Climate change and other biotic factors are causing desertification and degradation of the range resources at an alarming rate especially in the arid and semiarid regions worldwide. The mountain region of Sheikh Badin National Park (SBNP) –famous for its floristic composition and biodiversity, is facing serious consequences of climate and anthropogenic effects in Pakistan. The influential role of extreme climate changes needs to be explored to mitigate growing risk of degradation of natural vegetation and biological resource in this mountain region. In the present study, relationship of NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) was investigated with seasonal LST (Land Surface Temperature), and TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission rainfall) rainfall of 2000-2018 period in the SBNP, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan for sustaining ecosystem health. The findings of the study revealed increasing trends in NDVI during winter, spring, summer and autumn with corresponding increase in rainfall in the study area. The correlation coefficient R value between NDVI and LST was found -0.37 for winter, -0.72 for spring, -0.002 for summer and -012 for autumn (significant at p<0.05). The correlation between NDVI and rainfall revealed R values 0.41, 0.79, 0.64 and 0.7 for winter, spring, summer and autumn seasons (significant at p<0.05), respectively. The rainfall appears to be a major determinant of vegetation health and consequent ecosystem sustainability in the study area. However, the seasonal changes in climate and their implications necessitate adoption of integrated management of ecosystem to conserve biological resource on sustainable basis in this region in future.
Tree-ring growth is closely related to climate and the environmental changes during the growth period; thus, it can record precise information on climate variations. This study aimed to understand radial growth changes and develop tree-ring chronologies of Citrus reticulata, validated by tree-ring chronologies of Pinus roxburghii within the same micro-site. Tree-ring data were obtained from the sample cores collected from the two different altitudinal sites (1,150 to 1,250 masl) 400 to 500 m apart and compared to the climate data from Drujeygang meteorological station. Using dendroclimatological methods, summary statistics were obtained through cross-dating and standardization, and tree-ring chronology was written. Ring-width chronologies spanning 36 to 41 years were developed for C. reticulata and 57 to 174 years for P. roxburghii. One-way ANOVA test analysis showed spatial patterns of variability within the altitudinal range of 1,150 to 1,250 masl. Correlation analysis indicated that the growth of C. reticulata was highest at the mean annual temperature range of 19.0 to 19.4°C and mean precipitation range of 86.51 to 147.45 mm. C. reticulata showed a positive relationship with mean annual temperature and precipitation, and in contrast, P. roxburghii showed a negative relationship. However, the growth variability of both C. reticulata and P. roxburghii in both regions depicted the remarkable variability due to fluctuating climatic factors. This study evaluated the relationship between tree-ring growth and climate factors and is expected to contribute to the understanding of changes in productivity, which will be affected by climate change in the future.
Assessment of heavy metals (HMs) concentrations and remediation potential of indigenous plants in urban environments are necessary for safeguarding and restoring soil quality. This study evaluated the status of total HMs and remediation potential of the predominant plant species growing at contaminated sites in both Benin City and Abudu. The species were sampled along with soil around auto-mechanic workshops and from two respective uncontaminated sites and analyzed for total concentrations of eight metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) with an Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The geo-accumulation index revealed that both sites were extremely polluted with four HMs in the order of Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu. Benin was severely polluted with Pb, Cd and Cr and moderately to highly polluted with Ni, while Abudu was moderately to severely polluted with Pb and Cd, moderately polluted with Cr and slightly polluted with Ni. Eleucine indica identified at Abudu and Perperomia pellucida in Benin City were both found to contain toxic levels of four HMs (Fe, Zn, Cd and Cr), only E. indica at Abudu was found to exceed the limit of Cu, Pb and Ni set for plants while the level of Mn in both species were far from the permissible limit set by WHO. No plant was proven to be a hyperaccumulator but such potential towards Zn, Pb and Cd was observed for E. indica while the same phenomenon could be ascribed to P. pellucida for Cu and Zn if assisted with soil amendment. Heavy metal pollution levels of the sites demand clean up and predominant indigenous plant species can be used to manage them.
