Volume 26 (2016)

1

Research Article

Characteristics of Soils Along a Toposequence in Ishiagu, Eastern Nigeria and Its Relation to Potential Agricultural Landuse.

Nsor M.E.^*, Adesemuyi E.A

The soil along a toposequence in Isiagu, Eastern Nigeria was studied to establish its influence on soil properties and its relation to potential agricultural use. In order to characterize and classify the soil, three pedons were dug along the toposequence at the crest, middle slope and valley bottom. The soils were characterized in terms of their morphological, physical and chemical properties. Th...

Apr, 2026 pp. 78-86

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

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

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

14

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

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

16

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

17

Research Article

Characterization of Biochar Produced from Diverse Feedstocks Used as Amendment on Acidic Ultisols at Umudike, Abia State.

Onwuka, M.I.^*, Nwangwu B.C

Biochar is used as a soil amendment to improve soil nutrients for crop production. The nutrient contents of biochar depend on the type of feedstock, pyrolysis types and temperature among others. In this study, it was hypothesized that biochar produced from different feedstock at the same temperature will have different effects on soil properties. To verify this, a pot experiement was set up at the...

May, 2016 pp. 254-264

18

Research Article

Effects of Application of Compost and Inorganic P on Soil Chemical Properties and Maize (zea Mays L.) Growth in an Ultisol.

Ekundayo R . A.^*, Olayinka A.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of separate and combined applications of composted poultry droppings and inorganic P on soil chemical properties and maize (Zea mays L.) growth in an Ultisol. The study was carried out in the screenhouse at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (latitude 70 321 N and 70 331 N and longitudes 40 321 E and 40 401 E). Bulk top soil (0-15 cm) sample was col...

Apr, 2016 pp. 58-67

19

Research Article

Assessment of Nickel Status Based on Land Use in Selected Soil of Southwest, Nigeria

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

Contrary to the increased alarm that nickel is a soil pollutant, nickel is an essential micronutrient for the growth and development of legume and cereal crops. This study was carried out to assess the status of nickel (Ni) in four different soils under cultivated, fallowed, forest and dumpsite land use and determine the best extractant to be used for Nickel extraction from soil solution. Twenty-f...

Apr, 2016 pp. 190-200

20

Research Article

Effect of Cassava Mill Effluent on Microbial Population and Composition in a Soil Planted to Maize (zea Mays L.)

Abhanzioya, M. I.^*, Ogboghodo, I. A, I.O. Osemwota

Experiment was carried out at Ambrose Alli University Teaching and Research Farm, Ekpoma, Edo State, to determine the effect of cassava mill effluent (CASME) on microbial population and composition in a soil planted to maize (Zea mays) in the screen-house and field. In the screen-house, cassava mill effluent (CASME) had five levels (0, 20, 40, 80 and 120 ml/kg soil) that were fitted into Completel...

Apr, 2016 pp. 164-170

21

Research Article

Distribution of Forms of Potassium in Soils Cultivated to Shea (vitellaria Paradoxa C.f. Gaertn) Trees at Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

OSAYANDE P.E.^*, P.O. Oviasogie, Orhue, Ehi Robert, Udoh, J. J

The distribution of potassium forms was studied at Bida, Niger state as part of the Shea butter tree domestication effort of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research. Soil samples were obtained with the aid of a soil auger at 0-15 and 15-30 cm. The soil samples were air dried, sieved with a 2 mm sieve and analyzed for some physical, chemical and potassium forms using standard methods. Results ...

Apr, 2016 pp. 325-333

22

Research Article

Effect of Goat and Poultry Manure Application on Selected Soil Properties and Yield of Garden Egg (solanum Melongena) on Acid Sand of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria.

Okon, E. Udoh^*, Usoro, I. E, Effiong, G. S.

Field research was conducted at the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm in 2003 to determine the effect of goat and poultry manure application on selected soil Physico-Chemical properties, and yield of garden egg (Solanum melongena).The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replicates. Animal manure treatments were applied at 4 levels, Control [O t/ha],...

