ABSTRACT
The adoption of agroecological practices for sustainable production and the conservation of renewable natural resources is an urgent priority in the mountainous Kivu region of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. To identify current agricultural practices using in this region, two surveys were conducted across six groupements in the Kabare territory: Bugorhe, Irambi-Katana, Luhihi, Bushumba, Mumosho, and Lugendo. The first survey examined agricultural practices related to soil fertility management, while the second focused on the management of banana diseases. These groupements were selected based on the presence of at least one banana field per household, accessibility, and the prevalence of banana diseases. A total of 316 farmers, aged between 25 and 75 years-including 166 men and 150 women-were interviewed. Results revealed that farmers primarily maintain soil fertility through the use of compost, incorporation of dry or green weeds as green manure, mulching, planting cover crops, and establishing live hedges to prevent soil erosion. For disease management, they selectively cut only the single plant infected by bacteria and uproot plants or mats affected by fusarium wilt and banana bunchy top disease. Despite these efforts, ongoing soil degradation in Kabare and its surrounding areas, coupled with the challenges posed by global warming, highlight the critical need to train farmers in improved agroecological practices. Introducing new, more efficient, and resilient techniques is essential to ensure sustainable and productive agriculture in this territory and other similar regions.

ABSTRACT
Abstract: A field experiment was carried out in the autumn season (2021) in Al-Tokiya village/ Qalaat Sukkar district/ Dhi Qar governorate, Iraq. It is located 100 km to the north of Nasiriyah city center at a height (15 m) above sea level. The aim of this study was to improve the growth performance and yield of maize by the effect of magnesium fertilization on the availability of nutrients in the experiment soil. The experiment was applied according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial experiment. Three replications with three varieties of maize were applied. Each of treatment was treated with four levels of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4.H2O) (T1 ground fertilization, T2 leaves and ground fertilization + T3 leaves fertilization and T0 controls). The treatments were distributed to the experimental units (12) with dimensions of (4×3) m2. Each experimental unit included (4 lanes with a length of 4 m, a distance of 70 cm between plants. Distance of (2 m2) between the experimental unit, 1m2 variety and 2 m2 between duplicate and another were applied. Three seeds were placed in each hole. After three week of planting, thinning process was carried out. The data were collected according to the analysis of variance table. The means were analyzed according to the least significant difference test (LSD) at the level of (0.05). The most important results are summarized as follows: T3 fertilization (ground + leaves fertilization) was significantly superior in PH, magnesium, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium in soil, magnesium, sulfur, nitrogen. Phosphorous, potassium in plants, chlorophyll content in leaves of female flowering, number of grains in the ear, grain yield per ton/h, protein percentage in grains, sulfur in grains. The results showed that 6.83, 263.6 mg kg-1 soil 12.43 mg kg-1 soil, 15.19 mg kg-1 soil, 11.85 mg kg-1 soil, 196.9 mg kg-1 soil, 0.38 cmol L-1 0.28 cmol L-1, 2.17 cmol L-1, 0.33 cmol L-1, 2.78 cmol L-1 392 mg m-2, 67.11 days, 671

ABSTRACT
Abstract: The present research was carried out in the animal facility of the Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Al-Qadisiyah, from January 20, 2023, until June 27, 2023. This study sought to observe the effect of varying dosages of nano-silica (SiO2 NPs) on the gene expression of the genes encoding follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in female rats. The findings indicated marked reduction (P<0.05) in the gene expression of both FSH and LH within the treatment groups (T1: 100 mg/kg, T2: 150 mg/kg, and T3: 200 mg/kg) relative to the control group. The most marked reduction was noted within the T3 group, suggesting a dose-dependent response. Histopathological exam of the ovaries, oviducts, and uterus established various structural changes within the dose groups. The ovaries of the T2 and T3 experimental groups had granulosa cell degeneration, massive congestion, and follicular cell deterioration. The oviducts of the T1 experimental group had epithelial lining destruction and considerable congestion, but the uterine sections of the T2 and T3 experimental groups were considered histologically unremarkable. The results imply that the administration of nano-silica may cause widespread alterations in the gene expression of reproductive hormones, potentially resulting in compromised reproductive function and fertility in female rats. Further research is needed to clarify the fundamental mechanism and long -time effects of nano-silica exposure on the female reproductive system.

