ABSTRACT
In coffee-based agroforestry systems under diverse shade tree patterns in Kodagu, Central Western Ghats, India, tree diversity and carbon stock were investigated in both Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora plantations spanning 4106 km2 during 2023-24 and 2024-25. Six distinct shade patterns—native, mixed and exotic species—were assessed under varying management regimes (low, medium and high). Field enumeration recorded tree density, basal area, species richness and structural attributes using nested sampling approaches. Biodiversity indices such as the Shannon-Wiener Index (SWI) and Simpson’s Index (SI) evaluated species diversity and dominance, revealing maximum biodiversity in native and mixed shade systems than in exotic species-dominated systems. The carbon stock distribution was studied across Above-Ground Biomass (AGB), Below-Ground Biomass (BGB) and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). Arabica plantations recorded higher total biomass (362.43 Mg ha⁻¹) than Robusta (215.50 Mg ha⁻¹), with native and mixed shade systems outperforming exotic systems. SOC contributed over 50 per cent to the total carbon stock, with significant variations across shade patterns and management regimes. Arabica systems showed higher carbon stock (353.06 Mg ha⁻¹) and CO₂ sequestration potential (1294.57 Mg C ha⁻¹) than Robusta systems (272.97 Mg ha⁻¹ and 1000.88 Mg C ha⁻¹, respectively). Native and mixed shade systems exhibited superior SOC accumulation and carbon sequestration potential (1212.02 Mg C ha⁻¹ and 1194.81 Mg C ha⁻¹) compared to exotic systems (1036.34 Mg C ha⁻¹). These findings highlight the ecological importance of native and mixed shade systems in enhancing biodiversity, carbon storage and soil health. The study advocates integrating native tree species for long-term sustainability and resilience in coffee agroforestry systems.

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the effects of nipa bioethanol vinasse, a distillery by-product of nipa sap on the chemical and microbiological properties of Bantay Clay Loam soil in the City of Batac, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. A pot experiment was conducted using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments: 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% vinasse concentrations. Each treatment was replicated three times to evaluate its influence on key soil parameters, including pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and bacterial density. Preliminary analyses revealed that the vinasse contained low levels of nitrogen and phosphorus but moderate amounts of potassium, with a strongly acidic pH. Results showed no significant changes in soil pH, organic matter, nitrogen, or phosphorus levels following vinasse application. However, a significant increase in exchangeable potassium was observed at higher vinasse concentrations. Additionally, no inhibitory effects on bacterial colony growth were detected, suggesting that vinasse is microbiologically safe and may even support microbial activity in the soil. The study concludes that while nipa bioethanol vinasse may not significantly enhance all macronutrients, it serves as a promising organic source of potassium and poses no adverse effects on soil microbial populations. These findings contribute to the growing interest in sustainable waste-to-resource practices and support the integration of agro-industrial by-products into organic soil fertility management strategies. Further studies are recommended to assess its long-term effects, optimal application methods, and potential synergies with other organic or inorganic inputs.

ABSTRACT
Soil erosion is a major environmental challenge that necessitates meticulous investigation and the implementation of sustainable management practices. The objective of this study is to provide a thorough assessment of soil erosion in the Bay region from 2020 to 2023, utilizing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and advanced geospatial technologies, particularly Google Earth Engine, to guide sustainable land management strategies. The study integrates multiple datasets, including CHIRPS for rainfall measurement, MODIS for land use analysis, and a digital elevation model for slope calculation, to offer a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to soil erosion. The rainfall erosivity (R) factor is calculated using CHIRPS data, while the soil erodibility (K-factor) is derived from the soil dataset. The topographic (LS-factor) is computed using the digital elevation model, and the cover-management (C) and support practice (P) factors are determined from the NDVI and land use data, respectively. The findings reveal considerable spatial variation in soil erosion across the Hirshabelle regions. The results are categorized into five levels based on the severity of soil loss: Slight (<10), Moderate (10-20), High (20-30), very high (30-40), and Severe (>40). While areas classified under “Slight” soil loss are dominant, indicating relatively stable soils, regions under “Severe” soil loss signal potential land degradation and the need for immediate intervention. Furthermore, the study revealed the intricate interplay of slope, vegetation, and land use in influencing soil erosion. Areas with steeper slopes and less vegetation were more susceptible to soil loss, emphasizing the need for targeted soil conservation measures in these regions. The land use factor played a crucial role, with certain land uses contributing more to soil erosion than others.

