Volume 22 (2012)

1

Research Article

Evaluation of Nutrient Restorative Ability of Some Selected Crop and Soil Management Practices in Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

Agber, P.I.^*, M.E. Obi

Field experiments were carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agricultrue, Makurdi Southern Guinea Savanna, during 2007 and 2008 cropping seasons to evaluate the nutrient restorative ability of some selected crop and soil management practices on soil productivity and yield of maize. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) arranged in a spl...

Apr, 2021 pp. 125-132

2

Research Article

Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils in Kogi State, Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

S.O. Amhakhian^*, I.O. Osemwota

This experiment was conducted in Kogi State. Twenty composite surface soil samples (0.15cm depth) drawn from two distinct geological formations (Cretaceous sediments and Basement complex) were used for the study. These soils were collected from different sites with varying cropping history. Particle size analysis of the soils used indicated a high proportion of sand, the texture of the soils range...

Apr, 2012 pp. 46-54

3

Research Article

Impact of Soil Erosion on Land Degradation in Uga Southeastern Nigeria

Obiageli Patience Umeugochukwu^*, Ezeaku P, V O Chude, G U NNAJI

This study was to investigate the causes and hazards of soil erosion in Uga, Anambra State as the area is always having the problem of erosion. This study was carried out in some selected erosion sites in Uga. The study investigated the impact of soil erosion on land degradation and its environmental hazards in Uga Southeastern Nigeria. Two profile pits were prepared, one on severely degraded (ero...

Apr, 2012 pp. 27-37

4

Research Article

Growth and Yield of Okra and Tomato as Affected by Pig Dung and Other Manures Issue for Economic Consideration in Benue State

ABEL OLATUNJI ODEYEMI^*, V. U. Oboh

Pot experiments were conducted to compare the effects of pig dung and other sources of manure on the production of okra (Abelmoschus esculentum) and Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum mill) at University of Agriculture, Makurdi. A survey was also conducted in Makurdi metropolis to determine the comparative availability and cost of pig dung and other manures. Three levels of organic manures were used,...

Apr, 2012 pp. 105-110

5

Research Article

Suitability of Extractants for the Determination of Available Sulphur for Groundnut Production in Some Soils of Benue State, Nigeria

B.C. Anjembe^*, Adetunji M. T

Occurrence of sulphur deficiency in Nigerian soils is becoming frequent and more extensive due to intensive cultivation and shift from low analysis to high analysis fertilizers which do not contain sulphur. Information is still required on the parameters of evaluating sulphur status and requirement of crops in the country. Studies were conducted in the laboratory, greenhouse and farmers’ fields in...

Apr, 2012 pp. 114-121

6

Research Article

Effect of Npk and Poultry Manure on Cowpea and Soil Nutrient Composition

ABEL OLATUNJI ODEYEMI^*, S.A. Ayuba, B.C. Anjembe, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA

Field experiment was conducted at University of Agriculture, Makurdi in the Southern Guinea Savanna ecology of Nigeria to test effect of NPK fertilizer and Poultry manure on performance of cowpea and soil nutrient composition. The study conducted in 2008 and 2009 had a control, NPK 20 – 10 – 10 (48 kgha-1) and poultry manure (PM) with or without NPK fertilizer. The test soil was deficient in N and...

Apr, 2012 pp. 110-116

7

Research Article

Effect of Tillage and Crop Residue on Soil Chemical Properties and Rice Yields on an Acid Ultisol at Abakaliki Southeastern Nigeria

Ogbodo, E. N.^*, P. A. Nnabude

A study was conducted in 2008 and 2009 raining seasons, to evaluate the possibility of alleviating the degraded soil conditions at Abakaliki. The measures employed were combination(s) of different tillage methods [No-Tillage (NT), Hoe Tillage (HT), Ploughing (PL) and Ploughing and Harrowing (PH)] and crop residues [No Residue (NR), Rice Straw (RS), Burnt Rice Straw (BRS) and Legume Residue (LR)] t...

Apr, 2012 pp. 75-87

8

Research Article

Oyster Shell Compost Effect on Some Physical and Chemical Properties of an Inland Valley Soil

Eneje R. C^*, Ukut, A. N.

An experiment was conducted in the Soil Science laboratory of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike to investiage the effect of oyster shell composted with goat and poultry droppings on some physical and chemical properties of an inland valley soil. The experiment was 4x3 factorial in a completely randomized design. Soil samples were collected from 0-30cm depth. The treatments applied ...

Apr, 2012 pp. 55-60

9

Research Article

Degradation Effect of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (pome) on Physical and Chemical Properties of the Soils of Uga, South Eastern Nigeria.

Obiageli Patience Umeugochukwu^*, V O Chude, Ezeaku P

This study investigated the impact of long term application of palm oil waste on the physical and chemical properties of sandy Ultisols (Arenic Kandiustult) in Uga, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from the surface (0-10 cm) and subsurface (15-25cm) of the palm oil-polluted site. Another surface (0-10) and subsurface (15-25) samples were collected 15 meters away in the palm oil unpolluted (con...

Apr, 2012 pp. 18-26

10

Research Article

Effects of Rice Mill Waste and Poultry Manure on Some Soil Chemical Properties and Growth and Yield of Maize

Eneje R. C^*, Uzoukwu I

An experiment was conducted at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Western Farm, to investigate the effect of rice mill waste and poultry manure on some soil chemical properties and growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The study was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Soil amendments were applied at the rates...

