College of Dryland Agriculture and Natural Resources

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    Effect of Soil Physicochemical and Irrigation Scheduling on Yield and water productivity of Irrigated Maize (Zea Mays) at Haiba Irrigation Scheme, Tigray, North Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2024-01-28) Yemane Adane
    In Tigray, traditional soil and water management practices have significantly undermined government efforts to achieve food security, particularly in areas with limited soil fertility and water resources. In such contexts, the application of soil fertility amendments and the adoption of appropriate irrigation techniques become critical priorities. This study aimed tevaluate the effects of soil physicochemical properties and irrigation scheduling on the yield and water productivity of irrigated maize (Zea mays) at the Haiba Irrigation Scheme, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural and soil and water management practices in the highlands of semi-arid Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for key physicochemical properties, including texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter content, and essential nutrient levels. Concurrently, field trials were conducted to assess different irrigation schedules, notably conventional and regulated deficit irrigation strategies, during the critical growth stages of maize. The crop water requirements were estimated using CROPWAT 8 software, allowing for a comparative analysis of scientific (CropWat) and traditional farmers' irrigation scheduling methods based on yield, crop water productivity (CWP), irrigation water productivity (IWP), and economic water productivity (EWP) during the 2019 cropping season. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) across three sites with three replications, incorporating two treatments. Statistical analyses were performed using Minitab and SPSS software. Results indicated that yield and yield components, along with CWP and IWP metrics, were statistically higher in the CropWat scheduling treatments compared to traditional methods (p < 0.05). The total average water applied was 790 mm for the CropWat method and 886 mm for the traditional method, revealing that farmers applied 12% more water than recommended, leading to over-irrigation. The CropWat scheduling method resulted in a water savings of 96.4 mm, sufficient to irrigate an additional 0.2 hectares. Maize yields under CropWat scheduling reached 5.25 t/ha, significantly higher than the 2.32 t/ha achieved with traditional scheduling. The improved crop water productivity (CWP), irrigation water productivity (IWP), and economic water productivity (EWP) reinforce the recommendation for adopting CropWat-based irrigation scheduling at the Haiba Irrigation Scheme. For successful adoption, it is essential to improve farmers' irrigation water management skills through targeted training and technical support from experts.
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    Effect of lactation stage, parity and season on physico-chemical properties and microbial quality of goat milk under smallholder farmers in Abergelle district Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2024-08-28) Daniel Kahsu Meresa
    Goat milk is the most nutritious milk but susceptible to microorganisms. Goat milk in Tanqua Abergelle of Tigrai has been used traditionally and its level of quality affected by several factors. However there is limited knowledge on the factors affecting its quality. The objective of this study was to assess the physico-chemical properties and microbial quality of goat milk at different lactation stages, parity and season. A total of 80 Abergelle dairy goats were selected to collect 240 milk samples for analysis of Milk Density, Milk Composition, level of mastitis Esertia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in three early, mid and late lactation stages, two parities and rainy and dry seasons. The study was arranged in factorial and Duncan’s multiple- range test method were used for mean separation at P<0.05. The study indicated, milk density was higher (p<0.05) in late lactation than early and mid-lactation. Whereas fat content was not significantly affected however numerical lower in early-lactation than the mid and late lactation, on the other hand SNF was stable between mid and late lactation. The milk microbial content, SCC and E-coli increased with increasing parity. The highest microbial level , SCC and E-coli content was recorded for early lactation and late lactation. The results from this study shows that microbial quality and physico-chemical properties and were not affected by season. Season didn’t affect, Moreover, parity and stage of lactation didn’t affect physico-chemical properties and microbial quality. The current study showed that goat milk quality and hygiene is affected by stage of lactation but not by season and parity. These result indicated that goat milk microbial quality may help to precisely implement milk hygiene and handling intervention under smallholder goat producers.
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    The productive and reproductive performance of local and crossbred dairy cows kept under rural and urban production systems in Endamekoni and Maichew town, southern Tigray, Ethiopia.
