Volume 24

Volume 24 (2014)

Published in 2014

Issues in this Volume

Issue 1 (April)

Articles in this Volume

23 articles
1
Research Article

Effect of Npk, Mg, Biochar. Compost and Oil-Palm Waste in Prenursery Oil-Palm Seedling Production

OSAHUME AONDONA*, EZEKIEL AKINKUNMI AKINRINDE

The effectiveness of organic fertilizer materials (decomposed Empty Fruit Bunch, EFB: Sunflower Compost, SFC; Palm-Oil Mill-Effluent, POME, Palm Kernel Cake, PKC and Biochar) for the production of oil-palm seedlings at the pre-nursery (four-month stage) were evaluated, using NPK Mg 12:12:17:2 as reference. In an initial pot experiment (employing 2 kg soil samples per 2.5 x 25 cm2 polythene bag), r...

Mar, 2026 pp. 100-107
2
Research Article

Geochemistry of Major Elemental Oxides on a Lithosequence in Kaduna State Nigeria

Lemuel Musa Maniyunda*, Bashiru Ademola Raji, Odunze Azubuike Chidowe, MALGWI W.B.

Geochemistry of major elemental oxides of soils developed on basement complex rocks namely: older granite (OG), migmatite gneiss (MG), mica schist (MS) and quartzites (QZ) was studied in Kaduna State. The contents of major elemental oxides were similar in the soils, except for K2O and TiO2 that varied significantly between the soils. Relative weathering intensity showed significant variation in al...

Apr, 2014 pp. 25-36
3
Research Article

Soil Fertility Assessment of a Shea (vitellariaparadoxa C.f. Gaertn ) Field at Bida, Niger State

OSAYANDE P.E.*, P.O. Oviasogie, AWANLEMHEN B.E., Orhue E. R.

Knowledge of the fertility status of soils is basic to managing them for optimum crop production. Fertility status of a cultivated Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn) field was assessed at Bida, Niger state. Soil samples were collected using auger and core methods, air-dried, sieved with a 2- mm sieve and analyzed for physical and chemical properties in the laboratory using standard methods. Th...

Apr, 2014 pp. 117-124
4
Research Article

Effect of Cropping System on Soil Profile Nutrient Contents

AWANLEMHEN B.E.*, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA

Four soil profile pits were dug under differing cropping systems at Nigerian Institute For Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) experimental plantations in Benin City and chemically analysed. Cropping systems were sole oil palm, oil palm with cassava, oil palm with plantain, and oil palm with coconut. Samples were collected at 0 – 20, 20 – 40, 40 – 60, 60 – 80 and 80 – 100cm depth and analyzed for K, P, Ca, ...

Apr, 2014 pp. 217-220
5
Research Article

Cowpea Yield Response to Sowing Dates and Irrigation Intervals

A. M. SAMNDI*, J. O. ICHI, S. MIKO, A. A. ADNAN

Four soil profile pits were dug under differing cropping systems at Nigerian Institute For Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) experimental plantations in Benin City and chemically analysed. Cropping systems were sole oil palm, oil palm with cassava, oil palm with plantain, and oil palm with coconut. Samples were collected at 0 – 20, 20 – 40, 40 – 60, 60 – 80 and 80 – 100cm depth and analyzed for K, P, Ca, ...

Apr, 2014 pp. 207-216
6
Research Article

Investigation of Mycorrhizae Populations of Roots and Rhizosphere Soil of Plantain (musa Spp)at the Various Agro-Ecogicalzones in Cross River State

O.S. BELLO*, E.O. ATURE

The study was conducted during 2009/2010 dry season at locations (11o 58’ N, 8o 25’E and 110 39’N, 080 027’ E) both located in the Sudan Savanna Ecological Zone of Nigeria. The study was aimed at evaluating the response of cowpea varieties to sowing dates and irrigation intervals. The treatments consisted of three cowpea varieties (IT93K-452-1, Achishru and IT97K-205-8), three sowing dates (Early-...

Apr, 2014 pp. 201-206
7
Research Article

Impact of Organic Amendments on the Growth of Maize (zea Mays L.) and Chemical Properties of Acid Sulphate and Coastal Plain Soil

IKPE F. N.*, NWONUALA A. I., IHEANACHO CHIKA H.

The study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AM) infection in plantain(Musa spp) roots and population of spore in rhizosphere soils. Samples of roots and rhizophere soils were collected from the various ecological zones in Cross River State, Nigeria with locations at Lishikwel and Ablesang in Obanliku Local government area. Others include Boki, Etung, Obubra, ...