Heavy metal contamination in industrial effluents poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating the development of effective, low-cost adsorbents. This study explored the potential of Millet Husk and Millet Straw, agricultural waste materials, for the removal of Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), and Mercury (Hg) from industrial effluents. Millet Husk and Millet Straw activated carbon (MHS) was prepared through sodium hydroxide (NaOH) activation and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to assess the performance of MHS in removing heavy metals from effluent samples, with removal efficiency analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Characterization results revealed that MHS exhibited enhanced surface morphology, high porosity, and functional groups that facilitated heavy metal adsorption. The optimal removal efficiencies were 58.67% for Pb, 69.83% for As, and 100% for Hg. Factors such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, and pH significantly influenced adsorption rates, with maximum adsorption observed at a dosage of 0.1 g. The study concluded that MHS is a promising adsorbent for heavy metal removal from wastewater, with its adsorption capacity dependent on initial metal concentrations and pH levels. Further research is recommended to explore the scalability of MHS in real-world applications, investigate modifications to enhance its adsorption capabilities, and study its regeneration and reuse potential for long-term viability as an eco-friendly adsorbent.
This study investigates the contribution of livestock production to CO2 emissions in SAARC countries from 1990 to 2020 through an empirical analysis using panel data. The study included variables such as CO2 emissions and stocks, namely cattle, chickens, and goats. Data for the Maldives were excluded due to unavailability, and swine population data were also omitted for the same reason. Unit root tests revealed that the series were non-stationary at levels but became stationary after first differencing. The ARDL bounds test with a lag length of 3 (AIC = -7.951, SC = -7.060, HQ = -7.590) identified significant long-run relationships. Specifically, cattle (coefficient = 2.948, p-value = 0.000) and chickens (coefficient = 2.369, p-value = 0.000) were positively associated with CO2 emissions, while goats showed a negative association (coefficient = −5.594, p-value = 0.000). It was proven that there was a long-term equilibrium by cointegration tests like the Kao Residual cointegration test (ADF t-Statistic = -1.646, p-value = 0.049) and the Johansen Fisher panel cointegration test (Trace test and Max-Eigen test: p-value < 1%). Cross-sectional analysis revealed variability, with Afghanistan's cointegration coefficient at -0.325 (p-value = 0.000) and Bhutan's at 0.034 (p-value = 0.000). The results showed notable variability across countries, suggesting the need for tailored mitigation strategies. The study highlights the significant role of livestock in greenhouse gas emissions and calls for improved management and regional collaboration to mitigate environmental impacts in SAARC countries.
The importance of chopped leucaena leaves as an organic matter amendment in mounds used for sweet potato production was investigated. Fresh leaves were collected, sun-dried, chopped, and applied to land that was plowed, and mounded with four treatments. The first treatment was set as the control, 1 kg of chopped leaves was applied but not planted in the second, no chopped leaves were applied and planted in the third, and chopped leaves were applied and planted with sweet potato in the fourth treatment, respectively. These were replicated four times and set up for six months in the field. A 500 g of soil samples were taken from the top 0 – 60 cm of the mounds, processed, and analyzed for macronutrients, electrical conductivity, and pH using standard analytical procedures. The results showed that adding the chops increased the content of all the macronutrients. In almost all cases, the application of the chopped leaves and concurrent planting sustained the availability of the nutrients compared to the depletion that occurred when no amendment was made nor planted. The changes in electrical conductivity and pH were within acceptable ranges. These findings have implications for soil fertility management in the humid tropics.
Recurring elongated dry seasons in South west Nigeria pose a significant threat to livestock production. Knowledge of adaptation strategies to build resilience and lowers vulnerabilities to climate change among livestock farmers is limited. This study assessed livestock farmers’ knowledge of resilience strategies in farm management during dry seasons in southwest Nigeria. Using a purposive sampling procedure, a total of 118 farmers were interviewed on knowledge of livestock management during dry periods, specific challenges to management, and opinions on efficient livestock management. The result shows that increased feed costs challenged farmers during the dry season while insufficient funds were identified as the most severe constraint. Knowledge of management was high among 42% of farmers and 89.5% of them disagreed on the mechanism for temperature control structure in livestock building. Knowledge of good management practices was influenced by farmers’ ability to read and write in Yoruba language (χ2= 9.179; p < 0.05) and constraints faced (r = 0.21; p < 0.05). Climate change information in local languages will improve livestock farmers’ resilience to challenges induced by unpredictable climate change.
