Adoption of yam minisett technology in mechanization call for a study to ascertain whether planting depth and orientation of yam (Dioscorea alata) in the soil affects germination, since much work has not been done in that regard. Knowledge of the effects of yam minisett planting depth and the orientation in the soil on germination provide useful information for the development of planter since minisett falling from planter could be at any position. A survey was conducted to investigate how germination affected by vary position of yam minisett. A rubber "pots experiment" were carried out within a period of 180 days after planting (DAP), under natural conditions of light, temperature and relative humidity. Minisett weighed 40g -80g was subjected to seven (7) main treatments; planting depth and planting orientation which consist of four (4) and three (3) levels respectively. Planting depth (d1=5cm, d2=10cm, d3=15cm and d4=20cm) and planting orientation with the skin of the sett facing upward (SSU), skin facing side (SSS) and skin of the sett facing down (SSD). The experiment was laid out by complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. There was significant difference (p<0.05) between the 5cm in planting depth variables for two germination parameters (GeT and GSI) as well as interaction with orientation observed. However, there was no significant effect (P>0.05) among planting depth and orientation variables on germination parameters (GeT and GSI). Minisett orientation and planting depth interaction had no effect on the germination (P>0.05) with the exception of 5cm depth. The higher rate germination setts were recorded SSS (44%) and planting depth 20cm (35%). Based on general results, yam minisett germination has no correlation with depth and orientation. Therefore, the use of mechanical yam sett planter is feasible, since placing the setts in any orientation with variable condition will germinate.
Pain in yam cultivation has been identified as critical areas in yam cultivation. The aim of the study was to compare the manual and mechanised yam minisett planting. To address this problem, heart rate (HR) of workers during mounding and ridging, and planting were measured as well as assessing economic feasibility in mechanising yam planting. Polar watch (RS 800 CX) was used to measure HR of the operations. Hoe and cutlasses were used for mounding and ridging. The HR of tractor operator during planting was determined. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were done using GenStat software (VSN International, 2011). Statistical significance was carried out at p<0.05. The field capacity was 3.84 and 1.45 h/ha for mechanised and manual, respectively. The mean HR was 112.80 and 112.7 bpm for mounding and ridging respectively while 112.00, 132.00 bpm for mechanised and manual, respectively. Mechanised yam minisett planting reduces labour cost by 50%.
Drudgery in manual yam minisett planting was identified as a major constraint facing yam cultivation in Ghana. The main objective of the study was to develop a double row yam minisett (DRYM) planter using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A potato planter was adopted and modified to suit the design of DRYM planter. The main task was to perform 3D modeling of the planter major components using FEA method. Analysis of systems (ANSYS) software was used for FEA. Minisett and soil physical properties were factored into the design processes. Total deformation and equivalent (Von-Mises) stress were 0.442 mm and 7.37 MPa for hopper; 0.01 mm and 9.18 MPa for ridger bottom and that of furrow opener were 1.8-0.6 mm and 6.27 MPa, respectively. Maximum total deformation and equivalent (Von-Mises) stress were below material specification of 50 mm and 250 MPa for structural steel, and 20 mm and, 440 MPa for mild steel, respectively. The study concluded that the entire design was within the material property and permissible stress limits of the materials used. Yam planter development will enhance farmer satisfaction.
Air pollution poses a challenge to human life, meanwhile, air quality in human inhabitancy is usually given less attention. Therefore, the study aims at assessing air pollution at Takoradi Technical University (TTU-Akatakyi campus) and its environs. The assessment was done to determine the particulate matter in the study area using a Haz-dust Monitor-5000. Before data collection, the sampler was calibrated and set to start for 24 hours. Data recorded were analysed using Microsoft Office Excel. The results were compared to EPA-Ghana and WHO Guidelines Values. TTU Akatakyi Campus, Bokro Township, and Diamond Cement Factory recorded mean PM1 values of 3.10, 3.19, and 3.56 mg/m3, respectively. The highest PM2.5 mean value (3.57 mg/m3) was recorded at Diamond Cement Factory whereas the least PM2.5 (3.11mg/m3) was at TTU-Akatakyi Campus. The highest PM10 mean value (3.80 mg/m3) was recorded at Diamond Cement Factory while the least (3.12 mg/m3) was at TTU Akatakyi Campus. The highest recorded Total Suspended Particulate (TSP) mean value (3.62 mg/m3) was at Diamond Cement Factory while the least (3.11 mg/m3) was at TTU Akatakyi Campus. The recorded values were above EPA-Ghana and WHO guidelines, which implies that the air quality in the study area at the time of the study was harmful to human health.
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