Online: ISSN 2784 – 0360 | Print: ISSN 2784 – 0379

Issue 2 (202)/2025

Cover story

In the Big Island of Brăila, the fertile alluvial soils, the hydrological regime influenced by the Danube, and pronounced variability of precipitation cause alternating drought and temporary flooding risks. In this context, the potential of direct seeding systems to increase resilience and sustainability constitutes a promising pathway. Research conducted over two agricultural years (2022–2023) as part of a doctoral thesis evaluates the implications of the no-tillage (NT) system on soil physical properties – bulk density (BD), water-stable aggregates (WTS) and soil moisture – compared with the conventional tillage (CT) system. The results showed that NT significantly improved soil quality, demonstrating higher structural stability and superior water retention in the upper soil layer. Although BD was higher with NT than with CT, it was within the optimal range (1.0–1.4 g/cm³) without affecting plant growth. CT showed greater BD fluctuation, especially in the surface layers, due to intense mechanical disturbance. For NT, WTS was higher at all depths, with a difference of up to 13.67% compared with CT in the first year.

Soil moisture was also higher for NT, especially in the 0–10 cm layer, due to plant residues that reduced evaporation and improved water infiltration.

Read the full article in this issue!

read more

Priming with botanical leaf extracts enhances emergence and vigour in soybean (Glycine max)

Nana Kwaku Yeboah Agyetoah, Paul Kweku Tandoh, Irene Akua Idun, Bridget Yayra Bemanu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582180

ABSTRACT. Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a vital legume crop that is widely cultivated for its high protein and oil contents and serves as an essential food and industrial resource. In Ghana, efforts to improve soybean productivity have largely focused on synthetic seed treatments, despite the growing interest in sustainable agricultural practices. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of seed priming using botanical leaf extracts, namely those of moringa (Moringa oleifera), neem (Azadirachta indica), and tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia), on the growth and physiological seed quality after harvest of three soybean varieties (‘Afayak’, ‘Jenguma’, and ‘Favour’). We hypothesised that botanical priming would enhance seed and plant performance compared to non-primed controls. A 3 × 4 factorial experiment was conducted using a randomised complete block design. Measurable results showed that seeds primed with 10% moringa and neem leaf extracts significantly increased the plant height, number of branches, 1000-seed weight, and seed vigour, with electrical conductivity values ranging from 17 to 34 µS cm⁻¹g⁻¹, which is within the recommended range for high seed vigour. The germination percentage after harvest remained consistently high across treatments (80–95%), with no significant delays in flowering time. Moringa-primed Afayak seeds had the highest 1000-seed weight (110.36 g), and tithonia-primed seeds showed reduced performance and higher fungal incidence. These results confirm the hypothesis and highlight the potential of botanical priming as an effective, low-cost strategy for improving soybean seed quality and crop establishment. These findings offer practical implications for sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, promoting environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals.

Keywords: botanical leaf extract; germination enhancement; moringa; neem; seed priming; seedling vigour; soybean (Glycine max); tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia).

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Preliminary study of the amino acids of horseshoe crabs (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) from the Cox’s Bazar Coast, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Md. Simul Bhuyan, Md. Tarikul Islam, Vinmoy Mondal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582179

ABSTRACT. Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda is an ancient marine arthropod with significant ecological and biomedical importance due to its unique physiological features and bioactive compounds. Despite this critical role in pharmaceutical applications, especially in endotoxin detection assays, the amino acid (AA) profile of C. rotundicauda remains underexplored, especially the population in the northern Bay of Bengal. This study investigated the AA profile of C. rotundicauda collected from the Cox’s Bazar coast of Bangladesh, with the goal of assessing its nutritional value and biomedical potential. A preliminary biochemical analysis was conducted using samples collected from a mangrove-dominated estuarine zone. A rigorous analytical protocol involving hydrolysis, filtration, and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was employed to accurately quantify the essential and non-essential amino acids. The results revealed a total AA content of 2.2%, with leucine (0.5%), isoleucine (0.3%), and proline (0.3%) being the most abundant. Interestingly, aspartic acid was not detected, and trace levels of methionine (0.006%) and histidine (0.0006%) were observed, suggesting unique metabolic adaptations in this species compared to other marine arthropods. These findings are significant as they represent the first detailed account of the AA profile of C. rotundicauda from Bangladesh’s coastal waters. The dominance of branched-chain amino acids such as leucine and isoleucine highlights the species’ potential role in supporting protein synthesis and metabolic regulation. This biochemical insight opens new possibilities for the species’ application in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, while also underlining the need for its conservation amid increasing habitat degradation.

