Browsing by Author "Ahamefule, Henry Emeka"

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    ASSESSMENT OF SOIL CARBON AND TOTAL NITROGEN UNDER SHORT TERM AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN AN ALFISOL OF GUINEA SAVANNAH
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2022-06-12) Amana, Sani Mathew; Jayeoba, O.J.; Ogbe, V.B.; Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Agber, P.I.
    Field experiments were conducted in the two consecutive rainy seasons of the year 2015 and 2016 at the Agronomy Research Farm, North core of the University of Agriculture Makurdi, in the Southern Guinea Savannah Zone of Nigeria. The soils are generally coarse textured and are well drained to moderately well drained. The experiment consisted of five management practices, which served as the treatments: Bare plot, Soybean, Maize, Mucuna and Grass Fallow. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated four times. The treatments generally increased total organic carbon content (27.02 and 27.78g/kg), particulate organic carbon (POC) (14.39 and 18.63g/kg), soil organic matter (44.83 and 47.76g/kg), and carbon stock (2663 and 2191kg/ha) compared with the bare fallow (20.13 and 13.32g/kg). There were highly significant differences at both depth and years except for POC at the second depth (18.63g/kg) in the first year. Total nitrogen was not significant in the first year but was significant in the second year at 0-10cm soil layer. The particulate organic nitrogen (PON) was significantly affected by the management practices in the first year at both soil depths while in the second year PON was significantly different at soil both depths. The carbon to nitrogen ratio was significantly different in both years and depth except at the depth 10-20cm of the first year. Humic acid was not significantly different among the treatments in both depths and years. The management practices possibly influenced the changes observed in both carbon and nitrogen in the short term. Thus, Mucuna and Grass Fallow may be recommended as best practices in this area.
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    Comparison of traditional and modern approaches to soil conservation in a changing climate: a review
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2020-09-25) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Eifediyi, E.K.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Olaniyan, J.O.; Ihem, E.; Ukelina, C.U.; Adepoju, S.; Taiwo, Ridwan; Fatola, F.O.
    Soil is the most age-long indispensable rudiment in sustainable crop production in Nigeria. Successful crop production lies in the soil conservation practice in use. Some traditional and modern soil conservation practices in Nigeria were reviewed from available literatures (1937-2015) to determine the extent of their usage and sectoral applicability. The literatures surveyed included scientific and legislative publications. The findings revealed that the efficacy of most traditional systems (stone lines, planting pits, and shifting cultivation) of soil conservation in Nigeria is yet to be verified by research. Be it as it may, local farmers have continued their use because it’s working for them. Some of the modern approaches (agroforestry, plastic mulching, modern tillage and improved fallow) whose effects are well documented and positively reported are rather too expensive for farmer’s adoption. Adoption is also hampered when the modern approaches are grossly unfamiliar to local farmers, arising from their not been synthesized from the traditional techniques. The modern approaches, particularly when home grown has shown proven positive effects on local soils, consequently has become widely adopted. All the traditional and modern soil conservation approaches showed the highest sectoral applicability in agriculture whereas the least was in forest resource management. With projected future adverse effects of climate change, practices that are inimical to soil conservation like sand mining and paving should be regulated by legislation whereas dredging of waterways, practices that increase soil infiltration capacities and dune stabilization and protection should be adopted.
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    Copper in water-soil-plant interactions: food chain toxicity due to irrigation with Asa River in Ilorin, Nigeria
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-12-24) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Eifediyi, E.K.; Olaniyan, J.O.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Akah, Nkechi; Ihem, E.; Yusuf, Abdulateef; Taiwo, Ridwan
    Asa River is the most important river that serves as a cheaper and easier disposal alternative to industries and at the same time as a less expensive and dependable water supply to farmers for the production of vegetables in dry season in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State, Nigeria. To investigate the effect of Asa River water pollution on water-soil-plant copper (Cu) mobility, a two factor factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) survey was conducted. The factors comprised of Factor A: distance between irrigation water sources and Factor B: irrigation history (irrigation duration in years). Four (4) farming locations, which corresponded to a control location 200 m upstream (– 200 m location), 200, 400 and 600 m downstream were selected. At each location, 4 farmers with different irrigation history were selected and the study was replicated thrice. The irrigation history was 0, 10, 20 and 30 years of irrigation with Asa river water. The results indicated that Cu levels in Asa River obtained 600 m downstream of control location, exceeded permissible limits with levels as high as 4.51 mg/L. Soil and plant tissue Cu concentrations were also found to exceed permissible levels, with plant tissue Cu reaching as high as 81.86 mg/kg in Corchorus olitorius.
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    Effluents in irrigation water: a case study of Asa River on farmlands in Ilorin, Nigeria
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2019-03-10) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Olaniyan, J.O.; Eifediyi, E.K.; Izuogu, B.N.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Nwokocha, C.C.; Ihem, E.; Taiwo, Ridwan; Fatola, F.O.; Babalola, M.J.
