M. Ukabiala, P. Ezeaku, J. Kolo, C. P. Umeugokwe, F. Okenmuo
The impact of rice and maize production on food security in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. The aim of this research was to characterize, classify and evaluate the suitability of soils formed in fluvial deposits within eastern part of Kogi State in Nigeria for rice and maize production. This was supported by the fact that the knowledge of the characteristics and soil groups of fluvial deposits in soils is an integral part in soil suitability evaluation as well as management. Four (4) soil profile pits were sunk within the research area. The pedonswere located within the 19a mapping unit of the soil map of Nigeria which has the fluvial deposits. Pedons were adequately described as soil samples were collected from pedogenic horizons, and preserved in well-labelled polyethylene bags, transported to the Laboratory for analyses. The findings revealed that the soils were characterized by dominant gray (10YR4/1) and dark reddish gray (10R4/1) in the surface soils and dominance of various shades of gray in the subsurface soils. Most of the soil structures were single-grained and subangular blocky at the surface and subsurface soils respectively. The soil texture was sandy clay loam and sandy loam in the A horizons. The soil reaction showed mean values of 6.1 and 5.5 at the surface and subsurface horizons with base saturation highest (91%) at C1 horizon of 19a3 pedon. The pedons were classified as inceptisols, and were currently not suitable (N1) for rice cultivation but marginally suitable (S3) for maize cultivation.
{"title":"Characterization, classification, and suitability evaluation of soils formed in fluvial deposits within eastern part of Kogi State in Nigeria for rice and maize production","authors":"M. Ukabiala, P. Ezeaku, J. Kolo, C. P. Umeugokwe, F. Okenmuo","doi":"10.4314/as.v21i2.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v21i2.12","url":null,"abstract":"The impact of rice and maize production on food security in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. The aim of this research was to characterize, classify and evaluate the suitability of soils formed in fluvial deposits within eastern part of Kogi State in Nigeria for rice and maize production. This was supported by the fact that the knowledge of the characteristics and soil groups of fluvial deposits in soils is an integral part in soil suitability evaluation as well as management. Four (4) soil profile pits were sunk within the research area. The pedonswere located within the 19a mapping unit of the soil map of Nigeria which has the fluvial deposits. Pedons were adequately described as soil samples were collected from pedogenic horizons, and preserved in well-labelled polyethylene bags, transported to the Laboratory for analyses. The findings revealed that the soils were characterized by dominant gray (10YR4/1) and dark reddish gray (10R4/1) in the surface soils and dominance of various shades of gray in the subsurface soils. Most of the soil structures were single-grained and subangular blocky at the surface and subsurface soils respectively. The soil texture was sandy clay loam and sandy loam in the A horizons. The soil reaction showed mean values of 6.1 and 5.5 at the surface and subsurface horizons with base saturation highest (91%) at C1 horizon of 19a3 pedon. The pedons were classified as inceptisols, and were currently not suitable (N1) for rice cultivation but marginally suitable (S3) for maize cultivation.","PeriodicalId":15011,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agro-environmental Science","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80872154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Ibrahim, O. Adeniji, A. Adejoba, E. Irunokhai, P. O. Osaguona, S. Alaye, B. S. Ojo
The study assessed the causes, effects as well as providing strategies for reducing deforestation in Mashegu Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was employed in the study; 5 wards out of the 10 available in the Local Government Area were randomly selected. A total of 150 copies of questionnaire were randomly administered with 30 respondents selected in each ward. Out of the 150 respondents, 16 respondents were discountenanced, leaving a total of 134 sampled respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages while tables and chart were used to present the results. The results revealed that majority (71%) of the respondents were males, while the rest were females. Majority of the respondents were between the productive ages of 30-49 years representing 72% while age 50 and above accounted for only 11%. In terms of education, 86% of the respondents attained both primary and secondary school education while 4% had no formal education. Farming (31%) is the major cause of deforestation in the study area while mining recorded only 1%. The major effect of deforestation in the study area is soil erosion (29%), closely followed by high temperature (19%) and other environmental hazards accounted for only 2%. The best strategy for reducing deforestation in the study area as suggested by the respondents is through afforestation and reforestation with a response of 48%. The study would enable forestry policy makers, other stakeholders and even farmers in the study area to be better informed about the implications of deforestation and seek innovative means and ways to combat its menace.