Keywords: amino acid profiling; biomedical applications; Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda; nutritional composition.

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Coat colour variations and their influence on body traits in camels (Camelus dromedarius) of Northwestern Nigeria

Emmanuel Abayomi Rotimi, Abubakar Yusuf, Adelani Abayomi Adeoye

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582178

ABSTRACT. This study evaluated the phenotypic diversity of 51 dromedary camels (24 females and 27 males) from Northwestern Nigeria, sampled from Katsina and Zamfara States. Twelve morphometric traits were measured, and qualitative characteristics were recorded. Black and brown coat colours were the most prevalent (47.05% each), while white was rare (5.9%). Single coat colour patterns (74.5%) and smooth hair types (56.9%) predominated. Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.01) in coat colour and pattern distributions, whereas hair type showed no significant variation. Age significantly (p < 0.01) influenced most morphometric traits except rump height and ear length, with older camels (≥11 years) exhibiting larger body dimensions. Sex did not have a significant effect on any of the measured traits. Camels with a black coat had a significantly higher body weight (245.96 ± 14.80 kg), heart girth (180.73 ± 3.62 cm), abdominal girth (158.52 ± 3.08 cm), and ear length (19.09 ± 0.94 cm) compared with camels with a brown or white coat. The 1–5-year age group was the largest (43.1%), aligning with breeders’ preference for younger breeding stock. These findings suggest that black coat colour may serve as an indicator of superior body traits in camels. This study provides valuable baseline data to inform genetic resource conservation and to guide selection strategies for sustainable camel breeding and productivity enhancement in Nigeria’s semi-arid regions.

Keywords: Camelus dromedaries; coat colour; morphometric measurements; phenotypic traits; semi-arid Nigeria.

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Germination of seeds and adaptation of beech seedlings of Plaiul Fagului-23 origin under the influence of bioregulators

Dina Elisovetcaia, Raisa Ivanova, Ecaterina Popovschi, Jan Brindza

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582177

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of bioregulators on the germination of beech seeds of Plaiul Fagului-23 origin and adaptation of seedlings under solarium and natural conditions. The highest mean daily germination (0.74) was observed for 0.001 and 0.0001% (w/v, dry residue) Juniperus sabina. During stratification under laboratory conditions, the highest seed germination (82.64%) occurred in 0.0001% J. sabina. The highest seed germination rate index was observed in 0.0001 and 0.0005% J. sabina (1.17 and 1.57, respectively). The average germination time of 0.01% alginite No. 2 and 0.0005% J. sabina was below that of the control by 1.05-1.11 days. The length of the roots of germinated beech seeds with alginite No. 2 and 0.001% J. sabina significantly exceeded that of the control (39.66 mm), reaching 56.04 and 52.05 mm, respectively. Under solarium conditions, the highest rate of seedling emergence was observed in variants alginite No. 6 (92.50%), 0.0005% J. sabina (91.11%), 0.001% J. sabina (90.00%) and alginite nano powder (82.35%), which exceeded the control by 1.6–1.8 times. The height of the plants in alginite No. 2 (13.50 cm), 0.0001% J. sabina (12.24 cm) and 0.001% J. sabina (10.08 cm) significantly exceeded the control. Under natural conditions, the germination of seeds treated with alginite nano powder (60.80%) and alginite No. 6 (47.47%) was significantly higher than that of the control (42.67%) and those treated with gibberellic acid (43.73%). The height of the plants treated with alginite nano powder (28.10 cm), 0.01% genistifolioside (29.70 cm) and 0.004% gibberellic acid (28.22 cm) significantly exceeded that of the control.

Keywords: Alginite; genistifolioside; Fagus sylvatica seeds; germination; Juniperus sabina.

