Volume 23, Issue 2 (August)

1

Research Article

Assessment of Dithionite and Oxalate Extractable Iron and Aluminium Oxides in Soils Supporting Raphia Palms at Nifor Main Station

OSAYANDE P.E.^*, P.O. Oviasogie, Aisueni N.O., Stephen O., Irhemu P., EKEBAFE M.O

The oxides of iron and aluminium are known to affect the physical and chemical properties of soils such as ion adsorption, aggregate stability, phosphorus sorption and charge characteristics. This study was conducted to provide information on the status of free oxides in both soils of the Inland Valley and a well drained Upland soil at the NIFOR main station. Twenty four (24) representative sample...

Aug, 2013 pp. 1-9 256 views 530 downloads

2

Research Article

Assessment of the Water Conservation Potential and Mode of Application of Coconut (cocos Nucifera) Husk Hydrogel on Soil Cultivated to Coconut Seedling

M.O. Ekebafe^*, L. O. Ekebafe, OSAYANDE P.E., F. Maidoh, P. Irhemu

Coconut husk cellulosic-polyacrylonitrile hydrogel was synthesized in aqueous solution. Saponification of grafted copolymer was done by reaction with sodium hydroxide followed by methanol precipitation. The reaction was confirmed using FTIR and characterized in terms of water retention value (286g/g) and de-swelling ratio (83.16%). Soil samples collected were prepared and analyzed for physico-chem...

Aug, 2013 pp. 10-19 256 views 473 downloads

3

Research Article

Laboratory Incubation Studies of Biochar Amendment on Non - Co2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Soil Cultivated to Coconut Seedlings

M.O. Ekebafe^*, P. Oviasogie, N.O. Asueni

Biochar is a carbon-rich product obtained when biomass such as wood, manure or leaves is heated in a closed vessel with little or no air. It is an appropriate tool for sequestrating carbon dioxide in soils for a long time in order to mitigate climate change. The objective was to determine the effects of biochar amendment on greenhouse gas emissions from soil cultivated to the coconut seedlings. Th...

Aug, 2013 pp. 20-26 256 views 520 downloads

4

Research Article

Soil Structural and Chemical Conditions After Disposal of Fabric Dye on a Loamy Sand Soil in Southwestern Nigeria

Fadare F. J., Salako F. K, ADESODUN Johnson Kayode^*

The indiscriminate disposition of dye waste water from the age-long “Adire” industry of Abeokuta, southwest Nigeria is a major concern as the movement of such contaminants in the soil needs to be monitored. This study investigated the effect of fabric dye on soil physical and chemical properties. Treatments were local concentration, spent local-concentration, half local- concentration and twice lo...

Aug, 2013 pp. 27-37 224 views 511 downloads

5

Research Article

Field Evaluation of Biowish - Crop Organic Fertilizer in Lowland Rice Production

Bakare S.O^*, Alhassan G., Ekaette J.E, Ukwungwu, M.N

A Randomized Complete Block Design experiment with three replicates was carried out at the lowland experimental site of the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi in the 2011 and 2012 wet seasons. National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi is located at Lat. 09o 45’N; Long. 06o 7’E. Three rates of Biowish-Crop (5, 4 and 3kg/ha) were combined with inorganic fertilizer at either recommended,...

Aug, 2013 pp. 38-43 223 views 516 downloads

6

Research Article

Evaluation of Aratibiotech Organomineral Fertilizer Effect on Lowland Rice Production

Bakare S.O^*, Aliyu A, Ekaette J., Ukwungwu, M.N

A Randomized Complete Block Design experiment with three replicates was carried out at the lowland experimental site of the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi in the 2011 and 2012 wet seasons. National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi is located at Lat. 09o 45’N; Long. 06o 7’E Organomineral fertilizer was applied at the rate of 2, 3, and 4t/ha while no fertilizer application, as well ...

Aug, 2013 pp. 46-51 316 views 485 downloads

7

Research Article

Response of Extra - Early Maize Variety (zea Mays ) to Different Organic Manures in the Drier Sub - Region of Northern Nigeria

Wapa J. M^*, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA, Samson Joshua Kwari

This work was carried out to study effect of different organic manures on yield of maize in the study area. Field trials were carried out in 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri. The treatments consisted of three organic manures (cow dung, city refuse and poultry droppings) applied at four rates of ea...

Aug, 2013 pp. 52-59 276 views 554 downloads

8

Research Article

Quantitative Analysis of Humic Substances in Soils Treated with Different Organic Manures in Sudano - Sahelian Savanna, Northeast Nigeria

Wapa J. M^*, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA, Sandabe M.K

This work was carried out to study the effect of organic manures on different fractions of soil organic matter. Field trials were carried out in 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri. The treatments consisted of three types of organic manures (cow dung, city refuse and poultry droppings) applied at thr...