ABSTRACT
This paper provides an overview of the evaluation of the physicochemical properties of the AL-HAMZA City River in South Iraq, focusing on its suitability for irrigation. Samples were gathered at three stations along the river, each 1 km apart, for this research. The analysis included the following parameters: temperature, pH, total hardness, and electrical conductivity. The findings indicate that water quality is subject to seasonal fluctuations and affected by upstream industrial operations as well as local agricultural methods. The results are interpreted within the framework of international irrigation water quality standards and provide an insight into their potential impacts on the health of the soils. Some useful recommendations on water management strategies, with a view to optimizing the use of Al-Hamza city River for sustainable agriculture in South Iraq, are given in the review.

ABSTRACT
The increasing herbivory of Nephrolepis species by Callopistria floridensis larvae (fern caterpillars) threatens the ecological integrity of wetland habitats in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. This study evaluated the insecticidal potential of Paullinia pinnata (L.) foliage and fruit extracts against C. floridensis, alongside an assessment of the plant’s phytochemical composition. Foliage and fruit samples of P. pinnata were collected, air-dried, and extracted using aqueous and ethanol solvents following standard protocols. Quantitative phytochemical screening revealed that ethanol-based foliage extract contained the highest concentrations of alkaloids (1.091 mg/L), tannins (2.242 mg/L), glycosides (1.970 mg/L), saponins (2.260 mg/L), and phenols (0.810 mg/L), while the aqueous foliage extract showed the highest flavonoid content (1.846 mg/L). Laboratory bioassays were conducted using 720 larvae of C. floridensis in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Extracts were applied at five concentrations (2.5 - 20 mg/L), and larval mortality was observed at 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 hours post-treatment. Results showed a dose and time dependent increase in larval mortality (p ≤ 0.05), with ethanol foliage extracts achieving 100 % mortality by 10 hours at concentrations ≥5 mg/L. The aqueous extracts also showed significant activity, though delayed and less potent at lower concentrations. Ethanol extracts of both foliage and fruits consistently outperformed aqueous counterparts across all time intervals, while the fruit extracts were comparatively less effective, especially the aqueous type. The control treatments consistently recorded <3% mortality throughout the time frame. These findings confirm that P. pinnata contains potent bioactive compounds and offers strong potential as a botanical pesticide for managing Callopistria sp. infestations, contributing to sustainable pest control in tropical agroecosystems.

ABSTRACT
Understanding the relationship between diameter breast height (dbh), tree height and volume helps in optimizing log selection for different purposes based on required timber volume. The purpose of the study was to create a modified model for diameter breast height, tree height and volume for Pinus caribaea to adequately fit all relevant variations in the data using R programme. Dbh is better predictor variable compared to tree height when volume is considered as a response variable. But this alone could not meet the assumptions of linear regression model. This therefore prompted the use of all data collected where by the tree height was considered as random effect. This was useful in the fitting of all data of the collected variables to a more useful relation in estimation of their linear regression relationship. The accuracy of this model was improved by addition of log function. Data of Pinus caribaea tree volume, dbh and height was collected. One hundred (100) trees were sampled in 1 hectare of pinus plantation with a range of corresponding tree dbh and height across the plantation in to a data set known as “mypinedata”. We wanted to know how dhb and height of Pinus caribaea as predictor variables affected its volume as a response variable. Comparison of dbh and height for best predictor variable for volume as a response in the linear regression model showed dbh as a preferred variable. However to meet the assumptions the linear relationship of volume, dbh and height was modified to fit all relevant data to improve on the model. The modified model for dbh- volume linear relationship was consequently created to cater for the adequate fit of the data or relevant variations using height as a random effect. Therefore modified model proved better fit for volume, dbh and height relationship in Pinus caribaea stand as deduced from its data summary and the assumptions when the log function was added. The assumptions for the modified model were met for the plot of residua

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.