Potential Use of Cyanobacterial Bio-fertilizer on Growth of Tomato Yield Components and Nutritional Quality on Grown Soils Contrasting pH

Soil fertlity loss is considered as the most important prblem in developing tropical countries.This is especially serious for the Ethiopia whose larger proportion of the land mass is highland and soil mining through continous cultivation is common. On the other hand, cost of inorganic fertilizer is expensive and used in small quantity thus contributing to less crop yield. Even when this is possible, continous use of the chemical fertilizers in agricultural production is seriuos enviromental concern. In this study, therefore, a series of two different experiments were conducted to assess growth of cyanobacterial strains under two different water sources and to comparatively evaluate the use of cyanobacterial biofertilizer on growth and biomass production, and on nutritional quality of tomato fruits grown under contrasting soil PH (soil from WCU  farm and Balesa  are 5.9 and 8 respectively). In experiment I, two N fixing cyanobateria (Anabaena spp.) strains (E-3 and E-6)  were evaluated in tap and river water  for their growth and N fixation capacity. The result showed that there were siginficant difference (P<0.001) between strains in growth performance in both water sources. Accordingly, E-3 was found higher in growth and performance best in both water sources. In experiment II, five treatments namely dry as well as liquid cyanobacteria biofertilizer, urea, compost and unfertilized (control) were employed on tomato plant and studied in a CRD. The total experimental unit of the this research  was the combination of two factors( soil type and fertlizer type), thus altogether making 10 treatments. Also, the residual effect of the cyanobacterial biofertilizer on soil fertlity has been assessed. Analysis of results indicated that there were significant difference among N sources on plant height, fruit number,number of flower and primary branches, beta carotene, plant Nitrogen (N), Phosphrous (P), Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) contents of the tomato plant. As compared to the control treatment, the dried cyanobacteria resulted in increased value  in plant height,  primary branches, fruit number, in fruit weight per plant, shoot dry weight and number of flowers. In the same manner after harvesting dried cyanobacteria treatment resulted in more soil available phosphrus (Av.P), soil total Nitrogen (TN), while there were reduction in soil pH and soil EC. And also, analysis of nutrient content of plant revealed that the dried cyanobacteria treatments resulted in an increased value of nutrient content of plant (TN, phosphrus Zinc, Iron and fruit β carotene) over the control treatments. In almost all parameters studied, the tomato plants performed better on soil from WCU farm than in soil from Balesa farm soil showing inherent difference in fertility of the soils at these sites. Generally, plants showed better growth with application of cyanobacyeria bio-fertilizers than with urea fertilizer and compost, thus indicating the potential of cyanobacteria biofertilizer as having a postive effect on soil fertility and yield and nutritional quality of cultivated vegetables such as tomato plant. Keywords: Cyanobacteria, N fixation,tomato, Growth parametrs and Yield component

Carcass and Non-carcass Yield Characteristics of Horro Sheep Supplemented with Two Lablab purpureus Cultivars and Concentrate Mixture to a Basal Diet of Natural grass hay

The study was carried out using twenty five male yearling Horro sheep with average body weight (BW) of 18.5 + 1.99 kg (Mean + SD) to determine the supplementary value of Beresa-55 and Gebisa-17 Lablab purpureus cultivars and concentrate mixture to a basal diets of natural pasture hay on carcass and non-carcass yield characteristics. All lambs were stratified in to five groups according to their initial body weight in randomized complete block design and were assigned to the dietary treatments randomly. Experimental lambs had free access to a basal diet (natural grass hay) but, supplemental feeds were restricted considering 1.5 and 2% of their body weight in dry matter (DM) basis which is adjusted following regular weight measurements. Thus, the treatments were; ad-lib natural grass hay + concentrate mixture at 2% BW (T1), ad-lib natural grass hay + Gebisa-17 cultivar at 1.5% BW (T2), ad-lib natural grass hay + Gebisa-17 cultivar at 2% BW (T3), ad-lib natural grass hay + Beresa-55 cultivar at 1.5% BW (T4) and ad-lib natural grass hay + Beresa-55 cultivar at 2% BW (T5). All carcass parameters and most of the non carcass parameters were significantly affected by dietary treatments. Lambs fed diets T1 and T5 had performed better in most of the parameters measured such as SW, EBW, HCW, fore and Hind quarter. However, lambs in T2, T3 and T4 had intermediate value in these parameters. In general, lambs fed T1 and T5 enhanced comparable carcass and non carcass yield than in the other treatments. However, Supplementation with conventional feed resources (grains, cereals etc.) for animal production is scarce and highly expensive in many parts of the world. Hence, the use of forage legumes as alternative feed resources for ruminant livestock is becoming increasingly important in many parts of the tropics and sub-tropics because of its availability, abundance and relatively reduced cost. Therefore, it can be recommended that, T5 (ad-lib grass hay+Beresa-55 cultivars at 2% BW) can be used as a priority supplement in feeding of local sheep. Keywords: Horro sheep, dressing percentage, hot carcass weight, Lablab purpureu

