Technical committee for Research Project Planning, 2015- 2016

Duration Jan. 15 -16/2015

Committee Members

1. Dr. Mekuria Tadesse

2. Ms. Gelila Asamenew

3. Ato Legesse Shiferaw

4. Ato Mulate Zerihun

5. Ato Mohammed Yemam

6. Ato Kebede Dinkecha

7. Ato Belay Gezahegn

8. Ato Seferu Tadesse

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents

1. Research problems identification .............................................................................................................. 4

2. Research thematic area of chemical analysis and agriculture chemistry research Case team................... 5

1. Agricultural inputs challenges .............................................................................................................. 5

Thematic area 1. 1: Status and quality of Agro-chemicals inputs for crop/feed production ............ 6

Component 1. Analytical based Registration of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers....... 6

Component 2. Monitoring of residues of pesticides (herbicides, fungicides) and fertilizers in

selected crops/feed ........................................................................................................................ 7

2. Research on Agro-industrial challenges ............................................................................................... 7

Thematic area:2.1 Characterization of natural products for the development of product and

commercialization. ............................................................................................................................... 8

Component 1: Flavor and fragrance technology ............................................................................... 8

Component 2: Polymerization of natural products (oil, starch, proteins, resins, gums) for industry

input/ production ........................................................................................................................... 9

Thematic area 2.2 Food Quality and Safety assuring tools development ........................................ 10

Component 1. Identify specific biochemical components (inherited) in strategic crops that are

associated with end-use quality traits. ........................................................................................ 10

Component 2. Impact assessment of agricultural management practice in the end use food quality.

.................................................................................................................................................... 11

Component 3. Bioavailability studies of macro and micro nutrients in strategic crops ................. 11

Component 4. Determination of heavy metals in food and environmental matrices ...................... 12

Thematic 3. Development and validation of methods used to characterize complex matrix of

agricultural products .......................................................................................................................... 13

Component 1: Validation of selected Analytical methods in agricultural and nutritional laboratory

.................................................................................................................................................... 13

Component 2 : Development of NIR method for proximate and major agricultural product

components (caffeine, amino acids)analysis. ............................................................................. 14

Component 3: Method validation and standardization of soil, water, plant, air analysis ............... 15

Component 4. DNA based method ................................................................................................. 15

Component 5. Isotopic based method ............................................................................................. 16

Thematic 4. Plant nutrition and environment sustainability aspect .............................................. 17

Component 1. Possible chemical amendment of acid and salt affected soil for the improvement of

productivity. ................................................................................................................................ 17

Component 2. Characterization and refining protocols for assessing the quality of soil organic

matter and Organic based fertilizer development ...................................................................... 18

Component 3. Development of bioremediation technologies for rehabilitation of contaminated

areas ............................................................................................................................................ 19

Component 4: Recycling of organic wastes for improving soil health and crop productivity ........ 19

Component 5. Marginal water amendment for the utilization of water for Aquaculture and

irrigation ..................................................................................................................................... 20

Component 6. Possible water contaminant and sustenance of the residue contaminated in crops . 21

Component 7. Production of crop without soil (Hydroponic) formulation ..................................... 21

Thematic area 5. Agricultural Laboratories quality assurance ........................................................ 22

1. Research problems identification The fundamental information required for the formulation of research theme and priority setting

is knowledge, information and technology need of the public and the potential for the generation

and adoption of the knowledge, information and technology. The research driver is based from

three major factors 1. The lack of baseline data or information, which is a common problem in

Ethiopia. Agricultural practice and the research has a very long experience and history which

contribute a lot for the development of country GTP however for developing different

agricultural technology, research system demands and utilize different agricultural inputs. 2. The

impact of these inputs both positively and negatively, directly or indirectly on the agricultural

output, health and our ecosystem (environment) didn't not assessed comprehensively in such

away as to indicate the existing fact and outcome. As a result sustainable utilization of natural

resource become another driving factor for selecting research theme.

The growth and transformation plan of our country also recommends the research undertaking to

contribute in doubling of agricultural output, intensification of agro-industrial technologies and

sustainable growth through diversification and improving livelihoods of the community. 3.

Researchable ideas that intensify or develop agricultural knowledge, information, technology

that can be an input for the industry is found to be a potential, current and critical research

agenda and priority in our case team.

