Browsing by Author "Jayeoba, O.J."

Now showing 1 - 18 of 18
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Damage by Asphondylia sesame Felt (Diptera:Cecidomyiidae) to Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as Influenced by Variety and Planting Date at Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2013-03-14) Ajayi, Folorunso A.; Ogunwolu, E.O.; Adeyemi, M.O.; Jayeoba, O.J.; Sanni, H.
    Varietal and planting date effects on damage by the gall midge, Asphondylia sesame, to sesame was investigated in small plot tests conducted at Lafia, Nigeria, in 2007 and 2008. Three dates of planting, July 26, August 3 and August 10, as main plot treatments, and an early-maturing variety [90 days] variety of sesame, E-8, and a late-maturing one [120 days] Yandev-55, as subplot treatments, were replicated four times in randomized complete block design. Over the two years, incidence of galling ranged from 4.2-17.5% (mean = 11.54%) and it explained 66.6% of the variation in seed yield. The earliest- planted plots were the most productive in terms of number of pods (mean = 789.8/5 plants), seed yield (mean = 175.0 kglha), and were the least damaged (4.25% galling incidence). One to two weeks delay in planting caused 22.1-34.1 % reduction in podding, 39.1-45.1 % reduction in seed yield, and it increased galling incidence by 171.8-305.9%. Varietal differences were significant (P0.05). Galling incidence was >2-fold lower and seed yield 1.8-fold higher on Variety E-8 than on Yandev-45. Early planting of E-8 is recommended as a sustainable way of mitigating gall midge damage to sesame.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen 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
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Efficacy of Some Selected Edible Essential Plant Oils in the Management of Subterranean Termites Infestation on Wood-in-Service in Lafia, Nigeria.
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2018-02-28) Ajayi, Folorunso A.; Egbewole, Z.T.; Haruna, I.M.; Jayeoba, O.J.; Jibrin, A.S.
    This study evaluated the efficacy of three edible essential plant oils (Clove, West African black pepper (WABP) and Ginger) and one commercially produced termiticide (Termiguard®) for the control of subterranean termite infestation on Gmelina arborea as a servicing wood. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture (Shabu-Lafia Campus), Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria. The wood test samples measured 4x4x40 cm and the study was laid in a 5 x 3 x 2 factorial experiment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a total of 30 treatment combinations replicated 10 times making a population of 300 test samples. Each wood test sample was staked at 1 x 0.5 m with 20 cm of the test samples planted into the soil while the other half (20 cm) was exposed to natural environmental conditions for a period of 20 months. Dry weight, %moisture content was taken prior to staking and at 4 months interval of exposure to subterranean termites. The results showed that the susceptibility of Gmelina exposed to subterranean termites in the Graveyard site had final %weight loss of (21.12±8.25%) while samples buried at the termitaria had (19.55±19.69%). It further revealed that the final %weight loss in Gmelina treated with Ginger (17.43±23.78%), WABP (17.78±10.46%), Clove (20.42±13.68%) were not significantly different (p≥0.05) but significantly different (p≤0.05) from the final %weight loss observed in Gmelina treated with Termiguard® (Treated check) (13.76±6.12%) and the %weight loss of (24.78±15.39%) in non treated samples at (p≤0.05). Thus, the susceptibility of Gmelina exposed to subterranean termites at the Graveyard site treated with edible essential plant on oils can be ranked as follows: Control>Clove>WABP> Ginger>Termiguard® (Treated check). The results also showed that the final %weight loss in Gmelina treated at 0.5 dosage rate had (24.78±15.39%) and 1.0 dosage rate had (26.34±21.79%) were not significantly different (p≥0.05) but significantly different (p≤0.05) from the final %weight loss in samples treated at 1.5 g/640 cm3 application rate with %weight loss of (18.55±11.82%). Thus, the susceptibility of samples exposed to subterranean termites at the Graveyard site treated with edible essential plant oils can be ranked as follows: 1.5>0.5>1.0 rate of application and these were significantly different (p≤0.05) from each other. Based on the results of theis study, ginger at an application rate of 1.5 g recorded the least weight loss among the three edible essential plant oils and this compared favourably with the treated check, Termiguard®; it is therefore, recommended for use as a wood preserver.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    GROWTH AND YIELD OF SOYBEAN (Glycine Max. L. Merril) AS INFLUENCED BY COMBINED APPLICATION OF BIOCHAR AND MICRONUTRIENT
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2022-03-01) Sodah, M.G.; Jayeoba, O.J.; Amana, S.M.; 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 the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to examine the integrated effects of biochar and micronutrient on the growth and yields 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 was incorporated into the ridges before planting the soybean seeds. Micronutrient at the rate of 0.0, 0.5 and 1 litre/ha was foliar applied two weeks after planting. 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 % level of probability. The results revealed that biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha, when combined with micronutrient at the rate of 0.5 litre/ha, recorded significantly (P<0.05) tallest soybean plant,the highest number of branches and nodules number per plant, heaviest weight of fresh nodules per soybean plant and grain yields (kg/ha) against other treatment combinations. The results also showed that the integration of the highest dose of biochar (12 tons/ha) with the highest dose of micronutrient (1 litre/ha) did not necessarily influence and increased soybean growth and yield parameters tested in this study. Therefore, integration of biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha with micronutrients at the rate of 0.5 litre/ha is recommended for sustainable soybean production in the study area.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Improving Weather Information Systems for Climate Change Assessment in Nigeria: The Role of AutomaticWeather Stations (AWSs)
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2013-01-27) Jayeoba, O.J.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Ogbe, V.B.
