Legume Mulch Materials and Poultry Manure Affect Soil Properties, and Growth and Fruit Yield of Tomato

Present emphasis on sustainable agriculture requires successful soil resources management geared towards quality soil environment and crop production. Mulching and application of poultry manure (PM) are easy ways to enhance natural soil-nutrient build-up and soil quality protection. Field experiments were carried out to determine effects of mulching and poultry manure on soil properties, growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The legume mulch types derived from Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, and Acacia auriculiformis, rates of PM (0 or 10.0 t ha-1) were tested over 2015 and 2016. Legume mulch materials, with or without addition of PM, reduced bulk density and soil temperature and increased porosity, moisture content and soil chemical properties compared with the initial soil status before application of treatments. In both years, with or without addition of PM to mulch, Acacia improved soil physical properties and increased soil organic matter (SOM) compared with Leucaena and Gliricidia mulches that increased N, P, K, Ca and Mg compared with Acacia mulch without PM. In 2015, without addition of PM, Gliricidia increased tomato growth and yield compared with Leucaena and Acacia. Acacia with addition of PM had the highest value of growth and yield. In 2016, with or without addition of PM, Acacia increased growth and yield compared with Leucaena and Gliricidia. In 2015, addition of PM to Leucaena, Gliricidia and Acacia mulches increased tomato fruit yield by 40.0, 9.2 and 84.9%, respectively. Also in 2016, addition of PM with Leucaena, Gliricidia and Acacia mulches, increased fruit yield of tomato by 43.0, 45.0 and 52.8%, respectively. Leucaena and Gliricidia mulches enhanced tomato growth and yield through direct nutritional contributions, whereas Acacia mulch did so through mulching effects on soil microclimate. Acacia+PM produced significantly higher yield, therefore adequate application of PM to mulches should be encouraged, especially where farmers use Acacia legume materials as mulch to maximize their contribution to soil and crop productivity

The Effect of Tillage on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties and Yield of Ginger

Five tillage methods were compared during the seasons of 2014–2016 with reference to their effects on soil physical and chemical properties and fresh rhizome yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on an Alfisol at Owo, southwest Nigeria. The tillage methods were: zero tillage (ZT), manual ridging (MR), manual mounding (MM), ploughing plus harrowing (P + H) and ploughing plus harrowing twice (P + 2H). P + 2H had higher soil bulk density than other tillage methods and resulted in lower soil OM, N, P, K, Ca and Mg and rhizome yield of ginger. ZT improved soil bulk density, moisture content, temperature, soil OM, N, P, K, Ca and Mg better than other tillage methods and resulted in higher plant height and rhizome yield of ginger compared with other tillage treatments. Results of multiple regressions revealed that bulk density and moisture content significantly influenced the yield of ginger. Compared with MR, MM, P + H and P + 2H, and averaged across years, ZT increased rhizome yield of ginger by 10.9, 11.5, 4.9 and 26.8%, respectively. P + 2H degraded soil quality and reduced rhizome yield of ginger significantly. ZT was found to be the most suitable for soil health and optimum yield and is therefore recommended for ginger cultivation

The Effect of Tillage on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties and Yield of Ginger

Five tillage methods were compared during the seasons of 2014–2016 with reference to their effects on soil physical and chemical properties and fresh rhizome yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on an Alfisol at Owo, southwest Nigeria. The tillage methods were: zero tillage (ZT), manual ridging (MR), manual mounding (MM), ploughing plus harrowing (P + H) and ploughing plus harrowing twice (P + 2H). P + 2H had higher soil bulk density than other tillage methods and resulted in lower soil OM, N, P, K, Ca and Mg and rhizome yield of ginger. ZT improved soil bulk density, moisture content, temperature, soil OM, N, P, K, Ca and Mg better than other tillage methods and resulted in higher plant height and rhizome yield of ginger compared with other tillage treatments. Results of multiple regressions revealed that bulk density and moisture content significantly influenced the yield of ginger. Compared with MR, MM, P + H and P + 2H, and averaged across years, ZT increased rhizome yield of ginger by 10.9, 11.5, 4.9 and 26.8%, respectively. P + 2H degraded soil quality and reduced rhizome yield of ginger significantly. ZT was found to be the most suitable for soil health and optimum yield and is therefore recommended for ginger cultivation

Soil Properties, Growth, Fruit Yield, Mineral, Lycopene and Vitamin C Contents of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) Grown with Green Manures and NPK Fertilizer