    Asa River is the most important river in Ilorin, serving, among other uses as source of water for irrigation of farmlands. On the other hand, wastes (likely containing salts) from industrial, domestic and agricultural origins are dumped into this river; therefore, the need arises to determine its salinity status and long term use implications on soil structural stability. During late rainy season (late October) of 2014 a study which comprised of two (2) factors laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) was conducted. Factors were source of irrigation water in Asa River and irrigation history (duration) of plots. Four (4) locations were selected. The irrigation history was 0, 10, 20 and 30 years. In each location four farmers plots with same irrigation history were selected and each replicated thrice. Results indicated that the electrical conductivity of the water used by various farmers for irrigation (0.069 – 0.20 dS/m) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) only at point 600 m downstream with value of 0.069 dS/m which falls within the non-saline range for river water. Varying the source of irrigation water resulted in significantly higher soil chemical (electrical conductivity, sodium absorption ratio and exchangeable sodium percentage) and structural (mean weight diameter, total porosity, bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity) degradation in locations 200 m and 400 m downstream. Soil chemical and structural properties were significantly affected by irrigation history, its deterioration been higher in plots with irrigation history from 10-20 years. The results therefore suggest that the observed chemical and structural degradation is due to prolonged usage, especially during drier seasons when dilution effect is reduced.
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    Prediction Models for Water Erosion Risk Management: A Review
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2018-05-21) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Fatola, F.O.; Olaniyan, J.O.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Eifediyi, E.K.; Ihem, E.; Nwokocha, C.C.; Adepoju, A.S.; Adepoju, I.O.; Babalola, M.J.
    In order to estimate the potential soil erosion hazard of an area, erosion prediction models are needed. Various models have been used by researchers, which ranges from mathematical and conceptual simple approaches to complex models that try to include the complexities of the real world. Six (6) models are reviewed in relation to their suitability for use. The KINEROS, CORINE and EUROSEM were best suited for water erosion risk prediction in cultivated soils. On the other hand, the KINEROS, PESERA, CORINE and EUROSEM were found to be applicable in all sectors (Agronomy, water resources management and road construction) highlighted. The GLASOD had the least applicability with respect to this study.
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    RESPONSE OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) TO CHANGES IN HYDRAULIC PROPERTIES OF A SPENT CRANK-CASE OIL CONTAMINATED ULTISOL UNDER BIO-STIMULATION
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-12-20) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Obi, E. M.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Peter, P.C.; Eifediyi, E.K.; Nwokocha, C.C.
    A study was carried out (2007 - 2009) at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. Main plot treatments were 0% (control), 1%, 2%, and 3% spent crankcase oil (Sp) applied in a single dose at 0, 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 mg kg-1 soil, respectively. The sub-plot treatments were control (no amendment = NA), palm oil mill effluent (PE), oil palm bunch refuse (PR) and cassava peels (CS) applied at 12 Mg/ha each, per year. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot format in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Samples were collected from 0 – 20 cm soil depth at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months and analyzed for macro-porosity, micro-porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks).Cowpea was planted in three seasons to evaluate the phyto-toxicity of spent crank-case oil and soil quality following amendment. Results indicated a trend of decreasing macro-porosity values with increasing spent oil contamination with values in 3 % oil contaminated plots ranging from 7.5 – 14.0 % whereas in 0 % treated soils values ranged from 22.0 – 25.5 %. Micro-porosity increased with increase in rate of oil contamination, increasing from 31.0 % in untreated plots to 44.0 % in plots treated with 3 % spent crank-case oil in 36 months. Amendment of contaminated soils significantly increased macro-porosity whereas micro-porosity was reduced. The Ks of plots changed from rapid (> 25 cm h-1) to moderately rapid 'permeability' (< 6 cm h-1) following oil contamination. Phyto-toxicity test indicated that increasing the contamination of spent oil beyond 1 % led to a significant decline in the percent emergence of cowpea seeds. Emergence was reduced from 99 % in control soil to 78 and 71 % in 2 and 3 % spent crank-case oil treated soils respectively following oil contamination.
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    RESPONSE OF HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATED ULTISOL TO ORGANIC AMENDMENTS IN NSUKKA SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
    (Department Of Science And Laboratory Technology, Nasarawa State University Keffi., 2016-04-09) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Nwokocha, C. C; Ihem, E.; Amana, S. M
    An experiment was conducted in the University of Nigeria Nsukka Teaching and Research Farm to determine the response of heavy metals contaminated Ultisol to organic amendments. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated thrice. Main plot treatments were 0 % (control), 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % waste crank-case oil (source of Zn, Pb, Cr and Fe) applied in a single dose at 0, 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 mg kg-1 soil, respectively. The sub-plot treatments were control (no amendment = NA), palm oil mill effluent (PE), oil palm bunch refuse (PR) and cassava peels (CS) applied at 12 Mg/ha each, per year. Top soil samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months and analyzed for the concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cr and Fe). Results obtained indicated that though the waste crank-case oil led to increased heavy metal concentrations in the treated soils, the observed increments, however, fell within tolerable levels for soil. Among the organic amendments tested for their efficacy to decontaminate heavy metals from soil, PE exhibited the highest efficacy.
