Covered lagoon digesters are commonly used by commercial pig farms in Cambodia to manage their wastewater and produce biogas for electricity generation. In these biogas systems, dual or modified pure biogas generators are utilized, but the efficiency of different generators in the context of Cambodia has yet not been rigorously evaluated. Therefore, the current study aimed to (1) determine biogas production and quality in two pig farms, (2) compare the working performance of a pure biogas generator and a dual generator, and (3) estimate CO₂ emission reduction in the two cases. The study was carried out between May 2022 and May 2023 on two large-scale pig farms that hosted fully operational biogas systems. The first farm operated an all-in-all-out system with 8,000 fattening pigs in Kampong Speu Province, while the second farm operated a full system with 5,000 fattening pigs and 600 sows. The portable biogas analyzer, electrical power logger, and a vortex flowmeter were used to measure biogas quality and record the power consumption and daily biogas production. The results show that the first farm produced 792 Nm³/day, whereas the second farm produced 495 Nm³/day of biogas daily. Additionally, the methane content in both cases was not significantly different (60% of CH₄). However, the dual generator can generate power up to 1,118 kWh/day, while the pure biogas generator can produce only 743 kWh/day. The first farm that used the dual generator could save up to 80% of total power consumption, whereas the second farm could save only 24% due to a larger demand for electricity. Thus, the first farm (3,408.2 t CO₂equ) could reduce greenhouse gas emissions more than the latter (697.8 t CO₂equ). The results of the study suggest that using biogas from wastewater treatment to produce electricity reduces both electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Agroecology (AE) is the application of ecological concepts and principles to agricultural systems to increase their sustainability. This study aimed to conduct a multidimensional evidence-based evaluation of AE performance in Battambang Province, using the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE). The study investigated two main criteria: geographical aspects in Sangkae (lowland) and Rotonak Mondol (upland) districts and AE transition levels. We preclassified 120 farms into two AE transition level categories (high-AE and low-AE) as well as a non-project farm category. Results indicated that the mean characterization of agroecological transitions (CAET) score was low (37.42%). Among ten elements covering technical and social aspects in AE, the technical performance was lower which emphasize the studied farms relied on external inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, labor, and services). Farms in the study area are increasingly used agro-inputs for increased productivity, particularly in lowland areas, using an average of 5.4 types of pesticides. The economic performance in the upland area resulted in negative total income due to climate change risks (drought and flood), pest-causing yield loss, rising agricultural input costs, loss of price of agricultural products, and difficulty in selling agricultural products. To improve the performance of agroecology transition, farmers need to save their seeds to maintain internal inputs at the farms. In addition, promotion of AE practices with technological techniques should be widely adopted at the national level, including encouraging farmers in the community to use less pesticides, adopt organic/natural fertilizers and pesticides, and apply ecological techniques.

A conventional biomass-fired power plant requires substantial construction costs, making its implementation difficult in rural areas of developing countries. In contrast, microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology offers numerous benefits over conventional plants; however, its performance is currently inadequate and requires improvement before it can be deployed. This study proposed a new design for the anode chamber of a two-chamber MFC without a proton exchange membrane when food waste is used as a substrate. Different configurations of the anode chamber, including those with and without a soil layer and different anode positions, were investigated. The effects of each structure on MFC performance were investigated by measuring temporal changes in the cathode potential and examining the electrical conductivity (EC), oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) of the cathode water, and electrical current of MFC. The analysis of EC and ORP variations revealed that the introduction of a soil layer in the anode chamber resulted in lower EC values and higher cathode potentials, indicating that the soil layer acted as a filter to reduce the diffusion of ions from the anode chamber to the cathode chamber. However, this adsorption process increased the ohmic losses in the MFC system and decreased the current density. In the designs without a soil layer, when the anode was installed in the steelmaking slag (SS) layer, a higher cathode potential was observed compared with the design in which the anode was placed on the SS layer. Consequently, this higher potential induced a higher current density. However, without the exchange of cathode water, the current density decreased temporally, and no significant difference in the current density was observed between these designs during the first 7 days after generating electrical current. Therefore, placing the anode on the SS layer is a suitable design for recovering electricity from food waste.