Green manures as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer offer considerable potential as a source of plant nutrients and organic matter. Hence, field experiments were carried out during 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons to compare impacts of green manures (GM) and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on soil properties, growth, fruit yield, mineral, lycopene and vitamin C contents of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill). The GM from green tender stems and leaves of: Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.), Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp.) were applied at 5 t ha-1, and the NPK fertilizer was applied at 300 kg ha-1. Plots without fertilizer were used as a control. Application of GMs reduced soil bulk density and increased soil organic matter (OM), N, P, K, Ca, Mg, growth and fruit yield of tomato compared with the control. The NPK fertilizer had no effect on soil bulk density and soil OM, and increased soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, growth and fruit yield of tomato compared with the control. Gliricidia increased growth and fruit yield of tomato compared with NPK fertilizer and other GMs. The GMs and NPK fertilizer increased mineral, lycopene and vitamin C contents in the tomato fruits compared with the control. Moringa produced higher K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, lycopene and vitamin C contents compared with other GMs and NPK fertilizer. Use of GM has potential to improve soil properties, and growth, fruit yield and nutritional contents of tomato than does NPK fertilizer. The Gliricidia treatment best improved soil properties and tomato productivity as indicated by the benefit-cost ratio. For those growing tomato for fruit quantity Gliricidia is recommended as green manure. For those that desire fruit quality Moringa is recommended as green manure

Soil Properties, Growth, Fruit Yield, Mineral, Lycopene and Vitamin C Contents of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) Grown with Green Manures and NPK Fertilizer

Green manures as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer offer considerable potential as a source of plant nutrients and organic matter. Hence, field experiments were carried out during 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons to compare impacts of green manures (GM) and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on soil properties, growth, fruit yield, mineral, lycopene and vitamin C contents of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill). The GM from green tender stems and leaves of: Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.), Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp.) were applied at 5 t ha-1, and the NPK fertilizer was applied at 300 kg ha-1. Plots without fertilizer were used as a control. Application of GMs reduced soil bulk density and increased soil organic matter (OM), N, P, K, Ca, Mg, growth and fruit yield of tomato compared with the control. The NPK fertilizer had no effect on soil bulk density and soil OM, and increased soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, growth and fruit yield of tomato compared with the control. Gliricidia increased growth and fruit yield of tomato compared with NPK fertilizer and other GMs. The GMs and NPK fertilizer increased mineral, lycopene and vitamin C contents in the tomato fruits compared with the control. Moringa produced higher K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, lycopene and vitamin C contents compared with other GMs and NPK fertilizer. Use of GM has potential to improve soil properties, and growth, fruit yield and nutritional contents of tomato than does NPK fertilizer. The Gliricidia treatment best improved soil properties and tomato productivity as indicated by the benefit-cost ratio. For those growing tomato for fruit quantity Gliricidia is recommended as green manure. For those that desire fruit quality Moringa is recommended as green manure

Sole and Combined Application of Biodigestate, N, P, and K Fertilizers: Impacts on Soil Chemical Properties and Maize Performance

The fertilizing effects of biodigestate produced from biogas plants on crop and soil productivity are very scarce. Hence, a field study was conducted in 2022 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. The study evaluated the effects of biodigestate fertilizer, applied alone or in combination with urea, single superphosphate, or muriate of potash fertilizers at low (N1, K1, and P1) and high (N2, P2, and K2) rates on soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize (Zea mays (L.)). The treatments were biodigestate alone (D), D + N fertilizer (urea) at 60 kg·ha−1 (DN1), D + N at 120 kg·ha−1 (DN2), D + P fertilizer (single superphosphate) at 30 kg·ha−1 (DP1), D + P at 60 kg·ha−1 (DP2), D + K fertilizer (muriate of potash) at 30 kg·ha−1 (DK1), D + K 60 kg·ha−1 (DK2), D + N1 + P1 + K1 (DN1P1K1), D + N2 + P2 + K2 (DN2P2K2) (10), and control. The 10 treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Results showed that both low and high rates of fertilizer application improved soil chemical properties, growth parameters, and yield of maize compared with the control. High fertilizer rates (N2, P2, and K2) significantly enhanced soil chemical properties and growth parameters, but lower rates (N1, P1, and K1) resulted in higher maize yield. DN1 fertilizer significantly increased maize yield compared with DN2, DP1, DP2, DK1, and DK2. Overall, the treatment of DN1P1K1 demonstrated the highest grain yield, likely due to optimal nutrient supply from N, P, and K fertilizers, along with an improved soil environment facilitated by the biodigestate. The study recommends a balanced and sustainable fertilizer application strategy of 60 kg·N·ha−1, 30 kg·P2O5·ha−1, and 30 kg·K·ha−1 with 2500 L·ha−1 of biodigestate to enhance maize production while minimizing cost and environmental impact. However, for those aiming for maize fodder production, a higher fertilizer rate of 120 kg·N·ha−1, 60 kg·P2O5·ha−1, and 60 kg·K·ha−1 with 2500 L·ha−1 of biodigestate is advised

