Deficit Irrigation and Mulching Impacts on Major Crop Yield and Water Efficiency: A Review
Zalalem Tamiru Bekele,
Addisu Asefa Mengasha
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
62-66
Received:
16 August 2023
Accepted:
7 September 2023
Published:
14 October 2023
Abstract: The review examines the impact of deficit irrigation and mulching materials on crop yield and water use efficiency. The challenges posed by population growth and climate change necessitate new solutions to improve agriculture. The best irrigation strategies yield large yields for a given amount of water. Deficit irrigation and mulching significantly increase water use efficiency and crop yield for various crops. However, water supply constraints have led to the development of deficit irrigation; a strategy that maximizes water use efficiency without yield penalty. Mulch is a vital method for conserving soil moisture, preventing weed growth, reducing evaporation, and increasing infiltration of rainwater during the growing season. Different mulching methods and materials are used worldwide, with plastic and straw being the most popular and optimistic results. Straw mulch conserves higher soil moisture by 55% more compared to the control, and crops under straw mulch produce higher branches, fruit weight, and total yield. Polyethylene mulches have induced large increases in growth and yields for various vegetables, including tomato. However, the economic profitability of this mulch is low, so straw mulch is better for economic profitability. Plastic cover ridge furrow methods are better for increasing water use efficiency (WUE) and crop yield, reducing soil evaporation and erosion, increasing top soil temperature, creating a microenvironment for soil microbial activity, and increasing sustainability.
Abstract: The review examines the impact of deficit irrigation and mulching materials on crop yield and water use efficiency. The challenges posed by population growth and climate change necessitate new solutions to improve agriculture. The best irrigation strategies yield large yields for a given amount of water. Deficit irrigation and mulching significantl...
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Research Article
Analysis of Electrical Resistivity Survey Data for Aquifer Potential and Protective Capacity at Mararaba Dan-Daudu Minna, North Central Nigeria
Alfa Idris Alhaji,
Salako Kazeem Adeyinka,
Rafiu Abdulwaheed Adewuyi,
Udensi Emmanuel Emeka,
Adetona Abbas Adebayo,
Jamilu Shehu
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
67-84
Received:
20 September 2023
Accepted:
10 October 2023
Published:
28 October 2023
Abstract: It is a fact that basement complex regions lacks sufficient overburden that can host sustainable water table, water bearing fractured/weathered rocks referred to as aquifers are usually identified via suitable geophysical methods to proffer solution to water challenges within these regions. This current study targets the exploration of groundwater potential within the Mararaba Dan-daudu community, a suburb of Minna metropolis. Electrical resistivity method was employed to delineate aquifer prospects and their protective capacity within the area of study. The data from thirty-six Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) survey points were acquired and analysed. Survey points were aligned along six profiles (A – F) with six VES points per profile. Interpretation of VES points along profiles was helpful in determining the number of layers and thickness. The analysis revealed mainly three layers comprising of sand and fresh laterite at the first layer, fractured/weathered basement at the second layer and fresh basement at the third layer. Iso-resistivity mapping was also done at various depths (surface, 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m) respectively to investigate the lateral variations of resistivity over a horizontal plane. These showcased the electrical conductance sliced at the depths of interest. Thirteen VES points (A1, A5, A6, B1, B3, B6, C6, D6, E6, F1, F2, F4 and F5) were mapped as having good prospective aquifer properties. Longitudinal conductance was computed for the outlined VES points to determine their Aquifer Protective Capacity (APC). The result of (APC) rating for the 13 VES revealed the frequency and percentage of APC ranged as: 2 VES locations (15.4%) have good APC, 8 VES locations (61.5%) have moderate APC and 3 VES location (23.1%) have weak APC. with only 3 VES locations out of 13 VES locations in the study area revealed weak APC, the results proved that the groundwater potential of the study area has moderately good APC.
Abstract: It is a fact that basement complex regions lacks sufficient overburden that can host sustainable water table, water bearing fractured/weathered rocks referred to as aquifers are usually identified via suitable geophysical methods to proffer solution to water challenges within these regions. This current study targets the exploration of groundwater ...
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Research Article
General Extreme Value Fitted Rainfall Non-Stationary Intensity-Duration-Frequency (NS-IDF) Modelling for Establishing Climate Change in Benin City
Masi G. Sam,
Ify L. Nwaogazie*,
Chiedozie Ikebude
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, December 2023
Pages:
85-93
Received:
4 October 2023
Accepted:
7 November 2023
Published:
17 November 2023
Abstract: The study focused on fitting non-stationary rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves based on the General Extreme Value (GEV) distribution function to establish climate change existence in Benin City. The intensity levels were calculated, with the aid of the open-access R-studio software. Four linear behavioural parameter models considered for incorporating time as a covariate had the second model selected for producing the least corrected Akaike Information Criteria (AICC). The AICC varied from 370.30 to 125.20 for 15 and 1440 minutes, respectively, used in the calibration of the GEV equation. The computed non-stationary intensities produced higher values above those of stationary models, showing that the later IDF models undervalued extreme events. Differences of +15.24% (18.22 mm/hr), +9.4% (7.37 mm/hr), and +12.64% (12.78 mm/hr), for a 2, 10, and 50-year return periods, respectively, are serious underestimation from a stationary IDF model. Having extreme value differences could further aggravate the flood risk more than the design provision for the drainage facilities. The test statistic result confirmed a significant difference at a 95% confidence level between the non-stationary and stationary IDF curves, showing evidence of climatic change influenced by location as the time-variant parameter. The use of shorter-duration storms is advised for design purposes because they produce higher intensities and percentage differences in the extreme values, increasing the flood risk and infrastructural failures to induce climatic change in the study area.
Abstract: The study focused on fitting non-stationary rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves based on the General Extreme Value (GEV) distribution function to establish climate change existence in Benin City. The intensity levels were calculated, with the aid of the open-access R-studio software. Four linear behavioural parameter models considere...
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