Based on the identified gaps/challenge committee has proposed research thematic areas that can

further be written by researchers at each federal research centers. We kindly circulate this call for

proposal to the respective research center directorate representative by hoping that each

researcher will develop research activities proposal and send it back up to JANUARY 24, 2015.

2. Research thematic area of chemical analysis and agriculture

chemistry research Case team

1. Agricultural inputs challenges

Description:

The challenge of providing enough food is and will remain one of the most pressing and urgent

problems in Ethiopia. This is an alarming situation calling for an integrated approach towards

increasing food production, productivity, and protection both in the field and after harvest. On

the other hand, the efforts to increase food production and protection should be in a way that

does not affect public health the environment adversely. Studies conducted to show the loss of

agricultural production due to pest estimated up to 35-50% of the total attainable production. in

Ethiopia the loss reach between 30-40% annually due to pests, diseases, and weeds also play

important roles in reducing crop yields and thereby contributing to food insecurity.

Governments in sub Sahara Africa heavily promote and support the importation and distribution

of pesticides, specialty for export crop. However, the safe use of pesticide and their impact on

the environment continue to be an issue of concern because of widespread illiteracy, lack of

protection clothing and equipments, lack of access to adequate medical care, lack of training in

safety procedure, and restrictions on the right to organize for safe working conditions. under

these circumstance residual buildup in the food grain, contaminated drinking water, buildup of

pest resistance to pesticide, causes a significant health and environmental hazard. Acute effects

are easier to observe, but they could also be confused with common illnesses. Pesticides may

also cause chronic diseases such as cancer, reproductive disorders, birth defects and immune

system disorders.

Recently, Ethiopia has been considered as having the largest accumulations of obsolete

pesticides in the whole of Africa. It was estimated that there were 402 stores at 250 sites

containing 1, 500 tones of obsolete pesticides (MOARD (2007) Report). This estimate does not

include the massive but unquantifiable amounts of pesticides soaked in soils. Nor does it include

contaminated building materials, pallets, shipping containers and other miscellaneous items.

The impacts of pesticides in Ethiopia are likely to be aggravated by the limited knowledge

among users on toxicological and chemical properties of these substances. And the fact that

labels on pesticide containers were in a language which cannot be understood or missing. Little

is known about the long term and indirect effects of pesticides on rural and urban communities as

well as on local and national food production systems. As a result, it is very important that their

use be supported by sufficient knowledge on the quality and authenticity, effectiveness and

efficacy of the agro-chemicals, the method to determine the amount of residual in selected crops.

Objective:

To develop an comprehensive knowledge on the statues/use and practice/ of currently

available agro-chemicals in agricultural research system

To develop information on the quality of currently available agrochemicals

To assess the pesticide use and related health and environmental effect

To monitor the presence and amount of reside of agrochemicals in selected crops

To provide guideline for assuring proof of quality of agrochemicals

Thematic area 1. 1: Status and quality of Agro-chemicals inputs for crop/feed production

Component 1. Analytical based Registration of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers

Purpose and Scope: Many studies indicate that, the Pesticides are applied extensively annually

in modern agriculture to increase the production by controlling the harmful effects caused by the

target organisms including insects, fungi ,bacteria, viruses as well as grasses grown in between

the economical crops. But the study of the Analytical based Registration of pesticides,

herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers hasn’t been studied comprehensively. Therefore, this project is

designed to identify the chemical composition of Agricultural inputs, the quality of Agro-

chemicals inputs for crop/feed production and identify Analytical composition toxicology.

Specific Objectives

To determine the chemical composition of Agricultural inputs used in the research system

To investigate the quality of Agro-chemicals inputs for crop/feed production

To develop Analytical based Registration packages for the envisaged Agro-chemicals

inputs

To identify Analytical toxicology of agrochemicals

Component 2. Monitoring of residues of pesticides (herbicides, fungicides) and fertilizers in

selected crops/feed

Purpose and Scope: Agro-chemicals inputs are an integral part of crop husbandry and hence

due emphasis should be given for the proper formulation and implementation of pesticide,

herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers options. Therefore, the purpose of this component is to monitor

Agro-chemicals inputs residues in selected crop and food production. This will cover pesticide,

herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers residual management focusing in both plant and animal

food sources through water and soil.