Aug, 2013 pp. 60-65 247 views 537 downloads

9

Research Article

Assessment of Some Soil Quality Indicators in Benue State

A.O. Adaikwu^*, A. Ali

A study was carried out in 2009 to assess some soil quality indicators. These indicators include the soil pH, organic matter (OM) content, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity (CEC), saturated hydraulic conductivity and base saturation. The areas included SIWES farm, University of Agriculture Makurdi, Obarike in Oju, National Root Crops Research Inst...

Aug, 2013 pp. 66-75 326 views 504 downloads

10

Research Article

Effect of Groundnut (arachis Hypogea )residues on Soil Chemical Properties in the Sub - Humid Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

Achor O.I.^*, S.A. Ayuba, A. Ali

This study was conducted at the University of Agriculture Makurdi Research Farm in the Sub- Humid Southern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria during 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons to determine the effect of groundnut (Arachus hypogea) residues on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays). Five treatments (0.4, 6.8 and 10 t ha-1) groundnut biomass were laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and...

Aug, 2013 pp. 76-80 273 views 481 downloads

11

Research Article

Characterisation and Fertility Capability Status of Alfisols Under Different Land Uses in Ogun State, South Western Nigeria

Senjobi B.A.^*, Ande O.T, Ogunkunle A. O.

This study was designed to assess the fertility potential of agricultural soils for optimal and sustainable production. Soils under five land uses were characterized and evaluated for fertility status using Fertility Capability Classification (FCC) systems. The results showed that the morphology, physical, and chemical properties of the soils varied from one land type to another in all the five la...

Aug, 2013 pp. 81-102 293 views 481 downloads

12

Research Article

Response of Soybean (glycine Max L. ) to Cow Dung and Wood Ash Application in Tropical Acid Soils of South - Western Nigeria

Soretire A. A.^*, Olayinka A.

The study examined the effect of cow dung (beef cattle manure) and wood ash on the growth and yield of soybean in two acid soils (Typic dystrudepts) of south-western Nigeria. The experiment was conducted under field conditions at two different locations, namely, Epe and Ibiade (Ijebu- waterside) of Lagos and Ogun States, Nigeria, respectively. It was a 3 x 3 factorial experiment arranged in a rand...

Aug, 2013 pp. 103-113 267 views 515 downloads

13

Research Article

Soybean Nodulation and N2 - Fixation as Influenced by Cow Dung, Wood Ash and Rhizobial Inoculation in Tropical Acid Soils (typic Dystrudept )

Soretire A. A^*, Olayinka A.

The effects of cow dung and wood ash applications with and without rhizobial inoculation on modulation, and N2-fixation by soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) were investigated in tropical acid dystrudepts under greenhouse and field conditions. The field experiments were located at Epe and Ijebu-waterside (Ibiade) of Lagos and Ogun States, southwestern Nigeria, respectively. The experiment was a 3 ...

Aug, 2013 pp. 114-125 289 views 518 downloads

14

Research Article

Effects of Poultry Manure and Portland Cement Additions on Soil Physical Properties and Microbial Activities

Ogunrewo O. M.^*, Olayinka A.

The topsoil sample (0-15 cm) of the Apomu series (Inceptisol) was amended with three rates each of poultry manure and cement (0, 5.0, 10.0 g / kg) in a 3 x 3 factorial combination. The experiment was carried out in the laboratory at room temperature. The poultry manure and cement were thoroughly mixed by hand with 100 g portions of air-dried, sieved (2 mm) soil samples and allowed to incubate for ...

Aug, 2013 pp. 126-135 277 views 470 downloads

15

Research Article

Combined Effect of Poultry Manure and Npk Fertilizer on Soil Plant Nutrient Composition and Growth of Rubber

Odeyemi R.T.^*, Awodun M.A., OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA

Because of cost and scarcity associated with the use of chemical fertilizers on rubber and the acidic nature of rubber growing soils in Nigeria, a study was conducted into the effect of poultry manure (PM) and its combination with NPK fertilizer (NPKF) on soil and plant nutrients and growth of rubber seedlings. Six treatments replicated three times on rubber seedlings were the control, NPK fertili...

Aug, 2013 pp. 136-141 276 views 508 downloads

16

Research Article

Soil Solarization and Amendment Using Clove (syzygium Aromaticum )in Control of Fusarium Oxysporum F. Sp. Lycopersici

Adekunle A. T.^*, Odeh S.

Soil treatment using solarization and amendment with ground clove (Syzygium aromaticaum) was carried out in a screen house experiment to control Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici. The study evaluated two thickness of clear polyethene plastic, two concentrations of ground clove as well as a combination of the treatments. Colony counts for F. oxysporum were carried out for samples from all treat...