ABSTRACT
Abstract: The research aims to study the impact of economic variables on agricultural product in Iraq by identifying the key factors that contribute to enhancing agricultural growth and the obstacles that hinder its achievement. Using an autoregressive model to explain the relationship between macroeconomic variables and agricultural output, the model demonstrated an explanatory power of 91%, with significant effects from interest rates, inflation rates, and government subsidies. The researchers concluded that agricultural loans have the most significant short-term impact, followed by inflation rates, while interest rates show a statistically significant effect. The findings indicate that a 1% increase in the inflation rate leads to a reduction in agricultural output by $43.88 million, while a $1 million increase in the fiscal deficit results in a decline in output by $0.59 million. The study emphasizes the necessity of enhancing government support for agricultural outputs, adopting effective strategies to mitigate inflation and its adverse effects on agriculture, increasing investment allocations for the agricultural sector. Furthermore, it recommends improving loan programs, facilitating farmers’ access to credit, and establishing a system to monitor agricultural performance and periodically evaluate economic policies.

ABSTRACT
Drought has emerged as a critical threat to food security in Bangladesh, a country heavily reliant on agriculture for economic stability and livelihoods. This study explores the causes, impacts, and vulnerabilities associated with drought, focusing on its effects on agricultural productivity and food availability. Drought in Bangladesh is driven by inadequate rainfall, regional disparities in precipitation, and the escalating effects of climate change, including rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns. These factors have led to significant crop losses, particularly in staple foods like rice, wheat, and potatoes, resulting in higher food prices, reduced dietary diversity, and increased malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations such as women and children. The northwestern and southwestern regions of Bangladesh are particularly susceptible to drought, with smallholder farmers bearing the brunt of its impacts due to limited resources for adaptation. Long-term consequences, including soil degradation, declining groundwater levels, and reduced agricultural resilience, further exacerbate food insecurity. While the government and international organizations have implemented measures such as drought-resistant crops, improved water management, and early warning systems, challenges like inadequate funding and infrastructure limit their effectiveness. To address these challenges, this study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that integrates climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and social protection measures. Investments in resilient crop varieties, affordable irrigation technologies, and community-based initiatives like rainwater harvesting are essential to enhance agricultural resilience. Strengthening social safety nets and supporting vulnerable populations during periods of food scarcity are also critical. By adopting a comprehensive strategy, Bangladesh can mitigate the impacts of drought, build resilience in its agricultural systems,

ABSTRACT
This study examines the mineral and proximate composition of three periwinkle species shells endemic to Nembe mangrove swamp for their potential use in soil amendment. 150 periwinkle shells of three different varieties were harvested and their proximate and mineral compositions were determined (following standard procedures) in Biochemistry Lab. Federal University Otuoke. The results reveal morphological diversity and cultural relevance of the periwinkle shell varieties – Tympanotonus radula (Imoron), T. fuscatus (Emoru), and Pachymelania aurita (Buhari). Significant variations (p ≤ 0.05) in their fiber, ether extract, crude-protein, and mineral content were observed. T. fuscatys exhibited the lowest moisture content (35.51 ± 1.31) and the highest dry matter (561.87 ± 0.63), whereas T. radula showed the opposite trend. T. fuscatus also recorded the highest crude fiber (4.68 ± 0.41%) and crude protein (25.00 ± 1.09%), while P. aurita had significantly lower values in both categories. In terms of mineral composition, T. fuscatus contained significantly higher (p<0.05) level of calcium, potassium, and magnesium than T. radula and P. aurita, making it particularly suitable for soil amendment and crop biofortification. T. radula had the highest phosphorus content (3.86 ± 0.18), whereas iodine concentration was highest in T. fuscatus (6.90 ± 1.05). The study concludes that periwinkle shells, especially those of T. fuscatus, hold significant potential for enhancing soil fertility and improving crop yields as natural soil amendments. This approach will not only support sustainable agricultural practices but also enriches the nutritional quality of crops.

ABSTRACT
Addition of mineral fertilizer to an organic source of nutrients may reduce the lag between application to the soil and nutrient release. A field experiment laid out as randomized complete block design was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure Nigeria to compare the effects of organic, mineral and an organo-mineral fertilizer formulations on soil microbial population, chemical properties and maize (Zea mays) performance. Treatments involved three soil amendments, which were: NPK at 250kg/ha; Neem seed-based fertilizer (NSBF) at 300kg/ha, and Compost at 2.5 t/ha. Treatments also included a Control where the soil was not amended at all. At maize harvest, plant height appeared in the order of NSBF > NPK > Compost > control, and they caused 15.9, 15.8 and 6.1 % increases, respectively. Other growth and yield parameters were also affected by the various treatments in similar manner as the plant height. Result also showed that while the Compost and NSBF increased microbial count (both bacteria and fungi), growth of microorganisms was repressed by the application of NPK fertilizer. Soil pH, organic carbon (OC) as well as residual nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentrations were significantly increased by both Compost and the NSBF whereas application of mineral fertilizer reduced their concentrations in the soil at the termination of the experiment. It was therefore concluded that organomineral formulations can serve dual purposes of both quick nutrient release as well as leave residual nutrients in the soil for the following cropping.