Specific Objectives

To determine the Agro-chemicals inputs residue on crop production

To investigate the Agro-chemicals inputs residual on processed food products

To investigate the effects of residues of agro chemicals on physicochemical properties

and micro flora and fauna of soils of selected farming sites

To evaluate the impact of residues of Agro-chemical inputs' on environment.

To reduces the risk of exposure to airborne Agro-chemicals inputs residual in food that

enter both plant and animal food sources through water and soil

2. Research on Agro-industrial challenges Description: Economic development and income growth induce changes in consumption patters

and consumers' attitudes toward quality and healthy products. New preferences are emerging in

food consumption, increasing the importance of features such as product differentiation, added

value and consumer confidence in health and safety products. These developments have led

improved coordination in supply chain amongst producers, processors/industries/, traders to

facilitate compliance with consumers' demands. Main challenges for further development and

sustainability in Ethiopia is the capacity of agribusiness actors to comply with international and

private food quality and safety standards, develop their own quality assurance schemes, and

make better use of brands for traditional foods. Lack of quality assurance and new technology

development presents a major obstacle to agro-industrial development. To overcome the

challenges and satisfy these new demands create, it is necessary to generate alternative

technologies/knowledge that encourage the production of safe food, implementing rules and

standards for production processes and final products. With regard to some agricultural crops

the challenge occurs from the nature of the crops and lack of the facility, infrastructure and

technology/knowledge for prolonging of the storage period, seasonal based production led

inconsistence supply to the agro industry, lack of focus for the sector.

Objective:

To understand the physical-chemical factors which affect the quality of end use products

To generate value added agricultural products and promoting various economic activities

relevant to agriculture

To identify the best or quality end use product from market

To generate base line information and strong quality data base for end use products

To develop /formulate organic products

Thematic area:2.1 Characterization of natural products for the development of product and

commercialization.

Component 1: Flavor and fragrance technology

Purpose and scope: Modern flavors and fragrances are complex formulated products,

containing blends of aroma compounds with auxiliary materials, enabling desirable flavors or

fragrances to be added to a huge range of products for the enhancement of product quality,

acceptability and preference. Most product functional properties improved by using different

flavor and fragrance. These favor or fragrance obtained or designed from different agricultural

products like spice, aromatic plants and fruits and vegetables. Global flavor and fragrance market

estimated to $21.8 billion in 2011. This figure was projected to exceed $23 billion in 2012 and

$30 billion in 2017, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% between 2012 and 2017.

Ethiopia is one of potential country to produce different types of agricultural products that can

be used for the development and production of chemicals/ ingredients of utilized as flavor and

fragrance. Creating/ adapting the knowledge and technologies to develop flavor and fragrance

from the natural resource/ agricultural produce should be a current, critical research area and

priority because industries like pharmaceutical, food, confectionary and cosmetic industries

imports their flavor and fragrance by investing a huge amount of foreign currency. Moreover

developing technology on flavor and fragrance not only reduce economic waste but also create a

new market for processing/ value added production of agricultural produces.

Specific objective

To develop techniques for the development of natural based flavor and fragrances

To characterize volatile oils of indigenous plant species

Component 2: Polymerization of natural products (oil, starch, proteins, resins, gums) for

industry input/ production

Purpose and scope: Agricultural commodities can also be used as an industry input. It is possible

to say agriculture relies on the production of crops many of which are in surplus production, and

are utilized primarily for human and livestock food. In addition very limited crops for beverage

and textile industries. development of new industrial crops and technologies can create market

diversification, increasing farmer income, improved agricultural resource utilization, reduce

negative environmental impact with the use of synthetic produces. Chemicals or products derived

from agricultural commodities such as oils, waxes, resins, gums, rubbers, latexes, fibers, starches,

sugars, and proteins can be used for wide range of industrial application. Polymerization means :-

the combination of many like or unlike molecules to form a more complex product of higher

molecular weight, with elimination of water, alcohol, or the like (condensation polymerization) or

without such elimination (addition polymerization). since the agriculture system produce different

potential industrial crops which can be converted to very important industrial raw material

conducting research to develop technologies and knowledge found to be enviable and timely

Specific Objectives:

To develop adhesive from proteins and starch

To develop surfactants from oils

To develop viscosities/ thinker and stabilizer

To develop microbiological nutrient

To improve Bee wax quality

Component 3: Utilization of industrial by-products for agricultural use

Purpose and scope: The yield of by-products from food processing which are suitable as

livestock feed is determined by two main factors, the dietary habits of human beings and the

production capacity of alternative feed resources. Unfortunately, most by-products are at present

being discarded as wastes, which causes environmental pollution. Therefore, alternative

technologies are necessary to facilitate the utilization of by-products. As a result research is

mandatory to develop alternative technologies.

