NSUK Repository :: Browsing by Author "Amana, Sani Mathew"

Browsing by Author "Amana, Sani Mathew"

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Open Access
Agronomic Responses to Four Tillage Variants on a Sandy-loam Ultisol cropped to Sorghum and Soybean in the derived Savanna of Southeastern Nigeria
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-01-12) Oblaum, S.E.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Obi, M.E.; Wakatsuki, T.
The study evaluated the effects of no-till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) left bare (B) or mulched (M) giving four treatments; NTB, NTM, CTB and CTM) on profile moisture storage, grain yield and carbon storage under sole- and intercropped sorghum and soybean in 2006 and 2007 growing seasons. In the sole sorghum, NTB and CTM enhanced moisture storage over NTM and CTB. The grain yield was lower in CTB than the other treatments. In the sole soybean, NTM and CTM enhanced moisture storage over NTB and CTB, but the differences in grain yield were consistently non-significant. In the intercropped field, moisture storage differed such that CTM > NTB > NTM = CTB. Whereas grain yield of the sorghum component followed suit, that of the soybean component remained uninfluenced. Overall, the differences in sorghum yields among the tillage methods were less pronounced in the first compared to the second year – when rainfall distribution was relatively erratic. The treatment-induced moisture explained over 60 and 72% of the variability in grain yield of the intercropped sorghum in the first and second year, respectively. In this short-term study, the CTB had the least carbon storage potential in the three cropping systems for which differences tended to be sole sorghum ≤ sole soybean ≤ intercrop. The NTB, NTM/NTB and CTM/NTB are recommended for growing sorghum, soybean and their intercrop, respectively.
Open Access
Assessment of Cd, Cu, Mn and Zn Levels in Soil, Water and Vegetable Grown in Irrigated Farm along River Kubani, Zaria, Nigeria
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2011-04-20) Yebpella, G.G.; Magomya, A.M.; Udiba, U.U.; Gandu, I.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Ugboaja, V.C.
Contamination of plants and plant products with toxic chemical elements due to contaminated soil and water has been observed as a result of the release of these toxicants into the sea, rivers, lakes and even into irrigation channels. These toxicants accumulate and constitute an important threat to the life of plants, animals and man through food chain. Therefore investigation into heavy metals level in vegetable, soil and water used for irrigation is apparent. The analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) while method validation was achieved using reference material, Lichen (IAEA-336). The research result revealed Cd, Cu, Mn and Zn to be present in the respective samples as follows: Vegetable1.53±0.67ppm Cd, 7.85±1.73ppm Cu, 17.07±6.61ppm Mn, 26.66±12.16ppm Zn; Soil 1.69±0.65ppm Cd, 4.83±1.53ppm Cu, 34.34±6.75ppm Mn, 29.85±11.68ppm Zn and Water 1.30±0.32ppm Cd, 1.55±0.47ppm Cu, 12.67±1.17ppm Mn, 1.98±0.89ppm Zn. The High transfer factor observed between 0.497-0.957 revealed the susceptibility of vegetables to metal contamination by anthropogenic activities, hence routine monitoring of our environment will do us good.
Open Access
Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution Levels in Soils of Keffi, Landfill and Solid Waste Dumpsite and Its Ecological Risk
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2020-08-23) Adua, M.M.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Luka, E.G.; Nghargbu, K'Tso
This study was carried out to quantitatively assess the heavy metal pollution level of soils collected from different landfill and solid waste dumpsite in keffi metropolis of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from different landfill and dumpsites in Keffi metropolis at the depth of 0-30 cm. A total of 5 random samples per location and composited to obtain a laboratory sample. The collected soil sample were allowed to dry under normal temperature within soil sample preparation room of Department of Agronomy Nasarawa State University Shabu Lafia Campus. The analysis for heavy metal was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The levels of concentration these metals varied across soil among sampling point. The mean order of heavy metal concentration in Keffi is Zn>Fe>Mn>Pb>Al>Cu>Se>Ni>As>Hg respectively. The pollution indices such as Contamination factor (CF), Pollution load index (PLI), Contamination degree (Cd), Potential contamination index (Cp) and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used for the metal enrichment and contamination status was also calculated. The CF, Cd, Cp, PLI and RI values of the studied metals indicated that the study area does not posed risk to local environments. The concentration of heavy metal indicated that the study area does not posed high risk to local community but the odour from the land fill and dumping site pollute the air which causes respiratory problems. Hence, this open landfill should be closed from use in future and or properly managed by recycling in order to minimize future pollution problems. The mean order of heavy metal concentration in plant samples is Fe>Zn>Mn>AL>Pb>Cu>Cr>Ni >As>Hg respectively. The heavy metal (Fe and Zn) contents in the plants were higher compared to other metals analysed. The concentration of some metal was relatively high in the maize plant, but there were all below the WHO permissible limit except for Zn metal. The transfer factor (Tf) revealed that plants grown on dumpsite and landfill soils absorbed and accumulates heavy metals. The highest transfer factor value was obtained in Fe, followed by Cu, Pb, Zn, Al, Mn, Ni and As respectively.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
Effect of Biochar on Soil Properties and Organic Carbon Sink in Degraded Soil of Southern Guinea Savanna Zone, Nigeria
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-10-26) Ndor, E.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Asadu, C.L.A.