    Climate change is happening on a global scale, but the ecological impacts are often local and vary from place to place. The pertinent question is how can a country like Nigeria empirically assess, formulate mitigation measures or adapt to the enormous negative impact of climate change on livelihood of people living in rural and remote places in the country without systematic, reliable and consistent weather information. Detailed weather observations on local and regional levels are essential to a range of needs from forecasting to making decisions that affect energy security, public health and safety, transportation, agriculture and all of our economic interests. Reliable weather information allows farmers to maximize their productivity and governments to implement preventative disaster management and effective public health measures. The paper highlighted benefits of the use and implementation of Automatic weather stations (AWS) in gradual replacement of conventional weather stations in Nigeria.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    SIMULATION MODELING: A DECISION SUPPORT TOOL FOR NIGERIA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2006-12-04) Jayeoba, O.J.; Ezeaku, P.I.; Ajayi, Folorunso A.
    Modeling involves assembling the major biological and physical components of a system and using them to predict or simulate the behavior of that system. Agricultural models have many current and potential uses for answering questions in research, agricultural production systems, weather/climate management and geographical information system (GIS/remote sensing), as well as in agricultural policy. Complexity of agricultural production system in Nigeria however, requires caution in model adoption and application. This is because appropriate use of production system for a particular purpose depends on whether the model complexity is feasible to the question being asked and the model being tested in diverse environment. Model testing depends greatly on the scope, quality and availability of experimental data in form of minimum data set. The paper outlined processes of modeling, minimum data set required for agronomic model development, validation and application and proffered recommendations for realistic use and application of model in Nigerian agricultural production environment.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Spatial Variation of Soil Moisture Content and Total Porosity As Influenced by Land Use Types in Lafia, North Central Nigeria
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2014-06-11) Jayeoba, O.J.; Amana, Sani Mathew; Ogbe, V.B.
    The study was carried out to evaluate the spatial variaility of soil moisture content and total porosity as influenced by land use, in Faculty of Agriculture, teaching and Research farm, Shabu, Lafia. A total of 81observations and samples were collected at every 10m along the Xaxis and 10m apart along the Y-axis and soil moisture content of the samples was determined gravimetrically, while total porosity was calculated using bulk density from gravimetric measurement. Spatial analyses of the physical properties were done in a GIS environment. Geo-statistical procedure (Mvariogram) of Genstat Package was used to determine and select appropriate spatial models for all the data set. Win- Surfer Version 7.0 (Golden Software Inc, Golden, Colorado) was used for interpolation technique called “Ordinary Kriging“ to produce the spatial distribution of soil moisture content and total porosity. The results showed that soil moisture content was negatively skewed but positive kurtosis, while kurtosis and skewness values in soil total porosity were both positive . This implies that both, tested parameters were highly variable and were not normally distributed. Anisotropy was not evident in the directional semivariograms for any of the properties. Therefore, isotropic models were fitted. Relative Nugget Effect (RNE) (The nugget-to-sill ratio (Co/Co + C)) of total porosity was 50% and 2.3% for moisture content. Contour Isoline mapping showed that the surface soil physical properties varied between the experimental plots as determined by land use type and management practices, plots with soil amendments having higher but highly varied surface soil moisture and better porosity. The results of this study demonstrated the need for Site-specific management as required in Precision Agriculture.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Susceptibility of Some Servicing Wood Species to Subterranean Termites in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University Keffi, 2017-08-31) Ajayi, Folorunso A.; Egbewole, Z.T.; Haruna, I.M.; Jayeoba, O.J.; Bala, L.W.; Solomon, S.M.; Rotowa, O.J.