Specific Objective:

To identify possible industrial by-products that can be used for agriculture

To study possible processing technology to convert to fertilizerTo study the chemical

composition of the processed fertilizer Livestock origin chemical development and

production

Thematic area 2.2 Food Quality and Safety assuring tools development

Component 1. Identify specific biochemical components (inherited) in strategic crops that are

associated with end-use quality traits.

Purpose and scope: Identification of inherited specific biochemical components found in

strategic crops and their association with end-use quality characters is one of the current research

areas in the agricultural chemistry research in all over the world. Hence the inspection and

grading of the inherited biochemical found in strategic crops (food) products is necessary to

ensure the quality and safety of foods. Hence, both government agencies and food manufacturers

need analytical techniques to provide the appropriate information about food properties, and the

use of an official method. Next to this quantification of inherited biochemical found in strategic

crops (food) will be done and their impacts on the end-use quality characters.

Specific Objective

To assess those biochemical found in strategic crops

To quantify the biochemical components found in strategic crops that are

associated with end use quality

To identify the effects of biochemical on end use of agricultural products

quality

To determine the optimum level of biochemical required for strategic

crops(agricultural products)

To recommend the correlation of biochemical input to agricultural product

with end use quality

Component 2. Impact assessment of agricultural management practice in the end use food

quality.

Purpose and Scope. Agricultural management practice is a multifaceted phenomenon in the

field of agriculture and food production. In Ethiopia poor agricultural management practice is the

most reason for the existence of poor food quality and safety of agriculture. On the other hand, it

reflects societal debates on the sustainability of agriculture, on food quality and nutritional habits

and on ethical issues like animal welfare. A growing number of scientists and policy makers

qualify organic agriculture as an efficient and holistic approach to reach the multiple goals of

agriculture including food security, sustainable use of natural resources and the dignity of

creatures. Hence the impact assessment of agricultural management practice on the end use food

quality is critical research area. Generally the assessment of traditional ways of agricultural

management practice effect on the end use of food quality and safety will be assessed, and then

generating the possible new/improved technology of managing agricultural product will be

introduced to add value for end use food quality.

Objective

To identify the effects of management practice on end use food quality of different

crops

To correlate the agricultural management practice with end use food quality

To compare the research and traditional farmers management practice on end use of

food quality

To evaluate and recommend the possible solution for agricultural management

practices impact on the end use of food quality

To generate a base line data on the effects of different management practice on end use

of food quality

Component 3. Bioavailability studies of macro and micro nutrients in strategic crops

Purpose and scope: Determination of macro and micro nutrients in food is the discipline dealing

with the development, application and study of analytical procedures for characterizing the

properties of foods and their constituents. These analytical procedures are used to provide

information about a wide variety of different bio chemical characteristics of foods, including

their composition, structure, physicochemical properties and sensory attributes. This information

is critical to our rational understanding of the factors that determine the properties of foods, as

well as to our ability to economically produce foods that are consistently safe, nutritious,

desirable and for consumers to make informed choices about their diet.

Specific Objective

• To review the basic principles of the analytical procedures commonly used to analyze

foods and to discuss their application to specific food components

• To determine macro and micro nutrients available in strategic crops of different agro-

ecology of Ethiopia

• To compare macro and micro nutrients available in strategic crops of different agro-

ecology

• To identify and compare the best nutritional enriched verities among different varieties

of strategic crops

• To generate a base line data about nutritional quality of different varieties of strategic

crops

Component 4. Determination of heavy metals in food and environmental matrices

Purpose and scope: Heavy metals contaminants in food and environmental matrices pose a

variety of very interesting scientific questions. The detection of Heavy metals contaminants in

food and environmental matrices and their interactions with environmental media such as water,

soil, rock, and air, and biology, ecology, eco-toxicology, with concerning their impact on global

ecosystems and their effects on human and animal health. Therefore nature, qualitative and

quantitative determination of heavy metals in food and environmental samples is the basic

purpose of this study. Hence the expected output for this component of research area is

identifying the popular analytical method to quantify heavy metals in food and environmental

samples and how to analyze them with high sensitivity, selectivity and scientifically highly

traceable. Lastly the base line data on heavy metals contaminants in food and environmental

matrices will be generated.