    (Mekelle University, 2024-11-28) Asmelash Birhanu
    This study assessed the productive and reproductive performance of local and crossbred dairy cows in rural and urban production systems of Endamekoni wereda in southern zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. The primary objective was to address the lack of sufficient information regarding the reproductive and productive performance of dairy cows in this region, particularly for crossbreds with varying levels of exotic blood. To categorize cattle in to specific exotic blood levels (50%, 50-62.5%, 62.5-75% and >75%) breeding records, herd or farm records and traceback generation. Crossbred cattle consistently outperformed local breeds across all exotic blood levels. Age at first service (AFS) was significantly lower in crossbreds: 31.8 months for 50-62.5% exotic blood, 29.26 months for 62.5-75% exotic blood, and 18.52 months for >75% exotic blood, compared to 39.62 months for local breeds. Similar trends were observed for age at first calving, calving interval (CI), days open (DO), and number of services per conception (NS/C). Family size was larger in rural households compared to urban ones. Male-headed households were more prevalent than female-headed ones. The average age of household heads was within a productive range. Higher herd sizes were observed in rural production systems. Grazing was the primary feed type in rural areas, while artificial insemination (AI) was more prevalent in urban areas. Factors hindering AI adoption included shortages of technicians, bull services, and inputs. Dairy farmers prioritized access to improved feed and breeds. Urban farmers showed a stronger preference for improved breeds. Opportunities for optimizing dairy cattle productivity included increased AI usage, favorable climate, and access to brewery by-products. This study provides valuable insights into the reproductive performance of local and crossbred dairy cows in Endamekoni wereda. The findings highlight the potential benefits of crossbreeding and the importance of addressing constraints related to AI adoption and feed availability. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve dairy cattle productivity and support sustainable livelihoods in the study area.
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    Production and reproductive performances, trait preferences, breeding practices and egg quality parameters of improved chickens: the case of Eastern zone of Tigray region, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2024-09-25) Aregawi Gebremariam Kindeya
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the production and reproductive performances, trait preferences, breeding practices, and egg quality traits of improved chicken breeds in rural, peri-urban, and urban production systems in Adigrat town and Ganta-afeshum woreda of Eastern Zone, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 180 improved chicken breed owners were randomly selected based on proportional sampling and interviewed with a pre-tested structured questionnaire and focus group discussion methods were used to collect data. Ranking index, chi-square, independent sample test, and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The result of these studies revealed that the average mean body weight, mean age pullets at first laying, and number of eggs laid/hen/year, of Bovans brown was (1.63±0.47, 2.01±0.36, 1.64±0.19 kg), (5.54±0.69, 4.88±1.025, 5.46±0.73 months), (188.89±24.81, 220.94±24.91, 204.96±23.68), and Sasso chicken was (2.51±0.89, 2.81±0.68, 2.71±0.47kg), (5.85±0.82, 5.12±1.17, 5.84±1.04 months), (172.47±25.02, 194.71±23.15, 180.11±28.76), in rural, urban and peri-urban settings, respectively. Regarding the quality of eggs, the average mean weight of eggs of Bovans brown and Sasso is 59.52±4.26, 62.21±5.71, 60.42±4.04gm and 54.09± 6.76, 57.154±9.485, 56.63±5.55gm, in rural, urban and peri-urban settings, respectively. The average mean yolk color measurement of eggs is (9.60±1.50, 7.75±1.55, 8.25±2.17) for Sasso and (8.20±1.70, 6.80±1.58, 7.30±1.30) for Bovans Brown chicken breeds in rural, urban and periurban settings, respectively. Egg yield for Bovans brown chicken and body weight for the Sasso chicken breed are the most important traits preferred by the respondents. Lack of vaccines and occurrence of disease, lack of scientific knowledge in chicken management, and shortage of balanced feed are the major constraints that decrease the production and reproductive performance of improved chickens reported by chicken producers. In conclusion, Bovans Brown chickens are a better option for farmers whose main objective is to maximize egg size because they produce eggs with a higher egg weight than Sasso chickens in all production methods. Sasso chickens, on the other hand, might be advantageous to anyone looking for a breed that balances the production of meat and eggs. Therefore, it is recommended that good husbandry and management practices such as feeding strategy, housing and health care is demanded. In addition, there should be an appropriate intervention in disease prevention and control activities to improve production and reproductive performances of chicken at a largest rate.