Effects of Different Rates of Poultry Manure and Split Applications of Urea Fertilizer on Soil Chemical Properties, Growth, and Yield of Maize

During integrated nutrient management involving poultry manure (PM) and urea fertilizer (UF) for maize (Zea mays L.), it is necessary to investigate the best time to apply UF that will optimize soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize. Hence, studies were carried out to investigate the effect of different rates of PM and single and split applications (SA) of UF on soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize. The treatment involved three levels of PM (0.0, 4.0, and 8.0 t·ha−1) and four sets of periods of UF: (i) 0 kg N ha-1 (control), (ii) 120 kg N ha-1 applied at planting (AP), (iii) two SA of 120 kg N ha−1 (90 kg N ha-1 applied AP + 30 kg N ha-1 at thirty days after planting (DAP)), and (iv) three SA of 120 kg N ha-1 (60 kg N ha-1 applied AP + 30 kg N ha-1 thirty DAP + 30 kg N ha-1 at tasseling). The 12 treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. PM and UF alone and integrating UF with PM improved soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize compared with the control. SA of UF three times (60 + 30 + 30) had the most improved soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize. Results also showed that maize yielded higher under UF integrated with PM compared with their sole forms. Application of 60 + 30+30 with 8 t ha−1PM (60 + 30+30 + 8 t ha−1PM) or with 4 t ha−1PM treatments showed the highest growth and yield of maize, but due to the bulkiness, handling challenges, and cost of PM, 60 + 30+30 + 4 t ha−1PM is recommended. Therefore, for better growth and yield of maize, after the initial application of PM, UF application should be split-applied in accordance with plant growth and the pattern of uptake to avoid losses by leaching and therefore ensured that N level in the soil is high at the critical stage of N demand

Mineralogical compositions of soils under three geological formations in some parts of Ogun state, Nigeria and their agricultural potentials

Abstract Investigating the mineralogical compositions of soils under different geological formations becomes imperative for maximizing agricultural productivity and ensuring the long-term viability of agricultural practices. Therefore, studies were carried out on mineral compositions and diversities of soils developed over the Basement complex rock, Coastal plain sands and Ewekoro formations in Ogun state Nigeria. A total of nine profile pits (three per location) of 2 m × 1 m × 2 m size were dug in all the three locations. Soil samples were collected from the pedogenic horizons of each profile pits in replicates into a well labeled polyethylene bag. Using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the mineral contents and their relative abundance, elemental compositions and morphologies of the fine sand, coarse silt and clay fractions of the soils at different topographic positions were identified, described and compared. Results obtained from XRD and SEM analyses exhibited similarities. The most abundant elements in the basement complex and Ewekoro pedon were oxygen, carbon and silicon whereas in the coastal plain sand pedon, oxygen, carbon and aluminum were the most abundant element. The presence of mixed-layer illite, mica, kaolinite, quartz, hematite, anatase, goethite, and chlorite at varying degrees was observed in the pedons developed on these geological formations, although kaolinite and quartz dominated the soil matrix. The mineralogical complexity of the pedons followed the order of basement complex > coastal plain sand > Ewekoro formation. Profiles developed on the Ewekoro formation exhibited the highest degree of weathering, as evidenced by their chemical properties and mineralogical compositions. The petrographic evaluation of the three geological formations revealed that all pedons were rich in quartz and exhibited varying degrees of mineral complexity and maturation. The overlapping and distinct characteristics among the geologies indicated different stages of weathering. By using the mineral maturity index, profiles developed over the basement complex rock and the coastal plain sand could be regarded as sub-matured and this could have contributed significantly to the native fertility of these soils and profiles from the Ewekoro formation were the most weathered. The use of Ewekoro formation for agriculture would necessitate significant investments in agro-inputs and sound principles of soil management through integrated soil fertility management