Volume 32 (2022)

1

Research Article

Effect of Oil Palm Cultivation on the Micronutrient Status of Soils in a Coastal Plain Sands Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Chukwu E. D^*, B. T. Udoh, Nnabuihe, E, Okoli N. H, Osisi A. F

High levels of micronutrients may cause metabolic disorders and become growth inhibitors to most plant species. Therefore, the study assessed the levels of micronutrients in soils under oil palm cultivation in a coastal plain sands area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Three oil palm blocks of varying ages, l7 years (B-17), 39 years (B-39) and 57 years (B-57) and no oil palm block (B-O), which served ...

Aug, 2022 pp. 14-20

2

Research Article

Use of Point - Based Pedotransfer Function to Predict Field Capacity of the Soil in Nsukka Area, Southeast Nigeria

Obidike-Ugwu E. O.^*, M.E. Obi, Anikwe M. A. N

Point-based pedotransfer functions are attractive for modelling soil water content, however, they have not been widely applied to predict field capacity (FC) of weathered tropical ultisols. Determination of field capacity at Nsukka area, was carried out using field and laboratory methods. Soils in the location were gravelly (Plots E and F) while others (Plots A, B, C and D) were deep and permeable...

Aug, 2022 pp. 76-84

3

Research Article

Forms of Zinc, Cobalt, and Chromium in Soils Cultivated to Oil Palm and Rubber in the Rainforest

EMOMU Adams^*, Ehis- Iyoha E.

The study aimed to determine the status of six forms of Zinc (Zn), Cobalt (Co), and Chromium (Cr) in soils cultivated for Oil palm and Rubber in the rainforest belt of Nigeria. Soils were collected from 2 (Oil palm and Rubber) plantations using a Randomized complete block design from 4 depths in 3 replications to make a total of 24 soil samples. A Laboratory experiment was conducted in the soil an...

Aug, 2022 pp. 59-64

4

Research Article

Influence of Oil Palm Cultivation on Topsoil Properties in Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, Akwa Ibom State

Chukwu E. D^*, B. T. Udoh, Afangide, A. I, Osisi A. F

The thin layer of soil covering the surface of the earth represents the difference between survival and extinction for most land-based life. Four oil palm blocks of varying ages: 57 years (B-57), 39 years (B-39), 17 years (B-17), and no oil palm block (B-0), which served as the control, were identified and used for the study. The result showed that in B-0, B-17, B-39 and B-57, 7 (22.58%), 10 (32.2...

Aug, 2022 pp. 10-13

5

Research Article

Biofortification of Agricultural Effluents on Translocation and Accumulation of Micronutrients Content in Cucumber (cucumis Sativus) Plants Grown in a Coastal Plain Sand Soil South - South Ecological Zone, Nigeria

Ernest U. Eteng^*

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of agricultural effluents on Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, partitioned in cucumber plants. Eight treatments, cassava mill effluent (CME), palm oil mill effluent (POME), poultry waste effluent PWE and their combinations were biofortified on cucumber plants. Samples were collected from the amended soils and plant parts (roots, shoots and fruits) and analyzed for ...

Aug, 2022 pp. 136-143

6

Research Article

Pedological Characterization and Classification of Soils Underlain by Basement Complex at the Mambilla Plateau, Nigeria

Osujieke D.N.^*, Idoga S., Abagyeh S. O. I, Ugese, F.D

The study aimed to characterize and classify selected soils underlain by a basement complex at the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State Northeast, Nigeria. A total of 12 pedons were dug to represent sampling units. Soil samples from the pedogenetic horizons of the pedons were collected after profile description, processed and analyzed. The pedons were very deep (> 150 cm) except for pedon 3, which was...

Aug, 2022 pp. 21-32

7

Research Article

Characterization and Classification of Some Flood Plain Soils in the Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

Azagaku E.D.^*, Usman, J., Ogbu O. J,

Soils of GidanTindi and Jangwa flood plains, Awe Local Government Area of Nassarawa State were studied using the reconnaissance method of soil survey with a view to characterized, classify and evaluate their potentials for sustainable crop production. The flood plain is a low-lying area found East of Awe Local Government Area, Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. Six soil units were identified on the ...

Aug, 2022 pp. 125-135

8

Research Article

Geospatial Distribution of Soil Reaction in Central Southeastern Nigeria

Onyechere A U^*, Onweremadu E. U, Aririguzo, B. N, AHUKAEMERE C.M.

The study applied Geographic Information System (GIS) in the Study of Soil Acidity Distribution in Soils of Central Southeastern Nigeria from six different parent materials, namely Imo Clay Shale, Ajali Sandstone, Asu River group, Afikpo Sandstone, Ogwashi-Asaba formation and Bende Ameki formation. Free soil survey method was used to site the eighteen profile pits investigated. The pits were geo-r...

