Volume 26, Issue 2 (August)

1

Research Article

Effects of Post - Treated and Incubated Gliricidia Biochar Samples on the Growth of Maize Seedlings

Fagbenro J. A.^*, Ajilowura J.O., Sangoyomi T.E., Oshunsanya S.O., Aliku Oreva

Biochar (pyrolyzed biomass) has been shown to have potential in increasing crop yield. There is, however, a dearth of information in Nigeria on the effect of post-treated biochar samples on plant growth in different soil types. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of nutrient-enhanced and incubated Gliricidia biochar on the growth of maize plant. A pot experiment was co...

Aug, 2016 pp. 17-26 244 views 460 downloads

2

Research Article

Responses of Maize Growth and Grain Yield to Different Sources and Time of Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer

Omisore J. K.^*, Y. A. Abayomi

Soil fertility decline has been identified as one of the major biophysical constraints affecting agriculture in the sub Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Even though, the use of chemical fertilizer is the most convenient way of improving soil fertility, the high cost and poor distribution of chemical fertilizer have made the commodity inaccessible to resource poor farmers. Consequently, there is ...

Aug, 2016 pp. 41-51 241 views 456 downloads

3

Research Article

Influence of Drying Condition on Decomposition and Nitrogen Mineralization of Legume Leaves

Akintan C.I.^*, Ighodaro B.U., Akintan A.O., Ajayi O.K.

The influence of drying condition on the rate of decomposition and nitrogen mineralization of Gliricidia sepium and Acacia auriculiformis leaves were studied when fresh, air dried and sun dried. These were packaged at 50 g/bag in polyvinyl bags and deposited on the field for decomposition. After 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 92 days, three bags of each treatment per species were collected at interval from ...

Aug, 2016 pp. 52-57 244 views 457 downloads

4

Research Article

Soil Health, Our Health: Effect of Paint Effluent Contaminated Soil on the Heavy Metal Content

Igwe A. C., Nwachukwu O. I.^*

A study was conducted at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike to evaluate the growth and tissue metal content of Abelmoschus esculentus in soil which had been subjected to long term dumping of paint factory waste. Agronomic parameters stem girth, leaf length and plant height of Okra plant were measured at two week intervals, and after 12 weeks of growth, the soil, roots, leaves and fr...

Aug, 2016 pp. 68-77 258 views 460 downloads

5

Research Article

Influence of Lime and Gypsum Application on Soil Properties and Tuber Initiation of Cassava(manihot Esculenta Crantz.) in a Degraded Ultisols in Agbani, Enugu Southeastern Nigeria

EZE J.C.^*, ANIKWE M.A.N, IBUDIALO A.N

The experiment was carried out to examine the influence of Lime and Gypsum on soil physicochemical properties in a degraded ultisol during 2013 and 2014 Rainy season in Agbani, Enugu Southeastern Nigeria (60 29’N and 70 54’E). A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) using Lime and Gypsum as treatments at the rate of Lime 5000 kgha-1, Gypsum 2500 kgha-1, Lime 5000 kgha-1 + Gypsum 2500 kgha-1 and ...

Aug, 2016 pp. 110-122 279 views 539 downloads

6

Research Article

Soil Research in Nigeria: Response to Local Needs or Bandwagon Effect of Global Trends? a Quantitative Analysis of Three Decades

Nwachukwu O. I.^*, Nwachukwu I.

A critical study of soil research in Nigeria from 1980 – 2014 was conducted based on published original research within the period, and this was compared with studies conducted in USA, Europe, China and worldwide. The focus of Nigerian soil research was evaluated in the light of local agricultural needs, national policies, and global trends. The tool used to search online databases was Google scho...

Aug, 2016 pp. 123-137 262 views 519 downloads

7

Research Article

Suitability Evaluation of Soils of the Coastal Plain Sands for Rain - Fed Maize Production in Acid Sands of South - Eastern Nigeria.

AHUKAEMERE C.M.^*, Onweremadu E. U, Akamigbo, F.O.R., Ndukwu, B.

Soils developed on Coastal plain sands have been classified as acidic soils of low CEC and soil fertility. These fragile sandy soils were evaluated for effective and sustainable rain-fed maize production using FAO land suitability classification system. Profile pits were consequently dug in four different soil units – 100m apart: Umuagwo soil unit 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Results indicated that...