Specific Objective

To perform qualitative analysis of heavy metals and mycotoxine contaminants in food

and environmental matrices

To quantify the amounts of heavy metals and mycotoxine contamination of food and

environmental matrices

To optimize the tolerable level of heavy metals contamination of food and environmental

matrices with considering human health, animals feed and environment.

To develop new/improve the existing methods of minimizing toxicity/effect of heavy

metals contamination on food and environment

Thematic 3. Development and validation of methods used to characterize complex matrix of

agricultural products

Component 1: Validation of selected Analytical methods in agricultural and nutritional

laboratory

Purpose and scope: The purpose of any analytical measurement is to obtain consistent, reliable

and accurate data. Validated analytical methods play a major role in achieving this goal. The

results from method validation can be used to judge the quality, reliability and consistency of

analytical results, which is an integral part of any research. However currently laboratory

analysis methods used in the research system are applied with-out validation (checking

suitability of the method for the intended purpose). Research out-put based on non validated

analytical methods results lead to invalid conclusion and wrong decision. So in order to support

the research with reliable data validating laboratory analytical methods is inevitable. Analytical

methods need to be validated, verified, or revalidated in the following instances:

Before initial use in routine testing

When transferred to another laboratory

Whenever the conditions or method parameters for which the method has been validated

change (for example, an instrument with different characteristics or samples with a

different matrix) and the change is outside the original scope of the method.

The scope of this theme is to develop and validate analytical methods for proximate, pesticide

residue, essential oils, fatty acids, caffeine, food pigments, vitamins, carbohydrates, anti-

nutritional factors and soil and water analysis.

Objective: The objective of this theme is to develop and validate laboratory analytical methods

listed below so as to demonstrate “suitability for its intended purpose”.

Pesticide residue analysis

Essential oils analysis

Fatty acids analysis

Analysis of Caffeine

Determination of food pigments and vitamins

Analysis of carbohydrates

Analysis of anti nutritional chemicals (Tannin, saponin, phytate,

oxalate)

Analysis of essential amino acids and enzymes

Method validation and standardization of livestock product/feeds

analysis.

Antibiotic residue determination.

Component 2 : Development of NIR method for proximate and major agricultural product

components (caffeine, amino acids)analysis.

Purpose and Scope: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a simple, quick (< 30 s analysis time)

(real time information), nondestructive technique that provides multi-constituent analysis on

virtually any matrix with levels of accuracy and precision that are comparable to primary

reference methods. As another great benefit, near-infrared (NIR) analyses require no sample

preparation or manipulation with hazardous chemicals, solvents, or reagents: NIRS thus belongs

to the reagent-free methodologies, for which reason it is an exemplary analytical contribution to

the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) green chemistry attempt. The recorded NIR

spectra contain a variety of chemical and physical (e.g., particle size) information on the sample

and its constituents. In order to utilize this automated instrumental method for screening of

different types crops and able to support the breeding research, methods has to be developed that

can be suitable for characterization.

Objectives

To develop NIR method for macro-molecule analysis of strategic crops

To develop NIR method for micro-molecule analysis of strategic crops

Component 3: Method validation and standardization of soil, water, plant, air analysis

Purpose and scope: Methods used for the analysis of soil, water and plant are different

amongst laboratories in Ethiopian institute of agricultural research. So in order to get consistent

and uniform result (for one sample in different laboratories) there is a need to standardize,

verify and check their suitability for the intended purpose of the methods used in the

laboratories.

Objective:

To validate analytical methods of different parameter in soil, water and plant analysis.

To standardize analytical methods of different parameter in soil, water and plant

analysis.