Aug, 2022 pp. 111-116

9

Research Article

Suitability Evaluation for Elaeis Guineensis, Cocos Nucifera and Theobroma Cacao Cultivation on Some Soils of Isua Community in Edo State, Nigeria

Okunsebor F. E^*, Umweni A. S., Agege R. U, Agbonfo, R.O

This study was conducted on a 128-hectare land in Isua community of Edo state to assess its suitability for Oil palm, Coconut and Cocoa cultivation. Rigid grid Soil survey methodology at detailed scale was done which produced four mapping units. The soils were classified according to USDA soil taxonomy and local series, three soil orders were classified in the study area (Entisols-Ahiara, Inceptis...

Aug, 2022 pp. 65-75

10

Research Article

Characterization and Classification of Soil - Landform Features in Nigeria's Sokoto - Rima Floodplains

Talha I. Z^*, Noma, S. S, Ibrahim Babagana Buji, Danmowa N. M, Adamu I.

The study was to identify and classify soils in floodplains along the Wamakko area of Sokoto-Rima in Nigeria. After profiling, samples taken from each horizon were identified, characterized, and classified into four soil types: pedons 1 and 4 (Vertisols) and pedons 2 and 3 (Entisols). The results indicate an ideal pH range for most agronomic crops on the surface and subsurface horizons (pH 6.2–6.9...

Aug, 2022 pp. 1-9

11

Research Article

Kinetics of Phosphorus Sorption in Selected Soils of Southeastern Nigeria

Azu, Donatus E.O^*, V.E. Osodeke, Onwuka, M. I, Osisi A. F

This study investigated the phosphorus sorption kinetics of soils of varying parent material and soil depth in south east Nigeria. The parent materials studied were: Coastal Plain Sand, Basalt, Shale and Sandstone and the depths were: 0 – 20cm, 20-40cm and 40-60cm. Soil samples were collected from the different parent material in three replicates and a total of thirty-six composite samples were co...

Aug, 2022 pp. 85-94

12

Research Article

Ammonium Sorption Characteristics of Soils of Coastal Plain Sand in Owerri West Imo State

Osisi A. F^*, Azu, Donatus E.O, Agim, L.C, Chukwu E. D

Information on the ammonium sorption capacity of soils is very crucial in the development of sound ammonium fertilization and management. This study was therefore carried out to determine the ammonium sorption characteristics of soils of coastal plain sand formation in Owerri West LGA of Imo State. Samples were collected from three locations (FUTO, Ihiagwa and Umuokanne), at three depths (0-15, 15...

Aug, 2022 pp. 105-110

13

Research Article

Sustainability of Crop Production in Relation to Landscape Position and Soil Properties in Isiama, Abia State

Adesemuyi E.A^*, Iroha J. N, Chukwu, G. O.

The research was carried out at Isiama in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria to examine the relationship between landscape positions and some selected soil properties. The soil units studied occupied different landscape positions and were identified as the summit (EJ-1), upper (EJ-2), middle (EJ-3) and foot (EJ-4) slope classes, on 3%, 7%, 2.5% and 1% slopes respectively. O...

Aug, 2022 pp. 53-58

14

Research Article

Land Suitability Evaluation for the Production of Maize (zea Mays) and Groundnut (arachis Hypogaea L.) Using Parametric and Non - Parametric Methods in Mambilla Plateau, Nigeria

Osujieke D.N.^*, Idoga S., Abagyeh S. O. I, Ugese, F.D

The study aimed to evaluate the land suitability for the production of maize (Zea mays) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in selected soils of the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna local government area in Taraba State Northeast, Nigeria. Land suitability for maize and groundnut production was evaluated both by the conventional (non-parametric) and parametric methods. A total of 12 pedons were dug to...

Aug, 2022 pp. 33-41

15

Research Article

Evaluation of Farmyard Manure and Urea on Growth, Yield and Cost Benefits of Rice (zea Mays L) (oryza Sativa L) in Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

Olowoake A.A.^*, Afe, A.I., Ojo, J.A, Yusuf, T. M., Subair, S.K.

Chemical fertilizers are become more and more expensive, making them unaffordable for smallholder farmers in Nigeria. This study compared the combined effects of farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers (prilled and granular urea) on growth, yield and cost benefits of rice. Field experiments were carried out in two locations (Malete and Shao) Kwara State, Nigeria during 2018 and 2019 cropping sea...