Biochar incorporation into soil has been shown to improve the soil quality for crop production and sequestered organic carbon into the soil thereby mitigating climate change. The experiment was conducted during 2010 rainy season at the research and teaching farm of the college of agriculture, Lafia, Nasarawa state, Nigeria. To evaluate the effect of biochar on soil properties and the amount of organic carbon that can be sequestered in the soil. The treatments consist of biochar rates: 0, 5 and10t/ha laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD).10t/ha of biochar produced the highest levels of (pH, = 6.91; %Total Nitrogen, =0.38; K, =1.59; %Organic Carbon, = 0.56; Mg, = 2.50 and Cation Exchange Capacity = 11.35) compare to the other rate and control. However, application of 5t/ha of biochar did not show any significant effect compared with the control. Biochar application did not show any significant effect on sand, clay and silt; but had a significant effect on % organic matter, bulk density and %porosity. Application of 10t/ha of biochar produced the highest value of 7.67% silt and clay; but sand particles and bulk density decreases with increased rates of biochar application. Therefore, the control produced soils with the highest values of sand particles of 87.33% and bulk density of 1.68g/cm. Also, there is a significant difference in total quantity of carbon sequestered at the different rates of biochar application. 10t/ha sequestered a largest quantities of 1352.40t/ha of soil organic carbon. The lowest carbon stored of 926.85t/ha was reported in control plot. The result of this study suggest that biochar additions to the soil produced general improvement of soil qualities, with the possibility of lowering the soil acidity and increasing organic matter and organic carbon sink which has the capacity to improve crop production and mitigate climate change.
Open Access
Effect of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) biochar on soil chemical properties and agronomy of soybean (Glycine max L. merril)
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2022-12-22) Sodah, M.G.; Jayeoba, O.J.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Jibrin, I.M.
The experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia during the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to evaluate the effects of different levels of biochar on soil properties, growth and yield of soybean. The experiments were laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Biochar at the rates of 0, 4, 8 and 12 tons/ha were incorporated into the ridges of soybean at planting. The results showed that soil organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, potassium, available phosphorus, calcium, sodium and base saturation decreased with soil layers. Soil pH (4.67 and 4.69), magnesium (1.52 and 1.62 cmol/kg), exchangeable acidity (0.67 and 0.75 cmol/kg) and cation exchange capacity (5.18 and 5.23 cmol/kg) increased with soil depth. Biochar at the rate of 12 tons/ha showed consistently the highest values of soil properties over other rates. The results also showed that biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha recorded significantly (p<0.05) the tallest soybean plant height at 8 weeks (40.4 and 42.7 cm) and 10 (43. 0 and 49.2 cm) after planting in 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons respectively while the highest number of branches (4.5 and 4.5) was recorded in 2018 cropping season only. The results further revealed that biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha recorded the highest weight per 100 seed (16.9 and 14.9 g) and seed yield (1304.0 and 1316.7 kg) per hectare in both cropping seasons. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that biochar at the rates of 12 and 8 tons/ha positively influenced soil and soybean plant parameters evaluated. Therefore, biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha is considered as the optimum rate for sustainable soybean production in the study area.
Open Access
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT RATES OF BIOCHAR ON NODULATION AND YEILD OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max.L.merill)
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2022-08-26) Sodah, M.G.; Jayeoba, O.J.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Jibrin, I.M.
The experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of different rates of biochar on nodulation and yield of soybean in Lafia, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. The experiments were laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Biochar at the rates of 0, 4, 8 and 12 tons/ha was incorporated into ridges at planting. Four seeds of soybean were planted per hole at a spacing of 5cm between plants on four manually prepared ridges of 2 m long spaced at approximately 75cm. The seedlings were thinned to two plants after two weeks of planting (WAP). All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT statistical package while least significant difference was used to separate treatment means at 5% level of probability. The results obtained showed that biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha significantly (p<0.05) produced the highest number of nodules (20.8 and 16.4), recorded the heaviest weight per 100 seeds (16.9 and 14.9g) and grain yield of soybean (1304.0 and 1316.7 kg/ha) in both cropping seasons. The results further revealed that the highest dose of biochar (12 tons/ha) in this study did not necessarily influence and increase any parameter tested except over the control (0.0 tons/ha) in both cropping seasons. Therefore biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha is hereby considered to be the optimum rate for sustainable soybean production in the study area
Open Access
Effect of Legume Inoculant and Biochar on the Growth, Nodulation and Yield of Soybean {Glycine max. L. Merrill)
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2021-10-25) Sodah, M.G.; Jayeoba, O.J.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Jibrin, Mangwa I.
The experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Shabu -Lafia Campus of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to examine the effects of Legume Inoculant and Biochar on the growth, nodulation and yields of Soybean. The experiments were laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Biochar at the rates ofO, 4, 8 andl2 tons/ha was incorporated into the ridges before the Soybean seeds were planted as uninoculated (without legume inoculant) and inoculated (coated with legume inoculant) respectively. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT Statistical Package while least significant different (LSD) was used to separate treatment means at 5% probability. The results revealed that inoculated plots recorded significantly (P<0.05) taller soybean plant, higher number of branches, nodules number per plant and grain yields (kg/ha) against uninoculated plots. The results also showed that biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha produced significantly (P<0.05) tallest soybean plant, highest number of branches, nodules number per plant and grain yields (kglha) compared to other rates of biochar applied while the highest dose of biochar (12 tons/ha) applied did not necessarily influenced and increased Soybean growth and yield. Legume inoculant and biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha is therefore recommended for sustainable Soybean in the study area.
Open Access
Effect of Legume Inoculant and Biochar on the Growth, Nodulationand Yield of Soybean (Glycine max. L. Merrill)
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2021-10-29) Sodah, M.G.; Jayeoba, O.J.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Jibrin, I.M.
Open Access
Effect of Rice Husk as an Amendment On The Physico-Chemical Properties of Sandy-Loam Soil In Lafia, Southern-Guinea Savannah, Nigeria
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2015-06-17) Ogbe, V.B.; Jayeoba, O.J.; Amana, Sani Mathew
Soil physical and chemical properties are important phenomena in agriculture, hydrological, ecological and environmental processes that affect the productive capacity of the soil. This study was conducted at the Nasarawa State University, Faculty of Agriculture Demonstration Farm, Shabu-Lafia, Nasrawa State, Nigeria to determine the effect of rice husk on physiochemical properties of sandy-loam soil. Four treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The treatment were RH0 (Control), RH2 (2 t/ha), RH4 (4 t/ha) and RH6 (6 t/ha). Soil samples were collected from the top soil depth (0 - 30 cm) before and after treatments for the determination of selected soil physical properties (particle size, bulk density and total porosity) and chemical properties (soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases and cation exchange capacity). The results indicated that increasing rice husk from 0 to 6 t/ha significantly increased soil pH, total porosity, organic matter, exchangeable bases (Mg2+, K+ and Na+) and cation exchange capacity between treatments in both seasons while bulk density and electrical conductivity decreased between treatments. Available P and exchange base, Ca2+ were not significant in the first season, however, became significant in the second season. Total nitrogen was not significant in both seasons. All physical and chemical properties showed improvement when the second season was compared to the first season. It can therefore, be concluded that application rate of 6 t/ha performed best with the highest improvement of the physical and chemical properties of the soil.
Open Access
EFFECT OF SOIL WATER CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L) IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2020-09-09) Ogbe, V.B.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Oiganji, E.
