Browsing by Browse by FOR 2020 "300202 Agricultural land management"
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Journal ArticlePublication Agricultural Land Abandonment in the Hill Agro-ecological Region of Nepal: Analysis of Extent, Drivers and Impact of Change(Springer New York LLC, 2021-06) ;Subedi, Yuba Raj; ; Ojha, Roshan BabuDespite widely reported trends of agricultural land abandonment across many parts of the globe, this land use change phenomenon is relatively new in the context of Nepal. In recent years, rural farming communities in the hill region are gradually reducing the intensity of farming, leading to underutilisation and abandonment of agricultural lands. Adopting a mixed methods research approach, this study investigated the extent of agricultural land abandonment, its underlying causal drivers and perceived impacts in the hill agro-ecological region of Nepal. A structured survey of 374 households and six focus group discussions were carried out in three districts. The study revealed that around 40% of agricultural lands in the hill agro-ecological region have been abandoned and 60% of farmers have left at least one parcel of agricultural land abandoned. It was found that biophysical drivers (distance from homestead to parcel, slope of the parcel, land fragmentation, land quality and irrigation availability) and socio-demographic drivers (family size, higher education of the household members, domestic migration and out-migration) were responsible for agricultural land abandonment. Negative impacts of land abandonment were observed on the rural landscape, human-made farm structures, socio-economic systems, local food production and food security. In line with global studies, this research suggest that marginal land quality, demographic changes and rising alternative economic opportunities elsewhere contribute to farmland abandonment. This study also discusses land management approaches and policy implications to address the issue of agricultural land abandonment.1549 7 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Journal ArticlePublication Almond orchards with living ground cover host more wild insect pollinatorsWild pollinators are becoming more valuable to global agriculture as the commercial honeybee industry is increasingly affected by disease and other stressors. Perennial tree crops are particularly reliant on insect pollination, and are often pollen limited. Research on how different tree crop production systems influence the richness and abundance of wild pollinators is, however, limited. We investigated, for the first time, the richness and abundance of potential wild pollinators in commercial temperate almond orchards in Australia, and compared them to potential pollinator communities in proximate native vegetation. We quantified ground cover variables at each site and assessed the value of ground cover on the richness and abundance of potential wild pollinators in commercial almond systems focussing on three common taxa: bees, wasps and flies. More insects were caught in orchards with living ground cover than in native vegetation or orchards without ground cover, although overall species richness was highest in native vegetation. Percent ground cover was positively associated with wasp richness and abundance, and native bee richness, but flies showed no association with ground cover. The strongest positive relationship was between native bee abundance and the richness of ground cover plants. Our results suggest that maintaining living ground cover within commercial almond orchards could provide habitat and resources for potential wild pollinators, particularly native bees. These insects have the potential to provide a valuable ecosystem service to pollinator-dependent crops such as almond.2061 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessBookAmaranth (Amaranthus spp.): Weed management guide for Australian vegetable productionAmaranthus species are annual (or occasionally perennial) herbaceous plants, native to the Americas, that can grow up to 2 m in height. Here, we discuss A. viridis (green amaranth) and A. retroflexus (redroot amaranth).
There are approximately 60 Amaranthus species worldwide, of which 20 are found in Australia. Specific identification is best achieved based on differences in leaves, branches and flowers.
Green amaranth leaves are alternate, between 3-9 cm in length and 2-6 cm in width, oval to triangular in shape, smooth, and darker green on the top of the leaf. Flowers are brownish-yellow, about 1 mm in length and found at the end of plant stems. Seed is discshaped, shiny brown or black, and approximately 1 mm in length. Plants grow up to 2 m in height.
Redroot amaranth can also grow up to 2 m in height, and has a red-pink tap root. Leaves are alternate, oval to egg shaped and up to 10 cm in length, with more prominent veins than green amaranth. Flowers are numerous, greenish, and seed is oval to egg shaped, somewhat flattened, shiny black or dark brown, and approximately 1 mm in length.
Young plants can bear some resemblance to blackberry nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and fat hen (Chenopodium album), but with experience can be identified by their cotyledons and first true leaves.
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Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleAnthropogenic Food Subsidy to a Commensal Carnivore: The Value and Supply of Human Faeces in the Diet of Free-Ranging DogsAs the global population of free-ranging domestic dogs grows, there is increasing concern about impacts on human health and wildlife conservation. Effective management of dog populations requires reliable information on their diet, feeding behavior, and social ecology. Free-ranging dogs are reliant on humans, but anthropogenic food subsidies, particularly human faeces (i.e., coprophagy) have not previously been fully quantified. In this study we assess the contributions of different food types to the diet, and their influences on the social behaviour of free-ranging dogs in communal lands of rural Zimbabwe, with a focus on coprophagy. Free-ranging dog diets, body condition, and sociology were studied amongst 72 dogs over 18 months using scat analysis and direct observations. Human faeces constituted the fourth most common item in scats (56% occurrence) and contributed 21% by mass to the observed diet. Human faeces represented a valuable resource because relative to other food items it was consistently available, and of higher nutritional value than 'sadza' (maize porridge, the human staple and primary human-derived food), yielding 18.7% crude protein and 18.7 KJ/kg gross energy, compared to 8.3% and 18.5 KJ/kg for sadza, respectively. Human faeces had protein and energy values equivalent to mammal remains, another important food item. Dog condition was generally good, with 64% of adult females and 74% of adult males in the highest two body condition scores (on a five point scale), suggesting a plentiful and high quality food supply. Dogs largely fed alone, perhaps as a consequence of the small, inert, and spatially dispersed items that comprise their diet, and its abundance. We discuss the relationships between sanitation, human development, the supply of human faeces, female dog fertility, and population control.1662 2 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleAre Australian and United States Farmers Using Soil Information for Soil Health Management?Soil health is an essential requirement of a sustainable, functioning agroecosystem. Tracking soil health to determine sustainability at the local level largely falls to farmers, even though they often lack access to critical information. We examine farmers' participation in gathering soil information at the farm and paddock scale over the last two decades in Australia and the United States, by reviewing national-level reporting of farmer use of soil testing and farm planning as well as qualitative research on farmer perspectives. The level of participation in soil testing and farm planning has remained stable in the last two decades, with only 25% and 30% of landholders, respectively, participating nationally, in either country. The review revealed national-level reporting has a number of limitations in understanding farmers' use of soil information and, in particular, fails to indicate the frequency and intensity of soil testing as well as farmer motivation to test soil or what they did with the soil information. The main use of soil testing is often stated as "determining fertilizer requirements", yet data show soil testing is used less commonly than is customary practice. In Australia and in the United States, customary practice is three and half times more likely for decisions on fertilizer application levels. The rhetoric is heavy on the use of soil testing as a decision tool, and that it guides best practices. However, given that only a quarter of farmers are soil testing, and doing so infrequently and in low densities, the level of information on soil health is poor. While farmers report consistent monitoring of soil conditions, few have consistent records of such. In contrast to the information on the poor state of soil health, there is strong farmer interest in procuring soil health benefits through changes in farm practices such as conservation tillage or cover crops, even if they are unable to demonstrate these soil health benefits through soil testing. Many farmers report the use of observation in lieu of laboratory testing. Finally, we point to the need for soil information to include observational indicators to best allow a blend of traditional extension strategies with digital technology to create communities of interest in soil management. This would transcend the boundaries between those with expertise and those with experience in soil health management.1000 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
DatasetPublication Assessing the impacts of climate change on climate/land suitability and the quality of tea [Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze] in Sri Lanka(University of New England, 2022-06-26) ;Jayasinghe, Layomi Sadeeka; ; ; Kaliyadasa, EwonThis dataset was created during a study assessing the impacts of climate change on climate/land suitability and the quality of tea in Sri Lanka, specifically Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze. Data for chemical analysis of tea biochemicals were collected through sample collection during field visits over the years from 2018 to 2020 and subsequent chemical analysis. Data for climate modelling were collected from online databases, Departments of Climate and Meteorology of Sri Lanka. Data for geospatial analysis were gathered from shapefiles, Department of Agriculture Sri Lanka. This data was then used to model climate/land and tea quality.