This study aimed to assess the risk of pesticide use and study guidelines for pesticide risk management at the community level in Northeast Thailand. From 2022 to 2023, data was collected by using semi-structured interviews and group discussions. Representatives of a group of farmers who use pesticides were purposively selected 10 per group with a total of 19 villages. Data collected from farmer interviews about pesticide use included substance type, application rates, spraying frequency, and plot size of plantations. This data was used in the EIQ Field Use equation to assess environmental risks. Group discussions included farmer representatives, community leaders, agricultural extension officers, public health officials, and researchers. It was found that the average Field Use EIQ of vegetable plots had a high-risk level, particularly in the case of villages growing chilies, tomatoes, and cabbage. From group discussions on guidelines for reducing the risk from pesticide use in each village, common guidelines identified included the following: 1) personal safety, requiring regulations on the use of appropriate spraying equipment, protective clothing and other personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to pesticides; 2) safety of people in the community, not spraying pesticides in villages or communities, schools, temples, and hospitals, and notifying the village headman with a spraying plan when spraying chemicals in areas close to the community or village; additionally, areas where pesticides are sprayed must have warning signs indicating the date and time; 3) safety for the ecosystem and public areas of the community; refraining from spraying chemicals, and leaving chemical bottles in public areas, water sources, and community forests; 4) food safety, ensured through compliance with the requirements outlined in the GAP standard; and 5) setting up a community committee to coordinate safe use of pesticides by the community’s. These guidelines will be used as policy recommendations for reducing pesticide risk in commercial agricultural communities.

Efforts by extension workers to facilitate the adoption of climate-smart agriculture technologies are crucial. Document analysis reveals that vegetable producers adjust their production techniques based on the availability of technologies, influenced by two key determinants: Contextual Driving Factors (CDF) and Perceptual Force Factors (PFF) towards these technologies. Eight parameters were identified within CDF and eleven within PFF. This study aimed to assess the impact of these factors on technology adoption levels among 302 vegetable producers who are members of agricultural cooperatives in Svay Rieng Province. Utilizing Linear Multiple Regression analysis, this research identifies four CDFs – water shortage, resource scarcity, market competition, and water management challenges, and three PFF – result demonstration, anxiety, and perceived image, are significantly influencing the adoption of the technologies. These seven factors collectively contribute to the predictive model with an R-value of 0.612, explaining 36% of the variance in adoption levels. The findings suggest that successful technological adoption is influenced by the four CDFs, actually observed to be the external challenges, producers, and producers’ positive perceptions towards these technologies. Effective extension strategies should be tailored to contextual realities, defined as CDFs, and aim to present technologies in a compelling and favorable light.

Food produced on polluted farmland often damages human health. Studying the various mechanisms through which agricultural products are polluted is crucial. This study investigated the influence of combined copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) soil pollution on soybeans and the Cu and Cd uptake and resultant soybean growth and yield. Our models comprised a layer of 14 cm gravel at the bottom of plastic containers, a layer of 20 cm non- polluted soil on top, and another layer of 20 cm polluted soil on the top. Eight soybean plants were cultivated for each model. Here, we used a cadmium-polluted soil sample (approximately 1.81 mg kg^-1) taken from a paddy field. We maintained the Cu concentration in the soil at 100 mg kg^-1, 250 mg kg^-1, and 400 mg kg^-1. The soybeans were seeded in early June and harvested in early October. Cd concentrations in soybean seeds in three different models were 0.48 mg kg^-1, 0.53 mg kg^-1, and 1.30 mg kg^-1, respectively, while the Cu concentrations in soybean seeds in the three models were 10.53 mg kg^-1, 15.40 mg kg^-1, and 20.18 mg kg^-1 respectively. The levels of Cu and Cd pollution in the plants were highest in roots, medial in stems, and lowest in seeds. The growth and yield of soybeans were lower in models with a soil Cu concentration of 400 mg kg^-1 compared to models with a soil Cu concentration of 100 mg kg^-1. The models with soil Cu concentration at 400 mg kg^-1 yielded only three stumps. Thus, we conclude that changes in Cu concentration in soil polluted with both Cd and Cu have a considerable negative influence on the growth and yield of soybean plants.

This study describes the nutmeg industry in North Maluku Province, Indonesia, and includes definition of its current state and potential development opportunities. Primary data was collected in April 2019 and in September 2023, through interview surveys of local government officials and farmer groups in the Ternate Regency, North Maluku Province. The results demonstrate that 1) The nutmeg industry is deeply rooted in its long history and the farmers’ strong connections to local wisdom and culture which are more highly valued than typical economic drivers, 2) the high market demand for nutmeg products offers promising prospects for the development of the nutmeg industry should the local industry wish to move in that direction, 3) the existence of genetically diverse natural resources of North Maluku nutmeg strengthen position of the industry for future development, and 4) more modern and scalable production and distribution systems are mandatory for the future development of the nutmeg industry and to support it becoming a sustainable and leading industry in the province.

