaluating the quality of indigenous chicken eggs in Gena Bossa district of Dawro zone, South Ethiopia.

This study was carried out in the Gena Bossa district to evaluate the quality of indigenous chicken eggs in different agro-ecology and education levels of chicken producers. A total of 108 fresh eggs were collected from randomly selected 36 households for the determination of egg quality parameters and three eggs from each household, 36 eggs from each Agro-ecology, and 27 eggs from each education level of farmers collected. Eggs collected from highland agro-ecologies had the highest egg weight (43.94 ± 0.42g), shell thickness (0.54 ± 0.01mm), albumen weight (23.31 ± 0.40g), and shell weight (5.25 ± 0.73g). Lowl and eggs had the highest yolk color score (8.65 ± 0.14). Eggs collected from primary second cycle educated farmers had the highest egg weight (44.41 ± 0.48g), albumen height (5.17 ± 0.17mm), Haugh unit score (75.34 ± 1.41%), yolk height (15.58 ± 0.33), albumen weight (23.65 ± 0.46g), and shell weight (5.33 ± 0.08g). Except for shell thickness (0.54 ± 0.11mm) all egg quality parameters were lowest for eggs collected from illiterate farmers. Egg weight was most appropriate in primary first cycle and primary second cycle interactions with respective highland and midland agro-ecologies. However, shell strength was most appropriate in the interactions of highland agro-ecology with illiterate education level. The combinations of primary second cycle with highland agro-ecology was most appropriate than other interactions for albumen weight. Depending on this conclusion, it will be better to investigate further studies on factors affecting internal and external qualities of the eggs in the study area.

Morphological diversity in purple nutsedge from four agro-ecological zones in Ghana.

Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) exhibits plasticity and are morphologically different under different conditions. Due to these differences, the weed might respond differently to weed management. Here, we examined the morphological characteristics of purple nutsedge from southern Ghana relative to those reported from other countries and further assessed differences in ecotypes from four agro-ecological zones in Ghana. A total of 46 purple nutsedge samples: 40 samples from 40 communities across the study area and three each from two research stations were used for the study. The plants were multiplied, planted into pots and laid out in Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were carried out on both underground and aboveground morphological traits of the weed samples. The qualitative traits of the samples generally conformed to those reported in other countries and did not vary significantly between the agro-ecological zones (P > 0.05). The quantitative (growth) parameters showed significant differences among agro-ecological zones (P < 0.05) and were generally smaller than those reported in other countries, suggesting morphological adaptation of the weed in Ghana. Samples from the transitional zone were significantly smaller and this could facilitate easier management of the weed in that area. The principal component analysis gave four latent factors, which mainly pointed to photosynthetic structures and growth characteristics as the major components determining variations in the collection. Cluster analysis gave four clusters (at 0.7 similarity index), which were related neither to their geographic origin nor to the agro-ecological zones.

Opportunities to reduce pollination deficits and address production shortfalls in an important insect-pollinated crop.

Pollinators face multiple pressures and there is evidence of populations in decline. As demand for insect-pollinated crops increases, crop production is threatened by shortfalls in pollination services. Understanding the extent of current yield deficits due to pollination and identifying opportunities to protect or improve crop yield and quality through pollination management is therefore of international importance. To explore the extent of "pollination deficits," where maximum yield is not being achieved due to insufficient pollination, we used an extensive dataset on a globally important crop, apples. We quantified how these deficits vary between orchards and countries and we compared "pollinator dependence" across different apple varieties. We found evidence of pollination deficits and, in some cases, risks of overpollination were even apparent for which fruit quality could be reduced by too much pollination. In almost all regions studied we found some orchards performing significantly better than others in terms of avoiding a pollination deficit and crop yield shortfalls due to suboptimal pollination. This represents an opportunity to improve production through better pollinator and crop management. Our findings also demonstrated that pollinator dependence varies considerably between apple varieties in terms of fruit number and fruit quality. We propose that assessments of pollination service and deficits in crops can be used to quantify supply and demand for pollinators and help to target local management to address deficits although crop variety has a strong influence on the role of pollinators.

Biodiversity in a Cool-Climate Vineyard: A Case Study from Quebec.

