Assessment Of Soil Biological And Physico-Chemical Benefits Of Legume-Cereal Rotation Systems In Derived Savanna Zone Of Nigeria

Abstract:

Green house and field experiments were undertaken in this study. The green house study was done in International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, green house, while the field experiments were conducted in the Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Teaching and Research Farm and Dominican Centre for Human Resources Development, Moniya-Ibadan Farm in 2008 and 2009 crop years. The green house study was a 2 x 3 x 2 factorial in completely randomized design (CRD), comprising of two crop rotations, three nitrogen levels and two residue management options as factors, replicated thrice to give 36 pots. In the field experiment, the design was a 4 x 2 x 2 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four crop rotations, two nitrogen levels and two residue management options as factors and replicated three times making 48 plots. Each year involved two growing periods comprising initial growth of velvet-bean, cowpea, soybean and maize and subsequent residual growth of maize in all the plots. Soil samples at a depth of 0 to 15cm were collected at onset of the experiment and at the end of each rotation cropping for 2 years for determination of soil properties. Green house experiment had 37 samples while field experiment had 97 samples in each location. In addition, maize dry matter and grain yields were collected at the end of each rotation cropping. The difference between the grain yields of legume/cereal and maize/maize rotations divided by the grain yield of maize/maize rotation was used to calculate rotation benefit. The soil properties and maize yields were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and stepwise regression, significantly different means were separated using Fischer’s least significant difference (f-LSD 0.05). At the end of the green house experiment, velvet-bean/maize rotation significantly (p < 0.05) increased maize yield over continuous maize by 13.59 %, nitrogen (N) benefit accounted for 4.56 % while non-N benefit accounted for 9.03 %. In 2008, in the UNN soil, the values of N (0.107 %), Ca (0.83 cmol/kg), Mg (0.59 cmol/kg), ECEC (2.86 cmol/kg) and SMBP (0.0024 %) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the legume rotation systems while pH (4.7) was significantly (p <0.05) higher in continuous maize. In 2009, the values for N (0.07 %), P (15.64 mg/kg), Mg (0.26 cmol/kg), SMBP (0.0007 %), Ksat (27.5 cm/hr) and AS (21.97 %) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in legume rotations than in continuous maize. Moreso, in 2008, Moniya soils had ECEC (3.22 cmol/kg) and SMBP (0.0016 %) significantly (p < 0.05) higher in legume rotations while in 2009, SMBC (0.026 %), P¬t (44.48 %) and Ksat (25.76 cm/hr) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in legume rotations. Regression analyses showed that in Moniya, N and TVS contributed 44 % changes in dry matter while N, P and TVS contributed 74 % of the changes in grain yield in 2008. In 2009, SMBC and N contributed 62 % of the changes in dry matter and SMBC, EA and Ksat contributed 61 % of the changes in grain yield. In 2008, N and Mg UNN soil contributed 51 % of the changes in dry matter and 44 % of the changes in grain yield while in 2009, EA, MBC and Ksat contributed 57 % of the changes in dry matter and SMBC, SMBN and Ksat contributed 69 % in grain yield. Comparatively, velvet-bean/maize rotation had highest percentage rotation benefits (255 %) relative to cowpea/maize (25 %) and soybean/maize (43 %) rotations. Non-N benefits had increase in exchangeable K, Mg, available P, MBC and Ksat.

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Comparison Of The Physicochemial Potential Of Boiler Ash, Poultry Droppings And Inorganic Fertilizer And Their Effects On Ultisol And Maize Performance In South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract:

The power boiler ashes (BA) from burnt oil- palm mill wastes at Solive Vegetable Oil Mills Ltd, Nsukka has not been assessed for its crop-use potentials before, and its disposal could pose environmental challenge in future. Several studies have shown that recycling such ash through agronomic production system could alleviate the risks associated with its disposal and make it a value-added input in crop production with the potentials of solving the challenges posed by high cost of mineral fertilizers and low fertility status of soils. The use of this BA can only be sustained if soil quality improvement and increased crop productivity effects can be demonstrated. The extent to which it can improve an Ultisol and increase maize performance relative to commonly used organic manure (poultry droppings) and inorganic fertilizer (N P K fertilizer) is not known. This study compared the crop-use potentials of BA with that of poultry droppings (PM), inorganic fertilizer and their combinations as well as their effects on an Ultisol and maize performance. It also compared the effectiveness of the different levels of BA, PM, and NPK fertilizer and their combinations on soil boron, cadmium and zinc loadings and uptake by maize plant. The study was conducted on an Ultisol at the Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were a control (no amendment), and a sole application of three levels of BA (10, 50, and 100 t ha-1) designated BA10, BA50 and BA100, respectively; three levels of PM (5, 10, and 20 t ha-1) designated PM5, PM10 and PM20 , respectively; three levels of NPK 20-10-10 fertilizer (75, 150, 300kg ha-1) designated NPK75, NPK150 and NPK300, respectively. In addition, combinations of different levels of BA with different levels of each of PM and NPK fertilizer (BA100+PM5, BA50+PM10, BA10+PM20, BA100 +NPK75, BA50 +NPK150 and BA10 +NPK300) were studied. The plots were planted with Oba Super II maize variety and changes in the physicochemical properties of the soil and crop-use potentials of the amendments were monitored for two consecutive years and compared. The physcico-chemical properties of the BA, PM and soil were determined pre and post experiment. Maize grain yield parameters were measured. Data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance and significant treatment means were separated by Fisher’s least significant difference at 5% level of probability. The BA consisted mostly of sand-sized particles (741 g kg-1), and had low bulk density (0.37 Mgm-3), high saturation moisture content (77%), high pH (8.9) and high electrical conductivity (441 d S cm-1). The contents of organic carbon was high (12.5 mg kg-1), nitrogen very low (0.24 mg kg-1) content, phosphorus high (298.5 mg kg-1) and K high (9.58 cmolkg-1) while, Fe, B, Cd and Pb values were relatively low. The PM had a higher bulk density (0.49 Mg m-3), N (4.15 mg kg-1) and Fe (167.0 mg kg-1) but lower in P (8.32 mg kg-1) than BA. The NPK plant nutrient ratios of the BA, PM and NPK mineral fertilizer were 1-147-5, 25-5-1, 20-10-10, respectively. Application of ≥ 50 t ha-1 BA increased significantly the sand–sized particles resulting in pseudo-change of soil texture from sandy clay loam to sandy loam. The bulk density of the control soil (1.92 Mg m-3) was significantly reduced to 1.76, 1.03 and 0.88 Mgm-3 in NPK300, BA100 and BA100+PM5 treated plots, respectively. Total porosity (61%) and water holding capacity (54%) were highest in the BA100 treated plots. The BA50 + NPK150 treated plots had the highest mean weight diameter of 0.69 and 0.76 at first and second cropping seasons respectively. The BA100 + NPK75 treated plots had the highest saturated hydraulic conductivity (141cm-3 hr-1) at the second cropping season. The highest soil pH value (7.7) was obtained in plots treated with BA50 and BA10+PM20. The BA100 + PM5 plots had the highest soil N (0.16 mg kg-1 ) and residual available P (124.6 mg kg-1). The highest soil exchangeable K (0.56 cmolkg-1) and Mg (17.8 cmolkg-1) were obtained from BA100+NPK75 treated plots. The NPK300 treated soil had the highest concentration of boron (4.56 mg kg-1) and sodium adsorption ratio (0.37) whereas Cd concentration (0.8mg kg-1) was highest in BA50 treated plots. The BA100 treated plots had the highest Mn concentration of 11.6 mg kg-1 and Zn (12.04 mg kg -1). Application of BA100 impeded maize germination (21%) but its residual effect on germination was highest (83%). The dry shoot biomass at 12 weeks after planting (WAP) was highest (421 g plant-1) in BA50 + PM10 treated plots. Application of BA10 + PM20 produced tallest maize plants (89.5 cm plant-1), highest leaf area index (7.32) and had the maximum maize grain yield of 5.43 tha-1 at the first cropping season; while, PM20 produced the highest residual effect (2.56 tha-1). The nitrogen (2.3 mg kg-1) and potassium (96.1 mg kg-1) concentrations in maize grain from plots treated with BA100 and BA100 + NPK75, respectively, were the highest. Residual effect of PM5 produced grains with the highest P content (0.82 mg kg-1). The boron (14.5 mg kg-1) and Cd (4.53 mg kg-1) concentrations were highest in maize grains grown in BA100 + NPK75 and BA50 + PM10 treated plots, respectively. The bio - concentration factor of the heavy metals in maize grains as affected by the amendments were in the order B > Zn > Cd while their residual effects were Cd > Zn > B. The result revealed that BA when compared with other alternatives (PM and NPK fertilizer) was superior in soil conditioning but poor as a source of plant nutrient. Therefore, BA should not be applied alone without supplementary nutrient source especially when used for crop production. It is also preferable to blend it with organic manures like poultry droppings rather than inorganic manure such as NPK.