Cambodia exported more than 163,400 tons of fresh mangoes and 18,490 tons of processed, dried mangoes in 2022., Approximately 250–300 tons of dried mango are processed daily throughout the country. Mango processing produces wastewater which is a major concern and requires proper handling and treatment. This study aimed to assess the utilization of a lagoon digester on the mango processing wastewater including (1) ascertain the physio-chemical characteristics of mango processing wastewater; (2) estimate the biogas production and its quality; and (3) determine the potential greenhouse gas emission reductions available through this technology. The lagoon digester had a volume of 6,000 m³. The study was carried out from July to November2023, at a mango processing factory located in the Kampong Speu province in Cambodia. The factory produced up to 300 m³ of wastewater per day, which was diverted to the lagoon and then treated with NaOH and powdered calcium carbonate to raise the pH before feedstock was released into the lagoon pond. Three wastewater samples were obtained from the discharge pond of lagoon digester after a month of treatment to measure chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS) and pH. The biogas production was estimated and measured using the vortex flow meter, while a portable biogas analyzer was used to measure the biogas quality. The COD concentration of the wastewater before use of the digester was 35,000 mg/L which was above the standard of Ministry of Environment, Cambodia (<70 mg/L of COD for a public water discharging) which was reduced to 12,000 mg/L, or 65%, after treatment. It was estimated that the biogas yield from the lagoon digester was, on average, 2,296.9 Nm³/day. While the H2S concentration was over 5,000 ppm (above the permittable standard < 200 ppm) and the CH4 content was 52%. In conclusion, this factory can lower the COD concentration of mango wastewater after discharging from the lagoon digester and further benefit from using biogas instead of LPG gas for cooking; by using the lagoon digester, the factory may be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,5415.6 tCO₂eq/year.

For many decades, the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka has been dependent on chemical fertilizers, providing near-term benefits but posing substantial long-term environmental impacts. This practice underscores the challenge of transitioning to more sustainable farming strategies. Through structured questionnaires and in-depth discussions, we explored the awareness and perception of fertilizer application practices among paddy farmers in the Tisa Wewa irrigation scheme in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Most farmers (78%) relied solely on inorganic fertilizers, while an approach of mixed inorganic and organic fertilizers was adopted by 19%. Only 3% of farmers used solely organic fertilizer. Of the respondents utilizing inorganic fertilizer, 44.1% applied the recommended amount set by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka, while 42.6% applied greater than the recommended amount, and 13.2% applied less than the recommended amount. The survey and interview data indicated that the current practice and high reliance on inorganic fertilizer is due to the limitations of organic fertilizers governed by the large amount needed, the longer necessary to release nutrients, and the limited manure availability. Most farmers (87.1%) expressed a strong preference for adopting mixed organic and inorganic fertilizer applications in the future, emphasizing the use of high-quality input products, reflecting a forward-looking approach to sustainable agriculture, combining the benefits of both organic and inorganic fertilizers. The statistical results strongly indicate that education and awareness reduce the over-dependency on inorganic fertilizers and significantly influence the adoption of sustainable fertilizer practices.

Afghanistan’s sandy loam soils hold significant agricultural potential; however, they face challenges such as low water-holding capacity, poor organic matter content, and high infiltration rates, which hinder plant growth and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of organic amendments on soil volumetric water content, water-holding capacity, and grapevine performance. A controlled pot experiment was conducted in a glasshouse at Tokyo University of Agriculture, using five different treatments (T), each applied at a rate of 7.5%: T0 (control), T1 (sawdust), T2 (compost), T3 (chicken manure), and T4 (a combined treatment). Delaware grapevine seedlings were planted in each pot, and volumetric water content and matric potential data loggers were connected to sensors to monitor soil moisture and water suction. Additionally, leaf area index and chlorophyll content were measured using ImageJ software and a chlorophyll-measuring device. The results showed that organic amendments sawdust, compost, chicken manure, and the mixed treatment significantly improved soil water-holding capacity, and overall soil productivity, all of which are essential for sustainable agriculture in water-scarce regions like Afghanistan. Chicken manure and the mixed treatment demonstrated the highest volumetric water content, while sawdust and compost provided the greatest water-holding capacity. Moreover, these amendments enhanced grapevine growth, as indicated by increased leaf area and chlorophyll content. The findings suggest that incorporating organic amendments into sandy loam soils can improve water efficiency, plant growth, and soil sustainability, contributing to the long-term viability of Afghanistan’s agricultural sector.