Component 4. DNA based method

DNA Extraction

PCR and Detection Methods (Sequencing, Restriction Length Fragment Polymorphism,

Electrophoresis, Quantitative PCR)

STR (Single Strand Region), PCR (polymerase chain reaction), CYTB (mitochondrial

cytochrome B)

Examples for project proposal writing:

Products Species Method/instrument

s

Target

identification

Meat Cattle, Chicken,

sheep, goat

Multiplex Real PCR CYTB, 18S

rRNA

Raw and

processed

Fish Salmonids PCR-RFLP CYTB

Raw and

processed

Fish Tuna Real time PCR 6S rRNA

Milk and

derivatives

Cow, sheep,

goat

Multiplex

PCR and

RFLP

12S rRNA

and 16S

rRNA

Mozzarella

cheese

Cow, Buffalo Duplex PCR

and RFLP

CYTB

Durum

wheat,potato,

Olive oil, wine

Cultivar

identification

STR Microsatellite

DNA

Soft fruits,

tomato, carrot,

celery

species

identification

Real-time

PCR

5S rRNA and

anthocyanidin

synthase

Component 5. Isotopic based method

The following nuclear techniques can be used to measure the isotopic

Hydrogen-3/ hydrogen-2/ hydrogen-1: Fractionation for Evaporation, Condensation,

Precipitation as an indicator of Geographical information

Carbon-13/ carbon-12: fractionation for C3 and C4 plants, indicates Diet or

geographical proxy

Nitrogen-15/ nitrogen14: fractionation for Agricultural practices or isotopic level,

indicates Diet or geographical proxy

Oxygen-18/ oxygen-1: Fractionation for Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation as

an indicator of Geographical information

Sulphur-34/ sulphur-32, Fractionation for Bacterial species, as an indicator of

Geographical information

Strontium-87/ strontium-86, Fractionation for soil/water/, as an indicator of

Geographical and animal and plants metabolic information

Lead-208/ lead-207/ lead-206) and

Elemental (e.g. macro, micro, and trace) composition of agric products, food,

geophysical data

Thematic 4. Plant nutrition and environment sustainability aspect

Description: The general purpose of this thematic area is to develop knowledge and technology

to improve soil quality and nutrient management on crop production and environmental

sustainability. The thematic area is focused on the research components including 1) Possible

chemical amendment of acid and salt affected soil for the improvement of productivity 2)

Characterization and refining protocols for assessing the quality of soil organic matter and

Organic based fertilizer development 3) Development of bioremediation technologies for

rehabilitation of contaminated areas 4) Recycling of organic wastes for improving soil health and

crop productivity 5) Marginal water amendment for the utilization of water for Aquaculture and

irrigation 6) Marginal water amendment for the utilization of water for Aquaculture and

irrigation 7) Production of crop without soil (Hydroponic).

Component 1. Possible chemical amendment of acid and salt affected soil for the improvement

of productivity.

Purpose and Scope: Soil acidity and salinity are among the top soil constraint of crop

production in Ethiopia. Both soils are widely distributed across the country, acidic soil

covering over 40 percent as acidic and 10 percent as saline soil in the country. Acidic soil are

characterized by low soil pH(<5.5) , Al and Mn toxicity and deficiency in N, P, K, Mg, Ca, and

various micronutrients due to various reason including eroded topsoil and depleted organic

matter, depleted nutrients, and alternating drought stress and high rainfall. On the other hand,

saline soils are characterized by excessive accumulation of certain ions and salts impacts levels

of other nutrients, limits the availability of water, and disrupts the osmotic tension of soil, and

can result in some excess accumulation of specific ions (B, Cl, Fl, Li, Na) and/or salts (for

example, HCO3-, CO3

2-). In general both soils are unproductive and plant growth in such soils is

adversely affected by acidity and alkalinity. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to develop

several techniques for improve soil condition such as chemical amendment using industrial

wastes, gypsum, lime and organic materials. the studies will involved in the laboratory by

incubation techniques and green house experiments .