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Management of Fungal Diseases Associated with Germination and Growth of Moringa Oleifera Lamarck with Botanicals

Abstract:

Studies were carried out at the Department of Crop science, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) to evaluate botanicals control of diseases associated with growth and germination of Moringa seeds. Five accessions of Moringa seeds collected from Imo, Enugu, Kogi, Plateau and Kaduna states of Nigeria were used. The following experiments were carried out: seed viability test, isolation of fungal pathogens, determination of phytochemicals, in vitro control of the pathogens with six botanicals, phytoxicity test of the botanicals on M. oleifera seeds and early growth study of the treated and untreated seeds. The viability test revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences in some of the germination traits of the five accessions of moringa seeds. Kaduna accession gave the highest number of days to first germination (approx. 6 days) followed by Jos and Imo with same value (approx. 4 days) and the lowest was Nsukka (approx. 3 days). The following organisms were isolated from the seed coats; namely, Aspergillius niger, A. flavus, A. glaucus, Fusarium oxysporium, Mucor spp, Cunnighamella spp, Penicillium digitatum. Only A. flavus was isolated from the cotyledon (seed without coat). The percentage disease incidence was highest in Kaduna (99.90%) on seed with coat and (89.75%) on seed without coat. Enugu accession had the lowest percentage disease incidence (10%) and (0%) for seed with coat and those without coat respectively. Aspergillius flavus had the highest percentage frequency of occurrence (16.31%) while the value for Fusaruim oxysporium and Mucor spp were lowest and statistically the same (0.27%). At both 50 and 70 grams/liter levels of concentration, Aspilia africana leaf extract showed the highest percentage growth inhibition for 14 days while the lowest was obtained in Cassia alata. Phytotoxicity test revealed that at 50 grams/liter O. gratissemum leaf extract significantly ( p < 0.05) gave the highest number of days to first germination (approx. 6 days) while A. africana leaf extracts gave the lowest (approx. 4 days). The main effects of Aspilia africana leaf extract treatment on plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, number of buds and number of nodes were significant (p , 0.05). The seedlings treated with Aspilia africana leaf extracts at 12 weeks after planting had higher plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, number of buds and number of nodes than the untreated. (Treated: 59.61, 3.21, 17.90, 4.51 and 18.18 cm) while the untreated gave lower values (untreated: 54.58, 3.19, 16.60, 4.27 and 15.89 cm) respectively. The duration of storage significantly (p < 0.05) affected the incidence of diseases on the fresh and stored Moringa oleifera leaf products. Two months of storage gave the highest percentage disease incidence (19.66%) which differed significantly (p < 0.05) from others. Zero storage (at harvest) gave the lowest value (0.92%). The result of the study shows that all the leaf extracts inhibited the growth of the fungal isolates but Aspilia africana leaf extract was more effective because it gave relatively less adverse effect to germination and growth of the Moringa oleifera seeds tested.

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Development of Resource Management Programme in Sorghum Production Enterprises for Training Secondary School Graduates for Employment in Kwara And Kogi States, Nigeria

Abstract:

This study focused on the development of resource management programme in sorghum production enterprises for training secondary school graduates for employment in Kwara and Kogi States, Nigeria. Six research questions were answered by the study and six hypotheses were formulated and tested at the probability of 0.05. Research and Development design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 1,624 made up of eight lecturers of Agricultural Education from University of Nigeria Nsukka, 61 Lecturers from Colleges of Education, 499 Teachers of Agricultural Science in Secondary Schools, 239 Extension Agents in Kwara and Kogi States, 425 registered Sorghum processors and 392 registered Sorghum Marketers in Kwara and Kogi States. The sample for the study was 692 made of eight Lecturers of Agricultural Education from University of Nigeria Nsukka, 61 Lecturers in Colleges of Education, 200 Teachers of Agricultural Science in Secondary Schools, 96 Extension Agents, 170 registered sorghum processors and 157 registered sorghum marketers in Kwara and Kogi States. Five sets of instruments were used for data collection for the study. The five sets of questionnaire were face-validated by one expert each from these institutions: Department of Agricultural Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka; Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Ilorin; Department of Curriculum Studies, University of Ilorin; Department of Crop Production, College of Agriculture, Mokwa, Niger State; and one sorghum processor from Wakilin Mata Sorghum Processing Industry, Ilorin; their suggestions were used to produce the final instrument used for the study. Cronbach Alpha method was utilized to determine the internal consistency of the five sets of questionnaire items in which a coefficient of 0.86 was obtained for programme objectives and packaging procedure, 0.79 for sorghum growing enterprise, 0.84 for sorghum processing enterprise, 0.81 for sorghum marketing enterprise and 0.79 for training procedure with an average of 0.82. Data for the study were collected with the help of six research assistants. The data collected were analyzed using weighted mean to answer the research questions and standard deviation to determine the spread of the respondents around the mean in their responses while t-test statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05. Based on the data analysed, the study identified three objectives of each sorghum enterprises (growing, processing and marketing), seven clusters with 105 resource management skills in sorghum growing enterprise, six clusters with 82 resource management skills in sorghum processing enterprise, four clusters with 39 resource management skills in sorghum marketing enterprise, 25 procedures for training secondary school graduates in the three enterprises (growing, processing and marketing) and six procedures for packaging each sorghum production enterprise into a programme. The result of the hypotheses tested showed that there were no significant difference in the mean ratings of respondents on programme objectives, sorghum growing enterprise, sorghum processing enterprise, sorghum marketing enterprise, training procedure and packaging procedure. Based on these findings, the study recommended among others that governments of Kwara and Kogi tates should direct the management of skill acquisition centres in the states to integrate the developed programmes in sorghum production enterprises into skill acquisition centers for training secondary school graduates and other interested individuals for employment in sorghum production.