Pathogenic microorganisms that cause severe infections in humans are primarily spread due to poor personal hygiene practices, such as inadequate handwashing and toothbrushing. Proper handwashing with soap and effective toothbrushing are recognized as essential defences against upper respiratory, gastrointestinal, and diarrheal diseases, as well as dental plaque, periodontal disease, and dental caries. This study implemented a comprehensive personal hygiene program aimed at preschool students, focusing on delivering hygiene education and incorporating pre- and post-education surveys to assess the program’s effectiveness and impact. The personal hygiene activities were specifically defined as handwashing and oral hygiene. Participants included preschool students aged three to five years from Samdach Hun Sen Dangkor Primary School. The findings showed that pre- education personal hygiene scores for handwashing were below 1%, which significantly increased to 93% following the educational intervention, as verified by the "Hand washing training unit LED UV light." Similarly, pre-education scores for toothbrushing were 9%, with a notable improvement to 57%, as measured by the Qscan Plus device. An awareness survey conducted with 10 selected preschool students who participated in the training indicated a substantial enhancement in daily handwashing and toothbrushing practices post-training, with an improvement rate exceeding 50% for each question in the hand hygiene session (except for two questions) and over 80% for tooth hygiene after waking and post-meals. These results underscore the effectiveness of the training program in enhancing students’ daily hygiene practices.

This study employs advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and satellite imagery to conduct a comprehensive analysis of land use and land cover changes and deforestation trends over the course of three decades within the Cobija Municipality, situated in the heart of Bolivian Amazonia. The research focused on light on the intricate relationship between human activities, environmental alterations, and socio-economic conditions, particularly emphasizing Cobija city’s susceptibility to illegal logging, heavily influenced by the region’s low economic income. Within this geographic expanse, characterized by rich biodiversity and vast forest cover, Cobija grapples with pivotal challenges. Dominated by agroforestry (51.04%) and Amazonian fruit cultivation (29.16%) as primary economic activities, the area faced persistent hurdles in converting pastures into agriculturally viable fields. This struggle is compounded by socio-economic disparities, with 26.04% of the population earning the Bolivia’s minimum wage, and a striking 61.45% subsisting on incomes below this threshold. Notably, Cobija, despite being a significant timber supplier, stands as one of Bolivia’s poorest cities. The role of timber extraction significantly contributed to deforestation trends in Cobija, exacerbating the region’s socio-economic challenges. The lure of profits from the timber trade amplified the pressures on forested areas, rendering Cobija highly susceptible to deforestation practices. The outcomes of this research underscore the urgent need for nuanced policy interventions. By integrating economic incentives into conservation strategies, policymakers can address the intricate interplay between socio-economic conditions and environmental conservation in Cobija. This holistic approach is essential to foster sustainable land management practices, mitigate deforestation, reduce erosion risk and preserve the ecological integrity of the Bolivian Amazonia.

Extreme weather events in developing countries can cause economic consequences, livelihood losses, and increased financial and societal costs. Identifying these events is often accomplished through trend analysis of historical climatic and hydrologic data. This study focused on the Diamphwe River basin in central Malawi. The Diamphwe River basin is a vital region supporting wetlands, ecosystems, agriculture, and water supplies, as well as irrigation for winter vegetable cropping for the Dedza and Lilongwe districts. Over 90 percent of local households earn their livelihood through rain-fed reliant farming. Long-term hydrologic trends were analyzed for the region, which is essential for managing and improving its agricultural productivity. Mann-Kendall and Pettit trend tests were conducted using 1975 to 2010 rainfall and river discharge data generated by R software and XLSTAT. The research revealed long-term trends of decreasing rainfall and river discharge, with 1988 as a transition year for the decreasing trends of the parameters in the basin. We also found that there was trend consistency within each month. Both rainy season and dry season months showed decreasing within months trends of the two parameters. Further, the river discharge fluctuation was significant in November and December, when the dry season changes to the rainy season, and in April, when the rainy season changes to the dry season. To sustain rainfed agriculture and introduce irrigated agriculture, it is suggested that water use planning should be based on the assumption that rainfall and river discharge will gradually decrease in/over what time frame? And that river flow fluctuations will become more significant and impactful in November, December, and April.