Aug, 2022 pp. 117-124

16

Research Article

Characterization, Classification and Suitability Evaluation of Soils on Three Geological Formations in Nsukka Area of Enugu State for Pepper Production

Umeugokwe C. P^*, Ajoagu G. M, Asadu, C.L.A

This study aimed to characterize, classify, and evaluate the soils on three geological formations in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria for pepper production. The geological formations included Upper Coal Measure (UCM), False Bedded Sandstone (FBS), and Nkporo Shale (NS). Three pedons were excavated to represent each of these geological formations. Soil properties were determined using appropriate methods. T...

Aug, 2022 pp. 95-104

17

Research Article

Soil Fertility and Productivity Test Analysis of Selected Soils of Evite Otu, Aguleri, Anambra East Lga, Anambra State

Adesemuyi E.A^*, Okonkwo E I, Nwaoba W. O, Onwuka, M. I

The study was carried out to assess the fertility and productivity potentials of selected soils of Evite Otu, Aguleri in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State, with a view to making adequate management practices for sustainable crop production in the area. Three mapping units were delineated using the transect method of soil survey. The properties of the surface soil of the units were examined for fer...

Aug, 2022 pp. 42-52

18

Research Article

Fertility Status of Fadama Soils in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

Ojobor Smart^*, Aimufia, Precious Nosakhare

An experiment investigated the fertility status of fadama soils in the Asaba environment, Delta State. The study area was divided into twelve blocks, and ten representative soil samples were taken from each block to form one composite sample that was air-dried at room temperature and sieved with a 2 mm sieve. Particle size distribution, soil pH, organic carbon, total N, available P, exchangeable b...

Apr, 2022 pp. 72-76

19

Research Article

Comparative Effects of Two Formulated Agricultural Wastes and Inorganic Fertilizer on the Performance of Tomato (solanum Lycopersicum L.) on a Derived Savanna Alfisol

Aboyeji, C. M^*, Akodu, F. O, Ige, S. A

A potted experiment was conducted during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons at the screen house of the Research Farm of the Bio-fuel and Alternate Renewable Energy Ltd, Edidi, Kwara State, in the derived savanna of Nigeria, to compare the effects of two formulated agricultural wastes (kola nut pod and cocoa pod) and NPK fertilizer on the performance of tomato. Treatment includes three levels each ...

Apr, 2022 pp. 112-116

20

Research Article

Soil Suitability Evaluation for Maize in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State Nigeria

Magaji M. J^*, Samndi M. A., Ado A A, Buji I. B., Abubakar M. A.

The soils of Lere (Saminaka) in Kaduna state, Northern Guinea Savanna climatic zone were evaluated for suitability of maize (Zea mays) cultivation, employing various methods. Data were obtained through field study and laboratory analyses. Three soil Units were delineated, and one profile was sunk in each of the soil units. The profiles were described according to the USDA soil survey manual, and s...

Apr, 2022 pp. 25-29

21

Research Article

Magnesium Forms in Bulk and Grain Size Fractions of Soils of Contrasting Land - Uses in Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria

Uzoho B. U^*, Irokwe I. F, Okoli N. H

Magnesium contents in bulk and grain size soil fractions from 2 soil depths (0-20 and 20-40 cm) of 5 land uses (Yam, fluted pumpkin, cassava, pineapple and plantain) in three locations (Amuzari, Umuaka and Ngor-Okpala) in Imo state were evaluated. Total, mineral/structural, acid extractible/non-exchangeable, exchangeable, water-soluble and available Mg were subjected to ANOVA and means separated u...

Apr, 2022 pp. 61-71

22

Research Article

Geographic Information System (gis) Approach in Suitability Study of Asu River Group Soils of Old Ohaozara - Southeastern Nigeria for Rice Production

Obasi S. N.^*, Obasi C. C.

This research work was carried out in Ivo Local Government Area, Old Ohaozara, Southern Ebonyi State, Southeastern Nigeria. Using Digital Elevation Model (DEM) which is a component Geographic Information System (GIS). Yearly precipitation and relative humidity scored 95% in all the investigated pedons which included Upland, Lowland, and Irrigated soils placing them in Suitability class 1 (S1) whil...

Apr, 2022 pp. 53-60

23

Research Article

Comparative Effect of NPK Fertilizer, Poultry Manure and Rice Mill Waste on Soil Chemical Properties, Nutrient Content and Performance of Ginger (zingiber Officinale Roscoe) in Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria

Okeke V. N.^*, Nwangwu B.C

The study examined the comparative effect of NPK fertilizer, poultry manure and rice mill waste on soil chemical properties, nutrient content and performance of ginger in 2018 and 2019 at the National Root Crops Research Institute Farm, Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria, using ginger variety (UG 1) as the test crop. There were seven treatments consisting of sole and combinations of NPK15:15:15, poultr...