{"title":"Assessment of deforestation in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria: Causes, effects, and reduction strategies","authors":"A. Ibrahim, O. Adeniji, A. Adejoba, E. Irunokhai, P. O. Osaguona, S. Alaye, B. S. Ojo","doi":"10.4314/as.v21i2.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v21i2.11","url":null,"abstract":"The study assessed the causes, effects as well as providing strategies for reducing deforestation in Mashegu Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was employed in the study; 5 wards out of the 10 available in the Local Government Area were randomly selected. A total of 150 copies of questionnaire were randomly administered with 30 respondents selected in each ward. Out of the 150 respondents, 16 respondents were discountenanced, leaving a total of 134 sampled respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages while tables and chart were used to present the results. The results revealed that majority (71%) of the respondents were males, while the rest were females. Majority of the respondents were between the productive ages of 30-49 years representing 72% while age 50 and above accounted for only 11%. In terms of education, 86% of the respondents attained both primary and secondary school education while 4% had no formal education. Farming (31%) is the major cause of deforestation in the study area while mining recorded only 1%. The major effect of deforestation in the study area is soil erosion (29%), closely followed by high temperature (19%) and other environmental hazards accounted for only 2%. The best strategy for reducing deforestation in the study area as suggested by the respondents is through afforestation and reforestation with a response of 48%. The study would enable forestry policy makers, other stakeholders and even farmers in the study area to be better informed about the implications of deforestation and seek innovative means and ways to combat its menace.","PeriodicalId":15011,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agro-environmental Science","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78655643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Effects of fungicide types and spray regimes were assessed on Phytophthora leaf blight disease during the early and late cropping seasons in Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria. The field experiment was laid out in 3 × 3 × 5 factorial in randomized complete block design with three replications in early and late cropping seasons of taro, respectively. The factors consisted of three Colocasia esculenta cultivars (Nachi (purple taro/Nce003), Odogolo (green taro/Nce002) and Ugwuta (Coco-India/Nce001); two fungicides (Ridomil Gold 66 WP plus, Ridomil Gold + Champ Drill Prill 50.00%:50.00% mixture and control); and five spray regimes (no spray, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks spray). Results showed that there were significant variations in disease incidence among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and between seasons at 90, 120 and 150 days after planting. Disease incidences and severity varied among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and between the seasons. The results on establishment percentage significantly differed among the cultivars and cropping seasons. Ugwuta cultivar significant had the highest establishment percentage in both cropping seasons at 15 and 30 days after planting. The growth attributes on plant height (cm) and number of leaves significantly varied among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and between cropping seasons. Ridomil Gold 66 WP at weekly spray regime performed best compared to other fungicides and spray regimes. There were significant variations among the cultivars and cropping seasons at the sampling periods. Tuber yield significantly differed among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and cropping seasons at harvest. Ridomil Gold 66 WP at weekly spray regimes, Odogolo cultivar and early cropping season performed best in all yield traits at harvest.
{"title":"Effect of fungicides and spray regimes against Phytophthora leaf blight disease of taro cultivars in Nsukka, Southeastern Nigeria","authors":"T. Omeje, S. Awere, K. Ugwuoke","doi":"10.4314/as.v21i2.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v21i2.13","url":null,"abstract":"Effects of fungicide types and spray regimes were assessed on Phytophthora leaf blight disease during the early and late cropping seasons in Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria. The field experiment was laid out in 3 × 3 × 5 factorial in randomized complete block design with three replications in early and late cropping seasons of taro, respectively. The factors consisted of three Colocasia esculenta cultivars (Nachi (purple taro/Nce003), Odogolo (green taro/Nce002) and Ugwuta (Coco-India/Nce001); two fungicides (Ridomil Gold 66 WP plus, Ridomil Gold + Champ Drill Prill 50.00%:50.00% mixture and control); and five spray regimes (no spray, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks spray). Results showed that there were significant variations in disease incidence among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and between seasons at 90, 120 and 150 days after planting. Disease incidences and severity varied among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and between the seasons. The results on establishment percentage significantly differed among the cultivars and cropping seasons. Ugwuta cultivar significant had the highest establishment percentage in both cropping seasons at 15 and 30 days after planting. The