In Quebec (Canada), viticulture has experienced steady growth in the last 35 years in terms of surfaces cultivated and value, although it is practiced in climatic conditions at the edge of what is considered a cool-climate area. This case study documents biodiversity studies conducted at the l'Orpailleur vineyard (Dunham, QC, Canada) from 1997 to 2021. In a first phase starting in 1997, the biodiversity of insecticide-free and insecticide-treated plots was determined for the taxa Scarabaeidae, Curculionidae, Chrysomelidae, Cicadellidae, Acari and Aranae. This step provided a baseline allowing to identify key arthropods. In a second phase starting in 2004, entomological issues were addressed on an ad hoc basis. In 2014, a third phase began with a perspective of sustainability and management of plant diversity in the vineyard to conserve natural enemies. Because of increased Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica-Scarabaeidae) populations and threats to vineyards, a biocontrol program based on the parasitoid Istocheta aldrichi (Tachinidae) was initiated. The unusually fast development of grapevines during the growing season, selection of flowering species, as well as selected arthropods associated with these flowering species, will be illustrated. Periodic update of protection programs will be required to address future challenges associated with climate change scenarios and world trade.

Performance evaluation of Kuroiler and Sasso chicken breeds reared under farmer management conditions in highland and lowland areas of Mvomero district, Eastern Tanzania.

One thousand one hundred and fifty-two dual-purpose improved chickens (576 Kuroiler and 576 Sasso) of mixed sexes were reared in two diverse agro-ecological zones, i.e., highland and lowland in Mvomero district, Eastern Tanzania, to determine the effects of agro-ecological zones on growth performance, egg production, and survivability under farmer management conditions. Two villages per zone were purposively selected, and from each village, 16 farmers were included in the study; a particular farmer received 18 birds of mixed sexes of the same breed. Data on body weight, egg production trait, and mortality were taken at different ages from week 6 up to 52. General Linear Models fitting breed, agro-ecological zone, and interactions between breed and zone were used to analyze the data. Results show that breed had no significant effects on body weight and body weight gain. However, the effects of the agro-ecological zone and interaction between breed and zone on body weight and body weight gain were significant at the 16th and 20th week of age. The highland zone had heavier chickens than the lowland. While Sasso performed better than Kuroiler chickens in the highland zone, the opposite was observed in the lowland. Significant breed × agro-ecology interactions were observed only for age at first egg whereby Sasso matured earlier than Kuroiler in the highland zone but much later than Kuroiler in the lowland. Birds raised in the highland zone survived better than those chickens in the lowland during both growing and laying periods. Thus, knowledge of breed performance in relation to agro-ecological differences is critical when distributing improved chicken breeds to farmers.

Evaluation of the physicochemical properties of honey produced in Doyogena and Kachabira Districts of Kembata Tambaro zone, Southern Ethiopia.

This study was conducted to evaluate the Physicochemical properties of honey produced in Doyogena and Kachabira districts, of Kembata Tambaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia. For the laboratory evaluation a total of eighteen (18) honey samples were collected. Of the total of 18 honey samples, 12 (6 from highland and 6 from midland) were purposively taken directly from the beekeepers from frame beehives and 6 honey samples were randomly taken from six retailor shops. The main parameters analyzed were color, moisture, electrical conductivity, ash, reducing sugar, fructose to glucose ratio, glucose to water ratio, fructose, glucose, fructose plus glucose, sucrose, Hydroxyl methyl furfural, power of hydrogen and free acidity. These parameters were evaluated in the Holetta bee research center laboratory and results were analyzed by Statistical analysis system software. The result of laboratory work indicated that the mean value of moisture, electrical conductivity, ash, reducing sugar, fructose to glucose ratio, glucose to water ratio, fructose, glucose, fructose plus glucose, sucrose, Hydroxyl methyl furfural, power of hydrogen and free acidity was, 18.83 ± 0.69 g/100g, 0.58 ± 0.03 mS/cm, 0.25 ± 0.02 g/100g, 68.55 ± 0.56 g/100g, 1.05 ± 0.03, 1.78 ± 0.08, 34.22 ± 0.55 g/100g, 32.61 ± 0.70 g/100g, 66.83 ± 0.44 g/100g, 2.54 ± 0.40 g/100g, 3.42 ± 1.95 mg/kg, 4.03 ± 0.21 and 13.39 ± 1.43 meq/kg respectively. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between districts in terms of moisture and power of hydrogen. Significant difference (P < 0.01) was declared between agro-ecologies in terms of the moisture, glucose to water ratio and free acidity. Moreover, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was seen between agro-ecologies concerning electrical conductivity and ash. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) between the honeys of the retailer shop and farm gate sources concerning moisture content, electrical conductivity, ash, reducing sugar, glucose to water ratio, sucrose, Hydroxyl methyl furfural and free acidity. The result of the study indicated that all the physicochemical parameters of honey evaluated lie within the range of national and international standards. Because of the good quality of honey of the study area, it is advised to exploit the potential for export market with better intervention.