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Studies on the Leaf Spot Disease of Eggplant (Solanum Aethiopicum L.) and its Management With Some Botanicals

Abstract:

Field, greenhouse and laboratory studies were carried out at the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka in order to evaluate the leaf spot disease of eggplant and its management with some botanicals. Field survey of diseased plants was conducted on eggplant farm. Solanum aethiopicum L. plants were sampled on every 1 m distance along the diagonal transects for disease incidence and severity. Pathogen isolation from severely infected leaves was carried out in the laboratory where the diseased leaves were plated on fresh Potato Dextrose Agar. Identification of the isolated fungi was carried out with the aid of identification scheme based on their cultural characteristics. Nursery preparation for raising eggplants used in the green house was also carried out on a sterilized soil. The five most abundant pathogens isolated were inoculated separately on the seedlings of eggplant in five replicates. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design. Phytochemical contents of the four plant extracts were determined in the laboratory. An in vitro control of the organism responsible for the leaf spots was carried out using plant extracts at 0.030 g/ml, 0.060 g/ml, and 0.120 g/ml and 0.250 g/ml concentrations. The experimental design was a 9x4 factorial in a completely randomized design (CRD). The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means were later separated using Fisher’s least significant difference (F-LSD). Helminthosporium infestans Dur. & Mont, Cladophialophora carrionii Trejos, Aspergillus niger van Tieghem, Rhizopus nigricans Ehrenb and Neurospora africana Huang & Backus were isolated from the diseased eggplant leaves. H. infestans recorded the highest percentage frequency (61.11 %) while A. niger had the lowest percentage frequency (5.56 %). H. infestans was pathogenic to eggplant seedlings. The Koch postulate test confirmed H. infestans as the causal organism of the spots symptoms. The qualitative phytochemical analysis on the test plants revealed the presence of tannin, soluble carbohydrate, hydrogen cyanide, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids as well as glucosides in all the extracts analyzed. The effect of ethanolic extracts of the test plants significantly (P<0.05) reduced the incidence and severity of the pathogen. Anti-fungal activity of seed extracts of G. kola on H. infestans was highest at 0.0120 g/ml concentrations. G. kola could be used as fungicide to manage leaf spot in eggplant because of its availability and eco-friendliness.

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Effect of Composted Municipal Solid Waste and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea Mays L) In Nsukka

Abstract:

Municipalities are facing a growing problem of how to safely dispose off their wastes. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is waste from households, commercial centres, institutions (school, offices). Composting is used to reduce huge pile of biodegradable MSW and convert it into value added product like manure and biogas. Inorganic fertilizer such as NPK also exerts strong influence on plant growth, development and yield. Two year experiments were conducted in the Teaching and Research Farm of Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka to determine the response of maize to MSW compost and NPK fertilizer application. A 4 x 4 factorial experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used for the study. The two factors were MSW (0, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 t/ha) and NPK (20:10:10) (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha). The following data were collected: leaf area, Plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, days to first tasseling, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, ear weight, ear height, ear circumference, cob weight, 100 grain weight, grain yield and harvest index. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The means were separated using Fisher’s least significant difference (F-LSD). Plant height, leaf area, number of leaves and stem girth increased with increase in NPK and MSW rates while days to tasselling and silking was reduced. The 100 grain weight, grain yield per hectare and harvest index were significantly increased with increase in MSW and NPK rates. Proximate composition followed the same trend apart from carbohydrate content which decreased with increase in application rates of MSW and NPK. Application of either 2000 kg/ha MSW or 300 kg/ha NPK gave the highest yield of maize in 2011 and 2012. Complementary application of MSW and NPK was significantly higher than sole application. Combination of 2.0 t/ha MSW with 300 kg/ha NPK had significantly higher effect than other treatment combination in both years and were found satisfactory for achieving high yields in maize. It is recommended that further research should be carried out to determine the optimum rates required for maize production since performance increased up to the highest rates of MSW and NPK fertilizer.

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Phosphate Mobilization by Addition of Organic Acids in Two Soils of the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Abstract:

One mechanism by which plants can mobilize organic and inorganic forms of phosphorus (P) in soils is by exudation of low molecular weight organic acids. Laboratory and field trial were carried out during 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons to study the effects of additions of organic acids ( citric, oxalic and tartaric acids) on the mobilization of phosphate of soils from Minna and Mokwa, both in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. For initial laboratory studies and prior to field cultivation, soil samples were collected from these locations and incubated at 25± 1oC and 40% moisture content for three weeks with citric, tartaric or oxalic acids at 1.0 mmol kg-1 of soil. Soil Olsen P and inorganic P fractions were analyzed. The experimental design used during the field trial was split plot design with organic material sources (orange waste, amaranthus and tamarind pulp) assigned to the main plot while the rates (0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 tons ha-1) of application occupied the sub-plots. Each treatment received three replications in each of the locations. Maize was planted during the two cropping seasons as test crop. Both agronomic, Olsen – P and soil inorganic P data were determined. The results indicated that Olsen – P and NH4Cl – P were significantly increased by treating with the three organic acids. Al phosphate (Al – P), Fe phosphate (Fe –P), occluded phosphate (Occl – P) and Ca phosphate (Ca – P) were also mobilized and released in various degrees in each of the locations irrespective of the cropping season. The relative fractions of inorganic P was in the order Occl - P > Fe - P > Al - P > Ca – P. The effect of organic acid sources on maize plant height at 4 and 7 weeks after planting in the two locations were not significant during 2011 cropping season, but significant during 2012 cropping season. However, the effect of sources of organic acid and their rates of application on maize grain yield was significant in each location and the season. It was also observed that the results of soil inorganic P after the field trial followed similar trend with what was obtained from the initial laboratory studies (Occl - P > Fe - P > Al - P > Ca – P), but the effect was much lower. The order of increased mobilization of phosphate by these organic acids was citric acid > tartaric acid > oxalic acid and orange waste ˃ tamarind pulp ˃ amaranthus leaves respectively for both initial laboratory studies and field trial. Also, it could be concluded that hydroxyl acids i.e tricarboxylic acids such as citrate form stronger complexes than those containing single COOH groups. The pattern of P mobilization by addition of organic acids differed from one location to another. The comparison suggested that the mobilization of P was highly soil dependent, and the soil P status such as amount and distributions of P fractions may be important for solubilization of P after the addition of organic acids. These three organic acids therefore have the potentials to increase the availability of available P. The practical implication of these processes is that organic residues could be used as a strategic tool to reduce the rates of fertilizer P required for optimum crop growth on acidic and P-fixing soils of Nigeria.

