Journal of Science, Agriculture and Technology

Species Diversity and Distribution of Cladocerans in Freshwater Habitats, Khok Khian Subdistrict, Narathiwat Province

2024-12-12T12:33:45+07:00

Cladocerans play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems as primary consumers, transferring energy from producers to higher-level consumers in food chains and food webs. This study aimed to investigate the species diversity, species composition and environmental factors affecting the distribution of cladocerans in freshwater bodies within Khok Khian Subdistrict. Samples were collected from 8 water bodies during February-March 2023 using a qualitative method with a 60-micrometer mesh plankton net. A total of 7 families, 22 genera, and 24 species of cladocerans were recorded. There are six species that have not been previously reported in Narathiwat Province. This study increases the species diversity of cladocerans in the area to 55 species, most of which were found to be widely distributed. cladoceran species composition between water bodies, habitat types and month showed high similarity. This may be due to the environmental factors measured having no correlation with the distribution of cladocerans (p = 0.255). However, the results showed that water bodies with higher oxygen levels tend to have greater species diversity. Therefore, further studies should be conducted to obtain clearer and more accurate results.

Phytochemical Screening and Total Phenolic Compounds of Eleiodoxa conferta (Griff.) Burr.

2025-02-06T16:36:23+07:00

This study aimed to investigate the preliminary phytochemicals and total phenolic content from the fruits of Eleiodoxa conferta (Griff.) Burr. The extraction was performed using two methods: (1) cold maceration with organic solvents, dichloromethane and methanol, and (2) hot reflux extraction using water as a solvent. Results showed that methanol extracts yielded the highest percentage (% Yield) and exhibited good solubility in methanol. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, coumarins, and anthraquinones. Additionally, tannins and cardiac glycosides were detected in the aqueous extract. Using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, the aqueous extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (12.34±0.18 mg GAE/g), followed by the methanol extract (11.99±0.02 mg GAE/g). These findings suggest that Eleiodoxa conferta fruits contain predominantly polar compounds, providing a basis for further research into their bioactive properties and potential applications in herbal product development.

Comparison of the Dyeing Efficiency of Banana Sap (Musa sapientum L.) and Copper Sulfate Mordants in Dyeing Dragon Fruit Peel (Hylocereus polyrhizus) on Cotton Fabrics

2025-01-22T11:52:08+07:00

This study investigates the dyeing efficiency of two mordants: Musa sapientum L. sap (a natural mordant) and copper sulfate (a synthetic mordant) using red-flesh dragon fruit peel (Hylocereus polyrhizus) dye extract on cotton fabric. The study compares two dyeing approaches: mordanting before dyeing and mordanting after dyeing. Four solvents with different polarity-distilled water, 1% citric acid, 1% sodium hydroxide and 80% methanol were used for dye extraction. Polar protic solvents such as methanol showed higher efficiency in dissolving betalain pigments. The performance was evaluated based on color intensity (L*, a*, b*) and washing fastness. Results revealed that 80% methanol was the most effective solvent, producing vibrant color. Pre-mordanting with copper sulfate yielded the highest color intensity and fastness. Although banana sap produced slightly lower durability, it remains an environmentally friendly alternative. This research highlights the potential of both mordant types in sustainable dyeing applications.

Study on the Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO and Ag/ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized via Green Chemistry using Psidium guajava L. Leaf Extract

