Volume 23, Issue 1 (April)

1

Research Article

Assessment of the Metallic Micronutrient Elements in the Benchmark Soils of Savanna Regions, North - East Nigeria

J. M. Wapa^*, B. T. Olowookere

The status of metallic micronutrient elements extractable in 0.005M DTPA was assessed in 31 locations across the North-east Nigeria which comprises of six states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe). Composite surface (0-20cm) and sub-surface (20-50cm) soil samples were collected from areas having different parent materials, vegetation zones and soil texture. The soil samples were anal...

Apr, 2013 pp. 1-9 276 views 559 downloads

2

Research Article

Utilization of Ashed Cocoa Pod Husk and Urea Fertilizer on Growth and Dry Matter Yield of Coffee on Alfisol in Ibadan

Akanbi O. S.O.^*, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA, Famaye, A. O., Ipinmoroti, R.R.,, Ibiremo, O.S.,

A trial was conducted on sandy clay, slightly acidic, low organic carbon (C) and available phosphorus (P) soil to evaluate the effect of ashed cocoa pod husk (ACPH) and urea fertilizer on the growth and dry matter yield of coffee under greenhouse condition at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan in 2011. The treatments consist of ACPH applied at 5, 10, 15 and 20 Kg N ha-1, urea (10 K...

Apr, 2013 pp. 10-16 280 views 564 downloads

3

Research Article

Evaluation of Nutrient Uptake Under Higher Density Planting of Coffee in Derived Savanna Zone of Nigeria

Famaye, A. O.^*, Akanbi O. S.O., Ayegboyin K. O., Adejobi, K.B., Idrisu M., Adeosun S.A, Ugioro O, Nduka B. A.

This study was conducted at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Uhonmora sub-Station in Derived savannah zone of Edo State, Nigeria in 2007 to evaluate the nutrient uptake of coffee at different density of planting. Treatments comprising of four spacing ( 3.0 m x 3.0 m, 2.5 m x 2.5 m, 2.0 m, x 2.0 m and 1.5 m x 1.5 m) with plant populations of 1111, 1600, 2500 and 4444 plants/ha respec...

Apr, 2013 pp. 17-21 313 views 608 downloads

4

Research Article

Evaluation of Npk Fertilizer Formulations on the Growth and Dry Matter Yield of Coffee Seedlings

Ibiremo, O.S.,^*, Akanbi O. S.O., Oloyede A.A., Adebowale L.A

A greenhouse study was carried out at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan to evaluate the effect of NPK fertilizer formulations on the growth and dry matter yield of coffee seedlings. The treatments consisted of NUTRICO-1 (NPK-liquid fertilizer) applied at rate 5 and 10 ml/15L water) and NPK- solid fertilizer 15:15:15 applied at 1, 3 and 5g/coffee seedling and a control. Data on growth of ...

Apr, 2013 pp. 22-26 373 views 625 downloads

5

Research Article

The Relevance of Biochar Technology to Sustainable Soil Productivity and Crop Production in Organic Farming Systems

Fagbenro J. A.^*, O. A. Onawumi

The desire for sustainable and productive agriculture is universal but the means to progress towards it remains elusive. This is why organic farming, as a more sustainable form of agriculture than the conventional type, is being advocated by various organizations the world over. However, the organic farming system, as it is currently practised, is not necessarily, truly sustainable in terms of soi...

Apr, 2013 pp. 27-31 254 views 575 downloads

6

Research Article

Classification of the Obudu Plateau (crest) and Sub Plateau Soils of Cross River State, Nigeria.

Essok A. N.^*, Essoka, P.A

The soils at the plateau (crest) and sub plateau of three ranges of Obudu mountains were studied using profiles. Two profiles each were dug at the Ranch, Belinge and Belegate. These six profiles were studied morphologically and physicochemically; and the result used for (USDA and FAO) classification. The plateau and sub plateau soils of the Ranch and Belinge possessed mollic A epipedons and argill...

Apr, 2013 pp. 32-41 287 views 654 downloads

7

Research Article

Comparative Effect of Variable Rates of Pig and Poultry Manure on the Agronomic Performances of Amaranthus Hybridus in Humid Rainforest South Western Nigeria

Sanni K. O, Adesina J. M.,^*, Ewulo, B. S, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA

The health implication of deficiencies of vital nutrients could be supplemented by taking vegetable which are highly nutritious and easily affordable. An experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Nigeria, to evaluate the comparative effects of different levels of animal manure on the growth and yield of Amaranthus hybridus. Pig dung (PD) an...

