Data presentation, interpretation, and communication

Abstract

The countries bordering the Mediterranean and extending into western Asia are poor in natural resources, and have expanding populations which increase land-use pressure. The land area for crop production in this climatically harsh region is low; drought is always a major constraint. Output can only be increased from crop intensification, with fertilizers having a major role. Soil and plant analysis underpins the efficient use of such inputs. Such analysis is also an integral part of agronomic research, both at research stations and in farmers' fields. Decisions about land use must consider soil type differences as well as nutrient constraints, either deficiency or toxicity. This paper outlines the context in which such analyses may improve decision-making at the farmer's and the planner's levels, highlighting current constraints and potential for improvement. The main tests conducted in the region's laboratories are described. It focuses on communicating the benefits of soil and plant analysis and soil test research that has been conducted in the region to researchers and other end-users in the various national agricultural research programs. In order to ensure success, the effort must involve a partnership of research, fertilizer industry, and the extension and public sectors.

Synergistic use of nitrogen and zinc to bio-fortify zinc in wheat grains

“…A uniform portion of dried plant samples (straw and grain) was digested in di-acid (HNO3 and HClO4) mixture for the determination of phosphorus and Zn (Chapman and Pratt, 1961). Vanadomolybdate yellow color method was used for the determination of phosphorus (Ryan, 2000). Zn concentrations were determined as described by Rashid (1986) by using atomic absorpotion spectrophotomerty (Analytical jena AAS-NOVA-400, Germany) in digested samples.…”

Evaluation of Bioaccumulation and Toxicity of Bisphenol-A and Phthalates on Earthworm and Nitrifying Bacteria from Soil Collected in Waste Management Landfill, Kaduna State, Nigeria

“…In the laboratory, the five soil samples from the landfill site collected earlier were merged to form a composite sample (Ryan, 2000). The soil samples were homogenized and kept on the laboratory bench to air dry.…”

Soil fertility, crop nutrition, and cropping systems: Research for Mediterranean dryland agriculture

“…Facilities for such analysis require a developed agricultural support system (Ryan, Garabet, Rashid, & El-Gharous, 1999). Reflecting the weak and underfunded agricultural sectors in underdeveloped regions such as WANA, soil analysis is still in its infancy region (Ryan, 2000), and only then in the public sector with minimum involvement of the private sector.…”