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Ecological water quality and benthic macroinvertebrates: impact on fish spawning grounds in Lake Buyo, Côte d’Ivoire

Iridjé Marcelle Bodji, Mamadou Soro, Lèfoungognon Coulibaly, Konan Gervais N’zi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582176

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to determine the ecological quality of ichthyological spawning grounds in the Lake Buyo partial wildlife reserve, part of Taï National Park. Ichthyological spawning grounds are aquatic habitats used by fish for reproduction. In Côte d’Ivoire, knowledge of these spawning grounds was very fragmentary and mostly based on an inventory and summary description of spawning grounds. Data collection was carried out from June 2018 to May 2019 at 11 ichthyological spawning grounds. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled using a Van Veen bucket and handle dip net. Ten grab samples were taken at each site. The dip net was used to sample habitats that were difficult to access with the grab and were very shallow. The Warwick Ecological Stress Index and the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index were used to analyse water quality. A total of 19,940 individuals belonging to 28 families for a biomass of 1,361,549 g were counted. Thiaridae and Chironomidae families were the most abundant, with 63.28% and 22.88%, respectively. The analysis of the abundance–biomass curves showed that the biomass curve was higher than the abundance curve, with values ranging from 0.18 to 0.61. These values indicate stress due to the enrichment of the water with organic matter. The analysis using the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index indicated that organic pollution ranges from poor (6.98) to very poor (7.73). The ecological quality of the lake’s waters has a negative impact on ecological diversity, leading to the disappearance of certain aquatic species through the destruction of spawning grounds.

Keywords: benthic macroinvertebrates; ecological water quality; ichthyological spawning grounds; Lake Buyo.

read more

Soil health and business models: a review and analysis carried out in the NOVASOIL project

Javier Bravo-García, Francisco José Blanco-Velazquez, Felix Ángel Gonzalez-Peñaloza, Fernando Alonso-Martin, Kalvi Tamm, Fabian Frick, Greta Winkler, Fabio Bartollini, Ana Iglesias, Mohammed Hussen Alemu, María Anaya-Romero

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582175

ABSTRACT. Soil health is critical for sustainable agriculture, healthy ecosystems, and environmental resilience. Soil degradation caused by unsustainable practices must be addressed through innovative economic and environmental solutions. This review explores how innovative environmental monitoring technologies, such as remote sensing, drones, and soil sensors, and innovative business models that influence soil management contribute significantly to the improvement of soil health. This study first highlights the key indicators of soil health, including soil organic carbon, nutrient levels, erosion rates and their potential use in ecosystem service markets, such as carbon credits, to incentivise improved soil management. Additionally, this study considers the legal and policy frameworks necessary to support these business models, with a particular focus on the European Union’s Soil Monitoring Law and its implications for the agricultural and environmental sectors. Together, these innovative components offer a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities for transforming soil health management into a profitable and sustainable enterprise, contributing to global goals, such as climate mitigation and biodiversity preservation.

Keywords: ecosystem services; soil monitoring law; soil indicators; sustainability.

read more

Effect of pod size and fermentation method on temperature changes and the chemical quality of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) beans

Mohammed Alhassan, Patrick Kumah, Paul Kweku Tandoh, Irene Akua Idun

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582174

ABSTRACT. Cocoa is a highly valuable economic crop that generates income and foreign exchange for Ghana. However, the rejection of cocoa beans on the international market due mainly to inappropriate fermentation methods and postharvest practices is a major problem confronting this sector. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the pod size and fermentation method on temperature changes and chemical attributes of the beans. The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial with a completely randomised design and three replicates. Pod size (small, medium and large) and fermentation method (heap, tray and basket fermentation) were each evaluated at three levels. There were changes in temperature using all three fermentation methods, such that temperature increased from an average of 37.8 to 41.7°C in the first 24 h. The heap fermentation method had the highest temperature (41.7°C) after 4 days. The pod size and fermentation method did not influence the fat content, total titratable acidity, or free fatty acids in the sampled beans. Small pods fermented using the heap fermentation method had the highest pH. The study concluded that the heap fermentation method enhances temperature changes without compromising the chemical quality of cocoa beans, making it the preferred technique for high-quality cocoa production.

Keywords: bean quality; fermentation methods; pod sizes.