Higher bee abundance, but not pest abundance, in landscapes with more agriculture on a late-flowering legume crop in tropical smallholder farms.

BACKGROUND: Landscape composition is known to affect both beneficial insect and pest communities on crop fields. Landscape composition therefore can impact ecosystem (dis)services provided by insects to crops. Though landscape effects on ecosystem service providers have been studied in large-scale agriculture in temperate regions, there is a lack of representation of tropical smallholder agriculture within this field of study, especially in sub-Sahara Africa. Legume crops can provide important food security and soil improvement benefits to vulnerable agriculturalists. However, legumes are dependent on pollinating insects, particularly bees (Hymenoptera: Apiformes) for production and are vulnerable to pests. We selected 10 pigeon pea (Fabaceae: Cajunus cajan (L.)) fields in Malawi with varying proportions of semi-natural habitat and agricultural area within a 1 km radius to study: (1) how the proportion of semi-natural habitat and agricultural area affects the abundance and richness of bees and abundance of florivorous blister beetles (Coleoptera: Melloidae), (2) if the proportion of flowers damaged and fruit set difference between open and bagged flowers are correlated with the proportion of semi-natural habitat or agricultural area and (3) if pigeon pea fruit set difference between open and bagged flowers in these landscapes was constrained by pest damage or improved by bee visitation. METHODS: We performed three, ten-minute, 15 m, transects per field to assess blister beetle abundance and bee abundance and richness. Bees were captured and identified to (morpho)species. We assessed the proportion of flowers damaged by beetles during the flowering period. We performed a pollinator and pest exclusion experiment on 15 plants per field to assess whether fruit set was pollinator limited or constrained by pests. RESULTS: In our study, bee abundance was higher in areas with proportionally more agricultural area surrounding the fields. This effect was mostly driven by an increase in honeybees. Bee richness and beetle abundances were not affected by landscape characteristics, nor was flower damage or fruit set difference between bagged and open flowers. We did not observe a positive effect of bee density or richness, nor a negative effect of florivory, on fruit set difference. DISCUSSION: In our study area, pigeon pea flowers relatively late-well into the dry season. This could explain why we observe higher densities of bees in areas dominated by agriculture rather than in areas with more semi-natural habitat where resources for bees during this time of the year are scarce. Therefore, late flowering legumes may be an important food resource for bees during a period of scarcity in the seasonal tropics. The differences in patterns between our study and those conducted in temperate regions highlight the need for landscape-scale studies in areas outside the temperate region.

Effectiveness of terracing techniques for controlling soil erosion by water in Rwanda.