In mountain streams, artificial structures like restoration dams and culverts help maintain forests, roads, and streams. However, while their negative impact on aquatic ecosystem is known in lower river reaches, their effects in mountain streams are less understood. To assess this, we compared benthic macroinvertebrate communities in natural and artificial streambeds in the Ishite River headwaters, Ehime, Japan. We studied benthic macroinvertebrates in pools, riffles, and rapids in natural streambeds and in culverts, dam walls, open ditches, a levee crown and a sedimentary zone associated with a mountain restoration dam. Results demonstrate that benthic macroinvertebrate community densities, taxon richness, and diversity tended to be greater in the natural streambeds than in the artificial environments. In all but the culverts, ordination using non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed that the benthic macroinvertebrate community structure of the natural streambeds and the artificial environments were characterized by their type. For the culverts, the community composition varied among sampling sites. For the dam walls, it was characterized by relatively small taxa such as Chironomidae and Diamesinae. Unlike all other sampling sites, the sedimentary zone tended to show lentic taxa. For the open ditches, the diversity and density were similar to that of natural streambeds. However, the results for the sedimentary zone and open ditches should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of sites examined. The results of this study indicate that the benthic macroinvertebrate communities in artificial environments in mountain streams differ in composition from those in natural streambeds, although the species present are not substantially different.

In this study, the qualities of Chardonnay grapes from Katsunuma, Yamanashi Prefecture used for making wine, in, and the physical and chemical properties of the soils around the target fruit trees were analyzed to define the relationships between the grapes and soil properties. The survey covered three garden sites from one winery in Katsunuma Town. Undisturbed soil and disturbed soils were sampled from a depth of 20 cm, 30 cm below the trunk of the vines, and were used to measure physical and chemical properties, respectively. The physical properties measured were three-phase distribution, soil particle size composition, and hydraulic conductivity. Chemical properties measured were pH, EC, K₂O, Na₂O, CaO, and NO₃-N. Grapes were collected at harvest time, de-stemmed and pressed, and then analyzed for sugar content, glucose, fructose, acidity, malic acid, and tartaric acid. Software R was used for statistical analysis. The experimental results indicate that differences in soil particle size composition and soil properties may affect the sugar and acid levels of the grapes. In addition, soil pH, permeability, and CaO were found to be important factors to be considered in wine making. Soil pH has a strong correlation with glucose, grape pH, and sugar content, and may serve as an indicator when evaluating soil pH in the future. In summary, it was clear that soil physical and chemical properties affect fruit quality.

Despite Malaysia’s concerted efforts to increase rice production, the self- sufficiency ratio significantly declined from 70.0% in 2018 to 62.6% in 2022. The country’s rice production primarily relies on ten granary areas in Peninsular Malaysia, with the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) North-West Selangor known for its high productivity. In the 2015 - 2016 main season, the region achieved a rice production rate of 6.0 tons per hectare, higher than the national average of 4.6 tons per hectare and 5.0 tons per hectare for other granary areas. However, by the 2020 - 2021 main season, productivity in IADA North-West Selangor had fallen to 4.8 tons per hectare, mirroring a worrying trend observed across other granary areas. Concurrently, the average national yield fell to 3.8 tons per hectare, while the average in granary areas dropped to 4.4 tons per hectare, indicating an overall downward trend. This study aims to identify factors influencing rice productivity in IADA North-West Selangor, a region struggling to maintain its historically high productivity levels. We conducted interviews with 74 Malay and Chinese farmers using a structured questionnaire to assess technical efficiency, which is a key determinant of yield. Stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) revealed significant variations in technical efficiency among farmers, suggesting potential for improvement across the region. Although farmers in IADA North-West Selangor currently exhibit lower yields and technical efficiency compared to their historically high values, there are promising signs of improved productivity with the right interventions which are applicable in other rice granaries.

Trichoderma is a genus of fungi that can help plants grow, resist disease, and improve nutrient uptake. It’s often used as a biocontrol agent in agriculture and horticulture. The use of Trichoderma fungi to reduce the use of chemicals and maintain environmental balance is an alternative to control plant diseases in agriculture. For rice farmers, the use of Trichoderma is a viable alternative as they can save on the cost of chemical fertilizers, which preserve the environment. However, many farmers are aware of how effectively to use Trichoderma and as such may be resistant to its use. The objective of this research was to evaluate the socio-economic factors affecting the adoption and use of Trichoderma by rice farmers in North Thailand regions and the role of agricultural extension in influencing their decision. 172 farmers were interviewed for this research, Structured interviews were used for data collection. The statistics employed included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The study’s findings include: 1) most farmers were male, with an average age of 53.92 years, and with completion of primary school. Farmers received training regarding the use of Trichoderma from the District Agriculture Office, with an average of 2.67 training sessions per farmer. The average rice farming experience was 17.99 years, the average cultivated rice area was 11.94 rai, the average rice production cost was 31,453.33 baht per year, and the average income was 40,334.33 baht per year and 2) the factors that influenced farmers’ adoption of Trichoderma in rice fields were statistically significant at the 0.05 confidence level and included the farmers’ experience in growing rice, attendance at Trichoderma training, and their knowledge of Trichoderma.

