Category Archives: 2018 Journals

Evaluation of Plant Populations of Velvet Bean (Mucuna cochinchinensis) for Soil Fertility Improvement in Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) Production at Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

 ¹Shave, P. A.; S. T. Wuese² & ¹Hiiorga, H. P.

¹ Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, University of Agriculture, Makurdi

²Department of Soil Science, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Makurdi

 Corresponding author: S. T. Wuese²Email:kumedula@gmail

ABSTRACT

Field trials were conducted in 2013 and 2014 on a fallow field at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (07⁰41¹N, 08⁰37¹E and 106m above mean sea level) using Velvet bean (Mucuna cochinchinensis) to improve soil fertility for yam production. Four Mucuna populations were used: 400 plants/ha, 800 plants/ha, 1600 plants/ha and 0 plants/ha (control). The experiment was set up using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The physico-chemical properties of the soil before and after planting Mucuna as well as after yam harvest and number of earthworm cast were evaluated. Yam (Dioscorea rotundata) was planted the following year after Mucuna was ploughed-in into the heaps. The residual effect of Mucuna, yam germination percentage, number of leaves, leaf area index and yam yield were assessed. All the Mucuna populations influenced the physico-chemical properties of the soil. 1600 plants/ha had the highest number of earthworm cast while 800 plants/ha had the highest germination percentage, number of leaves, leaf area index and yam yield compared with the control (0.00 plants/ha). 800 plants/ha population decreased the pH by 4.09%, increased organic matter by 25.22%, Cation Exchange Capacity by 13.87%, Total Exchangeable Bases by 15.25% and Base saturation by 1.59% as compared with the control. Thus, it is recommended that planting Mucuna at 800 plants/ha will positively influence the soil properties and lead to higher yield of yam.

Keyword: Evaluation, Populations, Velvet bean, Soil fertility and Guinea savanna

Fingerlings Production and Cost Benefit Analysis of (Clarias gariepinus) Brood stock Fed Different Inclusion Levels of (Azanza garckeana) Pulp

¹Onyia, L.U.,¹ Ochokwu, I.J² & Birchi, A.H².

¹Department of Fisheries, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola,

 ²Department of Fisheries and Aquacultural Technology, Dutsima, Katsina State Corresponding author: Onyia, L.UE-mail:luconyia@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The study focused on the production of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings produced from Clarias gariepinus broodstock fed inclusion levels of Azanza garckeana. Clarias gariepinus broodstock fed different inclusion levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%) of Azanza garckeana pulp meal, representing diet 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in a randomised complete design. The result showed that fish fed with 20% A. garckeana had the highest oocyte and significantly different (p<0.05) from fish fed other diets. 10% inclusion level had the highest percentage hatchability (98%) followed by 5% (96%), 15% (92%), 20% (76%) and the least 0% (62%). At the end of the experiment highest survival of fingerlings were in inclusion levels 5% and 10%. The best cost benefit ratio (CBR) and profit was in 10% inclusion (0.60 and N2, 441), followed by 5% inclusion (0.47 and N2, 060.22), 15% inclusion (0.35 and N1, 746.52), 0% and 20% had negative CBR and profit.

Keywords: Broodstock, Azanza garckeana, Cost Benefit, Clarias fingerlings.

Germination Potential and Seedling Establishment of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) as Influenced by Different Pre-treatment Techniques

