Journal of Sustainable Agriculture

Index

Volume 6 Number 1 1995

Journal of Sustainable Agriculture
Volume 6, Number 1; 1995
ISSN: 1044-0046

>From the Editor
  by Raymond P. Poincelot.......................................1-2

Newswatch
  by Raymond P. Poincelot.......................................3-4

                Research, Reviews, Practices and Technology
Triple-Crop Rice Farming in Java: Implications for Sustainable Development
  by Peter Van Arsdale, Tony Lewis..............................5-21
Abstract: Triple-crop rice farming is practiced in relatively few regions
within Southeast Asia. This includes some areas on the island of Java in
Indonesia. However, its use is not as widespread as those studying the
interrelationships between population growth and agricultural production
believe to be possible. Using field data gathered through Farming Systems
Research (FSR) methods in a densely populated area of the Jratunseluna
Basin, Java, and relying upon a perspective informed by the disciplines of
cultural ecology and applied anthropology, we investigated the incentives
and constraints to this farming practice. External inputs are shown to be
essential. Implications for the understanding of capacity-building and
sustainable development are addressed. Double-cropping is suggested as a
more viable long-term approach.

Supply Elasticities and Responses to Relative Price Changes in Organic
Produce Markets
  by Luanne Lohr, Timothy Park..................................23-45
Abstract: We estimate supply equations for six organic crops - broccoli,
carrots, celery, romaine lettuce, strawberries and watermelons - and use
these to calculate supply elasticities. We also estimate the rates at which
farmers adjust output in response to changes in price premiums between
organic and conventional markets. Rates of adjustment range from nearly
instantaneous (carrots) to somewhat slow (lettuce). In both the short run
(a single season) and the long run (more than one season), supply exhibits
inelasticity, with responsiveness to relative price changes being more
restricted in the short run. Supply elasticities compared for pre-1989 and
1989 periods show both increasing (carrots and lettuce) and decreasing
(broccoli, celery and strawberries) long run elasticity over time.

Intercropping Oil Palm (Elaeis guineenis) with Cocoyam (Xanthosoma
sagittifolium) on Windows and Non-Windrows in Southern Nigeria
  by F.K. Salako, R. Lal, M.J. Swift............................47-60
Abstract: Yields of intercropped oil palm and cocoyam were assessed at
Okomu (6 degrees, 25 minutes North, 5 degrees, 12 minutes East), near Benin
City, southern Nigeria. Yields were assessed during the fifth and sixth
year after the establishment of oil palm. The annual yield of fresh fruit
bunches (FFB) was 12.9 Mg/ha on windows, and 8.5 Mg/ha on non-windows. For
Xanthosoma, the average annual yield of cormel was 11.3 Mg/ha on windows,
and 7.5 Mg/ha on non-windows. The performance of Xanthosoma under the
canopy shade was good and this suggests that it would tolerate oil palm
shade at the early stages of palm establishment. Also oil palm yield was
comparable with the expected average yield in the area. Owners of
small-scale oil palm plantations in the region are encouraged to maximize
land use and profit by intercropping oil palm with Xanthosoma during the
first five years of palm establishment or when a shade-tolerant crop is
required as an intercrop within the five years.

Factors Encouraging the Adoption of More Sustainable Crop Rotations in
South-East Australia: Profit, Sustainability, Risk and Stability
  by Stewart Lockie, Ashley Mead, Frank Vanclay, Brett Butler...61-79
Abstract: Broadleaf crop rotations have been promoted in south-east
Australia for many years with seemingly mixed success. This paper presents
the results of a study conducted in the southern cropping area on New South
Wales (NSW) to explore with farmers the use of broadleaf crops, and
associated farming practices, in cropping sequences with cereals. Although
primarily concerned with barriers to the adoption of broadleaf based crop
rotations, discussions were free to range over all aspects of farm
management. The study, initiated by the NSW Department of Agriculture, was
predicted on the belief that there had been low levels of acceptance and
adoption of these practices. However, farmers participating in focus group
discussions displayed a very high level of adoption and suggested that the
overall level was high. This high level of adoption was subsequently
validated using quantitative techniques. Participants did though express
doubts about the environmental and economic sustainability of these
practices. They also revealed important criteria in their assessment
of agricultural practices which may not be recognised by agricultural
research and extension services. Farmers were aware of the effects of
farming practices on profitability and sustainability, but were equally
concerned with risk minimisation and income stability.

Productivity and Health of Gestating Ewes Grazing Tyfon Pastures Containing
Weeds
  by K.A. Cassida, B.A. Barton, R.L. Hough, M.H. Wiedenhoeft,
     K. Guillard................................................81-95
Abstract: Weeds in brassica pastures can reduce yields and negatively
affect animal performance. The effects of grazing tyfon pastures containing
low or high densities of weeds were evaluated using 24 mature ewes in early
gestation in a randomized complete block design with 4 pasture
replications. Total pasture herbage yield, ewe health status, lambing
percentage, and lamb birth weights were not affected by treatment, Tyfon
yield and ewe weight gain were higher on low than on high weed pastures.
Ewes on both treatments performed satisfactorily for their stage of
production, and no negative effects on health were observed.

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Submitted by: BUBL Administrator  (cijs27@vms.strath.ac.uk)
               Thu, 24 Aug 1995 11:07:45 EDT