Rural landscapes especially in hilly and mountainous areas have been attracting attention of urban people and some farmlands have become busy tourist destinations. Other rural farmlands suffer from low workability, aging farmers, and declining demand for rice which often results in abandoned farmland. To address this, farmland improvement is being carried out to encourage continued sustainable agricultural production activities. This causes the change of shape and layout of plots, which are the components of the rural landscape. There have been many studies on the economic evaluation of landscapes, the recognition and impression of cultural landscapes, and the ecology of farmland improvement projects, but there have been few studies on the changes in the impressions of farmland landscape before and after farmland improvement. Therefore, in order to clarify the differences in the impression of the landscape before and after farmland development, we conducted a survey in the farmland development area of Hyogo Prefecture. Specifically, we asked district residents which of 16 rice field landscape photos they liked the best, and we then used a semantic differential method to ask them about their impressions of the selected landscape photos. In a related question, we asked how the local landscape had changed as a result of the farmland improvement project, and whether the changes were viewed as positive or negative. This questionnaire survey asked all local residents, but farmers in particular were asked how much time they spent working on the farm had been reduced and how much their labor productivity had improved as a result of field maintenance. After analyzing the survey results, it was found that the farmland improvement project had improved labor productivity and created a beautiful landscape. On the other hand, there were also a few responses that assessed that the landscape had deteriorated, which requires deeper consideration.

The space at the base of street trees (hereafter referred to as "street tree bases") is invaded and colonized by a diverse plant population, primarily consisting of native species. As such, it is implied that street tree bases contribute to urban biodiversity. Various types of street tree bases exist (hereafter referred to as "street tree base types"). These include trees with garden beds at their bases, and trees with bases covered by artificial structures. However, there is a lack of information regarding the plants that invade and colonize street tree bases and comprehensive research is required in this direction. Therefore, we conducted a study involving street tree bases (n=104) and we examined the effects of street tree base types on the plant species that colonize the bases of street trees, in Fukuoka City, one of Japan’s five largest cities. In addition, the street tree base’s contribution to urban biodiversity was examined and was based on the presence of buried seed populations. Our results show that many plants that were not found in other types invaded and colonized in each street tree base type, forming a plant community that differed from other types. We believe that street tree bases can further increase urban biodiversity by establishing various street tree base types and management of their street tree bases. In addition, it was found that buried seed communities were present in many street tree bases indicating that they also serve as urban soil seed banks.

The main goal of this research study was to evaluate the calcium-silicate-hydrate (CSH) synthesized from calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) and rice husk charcoal and to determine if the CSH is economically and environmentally friendly and can be used as a promising strategy for nitrogen and phosphorus recovery. The CSH material was prepared by combining Ca(OH)₂ and rice husk charcoal in a 1:4 ratio and mixing the sample with 75% deionized water. Following mixing, a vibrator was used for 1 minute for Case 1, 2 minute for Case 2 and 3 minute for Case 3. The CSH was then put into molds which were maintained at room temperature for 3 weeks before starting the experiments. The two weeks adsorption experiment investigated parameters such as pH, EC, Ca, K, NH ₄⁺, and PO ₄^3- in 2 weeks. The 1^st and 2^nd elusion experiments were carried out on used CSH to test the dissolution rate of NH ₄⁺ and PO ₄^3-. To confirm the used CSH effectiveness as a fertilizer, a plant growth experiment was also carried out to measure the growth rate of spinach and the improvement of soil fertility. The results of the adsorption experiment indicated that CSH can effectively remove nutrients from wastewater, achieving removal rates of 97% for NH ₄⁺ and 98% for PO ₄^3-. The adsorption capacity of CSH is 0.065 mg- NH ₄⁺/g-CSH and 0.11 mg-PO ₄^3-/ g-CSH. Additionally, the used CSH can release 3-5 mg/kg for NH ₄⁺ and 6.6-7.7 mg/kg of PO ₄^3- in the elusion experiments. Moreover, the plant growth experiment also indicates that the soil fertility increased 3 times with the 5% addition of used CSH treatment, compared to the control treatment. These results suggest that CSH, made from Ca(OH)₂ and rice husk charcoal, could serve as a cost-effective solution to wastewater treatment and production of fertilizer for agricultural production.