In this work, Litchi chinensis seed powder has been chemically modified to charred Litchi chinensis seed powder (CLCS) for removal of Cr(VI) from the simulated wastewater. The adsorption capacity of CLCS for Cr(VI) was determined in batch experiment method. The materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Biosorption behaviour was investigated using isotherm and kinetic models. CLCS demonstrated a noteworthy adsorption capacity for Cr(VI), with a maximum adsorption capacity of 69.93 mg/g at pH 2.0. The Cr(VI) adsorption onto CLCS was found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetics and the experimental data best fitted with Langmuir isotherm model. According to the results, Cr(VI) can be removed from acidic wastewater using CLCS as an adsorbent. The results indicate that further studies and modification are necessary to improve the efficiency of the CLCS, and its feasibility at normal pH conditions.
Human wildlife conflicts are one of the major challenges for wildlife conservation throughout the globe, and electric fencing (EF) has been used as one of the means to address those challenges. However, the comprehensive study to assess its effectiveness is lacking in many parts. Thus, this study attempted to understand the impact on crops and crop guarding time before and after fencing in communities having both fenced and unfenced households in three Chiwogs under Pemagatshel district. The data were collected through total enumeration using semi-structured interviews from 80 households. Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test showed that the electric fence (EF) has a significant difference (p=0.00, M=50) to farmers in reducing their common crop loss to wildlife and protected staple crop damages (maize). However, bitter buckwheat and radish continued attacking by barking deer. EF reduced both day and night guarding time significantly to all common crops. On the contrary, the unfenced farmers have suffered from increasing pressure from the wildlife after the establishment of EF in their community. Maize and potato damage have significantly increased after EF. There was a significant difference in maize and potato's day and night guarding time before and after EF. Only night guarding time has a significant difference between sweet buckwheat and bitter buckwheat before EF and after EF. Therefore, it emphasizes the need to cover the whole community by EF promoting crop production and reducing crop guarding against wildlife to avert similar issues in other communities.
Poultry waste is a rich source of nitrogen nutrient compared to other elements. In crop cultivation, combined application of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers increase soil nutrients which are available to plants. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp) is a significant grain legume production and it is used as a source of low cost protein for human consumption particularly in the developing countries. Thus, the experiment was conducted to determine the effects of poultry waste with phosphorus and potassium inorganic fertilizers on seed yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). The pot experiment was designed in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six treatments and seven replicates. Treatments included T1 – 100% inorganic fertilizer [35 kg ha-1 urea, 100 kg ha-1 triple superphosphate (100% TSP) and 75 kg ha-1 muriate of potash (100% MOP)], T2 – 10 t ha-1 poultry waste alone, T3 – 10 t ha-1 poultry waste + 25% TSP + 25% MOP, T4 – 10 t ha-1 poultry waste + 50% TSP + 50% MOP, T5 – 10 t ha-1 poultry waste + 75% TSP + 75% MOP, T6 – 10 t ha-1 poultry waste + 100% TSP + 100% MOP. The result confirmed that the poultry waste with potassium and phosphorus inorganic fertilizers had significant differences (P<0.05) on most of the agronomic parameters tested in this experiment. Results revealed that application of 10 t ha-1 poultry waste with 100% TSP and 100% MOP treatment (T6) showed the best treatment for cowpea yield in term of seed yield. But significant variation on seed yield was not observed between T5 (10 t ha-1 poultry waste with 75% TSP and 75% MOP treatment) and T6 (10 t ha-1 poultry waste + 100% TSP + 100% MOP) treatments. Therefore, application of 10 t ha-1 poultry waste reduces the usage of inorganic fertilizers (urea by 100%, TSP by 25% and MOP by 25%) for obtaining better seed yield in cowpea cultivation.
