Browsing by Author "Chavula, Petros"

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    Laboratory Analysis of Soil Physicochemical Properties Based on Agricultural Fertilizer Input Requirement Application: A Case of Haramaya University, Ethiopia
    (Plant Physiology and Soil Chemistry (PPSC), 2023-01-20) Turyasingura, Benson; Chavula, Petros; Mohammed, Yasin; Eliyas, Abdi Alic; Girmac , Tesfasilassie; Sadeso, Kumale; Shentema, Solomon; Abebed, Aschalew; Katel, Shambhu; Timsina, Sandipa
    This study aimed at assessing the soil with detail information about soil properties that are basic for agricultural input requirements such as fertilizer application. It was guided by the specific objectives which include identifying the different steps taken to undertake soil physical, chemical properties and providing basic data on the physical and chemical properties of the selected soil sampling site at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. The laboratory analysis aimed at finding out the physical and chemical soil properties on the deliberate selected area indicated sand-loamy, clayey and sand. The profiles shows some variations in the patterns of the horizons within a profile. Among the soil chemical characteristics, it was found that the soil pH in soil-water suspension varied from 7.63-7.65. Electro-conductivity was very low varying from 0.08 to 1.00 ds/m with an average value of 0.54 ds/m. The maximum exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) value calculated is 6.36 % where the minimum is 0.36 % and averaged value of 3.36 %. Cation Exchange Capacity ranged from 13.20 to 40.38cmol (+)/kg of soil, with mean value of 27.94 cmol (+)/kg. Exchangeable calcium ranged 4.99 cmol (+)/kg to 18.34 cmol (+)/kg with a mean of 12.02 cmol (+)/kg which is rated as high. The potassium value of (0.05, 0.82 meq/100gm), 0.06 meq/100gm and (0.13, 0.46 meq/100gm) of soil respectively. The value of the measured exchangeable sodium ranged from 0.12 to 1.22 meq/100g of soil, with a mean value of 0.44 meq/100g of soil indicating medium sodium content of the soil. Total nitrogen ranging from 0.11 to 0.37 percent which decreases from top to sub soil. In conclusion soil and agronomic management are correlated with the well being of soil. Therefore, it is recommended that integrated nutrient management activities should be adopted in the study area for optimum and sustainable production of major crops.
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    Water Hyacinth, an Invasive Species in Africa: A Literature Review
    (East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 2023-07-18) Lubembe, Sharon Indasi; Okoth, Sharon; Turyasingura, Benson; Oyugi, Timothy; Ibarasa, Hillary; Moenga, Kelvin; Chavula, Petros; Tumushabe, Jennifer Turyatemba
    Water hyacinth is without a doubt the water invader that causes the most harm to water bodies. Water hyacinths originated from Eastern Mediterranean, West Asia, and Central Asia; they are cultivated and loved worldwide. According to reports, water hyacinth has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. The plant extracts can also be used to treat cholera, sore throats, and snake bites, as well as to scent hair. Water hyacinth Pontederia crassipes (Eichhornia crassipes) has proliferated rapidly in African inland waters, posing numerous threats to fisheries by reducing the existence of some species; water quality by lowering levels of dissolved oxygen; human health and the environment by introducing various disease causing pathogens and harbouring dangerous animals. The hyacinths further impact human activities by blocking waterways for fishing and destroying habitat for some fish to bread properly. Tourism and navigation are also affected by limiting access to recreational areas, especially for boat cruising. Fishing; effects on fishing activities and effect on plankton production, which is the main food. Different control methods have been utilised and others suggested in Africa, although it has not been fully controlled as it is highly reproductive and still a menace in African inland waters. The most commonly used control measures are biological and physical controls. As a recommendation, all methods should be used in water bodies to reduce its spread as quickly as possible although with caution on chemical methods. In relation to water hyacinth and its effects on terrestrial animals, there is still a need for much research to still be done; however, it is an aquatic plant that is not wanted in many places does not mean it should be eradicated. Its use to produce biogas could be helpful in reducing the challenges that come with it.