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Thesis Masters ResearchPublication Assessing the Performance of Agricultural Advisory Models for Scaling-Out Conservation Agriculture with Trees in East Africa (Kenya)(2019-02-11) ;Bourne, Mieke; Conservation Agriculture with Trees (CAWT) is promoted as a sustainable way to enhance farm productivity and address food insecurity in populous Sub-Saharan Africa. CAWT combines the three principles of Conservation Agriculture (CA), namely minimum soil disturbance, maximum soil cover, and crop rotation or association, intercropped with trees. For CAWT to deliver benefits in East Africa, it must be widely adopted by farmers. CAWT as a complex combination of practices requires effective agricultural advisory services (AAS) for promotion. There is little comparative evidence on utilised advisory models available in the region to inform the design of AAS for CAWT. This research took place in Machakos County, Kenya, under a CAWT promotion project, and assessed the performance of two participatory advisory models, Landcare and Farmer Field Schools, compared to the more traditional top-down Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) delivery model. To understand the advisory models performance, assessment criteria were used: inclusivity of men and women, efficiency in delivery, social networks for information sharing and collective action and improvements in understanding and uptake of practice change of CAWT. By understanding the studied advisory models, and building on their individual strengths, a pluralistic agricultural advisory system for scaling-out CAWT was outlined.
Data was collected from 292 farmer respondents, who were members of farmer groups under the three advisory models and exposed to CAWT training. Gender disaggregated data on the assessment criteria was collected and key informant interviews, personal observation and training reports added context to the findings. Data analysis included logistic regression, social network analysis, and descriptive statistics.
Research results found the participatory models improved farmers' practice of CA by 20 percent more than the traditional top-down MOA model, the effect of this reduced for FFS at the local sub-county level. Participatory models did not improve farmers' understanding or practice of agroforestry, or combined as CAWT above that of the MOA model however. Agroforestry practices promoted as part of CAWT, were not accepted by the farmer group members, with below 12 percent practicing. The participatory models, and the MOA Mwala site under the traditional model, enhanced social capital in terms of producing dense and connected social networks for information sharing amongst farmers, extension agents and organisations. All models promoted equal understanding and practice for men and women, but Landcare achieved greater empowerment of women in terms of establishing their prominent role in information networks. Participatory models were 31-51 percent more expensive to deliver than the traditional MOA model, due to the provision of meals to farmers and better remuneration of extension agents but took less of farmers' valuable time to deliver training.
To scale-out CAWT in Machakos County, and similar locations within Kenya and the wider East Africa, it is recommended that participatory models be used. While these models did not consistently perform better than the MOA model across the assessment criteria, they did deliver multiple and greater benefits. MOA model in Mwala Sub-county performed as well as the participatory models, and better than the other two MOA sites, in terms of social networks, CA practice and information access. Extension agents at this site were more facilitative and participatory than the other MOA sites, highlighting the importance of the extension agent in determining the delivery of an advisory model. A pluralistic AAS system, with government extension and non-government organisation (NGO) service providers is recommended to deliver participatory models. Pluralism builds on the strength of each provider. Government extension has greater reach and sustainability while NGOs have more experience in promoting social capital through participatory models and access to alternative resource streams. Government extension can utilise participatory models, as witnessed in MOA Mwala, provided extension agent capacity is built and NGOs would have an important role in this process.
In conclusion, findings from this research partly agree with the literature that participatory models perform better than top-down models to enhance the adoption of complex practices, provided the community is interested in the practices, which was not found for agroforestry in this study. Advisory model delivery is however variable as shown by MOA Mwala. Research findings highlight the following recommendations. Implementation of pluralistic AAS should include capacity building of extension agents in participatory models, building of bonding and bridging capital, focusing on empowerment of women and utilising opportunities to reduce cost such as through rotational funds and local facilitators. Future research is required on appropriate motivators for extension agents to support participatory models; social networks for transferring complex information and collective action; and trade-offs between participatory extension delivery and the higher costs of such delivery modes. Future investigation could take place as an action research, while simultaneously promoting CAWT through a pluralistic and participatory advisory system.408 9 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Journal ArticlePublication Bee Visitation and Fruit Quality in Berries Under Protected Cropping Vary Along the Length of Polytunnels(Oxford University Press, 2020-06); ; ;Rocchetti, Maurizio ;Wright, DerekWild and managed bees provide effective crop pollination services worldwide. Protected cropping conditions are thought to alter the ambient environmental conditions in which pollinators forage for flowers, yet few studies have compared conditions at the edges and center of growing tunnels. We measured environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, white light, and UV light) and surveyed activity of the managed honey bee, Apis mellifera L.; wild stingless bee, Tetragonula carbonaria Smith; and wild sweat bee, Homalictus urbanus Smith, along the length of 32 multiple open-ended polyethylene growing tunnels. These were spaced across 12 blocks at two commercial berry farms, in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales and Walkamin, North Queensland, Australia. Berry yield, fresh weight, and other quality metrics were recorded at discrete increments along the length of the tunnels. We found a higher abundance and greater number of flower visits by stingless bees and honey bees at the end of tunnels, and less frequent visits to flowers toward the middle of tunnels. The center of tunnels experienced higher temperatures and reduced wind speed. In raspberry, fruit shape was improved with greater pollinator abundance and was susceptible to higher temperatures. In blueberry, per plant yield and mean berry weight were positively associated with pollinator abundance and were lower at the center of tunnels than at the edge. Fruit quality (crumbliness) in raspberries was improved with a greater number of visits by sweat bees, who were not as susceptible to climatic conditions within tunnels. Understanding bee foraging behavior and changes to yield under protected cropping conditions is critical to inform the appropriate design of polytunnels, aid pollinator management within them, and increase economic gains in commercial berry crops.1237 2 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessBookBlackberry Nightshade (Solanum nigrum): Weed management guide for Australian vegetable production(University of New England, 2020-02); ; ; ; Horticulture Innovation Australia LimitedBlackberry nightshade can vary widely in its growth form, with stems either erect or spreading and occasionally prostrate. Stems are smooth or very sparsely hairy, becoming woody with age. Plants are usually considerably branched with fully mature (flowering) specimens regularly observed at as little as 10 cm in height. Leaves are elliptic to oval with pointed tips, 3 to 7 cm in length, sometimes edged with coarse irregular teeth and wavy margins, and generally dark green to purple-green in colour. Flowers are white with five petals fused at the base with yellow centres, 8 to 12 mm across. The fruit is between 5 and 13 mm in diameter, a shiny berry that is dark green when initially produced and changing to purple-black when ripe.1745 8 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Journal ArticlePublication Canopy temperature of high‐nitrogen water‐stressed cotton(John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2020-06); ;Harden, Steven ;Conaty, Warren C ;Brodrick, RoseEdwards, Everard JAustralian cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) farmers are adopting canopy temperature (Tc)-based irrigation scheduling as a decision support tool to improve on-farm production. High N supply, characteristic of the high-yielding, furrow-irrigated cotton system of Australia, might alter cotton Tc with implications for irrigation. We examined growth, physiological, and biochemical traits and changes in Tc of well-watered and water-stressed cotton plants supplied with high to excessive levels of N under glasshouse conditions. We also examined Tc, lint yield, and fiber quality of furrow-irrigated cotton crop supplied with high N. In the glasshouse and under well-watered conditions, high N supply stimulated plant growth and increased stomatal conductance and photosynthesis, resulting in cooler Tc. Under water deficit stress, high N also stimulated growth, increasing plant water demand and thus vulnerability to water stress, which manifested as warmer Tc. Water-stressed plants supplied high N also showed reduced stomatal conductance, lower leaf water potential, and greater accumulation of leaf and xylem sap abscisic acid. Furrow-irrigated crops supplied higher N also had higher Tc, but there was no gain in lint yield and fiber quality. The influence of high N on cotton Tc suggests that the need for accurate and reliable Tc-based irrigation scheduling is paramount.
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Conference PublicationPublication Capacities for irrigation water resource governance at the local level: Case study from the Upper East Region of GhanaLocal level institutional arrangements have been promoted by government and development agencies in Ghana as vehicles for sustainable water resource governance and rural development. However, these arrangements often lack the requisite capacities to fulfil their roles and responsibilities in this domain. This paper explores the existing capacities and capacity gaps among such institutional arrangements at regional, district and community level arrangements levels. Four case studies were undertaken of such governance in four communities of three districts in Ghana's Upper East Region involving in-depth and focus group interviews as well as field observations. We found that landholders' livelihoods have suffered as a result of the inadequate capacity within local level institutional arrangements to effectively manage irrigation water resources. The ineffectiveness of local level arrangements for irrigation water resource governance followed from irrigation governance responsibilities being devolved to local community organisations without adequate support for post project capacity building.1679 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessConference PublicationCarbon Neutral Cotton Farms(Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), 2014); ;Visser, Francois ;Welsh, Jon ;Vogel, StaceyTrindall, JaneThe Australian Cotton Industry is developing a carbon (C) footprint calculator for cotton farms. The calculator determines C sequestration and emissions associated with agricultural production (irrigated and dryland crops and grazing enterprises), as well as the net primary productivity (NPP) and C sequestered by native vegetation. NPP is defined as the net flux of carbon from the atmosphere into green plants per unit time (Distributed Active Archive Center, 2014). A case study illustrating the C footprint of a cotton farm near Wee Waa has been developed and is reported here. The calculator will demonstrate how growers can be carbon neutral, or even better, generate carbon credits. In addition, carbon conscious consumers need reassurance that the system used to grow the product is environmentally sustainable (Maraseni et al. 2010).