Aug, 2016 pp. 138-145 275 views 574 downloads

8

Research Article

Profile Characteristics of Selected Rice - Producing Soils of Abia State in South - Eastern Nigeria

AHUKAEMERE C.M.^*, Ndukwu, B., Ihem, E.E, Onwuso, G.I.

Due to the increasing soil degradation of South-eastern Nigeria – with particular reference to the rice growing soils of the region, selected rice producing soils of Abia State were characterized with a view towards acquiring a holistic understanding of the soils and their fertility status. Random soil survey technique was used in field sampling. Four profile pits were dug in two different towns i...

Aug, 2016 pp. 146-153 279 views 468 downloads

9

Research Article

Effects of Abattoir Effluent on the Yield and Yield Components of Maize (zea Mays) in Forest - Savanna Transitional Zone of Edo State, Nigeria

Abhanzioya, M. I.^*

Field experiment was carried out in the Forest–savanna Transition Zone of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria to assess the effect of abattoir effluent on the yield and yield components of maize (Zea mays). The soil used for the experiment was analyzed for both its physical and chemical properties while the effluent used was also analyzed for its chemical properties before the expe...

Aug, 2016 pp. 171-180 263 views 456 downloads

10

Research Article

Macro and Micro Nutrients Status of Selected Soils Based on Land Use in Southwest, Nigeria

Thomas, E.Y^*, Omueti, J.A.I, Akpan, I.O

In Africa, production of food per capita had suffered a decline in the past decade despite the enormous increase in population. To sustain the growing dependence on agricultural production the use of fertilizers became paramount and more fertilizers are now applied than before. Ironically, agricultural production problem persisted. This could be attributed to improper use of fertilizers due to lac...

Aug, 2016 pp. 201-214 267 views 610 downloads

11

Research Article

Effect of Soil Quality Used as Sub - Grade Material and Road Pavement Failure Along the Benin - Ore Road

CHOKOR J.U.^*, Ikoba, V.

The Benin –Akure road has undergone various degrees of failures. Road failures (potholes, surface cracks, ruts and depressions, washouts etc.) have a major strain on the economy of the nation as it affects transport of agricultural produce to urban areas.This research was carried out by evaluating the plasticity indices of the brought in soils used for the subgrade material for the road bed as one...

Aug, 2016 pp. 224-231 269 views 481 downloads

12

Research Article

Pedological Study of Soils Developed on Granodiorite in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Aki, E. E.^*, I. E. Esu, Akpan-Idiok A. U.

Morphological, physico-chemical and mineralogical properties of soils derived from Granodiorite of Biase, Cross River State, Nigeria were studied with a view to classifying the soil taxonomically, assessing their potentials and suggesting appropriate management strategies. Three profiles were dug on the landscapes of Ikot-Okpara, Betem and Ehom. The micro-morphological properties of soil colour, s...

Aug, 2016 pp. 242-253 269 views 14 downloads

13

Research Article

Influence of Agro - Wastes on Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Maize (zea Mays L.) in an Acid Ultisol of Owerri, Imo State

Onwudike S,U.^*, Asawalam D. O., Ano, A. O.

We investigated the effect of selected agro-wastes on soil properties, growth and yield of maize (Zea mays) in a Typic Haplusult during 2011 and 2013 planting season at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Technology, Owerri Imo State Southeastern Nigeria (Latitudes 5° 21’ N and 5° 27’ N and Longitudes 7° 02’E and 7° 15’ E). The experiment was a 3 x 4 factorial fitted in a Rando...

Aug, 2016 pp. 279-294 242 views 468 downloads

14

Research Article

The Effects of Different Types of Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Sesame (sesamum Indicum L) In Makurdi

OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA^*, Ibrahim, N. B., Iorlamen, T.

A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria during the 2012 cropping season to determine the effects of different fertilizer types on growth and yield of Sesame. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. There were six treatments which included NPK – 15-15-15, ...

Aug, 2016 pp. 279-294 264 views 503 downloads

15

Research Article

Prediction of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity Using Soil Texture and Organic Carbon Under Different Land Use Types

Onasanya, O. O^*, F.K. Salako, AJIBOYE G. A., Busari M. A.

The aim of this study is to develop models for saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) in soils under different land use types in a tropical environment. The regression models were developed using the soil particle size fraction and organic carbon contents.The results indicated that the sand, clay and organic carbon content of the soils were sufficient in predicting the Ks. Also, there was a signifi...

Aug, 2016 pp. 311-318 316 views 518 downloads