This paper investigates the impact of projected near future climate trends on the production of spring planted canola (Brassica napus, Brassica rapa, and Brassica juncea of canola classification) across British Columbia, Canada. Analysis of historic climate trends from 2001-2020, informed by the Global Historical Climatology Network daily (GHCNd) database, establishes patterns of warming temperatures and increasing precipitation values across the province over the early 21st century. Near future climate trends were modelled using CMIP6 climate models, from 2021-2040 under SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, with the projections downscaled using ClimateBC. The projected trends mirrored those of the observed historic record, while an observable relationship between rising levels of climate change and increasing projected annual precipitation and temperature is recorded. The subsequent crop modelling using the CSM-CROPGRO-Canola and DNDC models, fed with the modelled climate trends, highlighted the expectation for near future climate change to cause significant decreases in spring canola production across British Columbia.
Tithonia diversifolia is a genus of flowering plants and its leaves have been used to improve fertility and soil properties by supplying organic matters and nutrients. This experiment was done to study the effect of compost with powdered Tithonia leaves on okra yield and to select the optimal quantity of Tithonia leaves for obtaining the optimum yield of okra in the sandy regosol soil conditions. This experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five replicates with the following treatments; T1 - recommended chemical fertilizers (control), T2 - compost 140 g alone, T3 - compost 140 g + 15 g powdered Tithonia leaves (PTL), T4 - compost 140 g + 30 g PTL, T5 - compost 140 g + 45 g PTL, T6 - compost 140 g + 60 g PTL. These fertilizers were applied as the basal application to each polybag (0.07 m2), while the top dressing was not applied in this experiment. The results revealed that compost with PTL application had effects on the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod, pod length, pod girth, single pod weight, fresh pod weight per plant and marketable pod yield. Further, it was found that T4 was more suitable for obtaining a better marketable pod yield of okra in sandy regosol soil conditions. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that 2 kg m-2 compost with 0.43 kg m-2 powdered Tithonia leaves as the basal application could be used in okra cultivation.
This study was designed to collect tourist perceptions on aspects of Jeep safaris. A standard checklist containing questions related to the general background of the respondents, their experience with jeep safari at Chitwan National Park (CNP), and their perception of the impact of jeep safari on aspects of wildlife were prepared. Furthermore, tourism stakeholders bring up the discussion of night safaris at CNP as a product diversification option. Thus, the question related to the night safari was also included in the questionnaire. The responses of the visitors were collected using an online survey. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and JASP software. Beeshazari and Kumroj were found to be more common than the core area for wildlife safaris. The respondent perceived that the wildlife was negatively impacted by Jeep Safari, and the overall management of Jeep Safari was satisfactory in all three locations. Majority of respondents believed that nature guides have moderate to extensive experience. More than half of the respondents were satisfied with their Jeep safari experience. Almost three-quarters of respondents expressed their opposition to the decision to launch a night safari at CNP. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the perception of the tourist about the impact on wildlife and their decision about a night safari. Controlling Jeep Crowd was the top suggestion received from the respondents. These findings can help management authority to amend the operation of the Jeep Safari at CNP so as to enhance visitor satisfaction and ensure the sustainability of the operation.
Postharvest handling in developing countries continues to be a major challenge for most of the farmers. The low economy in these countries is counted as a major obstacle toward the adaptation of modern postharvest technologies. The present study aimed to assess the existing post-harvest handling practises and test the suitability of evaporative cooling systems for reducing post-harvest losses by using Vunjo-Moshi Rural as a case study. A total of 30 questionnaires covering small commercial farmers were utilised to get information regarding the existing post-harvest handling practices in Vunjo. Two evaporative cooling systems, the Charcoal Cooler Chamber and Sand Cooler Chamber, were created and tested in Vunjo. Their effectiveness was measured by their response to temperature and humidity changes. Results indicated that 87% of the small farmers in Vunjo used local precooling and cold storage methods characterised by low efficiency. Further results showed 77% of all spoilage crops were randomly disposed of in the environment regardless of their impacts. Performance results of designed evaporative systems showed that the Charcoal Cooler Chamber (at its highest performance), could lower the daily ambient temperature by 8.8 °C while increasing the ambient relative humidity from 73.01% to 90.93%. The Sand Cooler Chamber could reduce the daily ambient temperature by 7.8 °C and increase the ambient relative humidity from 73.01% to 93.90%. The performance of both designed systems met the recommended standard for increasing the shelf life of most of the perishable crops cultivated in Vunjo, making them recommended as alternative precooling and cold storage technologies.
