Two field experiments were conducted at two different rice ecosystems, one in the upland rice field of Bangladesh Agricultural University farm, Mymensingh and the another one in the low lying area of Bhaluka, Mymensingh to investigate the effects of soil amendments on mitigation of methane emissions and sustaining rice productivity. The experimental treatments were urea (250 kg ha-1), urea plus coal ash (1t ha-1), urea plus phosphogypsum (90 kg ha-1), urea plus silicate fertilizer (150 kg ha-1), ammonium sulphate 400 kg ha-1, ammonium sulphate plus silicate fertilizer (150 kg ha-1), urea (25% less than the recommended doze) plus cyanobacteria plus azolla (1t ha-1). In case of BAU upland rice field, the total seasonal CH4 emission was decreased by 12-21% and rice grain yield was increased by 4.0- 18.0% respectively, whereas 11.0-26.0% reduction in total CH4 emission and 4.5-24.0% increase in rice grain yield was recorded from the low lying rice field of Bhaluka with the application of soil amendments. Among  the amendments silicate fertilization with urea and silicate in combination with ammonium sulphate reduced total CH4 flux by 18- 23% and 21-26% respectively, whereas rice grain yield was increased by 18-24% and 16-18%, respectively in both ecosystems. Although maximum reduction in total seasonal CH4 flux was recorded with silicate and sulfate of ammonia amendment in paddy soil, however soil acidity was developed which might affect soil fertility and rice productivity in the future. Therefore, silicate fertilizer could be introduced with the nitrogenous fertilizer sources, preferably with 50% urea plus 50% ammonium sulphate for  reducing CH4 emissions and increasing rice productivity under both irrigated upland and lowland rice field ecosystems. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v5i1.11574 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 5(1): 179 - 185, 2012

The study aimed to determine farmers' knowledge and practice regarding organic vegetable cultivation as well as to ascertain farmers' awareness concerning health and environmental aspects. The study was conducted at two villages of Kishoregonj District. The selected villages were Shadullar Char and Borobag Char. The total number of household was 800 in two villages. Among them 400 households were randomly selected and the head of each household was considered as the sample of the study; from them data were collected using structured interview schedule. The findings of the study indicate that about two-thirds (65%) of the farmers in the study area had poor knowledge concerning organic vegetable cultivation while, about three-fourth (73%) of the respondents had found low level of practice followed in cultivating organic vegetables. Concerning soil health management aspects, the item namely use of cow dung and use of poultry excreta were the top most items practice by the farmers in their locality. The use of ash and piercing, on the other hand, were found as the highest ranked items regarding disease and pest management related aspects. However, about three-fourths of the respondents had low to medium level of awareness concerning health and environmental related aspects caused by agro-chemicals use.

The study was conducted to identify and describe the problems of FFS farmers in participating FFS training sessions. Data and information were collected from 100 FFS farmers of selected three unions of Muktagacha Upazila of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh from 10 to 30 April, 2013. Among ten selected problems "Inadequate trials and training materials" got the highest score (PCI-176) while "Biasness in trainee selection" got the lowest score (PCI-48). The highest proportion of the FFS farmers (53%) had low problem in participating FFS training session, while 40% and 7% had medium and high problem, respectively. Findings indicate that a majority i.e. more than four fifth of the FFS farmers faced low to medium problems in participating FFS training sessions. The selected characteristics of the FFS farmers, such as year of schooling, farming experience, extension media contact, risk orientation and knowledge on soil and crop management showed significantly negative relationship with problem confrontation in participating FFS training sessions by the FFS farmers. Therefore, it can be mentioned that there is no significant problems associated with the FFS training sessions. So, necessary steps need to be taken to enhance the existing activities of FFS that could improve the sustainable crop production as well as the livelihood of the FFS farmers.

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