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Phosphate Mobilization by Addition of Organic Acids in two Soils of the Southern Guinea Savanna Of Nigria

Abstract:

One mechanism by which plants can mobilize organic and inorganic forms of phosphorus (P) in soils is by exudation of low molecular weight organic acids. Laboratory and field trial were carried out during 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons to study the effects of additions of organic acids ( citric, oxalic and tartaric acids) on the mobilization of phosphate of soils from Minna and Mokwa, both in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. For initial laboratory studies and prior to field cultivation, soil samples were collected from these locations and incubated at 25± 1oC and 40% moisture content for three weeks with citric, tartaric or oxalic acids at 1.0 mmol kg-1 of soil. Soil Olsen P and inorganic P fractions were analyzed. The experimental design used during the field trial was split plot design with organic material sources (orange waste, amaranthus and tamarind pulp) assigned to the main plot while the rates (0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 tons ha-1) of application occupied the sub-plots. Each treatment received three replications in each of the locations. Maize was planted during the two cropping seasons as test crop. Both agronomic, Olsen – P and soil inorganic P data were determined. The results indicated that Olsen – P and NH4Cl – P were significantly increased by treating with the three organic acids. Al phosphate (Al – P), Fe phosphate (Fe –P), occluded phosphate (Occl – P) and Ca phosphate (Ca – P) were also mobilized and released in various degrees in each of the locations irrespective of the cropping season. The relative fractions of inorganic P was in the order Occl - P > Fe - P > Al - P > Ca – P. The effect of organic acid sources on maize plant height at 4 and 7 weeks after planting in the two locations were not significant during 2011 cropping season, but significant during 2012 cropping season. However, the effect of sources of organic acid and their rates of application on maize grain yield was significant in each location and the season. It was also observed that the results of soil inorganic P after the field trial followed similar trend with what was obtained from the initial laboratory studies (Occl - P > Fe - P > Al - P > Ca – P), but the effect was much lower. The order of increased mobilization of phosphate by these organic acids was citric acid > tartaric acid > oxalic acid and orange waste ˃ tamarind pulp ˃ amaranthus leaves respectively for both initial laboratory studies and field trial. Also, it could be concluded that hydroxyl acids i.e tricarboxylic acids such as citrate form stronger complexes than those containing single COOH groups. The pattern of P mobilization by addition of organic acids differed from one location to another. The comparison suggested that the mobilization of P was highly soil dependent, and the soil P status such as amount and distributions of P fractions may be important for solubilization of P after the addition of organic acids. These three organic acids therefore have the potentials to increase the availability of available P. The practical implication of these processes is that organic residues could be used as a strategic tool to reduce the rates of fertilizer P required for optimum crop growth on acidic and P-fixing soils of Nigeria.

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Aggregate stability of Nkpologu sandy loam soil under different soil and crop management systems

Abstract:

A study was conducted in the runoff plots at the University of Nigeria Nsukka Teaching and Research Farm, in 2010 and 2011 to monitor the changes in aggregate stability, and some selected physicochemical properties of Nkpologu sandy loam soil under different cover and soil management systems. The management systems were bare fallow (BF), grass fallow (GF), legume (CE), groundnut (GN), sorghum (SM), and cassava (CA) cultivation. Following the characterization of the soil of the study site, three samplings were carried out at five- month interval marking the end of first cropping season, and the start and end of the second cropping season respectively. There was no change in soil texture due to treatments. The soil was acidic throughout the period of the study with pH values ranging from 5.1 (under BF) to 5.5 (under GF) in 2010 and from 4.8 (BF) to 6.1 (SM) in 2011. The aggregate stability (AS), mean weight diameter (MWD), water dispersible silt (WDSi), bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), macroporosity (MACP), aggregate size distributions (> 2 mm, 1- 0.5 mm and < 0.25 mm) and Ksat showed significant (P =0.05) changes under different cover management practices. The Ksat varied (CV = 52%) significantly (P< 0.05) under the different cover management practices over the sampling period. Generally, the highest values for Ksat, AS and MWD were obtained in the first sampling period whereas the lowest values were obtained in the last sampling period. There were significant effects (P<0.05) of cover management systems on AS, MWD and Ksat. The highest values for AS, MWD and aggregate size fraction > 2 mm (80.3, 2.22 and 55.6 % respectively) were obtained under GF whereas the highest Ksat(16.8cm/hr) was obtained under GN. The lowest values for these parameters throughout the sampling periods were obtained under BF. The preponderance of aggregates < 0.5 mm under BF showed that raindrop impact and other agents broke down macroaggregates into microaggregates. The interaction of cover management and sampling period was not significant (P<0.05) for the structural and hydraulic parameters determined. The cover treatments generally increased organic matter (O.M.) content compared with the BF. Soil pH increases with increasing O.M. content and vice versa. The Fe and Al oxides were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the different cover and soil management systems. The concentration of Fe oxides was high relative to the concentration of Al oxides. The O.M. had significant (P<0.05) correlation with two aggregate size ranges; 1-0.5mm (r = - 0.276* at P<0.05) and 0.5-0.25mm (r = - 0.245*at P <0.05) and Fe oxides. The cover management systems affected the infiltration characteristics measured. The highest infiltration rates (1,317 mm h-1) and cumulative infiltration (72,390 mm) were obtained under the GF and CE respectively whereas the lowest values; 287 mmh-1 (infiltration rate) and 14,455 mm (cumulative infiltration) were obtained under the BF. The study has shown that cover and soil management systems affected the organic matter content, soil pH, Fe and Al oxides, infiltration characteristics, aggregate stability and structural properties of the Nkpologu sandy loam soil differently over time. Continuous addition of organic manure is encouraged. Legume and other crop fallows which protect the soil and guarantee regular additions of organic materials are ecologically sound components of sustainable management of Nkpologu sandy loam soil for improved agricultural productions.