Apr, 2014 pp. 191-200
8
Research Article

Effects of Mycorrhizal Inoculation and Crop Rotation on Maize Growth and Biomass Production

AMUSAT M.A*, OSONUBI O, OYETUNJI O.J

In a pot experiment, this study examined the impact of selected organic amendments on coastal plain and acid sulphate soils. Maize was used as a test crop. The treatments were as follows: cattle manure (cm), sheep manure (sm), mushroom production waste (mpw), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) biomass (whb) and urea. A completely randomized design with four replicates was used. Routine laborato...

Apr, 2014 pp. 183-190
9
Research Article

Effect of Gully Erosion on Soil Properties in Some Soils of Edo State, Nigeria

OLEGHE E.E*, CHOKOR J.U.

The research was carried out to investigate the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and crop rotation on the growth and biomass production of maize. Maize as a staple food is grown in almost all part of the world but the threat to its sustainable production is declining soil nutrients. It had been reported that continuous use of chemical fertilizer has negative effects on ecological system and can ...

Apr, 2014 pp. 174-182
10
Research Article

Soil Chemical Properties and Nutrient (n, P, K )uptake as Affected by Residual Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers.

Olowokere F. A.*, ADESODUN Johnson Kayode, BABALOLA O. A., AKINTOKUN Pius Oluwagbemiga, ADEYEYE A. A

A study of gully erosion effects on soil properties in some soils of Edo State. Nigeria was investigated under natural conditions in five (5) gully sites from four Local Government Areas (Ekehuan Road in Oredo L.G.A. Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Esan West L.G.A., University of Benin Campus in Ovia North East L.G.A., Agbo Motor Park Road and Temboga in Ikpoba Okha L.G.A.). Control and gully s...

Apr, 2014 pp. 167-173
11
Research Article

Profile Distribution of Selected Essential Micronutrients in Paddy Soils of Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria

AHUKAEMERE C.M.*, NKWOPARA U.N., EKPENYONG O.S

Frequency of fertilizer application should be closely monitored to prevent excessive nutrient supply and environmental pollution. A field experiment was carried out in 2010 planting season at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) to determine the residual effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil properties and maize yield. The treatments used were: compost (CP) derive...

Apr, 2014 pp. 158-166
12
Research Article

Characterization and Fertility Status of Wetland Soils in Abia State Agro-Ecological Zone of Southeastern Nigeria.

AHUKAEMERE C.M.*, ESHETT E.T, AHIWE C.

The realization of the potentials of paddy soils necessitates taking the inventory of their micronutrients status. The available micronutrients status of soils of two varying paddy lands (upland and lowland) were studied. A random soil survey technique was used in field sampling. Four representative soil profiles, two in each paddy soil type were dug. Soil samples were collected from the profiles ...

Apr, 2014 pp. 147-157
13
Research Article

Fertility Management Effects on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties Under Long-Term Maize Cropping in an Alfisol in Northern Guinea Savanna Zone

Eche N .M*, Amapu I. Y, Bruns M.A, Odunze Azubuike Chidowe, Uyovbisere E

Long-term productivity and sustainability of agro-ecosystems has been of great concern in agriculture for decades, hence development of various new approaches designed to maintain and protect soil resources in the Nigeria Northern Guinea Savanna. Intensive cultivation of land requires continuous application of inorganic fertilizers, especially N fertilizers and organic amendments to maintain soil ...

Apr, 2014 pp. 134-146
14
Research Article

Effects of Sole and Combined Applications of Organic Manures and Urea on Soil Properties and Yield of Fluted Pumpkin (telfairia Occidentalis, Hook F.

IREN O. B.*, JOHN N. M., IMUK E. A.

Field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Calabar to compare the effects of sole and combined use of organic manure and urea on soil properties and yield of fluted pumpkin during 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons. There were seven treatments consisting of sole and the combinations of organic manures and urea with a rate of 100 kg N/ha, regarded as full dose...

Apr, 2014 pp. 125-133
15
Research Article

Characterization and Classification of Obudu Mountains Steep Hillside Soils.

ESSOKA A. N.*, ESSOKA P. A

Soil characterization helps us understand soils better which leads to their classification into categories. The steep hillside soils of three Obudu mountain ranges were selected for profile study for their morphological and physicochemical properties at Belekete, Bottom Hill and Belinge. The soils were well-drained and deeply weathered. The mean percentage of sand, silt and clay were 54 %, 59 % an...