Apr, 2013 pp. 42-47 275 views 564 downloads

8

Research Article

Effect of Water Hyacinth (eichhornia Crasspies) Manure on the Performances and Yield of Okra (abelmoschus Esculentus) (l.)moench

Sanni K. O.^*, Adesina J. M., Ewulo B. S.

Water hyacinth is one of the most economically damaging weeds and all efforts to control it met with little success. An experiment was conducted during the 2011 cropping season at Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos State, to evaluate the effects of manure produced from water hyacinth on the growth and yield of okra. There were three (3) treatments: 0.9 kg, 1.35 kg of water hyacinth manure per...

Apr, 2013 pp. 48-51 254 views 538 downloads

9

Research Article

Evaluation of Integrated Application of Urea and Animal Manure

W. B. Bello^*, I. O. Adekunle

A study was carried out at Igboora, South-western Nigeria from 2010-2011 to examine the effect of sole use of poultry and pig manures and their fortification with N fertilizer on performance of maize. The treatments were poultry manure (P) 5 t/ha, Swine manure (S) 5 t/ha, P 2.5 t/ha + 0.2 t urea/ha, S 2.5 t/ha + 0.2 t urea/ha and control. Poultry manure was higher in nutrients than Swine manure. T...

Apr, 2013 pp. 52-55 331 views 573 downloads

10

Research Article

Fertility Capability Classification of Acid Sands (Soils) as Influenced by Parent Materials in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

B. T. Udoh^*, A. O. Ogunkunle, U. S. Akpan

Fertility capability classification (FCC) was carried out using data obtained from a field survey of acid sands soils in the Niger Delta area of Akwa Ibom State. The soils were studied on the basis of their parent materials, namely, coastal plain sands (CPS), beach ridge sands (BRS), sandstone/shale (SSS) and alluvial deposits (ALD). The result showed that most (60%) of the pedons from CPS had san...

Apr, 2013 pp. 56-66 341 views 627 downloads

11

Research Article

Phosphorus Availability from Thermally Altered Phosphate Rock

O. O. Adesanwo^*, A. A. Lasisi, O. B. Ojewande

Several studies have shown that the effectiveness of phosphate rock (PR) as phosphorus source for direct application is largely determined by the extent of its dissolution in moist soil. An incubation experiment was carried out in the Soil Science laboratory of Obafemi Awolowo University to monitor the rate of P release from thermally altered Ogun phosphate rocks (OPR) and mineral P fertilizers (S...

Apr, 2013 pp. 67-73 283 views 662 downloads

12

Research Article

Effect of Phosphate Rock Addition on Soil Organic Matter

O. O. Adesanwo^*, Adetunji M. T, S. Diatta

The fertilizer treatments consisted of four rates of Ogun phosphate rock (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P ha-1) and triple super-phosphate at 40 kg P ha-1. Legume treatment consisted of Mucuna and cowpea and were planted as pre-rice crop. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for organic carbon. Four pellets of Ogun phosphorites labeled OG1, OG2, OG3 and OG4 was randomly selected and subjected to X- ray ...

Apr, 2013 pp. 74-82 274 views 562 downloads

13

Research Article

Soil Chemical Properties and Growth of Maize (zea Mays L.) as Affected by Cocoa Pod Compost Based N and P Fertilizer

Atere C. T.^*, Olayinka A.

A greenhouse soil culture experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of organo-mineral fertilizers on soil chemical properties, growth, dry matter yield and tissue nutrient contents of maize (Zea mays L.). The organo-mineral fertilizers consisted of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pod compost fortified with inorganic N and P. Five (5) kilogramme portions of an ultisol obtained from an uncultiva...

Apr, 2013 pp. 83-93 257 views 525 downloads

14

Research Article

Characterization, Classification and Agricultural Potential of Some Selected Soils of Kwara State, Nigeria

OLANIYAN J. O.^*

The major soils of Kwara State were identified using the FDALR- produced soil map of Nigeria. These soils were mapped. Soil samples were taken from pedogenic horizons and analysed in the laboratory for further characterization and classification. The soils developed on basement complex rocks are gravely while those developed on sandstone are more sandy and free of coarse fragments. The soils are g...