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Phosphate Mobilization by Addition of Organic Acids in Two Soils of the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Abstract:

One mechanism by which plants can mobilize organic and inorganic forms of phosphorus (P) in soils is by exudation of low molecular weight organic acids. Laboratory and field trial were carried out during 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons to study the effects of additions of organic acids ( citric, oxalic and tartaric acids) on the mobilization of phosphate of soils from Minna and Mokwa, both in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. For initial laboratory studies and prior to field cultivation, soil samples were collected from these locations and incubated at 25± 1oC and 40% moisture content for three weeks with citric, tartaric or oxalic acids at 1.0 mmol kg-1 of soil. Soil Olsen P and inorganic P fractions were analyzed. The experimental design used during the field trial was split plot design with organic material sources (orange waste, amaranthus and tamarind pulp) assigned to the main plot while the rates (0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 tons ha-1) of application occupied the sub-plots. Each treatment received three replications in each of the locations. Maize was planted during the two cropping seasons as test crop. Both agronomic, Olsen – P and soil inorganic P data were determined. The results indicated that Olsen – P and NH4Cl – P were significantly increased by treating with the three organic acids. Al phosphate (Al – P), Fe phosphate (Fe –P), occluded phosphate (Occl – P) and Ca phosphate (Ca – P) were also mobilized and released in various degrees in each of the locations irrespective of the cropping season. The relative fractions of inorganic P was in the order Occl - P > Fe - P > Al - P > Ca – P. The effect of organic acid sources on maize plant height at 4 and 7 weeks after planting in the two locations were not significant during 2011 cropping season, but significant during 2012 cropping season. However, the effect of sources of organic acid and their rates of application on maize grain yield was significant in each location and the season. It was also observed that the results of soil inorganic P after the field trial followed similar trend with what was obtained from the initial laboratory studies (Occl - P > Fe - P > Al - P > Ca – P), but the effect was much lower. The order of increased mobilization of phosphate by these organic acids was citric acid > tartaric acid > oxalic acid and orange waste ˃ tamarind pulp ˃ amaranthus leaves respectively for both initial laboratory studies and field trial. Also, it could be concluded that hydroxyl acids i.e tricarboxylic acids such as citrate form stronger complexes than those containing single COOH groups. The pattern of P mobilization by addition of organic acids differed from one location to another. The comparison suggested that the mobilization of P was highly soil dependent, and the soil P status such as amount and distributions of P fractions may be important for solubilization of P after the addition of organic acids. These three organic acids therefore have the potentials to increase the availability of available P. The practical implication of these processes is that organic residues could be used as a strategic tool to reduce the rates of fertilizer P required for optimum crop growth on acidic and P-fixing soils of Nigeria.

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Soil Characterization and Land Suitability Evaluation of Anuka Farmland in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract:

The land at Anuka, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State in Southeastern Nigeria, under the sub-humid tropical climate was evaluated for maize (Zea mays), cassava (Manihot esculenta), yam (Dioscorea spp.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation. Data were obtained by field study and laboratory analyses. Six pedons were dug and described: two pedons each for maize and oil palm fields, and one each for yam and cassava fields. These pedons were dug to represent sampling units. Auger samples were also purposefully collected from the sampling units at depths 0 - 20cm and 20 - 40cm. This was to investigate the nutrient spread in the area. Soil samples from the pedogenetic horizons of the pedons were collected after profile description, processed and analyzed. The pedons were designated P01 = cassava field, P02 and P03 = maize fields, P04 = yam field, and P05 and P06 = oil palm fields. The textural classes of the soils included sandy clay loam, sandy loam, sandy clay, loam, clay loam and clay, but the dominant textural class is sandy clay loam. The overall results showed that the soils are acidic; the phosphorus content is generally low; organic matter ranged from 0.42 - 4.31 %, decreasing down the profile depth and is medium (>2.0 %) for epipedons. Exchangeable bases are generally low: low exchangeable Ca (<3.2 cmol kg-1), low to medium exchangeable Mg (0.2 - 3.2 cmol kg-1), very low exchangeable Na (<0.70 cmol kg-1) and deficient exchangeable K (<2.0 cmol kg-1). Total nitrogen content is moderately low to very low (0.042 % < N < 0.196 %). The soils met the criteria for classification as Typic Dystrustults (P01, P03, P04, P05 and P06) and Aquic Argiustults (P02) (Soil Taxonomy), correlated to Acrisols (FAO/UNESCO). The results showed that although climate and topography are optimum or near optimum, there was no current highly suitable (S1) soil unit for maize, cassava and yam cultivation by both parametric and non-parametric methods of suitability evaluation. However, soil units P01 and P02 showed actual and potential S1 for oil palm production in the study area. None of the sampling units showed high suitability for its current utilization type. The severe constraints to crop cultivation in the area are generally low fertility for all soil units; wetness for soil unit P02 and adverse soil physical characteristic for soil unit P04. Application of organic manure, use of balanced fertilizer and drainage management practices are necessary for maximum productivity of Anuka soils for the evaluated crops.

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Soil Characterization and Land Suitability Evaluation of Anuka Farmland in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract:

The land at Anuka, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State in Southeastern Nigeria, under the sub-humid tropical climate was evaluated for maize (Zea mays), cassava (Manihot esculenta), yam (Dioscorea spp.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation. Data were obtained by field study and laboratory analyses. Six pedons were dug and described: two pedons each for maize and oil palm fields, and one each for yam and cassava fields. These pedons were dug to represent sampling units. Auger samples were also purposefully collected from the sampling units at depths 0 - 20cm and 20 - 40cm. This was to investigate the nutrient spread in the area. Soil samples from the pedogenetic horizons of the pedons were collected after profile description, processed and analyzed. The pedons were designated P01 = cassava field, P02 and P03 = maize fields, P04 = yam field, and P05 and P06 = oil palm fields. The textural classes of the soils included sandy clay loam, sandy loam, sandy clay, loam, clay loam and clay, but the dominant textural class is sandy clay loam. The overall results showed that the soils are acidic; the phosphorus content is generally low; organic matter ranged from 0.42 - 4.31 %, decreasing down the profile depth and is medium (>2.0 %) for epipedons. Exchangeable bases are generally low: low exchangeable Ca (<3.2 cmol kg-1), low to medium exchangeable Mg (0.2 - 3.2 cmol kg-1), very low exchangeable Na (<0.70 cmol kg-1) and deficient exchangeable K (<2.0 cmol kg-1). Total nitrogen content is moderately low to very low (0.042 % < N < 0.196 %). The soils met the criteria for classification as Typic Dystrustults (P01, P03, P04, P05 and P06) and Aquic Argiustults (P02) (Soil Taxonomy), correlated to Acrisols (FAO/UNESCO). The results showed that although climate and topography are optimum or near optimum, there was no current highly suitable (S1) soil unit for maize, cassava and yam cultivation by both parametric and non-parametric methods of suitability evaluation. However, soil units P01 and P02 showed actual and potential S1 for oil palm production in the study area. None of the sampling units showed high suitability for its current utilization type. The severe constraints to crop cultivation in the area are generally low fertility for all soil units; wetness for soil unit P02 and adverse soil physical characteristic for soil unit P04. Application of organic manure, use of balanced fertilizer and drainage management practices are necessary for maximum productivity of Anuka soils for the evaluated crops.