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Contribution of community forest management groups to effective forest conservation. A case study of the Mwamba Community Forest in Kasama, Zambia

Brenda Romazi Chirwa, Ackim Phiri

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582173

ABSTRACT. Forests play vital roles in the survival of people globally. Despite their usefulness, the loss of forests has not slowed. Hence, various approaches have been used to enhance their management. Effective forest management is key to food security and stability of national economies. The quest for efficient and sustainable management of forested areas has led to the surge in research exploring the involvement of local people in forest management. This study aimed to assess the contribution of community forest management groups in effective forest conservation. Several research questions were asked to explore the subject: What are the approaches used to sustainably manage the Mwamba Community Forest and how effective are they? What challenges are faced to achieve sustainable forest management? What strategies are used to overcome the challenges faced in managing forests in a sustainable manner? This study targeted 127 household respondents living around the Mwamba Community Forest, together with key informants. The mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies was used. Questionnaires were administered to collect data from respondents. The variable parameters were analysed using Excel and IBM SPSS statistic 26. The effectiveness of the approaches in managing the natural resources in the forest were confirmed by 84% of the respondents, but 11% disagreed, and 5% were indecisive. The study also revealed various forest management activities being practiced, such as woodlot management, beekeeping, and gardening. The study recommends that the government build capacity in the local communities through training, financial empowerment, and incentives.

Keywords: community forestry; contribution; deforestation; forest groups; sustainability.

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Effect of water management strategies on two vegetable crops under a Bhungroo irrigation technology in Upper East Region, Ghana

Henry E. Igbadun, Olufunke Cofie, Michael A. Kpakpo-Sraha, Donatus O. Onwuegbunam, Seifu Tilahun

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582172

ABSTRACT. Exploring options to access water for irrigation and water management strategies at the field level is pivotal for improving crop yield and water productivity. Farmer-participatory field trials were conducted in Gorogo and Sepaat communities, Upper East Region, Ghana, in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 irrigation seasons to evaluate the yield response of tomato and onion crops to varied levels of deficit irrigation using Bhungroo irrigation technology. The experimental factor was water application depth at four levels: 65, 85, and 100% of crop water requirement (CWR) and farmers’ discretion. Irrigation water productivity (IWP) was computed as a function of the yield and water applied. Seasonal water used in the tomato fields ranged from 232 to 502 mm, while the onion trials varied from 358 to 750 mm. The fresh fruit yield of tomato ranged from 6.0 to 17.5 t ha−1 in the two seasons, while the dry onion bulb yields ranged from 15.2 to 25.4 t ha−1. The IWP ranged from 2.11 to 3.61 kg m−3 for tomato and from 2.05 to 4.51 kg m−3 for onion. The lowest values were obtained from the least water applied, while the highest values were obtained from the highest. The deficit irrigation schedules significantly decreased both yield and IWP compared to 100% CWR in tomato and onion, while the farmers’ discretion led to over-irrigation in both study locations. It is recommended that tomato and onion crops be irrigated to meet the full crop water requirement in the study areas.

Keywords: deficit irrigation; drip irrigation; onion; tomato; water productivity.

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Assessing the impact of the no-tillage system on soil physical parameters and water conservation in corn crops

Matei Titianu, Tudor George Aostăcioaei, Gabriel Dumitru Mihu, Serginho Cakpo, Denis Țopa, Gerard Jităreanu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582171

ABSTRACT. This study investigated the impact of two tillage systems, conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT), on soil physical properties and soil water conserva-tion capacity in an experiment conducted on the Big Island of Braila during two agricultural years (2022–2023). The aim was to evaluate the implications of the NT system on soil physical properties – bulk density (BD), water-stable aggregates (WTS) and soil moisture – compared with the CT system. The designated area, the Big Island of Braila, has specific climatic conditions that make this research of great interest for assessing the possibility of imple-menting NT practice in the future. The results showed that NT significantly improved soil quality, demonstrating higher structural stability and superior water retention in the upper soil layer. Although BD was higher with NT than with CT, it was within the optimal range (1.0–1.4 g/cm³) without affecting plant growth. CT showed greater BD fluctuation, especially in the surface layers, due to intense mechanical disturbance. For NT, WTS was higher at all depths, with a difference of up to 13.67% compared with CT in the first year. Soil moisture was also higher for NT, especially in the 0–10 cm layer, due to plant residues that reduced evaporation and improved water infiltration.

