Category Archives: 2018 Journals

EFFECT OF PIGEON PEA ALLEY ARRANGEMENT ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE IN INTERCROPPING SYSTEM

Olagunju John Olujobi¹, Dele Olawumi Amujo¹ & Faith Aladi Sale²

¹Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti

²Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Kogi State University, Anyigba

E- mail: olujobioj@yahoo.com

Corresponding author: Olagunju John Olujobi

ABSTRACT

 Field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of pigeon pea alley arrangement on growth and yield of maize. Five (5) treatments; consisting of the following pigeon pea/maize row ratio (1:2, 2:2, 1:3, 2:3 and 0:3 row ratios) were arranged in completely randomized design in plots and replicated five (5) times. At two weeks intervals, starting from the fourth week after the planting of maize (WAP); maize growth parameters were measured. At maturity, maize cob was harvested and the yield was determined. The result shows that at 4 WAP, maize in 1:2 treatments has the mean tallest value (24.5 cm) while at maturity (10 WAP), maize in 2:3 treatment has the mean tallest value (187.7cm). Maize mean stem diameters and numbers of leaves in all the treatments were not significantly different (p < 0.05) up to 8 WAP. Mean total dry matter yield (180.52 g/plant) was highest in 1:2 treatment while maize in 2:2 treatment has the highest mean grain yield (75.11 g/plant). Correlation between maize yield components was positive for cob length (r= 0.465), cob weight (r = 0.476) and rachis weight (r = 0.516). Consequent upon the results from the study, 1:2 row arrangements was recommended for fodder production and 2:2 row arrangements for grain production by agro forestry farmers.

Keywords: Alley, growth, intercrop, maize, pigeon pea, yield,

THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL SERVICES AND TRAINING CENTRES (ASTC) ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN PLATEAU STATE

Guluwa, Shadrach Ezekiel & Jimmy, Vincent Gambo

Department of Economics

Plateau State University Bokkos, Nigeria

Email:  vincentgambo@gmail.com

Corresponding author: Jimmy, Vincent Gambo

ABSTRACT

This paper looks at the impact of Agricultural Services and Training Centre (ASTC) on agricultural production in Plateau State of Nigeria. To achieve this, a descriptive survey method was used to collect primary data through the use of questionnaires. The study discovered that ASTC has contributed significantly to increase in the level of maize, Irish potatoes, yam, rice, poultry and other livestock in Plateau State as a result of the introduction of ASTC. It was also discovered that the problems militating against the proper working of the ASTC include insufficient funding, equipment and personnel, inadequate awareness about the programme, operational inefficiency and poor coordination of the activities of the ASTC. Hence, the paper calls for the provision of more funding, equipment and personnel to the ASTC and more awareness about the existence of the programme. The paper also recommended further that the ASTC staff should strive towards achieving operational efficiency and good coordination of its activities.

EFFECTS OF BURN-OUT ON INNOVATION PREFERENCE AMONG RURAL FARMERS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

¹Gondo, Kelvin Terver, ²Yaro Anthony & ³Pev Isaac

¹Department of Agricultural Education, College of Education, Katsina Ala, Benue State

²Department of Agricultural Education, College of Education, Zing, Taraba State Nigeria

³Taraba State Post Primary Schools Management Board, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

Email: zikpev@yahoo.com

Corresponding author: Pev Isaac

ABSTRACT

A survey was conducted to assess perceived effects of burn-out on innovation preference among rural farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. The population of this study consisted of all rural farmers in Benue State. A total of 398 respondents were selected using stratified, purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data for the study were collected from primary source with aid of a well-structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, mean and standard deviation as well as inferential statistics such as Logit regression and Spearman’s Ranked Correlation Coefficient. Analysis showed that the major innovation preference among the rural farmers includes use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and improved seeds varieties. Burn-out symptoms experienced by rural farmers were tiredness most of the time, reduced immunity, frequent headache, backache and muscle ache, loss of appetite, sense of failure and self-doubt. Determinants of burn-out among the rural farmers which include loss of interest, felt sense of failure and self-doubt, lack of motivation in the innovation, tiredness to adopt innovations that have no value and failure to apply innovations. It was concluded that rural farmers’ low level of innovation preference increased the level of burn-out among them. Socio-economic characteristics, especially household size and estimated farm annual income had significant effect on the probability of experiencing burn-out. It was therefore recommended that rural farmers should increase their preference for innovations.

Keywords:   Burn-Out, Innovation Preference, Rural Farmers

EFFECT OF ORGANIC MULCHES ON SOIL PRODUCTIVITY AND MICROBIAL ACTIVITIES IN ACID SANDS OF UYO, NIGERIA

Akpan¹, Godwin U.  & Iliyasu², Mohammad

¹Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, University of Uyo, Uyo

²Department of Soil Science, University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria

Email: agumoren1@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to assess the effects of three mulching materials; Chromoalaenaodorota(CH), Elusineindica (EI) and Saw dust (SD) on soil properties and microbial activity in acid sands of Uyo ,Nigeria. The trial was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications between April, 2012 and October, 2013. The experimental plot measured 96m² was cleared manually and the three mulching materials chopped into pieces, cured before each worked into each experimental plot at the rate of 10t/ha with minimum tillage. Soil samples were collected at 6 and 12 weeks after mulch application for determination of soil properties and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks after mulch applications for determination of microbial populations. Results revealed that the three mulching materials increased physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Effect of the mulching material son nitrogen, phosphorous organic carbon and basic captions (Na⁺ K⁺ Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺) were however highly dependent on their C:N ratios. Mulching with CH and EI with low C:N rates of 13:1 and 17:1 significantly increased the soil properties and biological activities and reduced soil bulk density in all the treatments. On the other hand, mulching with saw dust with high C:N ratio of 20.75:1 stimulated microbial growth and added little nitrogen to the soil. Microbes immobilized a high proportion of the limited nitrogen pool. This study demonstrates that organic mulches can have major effect on soil fertility and that.