Apr, 2013 pp. 94-101 366 views 646 downloads

15

Research Article

Heavy Metals Status of Soil and Their Uptake by Fluted Pumpkin (telfairia Occidentalis Hook F) Cultivated Along Ikpoba River Bank, Benin City

Orhue E. R.^*, Izunwanne C. L.

This study was carried out to assess the status of heavy metals in the soil and fluted pumpkin cultivated on the bank of Ikpoba River at Benin City. The sample area was 9000 m2. Soil samples were collected at 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm depths at 30 locations giving a total of 60 samples. The plants were also sampled along with the sampling of the soils giving a total of 30 plant samples. Similar numbers...

Apr, 2013 pp. 102-109 247 views 570 downloads

16

Research Article

Fertility Evaluation of Some Soils in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Hassan M.^*, Saddiq A. M., A. Ibrahim

Surface (0-25) and sub-surface (25-80) soil samples were collected from Hong, in Hong Local Government and Chouchi plains, Yola South Local Government with the aim of evaluating their fertility status. The soils were evaluated both in the field and laboratory. Results of the analyses showed that sandy loam soils dominated the upper layers, sandy clay loam to clay loam in the lower horizons in Hong...

Apr, 2013 pp. 110-114 313 views 596 downloads

17

Research Article

Determination of Optimum Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Aloe Vera Growth, Yield and Nutrient Composition

Owoade F. M.^*, Adeoye G. O, Ewetola E. A

Aloe vera (L) Burm. f. is an important medicinal plant with little information on agronomic requirements for its enhanced growth and nutrient composition. Two years field trial was conducted during the 2010 and 2011 planting seasons at the experimental field of the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The field trials comprised six levels of nit...

Apr, 2013 pp. 115-119 283 views 595 downloads

18

Research Article

Effect of Organic Manure Source and Time of Application on the Field Performance and Nutrient N Uptake of Ginger in the Guinea Savanna

Nwaogu E.N.^*, Nwauzor E.C, Mohammed M.

The influence of organic manure from different sources applied at different time intervals before planting on the rhizome yield and nutrient N uptake of ginger was evaluated in 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons at the National Root crops Research Institute, Umudike. Treatments consisted of organic manure from three sources (Poultry manure, Rice mill waste and Cow dung manure) factorially combined wit...

Apr, 2013 pp. 120-123 375 views 699 downloads

19

Research Article

Effects of Liming on Some Properties of South Eastern Soils of Nigeria

Bello O. S^*, Udofia A. E.

Liming with agricultural lime was carried out at some locations in the old South-eastern part of Nigeria. One hectare each was acquired at Akpabuyo (Cross River State), Calabar (Cross River State), Amakama (Abia State) and Igbariam (Anambra State) in August 2008. The plots were cleared, treated with 1.6 tons of agricultural lime and properly mixed by ploughing and harrowing up to 20 cm depth. The ...

Apr, 2013 pp. 124-129 274 views 604 downloads

20

Research Article

Combined and Sole Application of Compost and Npk Effect on Okra Yield, Soil and Nutrient Content

Law-ogbomo K.E^*, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA

An on-farm experiment was conducted at Uyinmwendin, Edo State, Nigeria in 2009 and 2010 to study immediate and residual effect of compost alone or combined with NPK fertilizer (NPK) on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and nutrient availability. Five treatments applied to okra on ultisol of Benin formation were a control, compost (CM) at 20 and 40 t ha-1, NPK 200 kg ha-1, 20 t ha-1 CM + NPK 100 kg ha-...

Apr, 2013 pp. 130-135 277 views 574 downloads

21

Research Article

Effect of Cocoa Pod Husk Based Compost on the Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Dry Matter Yield of Roselle

Kayode C.O.^*, Akande M. O., Adeoye G. O, Adekunle A. F., Ogunleti D. A.

A pot experiment was conducted at the Screen house of Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan to investigate the effect of composts on the growth, nutrient uptake and dry matter yield of Roselle. Three types of compost were produced from cocoa pod husk (CPH), neem leaf (NL) and poultry manure (PM) namely CPH + NL + PM, CPH + NL and CPH + PM. There were fourteen treatments with three replications. T...