Keywords: conventional tillage; no-tillage; soil physical properties.

read more

Cover story

Aug 8, 2025 |

In the Big Island of Brăila, the fertile alluvial soils, the hydrological regime influenced by the Danube, and pronounced variability of precipitation cause alternating drought and temporary flooding risks. In this context, the potential of direct seeding systems to increase resilience and sustainability constitutes a promising pathway. Research conducted over two agricultural years (2022–2023) as part of a doctoral thesis evaluates the implications of the no-tillage (NT) system on soil physical properties – bulk density (BD), water-stable aggregates (WTS) and soil moisture – compared with the conventional tillage (CT) system. The results showed that NT significantly improved soil quality, demonstrating higher structural stability and superior water retention in the upper soil layer. Although BD was higher with NT than with CT, it was within the optimal range (1.0–1.4 g/cm³) without affecting plant growth. CT showed greater BD fluctuation, especially in the surface layers, due to intense mechanical disturbance. For NT, WTS was higher at all depths, with a difference of up to 13.67% compared with CT in the first year.

Soil moisture was also higher for NT, especially in the 0–10 cm layer, due to plant residues that reduced evaporation and improved water infiltration.

Read the full article in this issue!

read more

Priming with botanical leaf extracts enhances emergence and vigour in soybean (Glycine max)

Aug 8, 2025 |

Nana Kwaku Yeboah Agyetoah, Paul Kweku Tandoh, Irene Akua Idun, Bridget Yayra Bemanu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582180

ABSTRACT. Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a vital legume crop that is widely cultivated for its high protein and oil contents and serves as an essential food and industrial resource. In Ghana, efforts to improve soybean productivity have largely focused on synthetic seed treatments, despite the growing interest in sustainable agricultural practices. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of seed priming using botanical leaf extracts, namely those of moringa (Moringa oleifera), neem (Azadirachta indica), and tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia), on the growth and physiological seed quality after harvest of three soybean varieties (‘Afayak’, ‘Jenguma’, and ‘Favour’). We hypothesised that botanical priming would enhance seed and plant performance compared to non-primed controls. A 3 × 4 factorial experiment was conducted using a randomised complete block design. Measurable results showed that seeds primed with 10% moringa and neem leaf extracts significantly increased the plant height, number of branches, 1000-seed weight, and seed vigour, with electrical conductivity values ranging from 17 to 34 µS cm⁻¹g⁻¹, which is within the recommended range for high seed vigour. The germination percentage after harvest remained consistently high across treatments (80–95%), with no significant delays in flowering time. Moringa-primed Afayak seeds had the highest 1000-seed weight (110.36 g), and tithonia-primed seeds showed reduced performance and higher fungal incidence. These results confirm the hypothesis and highlight the potential of botanical priming as an effective, low-cost strategy for improving soybean seed quality and crop establishment. These findings offer practical implications for sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, promoting environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals.

Keywords: botanical leaf extract; germination enhancement; moringa; neem; seed priming; seedling vigour; soybean (Glycine max); tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia).

read more

Preliminary study of the amino acids of horseshoe crabs (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) from the Cox’s Bazar Coast, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Aug 8, 2025 |

Md. Simul Bhuyan, Md. Tarikul Islam, Vinmoy Mondal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582179

ABSTRACT. Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda is an ancient marine arthropod with significant ecological and biomedical importance due to its unique physiological features and bioactive compounds. Despite this critical role in pharmaceutical applications, especially in endotoxin detection assays, the amino acid (AA) profile of C. rotundicauda remains underexplored, especially the population in the northern Bay of Bengal. This study investigated the AA profile of C. rotundicauda collected from the Cox’s Bazar coast of Bangladesh, with the goal of assessing its nutritional value and biomedical potential. A preliminary biochemical analysis was conducted using samples collected from a mangrove-dominated estuarine zone. A rigorous analytical protocol involving hydrolysis, filtration, and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was employed to accurately quantify the essential and non-essential amino acids. The results revealed a total AA content of 2.2%, with leucine (0.5%), isoleucine (0.3%), and proline (0.3%) being the most abundant. Interestingly, aspartic acid was not detected, and trace levels of methionine (0.006%) and histidine (0.0006%) were observed, suggesting unique metabolic adaptations in this species compared to other marine arthropods. These findings are significant as they represent the first detailed account of the AA profile of C. rotundicauda from Bangladesh’s coastal waters. The dominance of branched-chain amino acids such as leucine and isoleucine highlights the species’ potential role in supporting protein synthesis and metabolic regulation. This biochemical insight opens new possibilities for the species’ application in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, while also underlining the need for its conservation amid increasing habitat degradation.