Soil quality, a measure of a soil’s capacity to function, can be assessed using indicators based on physical, chemical, and biological properties. A soil quality assessment for soils used for rice production was conducted at the Dakawa Irrigation Scheme, located in Mvomero District, Morogoro, Tanzania. Eight disturbed soil samples, together with twenty-four undisturbed core soil samples, were obtained from two pitches (blocks 18 and 23) for laboratory analysis. The soil texture was identified as sandy clay loam for both pitches, and the pH levels in all layers of all pitches were rated as medium (5.7-7.0) to very high (7.0-8.6). The levels of organic carbon (OC) and organic matter (OM) were found to be very low, especially in the first layer for pitch one, where the average OM was 1.49% and OC was 0.83% and pitch two demonstrated OM of 1.34% and the OC was 1.08%. Average bulk density for all pitches was very high which cause soil compaction, all layers in each pitch has B.D> 2g/cm³, for the case of permeability was very low ranges from 1.922 x 10^-5 to 3.712 x 10^-7 cm/s for pitch one and 1.2436 x 10^-5 to1.89 x 10^-7 cm/s. The cation capacity exchange (CEC) and exchangeable bases were rated as low to medium in all blocks. According to soil taxonomy and the world reference base for soil resources, the soil at the Dakawa Irrigation Scheme is classified as Vertic Calciusteps, fluvisols and Haplic Vertic combisols, respectively. It is recommended to increase the organic matter in the soil by applying organic matter. Additionally, the use of rice husk as a soil amendment should also be taken into consideration to control permeability and compaction.

ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP) designation is one of several tactics that have been used in Southeast Asia for promoting biodiversity conservation to achieve sustainable development goals. However, public awareness of this program is limited despite its initiation in 1978. This study examined tourist perceptions of Nam Nao National Park (NNNP), Thailand’s most recent AHP. It estimated tourist willingness to pay (WTP) for biodiversity conservation at NNNP and identified factors that influenced their decisions. Data were collected from visitors during September to October 2024 using a self-administered questionnaire, along with interviews with park officers and onsite observations. A total of 209 visitors participated in the study, 5% of whom came from overseas. Nearly half of the respondents (45%) identified as ecotourists but lacked understanding of one key aspect: supporting local livelihoods. Most respondents were first- time visitors at NNNP who came for nature-based recreation but had never heard of AHP prior to their trip. Yet, they expressed positive opinions about building conservation awareness, encouraging participation, and supporting effective park management. About 80% of the respondents were willing to pay for biodiversity conservation (with nearly 90% confidence). The average amount was 40 Baht per year (~USD $1.25), equivalent to the park entrance fee for Thai visitors. This finding suggests that visitors were willing to pay for biodiversity conservation at twice the current entrance fee. In exchange, visitors wanted their money to be spent on forest restoration and fire-break construction. Lastly, a generalized linear model identified type of tourist (i.e., ecotourists), travel frequency (i.e., frequent visitors > 5 times), gender (female), age, and positive perception as key drivers of WTP (p-value < 0.05).

This study investigated the temporal dynamics of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes across 13 protected areas (PAs) (12 National Parks and 1 Wildlife Reserve) and their associated buffer zones from 1990 to 2021. Data from the National Land Cover Monitoring System (NLCMS) for the years 1990, 2000, and 2010 were acquired, while random forest modeling using Landsat 7 images at the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform was utilized for the year 2021. The data were analyzed using the Land Change Modeler (LCM) within the TerraSet IDRISI software. Total forest cover for the core areas of the 13 PAs exhibited resilience, declining from 4,731.89 km² (1990) to 4,554.87 km² (2000) before recovering to 5,021.95 km² (2021), marking a net gain of 290.06 km². Total shrubland area fluctuated, peaking at 298.24 km² (2010) but declining to 252.47 km² (2021). Total grassland area experienced dramatic shifts, plummeting to 1,723.04 km² (2010) before rebounding to 3,088.57 km² (2021). Total agricultural land area peaked at 207.62 km² (2010) but sharply contracted to 82.33 km² (2021). Total barren land area expanded by 65% (1990–2000) but stabilized at 2,203.70 km² (2021). Total built-up areas surged 179-fold (0.19 to 34.08 km²), reflecting anthropogenic encroachment pressures. Total snow/glacier cover recovered from a low of 2,276.57 km² (2000) to 2,997.39 km² (2021). Buffer zones exhibited contrasting trends: total agricultural land area expanded steadily (1,322.24 to 1,407.36 km²), total shrubland area doubled (92.75 to 211.90 km²), and total barren land area plummeted 90% (488.07 to 46.40 km²). Total built-up areas grew tenfold (3.87 to 32.54 km²), highlighting urbanization pressures. Total grassland area rebounded from x (1990) to 941.19 km² (2021). Total snow/glacier coverage was halved post-2010 (419.83 to 244.61 km²). In summary, the core areas demonstrated biodiversity recovery, demonstrated by forest regeneration and reduced agriculture, while buffer zones faced intensified land use from agricultural and urbanization uses and climate impacts. These findings highlight the delicate balance between conservation and development pressures in Nepal’s protected areas. They offer valuable insights for planning and policy, stressing the need for targeted interventions to address human impacts while preserving ecological connectivity. Given Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from tropical lowlands to Himalayan ranges, these insights can guide sustainable management both locally and globally.