Water conservation practices are used in crop production for enhancing soil water storage especially when there are fluctuations in rainfall under rain-fed cropping. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of soil moisture conservation techniques on the growth and yield of maize under rain-fed condition. Four treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The treatments were; conventional ridge, tied ridge, soil bund and film mulch. Data on growth parameters and yield were collected and tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Gen-stat Edition 3. The differences among the treatments were determined using least significant difference (LSD). The results showed that tied ridge recorded the highest plant heights (56.80 and 150.00 cm) at 6 and 8 WAS, number of leaves (6.73 and 12.47) at 4 and 8 WAS, and highest value (9000.00 kg) of yield as compared to the other treatments with soil bund performing least averagely. It can be concluded that tied ridge performed better with highest values of the growth parameters.
Open Access
Effect of Wastewater Used for Irrigation on Profile Distribution of Nutrients Along River Salanta.
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2018-02-21) Abubakar, M.A.; Magaji, J.M.; Amana, Sani Mathew
The study was carried out along the bank of River Salanta (Sharada) in Kano State, Nigeria. Three profile pits were excavated and four soil samples were collected based on profile depth of 30 cm intervals. Soil pH (>7) were slightly alkaline and non-saline, heavy metals (Cr, Ni and Pb) were within EU standard and Cd slightly exceeding. Soil micronutrients (Cu, Mn and Zn) were above their permissible limits with Fe within range. Waste water samples were collected through grab/catch method adjacent from each profile pit at the respective sampling locations, and analyzed for cations, anions, micronutrients and heavy metals. Irrigation water indicates that pH were slightly alkaline (7.25-7.28), EC mean values were non saline (1.98-2.13dSm-1), the concentrations of Na ranged as (5.33-6.90 cmol/l). The values of Cu and Mn were higher than the FAO limits while Fe and Zn were within range. Chromium, Ni and Pb were within the FAO permissible limits while Cd has been exceeded. Water parameters correlated significantly with soil chemical properties at some profile depths.
Open Access
EFFECTS OF BIOCHAR PARTICLE SIZE ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL AND MAIZE (Zea mays L.) PERFORMANCE
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2022-06-06) Joel, M.F.; Ogbe, V.B.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Jayeoba, O.J.
Reducing particle size is an easily adoptable strategy to reduce loss of nutrients due to more adsorption with correspondingly increased surface area compared to areas without biochar or soil treated with larger biochar particle sizes. Field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of biochar particle size on the physico-chemical properties of soil, growth and yield of maize. The treatments were biochar particle size of 5.3mm, 2mm, 1mm, 0.5mm and control. Soil samples were collected for the determination of physicochemical properties of the soil before and after sowing. Data were also collected on growth and yield parameters and were analysed using Gen-stat. The results showed that biochar particle size of 0.5mm had the highest value in plant height (121.11cm), plant girth (2.177cm), number of leaves(14.80), leaf area (784.70cm2) and yield parameters (cob length, cob girth, seed weight per cob and yield with values of 10.883cm, 3.640cm, 117.90g and 7094.17kg/ha respectively).Also, biochar particle size of 0.5mmhad the best in the physico-chemical properties in organic carbon (1.80), organic matter (3.10),Nitrogen (0.21), pH (6.7), CEC (4.81) and had the least value in EA (0.50) of the soil as compare to other treatments with the control having the least value of 1.72, 2.96, 0.12,6.3, 4.35 for O.C, OM, N, pH, CEC and the highest for EA(0.83). It can be concluded that biochar particle size of 0.5mm performed best with the highest improvement in the physicochemical properties of the soil, growth and yield parameters of maize.
Open Access
EFFECTS OF COVER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES IN NSUKKA SANDY LOAM SOIL
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2011-06-23) Amana, Sani Mathew; Jayeoba, O.J.; Obi, M.E.
Atwo year (2004-2005) field investigationwas carried out on the runoff plots at the University of NigeriaNsukka farm, to monitor the effects of cover management practices on physical properties, in Nkpologu sandy loam soil. The management practices were bare fallow (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 organic matter content compared with the control. Bulk density was significantly increased in all the treatments with highest value (1.65Mg/m ) in bare fallow and lowest value (1.49 Mg/m ) 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.The least values forMWD(1.06mm) and for Ksat (25.80cm/hr) and highest for MWD (2.09mm) and for Ksat (49.20cm/hr) were obtained under bare fallow and grass treatments respectively. The percentage aggregate size above 2.0mm was highest in grass and lowest in bare fallow. Calculations showed significant positive correlation (r = 0.50) between organic matter and MWD. There was significant negative correlation (r = -0.60) between organic matter and bulk density and highly significant positive correlation (r= 0.800) between organic matter and saturated hydraulic conductivity.