Despite long-standing efforts in terracing, limited field-based evidence of its effectiveness as implemented within rural farming systems of humid tropical regions, such as Rwanda, is available. This study aimed to reveal regional differences in effectiveness of two widely used terracing techniques. Traditional slope farming (NP) was compared to bench (BT) and farmers' based progressive terraces (PT) in terms of runoff, soil losses, and topsoil fertility in two contrasting agro-ecological zones, the Eastern Plateau (Murehe) and Buberuka Highlands (Tangata). During four consecutive rainy seasons, event-based data were collected using erosion plots (5 m width x 22.2 m length). Effectiveness indices of both terracing systems, as well as (R)USLE P-factor values, were calculated. The annual average soil losses under NP ranged from 4.71 ± 5.02 ton ha-1 to 46.01 ± 7.28 ton ha-1 in Murehe (14% slope gradient) and Tangata (43% slope gradient), respectively. Bench terracing clearly outperformed the farmer-based progressive terrace at both locations, leading to negligible soil losses. In terms of runoff reduction, an effectiveness of 70 and 85% respectively, was observed at Murehe and Tangata. The effectiveness of PT reached 52% for runoff control and 93% for soil loss control at Tangata, thereby confirming its huge potential as erosion control measure, even in mountainous areas. In the hilly landscape of Murehe, the runoff generated by PT - in some years - can exceed that under traditional farming, while the measure reduced soil losses by half on average. Associated USLE P-factors varied between seasons with an annual average values of 0.001-0.02 for BT, and 0.07 to 0.55 for PT at Tangata and Murehe, respectively. These variations in performance by site and terracing system also resulted in differences in topsoil chemical fertility, with BT generally outperforming both PT and NP at Tangata. At Murehe, PT showed a significantly lower chemical fertility compared to BT and NP. Poor quality risers explained the overall lower performance of PT at Murehe. The study thus confirmed the huge potential of (bench) terraces to sustainably reduce soil erosion rates when established within an integrated approach, paying attention to correct installation and fertility-supporting agronomic practices. More attention should be given to riser installation (e.g. distance) and maintenance of PT. Adoption of these erosion control measures can be recommended to similar agro-ecological zones for sustainably protecting the lands while mitigating or adapting the effects of climate change.

Global agri-food chains in times of COVID-19: The state, agribusiness, and agroecology in Argentina.

The issues posed by the unfolding impacts of COVID-19 are very uneven in the case of Argentina, a major global commodity exporter. As domestic food prices have continued to rise, worsening the living conditions of millions, and state policies seek to guarantee the population's access to food, the hegemonic agribusiness sector is fostering new alliances to strengthen its integration into global agri-food markets. A full understanding of agribusiness' strategies needs to address the changes brought about by the pandemic on peasant-like farmers and rural workers, the alternatives they have developed (mainly agroecology) in their struggle against the dominant food regime in recent years, and explore the extent to which local expressions of this antagonism are being reshaped. In doing so, we also pay attention to the role of the state.

Use of Predicted Behavior from Accelerometer Data Combined with GPS Data to Explore the Relationship between Dairy Cow Behavior and Pasture Characteristics.

Our aim in this study was to investigate whether the behaviors of dairy cows on pasture, predicted with accelerometer data and combined with GPS data, can be used to better understand the relationship between behaviors and pasture characteristics. During spring 2018, 26 Holstein cows were equipped with a 3D-accelerometer and a GPS sensor fixed on a neck-collar for five days. The cows grazed alternatively in permanent and in temporary grasslands. The structural elements, soil moisture, slope and botanical characteristics were identified. Behaviors were predicted every 10 s from the accelerometer data and combined with the GPS data. The time-budgets expressed in each characterized zone of 8 m × 8 m were calculated. The relation between the time-budgets and pasture characteristics was explored with a linear mixed model. In the permanent grassland, dairy cows spent more time under a tree to ruminate (p < 0.001) and to rest (p < 0.001) and more time to graze in areas with Holcus lanatus (p < 0.001). In the temporary grassland, behavior was influenced by the external environment (presence of other animals on the farm; p < 0.05). Thus, this methodology seems relevant to better understand the relationship between the behaviors of dairy cows and grazing conditions to develop precision grazing.

Composition of the soil fauna community and leaf litter stock in agro-forestry systems and secondary forestry / Composição da comunidade da fauna do solo e estoque da serapilheira foliar em sistemas agroflorestais e floresta secundária

Agro-Forestry Systems (AFS), in addition to being a means of providing income, can be considered an alternative way of helping conserve biodiversity, both above and below ground. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of tree leaf litter and its nutrient content as well as the composition of fauna in the soil-litter layer in two Agro-Forestry Systems (AFS-1 and AFS-2), using as reference an area of secondary Forest (SF), in the Quilombola do Campinho da Independência community, Paraty, in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. The collection of accumulated leaf litter and soil-litter fauna was carried out from four sample points in each area and at two different seasons of the year, the rainy and the dry season. The leaf litter stock and its nutrient content (Ca, Mg, P, K and N) were measured. The extraction of fauna was carried out according to Tüllgren's method, modifying the Berlese funnel. The stock of accumulated leaf litter differed between the two areas only in the rainy season; the amounts were smaller in AFS-2. In general, the Agro-Forestry Systems were very similar to the secondary forest in terms of levels and/or stock of nutrients in the majority of cases, at least in one of the seasons studied. The composition of the soil fauna groups in the Agro-Forestry System (AFS-1 and AFS-2) had a high degree of similarity to that found in the forest, and these systems mainly favour the populations of groups like Collembola and Formicidae.

