Volume 29 (2019)

1

Research Article

Characterization and Classification of the Soils of Bukuru - Jos, North Central Nigeria

Kwaghe, E.J.^*, Akamigbo, F.O.R., Igwe, C.L

Twelve profile pits were sunk, four in each of the three locations of Bukuru, the study area. Proper soil profile description was done and recorded to obtain field characterization data after which thirty-six soil samples were collected from all the genetic horizons for soil characterization. Bukuru soils showed higher sand fraction (71%) than silt (12%) and clay (17%) at the topsoil but showed in...

Aug, 2019 pp. 74-86

2

Research Article

Land Suitability Evaluation of the Wetland Soils of Obukiyo, Oju Lga of Benue State, Nigeria for Rice (oryza Sativa) Production

Ogbu O. J,^*, Idoga S., Abagyeh S. O. I, Usman, J.

The inland wetland soils of Obukiyo, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria were evaluated for the production of rice. The physical, chemical and morphological features of the soils were matched with the requirements of the crop (rice), and the overall suitability rating of the soils was obtained using limitation method. Unit 1 soils were rated as marginally suitable (S3) for rice produ...

Aug, 2019 pp. 7-17

3

Research Article

Characterization and Classification of Soils of Obukiyo, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Ogbu, O.J.^*, Idoga S., Abagyeh S. O. I, Ugese, F.D, Usman, J.

Soils of Obukiyo, Oju Local Government Area of Benue State were studied using the grid method of soil survey with a view to characterize, classify and evaluate their potentials for sustainable crop production. Four soil units were identified on the field based on soil colour, texture, surface characteristics, topography and depth to water table. Two pits were sunk in each soil unit, described and ...

Aug, 2019 pp. 18-26

4

Research Article

Comparative Potential Effects of Biochar, Compost and Inorganic Fertilizer on Major Nutrient Ions Mobility and Stability in Screen - House Irrigated Maize in the Drier Savannas of Nigeria

Dawaki M. U.^*, Aliyu Abdulqadir, Bassam Abdulrahman Lawal

A screen-house experiment was conducted in the dry season of 2017 to evaluate the potential effect of organic and inorganic soil amendments on the mobility and stability of significant plant nutrient ions. 5 t ha-1 compost or Biochar were applied to pot-grown maize to compare their effect with NPK at the rate of 120: 60: 60 kg ha-1 and a control. Soil solution was sampled with lysimeters at varyin...

Aug, 2019 pp. 122-132

5

Research Article

Effects of Different Organic Amendment Sources on the Physico Chemical Properties of a Nutrient Depleted Vertisol

Moji K.T^*, Jibrin M. J., Umar F. G., Bashir A.Y

The decline in soil organic matter, nutrient depletion, and loss of soil fertility due to soil degradation contribute to low agricultural productivity. Organic amend- ments (OAs) have the potentials to reverse soil degradation processes by improv- ing the soil's physical and chemical properties and consequently improve crop growth and yield performance. At Cranfield University, United Kingdom, a g...

Apr, 2019 pp. 68-73

6

Research Article

Water Characteristics of Soils Under Different Rates of Poultry Manure in an Ultisol of Southeastern Nigeria

Enyioko C. O^*, Akande S. O, Okon, A. B

The effect of different rates of poultry manure application on water characteris-tics of Oforola soils was studied. The different poultry manure rates were 0, 10, 20, and 30 t/ha, while the soil properties studied were particle size distribution, bulk density, porosity, organic matter, saturated hydraulic conductivity, volumet-ric water content, volumetric infiltration rate, sorptivity and water r...

Apr, 2019 pp. 27-34

7

Research Article

Evaluation of Selected Soil Structural Properties of Different Land Uses in Oforola, Imo State, Nigeria

Enyioko C. O^*, Akande S. O, Kamalu O J., Nwokocha C.C

This study centered on evaluating selected soil structural properties of different land uses in Oforola, Imo State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from six different land-use types, namely, secondary forest, bush fallow, bare plot, cassava cultivated plot, oil palm plantation, and grassland vegetation. Soil auger was used to collect soil samples from each of the land use types at two (2) dep...

Apr, 2019 pp. 35-42

8

Research Article

Effects of Parent Material and Land Use on the Variability of Available Cu in a Wetland Soil Under Long - Term Farming System

Eteng, E.U.^*

The study was carried out in the dry season to evaluate the variation in available Cu in wetland soil under long-term farming systems. Twenty four surface (0-20 cm) composite soil samples of acidic nature were obtained and analyzed for available Cu in the soils using five extractants (0.01M HCl, Coca-cola, 0.05M EDTA, 0.05M DTPA, and 1N NH4OAc) respectively. Some important soil char-acteristics li...