Objectives

To select locally available, alternative and appropriate liming material for reclaim

acidic and alkaline soil in Ethiopia

To characterize the quality and effeteness of liming material in the laboratory

To identify the best application techniques on filed

Component 2. Characterization and refining protocols for assessing the quality of soil organic

matter and Organic based fertilizer development

Purpose and Scope: The impact of application of organic material ( plant and animal west ) in

soil is broad. it improves organic carbon and nutrient levels, nutrient retention, reduced topsoil

erosion, and mitigated acidity and salinity; effects are long-lasting; materials are low-cost and

locally available. In Ethiopia, due to computing use of animal manure as fuel and crop residue

as animal feed, the organic matter is severely depleted and the nutrient status is decreasing from

time to time. For example, some estimates suggest the nutrient contents of the crop residues used

as feed are higher than the quantities applied as fertilizers. Similarly for animal manure, the use

of dung as fuel instead of fertilizer is estimated to reduce Ethiopia’s agricultural GDP by 7

percent. Therefore, the purpose of this project is involved to improve availability, quality, and

storage of organic matter, and the maintenance and enhancement of beneficial soil organisms.

The study will be carried out under scope of under scope of laboratory researchers by selection,

characterization and development of organic fertilizer from different source such as industrial

wastes and by products, manure, crop and animal residues and other organic materials in

surrounding environment.

Objectives

To select the best organic material for soil health and crop production

To characterize the quality of organic material for soil amendment

To develop organic based fertilizers from locally available materials

To investigate how surface modification of soil with specific organic compounds

altered the nutrient fixation in soil colloids.

Component 3. Development of bioremediation technologies for rehabilitation of contaminated

areas

Purpose and Scope: Bioremediation is concerned with the biological restoration and

rehabilitation of contaminated area as a result of the production, storage, transport, and use of

organic and inorganic chemicals.

The purpose of this component is to develop bioremediation technologies on the possibility of

degrading, removing, altering, immobilizing, detoxifying various chemicals from the

contaminated area through the action of bacteria, fungi and plants. Microorganisms, through

their enzymatic pathways, act as biocatalysts and facilitate the progress of biochemical reactions

that degrade the targeted contaminants. The metabolic characteristics of the microorganisms in

association with the physicochemical properties of the targeted contaminants determine whether

a specific microorganism - contaminant interaction is possible.

A successful bioremediation effort relies on the utilization of the appropriate microorganisms

and chemical properties of the targeted environment. As a result, bioremediation techniques are

applicable in different contaminated area of Ethiopia that contributed to restoring and sustain

agricultural land for crop production and environmental health. In general this research will be

carried out to identifying appropriate micro organism, possible contaminants, chemical

properties and appropriate remediation techniques.

Objectives

To identify appropriate bioremediation techniques for rehabilitation of

contaminated area in Ethiopia

To characterized the chemical properties of targeted contaminants and interaction

effects with microorganism

Component 4: Recycling of organic wastes for improving soil health and crop productivity

Purpose and Scope: The purpose of this component is to developing protocol and technologies

to convert organic waste such as food processing sludge, dairy farm waste, yard waste including

leaves, lawn clippings, and branches into value -added products of organic matter for improving

soil health and sustainable crop production. Recycling of organic wastes could convert them into

a value-added product that may be effective even when applied in small quantity compared with

the traditional use of their huge quantities. For the reuse of organic waste material many

approaches are being used in which composting is one of them. Other approaches are

combustion/incineration and landfills. Integrated use of chemical fertilizers and recycled organic

waste may be an approach for sustainable production of crops. This may improve the efficiency

of chemical fertilizers and thus reduce their use. Integrated use of organic wastes and chemical

fertilizers is beneficial in improving crop yield, soil pH, organic carbon and nutrient availability

in soil.

Keeping this in view, the scope of this component is focused on to investigate the source of

crop nutrient from organic waste, to determine the quality and selection of organic waste

material, to evaluate the potential of integrated use of recycled organic waste, to improve the

efficiency of organic material from different organic wastes and to develop / refine protocols for

assessing the quality of soil organic matter.

Objectives

To evaluate organic wastes as plant nutrient source and soil conditioning

To improve the efficiency of organic matter from different source

To develop protocol for assessing the quality of recycled organic matter

Component 5. Marginal water amendment for the utilization of water for Aquaculture and

irrigation

Purpose and Scope: The purpose of this project is to assess the possibility of using saline and

marginal quality of water for irrigation, development of Pasteur land, aquaculture and wet land

development. In arid and semi arid regions marginal water utilization is a vital component of

their water resources development ensuring alternative water resources, sustainability, reduction

of environmental pollution and health protection. Waste water from different industries, which

falls under marginal water quality, can be utilized beneficially for irrigation if proper treatment,

monitoring and management measures were taken. The challenges and the benefits of marginal

water quality utilization has to be ascertained and appropriate package of practices which are

location specific needs to be followed for the real success and long term sustainability. therefore

the study will be carried out with the following objectives.