Keywords: Microbial activity, Acid sands Organic molecules, soil productivity

EVALUATION OF COMPRESSIVE INDEX OF CLAY SOILS OF IPETU TOWN IN IREPODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE

¹Gana. A. J, ²Toba, A. P & ²Okigbo, S. N

¹Department of Civil Engineering, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State

²Department of Civil Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Pmb 55, Bida, Niger State

Emails: doctorgana@yahoo.com, phildebo123@gmail.com

Corresponding author: Gana, A. J

ABSTRACT

The common practice in Engineering profession for soil Analysis usually requires the use of empirical equations for computing the Engineering properties of soils, especially in Geotechnical Engineering field. It has been observed that empirical formulas give a better result for soils which in most cases have dis-similar properties. It has also been observed that most of the existing correlations relationships have been used for Index of clay soils in terms of its index properties. This paper Examines the compressive index of clay soils values of Ipetu town; being a distance of 4 bilometres away from Omu-Aran In Irepodun Local Government area of Kwara state the study also considered the soil consolidation, correlation, Regression and Liquid Limit of the clay soil under study.

Keywords:-soils consolidation, compressive Index, remolding, correlations, empirical formulas regression, Liquid Limit.

INVESTIGATION INTO COMPOSITE WALLS AND ROOF CLADDING PANELS AT HIGH ALTITUDE CONSTRUCTION (A CASE STUDY OF HIGH RISE BUILDINGS IN OMU-ARAN; IREPODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE)

Gana, A. J, Okoye, S. S. C & Okoye. S.S.C

Department of Civil Engineering, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara state

Department of Civil Engineering, Federal polytechnic Bida

Emails: – doctorgana@yahoo.com, phildebo123@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study is one of the investigations carried out on composite walls and roof cladding panels at high attitude construction on high rise. Buildings in Omu-Aran, in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The study considered a general view on walls and roof cladding elements, composite panels, production processes and observations from panel cladding materials

Keywords: Composite walls, Roof cladding panels, High rise Buildings

EFFECT OF SLOPE CHARACTERISTICS ON AGGREGATE-SIZE DISTRIBUTION IN SOILS FORMED ON COASTAL PLAIN SANDS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Essien, O.  A. & Ogban, P.  I.

Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management

Faculty of Agriculture University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Corresponding Author: otobongessien19@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Investigation of slope characteristics influence on aggregate size distribution is necessary in guiding management practices of the soils formed on coastal plain sands, in Akwa Ibom State. Effect of slope characteristics on aggregate size distribution were examined in coastal plain sands in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Five soil samples were collected at 20m interval from each of twelve selected similar slopes / location, based on their form and length. A total of sixty samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory for physical and chemical properties. Each of the 60 soil samples were separated into four aggregate size fractions; 4-2.0mm, 2.0-0.25mm, 0.25-0.05mm and <0.05mm, using the dry and wet sieving methods. The data generated were analyzed in terms of slope aspect, slope curvature and slope gradient effect on aggregate size distribution. The result shows that the physical and chemical properties of the soils in the study area were affected by slope aspect, curvature and gradient by causing redistribution of soil properties along the slope. Slope aspect significantly (P< 0.05) affected dry aggregate size distribution with the highest mean value of 4.01mm for the < 0.05mm diameter, occurring on the south facing slope was 3.1mm. slope gradient significantly (P< 0.05) affected < 0.05mm dry aggregate size fraction with the highest mean value of 4.35mm occurring on the <10% slope followed by >20% with 3.52mm and 11-20% with 2.80mm/. Understanding the effect of slope characteristics can guide in selecting suitable management practices of the soil.

Keywords: Slope aspect, slope curvature, slope gradient, aggregate-size distribution, soil physical properties, soil chemical properties, coastal plain sands

EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON SOIL PRODUCTIVITY AND YIELD OF MAZE (Zeamays L) ON AN ULTISOL IN ABAKALIKI, SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

J. E. Orji

Department of Soil Science and Environmental

 Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki 

Email: nacfarms@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The agronomic potential of organic and inorganic fertilizers as soil amendments was evaluated. The objective was to determine their effect on soil physicochemical properties and grain yield.  The experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. The field was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising NPK 15:15:15 (NPK) poultry droppings (PD), cow dung (CD), unburnt rice husk (UBRH) and control (C) replicated four times. The amendments were applied at the rate of 0.3tha^-1, 5t ha ^-15t ha ^-1 and 5t ha ^-1 for NPK, PD, CD and UBRH respectively. The test crop used was Oba super II (Maize variety). Results of the study showed that  bulk density, total porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, water retention  aggregate stability were significantly (P<0.05) higher in poultry droppings (PD) amended plots compared to control (C). Soil pH, total N, effective Cation exchange capacity, exchangeable acidity and percent base saturation were significantly (P<0.05) higher in plots amended with poultry droppings (PD) compared to control (C). Results also showed that the plot amended with PD had the highest grain yield of maize. The yield increase in amended plots was in the order of PD>NPK>CD>UBRH>C. Therefore, poultry droppings applied at the rate of 5t ha^– could be recommended for the rural farmers for improved soil productivity in Abakaliki south east Nigeria.

Keywords: Organic, inorganic, amended, soil nutrient, maize, yield.