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Journal ArticlePublication Carbon status and structural stability of soils from differing land use systems in the Kingdom of TongaMaintenance of soil carbon stocks is vital for the environment at large and for maintenance of soil chemical, physical and biological fertility. Tonga represents a country in agricultural transition from subsistence to commercial production and whilst this is good for the national economy the impact on soil resources is less clear. The major cropped soils, fallow vegetation types and forest systems of Tonga were identified in each island group and samples of representative soils (0.15 m depth) from each land use unit were taken. Total carbon (CT) and δ¹³C were measured and labile carbon (CL) determined by oxidation with 333 mm KMnO₄. These data were used to determine the carbon management index (CMI) and the proportion of carbon from C4 species in the CT pool. Relative to primary forest, the soil CT and CL generally declined with changes in vegetation and more intense mechanical tillage. The contribution of C4 plants to soil C increased with intensity of mechanical tillage and the prevalence of C4 guinea grass ('Panicum maximum' Jacquin) fallow. The changes in soil C were reflected in the CMI, and CL was a more sensitive indicator of change than CT. These data indicates that all land use systems have experienced a large net loss of soil C relative to the forest systems. Soil mean weight diameter (MWD) decreased significantly with increased intensity of mechanical tillage and to a lesser extent with the intensity and length of cropping. The relationship between soil MWD and soil C was similar with soil CT and CL. Grass fallow was as effective as permanent vegetation systems in improving soil MWD and lowering the micro-aggregate (<125 μm) fraction.867 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessBookChickweed (Stellaria media): Weed management guide for Australian vegetable productionChickweed (Stellaria media) is a branched sprawling annual herb, native to Europe, with delicate stems up to 60 cm in length but usually 5-40 cm in length.
Leaves are between 1-3 cm in length, usually almost free of hairs, bright green, and oval to broadly elliptical in shape, with pointed tips. The numerous flowers are white, 3.0-6.5 mm in width when fully open, and comprised of five deeply divided petals (giving the appearance of ten petals), and are surrounded by longer hairy sepals.
Plants are diffusely branched from the plant base, with a distinct line of hairs visible between the stem joints (nodes). Roots are capable of forming from the lower nodes. The root system is shallow, dense and fibrous, and features a slender tap root.
Most vegetable farmers will be well aware of chickweed and how to identify it. However in some cases, depending on stage of growth and experience in identification, it may be possible to mis-identify chickweed as certain other Stellaria species, for example lesser chickweed (Stellaria pallida). Chickweed also closely resembles pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis), a weed sometimes found on vegetable farms. However, pimpernel may be distinguished most readily by having either red or blue/purple flowers, and somewhat fleshier leaves.
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Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleClimate and Land Use Change Pressures on Food Production in Social-Ecological Systems: Perceptions from Farmers in Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka(MDPI AG, 2024-10-01); ; ; ;Hunter, Danny; ;Dharmasena, Punchi B ;Kogo, Benjamin ;Senavirathna, MalalasiriKariyawasam, Champika SClimate and land use change pressures are critical to food production in Social-Ecological Systems (SESs). This study assessed farmers’ perceptions of the pressures of climate and land use changes alongside their impacts on food production in Mhahakanumulla Village Tank Cascade System (MVTCS), a SES maintained by traditional agricultural land use systems in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. This study used both rating and ranking scale questions to quantify farmers’ perceptions. The tobit regression model was employed to evaluate how farmer perception was influenced by socio-economic factors. The results showed that most of the farmers had experienced that the climate of the MVTCS area had changed over time, and they perceived variability of rainfall patterns as the most prominent and influential climate change. The increased cost of production, wildlife damage, and land degradation were ranked by the farmers as the most impactful factors of food production due to climate change. The farmers rated deforestation and land clearing as the most influential and impactful changes in land use, while wildlife damage and land degradation ranked as the highest impacts on food production due to land use changes. Among the socio-economic determinants, training and income/profit positively influenced farmer perceptions of the severity of both climate and land use change. The level of farmer’s adaptation to climate change had a negative association with their perception of the severity of climate change. Household size negatively influenced the perceptions of the severity of climate change while positively influencing perceptions of land use change impacts. Among the spatial determinants, farm size and downstream locations of MVTCS positively influenced perceptions of the severity of both climate and land use change. Thus, the effectiveness of adaptation strategies towards climate and land use change pressures depends on how well they are understood by the farmers. The study findings provide helpful insights for formulating localized land use policies and climate change adaptation strategies in these globally important landscapes with a combination of both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
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Thesis DoctoralPublication Climate change in North-Western Cambodia: impact assessment, vulnerability and scope for adaptation in upland agricultural systems(2016) ;Touch, Van ;Martin, BobIncreases in mean temperature, changes in rainfall patterns and increases in frequencies of extreme climate events have put more pressure on agriculture to meet the world’s food and fibre demand. Agricultural food produce amongst smallholder farms has a vital role in feeding the world population, particularly in developing countries. Over 80% of the food that is consumed in the developing world is produced by small-scale farmers. In general, small-scale farmers are unable to achieve potential yields due to inability to manage various yield-limiting factors. Predicted impact of climate change is one of the major threats to sustained agricultural productivity, especially for rainfed production systems. It is, therefore, critical to reduce constraints to achieving crop yield potential in order to minimise the adverse impacts of climate change. This study was conducted in North-West Cambodia where Pailin Province (12°52' N, 102°36' E) and Samlout District in Battambang Province (12°40' N, 102°45' E) were selected to examine climate change impacts and adaptation options for smallholder farms in the region. Locally relevant climate change projections for Battambang city (13°05' N, 103°13' E), 80 km from the study areas, were downscaled from Global Circulation Models (GCMs). The objectives of this study were to (1) better understand upland rainfed cropping systems and socio-economics of smallholder farms, (2) assess farmers' perceptions of climate variability and change against regional climate records and projections, (3) evaluate farmers’ autonomous adaptation options to short‐term climate change, and (4) investigate options for longer‐term planned adaptation measures. The thesis progresses through the following sequence. The initial stage of this study involved collection of baseline data from smallholder households on cropping systems, socio-economic context, production constraints, climate change perceptions, and perceived impacts and employed adaption options to climate change. The data were gathered from 390 representatives of households of the selected study areas in North-West (NW) Cambodia. The results showed upland crop production has a critical role in supporting the livelihoods and food security of the local people where about 70% of family income is obtained from crop production. These farmers have implemented crop intensification practices on small pieces of land to maximise their incomes. The farmers often face various significant challenges to their productivity and income such as: adverse climate impacts; soil fertility depletion; biotic constraints; high input costs; and unpredictable fluctuations in crop prices. For a five-year period between 2008 and 2012, farmers had experienced crop yield losses as perceived reductions of 16-27%. These yield reductions had posed a significant threat to the livelihoods, food security and welfare of the people. This has been in line with the rising number of young people leaving their home villages for casual employment in cities and outside the country. The baseline study also revealed that the local people perceived warming temperature, rising frequency and severity of drought and dry spells, declining annual rainfall, and a later start and later finish to the wet season. The variations and changes in climate parameters were perceived to have significant effects on the farmers’ crop productivity. The baseline study led to further research on climate change assessment and crop simulation modelling for the selected study areas. The climate assessment study involved gathering available climate records and downscaling climate change projections from 23 GCMs for the study locations. The records reveal that temperature has already become warmer, and is projected to