The understanding of historical floodplain change plays a pivotal role in the minimization of flood risk to communities. Though many research works in Nepal have attempted to study the Land Use Land Cover (LULC) change in different parts of the country, they have not dealt with identification of the floodplain and its change pattern over the period of the time. This study is aimed at understanding the historical change in floodplain of Tinau River in Butwal city which has repeatedly witnessed devastating flooding events. For the purpose, historical Landsat images for the year 1988, 1999, 2009 and 2020 were acquired from earth explorer site of USGS. The supervised classification was performed in QGIS by classifying into vegetation, agricultural land, water bodies, floodplain and settlement. The result shows that there is significant decrease in the area of the floodplain. In the span of around 32 years, its area has decreased by around 229 hectares. The major regions of floodplain encroachment are found to be Buddhanagar, Majuwa and Sundarnagar. Moreover, significant increase in the area of settlement and decrease in agricultural land was observed. The result could be helpful for the policy makers to formulate strategies to prevent floodplain encroachment and cope with flood risk. Likewise, it can be baseline for further studies which delve into the details of change analysis of floodplain.
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are vital sources of livelihood for forest-dependent communities across the globe. This study examined the NTFPs species (Phyllanthus emblica, P. indofischeri, and Terminalia chebula) population change determined by the dependency, disturbances, and accessibility in the dry tropical forest of Malai Mahadeshwara (MM) Hills wildlife sanctuary. The long-term monitoring population data were analyzed across three time periods; 2000-01, 2010-11, and 2020-21. The participatory research methods were used to assess the dependency and accessibility which influence the population structure. The multi-factor linkage approach was used to identify the significant drivers of population decline. The results indicated that grazing, fire, hemi-parasite infection, and Lantana invasion influenced the tree population structure and regeneration of study species. This study has also indicated variations and changes in the interrelationship among factors that have a significant role in shaping NTFPs species population structure. Multiple factor analysis determined that grazing, fire, and lantana have significant impacts on population structures, regeneration, and fruit production of NTFPs species. The study recommended that forest managers should consider a site-specific adaptive approach and multiple factors models and inclusive management tools provisioned in recent policies like the Biological Diversity Act -2002 and Forest Rights Act-2006 would hold great potential for developing sustainable use and co-management practices.
Dytiscidae plays a vital role in the ecosystem; purifies water and serv es as the prey on many organisms. This family of aquatic beetles as predators feeds on small organisms. They are sensitive to environmental changes, it is used as a biodiversity indicator and also a tool for conservation assessment. This study assessed the diversity of Dytiscidae in relation to physico-chemical parameters of water using stratified random sampling at three Geogs in Dagana. Furthermore, the relationship of Dytiscid diversity and taxon richness with the physico-chemical parameters of the lentic and the lotic water bodies along the altitudinal gradient were determined and collected specimens. The total 664 individuals were collected in which five subfamilies of Dytiscidae, 12 genera and 17 species were identified. Pearson’s correlation showed moderately negative correlation between the species diversity and taxon richness based on altitude and pH (p < 0.05). Temperature had moderate positive correlation with species diversity of Dytiscidae. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed temperature had an effective determining factor for distribution of Dytiscidae. Kruskal Wallis test among different habitats and altitudinal strata showed significant difference in Dytiscids diversity and taxon richness (p < 0.05). The diversity and richness showed a decreasing trend when the altitude increased. The highest diversity was found in marshy area (H = 2.36) and second altitude stratum (800 – 1200 masl) (H = 2.07) in the current study area. Therefore, the best conservation strategy of Dytiscidae could be to protect these areas before they are degraded.