growth attributes on plant height (cm) and number of leaves significantly varied among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and between cropping seasons. Ridomil Gold 66 WP at weekly spray regime performed best compared to other fungicides and spray regimes. There were significant variations among the cultivars and cropping seasons at the sampling periods. Tuber yield significantly differed among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and cropping seasons at harvest. Ridomil Gold 66 WP at weekly spray regimes, Odogolo cultivar and early cropping season performed best in all yield traits at harvest.","PeriodicalId":15011,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agro-environmental Science","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74254579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Agricultural productivity and the performance of smallholder agriculture in developing countries have been noted to be affected by access to markets. This study examined the access of smallholder farmers to input and output markets and the factors that affect agricultural productivity. A total of 336 smallholder farmers were selected in Ekiti State through multi-stage sampling technique. Data were obtained through the administration of structured questionnaire while descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square regression were used to analyze the data. The smallholder farms in the study area were characterized by non-uniform fragmented plots.Average age of the farmers was 48.12 years with mean farming experience of 24.97 years. Using proxies which include distance to physical markets and good roads, results of analysis showed that poor market access had significant (p = 5%) negative influence on agricultural productivity (t = –2.0). Access to infrastructure particularly good rural roads also had significant effect on agricultural productivity. Other factors such as farmers’ formal education (t = 4.50), farming experience (t = 3.39) and commercialization level (t = 1.86) also significantly affect farmers’ agricultural productivity. For the enhancement of access to markets and agricultural productivity, it was recommended that rural infrastructure such as good roads be put in place by appropriate agencies.
{"title":"Agricultural productivity and access to market among farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria","authors":"O. Akintayo, M. Oyedokun, M. Akindele","doi":"10.4314/as.v21i2.9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v21i2.9","url":null,"abstract":"Agricultural productivity and the performance of smallholder agriculture in developing countries have been noted to be affected by access to markets. This study examined the access of smallholder farmers to input and output markets and the factors that affect agricultural productivity. A total of 336 smallholder farmers were selected in Ekiti State through multi-stage sampling technique. Data were obtained through the administration of structured questionnaire while descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square regression were used to analyze the data. The smallholder farms in the study area were characterized by non-uniform fragmented plots.Average age of the farmers was 48.12 years with mean farming experience of 24.97 years. Using proxies which include distance to physical markets and good roads, results of analysis showed that poor market access had significant (p = 5%) negative influence on agricultural productivity (t = –2.0). Access to infrastructure particularly good rural roads also had significant effect on agricultural productivity. Other factors such as farmers’ formal education (t = 4.50), farming experience (t = 3.39) and commercialization level (t = 1.86) also significantly affect farmers’ agricultural productivity. For the enhancement of access to markets and agricultural productivity, it was recommended that rural infrastructure such as good roads be put in place by appropriate agencies.","PeriodicalId":15011,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agro-environmental Science","volume":"42 166 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83271002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Omar, M. Idrees, H. Ahmadu, A. Yusuf, O. Ipadeola, A. Babalola, A. Abdulyekeen
This study evaluated regional vegetation dynamics and changes between 2015 and 2020 using Google earth engine (GEE) platform and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from the multi-petabyte catalogue of sentinel-2 imageries. Using the computational capability of GEE, yearly mean NDVI from 2015 to 2020 were computed using level C-1 product. Subsequently, each of the NDVI images was classified into four land cover classes; water bodies, non-vegetated, grassland /cropland /shrubs, and forest using NDVI threshold values of < 0.01, 0.01-0.20, 0.20-0.30 and > 0.30, respectively. The classified maps allowed for the assessment of yearly variation in vegetation and changes between 2015 and 2020. Result showed that non-vegetated area increased from 18.53% in 2015 to 42.56% in 2020 (~ 25.00% gain), the forest area reduced to 6.78% in 2020 compared to 23.76% measured in 2015 (~ 17.00% loss in forest); whereas water bodies and grassland/cropland/shrubs remained relatively constant (0.21 and ~ 50.00%, respectively) across the years studied. Presently, the forest land was estimated to be about 2, 371.131 km2 (~ 6.70%) of the total land mass, grassland/cropland/shrubs occupied 17, 770.79 km2 (~ 50.07%), non-vegetated area was slightly less than half with 15, 274.85 km2 (~ 43.04%) and water bodies occupied 75.68 km2 (~ 0.21%).