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    Evaluation of commercial layer feed quality, husbandry practice and marketing systems of improved chicken breeds in the case of Mekelle and Samre.Tigry, Northern Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2024-10-25) Mulugeta Berihun Kelkay
    This study evaluates the commercial layer feed quality, husbandry practices, and marketing systems of improved chicken breeds in urban and peri-urban production systems in Northern Ethiopia, focusing on Mekelle and Samre. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and March 2019, involving 100 chicken owners. The study used both primary data (collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews) and secondary data. Additionally, composite feed samples were analyzed chemically to assess feed quality. The findings reveal that the majority of chicken producers rely on purchased feeds, with 57.5% of respondents feeding their chickens three times a day. However, the quality of these feeds was found to be substandard, with the analyzed feed samples showing crude protein levels of only 8.2 %, far below the recommended 18%. Despite the widespread use of supplementary feeds, feed scarcity was common, particularly during the dry season. Housing practices varied, with most producers using semi-intensive systems, but many did not follow recommended housing designs, impacting chicken health and productivity. Health management practices were inconsistent, with only 68.7% of respondents vaccinating their chickens, primarily against Newcastle disease. The study also identified major constraints to improved chicken production, including poor feed quality, inadequate veterinary services, and lack of extension support. On the other hand, the availability of market access and credit facilities were seen as opportunities for growth in the sector. The study concludes that while there are significant challenges in the management and marketing of improved chicken breeds in Northern Ethiopia, there are also opportunities to enhance productivity through better feed quality, improved health management, and the development of formal marketing systems. The study recommends stricter regulation of feed quality, enhanced training and extension services for farmers, and the establishment of formal marketing structures to support the poultry industry in the region.
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    Changes in Arenosol Bio-Physicochemical Properties, Chickpea Nodulation, and Finger millet Grain Nutrition as Influenced by different Faidherbia albida tree stand ages
    (Mekelle University, 2024-12-25) Solomon Amare Hiluf
    Declining land productivity due to severe land degradation is a persistent issue in many farming systems in Tigray, Ethiopia. Soil nutrient depletion and physical property deterioration on smallholder farms are fundamental biophysical causes contributing to reduce per capita food production in Ethiopia. Consequently, farmers are trapped in a vicious cycle of ecological degradation and poverty. Addressing this challenge through nature-based solutions is imperative, with the harnessing of agroforestry plant species, such as Faidherbia albida hereafter F. albida, being among several ecological options. F. albida is a nitrogen-fixing tree species found in parkland and agro-ecosystems, renowned for its unique reversed leaf phenology (shedding foliage during the rainy season). This characteristic makes F. albida an ideal agroforestry species, distinct from other tree species that also enhance soil fertility. Several studies have highlighted F. albida's potential to improve soil fertility and productivity on marginal soils, although comprehensive studies are necessary for a thorough understanding. This study initiated to comprehensively understand the effects of varying stand ages of F. albida on selected soil bio-physicochemical properties, cereal crop growth and nutritional content, rhizobia population density, nodulation and growth of grain legumes in Arenosols. The research was conducted in Abraha-Atsbeha, a semi-arid village in Tigray, Ethiopia, where different stand ages of F. albida are prevalent but detailed knowledge on their impacts on soil attributes is lacking. Field and laboratory data were carefully collected and analyzed using advanced analytical techniques and statistical methods. Soil physicochemical properties were analysed using advanced instrumentation and analytical methods. Ultravialet visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) spectroscopy for soil and plant nitrogen forms, available phosphorus, and soil organic carbonviii whereas Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and flame photometer were used for determination of mineral concentrations in soil and plant samples (AAS for Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn and flame photometer for K and Na). Biological parameters such as total microbial biomass, fungi-to bacteria ratios, nematode trophic composition and abundance, and rhizobia population density were also quantified using established methodologies. Normality, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post Hock tests and comparisons were done using SPSS V 20 statistical software while canonical correspondence analysis (CANOCO) software was used to analysis and understand the relationships among all the soil physicochemical and biological variables.