Chinese citrus fly, Bactrocera minax is a destructive and univoltine pest of citrus fruits. Geographical altitudinal gradients as well as prevailing climate affect the biology and ecology of insect. Hence, this study aimed to ascertain the effect of altitude on the adult emergence and morphological variations in various ecological settings of Ramechhap district of Nepal from February to June 2021 in citrus orchard. Six altitude ranges were selected in 50 m distance from 1200 to 1500 m above sea level (masl), ranging from 1201-1250 masl, 1251-1300 masl, 1301-1350 masl, 1351-1400 masl, 1401-1450 masl and 1451-1500 masl. The peak adult emergence periods were the 2nd, 3rd, 4th week of April in 1201-1250 masl, 1251-1300 masl, 1301-1350 masl, respectively, followed by 1st, 2nd and 3rd week of May in 1351-1400 masl, 1401-1450 masl, 1451-1500 masl, respectively. Morphometrics of Chinese citrus fly such as weight, length and width of pupa and adult were almost similar to the species collected in various altitudes. The average body length of male Chinese citrus fly adult was 11.58± 0.112 mm while female was 15.57± 0.076 mm. The average wingspan of male was 20.71± 0.285 mm while that of female was 23.14± 0.156 mm. The longevity of adult Chinese citrus fly species increased with increase in altitude. This information could be useful to design an appropriate management plan of Chinese citrus fly in various altitudinal gradients of Nepal.
Fire is used as a management tool to administer a wide range of ecosystems worldwide. Forest fires in Shorea robusta (Sal-dominated) forests take the form of ground fires and mostly affect regeneration. We investigated the effect of forest fire on Sal regeneration in 42 sample plots, of which 21 were subjected to controlled burning. The results showed that species richness decreased from fire-unaffected (19) to fire-affected (10). The total density of Sal seedlings in the fire-affected sites was 3829 seedlings ha-1, while in the fire-unaffected sites were 1779 seedlings ha-1 representing an increased species dominance of Sal species in the post-fire condition. The total density of Sal saplings in the fire-affected sites was 343 seedlings ha-1, while in the fire-unaffected sites was 571 seedlings ha-1. A significant difference with a large effect size (Cohen’s d=0.97) was observed in the seedling regeneration of Sal, while no significant difference was observed in the sapling regeneration of Sal in the post-fire condition. The increment of Sal seedlings may be due to the fire-hardy silvicultural characteristics of Shorea robusta and the decline of Sal saplings may be due to stem mortality in the small diameter classes. We conclude that fire is a beneficial tool for seedling regeneration but not for plant establishment. Future research studies regarding the impact of fire intensities, soil moisture, biological disturbances, temperature, light intensity, etc. on regeneration are recommended.
The regeneration status of a forest is an essential metrics to assess the regeneration potential and population structure of forests. In emerging nations like Nepal, however, human dependency on forests has had a negative influence on forest diversity and sustainability. This paper analyzes the regeneration status and its link with bio-physical aspects and human disturbances. The data were collected using a systematic random sampling method and sample plots were established using the fishnet tool in ArcGIS. An inventory survey of 96 plots was carried out with nested circular sample plots with a main radius of 1261 cm. The overall regeneration condition of the forest was found to be in good condition according to Community Forestry Inventory Guideline, 2004. The majority of the tree species were determined to have a sound quality and medium (II) grades in this study. In terms of the diameter class distribution, lower diameter classes (21-60 cm) comprised more adults than the upper diameter classes (61-120 cm). This study found no significant variations in the effects of biophysical factors, such as slope and aspect, on species regeneration. The study concludes the inadequate silvicultural management interventions in the forest. This information can be useful to devise systematic plans to promote good-quality regeneration and manage the factors that are likely to affect the overall regeneration. Further research focusing on other biophysical factors as well as social factors and their influence on regeneration including its management techniques is recommended.