Ekwugha Ugochi Eucharia

Department of Forestry and Wildlife Technology

                                                       Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State

Email: uggold2005@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The research on germination potential and seedling establishment of pigeon pea (cajanus cajan) as influenced by different pre-treatment techniques was carried out to determine the best pre-germination treatment technology for pigeon pea seeds. The treatments were Hot Water, Cold water, Diluted Tetraoxo sulphate (vi) acid, and moderate scarification with sand paper. The seeds of pigeon pea were sown in poly bags filled with topsoil, poultry manure and fine river sand in the ratio of 1:2:3: respectively. The treatment were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated four times using poly bags giving a total of 36 bags for each germination medium respectively. Data were collected at 4,8,12 weeks after planting on the following parameters; germination count, plant height, stem girth, and number of leaves. All the data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance and mean separation carried out using least significant difference (LSD) at 5% level of probability. Results show that while treatment with tethraoxo sulphate (vi) inhibited germination of pigeon pea, scarification treatment at 8 WAP for 9min recorded 100% germination. Similarly, seeds scarified for 9mins at 4, 6 and 8 WAP recorded mean plant height of 19.07cm, 24.87cm and 30.00cm respectively. The results of stem girth and number of leaves per plant followed the same trend with scarification treatment recording the best stem girth and highest mean number of leaves. Hence, to attain higher percentage germination, reduced dormancy period, and better seedling establishment, the seeds of pigeon pea should be pre-treated with scarification or hot water soaking.

The Role of Soil Amendments in Soil and Water Conservation

 Brai Marcellus Alugbe

   Department of Sciences

 National Institute of Construction Technology (NICT), Uromi, Edo State Email:maxcellusng6@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Soil amendment is referred to as all inorganic and organic substances mixed into the soil for achieving a better soil constitution regarding plant productivity. The aim of this research work is to review the commonly used soil amendment in Nigeria, their effectiveness and the problems that is associated with the implementation of this practice. The common soil amendment in Nigeria includes; poultry litters, cow dung’s, compost manure and goat yard manure. Care has to be taken in choosing the appropriate soil amendment depending on the initial soil conditions.

Keywords: Soil Amendment, soil conditioners, Bio-fertilizers, soil conservation, and water management.

The Role of Soil Amendments in Soil and Water Conservation

Brai Marcellus Alugbe & Ehiomogue P.

   Department of Sciences

 National Institute of Construction Technology (NICT), Uromi, Edo State

Michael Okpara University Umudike

 Email: maxcellusng6@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Soil amendment is referred to as all inorganic and organic substances mixed into the soil for achieving a better soil constitution regarding plant productivity. The aim of this research work is to review the commonly used soil amendment in Nigeria, their effectiveness and the problems that is associated with the implementation of this practice. The common soil amendment in Nigeria includes; poultry litters, cow dung’s, compost manure and goat yard manure. Care has to be taken in choosing the appropriate soil amendment depending on the initial soil conditions.

Keywords: Soil Amendment, soil conditioners, Bio-fertilizers, soil conservation, and water management.

Treatment of Polluted Water using Natural Rock Materials at the Household Level

¹Gana A.J., ²Esayeas Alemayeu & ²Wondwossen Birke

¹Department of Civil Engineering, Collage of Science and Engineering, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara

²School of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia

Emails: phildebo123@gmail.com

Corresponding author: Gana A.J.

ABSTRACT

In rural and semi-urban communities of developing countries, including Ethiopia adequate water treatment procedures are almost non-existing mainly for economic reasons as well as settlement characteristics of the people hence a technology that does not demand much financial resource at household level is required the aim of this study was to test the filtering capacity of natural rock material obtained in the rift valley of Ethiopia. The rock material pumice was collected from metehara and awash=7 kilo areas the rift valley of Ethiopia and then designed in to rock  vessel having 2cm ,4cm and 6cm side and bottom thickness, cylindrical and hemispherical shapes at the top and bottom respectively for the study purpose three experimental cycles ere under taken polluted water sample that had initial purpose .three experimental cycles were under taken .polluted water sample that had initial average concentration of 497 mpn per 100ml of faucal colophons , 93 .2 ftu of  turbidity 83.3 tcu of color ,1.405 mg/l of fluoride,0.63 mg/l of iron ,0.028 mg/l of manganese of a ph of 6.74 at a temperature of 20.5 c were passed through the rock vessels. The finding shows that very good reductions of contaminants were achieved in which faucal coli forms became 96.4%, 97.6% and 98.3%. turbidity 96.7 and 96.9%, color 88%, 89.% and 92 .8%:temperature 5.9%,6.15% and 6.3% fluoride 22%, 38.6% and 67.5%: iron 79.4%, 89.3% and 88.9% manganese 67.%, 9.% 89.3% and 92 .9%:but the mean average for the hydrogen ion concentration (P^H value) increased gradually to 6.53%. 8.2% and 6.7% in2cm, 4cm and 6cm rock filters respectively. The study has revealed that, as the filter run increased, the efficiency to eliminate the contaminants was positively significant (p>0.05). It was also observed that there is a declining trend in filtration rate as the frequency of the filter run increased. National rock filter has the capacity to filter impurities from contaminated water. It is a relatively simple technology for household water treatment. Further studies also need to be done on another removal mechanism (adsorption capacity of the rock), characterization of the rock and the application of this natural rock as a conventional water treatment media, which are not included in this study.