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    to assess the structure, composition and diversity traditional home garden agroforestry practice and associated with socioeconomic factors affecting its adoption by among smallholder farmers in Tahatay koraro district North-Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.
    (Mekelle University, 2024-07-28) Frezgi Tadesse
    Home garden agroforestry practices are more sustainable in areas where there is population pressure and land scarcity. But home garden agroforestry projects commonly suffered from inadequate rates of adoption, and hence understanding farm and farming environment characteristics that affect decision made by farmers is crucial to overcome this problem. Against this background, this study examined structure, composition and diversity of traditional home garden agroforestry practice and associated with socioeconomic factors affecting its adoption and the role of home garden agroforestry in improving on the live hold of smallholder farmers. The sampled kebeles have been selected from T/koraro Woreda; mytmket, adigdad and myadrasha kebeles. A total of 362 households were interviewed to collect information and the determination of vertical and horizontal structure of the home garden agroforestry was conducted for 181 home gardens adopters. All woody species, herbaceous species and crops were counted and recorded in 5m x 5m and 1mx1m quadrants, respectively. Thus, home garden agroforestry has great potential for enhancing food production and farmers’ economic conditions in a sustainable manner through its positive contributions to household income. The finding of research using direct logistic regression suggests that age, education of the household head, credit access, extension service, land holding and livestock holding significantly (p<0.05) affected the adoption of home garden agroforestry technology in the study areas. The other variable such as sex, market accesses and family size was not statistically significant in the adoption of home garden agroforestry at study sites. Furthermore, a total of 34 plant species belonging to 18 families were recorded in sampled home gardens. Shannon diversity index of plant species in the study area were (H'=2.03). The studied home garden agroforestry system had complex structure both vertically and horizontally, which in turn provide economical benefit and ecological service to the households. Additional research is recommended to examine other factors associated with home garden agroforestry (HGAF) adoption, structure, composition and diversity of home garden agroforestry and additional study is needed to assess the contribution of home garden agroforestry practices in those areas for the community.
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    Assessment of Wild Edible Plants and Their Uses from Ex-closures of Kola Tembein and Degua Tembein Districts Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2024-10-28) Ametekiros Alemayoh
    Wild edible plants are valuable resources for supplementing the staple food, ensuring food security, for income, ecological and socio-cultural values. Wild Edible plants are serving as crucial sources of supplementary food and essential nutrients, income/cash, traditional medicine, and various other uses for local communities in Ethiopia especially in Tigray region frequent drought and war happening so many times. If you consider the war and the siege happen in Tigray region for the past two years, it was very difficult to survive without the help of wild edible plants. The aim of this study was to assess the wild edible plants and their uses from ex-closures of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. To gather wild edible plant data direct observation, semi-structured interviews, group discussion were employed. For data collection respondents from three Keble (the smallest administrative unit) two districts were possessively selected for the data collection from the study area 210(172males and 38 females) respondents were selected purposely from 446 households specially ex-closure users by using simple random sampling, 18 participants were also included for the key informant interview and focused group discussion were carried out with 24 selected district, Keble extensions. The data was analyzed using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, Statistical Package for Social Science such as (SPSS) software version 20. Preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, paired comparison. A total of 18 wild edible plants were identified. Wild edible plant species of the study area were diversified depending on their growth forms. Most of them are trees accounting for 13(72.22%) species followed by shrubs 5(27.78%). In addition to food values, these plants provide diverse benefits to the local community including income, medicine, soil and water conservation and bee forage. WEPs were mostly edible plant parts followed by fruits 88.90%, roots 5.55% and nectar's 5.55%. Regarding their mode of consumption, local communities consume WEP species as fresh raw, 77.8% as Fresh& dried 27.8% and roasted, 5.6% & mixed with milk 5.6%. These wild edible plants of the study area were under serious anthropological threats due to deforestation. Hence, need priority attention for conservation. Moreover, Comprehensive research and documentation are necessary to understand the production potential, nutritional composition, and overall contributions of WEPs to rural households in the study area.