Climate Change Adaptation Strategies of Smallholder Farmers: The Case of Bedele District, Bunno Bedele Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Understanding of the local dimensions of adaptation is essential to develop appropriate adaptation measures that can minimize the adverse consequences of climate change. The objective of this study was to identify farmers’ adaptation strategies and determinants of climate change adaptation strategies in Bedele district, Western Ethiopia. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study and 100 respondents were interviewed. The results shows that the likelihood of households to adopt adverse effects of climate change in the study area used adjust planting date, integration of crops with livestock, irrigation, crop diversification, crop rotation and soil and water conservation practices. Determinants of adaptation choice identified were sex, family size, educational status, farming experience, assess to media, extension contact and access to training and they have significant effect on climate change adaptation strategies which makes difference on adaptive capacity among the smallholder farmers. Access to training increased the probability use of climate change adaptation strategies of crop diversification, improved crop and livestock, soil and water conservation and irrigation practice increased by 2.3%, 10.9%, 4.91 %, and 9% respectively. Also the farmers farming experience increased the probability use of climate change adaptation options of crop diversification, improved crop and livestock, soil and water conservation and irrigation practices by 16%, 18%, 6.4% and 54% respectively. Therefore, researchers forwarded building farmers adaptive capacity by providing access of training and access of credit and awareness creation on climate change through different sources such as mass media and extension service, enhancing farmers on use of crop diversification, irrigation practices and using improved crop varieties, adjust planting date to minimize the effects of climate change in the area. Key words: Adaptation, Climate change, Determinants of climate change, Smallholder farmer

Assessing Soil Bund and Haricot Bean-Maize Intercropping Effects on Productivity of Maize at Arjo, Eastern Wollege Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Soil fertility depletion is a major challenge to agricultural productivity and natural resources integrity in the highlands of Ethiopia. Improving crop management practices are believed to mitigate the effect and increase crop productivity. An on-farm study was conducted during the cropping season of 2017 in Arjo District, Eastern Wollega of Oromia Regional State with the objective of evaluating soil bund and maize (Zea Mays L.)-Haricot bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris) intercropping effects on maize productivity and soil moisture availability. The study involved a split plot design where soil bund (with and without) and intercropping (sole-maize and maize- haricot bean intercropping) were the main and sub plot factors, respectively replicated on 15 farmers’ fields. Soil moisture content during the growing season and agronomic parameters (Days to maturity, hundred seeds weight, biomass, and grain yield of maize) were determined. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was carried out to test the main and interaction effect of the treatments. Results showed that soil bund increased soil moisture availability during the entire growing period, which may be related to the likely reduction in surface runoff and increase infiltration. Consequently, the maize yield and most of the yield components were significantly increased due to soil bund. On average, soil bund increased maize grain yield from 5998 kgha-1 to 6668 kgha-1with a corresponding increase in biomass from 13973 kgha-1 to18056 kgha-1. Also, significantly higher maize grain (6783 kgha-1) and biomass (18256 kgha-1) yield were obtained due to intercropping of maize  with haricot bean than sole maize, which resulted in 14831 kgha-1 biomass and 5882 kgha-1 grain  yield. Because of the higher soil moisture during the grain filling period with soil bund, which extended days to maturity has led to the increased hundred seeds weight, biomass, and grain yield. Therefore, the use of soil bund and intercropping of maize with haricot bean have a potential for increasing crop productivity. However, as this is based on a single year data, further investigation is needed to establish undisputed evidence base to recommend the practices as a strategy to reverse land degradation, increase productivity and build resilience and increase adaptation to shocks such as climate change. Keywords: Haricot-Bean, Intercropping, Maize, Maize Productivity, soil moisture conten

The effect of electromagnetic perturbation on the optical properties of (III Mn)V diluted magnetic semiconductors