continue warming over the remainder of the 21st century with average warming rates per decade of about 0.13oC and 0.24oC under intermediate emission (RCP4.5) and high emission scenarios (RCP8.5), respectively. The records for the current annual rainfall also showed no clear trend, but more fluctuations between years. Similarly, projections for past rainfall indicated neither downward nor upward trends, but exhibited a slight upward trend after the 2010s onwards. Furthermore, projections showed more rain would fall in the main wet season (May-October) and some would be in the very early dry season (November), while the rainfall was projected to remain low in the dry season (December-May). These findings should be taken into account in planning adaptation measures because farmers firstly need to perceive climate change correctly before they can employ effective actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Crop simulation modelling based on the downscaled climate change projections was used to examine climate change impacts on the current crop production strategies and explored various feasible adaptation measures for the study areas. Simulation modelling showed the current practice of planting the first crop in the late dry season (February/March) had failure rates of around 59% at Pailin and 32% at Samlout. In addition, the expected failure rates would be higher if soil fertility depletion was included in the simulation. The study suggested that farmers could grow two good crops of maize per year (<1% chance of crop failure at both sites) when the first crop is planted in May and the second in September. Compared with the current sowing times, the proposed sowing windows (the first crop planted in May and the second in September) showed increases in annual gross margin (US$/ha) of 35% ($415) and 689% ($560) for Pailin and Samlout, respectively. Further findings indicated that soil fertility depletion was a critical factor limiting crop profitability where crops were planted at the safer times. The study revealed two feasible options, additional fertiliser application and crop rotation, which have the potential to address the profitability losses. Compared with the current crop sequence under the improved sowing windows, the average annual gross margins per hectare under fertiliser addition for Pailin and Samlout explained increases of 137% ($1717) and 230% ($2084), respectively. Similarly, on average annual gross margins for crop rotation (with soybean, mungbean and sunflower), same comparison, increased by 140% ($1739) for Pailin and 218% ($2009) for Samlout. It is expected that not every proposed climate change adaption option will be adopted by local farmers, as they might have their own ideas managing climate variability and climate change. In addition, smallholder responses to climate change are likely to be influenced by other socio-economic challenges. Therefore, the proposed adaptation options from the simulation modelling were presented to local farmers for consideration. Farmers agreed that a number of response actions such as fertilizer addition, crop rotation, growing legumes, retaining crop residues, minimizing cultivation, adjusting sowing dates, changing crop species and using improved seed quality would reduce crop yield and financial losses. Most of these proposed measures, are not currently implemented. Farmers were reluctant to adopt new practices they have not implemented before. These farmers lack governmental extension advice and relevant information to help them take action to improve crop productivity. In other words, there is no governmental extension service at the village level, and farmers depend on each other and their value chain network, such as input suppliers and traders, for advice on crop decision-making. This study recommends that future interventions include the local value-chain network actors to improve the chance of adoption. The results from the study are also useful to policy makers and researchers as well as other stakeholders (such as international donors, NGOs and private sector actors) for project planning, implementation and assessment at the regional and sub-regional levels.1986 1 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Journal ArticlePublication Collective action in invasive species control, and prospects for community-based governance: The case of serrated tussock ('Nassella trichotoma') in New South Wales, Australia(Elsevier Ltd, 2016); ; ; ; Berney, PeterResponsibility for solving collective action problems in invasive species control has conventionally been assigned to government. The large continuing costs arising from invasive species demonstrate the limitations of government-centred (monocentric) approaches to governance in this domain, and indicate a need for polycentric alternatives which complement government capacities with those of landholders and their community organisations. We sought to add to existing knowledge about collective action problems for invasive species management, and to explore the potential for community-based, polycentric approaches to improve management in this domain, through workshops and a survey of landholders regarding the weed serrated tussock ('Nassella trichotoma') in two regions of New South Wales, Australia. Serrated tussock threatens the private interests of a substantial proportion of landholders in the two regions. Private landholders recognise how management of this weed on their own properties poses a collective action problem, where success is dependent on the diligent control efforts of neighbouring private and public landholders. They are more likely to consider issues relating to horizontal social capital (e.g. relationships with public and private neighbours) as barriers to effective serrated tussock control on their own property, than issues relating to information and education about this species. Community-based approaches to this weed have the potential to improve its management across the landscape, and a great majority of private landholders appear willing to participate in such a program. Such an approach will require the active participation of public land managers, continued coercion of non-cooperative landholders, and can be developed from the foundation of existing institutional arrangements for land management, taking into account unique regional relationships and characteristics. It should complement and build on, rather than replace existing legislative, research, and extension approaches.1733 1 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Book ChapterPublication Coming Full Circle: One person's journey in Rural Science(University of New England, 2014)Fox, GeoffreyMore than ever I regret not keeping a diary of my life's journey since leaving home on my 17th birthday to study rural science at the University of New England in Armidale. I have tended to take each day's events as they come, and to judge most of them not particularly noteworthy. Besides, keeping a diary requires discipline and more talent than I felt I could bring to the task; and who would want to read my diary anyway? Now, as I look back over the 50 years since starting at UNE in 1961 I realise that my life has been quite extraordinary - and it owes its roots to my fortunate decision to study rural science at UNE.775 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessBookCommon Sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus): Weed management guide for Australian vegetable productionCommon sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is an annual herbaceous plant, growing between 0.2 m and 1.5 m in height.
Figure 1 includes a series of photos of common sowthistle at different life stages, from a young seedling through to a mature flowering plant, including images of the flowers and seed.
Common sowthistle initially forms as a rosette, up to 25 cm in diameter, before growing as an erect plant commonly 1 m in height. Stems are circular, green to purple, hollow, and produce a milky sap when cut. Lower leaves are smooth, thin, and lance-shaped, while upper leaves are generally smooth although can be hairy. Upper leaves can show considerable variation in shape, but are generally bluish-green with irregularly-toothed margins ending in small soft spines. Leaves can be between 6 cm and 35 cm in length. The plant has a long, slender pale taproot that is usually branched.
Flowers are light yellow in colour, 10 to 15 mm in diameter, with many narrow petals. Fruit (forming at the base of the flower) is wrinkled, tapers at the base, and produces fine white cottony hairs after flowering.
At its early growing stages, common sowthistle is almost indistinguishable from prickly sowthistle (Sonchus asper), a weed that is also common in Australian vegetable farms and has much the same impacts as common sowthistle. However, as a larger plant, prickly sowthistle is distinguishable from common sowthistle by its leaf form, which is thicker, more curled and with much more significant spines along the leaf margins (Figures 2 and 3). Management of the two species will largely be the same.
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Journal ArticlePublication Cotton strip assay detects soil microbial degradation differences among crop rotation and tillage experiments on Vertisols(Elsevier BV, 2022-09); ;Hundt, Andy ;Palmer, Blake; The cotton strip assay (CSA) is a simple and inexpensive method of evaluating management effects on soil mi-crobial decomposition. The average loss of tensile strength of cotton strips buried 3 to 35 days in soils from two long-term tillage and crop-rotation experiments was of the order: cotton-wheat rotation > minimum-tillage cotton monoculture > maximum-tillage cotton monoculture. The study suggests CSA can be an effective indi-cator to delineate microbial activity, soil organic carbon or crop biomass as influenced by agricultural practices in cotton fields.