Recently, dietary change has been increasingly recognized as a viable strategy to reduce nitrogen pollution. This is because raising animal-based proteins results in significantly higher nitrogen loads compared to raising (cultivating) their plant-based alternatives. In Japan, there has been a rise in animal-based food consumption in recent decades, which could have detrimental effects on water quality. However, dietary changes are rarely considered in watershed environmental conservation. Given Japan’s low food self- sufficiency of 38%, shifting diets could improve both domestic and international water quality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether dietary changes among the Japanese population could result in nitrogen load reduction and water quality improvement in the Kasumigaura watershed. Firstly, nitrogen load from each point source and non-point source was quantified by examining various nitrogen flows, using land-use data to capture the contributions from different sources. This analysis also incorporated food production- related anthropogenic nitrogen from crops and livestock. The estimated nitrogen load in 2020 was around 4,403 tons/year, and it was a reasonable value compared with previous research. Then, the impact of dietary and self-sufficiency changes on the nitrogen load was estimated. The results suggest that the reduction of animal proteins has significantly lowered the nitrogen load in the watershed, therefore offering a promising approach to improving water quality.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to empower learners to make informed decisions and to take responsible actions for environmental integrity, economic viability, and social and community development for present and future generations. ESD is holistic and transformational and enables people and local communities to learn the values, behaviors, and lifestyles required for positive societal transformation and a sustainable future. From its inception in 2000, the Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation (ERECON) began promoting ESD through its multiple extension and research activities. ERECON continued these efforts and supported the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development from 2005 to 2014, including the establishment of the Regional Center of Expertise, Greater Phnom Penh (RCE GPP) in 2009. ERECON collaborates with multiple formal and informal educational organizations in Asian countries to promote ESD. ERECON’s extension projects collaborate with RCE GPP and are related to afforestation and organic farming based on natural resource circulation, which aims to promote carbon capture and storage in forest and agricultural areas as well as sustainable rural development with income generation for local communities. ESD has become the fundamental methodology for approaching and educating local populations. ERECON relies on ESD and hosts workshops and trainings with local residents and communities prior to implementing extension activities. Additionally, ERECON’s Research Center focuses on and guides the academic and scientific activities of its partner, the International Society of Environmental and Rural Development, utilizing ESD’s best practices. In 2025, ERECON celebrated its quarter-century anniversary. Under UNESCO’s new global framework ‘ESD for 2030’ for the 2020-2030 period, ERECON will continue to use and promote ESD towards overcoming challenges and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in targeted local communities in Asian countries.

The Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation’s (ERECON) financial structure highlights its unique position among Japanese NGOs. Since its establishment in 2000 and its transition to a Non-Profit Organization in 2002, ERECON has primarily relied upon grants and donations, with annual revenue exceeding 100 million Japanese Yen (JPY) in both 2018 and 2023. The Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation reports that ERECON operates with 100 - 300 million JPY annually as do 15.9% of the total Japanese international cooperation NGOs. A distinctive characteristic of ERECON is its ability to develop extension programs based on the research outcomes, as seeds for extension, which is rare among NGOs. Since ERECON’s 2013 designation as a MEXT-accredited research institution, ERECON began various Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research, contributing to extension programs as well as financial diversification. Further unlike most NGOs that depend solely on external activity with its funding, ERECON successfully integrates research outcomes and its outreach, extension program, ensuring financial stability while maintaining its mission related to environmental rehabilitation and rural development. Despite challenges such as limited financial and human resources, ERECON’s financial structure and strategy-balancing traditional NGO funding with research grants-sets it apart in the sector. ERECON’s ability to sustain and expand its financial resources is critical in reinforcing its role as a leading model for Japanese NGOs integrating research outcomes and extension programs for practical development purposes.