{"title":"Assessment of vegetation dynamics and forest loss using google earth engine and multi-temporal sentinel-2 imagery","authors":"D. Omar, M. Idrees, H. Ahmadu, A. Yusuf, O. Ipadeola, A. Babalola, A. Abdulyekeen","doi":"10.4314/as.v21i2.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v21i2.10","url":null,"abstract":"This study evaluated regional vegetation dynamics and changes between 2015 and 2020 using Google earth engine (GEE) platform and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from the multi-petabyte catalogue of sentinel-2 imageries. Using the computational capability of GEE, yearly mean NDVI from 2015 to 2020 were computed using level C-1 product. Subsequently, each of the NDVI images was classified into four land cover classes; water bodies, non-vegetated, grassland /cropland /shrubs, and forest using NDVI threshold values of < 0.01, 0.01-0.20, 0.20-0.30 and > 0.30, respectively. The classified maps allowed for the assessment of yearly variation in vegetation and changes between 2015 and 2020. Result showed that non-vegetated area increased from 18.53% in 2015 to 42.56% in 2020 (~ 25.00% gain), the forest area reduced to 6.78% in 2020 compared to 23.76% measured in 2015 (~ 17.00% loss in forest); whereas water bodies and grassland/cropland/shrubs remained relatively constant (0.21 and ~ 50.00%, respectively) across the years studied. Presently, the forest land was estimated to be about 2, 371.131 km2 (~ 6.70%) of the total land mass, grassland/cropland/shrubs occupied 17, 770.79 km2 (~ 50.07%), non-vegetated area was slightly less than half with 15, 274.85 km2 (~ 43.04%) and water bodies occupied 75.68 km2 (~ 0.21%).","PeriodicalId":15011,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agro-environmental Science","volume":"61 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91000150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Soil survey and fertility capability classification (FCC) were carried out in an area mostly underlain by the beach ridge sands (BRS) parent material in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study applied the FCC in agricultural land use planning for efficient land management and optimal agricultural productivity of the beach soils. Field and laboratory data were obtained from 40 pedons located across eight Local Government Areas on the BRS parent material. From the results of field and laboratory studies, 11 FCC units were identified in the area. Based on similarities in certain soil profile characteristics, the 11 FCC units were grouped into four agro-ecological units (AEUs): (i) poorly drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over sandy subsoil, grouped to form AEU-A, covered 65.00% of study area; (ii) well drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over sandy subsoil, formed AEU-B and covered 22.50% of study area; (iii) poorly drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over loamy subsoil or loamy top- and sub- soils, formed AEU-C and covered 7.50% of study area; (iv) well drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over loamy subsoil, which formed AEU-D, occupied 5.00% of study area. The result of this study has shown that FCC can be employed as a simple but efficient tool in agricultural land use planning. Major soil profile characteristics used to differentiate land units within the beach sands area of Akwa Ibom State are drainage and texture.
{"title":"Fertility capability classification for agricultural land use planning in the beach sands area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria","authors":"B. Udoh, T. Ibia","doi":"10.4314/as.v21i2.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v21i2.8","url":null,"abstract":"Soil survey and fertility capability classification (FCC) were carried out in an area mostly underlain by the beach ridge sands (BRS) parent material in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study applied the FCC in agricultural land use planning for efficient land management and optimal agricultural productivity of the beach soils. Field and laboratory data were obtained from 40 pedons located across eight Local Government Areas on the BRS parent material. From the results of field and laboratory studies, 11 FCC units were identified in the area. Based on similarities in certain soil profile characteristics, the 11 FCC units were grouped into four agro-ecological units (AEUs): (i) poorly drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over sandy subsoil, grouped to form AEU-A, covered 65.00% of study area; (ii) well drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over sandy subsoil, formed AEU-B and covered 22.50% of study area; (iii) poorly drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over loamy subsoil or loamy top- and sub- soils, formed AEU-C and covered 7.50% of study area; (iv) well drained FCC units with sandy topsoil over loamy subsoil, which formed AEU-D, occupied 5.00% of study area. The result of this study has shown that FCC can be employed as a simple but efficient tool in agricultural land use planning. Major soil profile characteristics used to differentiate land units within the beach sands area of Akwa Ibom State are drainage and texture.","PeriodicalId":15011,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agro-environmental Science","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84314528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Ewansiha, K.E. Oghenebrume, U. Aigbe, A. Osaigbovo
