Influence of Solar-Exhaust Gas Greenhouse Drying Modes on Viability of Black Nightshade Seeds
George Onyango Orido,
Erick Kiplangat Ronoh,
Patrick Ochuodho Ajwang,
Benson Baari Gathitu
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, December 2023
Pages:
44-56
Received:
27 June 2023
Accepted:
12 July 2023
Published:
27 July 2023
Abstract: In this study, three distinct and unique modes of greenhouse drying are introduced: solar, solar-exhaust gas, and exhaust gas modes of drying. The effect of drying black nightshade seeds in the three modes was studied, using germinability as a measure of quality. In solar mode, seeds were dried from a moisture content of 89.34% (db) to 7.13% (db) with the greenhouse dryer room air temperature range of 14.82-58.46°C and relative humidity of 9.40-88.03%. In solar-exhaust gas mode drying was performed from 92.57% (db) to 6.07% (db) within a temperature range of 34.49-61.97°C and relative humidity of 7.10-39.27%. In exhaust gas mode black nightshade seeds were dried from an initial moisture content of 88.84% (db) to a final one of 9.42% (db) when the greenhouse dryer room air temperature ranged from 25.75 to 30.77°C and relative humidity inside the dryer was between 51.88 and 83.98%. The results show that exhaust gas drying mode had a difference of 12.5% when its mean germination percentage was compared to solar mode of drying. Moreover, a 16.2% difference in means of germination percentage was recorded when solar-exhaust gas mode of drying was compared to exhaust gas mode. The highest mean germination percentage was recorded at 89% for exhaust gas drying mode because black nightshade seeds were subjected to temperatures ranging from 25.75 to 30.77°C. Modified Giner’s model predicted germination changes of black nightshade seeds more accurately than modified Sharp’s model due to the higher coefficient of determination (0.6896 > 0.6853) and lower root mean squared error (6.1554 < 6.4519). The activation energy in the modified Giner’s model was found to be 7.034×1033 Joule/mole through model fitting to experimental data. In conclusion, it is recommended that the feasibility of exhaust gas energy use in drying be expanded to seeds of other African vegetable crops.
Abstract: In this study, three distinct and unique modes of greenhouse drying are introduced: solar, solar-exhaust gas, and exhaust gas modes of drying. The effect of drying black nightshade seeds in the three modes was studied, using germinability as a measure of quality. In solar mode, seeds were dried from a moisture content of 89.34% (db) to 7.13% (db) w...
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Review Article
Effect of Biochar Application on Soil Acidity Reclamation and Crop Production Improvements: A Review
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, December 2023
Pages:
57-66
Received:
8 September 2023
Accepted:
24 October 2023
Published:
30 November 2023
Abstract: Know day In most parts of the world, soil acidity has become a significant problem to agricultural production; The high buildup of H+ ions relative to OH- ions in the soil solution results in the acidity of the soil. Understanding the function of biochar in reducing soil acidity and enhancing crop yield was the main goal of this review. Biochar is a carbon rich substances resulting from the pyrolysis of organic material, it accumulate carbon for long time, ameliorates degraded soil and lowering soil acidity for better crop production. Additionally, using biochar as a soil amendment increases agricultural yield by boosting soil's ability to hold water, making nutrients available to plants through cation exchange capacity, adsorbing nutrients, creating favorable conditions for soil microorganisms, and enhancing carbon sequestration. Generally, soil management by biochar under acidic soil increase nutrient availability like available phosphorous, soil pH, cation exchange capacity, crop yields and reduce hazard of crop failure. However the influence of biochar application on crop production depending on soil type, soil condition, nature and rate of biochar used.
Abstract: Know day In most parts of the world, soil acidity has become a significant problem to agricultural production; The high buildup of H+ ions relative to OH- ions in the soil solution results in the acidity of the soil. Understanding the function of biochar in reducing soil acidity and enhancing crop yield was the main goal of this review. Biochar is ...
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