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Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration Potentials in Aggregate Fractions of Cultivated and Uncultivated Soils of Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract:

A study was carried out on soils sampled at 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm depths from both cultivated and uncultivated soils at four different locations (Awgu, Okigwe, Nsukka I, and Nsukka II), to evaluate the potentials of various aggregate size fractions of varying soil textures and depths to sequester carbon under different land uses. A 4 x 2 x 3 factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD). Factor A was location at four levels, while factor B (land use) had two levels. Factor C (soil depth) comprised of three levels. Results showed that in both land uses, soil texture varied with depth in each location and included clay, loam, clay loam, sandy loam and sandy clay loam. Generally, all the soil properties varied with soil depth across the locations and land uses. Land use significantly (P = 0.05) affected pH in KCl, Ca2+, Al3+, CEC, 0.50-1.00 mm water stable aggregates (WSA), total soil nitrogen (TSN) in 1.00-2.00 mm WSA, and soil organic carbon (SOC) in 1.00-2.00 mm and < 0.25 mm WSA. Cultivation at 0-30 cm depth significantly reduced SOC in 1.00-2.00 mm WSA by 19.30 %, and TSN in 1.00-2.00 mm WSA by 2.50 %. Land use effects on SOC in WSA at 0-30 cm depth of the various locations followed no consistent trend, except that SOC was higher in cultivated than in uncultivated soils of Nsukka II location. The SOC pool significantly decreased with soil depth. The SOC pool at 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-30 cm depths averaged 17.62, 16.40 and 13.05 Mg C ha-1 respectively, in cultivated soils; and 19.59, 17.86 and 12.03 Mg C ha-1 respectively, in uncultivated soils. The SOC pool to the depth of 30 cm differed distinctly amongst the study sites in both land uses; however, cultivation had no significant effect on SOC pool. The effect due to soil texture on SOC pool indicated that C sequestration was significantly greater in clay loam > clay > sandy loam > loam > sandy clay loam. In all, SOC pool was most secluded at 10-20 cm depth, and least at 20-30 cm depth. Whereas SOC pool significantly correlated with dispersion ratio (DR), aggregated silt and clay (ASC), water dispersible clay (WDC), microporosity (Pmi), 0.50-1.00 mm WSA, mean weight diameter (MWD), soil pH, K+, and C/N ratio in cultivated soils; it correlated significantly with ASC, Na+, and CEC in uncultivated soils. Apart from Pmi, whose variability was largely due to the effect of SOC that significantly predicted up to 76 %, SOC significantly accounted between 34 % and 54 % of the variability in MWD, WDC, and WSA classes of > 2.00 mm, 1.00-2.00 mm and 1.00-0.50 mm of the cultivated soils.

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Comparative Analysis of the Physical Characteristics of Water Stable Aggregates in Some Forest and Cultivated Soils of Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract:

A study was conducted to evaluate the physical changes that occur in the soil due to conversion of forest to arable land. Six locations in Enugu State that were selected for this purpose include Ugbo-Okpara (Li), Ugbo-nabo (L2), Ugwogo-Nike (L3), Iyi-Ukwu (L4), Edem (L5) and Ugwo (L6). Soil parameters determined include bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, macro porosity, micro porosity, total porosity, organic carbon, pH, Dithionate citrate bi-carbonate (DCB) Iron oxide, particle size distribution, and micro aggregate stability indices. With respect to the water stable aggregate, the indices used for evaluation include particle size distribution, aggregate size distribution of WSA, mean weight diameter, aggregate stability water retention by WSA at both -33kpa and -1500kpa, available water capacity, organic carbon, aggregated silt plus clay (ASC), water dispersible clay (WDC) and clay dispersion index (CDI). Soils of both land use types were coarse to moderately fine texture, with an average pH of 3.95 and 4.1 in the cultivated and forest land use respectively. In the soil, cultivation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased bulk density by 17 %, reduced hydraulic conductivity, macro porosity, micro porosity and total porosity by 38 %, 23 %, 19 % and 21% respectively. Soil organic carbon and Dithionate citrate bicarbonate iron oxide was reduced by 34 % and 6.7 % respectively. Land use had significant effect on aggregated silt plus clay but no significant effect on water dispersible clay, clay flocculation index and clay dispersion index. However significant effect due to the interaction of land use and location was observed in these micro-aggregate stability indices which imply that variation due to land use was dependent on location. With respect to the water stable aggregates, cultivation reduced the macro aggregates and increased the proportion of the smaller (< 0.25mm) sized aggregates. The mean weight diameter and aggregate stability declined by 21 % and 50 % respectively. Water retention at -33kpa and -1500kpa were not affected by land use while a slight but significant (P ≤ 0.05) influence on available water capacity was observed. Particle size distribution of the WSA was changed with cultivation of forest soils. aggregated silt plus clay and water dispersible clay and SOC declined by 20 %, 15 % and 25 % respectively while the clay dispersion Index increased by 2%. The interaction effects of location, aggregate size and land use demonstrated that cultivation improved the physical properties of the WSA in L1, L2 and L3 while L4, L5 and L6 were adversely affected by forest conversion to crop land. Moreover the magnitude of effect in soil properties due to cultivation varied with location as was observed that the highest decline in soil physical property was indicated in L6 compared to other locations which was attributed to its textural characteristics. Therefore the change or magnitude of change in soil properties was location specific.

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Effect of Seed Treatment With Synthetic Pesticides And Cassia Alata Extract on Field Performance of Nsukka Yellow Pepper (Capsicum Annum)

Abstract:

Field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of the Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka to compare the activity of Cassia alata leaf extract with two synthetic chemical fungicides applied as seed treatment on the field performance of Nsukka yellow pepper. Four accessions of Nsukka yellow pepper seeds were treated with Apron plus 50 Ds (34% furathiocarb + 10% metalaxyl + 6% carboxine) and Thiram (tetramety1 thioperoxydicarbonic diamide) each at the rate of 30g/100kg of seeds while Cassia alata extracts was used for treatment at the rate of 1ml/100g of seeds. The seedlings were transplanted into the field 42 days after planting. Data were collected on agronomic parameters. Cassia alata compared favourably well with the synthetic chemical fungicide in all the agronomic parameters measured. There were no significant differences between the effects of Cassia alata and the synthetic fungicides on plant height at 50% anthesis, number of branches and number of days to first anthesis. Cassia alata produced better result and differed significantly (p=0.05) with the synthetic chemicals in quantitative character, such as number of leaves at 50% anthesis and number of flowers per plant. The leaf abscission rate was significantly (p=0.05) lower in Cassia alata treated plants (10.1%) compared with Apron plus 50 Ds (10.32%) or Thiram (11.79%). Cassia alata also reduced the number of days to 50% anthesis and number of days to first fruiting (111.7 and 112.7). Evidences in this study show that, Cassia alata extract has potential as seed dressing pesticide for Nsukka yellow pepper seeds.