Apr, 2019 pp. 43-53

9

Research Article

Appraisal and Mapping of Soil Salinity and Sodicity Problems in Sector One of Watari Irrigation Scheme, Kano State.

Bashir A.Y^*, Samndi A. M., Adam M.A, Moji K.T, Auwal M.

One of the main reasons for the loss of productive land in irrigated fields is the buildup of salinity in the soil. In the watari irrigation Scheme, no systematic ap-praisal and mapping have been made before within the sector. The study area was selected after a reconnaissance survey based on the farmer's complaint about the low production. Global positioning system (GPS) was used to record the co...

Apr, 2019 pp. 54-60

10

Research Article

Comparative Effect of Groundnut (arachis Hypogea L.) Genotypes on Yield and N Fixation in Sudan and Northern Guinea Savannahs of Nigeria

Moji K.T^*, Jibrin M. J., Umar F. G., Bashir A.Y

Recognition of high yielding and nitrogen (N) fixing groundnut genotypes and desegregating them in the cereal-based cropping systems common in savannah regions will enhance food security and reduce the need for high N fertilizers hence, minimize the high cost and associated environmental consequences. Field trials were conducted during the 2015 growing season at the Research Farms of Bayero Univer...

Apr, 2019 pp. 61-67

11

Research Article

Evaluation of Agronomic Performance of Maize (zea Mays L.) Under Different Rates of Npk Fertilizer Application in an Ultisol of Lafia, Nassarawa State

Usman, J.^*, Idoga S., Abagyeh, S.O., Ugese, F.D, Ogbu, O.J.

The study was carried out in Lafia, Nassarawa State with the view to determine the optimum fertilizer rate for maize production among the Ultisols. The hybrid maize, Oba super II was used as a test crop while commercial NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer at the rates of 0: 0: 0, 60: 30: 30, 90: 45: 45, 120: 60: 60 and 150: 75: 75 kg/ha representing 0.48, 0.72, 0.96 and 1.20 kg/ha were applied to the hybrid...

Apr, 2019 pp. 136-141

12

Research Article

Evaluation and Classification of Soil Fertility Potentials of Gombi Area of Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria

Johnson, A., Saddiq A. M., Solomon, R. I^*, Ibrahim, A., Waizah, Y

A study was conducted to evaluate the soil fertility potential of Gombi area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. A total of eighty (80) soil samples composite from 0-20 and 20-50cm depths were collected from selected representative locations from the ten (10) wards of the study area and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Results obtained revealed that the texture of the soil ranged from sandy l...

Apr, 2019 pp. 87-95

13

Research Article

Short - Term Effect of Soil Tillage and Npk Fertilization Rates on Soil Carbon Sequestration and Yield of Colocasia Esculenta Schott in Two Micro - Environments in Se, Nigeria

ANIKWE M.A.N^*, Ikengannyia E. E

Quantification of soil organic carbon cycling as impacted by soil and crop man- agement practices is required for C storage and soil quality improvement investi- gations. This study assessed the short-term effect of conventional tillage (CT) and No-Tillage (NT) practices on SOC sequestration and yield of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta). The experiment was conducted simultaneously at two lo- cations ...

Apr, 2019 pp. 96-101

14

Research Article

Effect of Tillage and Maize - Cowpea Intercrop on Fractal Features of Particle and Aggregate Size Distribution on a Tropical Sandy Loam Soil in Southwest Nigeria

Adesodun.J. K.^*, Udom B. E., Adekunle A. O, Adejuyigbe C. O.,, Atayese M. O., Olowokere F. A., Mbila M., Oyegoke, C.O,

The effects of tillage and cropping pattern on soil aggregation, fractal dimensions and distribution of organic carbon fractions were studied. Treatments were no- tillage (NT), conventional tillage (CT), and four cropping patterns viz: sole maize, sole cowpea, maize-cowpea intercrops and control (no crop). Soil samples were analysed for particle size distribution (PSD), aggregation ratio (AR), mea...

Apr, 2019 pp. 102-109

15

Research Article

Geospatial Predictive Model for Estimating Soil Thermal Conductivity and Diffusivity of Owaza Gas Flaring Site , Southeastern Nigeria

Nwagbara, M.O^*, Irondi, A.O., Uzoma, K.C, Adesemuyi E.A

In this study, predictive model for estimating the soil thermal conductivity and diffusivity from fourteen different sample points around a horizontal gas flaring site was employed in two depths (0 – 15 cm and 15 – 30 cm). Seven of these points were within the gas flare bond wall. In contrast, other points were located outside the bond wall at varying distances in the direction of the flaring. Soi...