Nowadays, electronic, magnetic and optical properties of (III, Mn)V diluted magnetic semiconductor (dms) is a frontline research topic. This emerging research area, inspired us to give a great attention on the study of optical properties of these dmss. The work can be affirmed by calculating optical conductivity of the aforementioned dmss, particularly for the prototype, and for its base semiconductor. Hence the focus area of the study is to determine optical, magnetic and electronic properties using quantum concepts and quantum mechanical models such as linear response theory of Kubo formalism, Kohn-Luttinger Hamiltonian (theory), and Green function. In addition to these models, analytical calculations could be treated using perturbation theory of approximation, Fermi golden rules and Kramers-Kronig relations. Having all these models and analytical techniques, optical conductivity will be related as the product of the incorporated magnetic ion concentration and that of the reciprocal of the square root of photon energy in the infrared spectrum. All in all the results obtained fairly fits with others theoretical and experimental reports. Therefore, the findings indicated that there is a promising advancement of optoelectronic device functionalities, laser or spectroscopic experiments to provide background information about the optical linear response functions, high efficiency solar cells and thin film fabrications, magneto-optic materials determinations

Financial Literacy Levels of Medium and Small Scale Businesses Owners and its Correlation with Firms’ Operating Performance: in Case of Hossana Town

Financial literacy is seen as an important instrument for the success of medium and small businesses, since it helps to understand and evaluate the information needed to make daily decisions that have financial impacts in companies’ day-to-day management. Therefore, the goal of this research is twofold: to assess the financial literacy levels of small business  owners (medium and small enterprises) in the Hossana Town and to analyze the relation between these results and the operating performance of those companies, as a measure of business economic performance. The study tests the hypothesis that, all other factors being constant, a higher financial literacy level of small business owners should motivate a better performance of the company.  The sample in this study is composed by medium and small businesses of the Hossana town in the three sub cities, and through questionnaires it was obtained the data needed to gauge the levels of financial literacy.   The results evidence a rather level of financial literacy among small business owners. And, the data also supports the existence of a significant positive correlation between financial literacy levels and  companies’ operating performance. This result highlights the importance of providing to small business owner adequate financial education on the expectation of improving their performance as business leaders

Assessment of Community Perception on Solid Waste Management Practice in Bedele Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Solid waste management is basic activities needs the participation of all individuals to increase the quality of environment and health. The aim of this study was to assess community perception on solid waste management practice in Bedelle Town, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Sampled households interview, field observation and key informants were used for data collection. Focus group discussion was also employed for the cross checks the data collected through interview. Food waste, plastic bags, plastic bottles, papers and cartons, cans and glass were some of solid waste released from each household and disposed to inappropriate disposal site and environment. Common diseases associated to poor solid waste management identified were common cold (52.9%), respiratory track and shyness (27%) and typhoid and cholera (4.6%), respectively. Mean daily solid waste generation rate per capita per household in the town based on the current finding was 0.3240 kg/day/house hold. Also, the determinants willingness of urban community on solid waste management practice was also highlighted using linear regression model. Age, educational level, awareness and availability of training on solid waste for the urban community affect the attitude and willingness of urban communities to practice solid waste management. Generally the communities had very low thinking on the impact of improper solid waste management on the environmental condition. Therefore, the municipality should have to intervene with the integration of concerned stakeholders with appropriate waste management practices and disposal sites like landfill, demonstration sites. Keywords: Solid waste, community perception, generation rate, solid waste management practice DOI: 10.7176/CER/11-10-01 Publication date: November 30th 201

Community knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on fluorosis and its mitigation in endemic areas of Ethiopia

Optimum fluoride intake plays an essential role in the prevention of dental caries while fluoride consumption above recommended level interferes with the normal formation of tooth enamel and bones and may increase risk of dental and skeletal fluorosis. The knowledge and practices of endemic communities on etiology of fluorosis will help in its mitigation and prevention. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of endemic community on fluoride contamination, fluorosis and prevention practices in order to devise coordinated and targeted prevention mechanisms. Focus group discussions (FGD) and key-informant interview were conducted in three dietary areas to collect knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the endemic community in July 2013.The results indicated that health consequences of fluoride contaminated water are fairly understood. None of the discussants mentioned the word “fluoride”. The knowledge and perception of the community on fluoride ingestion is poor. Health extension workers (HEWs) did not teach about fluoride and related health consequences. Dental fluorosis was reported to start at early ages and not commonly perceived as a major problem. However, adolescents worried and felt that they might be singled out when going to other areas. Older people have a skeletal fluorosis, which interferes with their day to day activities. In severely affected people, the teeth were weak and fragile and thus create difficulty in chewing hard foods like unfermented dry flat bread, sugar cane and toasted grains. People prefer rain water rather than water from borehole because of the inconvenient taste of the latter. The endemic communities have no sufficient knowledge and skills on potential sources of fluoride intake, the debilitating effect of high fluoride ingestion, and preventive and mitigatory measures to reduce fluoride intake. The effect of fluoride contamination and mitigatory methods should get sufficient attention by the community, health workers and concerned governmental bodies. The trend of harvesting and using rain water should be encouraged as it reduces fluoride intake. Future studies should focus on information communication on possible fluoride risks, intervention and evaluation studies on defluoridation, rain water harvesting and mitigatory techniques.Keywords: Fluoride, Contamination, Fluorosis, Mitigation, Endemic, Perception and Ethiopian Rift Valle