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Journal ArticlePublication Creating positive synergies between risk management and transfer to accelerate food system climate resilience(Springer Netherlands, 2020-08) ;Mushtaq, Shahbaz ;Kath, Jarrod; ;Henry, Ross ;Laderach, Peter ;Reardon-Smith, Kathryn ;Cobon, David ;Marcussen, Torben ;Cliffe, Neil; Pischke, FrederikClimate change will significantly impact the future viability and security of food production systems, with increased frequency and intensity of droughts, floods, storms and other extreme climatic events predicted in many regions. In order for food production systems to remain viable and resilient under a changing climate, novel approaches, which integrate risk management (i.e. adaptation) and risk transfer strategies, such as insurance, are required. We argue that the coordinated integration of risk management and risk transfer approaches will support greater resilience of food production systems under climate change. Conversely, if risk management and risk transfer strategies are not carefully integrated, there is potential to undermine adaptive capacity (e.g. insurance subsidies may dissuade farmers from investing in climate adaptation) and ultimately reduce the capacity of food production systems to cope with and recover from the adverse impacts of climate change. Here we propose a resilience-based conceptual framework for integrating risk management and risk transfer strategies along with four key principles, which we believe could underlie their successful integration and thus enhance food production system resilience under climate change. These are as follows: (1) pro-active investments in farmer climate adaptation rather than re-active disaster relief, (2) structuring of government subsidies around insurance and climate disaster relief to incentivise farmer climate adaptation, (3) rewarding farmer efforts towards climate adaptation with cheaper insurance premiums for those farmers that invest resources into climate adaptation and (4) recognising investments in the integration of farm climate adaptation and risk transfer schemes within the broader context of future climate disaster risk management and global food security. Such an integrated investment approach could substantially reduce future economic losses for farmers while also enhancing food security under climate change.1228 5 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Journal ArticlePublication Crop choice and planting time for upland crops in Northwest Cambodia(Elsevier BV, 2016) ;Montgomery, Steph; ; ;Wright, Graeme C; ;Phan, Sophanara ;Im, Sophoeun ;Touch, Van; Crop yields are declining in Northwest Cambodia and crop failure in the pre-monsoon season is commonplace with 69% of farmers surveyed stating that drought is a constraint to production. Farmers currently lack knowledge to adopt more sustainable farming practices. A trial was conducted in Samlout District, Battambang Province, Northwest Cambodia to investigate the feasibility of a sowing time two months later than typical local practices. The aim of the shift in sowing time was to increase crop yield and reduce crop failure due to heat and drought stress throughout the season. A secondary aim was to compare sequences of continuous maize ('Zea mays' L.), and maize in rotation with peanut ('Arachis hypogaea'), sun- flower ('Helianthus annus'), sorghum ('Sorghum bicolor'), cowpea ('Vigna unguiculata') or mungbean ('Vigna radiata'). Sunflower and sorghum would be new crop type introductions, whilst the other crops are part of the traditional farming system in this region. The trial was undertaken for four cropping seasons over two years, during which time crops produced successful yields from the new sowing time windows. However, it was the maize-sunflower sequence that produced the highest gross margins. Maize-sunflower returns were $514 per hectare per annum more than the typical planting of continuous maize, and over $1100 per hectare per year higher than the other maize-legume and maize-sorghum rotations. Continuous maize produced the most stable yields across the four seasons and maize-sunflower produced the second highest mean yield. Results from modelling of soil moisture suggest that a shift in sowing time may avoid the extreme heat of the pre-monsoon season, and align crop growth stages with periods of more reliable rainfall. Site specific surface soil moisture data and rainfall was entered into the APSIM model to predict the soil profile moisture throughout the growing season (r² = 0.73). Both the modelling and on-farm research resulted in higher crop yields compared with traditional practices and expectations, and a low probability of crop failure. Crops of maize, sunflower and sorghum grew well from an early October sowing date into the post monsoon season and produced good yields on stored soil water with low plant stress due to mild seasonal conditions. Delayed sowing may prove to be the best option for farmers in the Northwest upland, achieved by a simple shift of sowing dates.1299 1 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Journal ArticlePublication Determining the critical period for weed control in high-yielding cotton using common sunflower as a mimic weed(Cambridge University Press, 2019); ; ; Field studies were conducted over six seasons to determine the critical period for weed control (CPWC) in high-yielding cotton, using common sunflower as a mimic weed. Common sunflower was planted with or after cotton emergence at densities of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 plants m⁻². Common sunflower was added and removed at approximately 0, 150, 300, 450, 600, 750, and 900 growing degree days (GDD) after planting. Season-long interference resulted in no harvestable cotton at densities of five or more common sunflower plants m⁻². High levels of intraspecific and interspecific competition occurred at the highest weed densities, with increases in weed biomass and reductions in crop yield not proportional to the changes in weed density. Using a 5% yield-loss threshold, the CPWC extended from 43 to 615 GDD, and 20 to 1,512 GDD for one and 50 common sunflower plants m⁻², respectively. These results highlight the high level of weed control required in high-yielding cotton to ensure crop losses do not exceed the cost of control.1679 6 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Conference PublicationPublication Developing a Simple Accelerometer Based Grazing Sensor(Australian Society of Animal Production (ASAP), 2012); ; ; Monitoring the behaviour of animals is a difficult and time consuming task. Whilst the gold standard remains direct or video observation, several technologies have been developed to alleviate the need for human input. One of the key technologies that has been increasingly used by animal researchers is accelerometers. These devices measure the force due to acceleration, usually in several axes. In this trial the utility of a simple 3-axis accelerometer to distinguish between several key behaviours was examined.1793 2 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleDeveloping conservoltaic systems to support biodiversity on solar farmsHabitat conversion is one of the leading threats to biodiversity globally (Fischer & Lindenmayer, 2007). Renewable energy initiatives such as large-scale solar, wind and hydroelectric power installations have recently boomed, requiring large areas of land for power generation. To offset decreasing land available for biodiversity and nature conservation, land sharing (i.e. using the same land for multiple purposes" Fischer et al., 2008) could maximise land value.
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Journal ArticlePublication Differential growth and yield by canola ('Brassica napus' L.) anhd wheat ('Triticum aestivum' L.) arising from alterations in chemical properties of sandy soils due to additions of fly ash(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2013); ;Manoharan, Veeragathipillai ;Harris, Rob ;Lawrie, Roy ;Pal, Yash ;Quilton, Jonathan T ;Bell, RichardEamus, DerekBACKGROUND: There is a need for field trials on testing agronomic potential of coal fly ash to engender routine use of this technology. Two field trials were undertaken with alkaline and acidic fly ashes supplied at between 3 and 6 Mg ha⁻¹ to acidic soils and sown to wheat and canola at Richmond (Eastern Australia) and to wheat only at Merredin (Western Australia). RESULTS: Ash addition marginally (P< 0.10) raised the pH in the top soil layers at both sites. The exceptionally dry season at both sites constrained yields and thwarted any likelihood of gaining yield benefits from ash-induced improvements in soil conditions. Yield improvements due to ash addition were absent at Merredin and only marginal at Richmond, where no elevated accumulation of B, Mo, Se, P or S in either the straw or seeds of wheat was observed; canola increased accumulation of Mo and Se in its shoot with acidic fly ash, but it was well below phyto toxic levels. Simulations of wheat using APSIM at Richmond over a 100-year period (1909-2008) predicted yield increases in 52% of years with addition of ash at 3.0 Mg ha⁻¹ compared with 24% of years with addition of ash at 6.0 Mg ha⁻¹. The simulated yield increases did not exceed 40% over the control with addition of 6Mg ha⁻¹ ash, but was between 40% and 50% with an addition rate of 3Mg ha⁻¹. CONCLUSION: We found no evidence of phytotoxicity in either crop in this unusually dry year and there is still a need for further field assessment in years with favourable rainfall to enable development of clear recommendations on fly ash rates for optimum yield benefits.876 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Journal ArticlePublication Dissemination strategies and the adoption of improved agricultural technologies: The case of improved cassava varieties in Ghana(Elsevier Ltd, 2020-11) ;Kondo, Kodjo; ; ; Asante, Bright OCassava (Manihot esculanta Crantz) is an important tropical root crop for food security and national economies in Africa. In Ghana, it is the most important staple food also used in breweries, bakery and confectionery industries. Several high-yielding and disease resistant improved cassava varieties (ICVs) have been released and are being promoted through diverse dissemination channels. Past studies investigate the role of information in the adoption of agricultural technologies without accounting for the diversity in the dissemination strategies. The paper explores the diversity of dissemination strategies in examining the adoption of improved cassava varieties using a sequential mixed-method approach which combines exploratory interviews and focus group discussions with a questionnaire-based quantitative survey and the Cragg's two-part model. The paper uses data collected from 608 farmers randomly selected from major cassava producing communities in the Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions in Ghana, West Africa. The results show statistically significant and identical impact of information through demonstrations, distribution of planting materials, farmer-to-farmer and media on the probability of ICV adoption. Other drivers of adoption are the membership of farmers based organizations (FBO), planting of two or more varieties and having large livestock size. However, ICV adoption and intensity was hampered by household size, distances to the nearest tarred road and market, and grey-skin color. These attributes need to be integral of dissemination campaigns for cassava variety adoption.1308 4 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessBookDwarf Nettle (Urtica urens): Weed management guide for Australian vegetable production(University of New England, 2018-09); ; ; ; Horticulture Innovation Australia LimitedDwarf nettle (Urtica urens) is an annual herbaceous plant, native to Mediterranean Europe, that grows between 10 and 75 cm in height. Figure 1 Life stages, from germination to floweringLeaves are up to 6 cm in length but often 1-3 cm, oval to elliptical in shape, deeply toothed or serrated on the edges, green to dark green, and covered with scattered stinging hairs. Clusters of small, greenish-white flowers form where the leaves join the stems.Dwarf nettle is also known in Australia as small nettle, lesser nettle, or stinging nettle. Vegetable farmers are likely to be very familiar with it where it is found on their farm, and to be well aware of how to identify it. However depending on its stage of growth, it may be possible to mis-identify it as tall nettle (Urtica dioica), native scrub nettle (Urtica incisa) or potentially deadnettle (Lamium amplexicaule), particularly where the plants are recently germinated.1751 11 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessThesis DoctoralEcological, biophysical and animal production responses to strategic-rest grazing in Australia and worldwide(University of New England, 2020-05-06); ; ; Livestock grazing can facilitate the maintenance of biodiversity in landscapes or cause landscape degradation and biodiversity loss. With a global population expected to surpass 9 billion people by 2050, there will be increasing pressure on the world's grazing lands to produce protein while minimising impacts on landscapes. This thesis explores the potential for grazing that incorporates extended and planned rest (Strategic-rest grazing, hereafter SRG) to enable continuing livestock production while also maintaining biodiversity and biophysical functions.