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    Salinity Status of Osere River for Irrigation: Long Term Use Implication in Selected Farmers
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2019-03-29) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Taiwo, Ridwan; Amana, Sani Mathew; Eifediyi, E.K.; Ezuogu, Betsy; Ihem, E.; Nwokocha, C.C.; Yusuf, Abdulateef; Fatola, Fatai; Adepoju, S.
    Osere River is one of the important rivers that serves as a cheaper and easier disposal alternative to industries and at the same time a less expensive and dependable water supply to farmers for dry season vegetable production in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State, Nigeria. The edaphic aftermath of the use of its water for irrigation was investigated using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a two way factorial experiment. Factors comprised of fifty meter distance intervals (50 and 100 m) downstream and a control (50 m upstream) of a soap industry effluent discharge point and irrigation duration (0, 10, 20 and 30 years). River water samples indicated that the activities of the soap industry did not lead to its increased electrical conductivity (which signifies presence of dissolved salts and/or impurities), however soils under prolonged irrigation (up to 10 years) showed signs of salt induced structural deterioration (MWD). Farm soils 50 m downstream showed the lowest structural stability (MWD = 0.77 mm)and highest % silt of 21.2 whereas those located 100 m downstream indicated highest MWD of 1.10 mm. The consequent soil structural degradation was tied to elevated values of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) following prolonged irrigation
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    Salinity Status of Osere River for Irrigation: Long Term Use Implication in Selected Farmers’ Field in Ilorin, Nigeria.
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2019-10-13) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Taiwo, Ridwan; Amana, Sani Mathew; Eifediyi, E.K.; Ezuogu, Betsy; Ihem, E.; Nwokocha, C.C.; Yusuf, Abdulateef; Fatola, Fatai; Adepoju, S.
    Osere River is one of the important rivers that serves as a cheaper and easier disposal alternative to industries and at the same time a less expensive and dependable water supply to farmers for dry season vegetable production in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State, Nigeria. The edaphic aftermath of the use of its water for irrigation was investigated using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a two way factorial experiment. Factors comprised of fifty meter distance intervals (50 and 100 m) downstream and a control (50 m upstream) of a soap industry effluent discharge point and irrigation duration (0, 10, 20 and 30 years). River water samples indicated that the activities of the soap industry did not lead to its increased electrical conductivity (which signifies presence of dissolved salts and/or impurities), however soils under prolonged irrigation (up to 10 years) showed signs of salt induced structural deterioration (MWD). Farm soils 50 m downstream showed the lowest structural stability (MWD = 0.77 mm)and highest % silt of 21.2 whereas those located 100 m downstream indicated highest MWD of 1.10 mm. The consequent soil structural degradation was tied to elevated values of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) following prolonged irrigation.
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    SPENT ENGINE OIL CONTAMINATION OF AN ULTISOL IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA: COMPARATIVE EFFECTS ON TWO CROP SPECIES
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-12-23) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Obi, E. M.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Peter, P.C.; Eifediyi, E.K.; Nwokocha, C.C.
    Toxicity from spent engine oil contamination is a prevalent problem in Nigeria. Therefore a field investigation was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria to determine the effect of spent engine oil contaminated soil on growth and yield parameters of maize and cowpea. Post contamination sampling indicated that spent engine oil significantly (P < 0.05) increased total hydrocarbon content and bulk density from 825 mg kg-1 to a maximum of 25411 mg/kg and 1.50 g cm-3 to 1.68 g cm-3 respectively whereas soil water loss between 2 - 10 days after saturation was highest (40 %) in the first three months in 3 % spent engine oil contaminated. Germination was 32 % lower in maize than cowpea while spent engine oil had 29-folds more detrimental effects on leaf expansion of maize compared to cowpea. It was also observed that the dry matter content and grain yield of maize was more than 3 times and 2.5 times respectively, reduced compared to that of cowpea. It was concluded that spent engine oil had detrimental effects on soil physical properties and the test crops, however maize showed higher susceptibility compared to cowpea.
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    STABILITY AND HYDROLOGICAL MODIFICATIONS IN A TILLED SOIL UNDER SELECTED ORGANIC AMENDMENTS IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2015-02-02) Ahamefule, Henry Emeka; Nwokocha, Chris Chukwuma; Amana, Sani Mathew
    A 36 months study was carried out in Nsukka, south-eastern Nigeria to determine the effect of organic amendment on the stability and hydrological properties of a tilled fragile Ultisol. The experiment was of a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three (3) organic amendments and a control replicated thrice. The soil amendments were comprised of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (PE), Palm Bunch Refuse (PR), Cassava Peels (CS) at 12 Mg/ha and No Amendment/control (NA). Results indicated that organic amendment of tilled plots significantly increased the stability of wet and dry soil aggregates compared to soil aggregates in unamended plots. The amendment of tilled soils led to increased saturated hydraulic conductivity, water sorptivity, transmissivity, steady-state infiltration rate, cumulative infiltration after 90 minutes, time to attain steady-state infiltration and water retention. However, the general trend shows that highest values were obtained when soils were under PE and CS amendments, with values in PE treated soils showing relative increment of more than 100 % compared to control.