The effects of dual micronutrient supplementation on thyroid function in school children: An experimental study

Background: The presence of iron and or vitamin A deficiency in children limits the effectiveness of the iodine intervention program in areas where iodine deficiency is endemic. This study was aimed at assessing the role of dual micronutrient supplementation on thyroid function in severe iodine deficient school children age 6-16 years in Ethiopia.Methods: From 2006 to 2007 an experimental study was conducted on 397 children, all with visible goiter grade of which 6.1% and 10.3% vitamin A and iron deficient respectively. A week after baseline data collection and de-worming, all children with visible goitre (n=332) but without iron and vitamin A deficiency were randomly grouped into four, A to D groups. Vitamin A deficient children (n=24) were randomly allocated to group A and group B while anaemic children (n=41) were distributed into group C and group D. Group A received 400mg oral iodized oil and group B received 200,000IU vitamin A plus 400mg oral iodized oil. Group C received 400mg oral iodized oil while group D received 100mg iron sulphate with folic acid and 400 mg oral iodized oil. Iron supplementation was continued two doses per day for six weeks. Vitamin A supplemented group received additional dose at six month. Post intervention data on iodine, vitamin A and iron status were collected at 6 and 11 month.Results: Children supplemented with iron + oral iodized oil capsule had significant goitre reduction than oral iodized oil supplemented group. The mean concentrations of thyroid hormone (T4) and Urinary iodine excretion (UIE) in iron + iodine supplemented group were significantly higher than the iodine alone supplemented group at 6 months after the intervention. Hemoglobin level at baseline in all study subjects and at 11 month after intervention in group D (iron + iodine supplemented group) significantly (P<0.05) correlated with T4 level. The significant goitre reduction in iron + iodine supplemented group than iodine alone supplemented group and significant correlation between level hemoglobin and T4 at baseline and at 11 month after intervention probably indicate that iron and iodine have a functional interaction in thyroid iodine metabolism.Conclusion: Supplementation of iodized oil with Iron is more effective in goitre reduction than iodine alone and this should be taken into consideration by iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) intervention programs

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) in Burie and Womberma Districts, West Gojjam, Ethiopia

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) affect millions of people in developing countries mainly due to dietary iodine deficiency and aggravating factors that affect the bioavailability of iodine in the body. Iodine deficiency disorder is one of the public health problems of Ethiopia. Recent findings show that both endemic and non-endemic areas have high goiter rates. Burie and Womberma districts are two of the endemic goiter areas in the country. The etiology of goiter in these areas is not fully studied so far. The objective of this cross-sectional community based study was to assess the magnitude and causes of goiter. The study was conducted in July 2010. The sample size was determined by assuming 50% prevalence of total goiter rate, 5% error, 95% confidence interval, design effect of 1(random) and 5% of non-response rate. A two-stagerandom sampling (sub-district and village) was used to select children aged 6-12 years and their  biological mothers from10 randomly selected villages in each of the districts. Overall, 403 households participated in the study. The  assessment was conducted using palpation of thyroid size, urinary iodine level determination, household level interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The study revealed a total goiter prevalence rate of 54% and 30.1% in children and their biological mothers, respectively. More than 64% of the children were severely iodine deficient. The major cause for goiter as revealed by urinary iodine level and concentration of iodized salt is dietary iodine deficiency. There are no goitrogenic foods such as cassava; however, goitrogenic chemicals such as Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were widely used. The study areas are known for surplus produce of cereals, legumes and chilli. In order to reverse the problem, immediate and sustainable distribution of iodated salt/oil capsule, prohibition of direct application of pesticides on foods and awareness creation on adverse effects of IDD and benefits of iodine nutrition is highly recommended.Key words: Goiter, Goitrogenic factors, Pesticides, Gojja