Os sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs) além de proporcionarem geração de renda, podem ser considerados como uma alternativa para conservação da biodiversidade, tanto acima quanto abaixo da superfície do solo. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o estoque de serapilheira acumulada e seus estoques de nutrientes, bem como, a composição da fauna do conjunto solo-serapilheira, em dois sistemas agroflorestais (SAF-1 e SAF-2), utilizando como referência uma área de floresta secundária (FS), na comunidade Quilombola do Campinho da Independência, Paraty - RJ. A coleta da serapilheira acumulada e da fauna do sistema solo-serapilheira foi realizada a partir de quatro pontos amostrais em cada área, em duas épocas do ano, seca e chuvosa. Foi quantificado o estoque de serapilheira foliar, e seus estoques e teores de nutrientes (Ca, Mg, P, K e N). A extração da fauna foi realizada a partir do método modificado de Tüllgren, baseado no funil de Berlese. O estoque de serapilheira foliar acumulada só variou entre as áreas na estação chuvosa, sendo os menores valores quantificados no SAF-2. De maneira geral, os sistemas agroflorestais apresentaram semelhanças em comparação com a floresta para a maioria dos teores e/ou estoques de nutrientes, em pelo menos uma das épocas de avaliação. A composição dos grupos da fauna do solo dos sistemas agroflorestais (SAF-1 e SAF-2) apresentou um elevado grau de similaridade com a floresta, e estes sistemas favoreceram principalmente as populações de grupos como os Collembola e Formicidae.

Individual and community-level risk factors in under-five children diarrhea among agro-ecological zones in southwestern Ethiopia.

Under-five children diarrhea remains a major public health problem in resource-limited areas, including Ethiopia, due to multiple risk factors. This study aimed to identify individual and community-level risk factors affecting under-five children diarrhea (UFCD) in five districts of the Bench Maji Zone, southwestern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to April 2018. A total of 826 households were recruited from five randomly selected districts using stratified sampling. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify risk factors associated with UFCD. The prevalence of UFCD in the study area was found to be 18.3%. Children less than six months of age are more at risk for diarrhea (95% CI for AOR2.5;1.23-4.90). Most probably initiating supplementary feedings before six months of age is one of the main risk factor for diarrhea (95% CI for AOR 0.65; 0.45-0.98). Similarly, mothers with low educational status (95% CI for AOR 0.30; 0.10-0.84), limited knowledge of mothers' about diarrhea (95% CI for AOR 0.24; 0.15-0.40), absence of hand washing among mothers/caregivers at critical times (95% CI for AOR 4.6; 2.88-7.67), and sharing of the residence with domestic animals (95% CI for AOR 2.87, 1.75-4.67) were the predictors of UFCD at individual-level. Children living in semi pastoral areas (95% CI for AOR 0.22; 0.10-0.50) unvaccinated children for rotavirus prevention (95% CI AOR 5.22, 3.33-8.20), households obtaining water from unimproved sources (95% CI for AOR 2.53; 1.60-4.40), and households with unimproved latrine facilities (95% CI for AOR 0.60; 0.33-0.99) were the risk factors of UFCD at the community-level. The study revealed that UFCD is a critical health concern in southwestern Ethiopia, where integrated intervention approach at individual and community level could help to alleviate the problem. At individual level, behavioral change intervention on handwashing, exclusive breast-feeding before the age of six months, and awareness on diarrhea prevention methods are critical areas of intervention. Likewise, provision of safe and adequate water source combined with household water chlorination, and vaccination for rotavirus are interventions at community that need to be integrated with the individual-level of intervention. This could significantly contribute for the reduction of UFCD in the resource limited areas through intersectoral collaboration of the health and other sectors.