Apr, 2016 pp. 319-324

23

Research Article

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and Fertilizers on Soil Chemical Properties, Growth and Fibre Yield of Kenaf (hibiscus Cannabinus Linn.) in a Nutrient Degraded Soil

Bada B. S^*

This study determined effects of fertilizers and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) inoculation on soil chemical properties, growth and fibre yield of kenaf. The experimental design was split-plot in Randomized Complete Block Design. Mycorrhizal inoculation was the main plot: with mycorrhiza (M+) and without (M-) and twelve fertilizer levels as the sub-plot: 0, NPK 20:10:10 (60 kg N ha-1), purely compost...

Apr, 2016 pp. 295-310

24

Research Article

Effect of Nitrogen and Micronutrients on Grain Yield of Maize Varieties in the Northern Guinea Savanna Alfisol.

B. T. Olowookere^*, Uyovbisere E, OJENIYI STEPHEN OLUSOLA

Field experiments were conducted in 2008 and 2009 in the Guinea Savanna ecology of Nigeria to investigate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer and micronutrients on the grain yield of two quality maize and two normal maize varieties. The treatments were four rates of inorganic fertilizer N (0, 50, 100, 150 kg Nha-1) and two rates of cocktail micronutrient mixtures. These were tested in a Randomized ...

Apr, 2016 pp. 265-271

25

Research Article

An Assessment of Land Use/cover Using Conventional and Satellite Data in Tomas Irrigtion Scheme, Kano, North - Western Nigeria.

Sulaiman Yau Lawan^*, B. A. Raji, MALGWI W.B., Uyovbisere E, Manasseh E.A.

Soil is a life supporting system upon which human beings have been dependent from the dawn of civilization. Hence comprehensive information on soil resources, its potentials, limitations and capabilities are required for a variety of purpose, which includes sustainable agriculture, reclamation of degraded lands among others. Data from SPOT 5 (2005), a satellite image and ERDAS, a geographic Inform...

Apr, 2016 pp. 154-163

26

Research Article

Comparative Effects of Organic Manures and Npk Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Okra (abelmoschus Esculentus (l.) Moench) on Ultisol

Nnah, M.B^*, Isirima, C.B, Ezekiel, P. O, Umesi, N

Experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku – Rivers State, in the humid tropics of South-South Nigeria to study effects of organic manures (poultry manure, cow dung and palm bunch ash) and nitrogen - phosphorus - potassium fertilizer (15-15-15) on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, leaf area, pod weight and d...

Apr, 2016 pp. 101-107

27

Research Article

Effect of Phosphorus and Sulphur on Oil Content of Sesame Varieties (research Communication)

Jahun H. A.^*, Samndi M. A., S. G. Mohammed

Information on phosphorus sulphur fertilizer requirements of some new sesame varieties in Semi-Arid ecological regions is deficient therefore the need to evaluate the effects of P and S has become necessary.Two sets of experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of phosphorus and sulphur on the oil content of sesame (Sesame indicum L.). The experiment was conducted during 2009 raining seas...

Apr, 2016 pp. 36-40

28

Research Article

Determination of Some Soil Physico - Chemical Properties of an Ultisol as Influenced by Npk Fertilizer and Cropping Ratios of Maize (zea Mays L. ) – Egusi Melon (citrullus Colocynthis Hook L.) in Rainforest Area of Nigeria

Ehigiator J.O.^*, Okunima D.E., G.O. Iremiren, I. W. Oghiren

Field experiments were conducted (2009, 2010, 2011) at the Teaching and Research Farmland of the University of Benin to determine the effectof seven ratios (1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 1:2 and 1:3) of maize-egusi melon intercrop under four (0, 200, 400, 600 kg/ha) and six (0, 200, 400, 800, 1000 kg/ ha) levels of NPK fertilizers on some soil properties of an utilsol in Benin City, Nigeria. The result...

Apr, 2016 pp. 8-16

29

Research Article

Characterization and Taxonomic Classification of Some Basement Complex Soils in Kwara State

Bashiru Ademola Raji^*

The soils of the Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State were studied with the aim of characterizing and classifying them to provide the needed inputs into the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Government. Six soil mapping units were identified and designated YN1, YN2, YN3, YN4, YN5 and YN6. The soils were all formed on basement complex rocks, had deep weathered pedons and lateritic laye...

Apr, 2016 pp. 87-100