Apr, 2022 pp. 19-24

24

Research Article

Effects of Plant Mulch and Vine Care on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber (cucumis Sativus L.)

Abidemi, A. A^*, Ewulo, B. S, Aiyelari, O. P., Jiandong H.

Field experiments were conducted during the 2015 cropping seasons on a farmer’s farm, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria to study the effects of plant mulch and vine care on soil properties, leaf nutrient content, growth, and yield cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Plant mulch was applied as zero mulch (0 t ha-1 ), Tithonia diversifolia (10 t ha-1 ), Chromolaena odorata (10 t ha-1 ) and vine care as no st...

Apr, 2022 pp. 7-18

25

Research Article

Micronutrient Status of Grain Size Fractions in Soils of Land Uses in Mbano, Southeastern, Nigeria

Uzoho B.U.^*, Irokwe I. F.

Micronutrient status in grain size fractions provides information on the active soil fraction and the ability for stabilization against microbial decomposition. Total, available, exchangeable and water-soluble Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in bulk and grain size soil fractions were evaluated in three land use types (Cassava, Cashew and Oil palm) in Ehime Mbano, Southeastern, Nigeria. Also, using correlation a...

Apr, 2022 pp. 37-44

26

Research Article

Characterization, Taxonomic and Fertility Capability Classification of Some Soils in the Teaching and Research Farm of Taraba State University, Jalingo

, Ezeaku, P.I.^*, Kefas, P. K, Hashim, S.A.,, Ali I J, Gisilanbe S A, Kussy J J, Garpiya B. T, Yusuf B, Udoh S, Ezeaku, V. I

Result-oriented and competitive agricultural production system requires soil characterization and land evaluation. The soils of the Teaching and Research Farm of Taraba State University were characterized, taxonomically classified and evaluated for fertility capability classification. Three mapping units were delineated using a semi-detailed survey method, and profile pits were dug in the mapping ...

Apr, 2022 pp. 77-82

27

Research Article

Evaluation of Furrow Infiltration by Swartzendruber and Horton’s Models in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Aminu H G^*, Mudiare, O. J, Oyebode M. A, A. Abdulkadir, Aminu Z

The study aimed at evaluating two models (Swartzendruber and Horton) using furrow infiltration data measured in Samaru, Zaria. These measurements were carried out on the three-field plots A, B and C. Infiltration parameters were generated from the data measured from plots A and B and fitted into the models for predictions of water infiltrated depths at different time intervals. The predictions fro...

Apr, 2022 pp. 1-6

28

Research Article

Application of Semivariogram Model to Quantify Spatial Variability of Soil Properties in a Forested Tropical Soil.

Obidike-Ugwu E. O.^*, Ogunwole J. O., Odunze Azubuike Chidowe, Nwafor O. E., Ariwaodo J. O.

Accurate evaluation of spatial variability of soil properties is one of the key components of ecosystem management. The conventional analytical and semivariogram methods were used to analyze data to quantify the potential of the semi-variogram model for measuring soil properties and their spatial variability in a tropical forest ecosystem. A total of 100 soil samples were collected through a 300 m...

Apr, 2022 pp. 117-123

29

Research Article

Contamination Status and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Wetland Soil, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Nigeria

olatunde K. A.^*, Adekola M. B., Jimmy T. A., Koko O. O., Ekhator F. O., Adekunle A. A.

Wetlands are one of the most productive habitats globally, with socio-cultural and economic relevance. They are, however, at risk of heavy metal contamination. This study investigated metals distribution and potential ecological risk in wetland soils at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected in March 2021 and analyzed using standard methods. Metal c...

Apr, 2022 pp. 102-111

30

Research Article

Soils of the Degraded Derived Savanna Land in Southwest Nigeria: Distribution, Morphology and Sustainable Climate–smart Land Use Plan

Okusami, Temitope A.^*

Southwest Nigeria belongs to the humid tropical climate with a Wet/Dry Forest and a Derived savanna. The studied site is under the latter ecosystem (located around Ilero, 08.05N/03.22E in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State) and was a former mechanized farm with low-intensity land use pattern with seasonal uncontrolled burning/grazing with a subsequently degraded landscape. And to encourage ...

Apr, 2022 pp. 83-101

31

Research Article

Variability of Some Properties of the Nun River Plain Soils in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Achimota A. Dickson^*, Tate, J. O, Ogboin, P. T, Payebo, O. C, Agbai, W. P.

Whereas studies on spatial variability of soil properties on toposequences are well documented, information on the variability of characteristics of floodplain soils is lacking. This study, therefore, evaluates the status and variability of the soil properties in three physiographic units in two locations on the Nun River floodplain. Silt-sized particles dominated soil texture and soil texture var...

Apr, 2022 pp. 45-52