Micromineral Content of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) Leaves Grown on Zeolite-Amended Sandy Soil

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla), a popular leafy vegetable grown mainly for its ease of production and nutritional content, is normally used as a good source of microminerals iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Improving plant uptake of Fe and Zn could assist in reducing micromineral deficiencies in humans, which are a global problem. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Council, Stellenbosch to assess the response in micromineral and soil trace elements uptake in Swiss chard grown under zeolite and sandy soil. The experiment consisted of four treatments, with six replicates arranged in a randomized complete block design. Zeolite was applied at 0%; 10%; 20% and 30% in combination with sandy soil. Swiss chard was harvested for micromineral analysis 143 days after transplanting. Soil samples were also collected at the end of each growing season. Swiss chard leaves were analysed for Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu content with soil samples also analysed for the same elements. The study found that zeolite did not improve Swiss chard uptake of Fe, Zn and Mn. Soil Fe also had an inverse relationship to zeolite application while the residual effect of zeolite showed the same trend, but only in the second season. This study indicated that zeolite cannot be used to improve micromineral uptake by Swiss chard but can be used to rectify heavy metal-infested soils

Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L. R. Rr.]) Varietal Loss and its Potential Impact on Smallholder Farmers in Northern Nigeria: A Review

Pearl millet is an alternative source of livelihood for poor farmers who use it to supplement food and income. Pearl millet has high medicinal value and its consumption reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, constipation and anemia. Pearl millets is an excellent source of protein and fiber, and a great source of starch, making it a high-energy food. It is an exceptional food source for babies from six months of age because it has high nutrients and is easily digestible. Pearl millet is the most widely cultivated millet varieties in the world. The cereal crop is grown in arid, infertile, marginal lands in Africa and Asia, and cope with unpredictable climatic conditions. Nigeria is the second largest producer of pearl millet in the world with tremendous amount of pearl millet diversity. However, there is growing recognition that the diversity of pearl millet in northern Nigeria is vastly diminishing thereby affecting the livelihood of smallholder farmers. This paper reviews the erosion of pearl millet, multiple drivers of loss of local varieties of pearl millet, and presents some of the strategies that can be implemented to save the erosion of its diversity in northern Nigeria

The Effects of Physicochemical Parameters on Analysed Soil Enzyme Activity from Alice Landfill Site

The soil pollution as a product of xenobiotics, industrial action, agricultural chemicals, or inappropriate disposal of waste can change the natural environment of soil indices and trigger life-threatening situations. Soil enzyme activity is the suitable bio-indicator or parameter for monitoring soil pollution due to their sensitivity that quickly responds to any soil disturbances. Also, they are known to play an essential role in maintaining soil health and a quality environment. This study aimed to determine the levels of enzyme activity in soil from polluted and unpolluted sites and study the relationship between the physicochemical properties and soil enzyme activity to manage soil pollution. Four selected enzymes (Urease, Invertase, Catalase, and Phosphatase) were examined for their activity from forty samples using the assay method for 24 h; the colorimetry spectrophotometer measured their activity. The obtained data revealed that Invertase activity was a predominant enzyme in all soil samples. Whereas, the urease activity had obtained in low amounts for all collection sites, especially on Site A1. Soil pH had discovered to range between 5.8 and 8.51, moisture content values recorded to vary from 0.12% to 9.09%, and soil organic carbon recorded to fluctuate between 0.08% and 1.54%. Urease and phosphatase activity correlated positively with all soil physicochemical properties except for moisture content, which correlated negatively (r = −0.297; p ≥ 0.05). The invertase activity negatively associated all soil physicochemical properties, excluding the moisture content that correlated positively and significantly with invertase activity. We noted that the dumpsite soil contains low enzyme activity levels, which might attribute to the type of waste disposed off. Also, only the phosphatase activity reported correlating positively with all examined physicochemical parameters entirely

Assessment of Turkey Farming Management Practices by Small-Scale Rural Farmers in Eastern Nigeria

A survey of rural turkey farmers was conducted in three villages in the Eastern part of Nigeria, namely: Amukwa, Amaeze and Nguru. The aim of the study was to assess the prevailing management and production practices of turkey farmers in the area. Information obtained included flock size, reasons for keeping birds, breeding and management practices among others. The multistage random sampling method was used to collect information from 180 respondents. Results obtained revealed variability in response among flock sizes (1–20), with most (90%) respondents being part-time farmers. Mean scores, in terms of the level of adoption of standard management practices by turkey farmers, were given as cleaning and disinfection of pen before restocking ( = 4.60), removal of droppings ( = 4.57), and changing and replacement of litters ( = 4.4). Beak trimming ( = 1.27) was the lowestranked farm practice by farmers. It was concluded that the management practices and production of turkey in the study area are below standard when compared to those in developed societies. Adequate support for farmers in terms of finance and regular training, among others, by relevant agencies including the government may help improve the production of turkey in the area

Assessment of Turkey Farming Management Practices by Small-Scale Rural Farmers in Eastern Nigeria

A survey of rural turkey farmers was conducted in three villages in the Eastern part of Nigeria, namely: Amukwa, Amaeze and Nguru. The aim of the study was to assess the prevailing management and production practices of turkey farmers in the area. Information obtained included flock size, reasons for keeping birds, breeding and management practices among others. The multistage random sampling method was used to collect information from 180 respondents. Results obtained revealed variability in response among flock sizes (1–20), with most (90%) respondents being part-time farmers. Mean scores, in terms of the level of adoption of standard management practices by turkey farmers, were given as cleaning and disinfection of pen before restocking ( = 4.60), removal of droppings ( = 4.57), and changing and replacement of litters ( = 4.4). Beak trimming ( = 1.27) was the lowestranked farm practice by farmers. It was concluded that the management practices and production of turkey in the study area are below standard when compared to those in developed societies. Adequate support for farmers in terms of finance and regular training, among others, by relevant agencies including the government may help improve the production of turkey in the area