Keywords: amino acid profiling; biomedical applications; Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda; nutritional composition.

read more

Coat colour variations and their influence on body traits in camels (Camelus dromedarius) of Northwestern Nigeria

Aug 4, 2025 |

Emmanuel Abayomi Rotimi, Abubakar Yusuf, Adelani Abayomi Adeoye

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582178

ABSTRACT. This study evaluated the phenotypic diversity of 51 dromedary camels (24 females and 27 males) from Northwestern Nigeria, sampled from Katsina and Zamfara States. Twelve morphometric traits were measured, and qualitative characteristics were recorded. Black and brown coat colours were the most prevalent (47.05% each), while white was rare (5.9%). Single coat colour patterns (74.5%) and smooth hair types (56.9%) predominated. Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.01) in coat colour and pattern distributions, whereas hair type showed no significant variation. Age significantly (p < 0.01) influenced most morphometric traits except rump height and ear length, with older camels (≥11 years) exhibiting larger body dimensions. Sex did not have a significant effect on any of the measured traits. Camels with a black coat had a significantly higher body weight (245.96 ± 14.80 kg), heart girth (180.73 ± 3.62 cm), abdominal girth (158.52 ± 3.08 cm), and ear length (19.09 ± 0.94 cm) compared with camels with a brown or white coat. The 1–5-year age group was the largest (43.1%), aligning with breeders’ preference for younger breeding stock. These findings suggest that black coat colour may serve as an indicator of superior body traits in camels. This study provides valuable baseline data to inform genetic resource conservation and to guide selection strategies for sustainable camel breeding and productivity enhancement in Nigeria’s semi-arid regions.

Keywords: Camelus dromedaries; coat colour; morphometric measurements; phenotypic traits; semi-arid Nigeria.

read more

Germination of seeds and adaptation of beech seedlings of Plaiul Fagului-23 origin under the influence of bioregulators

Aug 4, 2025 |

Dina Elisovetcaia, Raisa Ivanova, Ecaterina Popovschi, Jan Brindza

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582177

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of bioregulators on the germination of beech seeds of Plaiul Fagului-23 origin and adaptation of seedlings under solarium and natural conditions. The highest mean daily germination (0.74) was observed for 0.001 and 0.0001% (w/v, dry residue) Juniperus sabina. During stratification under laboratory conditions, the highest seed germination (82.64%) occurred in 0.0001% J. sabina. The highest seed germination rate index was observed in 0.0001 and 0.0005% J. sabina (1.17 and 1.57, respectively). The average germination time of 0.01% alginite No. 2 and 0.0005% J. sabina was below that of the control by 1.05-1.11 days. The length of the roots of germinated beech seeds with alginite No. 2 and 0.001% J. sabina significantly exceeded that of the control (39.66 mm), reaching 56.04 and 52.05 mm, respectively. Under solarium conditions, the highest rate of seedling emergence was observed in variants alginite No. 6 (92.50%), 0.0005% J. sabina (91.11%), 0.001% J. sabina (90.00%) and alginite nano powder (82.35%), which exceeded the control by 1.6–1.8 times. The height of the plants in alginite No. 2 (13.50 cm), 0.0001% J. sabina (12.24 cm) and 0.001% J. sabina (10.08 cm) significantly exceeded the control. Under natural conditions, the germination of seeds treated with alginite nano powder (60.80%) and alginite No. 6 (47.47%) was significantly higher than that of the control (42.67%) and those treated with gibberellic acid (43.73%). The height of the plants treated with alginite nano powder (28.10 cm), 0.01% genistifolioside (29.70 cm) and 0.004% gibberellic acid (28.22 cm) significantly exceeded that of the control.

Keywords: Alginite; genistifolioside; Fagus sylvatica seeds; germination; Juniperus sabina.