In Chapter 2, I conducted a global meta-analysis comparing impacts of SRG to continuously grazed or ungrazed areas. I found that total groundcover and animal production per hectare were significantly greater with SRG compared to continuous grazing, while biomass, plant richness, plant diversity and animal weight gain did not differ between grazing treatments. Where the length of rest, relative to graze time increased with SRG, there were significant increases in biomass and further increases in groundcover and animal production per hectare in comparison to continuous grazing. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating the length of rest relative to graze duration into analyses comparing grazing systems. I found that the main focus of research around SRG differed between major geographic regions and climate zones. North American, Australian and New Zealand research mostly focused on short-term animal productivity, as did research in temperate areas. In contrast, research from Europe predominantly focused on biodiversity conservation. Research in more arid areas has focused largely on general sustainability for continuing animal production. Where richness and diversity of flora and fauna were compared between SRG and continuously grazed areas, responses were mostly favourable in SDG areas, or there was no difference. There were few examples of negative outcomes in SRG areas. Where richness and diversity in SRG areas were compared to ungrazed areas there was often no difference between SRG and ungrazed. Despite the often-favourable responses for production and ecological outcomes with SRG, a very small number of studies have considered the potential to achieve animal production and biodiversity conservation simultaneously with SRG approaches. This suggests we have limited understanding of trade-offs and synergies between these two goals.
A localised study was undertaken of ground-layer biodiversity and landscape function outcomes in naturalised pastures in NSW, Australia. This study assessed grasslands on six properties managed with short-duration grazing (hereafter SDG, a form of SRG) and compared with outcomes on properties managed in ways more typical of the region (largely continuous and with unplanned rest; hereafter RP). With SDG management there was approximately 19% greater perennial herbaceous cover and a corresponding 14% lower cover of undesirable introduced annual plants. Significant improvement in attributes relating to landscape functioning were also seen with SDG management, with environmental factors less important in influencing these attributes. Pasture composition also differed between management approaches with increased cover of favourable forage species and reduced cover of species that increase under heavy grazing pressure with SDG management. Greater richness of native forbs was seen under RP, but no other identifiable differences in richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity was seen in the ground-layer of pastures managed in contrasting ways.
Insects are an important component of overall landscape biodiversity and are sensitive to changes in land-use and agricultural intensification. Insect richness and abundance were assessed on RP and SDG properties and found to be significantly higher on SDG sites. These increases were likely largely due to the greater cover of tall perennial plants and litter cover and increased structural heterogeneity of the pasture sward with SDG management. These increases suggest there is potential for altered grazing practices to improve the capacity of grazed landscapes to provide ecosystem services from insects such as natural pest control and pollination, as well as provide food resources for wildlife.
This thesis has highlighted the potential to balance animal production, biophysical and biodiversity outcomes with grazing incorporating extended rest and that research to-date has largely been on animal production outcomes rather than biodiversity responses. Importantly, it highlights that minimal research has considered trade-offs and synergies between animal production and biodiversity conservation outcomes, and the potential to achieve both simultaneously. If we are to meet the growing demand for protein from the world's grazing lands, while also preventing landscape degradation and sustaining biodiversity, it is essential to fill this knowledge gap.2477 513 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
DatasetPublication Ecological, biophysical and animal production responses to strategic-rest grazing in Australia and worldwide(University of New England, 2019-10-30); ; ; ; ; Livestock grazing can facilitate the maintenance of biodiversity in landscapes or cause landscape degradation and biodiversity loss. With a global population expected to surpass 9 billion people by 2050, there will be increasing pressure on the world's grazing lands to produce protein while minimising impacts on landscapes. This thesis explores the potential for grazing that incorporates extended and planned rest (Strategic-rest grazing, hereafter SRG) to enable continuing livestock production while also maintaining biodiversity and biophysical functions. In Chapter 2, I conducted a global meta-analysis comparing impacts of SRG to continuously grazed or ungrazed areas. I found that total groundcover and animal production per hectare were significantly greater with SRG compared to continuous grazing, while biomass, plant richness, plant diversity and animal weight gain did not differ between grazing treatments. Where the length of rest, relative to graze time increased with SRG, there were significant increases in biomass and further increases in groundcover and animal production per hectare in comparison to continuous grazing. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating the length of rest relative to graze duration into analyses comparing grazing systems. I found that the main focus of research around SRG differed between major geographic regions and climate zones. North American, Australian and New Zealand research mostly focused on short-term animal productivity, as did research in temperate areas. In contrast, research from Europe predominantly focused on biodiversity conservation. Research in more arid areas has focused largely on general sustainability for continuing animal production. Where richness and diversity of flora and fauna were compared between SRG and continuously grazed areas, responses were mostly favourable in SDG areas, or there was no difference. There were few examples of negative outcomes in SRG areas. Where richness and diversity in SRG areas were compared to ungrazed areas there was often no difference between SRG and ungrazed. Despite the often-favourable responses for production and ecological outcomes with SRG, a very small number of studies have considered the potential to achieve animal production and biodiversity conservation simultaneously with SRG approaches. This suggests we have limited understanding of trade-offs and synergies between these two goals. Ground-layer biodiversity and landscape function outcomes were assessed in naturalised pastures on six properties managed with short-duration grazing (hereafter SDG, a form of SRG) and compared with outcomes on properties managed in ways more typical of the region (largely continuous and with unplanned rest; hereafter RP). With SDG management there was approximately 19% greater perennial herbaceous cover and a corresponding 14% lower cover of undesirable introduced annual plants. Significant improvement in attributes relating to landscape functioning were also seen with SDG management, with environmental factors less important in influencing these attributes. Pasture composition also differed between management approaches with increased cover of favourable forage species and reduced cover of species that increase under heavy grazing pressure with SDG management. There was minimal difference in the richness and Shannon-Wiener diversity in the ground-layer of pastures managed in contrasting ways. Insects are an important component of overall landscape biodiversity and are sensitive to changes in land-use and agricultural intensification. Insect richness and abundance were assessed on RP and SDG properties and found to be significantly higher on SDG sites. These increases were likely largely due to the greater cover of tall perennial plants and litter cover and increased structural heterogeneity of the pasture sward with SDG management. These increases suggest there is potential for altered grazing practices to improve the capacity of grazed landscapes to provide ecosystem services from insects such as natural pest control and pollination, as well as provide food resources for wildlife. This thesis has highlighted the potential to balance animal production, biophysical and biodiversity outcomes with grazing incorporating extended rest and that research to-date has largely been on animal production outcomes rather than biodiversity responses. Importantly, it highlights that minimal research has considered trade-offs and synergies between animal production and biodiversity conservation outcomes, and the potential to achieve both simultaneously. If we are to meet the growing demand for protein from the world's grazing lands, while also preventing landscape degradation and sustaining biodiversity, it is essential to fill this knowledge gap.1710 6 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleEditorial: Adaptation strategies to climate change impacts on food systems in Asia: greater efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals(Frontiers Research Foundation, 2023-12-11) ;Tsusaka, Takuji W; ;Ho, Tien D NChandio, Abbas AliClimate change and its impact have been a major theme in the global economic discourse, posting significant challenges to agricultural production and associated systems (Shahzad et al., 2021). The agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable to climate dynamics as it directly depends on natural resources and is exposed to seasonal meteorological events (van Oort and Zwart, 2018; Abbas and Mayo, 2021). The unfavorable impacts of global warming and unpredictable climatic events have had detrimental effects on the productivity, efficiency, and resilience of important agricultural systems (Otsuka and Fan, 2021).
These concerns are particularly pronounced in the Asian region, where agrarian pursuits constitute the cornerstone of their large and rapidly growing economies and the livelihoods of a substantial proportion of the populace. Changing weather induces pest and disease outbreaks, causing crop failures (Masud et al.). Heat stresses on crops and livestock reduce productivity, while floods and droughts cause yield losses (Farhad et al.; Wang et al.). In particular, climate change hotspots are frequently reported in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, and Vietnam in association with paddy- and wheat-based production systems (Ho et al., 2022; Chandrasiri et al., 2023). In this light, farming communities and associated stakeholders have been exploring strategies to adapt to climate change, with the overarching goal of maintaining the yield of food crops (Gorst et al., 2018; Abegunde et al., 2019).
