Agroforestry education and professional level links in Peninsular Malaysia

Past studies showed that agroforestry plays an important part in balancing and managing natural resources. However, agroforestry practices are not conspicuous in Malaysia, and most of the projects are also shat of success, and one of the main reasons being the lack of knowledge. A study was made to review the competency and education levels of officers working in agro based agencies and also to determine the links between the education and duties of these officers. This study was conducted with the purpose of identifying the perceptions of agroforestry education in Peninsular Malaysia, held by the officers at three level positions. The study was done in seven states in Peninsular Malaysia. A questionnaire was prepared based on a review of the literature and specific courses at various institutions. The questionnaire consisted of 16 items covering several agroforestry aspects of in which the technical competency of the officers was geared. One hundred and fifty-nine officers from agro based agencies participated in the study. Of those surveyed, 63.5% had never had agroforestry education while only 36.5% took a course in agroforestry in their education. The results showed that the level of agroforestry education was statistically significantly different for three group of officers (X2 (2, N=159) = 10.367, Ρ = .00) at .05 level of significance and that the proportion of variability in the ranked dependent variable accounted for by the status of agroforestry education was .256, indicating a moderate relationship between the group positions of the officers and the status of agroforestry education. The technical competence level of the officers in the agro based agencies in the multidisciplinary subjects was often weak. There was highly demand for intensified agroforestry training through regular in-services courses. Courses should include all categories of staff. Therefore, this study has raised awareness of the status of agroforestry at the professional level in agro based agencies

Effect of compost and green manure to growth performance of Hibiscus sabdariffa.L and grown on BRIS soil

Fertility of BRIS soil was evaluated for growth performance of Hibiscus sabdariffa.L (Roselle) and to determine on the potential of Sesbania grandiflora as green manure for improvement of BRIS soil fertility. Growth performance of Hibiscus sabdariffa.L (Roselle) was determined by using three different media; BRIS soil, BRIS soil with compost and BRIS soil with green manure under two different light conditions (30% and 50%). The growth performance analysis of Roselle was carried out in the study to determine the effects on height of stem, number of leaves, stem diameter and biomass production (fresh and dry weight) of Roselle plants. The result showed that, the highest performance of stem height of Roselle was in BRIS soil with compost under 30% light intensity, while the best performance in term of number of leaves was BRIS soil with compost under 50% light intensity. In term of stem diameter, the highest value was in BRIS soil with compost under 50% light intensity. The highest performance of biomass production (fresh and dry weight) of roots, stems and fruit was treatment BRIS soil with compost under 50% light intensity. Based on statistical analysis using non-parametric method, the result indicated that there was significant different in the comparison of media BRIS soil and BRIS soil with compost under two different light conditions (30% and 50%). However, there was no significant different in comparison of media BRIS soil and BRIS soil with green manure. BRIS soil with compost showed the highest potential for growth performance of Roselle. In conclusion, compost is the best treatment that suitable for BRIS soil as it improves the fertility and structure of BRIS soil. Similarly, the light condition of 50% was better than 30% as sufficient amount of light is important for photosynthesis process and for growth and yield of plants

Study on dimensional stability of particleboard made using glutardialdehyde modified corn starch as the binder at various relative humidity

The objective of the study was to evaluate the dimensional stability of experimental particleboard panels made from rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) using modified starch as binder. Panels were manufactured using 15% corn starch modified with glutardialdehyde and 13% modified starch with 2% Urea Formaldehyde resin as improvement. The particleboards were tested for their dimensional stability towards moisture. Results found that the 2% replacement of modified starch with urea formaldehyde resin showed a little increased in dimensional stability compared to using glutardialdehyde modified corn starch only as the binder. Therefore, this study indicated that combination of modified corn starch and urea formaldehyde resin can have a potential to be used as an improved binder to produce particleboard panels with accepted properties

Overview of bioplastic introduction and its applications in product packaging

Each year, more than 330 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide. The main consumers of plastics are the packaging (40%), building (20%) and automotive (8%) industries, as well as for the manufacture of household appliances. The vast majority of industrial plastics are not biodegradable and, therefore, create environmental problems due to the increase in the amount of solid waste. Studies have been conducted to produce biodegradable materials such as bioplastics to overcome this environmental problem. Bioplastics are defined as materials that are bio-based, biodegradable, or both; they can provide excellent biodegradability and can be used to help alleviate environmental problems. Therefore, this article presents an overview of the introduction of bioplastic materials and classifications, and a comprehensive review of their drawbacks and areas of importance, including basic and applied research, as well as biopolymer mixtures and biocomposites developed in the last decade. At the same time, this article provides insights into the development of bioplastics research to meet the needs of many industries, especially in the packaging industry in Malaysia. This review paper also focuses generally on bioplastic packaging applications such as food and beverage, healthcare, cosmetics, etc

Importance of Lignin on the Properties of Binderless Particleboard Made From Oil Palm Trunk

This study investigated the influence of soda lignin extracts from oil palm on the binderless particleboard properties especially in against moisture. Characterization analysis of oil palm soda lignin, including carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur elemental analysis, ash content, infrared spectra via fourier transform spectrometer, glass transition point, and thermal decomposition were conducted. Moisture resistant properties including thickness swelling, and dimensional changes with changes of relative humidity of binderless board with lignin add-on were investigated. Mechanical strength properties including modulus of rupture and internal bond strength were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy image of specimens was inspected. Lignin was statistically significant influencing the properties of oil palm binderless particleboard. All specimens with lignin added showed better performances than control specimens that without lignin add-on. Binderless board with 5% lignin add-on showed the best result in moisture resistant properties and mechanical properties