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Ecological water quality and benthic macroinvertebrates: impact on fish spawning grounds in Lake Buyo, Côte d’Ivoire

Jul 4, 2025 |

Iridjé Marcelle Bodji, Mamadou Soro, Lèfoungognon Coulibaly, Konan Gervais N’zi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582176

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to determine the ecological quality of ichthyological spawning grounds in the Lake Buyo partial wildlife reserve, part of Taï National Park. Ichthyological spawning grounds are aquatic habitats used by fish for reproduction. In Côte d’Ivoire, knowledge of these spawning grounds was very fragmentary and mostly based on an inventory and summary description of spawning grounds. Data collection was carried out from June 2018 to May 2019 at 11 ichthyological spawning grounds. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled using a Van Veen bucket and handle dip net. Ten grab samples were taken at each site. The dip net was used to sample habitats that were difficult to access with the grab and were very shallow. The Warwick Ecological Stress Index and the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index were used to analyse water quality. A total of 19,940 individuals belonging to 28 families for a biomass of 1,361,549 g were counted. Thiaridae and Chironomidae families were the most abundant, with 63.28% and 22.88%, respectively. The analysis of the abundance–biomass curves showed that the biomass curve was higher than the abundance curve, with values ranging from 0.18 to 0.61. These values indicate stress due to the enrichment of the water with organic matter. The analysis using the Hilsenhoff Biotic Index indicated that organic pollution ranges from poor (6.98) to very poor (7.73). The ecological quality of the lake’s waters has a negative impact on ecological diversity, leading to the disappearance of certain aquatic species through the destruction of spawning grounds.

Keywords: benthic macroinvertebrates; ecological water quality; ichthyological spawning grounds; Lake Buyo.

read more

Soil health and business models: a review and analysis carried out in the NOVASOIL project

Jul 4, 2025 |

Javier Bravo-García, Francisco José Blanco-Velazquez, Felix Ángel Gonzalez-Peñaloza, Fernando Alonso-Martin, Kalvi Tamm, Fabian Frick, Greta Winkler, Fabio Bartollini, Ana Iglesias, Mohammed Hussen Alemu, María Anaya-Romero

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582175

ABSTRACT. Soil health is critical for sustainable agriculture, healthy ecosystems, and environmental resilience. Soil degradation caused by unsustainable practices must be addressed through innovative economic and environmental solutions. This review explores how innovative environmental monitoring technologies, such as remote sensing, drones, and soil sensors, and innovative business models that influence soil management contribute significantly to the improvement of soil health. This study first highlights the key indicators of soil health, including soil organic carbon, nutrient levels, erosion rates and their potential use in ecosystem service markets, such as carbon credits, to incentivise improved soil management. Additionally, this study considers the legal and policy frameworks necessary to support these business models, with a particular focus on the European Union’s Soil Monitoring Law and its implications for the agricultural and environmental sectors. Together, these innovative components offer a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities for transforming soil health management into a profitable and sustainable enterprise, contributing to global goals, such as climate mitigation and biodiversity preservation.

Keywords: ecosystem services; soil monitoring law; soil indicators; sustainability.

read more

Effect of pod size and fermentation method on temperature changes and the chemical quality of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) beans

Jun 26, 2025 |

Mohammed Alhassan, Patrick Kumah, Paul Kweku Tandoh, Irene Akua Idun

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582174

ABSTRACT. Cocoa is a highly valuable economic crop that generates income and foreign exchange for Ghana. However, the rejection of cocoa beans on the international market due mainly to inappropriate fermentation methods and postharvest practices is a major problem confronting this sector. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the pod size and fermentation method on temperature changes and chemical attributes of the beans. The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial with a completely randomised design and three replicates. Pod size (small, medium and large) and fermentation method (heap, tray and basket fermentation) were each evaluated at three levels. There were changes in temperature using all three fermentation methods, such that temperature increased from an average of 37.8 to 41.7°C in the first 24 h. The heap fermentation method had the highest temperature (41.7°C) after 4 days. The pod size and fermentation method did not influence the fat content, total titratable acidity, or free fatty acids in the sampled beans. Small pods fermented using the heap fermentation method had the highest pH. The study concluded that the heap fermentation method enhances temperature changes without compromising the chemical quality of cocoa beans, making it the preferred technique for high-quality cocoa production.

Keywords: bean quality; fermentation methods; pod sizes.