Aug, 2013 pp. 142-145 277 views 506 downloads

17

Research Article

The Growth and Yield Performance of Groundnut (arachis Hypogea )cultivated Under Various Fertilizer Inputs on an Alfisols in the Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

Uzoma, A.O.^*, Jemiyo C.A, Bala A., Adeboye M.K.A, Osunde A.O.

The response of groundnut variety SAMNUT22 to various fertilizer inputs was examined on a field experiment at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna during the 2010 cropping season. A total land area of 0.06 ha was cleared, harrowed, ploughed and ridged. Thirty plots of size 4 x 3.5m were marked out at plot spacing of 1m and replicate spacing of 2m. Soil samp...

Aug, 2013 pp. 146-156 309 views 506 downloads

18

Research Article

The Impact of Various Fertilizer Inputs on the Growth, Nodulation and Yield of Soybean (glycine Max )cultivated on an Alfisol in Minna, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Uzoma, A.O.^*, Okoh J, Bala A., Adeboye M.K.A, Osunde A.O.

Growth and yield response of soybean variety TGX 1448-2E to various fertilizer inputs was assessed in a field experiment at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology Minna during the 2010 rainy season. Treatments consist of five fertilizer combinations as follows: Zero fertilizer application at 0 kg Pha-1, Rock phosphate at 30kg P ha-1, single super phosphate at 30kg P...

Aug, 2013 pp. 157-167 303 views 551 downloads

19

Research Article

The Fertility and Management Imperatives of the Degraded Upland Soils of Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria

Ogbodo E. N^*

Soil fertility evaluation of some continuously cultivated Upland Soils in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria, was assessed to determine their levels of degradation, as a basis for soil health management to increase their productivity. Results showed that the soils are generally fine loam, very strongly acidic (average pH 4.9), and soils with very low base saturation of below 60 %. They are low in org...

Aug, 2013 pp. 168-176 246 views 541 downloads

20

Research Article

Effect of Composted Empty Oil Palm Fruit Bunches on the Growth and Yield of Amaranthus and Soil Physicochemical Properties

P.O. Oviasogie^*, E. Oko-ob, E.I. Eguagie

The effect of composted empty oil palm fruit bunches (EFB) on the growth and yield components of Amaranthus and soil physicochemical properties was evaluated at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) main station. The composted EFB was applied at four different rates of 0, 10, 20, and 30 tons/ha. The experiment was replicated four times and arranged in a randomized complete block des...

Aug, 2013 pp. 178-181 266 views 539 downloads

21

Research Article

Description and Characterization of Soils Supporting Vitellaria Paradoxa (shea Tree ) in Different Geo - Ecology in Nigeria

P.O. Oviasogie^*, E. Oko-oboh, D.O. Oseghe

Characterization of soils supporting shea tree in different Geo-ecology was carried out. This was done using the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) descriptors for environment and site characterization adapted from FAO. The result indicates that the climate (Rainfall and Temperature) of the different geo-ecology has slight variation, but wide variations exist in the different ...

Aug, 2013 pp. 182-188 296 views 483 downloads

22

Research Article

Compilation of Existing Soil Series in North - Eastern Nigeria: Problem and Prospect

E. M. Achukwu^*, B. A. Raji, Sulaiman Yau Lawan

Classification of soil to the series level is very important in specific agricultural production, from one location to another, due to the variations that exist in different soil series. In the North Eastern region of Nigeria, numerous soil surveys have been carried out in the past at various scales. The objective of the study was to compile systematically from these reports all the soil series fo...

Aug, 2013 pp. 189-195 323 views 500 downloads

23

Research Article

Suitability Evaluation of Some Plinchustalfs for Rain - Fed Rice Production in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Adeboye M.K.A^*, Lawal B.A, TSADO P. A., Ezenwa M I S, Afolabi S.G., Adekanmbi A.A.

The plinthustalfs of Minna, southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria, have poor physical properties which induce water-logging during wet seasons which may make them suitable for rice production. This study evaluated their suitability for rain-fed rice production using FAO Land Suitability Classification system. Two sites, the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (EF) an...

Aug, 2013 pp. 196-205 271 views 539 downloads

24

Research Article

Effect of Tillage, Poultry Manure and Npk Fertilizer on Soil Chemical Properties and Maize Yield on an Alfisol at Abeokuta, South - Western Nigeria

M.A. Busari^*, F.K. Salako

Tillage is a basic soil management tool that significantly affects soil characteristics and plant development. This study examined the 2-year effects of tillage, poultry manure (PM) and NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer on soil chemical properties and maize yield. The experiment was a split-split- plot design with three replications. Tillage (zero tillage (ZT), minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage ...

