The impact of inappropriate soil management on river water quality: a case study in the Kurundu Oya Sub-catchment of the Upper Mahaweli Catchment, Sri Lanka

The results of many studies have revealed that intensive farming on steep slopes, coupled with over application of fertilizers and accumulation of nutrients in downstream water bodies due to soil erosion, have contributed to environmental hazards in the Upper Mahaweli Catchment Area (UMCA) of Sri Lanka. The encroachment of riparian zones for exotic vegetable cultivation has aggravated this situation. In view of this, a study was conducted in the Kurundu Oya catchment, a micro-catchment of the UMCA, to investigate the soil management practices within the farming systems and their impacts on river water quality. Three villages were selected along the Kurundu Oya: Mahakudugala, Kumbalgamuwa and Batagolla. The study consisted of a survey of 150 households in 2007 and 2008, to gather information on the characteristics of householders and on soil management practices. A soil survey was carried out to analyze the soil fertility of farmlands. Water quality parameters were measured periodically in different sections of a selected stream. The results revealed that nearly 50 % of the riparian zones in the upper catchment of the Kurundu Oya stream are encroached to cultivate potato and other exotic vegetables. In addition, it was observed that over application of fertilizers on the vegetable plots was causing nutrient accumulation and the plots also recorded high levels of phosphorous (P) (above 75 ppm). Results of the water quality analysis showed that nitrate and available P levels were within the standard limits, but nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) levels were close to the upper level of the standard limit. Therefore, in order to minimize water pollution, it is strongly recommended that fertilizer application is based on soil tests. In addition, encroachment of sensitive lands has to be addressed. Priority should be given to strengthening institutional capacity in order to facilitate the implementation of existing environmental legislation.Length: pp.49-60Soil managementSoil degradationCatchment areasErosionSedimentationWater pollutionFertilizer applicationNitrogenVegetable growing

Displaying desire and distinction in housing

The article discusses the significance of cultural capital for the understanding of the field of housing in contemporary Britain. It explores the relationship between housing and the position of individuals in social space mapped out by means of a multiple correspondence analysis. It considers the material aspects of housing and the changing contexts that are linked to the creation and display of desire for social position and distinction expressed in talk about home decoration as personal expression and individuals' ideas of a `dream house'. It is based on an empirical investigation of taste and lifestyle using nationally representative survey data and qualitative interviews. The article shows both that personal resources and the imagination of home are linked to levels of cultural capital, and that rich methods of investigation are required to grasp the significance of these normally invisible assets to broaden the academic understanding of the field of housing in contemporary culture

Padrão racial e seu impacto sobre o melhoramento genético da Raça Morada Nova.

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho estudar o impacto do padrão racial na conservação e no melhoramento genético da raça Morada Nova. Os dados utilizados no presente estudo pertencem a quatro diferentes rebanhos do estado do Ceará. As variáveis estudadas foram agrupadas em classes de acordo com o tipo de resposta, como segue: pelagem (vermelha e preta), espelho nasal e cascos (pigmentado, predominantemente pigmentado, predominantemente despigmentado e despigmentado). Os dados obtidos foram analisados pelo teste do qui-quadrado (?2). Observou-se uma maior frequência de animais com pelagem vermelha (96,6%) e uma menor com pelagem preta (3,4%), que de acordo com o padrão racial devem ser descartados da população. Observou-se uma associação significativa (?²= 10,3; P<0,05) entre a pigmentação do espelho nasal e a dos cascos. A observação estreita do padrão racial oficial tem fortes implicações no melhoramento genético da raça Morada Nova

Sistema reprodutivo de Bertholletia excelsa e implicações para o manejo e conservação da espécie.

A castanheira é uma espécie arbórea de grande porte, cujas sementes apresentam grande valor ecológico e econômico, sendo comercializadas e servindo como alternativa de renda para as famílias que vivem dos produtos retirados da floresta. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar parâmetros do sistema de reprodução em uma população natural de Bertholletia excelsa no Acre