2025-03-03T11:43:57+07:00

This study aimed to investigate the photocatalytic activity of ZnO and Ag/ZnO nanoparticles synthesized via green chemistry using guava (Psidium guajava Linn.) leaf extract. The composition of the guava leaf extract was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, revealing the presence of hydroxyl (-OH) and carbonyl (-C=O) functional groups, indicative of phenolic compounds acting as reducing agents in the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO and Ag/ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated through the degradation of Rhodamine B dye under UV light irradiation for 150 minutes, with absorbance measured at the dye's maximum wavelength of 554 nm. Results indicated that ZnO calcined at 400°C exhibited the lowest dye degradation efficiency at 24.36%, while increasing the calcination temperature to 900°C can be enhanced the degradation efficiency to 49.45%. This improvement correlates with FTIR spectra showing intensified Zn-O vibration bands, suggesting increased crystallinity of ZnO at higher calcination temperatures. Furthermore, Ag doping on the ZnO surface via photoreduction significantly enhanced photocatalytic performance; Ag/ZnO calcined at 400°C achieved 87.99% dye degradation, and at 900°C, the degradation efficiency reached 97.90%. These findings demonstrate the combined influence of calcination temperature and Ag doping on the surface of ZnO, leading to superior photocatalytic efficiency.

Comparative Study of Economic Model of Meat Goat Farming System with Other Agricultural Activities in Satun Province

2025-06-17T13:50:53+07:00

The objectives of this research were: 1) to classify raising meat goat farming system, 2) to compare the costs and benefits of raising meat goat farming system, and 3) to create a model of raising meat goat farming system in Satun province. Structured interviews, simple random sampling, and sampling without replacement were used for data collection for a sample group of 109 households raising meat goats. Hierarchical clustering was used for data analysis. And OLYMPE was used for the analysis of the economic model with a sample group of 15 households. The results revealed that the raising meat goat farming system could be classified into three types as (1) raising meat goat along with rubber trees farming system (G₁), (2) raising meat goat along with oil palm farming system (G₂), (3) raising meat goat along with rubber trees and oil palm farming system (G₃). In terms of an economic model for 10 years (2024-2033) found that the raising meat goat along with rubber trees and oil palm farming system (G₃) was an interesting farming system with higher margin of farm than the other farming system. For an analysis of an economic model in 2024 of 15 households, the study could classify agricultural households by the average yield volume sold and the average net income from goat raising into 3 groups as (1) the group with the average quantity of goat sold and the average net income of goat raising at the low level, (2) the group with the average distribution goat yield and the average net income of goat raising at the medium level, and (3) the group with the average yield of goat sold and the average net income of goat raising at the high level. These suggestions guidelines of developing farming systems, agricultural households had to connect networks among local farmers raising goats for assisting, producing, managing, and marketing for the sustainability of goat raising and integrating for crop growing, livestock raising, and reducing the cost of raising goats in rubber plantation and oil palm plantation.

Appropriate Nutrient Management to Improve Sugarcane Yield on Sandy Soils in Uthai Thani Province.

2025-06-10T09:00:23+07:00

An effective nutrient management for sugarcane production on sandy soil was investigated. This aimed to be a guideline of fertilizer recommendation for sugarcane production on sandy soil in the central region of Thailand. The experiment was conducted by planting cane 4 generations; plant cane, first ratoon, second ratoon, and third ratoon cane in October 2016 to September 2020 at Sawang-arom district, Uthaithani province. Experimental design was Randomized Completely Block design with 4 replications and 5 treatments; 1) conventional fertilizer application 2) N-P-K fertilizer application at the recommend rate based on soil analysis 3) N-P-K-Mg fertilizer application at the recommend rate based on soil analysis 4) N-P-K-Zn fertilizer application at the recommend rate based on soil analysis and 5) N-P-K-Mg-Zn fertilizer application at the recommend rate based on soil analysis . The results showed that sugarcane fertilized according to soil analysis has sufficient amounts of potassium, calcium, iron and zinc for plant growth. N-P-K-Mg-Zn fertilizer application at the recommend rate based on soil analysis causes the third ratoon cane to grow in terms of number of shoots and number of stalks per clump. The first and third ratoon cane applied N-P-K-Mg-Zn base on soil analysis yielded 17.98 and 10.94 tons/rai and significantly higher than conventional fertilizer application which yielded 12.34 and 7.56 tons/rai. The average income of 4 generations cane production applied with fertilizer according to soil analysis was 3,125 baht/rai or 30.23 percent higher than that of the conventional fertilizer application due to the 25.24 reduction percentage of fertilizer cost.