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    Effect of Intra-Row Spacing and Rates of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield and Yield of components of Irrigated Onion in Northern Ethiopia By
    (Mekelle University, 2024-12-25) Girmay Hailu Fikadu
    A field experiment was conducted with the objective of investigating response of rates of organic(FYM) and inorganic (NPS) fertilizers and intra-row spacing on yield, yield components and nutrient uptake of Bombay red onion (Allium cepa L.) variety under irrigation condition at Felegdaero village, Mekelle in Tigray. The experiment was carried out in the offseason of 2024 at farmer’s field on Cambisols. The experiment was laid down in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in factorial arrangement with three replications. The treatments applied were combinations of six levels of fertilizers (control (0), 50% FYM + 50% NPS, 25% FYM + 75% NPS, 75% FYM + 25% NPS, and 100% FYM + 0% NPS) and three levels of spacing (8 cm, 10 cm and 12 cm). Soil, agronomic and nutrient uptake data were collected and analyzed. The result of the study showed that bulb dry weight, marketable yield, total yield, biomass yield and harvest index of onion were significantly affected by the main effects and interactions of intrarow spacing and fertilizer applications and spacing levels. The maximum marketable and total biological yield of onion (27.500 t/ha) and (29.398t/ha) and 31806kg//ha were obtained from the main effect of 50% FYM + 50% NPS fertilizer at 10cm intra- row-spacing, while the minimum marketable and total yield of onion (18.796t/ha) and (23.981t/ha) were obtained from the control plot at spacing of 8cm. . The study also showed that the onion N, P and S uptake were significantly (P < 0.001) influenced by the main effect of FYM and NPS fertilizer rates and spacing. The optimum (170, 23.32 and 2001kg/ha) N, P, S uptake were recorded from plots that received 7.5t /ha-1 FYM and 123.3 kg/ha NPS fertilizer rates whereas, the lowest (118.3, 14.64 and 2284 kg/ha) N, P and S uptake were obtained from the unfertilized plots, respectively. Applications of FYM and NPS fertilizers at the rate of 7.5t /ha-1 FYM and 123.3 kg/ha at intra-row spacing of 10cm were economically feasible. Therefore, 7.5t /ha-1 FYM and 123.3 kg/ha NPS fertilizer rate at intrarow spacing at 10 cm should be recommended for Bombay red onion variety on Cambisols for Felegdaero village and other similar areas in Mekelle area.
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    Ziziphus Spina-Christi population status and socioeconomic contributions in Tanqua-Millash Woreda, Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-01-25) Aregawi Gebremeskel Aregawi
    Trees are crucial for the livelihoods and food security of rural households, especially those providing direct and indirect benefits. This thesis focuses on Ziziphus Spina-Christi, aiming to examine its population status, production capacity, economic contribution, and social importance in the Tanqua-Millash Woreda of Tigray, Ethiopia. Data were collected using purposive sampling from two Tabias known for Ziziphus Spina-Christi prevalence, along with systematic random sampling of 138 households. Quantitative data were gathered through structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were captured through key informant interviews, enhancing the understanding of community practices related to the tree. Tree height metrics were measured, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Findings indicate notable differences in the population status of Ziziphus SpinaChristi based on sex and wealth classification. The average male abundance was higher at Sheka-tekli (19) compared to Amdi-woyane (13), while females exhibited a higher mean at Sheka-wekli (20) than at Amdi-woyane (15). Location significantly affected the population status, with Sheka-tekli (19) exceeding Amdi-woyane (14) (p < 0.001). There were also significant variations across wealth categories (p = 0.029), showing that Rich groups had a greater abundance than Poor (p = 0.005) and medium groups (p = 0.043). The regeneration status did not show an inverse J-shape, indicating a concerning population health. Production varied by tree size class, location, gender and wealth status. Ziziphus Spina-Christi plays a vital role in local economies, contributing an average of 9,569 Ethiopian birr to annual household income. Wealthier households reported higher economic returns (11,791 birr) compared to poorer ones (7,056 birr), with male respondents yielding more than females. Beyond its economic value, Ziziphus Spina-Christi significantly enhances food security through its fruits, livestock shade, and materials for traditional medicine and construction. This study highlights the urgent need for effective conservation and sustainable management strategies to bolster community resilience against climatic challenges