Multi-objective programming model of tropicalcrops in Hainan Island
Agroclimatology ; China ; Ecology ; Hainandao ; Mathematical model ; Model ; Multi-purpose programming ; Tropical zone
According to Hainan Island's biological characteristics, and existing structure of productivity of tropicalcrops and local climatic conditions, this paper carries on regional division of tropicalcrops by fuzzy mathematics. Based on calculation
of basic parameters for the formation of production, near-term optimum models of tropicalcrops structure of each region was established by means of multi-objective programming.
Evaluation of the climate for land suitability purposes. II. Evaluation for annual crops in a humid tropical environment
A method is presented to evaluate the climate for annual crops grown in a humid tropical environment, based on the variability concept, which was introduced earlier. An example is given, as well as some relationships between recorded yield data
and the climatic code advocated, for different crops. The method is entirely compatible with currently used land evaluation systems.
The cash crop revolution in tropical Africa: an agricultural reappraisal
In this general article there are many references to West Africa, and much material that is relevant to its agricultural development. Cash-crop production can be a disruptive influence. (EMS).
Conservation of food crop genetic resources in Latin America
Agricultural practice ; Crop ; Farming system ; Farming;Agriculture ; Food crop ; Latin America ; Mixed farming
Plea for the preservation of tropical Latin American polyculture and for the interspecific genetic diversity still found there. Discussion of ex situ versus in situ conservation strategies.―(DWG)
conditions for 12 legume cover crops in three hillside locations. Tropical legume crops are found to be suitable at different elevations, from 2,500 m to 3,500 m. - (SLD)
Soil fertility in the mid-elevation hillsides of the Cochabamba region of Bolivia has been declining as natural fallow times have been reduced in order to bring more land into crop production. A photothermal model is used to simulate climate
Nongovernmental organizations and tropical agroecological development, with Honduran examples
Agricultural practice ; Agriculture ; Crop ; Development ; Farming system ; Honduras ; Non-governmental organization
Using case studies from Honduras, the A. shows how nongovernmental organizations have had an impact in fostering more sustainable crop production among small poor farmers in tropical countries. - (DWG)
The loss and maintenance of native crops in mountain agriculture
Agricultural practice ; Andes ; Crop ; Farming system ; Maize;Corn ; Mountain ; Mountain farming ; Peasantry ; Peru ; Potatoe ; Tropical zone
Four native crops (potatoes, maize, ulluco, quinoa) cultivated in the southern Peruvian sierra demonstrate different patterns of cultivar loss and cultivar maintenance. Contingent social, economic and environmental conditions in mountain agriculture
shape the distinct fates befalling the cultivars in each crop.
Species for niches : when and for whom are cover crops appropriate ?
Agricultural land use ; Agriculture ; Bolivia ; Crop ; Farming system ; Honduras ; Latin America ; Soil conservation ; Water management
Cover crops occupy temporary niches during the intensification and integration of farming systems. What cover crops may be most appropriate depends on the stakeholder (donors, governments, and NGOs v. farmers), economic factors, and resource
efficiency. Three examples from Latin America demonstrate the authors' thesis : Cochabamba valley of Bolivia, Merenson reserve in northern Honduras, and tropical bolivia. - (SLD)
Hurricane Allen had a disastrous impact on the St. Lucia banana industry, destroying 100 % of the standing crop. The paper provides details of crop losses and damage, and highlights the main features of the banana rehabilitation programme. The rapid
Natural use of stone and organic mulches for water conservation and enhancement of crop yield in semi-arid areas
Soil erosion, land degradation and social transition. Geoecological analysis of a semi-arid tropical region, Kenya
Agricultural technique ; Agriculture ; Arid area ; Crop yield ; Evaporation ; Kenya ; Rill wash ; Semi-arid area ; Soil moisture
Three experiments were set up to study the effects of stone and organic mulches, applied at different rates, on runoff, evaporation, soil moisture storage and crop yield. Both mulch types reduced runoff and evaporation losses, and the intensity
of reduction increased with mulch application rate. Thus stones were found to be more efficient than Euphorbia as mulch for moisture conservation and crop yield enhancement under semi-arid conditions.
The need and potential for increasing food production in the semi-arid Tropics
called upon to develop productive and stable systems for dryland agriculture in the semi-arid tropics. The paper assesses the efforts which the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is making. - (l'A.).
The geochemical characteristics of the soils and economic crops on Hainan Island are different from place to place. Formulation of an overall planning is urgently required for the development of agriculture, including the cultivation of rubber
and the promotion of tropical forests. Contents of nutrient elements in soils and in the plant samples are analyzed and determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.