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Economic Study of the Use of Organic Manure in Yellow Pepper (Capsicum Annuum L.) Production in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State

Abstract:

Economic study of the use of organic manure in yellow pepper production in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State was carried out. The study was aimed at; describing the socio economic characteristics of yellow pepper farmers, identifying factors that motivate the use of organic manure by yellow pepper farmers, determining the yellow pepper farmers’ willingness to pay for processed biodegradable waste, determining and comparing the costs and returns from organic manure use only and users of both organic manure and mineral fertilizer. Nsukka Local Government was purposively selected for the study because of their high level of involvement in the production of the crop from nursery to maturity. A multi stage random sampling technique was used in the selection of the town communities. Primary data were generated through the use of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, probit model Gross margin analysis and student t-test were employed in data analysis. The study showed that all yellow pepper farmers studied maintained their soil either by the use of organic manure only or use of organic manure supplemented with inorganic manure. 79% of the farmers maintained their soil through the use of organic manure sourced from poultry droppings. It was also observed that income, age and educational level of farmers were very important determinants of willingness to use and willingness to pay for organic manure. These parameters were consistent in sign in both ‘willingness to use’ and ‘willingness to pay’ models. A significant difference (-0.374 at 1%) between the net profits made by the two groups of farmers under study revealed the need to diversify organic manure source through waste recycling for prompt supply of organic manure at affordable price.

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Effects of Cover Management Practices on Physical Properties, Runoff And Erosion in Nsukka Sandy Loam Soil

Abstract:

A two –year (2004/2005) field investigation was carried out on the runoff plots at the University of Nigeria Nsukka farm, to monitor the effects of cover management practices on physical properties, runoff and soil loss in Nkpologu sandy loam soil. The management practices were barefallow (BF), cocoyam (CY) sorghum (SG), legume (CP) and grass (PM), under no-till practice. There was no change in soil texture due to treatments. The treatments generally increased soil organic matter content compared with the control. Bulk density was significantly increased in all treatments with highest value (1.65Mg/m3) in barefallow and lowest value (1.49 Mg/m3) in grass. There was no significant decrease in porosity and pore size distribution. Mean weight diameter (MWD) of aggregates and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) were significantly increased (p = 0.05). The least values for MWD (1.06mm) and for Ksat (25.80cm/hr) and highest for MWD (2.09mm) and for Ksat (49.20cm/hr) were obtained under barefallow and grass treatments respectively. The percentage aggregate size above 2.0mm was highest in grass and lowest in barefallow. Calculations showed significant positive correlation (r = 0.50 at P = 0.05) between organic matter and MWD. There was significant negative correlation (r = -0.60 at P = 0.05) between organic matter and bulk density and significant positive correlation (r = 0.80 at P = 0.05) between organic matter and saturated hydraulic conductivity. The pentades were generally wet during the study periods in the two seasons. Cumulative runoff was highest in barefallow and lowest in sorghum (87mm and 41mm respectively). The highest soil loss of 1.13kg/m2 and relatively low loss of 0.55kg/m2 were obtained in cocoyam and sorghum respectively in 2005. Runoff and soil loss were reduced by 100% under grass and legume. Cocoyam and sorghum reduced runoff by 20% and 53% respectively. Sorghum reduced soil loss by 35%, while there were no differences in the percentage reductions due to barefallow and cocoyam treatments. Runoff as percentage of rainfall was highest in barefallow and lowest in sorghum (60.6% and 19.9% respectively). Erosion rate was lowest in sorghum (0.2kg/m2/month) and highest (0.4kg/m2 month) in cocoyam. Under BF the rate was 0.3kg/m2/month. The mean yield of cocoyam was 1.35t/ha and that of sorghum was 0.88t/ha.

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Resource Productivity in Ornamental Plants Production in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract:

This study was undertaken to analyze resource productivity in ornamental plants production within Jos metropolis of Nigeria. The study covered Jos North and Jos South local government areas. The specific objectives include: identifying the effect of socio-economic factors on resource productivity, determining costs and returns, and resource productivity in ornamental plants production. An extensive literature review was carried out to provide an in-depth knowledge of the study. The cluster sampling procedure was used because the nurseries are located in clusters. Data was collected from the nursery owners. Six respondents from each cluster and five clusters from each local government area were selected using the simple random sampling method at each sampling stage. Each of the two local government areas was administered the 30 questionnaires making a total of 60 respondents. Results revealed that 60% of respondents were aged between 41 – 50, while 80% had some years of tertiary education. Also 60% of the respondents’ nurseries were less than a quarter of an acre. About 40% had horticulture as their primary occupation, while 40% and 20% had business and civil service respectively as their primary occupation. The ornamental plants producers made a net farm income of N351,196 per annum and a naira invested gave returns of N1.10. The regression analysis gave positive coefficients for labour, cuttings, pesticides, water, top soil and polythenes which were significant (P<0.05). However, manure, fuel transportation and annual rent had negative coefficient. Also the regression coefficient of socio economic variables such as education, age, nursery size were positive and significant. Household size had a positive coefficient but was insignificant (P<0.05). Ornamental production experience had a negative coefficient and was insignificant The ratio of marginal value product to marginal factor cost showed that cuttings, pesticides, water, top soil, and polythene was greater than one, while that of manure, labour, fuel, transportation and annual rent less than one. The implication is that the former inputs were used below the economic optimum while the latter were used above the economic optimum. Also, ornamental plants producers’ profit could be increased by increasing the use of labour, cuttings, pesticide, water, top soil, and polythenes while decreasing the use of fuel, manure transportation and annual rent. The study showed that ornamental plants business is profitable. It could serve as supplemental source of income. The study showed that only 30% of ornamental plants producers belong to registered cooperatives. It is recommended that they organized themselves into cooperatives in order to access funds, inputs and information on current trends in ornamental plants production. Government on it its side should consider ornamental plants producers in the allocation of farm inputs. Also, special sites should be a assigned for ornamental plants production in new government layout. Ornamental plants production needs to be encourage and sustained as it is a profitable venture. Producers need to pay more attention towards efficient utilization of resources. Agricultural policies that favour this venture will be of great importance to ornamental plants producers.