Keywords: Natural rock water filter vessels, Physiochemical, Microbial Impurities, filtering capacity, household level, polluted water.

Effect of Cooking and Soaking on the Proximate Composition, Anti-Nutrient and Functional Properties of Bitter Yam

Duru. F. C., Uneanya, G. C., Ohaegbulam, P. O. & Ochulor D.O., Nnaji, K.A

Department of Food Technology

Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State

Corresponding author: Duru. F. C., Uneanya

Email: durufaustina@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The effect of cooking and soaking on the functional properties of bitter yam tubers were investigated. Peeled yam slices were subjected to two treatments – cooking, soaking overnight and subsequent cooking. Thereafter, the treated tubers were oven-dried. Proximate analysis, anti-nutrient assessment and functional properties determination were conducted using standard procedures. Proximate and functional properties analysis revealed that the treatments significantly affected the nutrient composition of the bitter yam samples. Studies on the anti-nutrients indicated a significant reduction in their levels when compared to the raw sample. It is concluded from this study that cooking on one hand, and soaking and cooking on the other hand effected significant reductions in the levels of anti-nutrients and affected the functional properties of the bitter yam samples.Keywords: Bitter yam, functional properties, proximate composition, anti-nutrient, soaking, cooking

Influence of Germination Time, During Malting, on Selected Anti-Nutritional Factors of Some Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] Types

Mohammed A. Usman

Department of Food Science and Technology

  Modibbo Adama University of Technology, P.M.B. 2076, Yola, Adamawa

Email: mohammedusmanatanda@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The influence of germination time, during malting, on selected anti-nutritional factors (phytate and tannin) of some sorghum types was investigated. The local, improved and hybrid sorghum types were used for the study and respectively subjected to malting while phytate and tannin were periodically evaluated, during the germination period, using standard procedures. The results showed that the phytate concentration of all the sorghum types, before germination, ranged from 459 to 1097.9 mg/100g sample while that of barley (control) was 620.8 mg//100g sample. The phytate content of all the sorghum types got reduced by 32.7-56.3% level after 48-hour germination. Most of the reduction levels of phytate for the sorghum types were higher than that obtained for barley (42.2%) which served as the control. At 96-hour germination period, the reduction levels of phytate increased by 52.1 to 79.2% while that of barley also increased by 66%. The tannin level of all the sorghum types, before germination, ranged from 0.12-4.44 mg/g sample while that of barley (control) was 0.04 mg/g sample. The tannin level during the germination period showed a reduction level of 13.2 to 50% at 48-hour germination while the reduction level for barley was 77.5%. At 96-hour germination time, the reduction level increased to 26.3 – 43.5% while no tannin detection was observed for hybrid D of the sorghum grain and barley respectively. The conclusion from this study revealed that it might be impossible to have a total elimination of phytate and tannin from most sorghum types at 96-hour germination period during malting.

Keywords: Phytate, tannin, sorghum types, germination time, malting.