Field trials were conducted during 2017 and 2018 late cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, in the rainforest zone of Nigeria to evaluate soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) cultivars for nodulation, dry matter accumulation and seed and fodder yields at varying plant spacings. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement replicated four times. Four plant spacings (50 × 30 cm, 60 × 25 cm, 75 × 20 cm, and 100 × 15 cm) were evaluated on six soybean cultivars: TGX1835-10E and TGX1987-62F (early maturing), TGX1951-3F and TGX1955-4F (medium maturing) and TGX1448-2E and TGX1904-6F (late maturing). Results showed that varietal performance depended on plant spacing. TGX1904-6F nodulated best at plant spacing of 50 × 30 cm, TGX1835-10E at 60 × 25 cm, TGX1987-62F at 75 × 20 cm, TGX1448-2E at 75 × 20 cm, and TGX1951-3 at 100 × 15 cm. TGX1835-10E accumulated dry matter most at plant spacing of 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm, TGX1987-62 at 75 × 20 cm, TGX1951-3F at 60 × 25 cm, TGX1955-4F at 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm, TGX1904-6F at 50 × 30 cm, and TGX1448-2E at 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm. TGX1448-2E and TGX1904-6F had higher seed and fodder yields at plant spacing of 50 × 30 cm, TGX1951-3F and TGX1955-4F at 60 × 25 cm, and TGX1835-10E and TGX1987-62F at 75 × 20 cm, relative to other plant spacing. Therefore, for higher yields in rainforest agro-ecology, farmers should adopt the right cultivar-plant spacing combination for soybean.
{"title":"Nodulation, dry matter accumulation and yields of soybean (glycine max L.) cultivars at varying plant spacing in a rainforest agro-ecology","authors":"S. Ewansiha, K.E. Oghenebrume, U. Aigbe, A. Osaigbovo","doi":"10.4314/as.v21i2.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v21i2.5","url":null,"abstract":"Field trials were conducted during 2017 and 2018 late cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, in the rainforest zone of Nigeria to evaluate soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) cultivars for nodulation, dry matter accumulation and seed and fodder yields at varying plant spacings. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement replicated four times. Four plant spacings (50 × 30 cm, 60 × 25 cm, 75 × 20 cm, and 100 × 15 cm) were evaluated on six soybean cultivars: TGX1835-10E and TGX1987-62F (early maturing), TGX1951-3F and TGX1955-4F (medium maturing) and TGX1448-2E and TGX1904-6F (late maturing). Results showed that varietal performance depended on plant spacing. TGX1904-6F nodulated best at plant spacing of 50 × 30 cm, TGX1835-10E at 60 × 25 cm, TGX1987-62F at 75 × 20 cm, TGX1448-2E at 75 × 20 cm, and TGX1951-3 at 100 × 15 cm. TGX1835-10E accumulated dry matter most at plant spacing of 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm, TGX1987-62 at 75 × 20 cm, TGX1951-3F at 60 × 25 cm, TGX1955-4F at 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm, TGX1904-6F at 50 × 30 cm, and TGX1448-2E at 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm. TGX1448-2E and TGX1904-6F had higher seed and fodder yields at plant spacing of 50 × 30 cm, TGX1951-3F and TGX1955-4F at 60 × 25 cm, and TGX1835-10E and TGX1987-62F at 75 × 20 cm, relative to other plant spacing. Therefore, for higher yields in rainforest agro-ecology, farmers should adopt the right cultivar-plant spacing combination for soybean.","PeriodicalId":15011,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agro-environmental Science","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90372479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. B. Okebalama, K. C. Asogwa, I. M. Uzoh, B. Marschner
The mechanisms of biochar effects on soil and crop yield are still elusive. Assessing the influence of biochar on total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in hierarchical soil aggregates could provide an explanation. In a randomized complete block design were control, bambara seed residue biochar (BSB), NPK and NPK + BSB treatments superimposed on a two-year bambara seed residue amended Ultisols, in a four-year continuous cucumber cultivation. The effects of the treatments on optimizing cucumber yield and soil sustainability parameters, particularly the aggregate- (4.75-2.00, 1.00-2.00, 0.25-1.00 and < 0.25 mm) associated TC and TN concentrations were studied. The BSB and NPK + BSB treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the concentrations of TC by 113.79 and 104.60%; TN by 100 and 87.50%; and available P by 172% and 415%, respectively. Furthermore, both treatments significantly reduced exchangeable Al3+ but increased Mg2+ and soil moisture content 4-6 weeks after planting. Exchangeable K+ was significantly increased by BSB. The BSB and NPK + BSB significantly improved TC and TN in all aggregate fractions with minimal effect in the 0.25-1.00 mm fraction. However, the overall percentile TC and TN increase by these treatments was more in the macro- (4.75-0.25 mm) than in the micro (< 0.25 mm) aggregates. Application of BSB and NPK + BSB significantly improved cucumber fruit weight by 12- and 24-fold, respectively, compared to NPK treatment. The study demonstrated that BSB enhanced soil fertility, while NPK + BSB further improved cucumber productivity. In addition, these treatments have the potential to substantially sequester carbon and nitrogen more in macro- than micro- aggregates.