Apr, 2013 pp. 136-144 253 views 704 downloads

22

Research Article

Rice Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer on Three Wetland Soils in Ado - Ekiti, Nigeria

Fasina A.S.^*, Shittu O.S., Amoloja O.

Field experiment was conducted on three wetland soils during the 2011 late growing season at Ekiti State University Teaching and Research Farm to investigate the response of wetland rice to four rates of N (0, ST, 100 and 150 kg N/ha). The results obtained from the study showed that, nitrogen fertilizer application had significant (P

Apr, 2013 pp. 145-156 241 views 601 downloads

23

Research Article

Characterization of Organic Carbon Fractions in a Southwestern Nigerian Soil: an Acid Hydrolysis Approach

S. J. Akinsete^*, O. F. Adebayoa, J. I. Uponib

Soil organic carbon characterization using acid hydrolysis is commonly performed at high temperatures but rarely at room temperature. This study used acid hydrolysis at 95 ºC and 25 ºC to quantify recalcitrant (non-hydrolyzable carbon, NHC) and labile C fractions of three depths in a planted fallow (Mucuna jaspedea) soil. Across depths, SOC fractions were: total SOC (11.83 – 21.57 g kg-1) > NHC 25...

Apr, 2013 pp. 157-164 266 views 551 downloads

24

Research Article

Evaluation of Heavy Metals Concentrations in Plants of Biostimulated Contaminated Soils in Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria

E. W. Samuel^*, Isirimah N.O., Etukudoh N. E.

Pot experiments were carried out in the Teaching and Research Farm and in the green house of Crop/Soil Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt to evaluate heavy metals (lead, zinc, copper, cadmium and Chromium) concentrations in maize (Zea mays L.), pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis L.), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and vertiva...

Apr, 2013 pp. 165-170 260 views 510 downloads

25

Research Article

Evaluation of Mycorrhiza and Pigeon Pea Leaves Compost on the Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Maize in Degraded Ultisol

Dania S. O.^*, Fagbola O.

Soil nutrient and organic matter replenishment cannot be attained by the use of inorganic fertilizer alone hence, the advocation for the use of integrated fertility management method to improve soil fertility for continuous crop production. Two-season pot experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State to assess pigeon pea leaves compost and m...

Apr, 2013 pp. 177-187 219 views 554 downloads

26

Research Article

Fertility Status of Soils Obtained from Coastal Plain Soils and Inland Transition Formations

P.O. Oviasogie^*, E. Oko-Oboh

The study was conducted to investigate the fertility status of coastal plain and inland transition soils in South-south and South west of Nigeria. Soil morphological characterization and sampling were obtained from the coastal plain area at Lagos Island and environs, while the Inland transition soils were obtained at Obaretin near Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Laboratory analyses of selected phy...

Apr, 2013 pp. 188-196 284 views 539 downloads

27

Research Article

Soil Chemical Properties, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Maize as Influenced by Plant and Animal Based Organic Amendments

Olowokere F. A.^*, ADESODUN Johnson Kayode, Adejuyigbe C. O.,, Soretire, A.A, AKINTOKUN Pius Oluwagbemiga, Akinyele S. A.,, Adeyemo T. O., Adeyemo O. A.

The influence of plant and animal-based organic amendments on soil chemical properties, yield and nutrient uptake by maize was studied for two years at the Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, South-Western, Nigeria. The treatments used were: Poultry manure (PM); Compost (CP) derived from Poultry manure and Tithonia diversifolia; fresh Tithonia diversifolia...

Apr, 2013 pp. 197-206 275 views 568 downloads

28

Research Article

Influence of Plant and Animal Manures on Soil Chemical Properties and Tomato (lycopersicum Esculentum) Yield

Olowokere F. A.^*, ADESODUN Johnson Kayode, AKINTOKUN Pius Oluwagbemiga, Egbedokun A.O., Oyenekan, O.A., Martins M.S.

Low nutrient status of tropical soils requires external source of nutrients for sustainable cropping. Field experiments were conducted in 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria to evaluate the effect of plant and animal manures on soil chemical properties and yield of tomato. Treatments used were: poultry manure (PM), Tithonia diversifolia compos...

Apr, 2013 pp. 207-217 278 views 227 downloads