Apr, 2012 pp. 61-66

11

Research Article

Characterization, Classification and Management of Olokoro Soils Umuahia, Abia State Nigeria for Increased Dioscorea Dumetorum Yields.

Onyekwere I N^*, Nwosu P. O., Ezenwa M I S, Odofin A. J.

Trifoliate yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) is an important food security crop in Nigeria, it occupies a prominent position in the diets and farming systems in the South East agroecological zone especially in Abia State. Olokoro Soils, Umuahia South, Abia State, Nigeria grown to Trifoliate yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) were studied characterised and classified. Profile pits were dug and studied, using the ri...

Apr, 2012 pp. 159-167

12

Research Article

Use of Agricultural Wastes for Improving Soil Crop Nutrients and Growth of Cocoa Seedlings

Akanni D.^*, Odedina S. A, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA

The quest for organically-produced cocoa produce in the world market necessitated recent focus on research into the use of agricultural wastes as source of nutrients in cocoa (Theobroma cacao) production. This work carried out at Federal College of Agriculture, Akure is the comparative study of effect of kola testa (KT), cocoa pod ash (CPA), melon testa (MT), cowpea pod (CP), kola pod (KP) and coc...

Apr, 2012 pp. 197-202

13

Research Article

Responses of Melon (collocynthis Citrullus) and Soil Chemical Properties to Different N - Sources in Ado – Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

B. Osundare^*

A two – year field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Ado – Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, during 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons to determine the effects of different N – sources on soil nutrient status and yield of melon (Collocynthis citrullus). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. The different source...

Apr, 2012 pp. 173-177

14

Research Article

Testing the Goodness of Fit of Infiltration Models for Soils Formed on Coastal Plain Sands in Akwa Ibom State, Southeastern Nigeria

Ogban P. I.^*, Jude Obi, Anwanane, N. B., Edet, R. U., Okon, N. E.

Infiltration of water into the soil is an important physical process affecting the fate of water under field conditions, especially, the amount of subsurface recharge and surface runoff and hence, the hazard of soil erosion. The study was conducted to investigate the capability of six infiltration models, namely, Kostiakov, modified Kostiakov (A) and (B), Philip, modified Philip (A) and (B) to des...

Apr, 2012 pp. 141-149

15

Research Article

Assessment of Degradation Status of Soil in Selected Areas of Benue State Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Adaikwu A.O^*, M.E. Obi, Ali A.

The assessment of degradation status of soils in selected areas of Benue state was carried out in 2009. The physical and chemical properties of these soils were evaluated in the laboratory and the results obtained were compared with the standard indicators and criteria for land degradation assessment according to (FAO 1979). The results showed that most of the cultivated parts of the study areas w...

Apr, 2012 pp. 171-187

16

Research Article

Effects of Land Use Types on Soil Quality in a Southern Guinea Savanah, Nasarawa State of Nigeria

Amana S. M.^*, Jayeoba Olumuyiwa James, Agbede O. O.

This research was carried out at the College of Agriculture Lafia Research field in 2010 cropping season. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of long term cultivation on soil properties. Surface soil samples (0-15cm) were collected from three sites in each of the five land use types including: cassava, legume, maize, oil palm plantation and secondary forest. The samples were sub...

Apr, 2012 pp. 188-192

17

Research Article

Soil Properties and Response of Yam to Ash Application at Akure, Nigeria

Kayode B. O.^*, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA, Odedina S. A

Two experiments were conducted at the Federal College of Agriculture Akure, Southwest Nigeria to test effectiveness of a crop waste wood ash as source of nutrients for plantain (Musa paradisica) and yam (Dioscorea rotundata). Effect of wood ash at 0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 kg/plant was studied as to the effect on soil chemical properties and performance of the crops. The test soil was low in organic mat...

Apr, 2012 pp. 193-196

18

Research Article

Contaminant Limit (c/p Index) of Heavy Metals in Spent Oil Contaminated Soil Bioremediated with Legume Plants and Organic Nutrient

Udom B. E.^*, Ano, A. O., Chukwu L. I.

Three legume plants (Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena luecocephala and Calapogonium caerulean) alone or in combination with 0.5% (w/w) poultry manure were tested for their ability to reduce the heavy metals and toxicity criteria of a sandy soil contaminated with 5% (w/w), (equivalent of 50,000 mg/kg) spent lubricating oil, each for two years. The oil and poultry manure led to buildup of Ni, Pb, Zn and ...

Apr, 2012 pp. 150-158

19

Research Article

Shear Strength and Compaction Characteristics of Termite Mound Soil (TMS)

Manuwa S I^*, Olawolu O E

Termite mounds are common features of agricultural landscape of the tropical regions of the world, however, published scientific research on TMS in relation to surrounding soil and possible potential of TMS in agricultural production are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of moisture content on compaction and shear strength of TMS with a view to comparing it with the surro...

Apr, 2012 pp. 133-140

20

Research Article

Shear Strength and Compaction Characteristics of Termite Mound Soil (TMS)

Manuwa S I^*, Olawolu O E

Termite mounds are common features of agricultural landscape of the tropical regions of the world, however, published scientific research on TMS in relation to surrounding soil and possible potential of TMS in agricultural production are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of moisture content on compaction and shear strength of TMS with a view to comparing it with the surro...

Apr, 2012 pp. 133-140