{"title":"Impact of bambara seed residue biochar and NPK on soil fertility, aggregate carbon and nitrogen concentrations and yield of cucumber","authors":"C. B. Okebalama, K. C. Asogwa, I. M. Uzoh, B. Marschner","doi":"10.4314/as.v21i2.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v21i2.6","url":null,"abstract":"The mechanisms of biochar effects on soil and crop yield are still elusive. Assessing the influence of biochar on total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations in hierarchical soil aggregates could provide an explanation. In a randomized complete block design were control, bambara seed residue biochar (BSB), NPK and NPK + BSB treatments superimposed on a two-year bambara seed residue amended Ultisols, in a four-year continuous cucumber cultivation. The effects of the treatments on optimizing cucumber yield and soil sustainability parameters, particularly the aggregate- (4.75-2.00, 1.00-2.00, 0.25-1.00 and < 0.25 mm) associated TC and TN concentrations were studied. The BSB and NPK + BSB treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the concentrations of TC by 113.79 and 104.60%; TN by 100 and 87.50%; and available P by 172% and 415%, respectively. Furthermore, both treatments significantly reduced exchangeable Al3+ but increased Mg2+ and soil moisture content 4-6 weeks after planting. Exchangeable K+ was significantly increased by BSB. The BSB and NPK + BSB significantly improved TC and TN in all aggregate fractions with minimal effect in the 0.25-1.00 mm fraction. However, the overall percentile TC and TN increase by these treatments was more in the macro- (4.75-0.25 mm) than in the micro (< 0.25 mm) aggregates. Application of BSB and NPK + BSB significantly improved cucumber fruit weight by 12- and 24-fold, respectively, compared to NPK treatment. The study demonstrated that BSB enhanced soil fertility, while NPK + BSB further improved cucumber productivity. In addition, these treatments have the potential to substantially sequester carbon and nitrogen more in macro- than micro- aggregates.","PeriodicalId":15011,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agro-environmental Science","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87364038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study was conducted to characterize, classify and evaluate four soils along River Niger in Kogi East for rice, maize, cassava and oil palm production. The soils developed predominantly from alluvium. The soils were located in four communities namely Ejule-Ojebe, Shintaku, Bagana and Kpata all in the floodplains of River Niger in Kogi East. The soils were investigated using a free survey technique. Four pedons representing four soils located at different sites in the floodplain were studied. The environs and the profiles of the soils were described according to standard field procedures. Soil samples were then taken from genetic horizons for laboratory analysis. The soils were also characterized and classified according to Soil Taxonomy and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). The colour of the soils ranged from shades of brown to grey generally due to poor drainage. The soils also varied in depth and horizonation due to differences in profile development. Due to the relatively higher sand content of the soils, especially in the surface and subsurface horizons, the texture of the soils generally ranged from sand to clay loam. The pH (H2O) of the soils ranged from 4.8 to 7.3, strongly acidic to slightly alkaline, and tended to increase with depth. The soils containedmoderate amounts of organic carbon in the surface soils but lower levels in the lower horizons. Based on their properties, the soils were classified according to Soil Taxonomy as Alfisols (Ejule-Ojebe), Entisols (Shintaku), Inceptisols (Bagana) and Alfisols (Kpata) and according to WRB as Planosols, Arenosols, Gleysols and Planosols, respectively. The soils were found to be highly suitable for rice production but moderately suitable for maize, cassava and oil palm. Apart from rice cultivation, wetness of soil was found to be the major limiting factor for optimum rainfed cultivation of maize, cassava and oil palm.