Aug, 2013 pp. 206-218 318 views 507 downloads

25

Research Article

Effect of Land Use and Soil Depth on Soil Phosphorus Fractions

Jamiu Oladipupo Azeez^*, Aloba F. O, Ogunwale O. V, Oguntade O. A., Adekunle. I. O, Amusan A. O

The aims of the experiments were to determine the effect of land use and soil depths on soil phosphorus fractions. Soil samples were taken systematically from dug profile pits at 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm. Soil samples were characterized and P fractionation analyses were done in triplicates using standard procedures. Data generated were analysed using Statistical Analyses System (SAS) software. Res...

Aug, 2013 pp. 219-225 239 views 504 downloads

26

Research Article

Effect of Land Use on the Distribution of Heavy Metals in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria

Jamiu Oladipupo Azeez^*, Oladosu S.A.O, Ilori O. E, Omotosho S. M., Onasanya, O. O, Oguntade O. A.

To prevent risks of metal pollution and secure public health, the assessment of the pollutant load of different land use is germane in emerging cities. The study investigated the distribution of water, EDTA and HCl extractable Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni and Mn in soils of different land uses in Abeokuta, southwestern Nigeria. It was hypothesized that land use pattern has an effect on the depth distrib...

Aug, 2013 pp. 226-234 276 views 524 downloads

27

Research Article

Changes in Physical Properties of an Ultisol as Influenced by Composted Empty Oil Palm Bunches and Chemical Fertilizer Under Water Stress Conditions

Ovie S.^*, Nnaji G. U, Oviasogie P.O, OSAYANDE P.E., Nkechika A.

A greenhouse study was conducted at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to evaluate and compare the effects of sole and complimentary use of composted empty oil palm bunch and chemical fertilizer for improvement of soil physical properties under water stress conditions. The experiment was a 3x3x4 factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. It consisted of 3 factors–irrigatio...

Aug, 2013 pp. 235-251 250 views 511 downloads

28

Research Article

Evaluation of Some Sandstone Derived Soils of Southern Nigeria for Rubber (hevea Brasiliensis )cultivation

Orimoloye J. R.^*, Akinbola G. E.

Some soils derived from crustaceous sandstones at Iyanomo, Edo State, Southern Nigeria were mapped, characterised and evaluated for rubber cultivation, using local, USDA Soil Taxonomy and FAO systems. Conventional parametric and non-parametric land suitability evaluation systems as well as weighted parametric approach in Geographic Information System (GIS) methods were used to generate suitability...

Aug, 2013 pp. 252-263 246 views 468 downloads

29

Research Article

Heavy Metals Accumulation in Soil and Amaranthus Cruentus L Irrigated with Dye Effluent Polluted Stream Water in Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria

O. A. Oguntade^*, M. T. Adetunji, F. K. Salako, T. A. Arowolo, Jamiu Oladipupo Azeez

This study evaluated the quality of Amaranthus cruentus irrigated with dye effluent polluted stream and water from a deep hand-dug surface well (well-water). It also assessed the levels of heavy metals including Manganese, Iron, Copper, Zinc and Chromium in soil and amaranths irrigated with the waters in two dry seasons. The results showed that the pH (9.67) and NO3- (226.76 mg L-1) contents of th...

Aug, 2013 pp. 264-275 280 views 502 downloads

30

Research Article

Nutrients Concentration and Root Count of Cassava as Influenced by Residue and Npk Fertilizer

Babadele D.O.^*, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA

Experiment was conducted at two sites Ayegunle and Oka in South-West Nigeria to study effect of combined plant residues sawdust ash (SDA) and siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) (CR) and NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer on leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg of Cassava. The parameters were evaluated at 3,6,9 and 12 months after planting (MAP) for nutrient concentrations and root count of cassava. The test soils are sand...

Aug, 2013 pp. 276-281 258 views 507 downloads

31

Research Article

Cassava Yield as Affected by Sawdust Ash Siam Weed Residue and Npk Fertilizer

Babadele D.O.^*, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA

Experiment was conducted at Ayegunle and Oka South-West Nigeria to study effect of combined sawdust ash and siam weed residues and NPK fertilizer (NPKF) on soil nutrients and performance parameters of cassava. Plant parameters determined were number of leaves, plant height, stem girth, leaf area index, root weight, root diameter and root length. Plant residues NPKF and their combinations increased...

Aug, 2013 pp. 282-290 252 views 498 downloads

32

Research Article

Tuber Production of Cassava at Different Plant Spacing and Subsequent Effect on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties

Adeniyan O. N.^*

The study aimed at identifying the influence of different plant population (plant spacing) on cassava tuber yield and the cumulative residual effect on soil physical and chemical properties were carried out in two cropping seasons (2008/2009 and 2009/2010) at Orin Ekiti research station of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Moor Plantation Ibadan. The highest percentage c...

Aug, 2013 pp. 291-299 306 views 525 downloads