Apr, 2019 pp. 110-121

16

Research Article

Effect of Land Use Type on Organic C, Physical Properties and Stability Indices of Soils in Nanka Area, Southeast Nigeria

Uzoh I .N^*, Igwenagu C.M, Obalum S.E

This study was conducted in Ifite-Nanka, Orumba North L.G.A. in Anambra state, Nigeria. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of three land use types on soil organic carbon (SOC) and physical properties and to determine the factors that contributed to the stability of the eroded sites. Horizon variability of these soil parameters was also determined. The result showed that Oil palm pl...

Apr, 2019 pp. 133-140

17

Research Article

Characterization and Classification of Soils of a Toposequence at Osun Sacred Grove, Nigeria

Senjobi B.A.^*, Alabi K. O., AJIBOYE G. A., Adeofun C.O.

Rational use of forest resources without accurate knowledge of land and soil properties is a primary concern in achieving any millennium goal on afforestation. Hence, the morphological, physical and chemical properties of soils of a toposequence over coarse-grained granite gneiss at Osun sacred grove, in Osun State, south-Western Nigeria were studied. Three profile pits were dug under each land-us...

Apr, 2019 pp. 77-86

18

Research Article

Seasonal Inventory of Heavy Metals on Vehicular Polluted Soils and Roadside Distance Supporting Arable Crop Production in Umuahia Metropolis, Nigeria

Eteng E. U.^*

This study was conducted between February and September, 2018 to evaluate heavy metal concentrations of road dust soils supporting arable crop production along five major roads connecting the Umuahia Metropolis to surrounding cities. Thirty soil samples from five major roads were collected during the dry and wet seasons at 10 m, 20 m and 30 m distances from road edges. The heavy metals were analyz...

Apr, 2019 pp. 1-9

19

Research Article

Soil Mineralogical Characterization of Selected Carmine Alfisols and Plinthic Inceptisols of Funtua, Nigeria

Abdulrashid Shobayo Babatunde^*, Sulaiman Yau Lawan, Odunze Azubuike Chidowe

This study aimed to characterize the mineralogical properties of soils formed over a basement complex parent material in the Northern Guinea Savanna agro-ecology of Nigeria. The selected study site was in Funtua, Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Soil boundaries were delineated, and three soil individuals were identified, namely, Soil-map-unit-red-deep (SMURD) which covered e...

Apr, 2019 pp. 127-135

20

Research Article

Soil Mapping and in - Situ Soil Description of Selected Land Area of Funtua, Nigeria

Shobayo A.B.,^*, Sulaiman Yau Lawan, Tarfa, B.D.

The study was done to delineate soil mapping units and produce the soil map of a selected 10 000 ha land. Landsat imagery of the study area was acquired and used for land cover and land use identification. Digital Elevation Models (DEM) of 10 m resolution was also obtained to produce landforms and contour maps. A 10 000 ha land was delineated from the landform map and divided with grids at 400 m i...

Apr, 2019 pp. 111-126

21

Research Article

Physicochemical Properties of an Alfisol Under Fallow and Adjacent Forest Lands and Their Suitability for Cocoyam, Pigeon Pea and Sweet Potato Production in Nsukka, Southeastern Nigeria

Ugadu, M.E^*, Asadu, C.L.A

Forest land provides a wide range of ecosystem services such as reducing the impact of raindrops on the soil and maintenance of soil fertility, whereas fallowing is one method used in restoring the fertility status of degraded farmlands. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of an Alfisol under fallow and adjacent forestland, and their suitability for cocoyam, pigeon pea, and sweet p...

Apr, 2019 pp. 102-110

22

Research Article

Effects of Different Land Uses on Soil Quality and Degradation in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Basil E.C.^*, Senjobi B.A., Oyegoke, C.O,, Fabunmi, T.O.

A detailed soil survey was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farms of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The study aimed to determine the effects of different land-use types on some soil quality indicators and to examine the relationship among the land use types, soil quality indicators, and land degradation. Surface (0-15cm) and sub-surface (15-30 cm) soil samples were taken from...

Apr, 2019 pp. 87-101

23

Research Article

Variability of Some Soil Properties Along a Toposequence in a Basaltic Parent Material of Vom, Plateau State Nigeria

Mahmud A.T^*, Hassan I.M, Shehu B.M, Samndi M. A.

Topography influences the distribution of some soil physical and chemical properties. This study assessed some variation in soil properties resulting from the topographic effect on Basaltic parent material at Vom Jos Plateau State in the Southern Guinea zone of Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at an interval of 20 m and at depths of 0 to 15cm and 15 to 30 cm, parceled, labeled and taken to the...