Objectives

To generate quantitative information about marginal quality of water in Ethiopian

To generate information about marginal water treatment for aquaculture and irrigation

purpose

Component 6. Possible water contaminant and sustenance of the residue contaminated in

crops

Purpose and Scope: Recently in Ethiopia, due to expansion of different industrial area and

urbanization the water bodies possibly contaminated with different chemical pollutants

discharged from farms, industries, mining operations and urban sewers. Agricultural water usage

can also cause major environmental problems, including the degradation of land through

Stalinization and water logging, when irrigation is performed incorrectly. Although one cannot

say that the pollution of water bodies has become real serious in country, there is still a great deal

of pollution in the major cities of the country, in areas where mining is carried out as well as in

areas of industrial are concentration. Some studies indicate that tributaries to the Awash River

are being polluted as a result of urban waste mismanagement and industrial discharges,

particularly around Addis Ababa and Adama. Excessive fertilization and manure application to

cropland especially around flower farm and animal dairy farm may cause non point pollutant

nutrient (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus ) leaching from agricultural land to eutrophication of

aquatic ecosystems. The quality and safety of crops and derived products are also dependent on

the quality of the water and soil.

The research activities under this component will be address the characterization of possible

water contaminant in irrigation site and evaluation and development of cost-effective

remediation techniques for contaminated water body around industrial area.

Objectives

To characterize the possible water contaminant in industrial area ,irrigation site,

commercial flower farm and dairy farms

To develop remediation techniques for contaminated water bodies

To evaluate the effects of contaminated water in crop quality parameters

Component 7. Production of crop without soil (Hydroponic) formulation

Purpose and Scope: Growing plants in nutrient solution culture is a widely adopted concept in

developed country. In Ethiopia, growing plants without soil will be a means of alterative urban

agriculture for the production of high value crop in small area of the cities. Such urban

agriculture will allows the product marketed soon after harvesting than those harvested from

remote rural area. The products will have also higher quality and have better taste than those

harvested before maturity and held for long periods in distribution channels before they reach the

consumer. Growing plants without soil is also suitable for use by homeowners and other amateur

gardeners. Growing plants without soil demands a knowledge of all factors of plant growth such

as preparation of nutrient in solution , selection of proper varieties, habits of plant growth of the

crop selected, climatic needs or adaptations of the crop, pollination requirements and effects of

contamination. This research area is intended to provide information about all this factors for

crop production by hydroponic in Ethiopia.

Objectives

To provide information about nutrient in solution for crop production

To provide information and knowledge about urban agriculture by using hydroponic

technology

Thematic area 5. Agricultural Laboratories quality assurance

Purpose and scope: Ethiopian agricultural research institute has more than 40 laboratories with

different discipline and scope. Attempts has been taken to standardize the overall management of

some laboratories in pilot scale project. However from the experience learnt potential

researchable area identified that could also lead to the amendment of policies of government. For

example laboratory chemical/hazardous waste management police, laboratory chemical

purchasing polices, possible chemical quality verification methodologies. In order to establish

well reliable and accurate laboratory practice there are also major challenges even it can be

extrapolated to country level that can directly affects the quality of laboratory results. The

significance of assuring reliable test result obtained from the agricultural laboratories is

unquestionable because each conclusion and recommendations are drives from field/land

research has to be scientifically supported by analytical results confirmed from the laboratory

analysis. Currently international and local market also started to demand analytical support that

confidently assure the quality and the safety of the agricultural product prior to marketing. As a

result upgrading the infrastructure, capacity, skill and reliability of research laboratories is major

issue should be answered immediately.

Objective:

Better laboratory management system development

o Laboratory chemical verification method

o LIMS

Laboratory safety assurance

o Laboratory hazardous waste monitoring and management

Quality control system

o Calibration

o Equipment maintenance

o Inter-laboratory comparison

o In-house reference material preparation

Thematic areas Activities Crop types Centers Remark