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Economic Assessment of the National Fadama Development Programme in Kano State: A Comparative Study of Beneficiaries and Non-Beneficiaries

Abstract:

Fadama farming has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s agriculture in particular and the country in general, but the contributions have remained largely unmeasured. As a result, this study examined the influence of the National Fadama Development Project on Fadama farmers in Kano State. Primary and secondary data were sought. A set of questionnaires was developed and information was collected from 108 respondents who were randomly selected from the three agricultural zones in the study area. Multiple regression analysis and simple statistical tools, such as, means, frequency, range and percentages were used to realize the objectives of the study. Analysis of the data revealed that fadama farming was a profitable venture among the farmers studied. A majority of respondents owned and purchased their farm land and the houses they lived in. A large percentage also owned radio, television, bicycle and irrigation pump. Water from tube-wells and wash bores were used for irrigation and drinking. The customary land system was practiced in the study area. About 46% of the respondents inherited their farm land while 26.9% purchased theirs. Majority of respondents practiced mixed cropping to ensure maximum plot utilization. There was efficient use of facilities provided by the loan package. Inputs such as pumps, fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides were used by farmers. Respondents also admitted adequate visit to farms by extension agents. There was a significant difference between the average income of the two groups (beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries) at a probability level of 95%. Some constraints, such as, high cost of farm inputs, chronic shortage of petrol and petroleum products, seasonal glut of some perishable agricultural commodities, poor storage facilities, poor access roads to Fadama areas and difficulties in getting registered as members of Fadama Users Association (FUA), were experienced by respondents. Recommendations included subsidization of prices of fertilizers and other farm inputs, frequent conduct of soil survey to determine level of salinity, creation of more micro credit facilities to enhance productivity and provision of infrastructural facilities.

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Studies on Fertilizer Nitrogen and Cutting Management of Sown Grass and Legume Pastures in Pure and Mixed Swards.

Abstract:

Three field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In the first experiment, the effects of fertilizer-N application and cutting management on establishment, growth and yield of guinea grass (Panicum maximum) were investigated. The experiment was a 4 x 4 factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments comprised four levels of Nitrogen of 0, 150, 300, and 450 kg N ha-1 and four harvesting frequencies of 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-weekly intervals. A second experiment was conducted using guinea grass/verano stylo (Stylosanthes hamata) mixed swards. The experiment was a 3 x 3 x 2 factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments comprised three swards types (pure grass, pure legume and grass-legume mixed swards), three harvesting frequencies of 4-, 8-, and 12-weekly intervals and two levels of nitrogen at 0, and 300 kg N ha-1. The third experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two cutting frequencies (4- and 8-weekly intervals) on the growth and yield of four legumes (Lablab purpureus, Stylosanthes hamata, Centrosema pascuorum and Stylosanthes guyanensis) and four grasses (Sorghum almum, Panicum maximum, Chloris gayana and Andropogon gayanus). Basal applications of muriate of potash (75 kg K ha-1) and single superphosphate (44 kg P ha-1) were also made by broadcasting in all the experiments. In the first experiment, tiller number per square metre, plant height and grass dry matter yield were increased by 44%, 6% and 53%, respectively, during the establishment year when fertilizer-N rate was increased from 0 to 450 kg N ha-1. Grass dry matter yield was increased by 41% and 149% when the interval between cuts was increased from 3- to 12-weekly intervals at the first and fourth harvest years, respectively. Plots cut at 3- or 6- weeks intervals exhibited much greater weed proportion than those cut 9-, or 12-weekly intervals. Increasing the interval between harvests from 3 to 12 weeks increased the proportion of stem relative to leaf blade in the grass swards. The proportion of inflorescence, plant height and dry matter percentages, were generally increased by increasing the interval between cuts. Tiller number decreased with increasing interval of cut. The total annual herbage dry matter yield was increased by 32% and 48% in 2001 and 2004, respectively, when fertilizer-N was increased from 0 to 450 kg N ha-1. Increasing the N rate from 0 to 450 kg N ha-1 increased the proportion of stem relative to the leaf blade in the grass swards. Plant height and tiller number were increased with increase in N application while the dry matter percentage was generally decreased with incremental application of nitrogen. A combination of 12-weekly interval of cut with 300 kg N ha-1 gave a significantly higher forage grass herbage dry matter yield compared with the values got from the 3- or 6-weekly interval combined with any N rate. Fertilizing at 300 or 450 kg N ha-1 when combined with cutting at 9 or 12-weekly interval between cuts was more effective in suppressing weed growth and weed dry matter as a proportion of the total herbage dry matter. The N % and crude protein contents in the leaf, stem and in total herbage dry matter decreased significantly with increasing interval between cuts. Yield of crude protein in the total herbage was significantly higher when cutting was done every 6 weeks compared with when done every 9 weeks. Nitrogen fertilizer x cutting frequency interaction effects on N %, crude protein contents and crude protein yields in the crop fractions and in total herbage dry matter were not statistically significant. On the average, the crude protein and mineral contents were higher in the leaf fraction than in the stem and inflorescence fractions. In the second experiment, herbage production was 16% and 69% higher on guinea grass/stylo swards in 2006 and 2007, respectively, compared with the yields for the pure guinea grass swards. Grass dry matter yield as a proportion of the total herbage dry matter was significantly increased from 45% to 61% in 2007 with 12-weekly cutting interval compared with 4-weekly interval. The weed proportion was significantly reduced from 28% to 19% with the infrequent cutting interval of 8-weeks compared with the 4-weeks in 2007. Cutting frequency did not influence the proportion of verano stylo in 2006 and 2007. However, the legume dry matter yield was generally increased with longer intervals between cuts. The effects of fertilizer-N rates on the proportions of grass, legume and weed in 2006 and 2007, were not statistically significant. The total herbage dry matter yield was significantly higher in guinea grass/stylo swards when cutting was done at 8-weekly interval compared with sole guinea grass or verano stylo at any interval between cuts. Crude protein yield of the guinea grass/stylo sward was higher than that of pure guinea grass sward by 8 %. In the third experiment, Stylosanthes guyanensis had the highest dry matter yield among the four legumes in 2007 when 8 weeks interval between cuts was employed. Among the four grasses, Chloris gayana produced significantly greater dry matter yield than Sorghum almum but had a similar yield value with Panicum maximum or with Andropogon gayanus in 2006. Andropogon gayanus yielded more than Chloris gayana but had a similar yield value with Sorghum almum or with Panicum maximum in the first harvest year. Cutting interval did not influence the extent of legume cover. However, the extent of grass cover was increased by 30% when the interval between cuts was increased from 4 to 8 weeks. Weed cover in the legume plots was not influenced by cutting management. However, weed cover in the grass plots was significantly depressed by 21% with increased interval of cut from 4 to 8 weeks. The dry matter percentages among the grasses and the legumes were generally increased by increasing the interval between cuts. In 2006, Stylosanthes hamata had significantly higher dry matter content among the legumes than Lablab purpureus and Stylosanthes guyanensis but did not differ with Centrosema pascuorum. In 2007, Lablab purpureum had significantly the least percentage dry matter compared with the other legumes. Stylosathes hamata had higher percentage dry matter than Centrosema pascuorum but did not differ with Stylosanthes guyanensis. Grass dry matter content did not vary among the grass species in 2006. In 2007, Sorghum almum had higher (P<0.05) dry matter content than Chloris gayana but had similar value with Panicum maximum or with Andropogon gayanus.

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