Apr, 2014 pp. 1-12
16
Research Article

Assessment of Degradation in Soils of Transplanted Shea Tree (vitellaria Paradoxa Gartn C. F.)under Two Land Use Types at Bida, Niger State

OSAYANDE P.E.*, P.O. Oviasogie, EKEBAFE M.O, MAIDOH F.U.

Land use affects the fertility and management of soils. The influence of contrary land use types imposed on a Shea field was studied at NIFOR Substation, Bida, Niger state. The field, a sparse grass fallow measuring a 100m X 100m was demarcated into two equal halves. A portion of it was cleared and planted to melon while the sparse grass fallow was retained in the other portion. Composite surface ...

Apr, 2014 pp. 108-116
17
Research Article

Effect of Different Rates and Types of Fertilizers on Growth of Improved Coconut (cocos Nucifera)seedlings

AONDONA O.*, Ilori E.G., AWANLEMHEN B.E., UDOH M., OKONJO P.N

Comparative effects of different rates of inorganic and organic fertilizers on the performance of improved coconut palms (hybrid and dwarf cultivars) were evaluated using coconut seedlings planted in 15kg soils in polythene bags at screen house of NIFOR main station, Benin City, Edo State. The reference fertilizer used was NPK Mg 12:12:17:2 and was applied at rate 0, 28, 42, 56 and 72g/pot (this w...

Apr, 2014 pp. 93-99
19
Research Article

Yield of Sorghum and Millet as Affected by Rice Husk – Mulch on a Sandy Loam Soil in Maiduguri, Semi-Arid North-East Nigeria

EZE P. C.*, ALHASSAN2, A. B., Samson Joshua Kwari, DADA Y. M.., TSADO P. A., LAWAN A. N..

A split-plot experiment with four replications was conducted at two sites in Maiduguri, Semi-arid North-East Nigeria to evaluate the influence of three rates of rice husk-mulch on the growth and yield of sorghum and millet on sandy loam soil. Rice husk was uniformly applied on the soil surface of plots measuring 8 m x 4 m. Crop husbandry was carried out. After crop harvest, grain yield, stover yie...

Apr, 2014 pp. 72-79
20
Research Article

Effects of Rice Bran-Mulch on the Growth of Sorghum and Millet in Maiduguri, Semi-Arid North-East Nigeria.

EZE P. C.*, ALHASSAN2, A. B., TSADO P. A., Onyekwere I N, Samson Joshua Kwari, DADA Y. M..

In 2009, an experiment was carried out under rain-fed conditions at two sites to evaluate the influence of three rates of rice bran-mulch on the growth of sorghum and millet on a sandy loam soil in Maiduguri, Semi-arid North-east Nigeria. The study comprised six treatments replicated four times and laid out in a split-plot design. Following land preparation, rice bran was uniformly applied on the ...

Apr, 2014 pp. 59-71
21
Research Article

Soils and Urban Land Use Planning: a Case Study of Makurdi Urban Centre, Benue State of Nigeria

S. IDOGA*

Frequent cases of human displacement, loss of properties and sometimes lives caused by seasonal floods in Makurdi Urban Centre in recent times necessitated a pedological investigation on the soils of the town. Six soil profile pits were sunk in selected areas of Makurdi, two in the high lying area of Makurdi North Bank and four others in the low lying areas of the South Bank settlement. The invest...

Apr, 2014 pp. 51-58
22
Research Article

Morphological and Physical Properties of Soils on Basement Complex in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

MANIYUNDA L.M.*, Bashiru Ademola Raji, Odunze Azubuike Chidowe, MALGWI W.B.

Soils developed on four basement complexes, namely Older Granites (OG), Quartzites (QZ), Mica Schists (MS) and Migmatite Gneiss (MG) were studied on crest position in Northern Guinea Savanna of Kaduna State, Nigeria with a view to examine their morphological and physical properties and suggest management options. The results indicated that parent materials significantly influenced soil depth, stru...

Apr, 2014 pp. 37-51
23
Research Article

Assessment of Land Use Pattern and Land Form on Selected Physico-Chemical Properties of Soils Developed on Basement Complex-Sedimentary Transitional Zone of South Western Nigeria

AJIBOYE G. A.*, OLANIYAN J. O., BOSIAKO C., OYETUNDE O. O.

The effects of cropping practices and soil management on the properties of basement complex- sedimentary transitional zone soils in South Western Nigeria was assessed using soil samples from the pedogenic horizons of ten profile pits dug on two land-use systems (subsistence and experimental farms) and two toposequence. The land use significantly (P

Apr, 2014 pp. 13-24
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