Open Access
Effects of cover management practices on Runoff and Erosion in Nsukka sandy loam soil
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2010-06-11) Amana, Sani Mathew; Obi, M.E.; Jayeoba, O.J.
The effects of cover management and non-tillage on runoff and soil loss were investigated in 2004 and 2005 on runoff plots at the University of Nigeria Nsukka farm on a 5% slope of a sandy loam. Grass, legume, coco yam and sorghum were planted as conservation barriers in order to examine their influence on water and sediment transport. After each erosive storm for the two seasons, runoff and sediment yield were determined. The dense effective barriers (Panicum maximum and Centrosema pubescens) slowed down flow, retained water and prevented sediment yield. The less effective barriers with cocoyam, sorghum and control bare fallow allow flow of water and flow velocity was not reduced enough, resulting in water and soil transport. Cumulative runoff was highest in bare fallow (87mm) and lowest in sorghum (41mm). The highest soil loss of 1.13kg/m2 and relatively low loss of 0.55kg/m2 were obtained in cocoyam and sorghum 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 was no difference under the bare fallow and cocoyam. Runoff as percentage of rainfall was highest in bare fallow (60.6%) and lowest in sorghum (2.2%) respectively. Erosion rate calculated was lowest in sorghum (0.2kg/m2/month) highest in cocoyam (0.41kg/m2/month) and in bare fallow the value was 0.3kg/m2/month.
Open Access
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT HERBICIDES ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L) IN LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2022-06-06) Amana, Sani Mathew; Joel, M.F.; Ogbe, V.B.; Jayeoba, O.J.
Weed is a man-made problem and therefore herbicide use is significant in optimizing agricultural resources to satisfy human needs. It is therefore important to study the effect of herbicide on maize performance, for proper management and long-time productivity. The field experiment was conducted in the rainy season of the year 2021. The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with five treatments and replicated three times given a total of 15 plots. The treatments were represented as T1 (Atrazine), T2 (Diuron), T3 (Metolachlor), T4 (Butachlor) and T5 (Control), respectively. Treatments were applied at the same experimental plots equally. Data was also collected on growth and yield parameters and were subjected to analysis of variance The results of the experiment showed that butachlor (T4) recorded the highest value in leaf area (286.00 cm3), plant height (121.27 cm), numbers of leaves (13.70), stem girth (28 cm) and yield parameters (weight of dry maize, weight of dry maize/plot, weight dry seed, weight of wet maize, weight of wet maize/plot with values of 188.67g, 2873.50g, 44.00g, 207.17g and 3033.67g), respectively While Diuron (T2) had the lowest values on all yield parameters (0.00 g).There was statistically high significant difference among treatments means. It can be concluded that butachlor application performed best with the highest improvement in the growth and yield of maize.
Open Access
Effects of spent engine oil contamination on soybean (Glycine max L. Merril) in an Ultisol
(Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2017-05-14) Ahamefule, H.E.; Olaniyan, J.O.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Eifediyi, E.K.; Nwokocha, C.C.
An experiment was conducted in the University of Nigeria Nsukka Teaching and Research Farm to determine the effect of spent auto-engine oil on soil and soybean in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Treatments were four levels (0, 1, 2 and 3 %) of spent auto-engine oil (SPO). Top soil samples were collected at 0, 12, 24 and 36 months and analyzed. Results indicated that infiltration rates in plots under 3 % SPO was reduced from 1.40 cm h-1 in control plots to the lowest value of 0.07 cm h-1 compared to 0.27 cm h-1 in 1 % treatment in the first 12 months. Plots contaminated with 3 % SPO gave the lowest Ks values of 6.29, 7.68 and 9.43 cm h-1 in the 12th, 24th and 36th months respectively. Data on plant samples showed that 2 % and 3 % SPO contaminations reduced soybean germination from 99 % (control) to 86 and 68 % respectively in the first cropping season whereas 1 % SPO was observed to significantly increase leaf area, dry matter content and grain yield from control values of 52.6 cm2, 3.01 t ha-1 and 0.72 t ha-1 to 54.5 cm2, 4.20 t ha-1 and 0.97 t ha-1 respectively. © JASEM
Open Access
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.