    Termites are well known for their ability to damage wood and various types of wood-derived products. This study evaluated the susceptibility of six servicing wood species (Tectonagrandis, Khayaspp, Daniella oliveri, Gmelina arborea, Parkia biglobosa and Vitallaria paradox) to the activity of subterranean termites. It was conducted on two testing sites, termitaria and the Timber Grave Yard both of the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Ecotourism, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Shabu-Lafia. The wood test samples measured 4x4x40cm, and the study was laid in a 6 x 5 x 2 factorial experiment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a total of 60 treatment combinations replicated 5 times making a population of 300 test samples in order to facilitate the interpretation of the main and interacting effects that could evolve.Each wood species was staked at 1m x 0.5m with 20 cm of the test samples planted into the soil while the other half (20cm) was exposed to natural environmental conditions. The servicing wood species stakes were exposed to subterranean termites for a period of 24 months. Dry weight and percentage moisture content was taken prior to staking and after 12 months of exposure to subterranean termites. The result of final weight loss shows that Mahogany had (5.89±5.54g), Teak (9.05±16.96g), Shea butter (13.51±18.00g) and Gmelina spp. with (19.89±28.87g) were not statistically different from each other after 12 months of exposure to termites. But the loss recorded from these four-wood species were statistically different from Pakia spp. with (38.00±37.95g) and Daniella spp (40.23±33.32g) at (p < 0.05). Thus, the susceptibility of the wood species exposed to subterranean termites at the termitaria can be ranked as follows: Daniella spp. >Pakia spp > Gmelina spp. > Shea butter tree > Teak > Mahogany,while those staked in the grave yard showed the following susceptibility rates: Gmelina spp. >Daniella spp. >Pakia spp > Teak >Shea butter tree > Mahogany. At the two sites, Mahogany proved to be less susceptible to attack by subterranean termites. There was a significant positive correlation between the servicing wood species and the two sites used. From this study, it was established that the life of servicing wood species can be prolonged if properly and efficiently used and that Different wood species have different uses. The results have shown that wood species such as Daniella, Gmelina and Parkia biglobosa are highly susceptible to termite infestation; while wood species such as Khaya spp. (Mahogany), Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea butter), Tectonagrandis are less susceptible to termite infestation. Based on the results of this study it is recommended that Daniella and Gmelina species are suitable as light servicing woods and may not be suitable for home and furniture use due to their high level of susceptibility to termite infestation and that Khaya spp. Vitellaria paradoxa and Tectonagrandis arerecommended for heavy duty construction due to the fact that they are less susceptible to termite infestation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    YIELD RESPONSE OF COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP) RESPONSE TO BIO–FERTILIZER (IFE BRADYRHIZOBIUM) IN THE DRY SUB–HUMID AND SUB –HUMID AGROECOLOGICAL ZONES OF NIGERIA
    (Department of Agronomy, Nasarawa State University, Keffi., 2012-08-18) Jayeoba, O.J.; Chude, V.O.; Amana, Sani Mathew
    Leguminous crops such as cowpea, groundnut and soybean have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in association with rhizobia bacteria, thereby increasing soil fertility and consequently improved crop yield. On– farm evaluation of the response of cowpea to Ife Bradyrhizobium strain 9 inoculant was established at Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) sites in five cowpea–growing states of Northern Nigeria (Kogi, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger and Bauchi) during the 2004 cropping season. The demonstration consisted of two treatments T1 (Zero Bradyrhizobium inoculant) and T2 (Bradyrhizobium inoculant at the rate of one cupful for 25 kg seed). The treatment effect was evaluated on a 0.25 ha gross plot size and 35 x 35 m sub–plot with an improved cowpea variety (IT93K–277–2) as the test crop. Single Super Phosphate fertilizer was applied to both plots basally at the rate of 40 kg P2O5 ha–1. Average of ten (10) farmers participated per state. The results obtained showed that crop response to the Bradyrhizobium inoculant was positive and highly significant (P < 0.001) in three sites (Osara, Aricha and Doma), positive but not significant in three sites (Karmo, Aiyetoro and Boto) and negative in three sites (Agbaduma, Piro and Wabu). The average percentage yield increase between inoculated and un–inoculated plots was about 25 % in the four states