Although farmers have embraced an array of strategies in response to climatic stresses, the effective adoption of suitable practices has not consistently been realized due to contextual differences or limitations in adaptive capacity (Cradock-Henry et al., 2020). The agrarian transformation in the face of climatic challenges holds a direct bearing on the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly No Poverty (SDG1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and Climate Action (SDG 13) (UNDP, 2020). This adaptive process resonates closely with certain objectives under Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Life on Land (SDG 15). In practice, achieving these SDGs requires that strategies for adaptation be designed to curtail the loss of productivity, bolster food security, and promote environmental sustainability (Tschakert et al., 2023). To ensure agricultural sustainability, there is an imperative to minimize the dependence on external and synthetic inputs in the agricultural production processes for both staple commodities and high-value crops (Tsusaka and Otsuka, 2013; Lipper et al., 2018; Deguine et al., 2023).
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DatasetPublication Effect of agricultural certification on smallholder coffee producers in Vietnam - DatasetThe dataset primarily originates from comprehensive household surveys conducted in two distinct communes within the Central Highland region of Vietnam. A total of 219 households were surveyed, stratified into two main categories: 92 households with certification and 127 without. To enrich the dataset and provide a more holistic understanding, we integrated insights from 20 key informant interviews (KII) representing diverse backgrounds. Additionally, we facilitated ten focus group discussions (FGD), aiming to capture community-level perspectives and insights. The dataset is systematically organized into two excel sheets: 1. Meta-data: Captures overarching details and descriptors of the collected information. 2. Data: The core dataset, further processed and analyzed using the R programming language. Supplementary qualitative data from the KII and FGD sessions are consolidated into two separate word documents. This multifaceted approach ensures a robust and comprehensive dataset, supporting our research's intent and findings.949 1 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Book ChapterPublication Effect of Climate Change on Insect Pest ManagementInsect responses to environmental change are crucial for understanding how agro-ecosystems will respond to climate change. Many insect species are pests of crops, but they also play crucial roles as parasitoids and predators of key pest species. Changes in an insect population's physiology, biochemistry, biogeography and population dynamics may occur among populations across their distribution, among the growing seasons, and among crop types. An insect population's response to a rapidly changing climate may also be variable when insects interact with different competitors, predators and parasitoids and impose costs at different life stages. This also can influence the overall food production systems that can be at critical risk from the impacts of climate change (IPCC 2014).1680 8 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessBookEffective Integrated Weed Management - Case Study: Diligent hand weeding ultimately pays off: The Loose Leaf Lettuce Company, Gingin, Western Australia(University of New England, 2020-01); ; ; ;Fyfe, ChristineHorticulture Innovation Australia LimitedThe Dobra family are third-generation vegetable growers based in the Gingin district, approximately 90 km north of Perth, Western Australia.Maureen and Barry Dobra have over 40 years experience growing a range of vegetables, including carrots, beets, turnips, radish, lettuce, broccoli and rockmelons. Their children Deanne, Simone, Kevan and Peter, and now two grandchildren are involved in the business.1626 4 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessBookEffective Integrated Weed Management - Case Study: Managing weed seed banks through stale seed beds and inter-row cultivation: Schreurs & Sons, Clyde, Victoria(University of New England, 2020-03); ; ; ; Horticulture Innovation Australia LimitedThe Schreurs family have been growing vegetables in the Cranbourne district, approximately 50 km south-east of Melbourne, since the 1950s. Originally renowned for introducing Dutch carrots into the Australian market, Schreurs & Sons has now diversified into growing a variety of vegetable crops. Today, Schreurs & Sons own five farms in the outer Melbourne suburbs of Clyde and Devon Meadows, totalling approximately 550 hectares. Across these farms, approximately 400 hectares are dedicated to vegetable production. The business employs about 180 staff, rotating across the five farm sites depending on need for ground preparation, planting and sowing, crop management, and harvest activities.1600 14 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Journal ArticlePublication Effectiveness of best practice management guides for improving invasive species management: a reviewBest practice management (BPM) guides are a key component of invasive species extension in Australia, and are becoming a more important way of reaching land managers with comprehensive invasive species management strategies. However, little is known about the quantifiable benefits of these guides as a stand-alone extension approach, or in comparison with other approaches. We therefore reviewed the existing literature to determine when this form of extension was appropriate, what determines the success or failure of BPM guides in facilitating best practice invasive species management, how effective they had been in the Australian context, and what methods were available to evaluate BPM guide effectiveness. BPM guides are most appropriately used in support of other forms of extension and enforcement of invasive species regulations; as a cost-effective alternative to more labour-intensive extension techniques; or in bringing together disparate information in a single comprehensive source for land managers and extension practitioners. They appear to be most appropriately distributed at mid- and late-stages of the invasion curve. Limited quantitative evidence of the effectiveness of BPM guides for invasive species in Australia is available, although there is a consensus that these materials are popular among target audiences, despite a range of studies having shown face-to-face extension to be more effective. Unfortunately, many factors make successful evaluation of a BPM guide difficult, such that extension professionals are less likely to consider the possibility of evaluation. However, we argue that extension professionals need to consider evaluation of written BPM guides, where time and funding makes this possible. Ideally this will involve formative evaluation to improve the content and messages of the guide, as well as summative evaluation to determine its effectiveness among the target audience and for the target species. We also suggest a range of economic evaluation possibilities that warrant further exploration and trial.1555 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Journal ArticlePublication Effects of lime and steel slag application on soil fertility and soybean yield under a no till-system(Elsevier BV, 2020-02) ;Deus, Angélica Cristina Fernandes ;Büll, Leonardo Theodoro; ;Santos, Susiane de Moura CardosoMoreira, Laís Lorena QueirozSteel slags can be used in agriculture, as they are composed of CaO, MgO, SiO2, and compounds such as P2O5, FeO, and MnO. The solubility of slag may be higher than that of lime, which can make this residue an excellent source for soil acidity correction in no-till systems. However, there are few studies reporting their benefits when applied to the soil surface. This study evaluated slag amendment effects on soil chemical attributes and on the yield and nutrient uptake of soybean following surface application and/or incorporation of different types of slag, in comparison to lime, on a tropical, acidic soil under a no-till system. The trial was performed in Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Six soil-acidity corrective materials were incorporated or surface-applied, including steel slag, ladle slag, stainless-steel slag, wollastonite, dolomitic lime, and calcined dolomitic lime, plus a negative control. Each material dose was calculated to raise the base saturation to 70%. Slags can be applied in a no-tillage system with efficiency similar to that of lime for the neutralization of soil acidity, for adequate nutrition and yield of the soybean crop. Slags and limes showed similar effects on increased pH, decreased Al3+concentration, and increased base saturation up to the 0.40 and 0.20-m soil layers at 12 and 23 months, respectively, after the application of treatments, regardless of surface or incorporated application. The by-product application has an additional advantage, depending on the type of slag, that is the provision of phosphorus and/or silicon.1153 3 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Conference PublicationPublication Evaluating remote sensing technologies for improved yield forecasting and for the measurement of foliar nitrogen concentration in sugarcane(Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, 2016); ; ; ; ;Johansen, Kasper ;Robinson, Nicole ;Lakshmanan, Prakash ;Salter, BarrySkocaj, DanielleAN ANALYSIS OF time series Landsat imagery acquired over the Bundaberg region between 2010 and 2015 identified variations in annual crop vigour trends, as determined by greenness normalised difference vegetation index (GNDVI). On average, early to mid-April was identified as the crucial period where crops achieved their maximum vigour and as such indicated when single image captures should be acquired for future regional yield forecasting. Additionally, the regional crop GNDVI averaged from Landsat images between February to April, produced a higher coefficient of determination to final yield (R2 = 0.91) than the average crop GNDVI value from a single mid-season SPOT5 image capture (R2 = 0.52). This result indicates that the time series method may be more appropriate for future regional yield forecasting. For improved prediction accuracies at the individual crop level, a univariate model using only crop GNDVI values (SPOT5) and corresponding yield (t/ha) produced a higher prediction accuracy for the 2014 Bundaberg harvest than a multivariate model that included additional historic spectral and crop attribute data. For Condong, a multivariate model improved the prediction accuracy of individual crops harvested in 2014 by 41.8% for one-year-old cane (Y1), and 46.2% for two-year-old cane (Y2). For the non-invasive measure of foliar nitrogen (N%), the specific wavelengths 615 nm, 737 nm and 933 nm (Airborne hyperspectral), and 634 nm, 750 nm and 880 nm (ground based field spectroscopy) were found to be the most significant. These results were supported by satellite imagery (Worldview-2 and Worldview-3) acquired over three replicated field trials in Mackay (2014 and 2015) and Tully (2015), where the vegetation index (VI) REN2NDVIWV, a ratio of the rededge band (705-745 nm) and the Near-IR2 band (860-1040 nm), produced a higher correlation to nitrogen concentration (%) than NDVI.2641 7 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Thesis DoctoralPublication An Exploration of N2O Emission from Soils and the Role of Biochar in its Mitigation(2017-10-27); ; ; Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas (IPCC 2013) and is now the most significant contributor to the depletion of stratospheric ozone (Ravishankara et al. 2009). Its atmospheric concentration has increased by 20 % since the mid-19th century, most particularly since the production of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilisers began, upon which modern agriculture which is highly dependent. Consequently the limiting of agricultural N2O emissions is of great importance. Biochar – charcoal made by the pyrolysis of biomass – has been shown capable of reducing N2O emissions when incorporated into soil (Cayuela et al. 2014; Lehmann and Joseph 2015). This Ph.D. study was undertaken to examine the mechanisms related to the production and movement of N2O in soil and whether, and by what means, biochar addition to soil might mitigate N2O emissions.