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Contribution of community forest management groups to effective forest conservation. A case study of the Mwamba Community Forest in Kasama, Zambia

Jun 19, 2025 |

Brenda Romazi Chirwa, Ackim Phiri

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582173

ABSTRACT. Forests play vital roles in the survival of people globally. Despite their usefulness, the loss of forests has not slowed. Hence, various approaches have been used to enhance their management. Effective forest management is key to food security and stability of national economies. The quest for efficient and sustainable management of forested areas has led to the surge in research exploring the involvement of local people in forest management. This study aimed to assess the contribution of community forest management groups in effective forest conservation. Several research questions were asked to explore the subject: What are the approaches used to sustainably manage the Mwamba Community Forest and how effective are they? What challenges are faced to achieve sustainable forest management? What strategies are used to overcome the challenges faced in managing forests in a sustainable manner? This study targeted 127 household respondents living around the Mwamba Community Forest, together with key informants. The mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies was used. Questionnaires were administered to collect data from respondents. The variable parameters were analysed using Excel and IBM SPSS statistic 26. The effectiveness of the approaches in managing the natural resources in the forest were confirmed by 84% of the respondents, but 11% disagreed, and 5% were indecisive. The study also revealed various forest management activities being practiced, such as woodlot management, beekeeping, and gardening. The study recommends that the government build capacity in the local communities through training, financial empowerment, and incentives.

Keywords: community forestry; contribution; deforestation; forest groups; sustainability.

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Effect of water management strategies on two vegetable crops under a Bhungroo irrigation technology in Upper East Region, Ghana

Jun 18, 2025 |

Henry E. Igbadun, Olufunke Cofie, Michael A. Kpakpo-Sraha, Donatus O. Onwuegbunam, Seifu Tilahun

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582172

ABSTRACT. Exploring options to access water for irrigation and water management strategies at the field level is pivotal for improving crop yield and water productivity. Farmer-participatory field trials were conducted in Gorogo and Sepaat communities, Upper East Region, Ghana, in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 irrigation seasons to evaluate the yield response of tomato and onion crops to varied levels of deficit irrigation using Bhungroo irrigation technology. The experimental factor was water application depth at four levels: 65, 85, and 100% of crop water requirement (CWR) and farmers’ discretion. Irrigation water productivity (IWP) was computed as a function of the yield and water applied. Seasonal water used in the tomato fields ranged from 232 to 502 mm, while the onion trials varied from 358 to 750 mm. The fresh fruit yield of tomato ranged from 6.0 to 17.5 t ha−1 in the two seasons, while the dry onion bulb yields ranged from 15.2 to 25.4 t ha−1. The IWP ranged from 2.11 to 3.61 kg m−3 for tomato and from 2.05 to 4.51 kg m−3 for onion. The lowest values were obtained from the least water applied, while the highest values were obtained from the highest. The deficit irrigation schedules significantly decreased both yield and IWP compared to 100% CWR in tomato and onion, while the farmers’ discretion led to over-irrigation in both study locations. It is recommended that tomato and onion crops be irrigated to meet the full crop water requirement in the study areas.

Keywords: deficit irrigation; drip irrigation; onion; tomato; water productivity.

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Assessing the impact of the no-tillage system on soil physical parameters and water conservation in corn crops

Jun 18, 2025 |

Matei Titianu, Tudor George Aostăcioaei, Gabriel Dumitru Mihu, Serginho Cakpo, Denis Țopa, Gerard Jităreanu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-582171

ABSTRACT. This study investigated the impact of two tillage systems, conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT), on soil physical properties and soil water conserva-tion capacity in an experiment conducted on the Big Island of Braila during two agricultural years (2022–2023). The aim was to evaluate the implications of the NT system on soil physical properties – bulk density (BD), water-stable aggregates (WTS) and soil moisture – compared with the CT system. The designated area, the Big Island of Braila, has specific climatic conditions that make this research of great interest for assessing the possibility of imple-menting NT practice in the future. The results showed that NT significantly improved soil quality, demonstrating higher structural stability and superior water retention in the upper soil layer. Although BD was higher with NT than with CT, it was within the optimal range (1.0–1.4 g/cm³) without affecting plant growth. CT showed greater BD fluctuation, especially in the surface layers, due to intense mechanical disturbance. For NT, WTS was higher at all depths, with a difference of up to 13.67% compared with CT in the first year. Soil moisture was also higher for NT, especially in the 0–10 cm layer, due to plant residues that reduced evaporation and improved water infiltration.

Keywords: conventional tillage; no-tillage; soil physical properties.

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