{"title":"Characterization, classification, and suitability evaluation of some soils in the floodplains of River Niger, Kogi East, Nigeria for rice, maize, cassava, and oil palm production","authors":"M. Ukabiala","doi":"10.4314/as.v21i2.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v21i2.4","url":null,"abstract":"This study was conducted to characterize, classify and evaluate four soils along River Niger in Kogi East for rice, maize, cassava and oil palm production. The soils developed predominantly from alluvium. The soils were located in four communities namely Ejule-Ojebe, Shintaku, Bagana and Kpata all in the floodplains of River Niger in Kogi East. The soils were investigated using a free survey technique. Four pedons representing four soils located at different sites in the floodplain were studied. The environs and the profiles of the soils were described according to standard field procedures. Soil samples were then taken from genetic horizons for laboratory analysis. The soils were also characterized and classified according to Soil Taxonomy and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). The colour of the soils ranged from shades of brown to grey generally due to poor drainage. The soils also varied in depth and horizonation due to differences in profile development. Due to the relatively higher sand content of the soils, especially in the surface and subsurface horizons, the texture of the soils generally ranged from sand to clay loam. The pH (H2O) of the soils ranged from 4.8 to 7.3, strongly acidic to slightly alkaline, and tended to increase with depth. The soils containedmoderate amounts of organic carbon in the surface soils but lower levels in the lower horizons. Based on their properties, the soils were classified according to Soil Taxonomy as Alfisols (Ejule-Ojebe), Entisols (Shintaku), Inceptisols (Bagana) and Alfisols (Kpata) and according to WRB as Planosols, Arenosols, Gleysols and Planosols, respectively. The soils were found to be highly suitable for rice production but moderately suitable for maize, cassava and oil palm. Apart from rice cultivation, wetness of soil was found to be the major limiting factor for optimum rainfed cultivation of maize, cassava and oil palm.","PeriodicalId":15011,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agro-environmental Science","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74749380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruits were washed, peeled manually, the juice was extracted using kitchen juice extractor and the seeds were removed. The peels were separated from the pulps and sliced into thin slices of about 2 cm thick, sun dried separately till constant weight was achieved. They were milled and sieved to obtain orange peel and orange pulp flours, respectively. The orange peel and pulp flours were used to substitute 10% wheat flour. Biscuits were produced from the flour blends and 100% wheat biscuit was produced and evaluated for chemical composition (proximate analysis, mineral and phytochemical compositions). The results showed that the orange pulp biscuit was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in moisture and fibre, while orange peel biscuit was higher in ash. The pulp and peel biscuits had lower levels in fat, protein, carbohydrate and energy content. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in mineral content of the orange peel and pulp biscuits, though higher values were recorded for calcium and sodium when compared to 100% wheat biscuit. The orange peel biscuit had higher (p < 0.05) levels of all the phytochemicals (saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids) assessed. Edible biscuits can be produced from blends of wheat and sweetorange peel and pulp flours which are sources of bioactive compounds that possess nutraceutical properties.
{"title":"Chemical composition of biscuits supplemented with orange peel and pulp flours","authors":"A. N. Nwosu, B. Nweze, A.I. Onwuchekwa","doi":"10.4314/as.v21i2.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v21i2.3","url":null,"abstract":"Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruits were washed, peeled manually, the juice was extracted using kitchen juice extractor and the seeds were removed. The peels were separated from the pulps and sliced into thin slices of about 2 cm thick, sun dried separately till constant weight was achieved. They were milled and sieved to obtain orange peel and orange pulp flours, respectively. The orange peel and pulp flours were used to substitute 10% wheat flour. Biscuits were produced from the flour blends and 100% wheat biscuit was produced and evaluated for chemical composition (proximate analysis, mineral and phytochemical compositions). The results showed that the orange pulp biscuit was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in moisture and fibre, while orange peel biscuit was higher in ash. The pulp and peel biscuits had lower levels in fat, protein, carbohydrate and energy content. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in mineral content of the orange peel and pulp biscuits, though higher values were recorded for calcium and sodium when compared to 100% wheat biscuit. The orange peel biscuit had higher (p < 0.05) levels of all the phytochemicals (saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids) assessed. Edible biscuits can be produced from blends of wheat and sweetorange peel and pulp flours which are sources of bioactive compounds that possess nutraceutical properties.","PeriodicalId":15011,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agro-environmental Science","volume":"40 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79794684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：