In all experiments the biochar (BC) used was made, at a highest treatment temperature of 550 oC, from the woody residue of oil mallee trees (E. Polybractea) after steam extraction of eucalypt oil. In each experiment the BC was mixed with soil(s) at rates of 0 %, 1 % and 5 % (w/w). One experiment used x-ray computed tomography, at a resolution of 70 μm, to examine the effect on soil structure resulting from the addition of BC to samples of an Arenosol, a Ferralsol and a Vertisol. For each soil bulk density (BD) decreased with increasing biochar content. Significant increases were found in porosity, pore connectivity and mean pore radius with addition of 5 % BC to the Vertisol and Ferralsol. The 1 % BC amendments produced no significant changes in those soils. Over a 15-month incubation at high moisture content the Ferralsol containing 5 % BC showed significant temporal changes in porosity, pore connectivity, mean pore radius and fractal dimension (FD) – the increase in FD suggesting greater pore space homogeneity. These changes suggested biochar-soil interactions, possibly related to reactive clay minerals and/or microbial activity. Amendment of the Arenosol with both 1 % and 5 % BC resulted in significant increases in pore connectivity and mean pore radius. A significant temporal increase in pore connectivity resulted from the 5 % amendment. Addition of BC significantly decreased the rate of water loss through evaporation and drainage of all incubated soils, reduced volumetric water content at field capacity in the two clay-rich soils and increased the available water content (– 0.01 to –1.5 MPa) of the Arenosol by 20 % (Chapter 2 and Quin et al. 2014).
In a laboratory experiment the Ferralsol, containing the BC as before, was repacked into PVC columns of 37 mm internal diameter (ID), sealed and incubated at 3 water regimes (12 %, 39 % and 54 % water-filled pore space (WFPS)) following gamma irradiation to render the contents abiotic. After N2O was injected at the base of the soil column, in the 0 % BC control 100 % of injected N2O was released into the headspace, declining to 67% in the 5% amendment. In a 100 % BC column at 6 % WFPS, only 16 % of the expected N2O was released. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy identified changes in BC surface functional groups from the 5 % amendment that suggested reactions between N2O and the carbon matrix upon exposure to N2O. Scanning transmission electron microscopy showed formation of an organomineral layer coating an external surface of a BC particle from that group. With increasing rates of BC application, higher pH adjusted redox potentials were observed at the lower water contents. Evidence suggested that the BC from soil had taken part in redox reactions, reducing N2O to dinitrogen (N2), in addition to adsorption of N2O in (at least) the 100 % BC columns (Chapter 3 and Quin et al. 2015).
A field trial was established in north-eastern New South Wales, with the same Ferralsol repacked into PVC columns of 240 mm ID and 585 mm in height (Chapters 4 and 5). The columns were installed vertically in the ground, save for the top, soil-free 50 mm. The upper 100 mm of soil contained BC at dosage rates as before. Each column had a removable airtight cap for headspace gas sampling and silicone tubing installed at three depths for the sampling of soil gas content by diffusion. The columns were also fitted with ceramic cup lysimeters at two depths for the sampling of soil water, and thin tubes for the injection of liquid fertiliser at a depth of either 75 mm or 200 mm. With five replicates of each design (BC dosage rate and injection depth: 3×2×5 = 30) and five controls the central column of the 7×5 grid was fitted with soil moisture and temperature sensors. Three months after installation the trial commenced (on Day 0) when columns were injected with 62.8 % 15N potassium nitrate (1.68 g 15N-KNO3) at one of the two depths. Nine days prior to injection soil water contained mostly undetectable quantities of ammonium (all < 0.05 mg L-1 ) and those of native nitrate (NO3 -) ranged from 2.2 to 120 mg L-1 , so it was assumed that denitrification would effectively be the sole pathway of N2O production through reduction of NO3 -. Following persistent rainfall in-soil concentrations of N2O rose by approximately 2 orders of magnitude as soil WFPS increased to > 80 % on Day 10. This coincided with periods of high hydraulic conductivity, equivalent to drainage of 13.0 L m-2 h -1 . Drained at that rate the downward carriage of (calculated) dissolved excess 15N-N2O (15N2O) in 75 mm and 200 mm injected columns containing 0 % BC would be respectively 189 and 30 times the surface fluxes on that day. Such drainage of dissolved N2O suggests that offsite transport of N2O by leaching from some soils may be greatly underestimated, and could possibly explain some of the discrepancy between ‘top down’ estimates of emissions of N2O of ~ 4 % of applied N (Smith et al. 2012) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) default ‘bottom up’ estimate of ~ 1.3 %.
Throughout the trial no emitted excess 15N2 was detected, although some was detected within the soil, indicating that some full denitrification had occurred. For each depth of NO3 - injection there were no significant differences in relation to biochar content of surface fluxes of N2O on any day of measurement, nor of their cumulative emissions during the 89 day period of the trial. Total emissions of 15N2O for all biochar contents (0, 1 and 5 %, n = 15) of 75 mm and 200 mm injected columns for Days 1–23 (after which emissions were minimal) were respectively 9.74 mg 15N-N2O m-2 and a significantly lower (p = 0.0002) 1.60 mg 15N-N2O m-2 – corresponding to 0.46 % and 0.075 % respectively of total N denitrified from 14+15NO3 - injected and below the IPCC default of 1 % for direct emissions. The effect of deeper fertiliser placement on indirect emissions remains unclear as, while there was considerable leaching of 15NO3 -from all columns, it was greater from those injected at 200 mm and its fate undetermined.
In summary, the possible and hitherto unrecognised drainage of significant quantities of dissolved N2O from some soils would seem to warrant further study. Overall, amendment with the eucalypt BC clearly affected soil structure. While the BC lowered N2O emissions from Ferralsol in the laboratory, through both adsorption and redox reactions, it was plainly ineffective in lowering emissions in the field. It is apparent that there may not be a single explanation for this outcome – the activity of field soil biota, the acidity of the Ferralsol, the weathering of the BC and greater variability of conditions in the field being factors possibly contributing to the difference. This emphasises the need for further field trials of biochars to determine their effectiveness in mitigating N2O emissions, their effect on N cycling in soil, and the longevity of any effects prior to their widespread use.
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Journal ArticlePublication Facing the gap: exploring research on local knowledge of insect-provided services in agroecosystemsSustainable agroecosystems must be managed to support biodiversity conservation and food production, which occur at the interface of regional/national policy frameworks, and local knowledge and perspectives. This paper examines the current breadth of research examining farmer knowledge of beneficial insect activities that provide ecosystem services (or benefits) in agroecosystems. We identify patterns and gaps in the literature and opportunities for future research. We found 34 studies that explicitly focused on and documented local knowledge of how insect taxa provided ecosystem services in agroecosystems, the majority of which were immediately observable in farmers’ daily practice: pest control (n = 26), pollination (n = 4). We suggest that there is a need for greater investigation of local knowledge of the breadth of ecosystem services provided by insects and identify key research areas that are opportunities for investigation.1967 2
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