Apr, 2019 pp. 70-76

24

Research Article

Some Selected Physical and Chemical Attributes of a Ustalf Under Different Tillage Practices at Dutse, Jigawa State Nigeria.

Nabayi, A.,^*, Girei, A. H., Usman, S.,, Abubakar, M.S., Haruna, F.D., Nkereuwem, M.E, Santuraki, H.A., Usman M. M

Different tillage practices are being employed by the farmers of Jigawa state, and as such, there is a need to determine its influence on some physical and chemical properties, so that farmers will base their choices on scientific facts rather than assumptions. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three tillage practices (TP) on soil properties in Federal University Dutse, Tea...

Apr, 2019 pp. 62-69

25

Research Article

Response of Soil Sustainability Indicators to the Changing Weather Patterns in Calabar, Southern Nigeria

Okon, P. B.^*, Nwosu, N. J., Isong, I. A.

The response of soil properties to changing weather variables revealed soil-environment functionality that is used to know whether soil quality is improving, remain constant or declining. This paper investigates the effects of weather variables (temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall) on soil quality and sustainability and its agro-meteorological implications. Soil samples were collected fro...

Apr, 2019 pp. 52-61

26

Research Article

Hydro - Geomorphic Study on Selected Soil Properties, Classification and Management Considerations of Soils on Alluvial Landforms in Southeastern Nigeria

Umeugochukwu O.P^*, Akamigbo, F.O.R., Chude, V.O, Eze P.N

The soils were characterized with regards to their macro morphology, physicochemical properties and heavy metal contents. This is to infer their pedogenesis and propose agrotechnology transfers as well as management considerations necessary for sustainable cultivation. Reconnaissance survey was used for initial soil identification. Two categories of the flood plain soils were identified viz. the l...

Apr, 2019 pp. 45-51

27

Research Article

Sediment Yield, Detachment, and Runoff from Soil Under Selected Parent Materials in Southeastern Nigeria

Agim, L.C^*, Igwe, C.A

Soil degradation due to water erosion among other causes has been a major problem in southeastern Nigeria, therefore a study was conducted to determine sediment yield, detachment, and runoff from soil under selected parent material in southeastern Nigeria. The objective was to characterize the selected soils in terms of their physical and chemical parameters, carry out rainfall simulation, and to ...

Apr, 2019 pp. 35-44

28

Research Article

Enhancing Maize (zea Mays L.) Growth and Nutrient Uptake Via Application of Water Hyacinth (eichornia Crassipes [mart.] Solms) Compost and Inorganic Nutrients

Atere, C.T^*, Olayinka A.

A soil culture experiment was conducted in the screenhouse to assess the growth response of maize to water hyacinth compost application rates and their residual effects. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes [Mart.] Solms) compost, namely, 2.5 t ha-1(W1) and 5.0 t ha-1 (W2) with and without fortification with fertilizer, F [N (25 kg ha-1 as urea) and P (26 kg ha-1 as SSP)] were mixed with portions ...

Apr, 2019 pp. 27-34

29

Research Article

Comparative Yield of Bell Pepper (capsicum Annuum L.) on Different Soil Series in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

Olufunmi O. O^*, Adeoye G. O

Climatic change and its accompanying adverse effects on the cultivation of crops such as bell pepper - an important fruit vegetable requires adaptable technology strategy at low or no cost to poor resource farmers. Growing bell pepper on soils considered less suitable could be an adaptation strategy to mitigate the effect of climate change on bell pepper production. Field trials were conducted at ...

Apr, 2019 pp. 21-26

30

Research Article

A Study of Soil Factors in Relation to Erosion and Land Use on a Nigeria Soil

Ufinomue, O.E.^*, Ehis- Iyoha, E

An assessment of the effects of erosion on the soil productivity of Agbor area of Delta State, Southern Nigeria was evaluated. The investigation involved three (3) soils (Virgin forest, Arable cropping and Traffic soils) with history of erosion. The aggregate stability, mean weight diameter (MWD) and state aggregation of soil of the area was studied, since these soils properties have direct relati...

Apr, 2019 pp. 17-20

31

Research Article

Performance of Horton Infiltration Model in Predicting the Infiltration Capacity of Some Soils of the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

Girei, A. H.^*, Nabayi, A.,, Aliyu, J.,, Garba, J,, Hashim, S.A.,, Alasinrin, S.Y., Abdullahi, M Y

Infiltration study is very crucial in modelling water requirement of crops during their growth season. Infiltration rate measurements were carried out on dryland areas of Sokoto, Sudan savanna ecological zone of Nigeria, using the double ring infiltrometer. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were used to determine some physical characteristics (Texture, Saturated hydraulic Conductivity, partic...

Apr, 2019 pp. 10-16