Using Cajanus Cajan in Biomass Transfer Technology to Increase Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill.)

The experiment was conducted at the Tono Irrigation Project site in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The objective was to investigate the effect of Cajanus cajan mulch and fertilizer application on the growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersiconesculentum). The split plot design, with treatments randomised within each block was used. Fertilizer was applied at three levels (0 kg N/ha, 75 kg N/ha and 150 kg N/ha) as main plot treatments and Cajanus cajan mulch at two levels (0 tons/ha and 15 tons/ha) as sub plot treatments. Mulch, fertilizer and mulch/fertilizer interaction had a significant effect on the growth (height and leaf area) of tomato. Tomato growth was highest at the highest rate of mulch and fertilizer interaction (15 tons/ha and 150 kg N/ha). Highest yield (9.35 tons/ha) was obtained at the highest rate of mulch/fertilizer interaction (15 tons/ha and 150 kg N/ha) and lowest yield (2.8 tons/ha) at control (No mulch and No fertilizer). However, fruit size was highest at half rate of fertilizer and mulch interaction (75 kg N/ha and 15 tons/ha). This accounted for the increase in marketable yield for the treatment. Half rate of fertilizer and mulch (75 kg N/ha and 15 tons/ha) gave the highest profit. Therefore, the use of Cajanus cajan mulch would reduce the dependence on inorganic fertilizers and ensure a sustained improvement in tomato yield

Aboveground Biomass and Carbon content of a cocoa –Gliricida sepium agroforestry system in Ghana

To help overcome the challenge faced in re-establishing cocoa in degraded lands, some agroforestry trials were established with exotic leguminous tree species to determine their suitability for cocoa cultivation. However, our understanding of biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration in such specific agroforestry practices is still limited. In this study, the above-ground biomass and carbon storage and partitioning in a gliricidia-cocoa agroforestry system was investigated. Above-ground biomass accumulation and carbon stock varied significantly between the components of the system, with the gliricidia shade trees having the highest values and the cocoa trees having the lowest. The inclusion of the gliricidia shade trees in the system increased above-ground biomass and carbon capture of the system by some 60%, a greater proportion of which was contained in the branches of the shade trees. This pattern of dry matter distribution makes the species appropriate for use as a biomass producing species in agroforestry systems and demonstrates the potential of cocoa agroforestry systems for capturing and storing more atmospheric carbon than sole cocoa systems

Effect of Chemically Modified Banana Fibers on the Mechanical Properties of Poly-Dimethyl-Siloxane-Based Composites

The study presents the mechanical properties of polymer-based composites reinforced with chemically modified banana fibers, by alkalization in different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The fiber weight fraction has a great effect on the mechanical properties of the composites. Stiff composites were obtained at 6 wt% fiber fractions with Young’s modulus of 254.00 ±12.70 MPa. Moreover, the yield strength was 35.70 ±1.79 MPa at 6 wt% fiber fractions. However, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and toughness of the composites were obtained at 5 wt% fiber fractions. Statistical analyses were used to ascertain the significant different on the mechanical properties of the fibers and composites. The implication of the results is then discussed for potential applications of PDMS-based composites reinforced with chemically modified banana fibers

Trends and status of illegal timber logging in three forest districts of the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana

The study was carried out in three Forest Districts of the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana, with the objective of finding out the occurrences of illegal timber logging. Data for the study include secondary data on illegal operations from the monthly offence report files and range report files of the Districts and data for the study covered the years 2001 to 2006. The year 2002 had the highest number of reported occurrence of illegal timber operations (24%). Most of the illegal timber logging took place off-reserve, with January being the month of most occurrences. An estimated minimum amount of GH¢29,348.02 was lost to the state through illegal logging. Triplochiton scleroxylon was the most exploited species representing 23% of tree species exploited by illegal loggers. Efforts at tackling illegal operations should be geared towards enforcing the laws, ensuring institutional stability and being vigilant in the month during which most of the illegal operations are likely to occur.Keywords: Illegal logging, Triplochiton scleroxylon, on and off-reserve loggin