Effect of staking heights and fertilizer level on the yield of trifoliate yam (Dioscorea dumentorum) in Umudike Southeastern Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted at Umudike a rainforest agro ecological zone of South-Eastern Nigeria, during the 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons to study the effect of varying staking height and fertilizer level on the yield of trifoliate yam. In each year, the experiment was laid out as a 5 x 4 factorial in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The treatments comprised five levels of NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer ( 0, 150, 300, 450 and 600kg/ha) and four staking heights (0, 1, 2 and 3m). N:P:K 15:15:15 fertilizer up to 300kg/ha significantly (P<0.05) increased the tuber yield while staking height of 2m increased the tuber mean yield. Trifoliate yam yield was increased with increasing N:P:K 15:15:15 fertilizer level up to 300kg/ha while staking increased up to 2m and is recommended.Keywords: Staking height, fertilizer, trifoliate yam and tuber yiel

Evaluation of Poultry Manure Application Rates on the Nutrient Composition of Dioscorea bulbifera (Aerial yam)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of various levels of poultry manure application on the nutritional value and functional properties of Dioscorea bulbifera. The experiment was a randomised complete block design on a plot size of 8 m2 with a planting space of 50 cm x 1 m, using 5 levels of poultry manure: 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 tonnes/ hectare. Standard analytical methods were used to determine the proximate and mineral composition as well as the functional properties of the bulbils. Poultry manure application significantly increased the starch content. The highest starch yield (13.50%) was observed at 4 tonnes/hectare poultry manure  application. The dry matter and fat contents were not significantly affected by poultry manure application. Crude fibre, ash and crude protein contents were significantly affected by poultry manure application. Ash content ranged from 3.41 – 4.68% with 4 t/ha level of application having the highest ash content. The crude protein content ranged from 2.48 – 6.28%. The highest crude protein content was observed at 3 t/ha. The total carotenoid content was not significantly affected by poultry manure application. The phosphorus, calcium and magnesium contents were significantly affected by poultry manure application. Water and oil absorption capacity increased with increase in the level of poultry manure while the bulk density was not significantly affected by the level of poultry manure. Application of poultry manure was found to significantly influence the nutrient content and  functional properties of D. bulbifera.Keywords: Dioscorea bulbifera, poultry manure, proximate composition, functional properties

Effect of compounded composts on the growth of maize (Zea mays L)

A field trial was conducted to evaluate potentials of locally manufactured organic fertilizers –compounded composts made from vegetal matter of six legumes (Centrosema pubescens, Mucuna bracteata, Calopogonium mucunoides, Mucuna pruriens, Lablab purpureus, and Stylosanthes capitata) respectively composted with rice husk, poultry waste and swine waste in a ratio 5:4:4:4 dry weigh - in maize crop production at Umudike, Nigeria. The eight treatment growth media were topsoil mixed with each of the 6 fertilizers respectively; top soil mixed with NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer; and Topsoil only (Control). A sample size of 4 maize plants made up 32 plants per block, and a total 96 plants use for the experiment arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design in 3 replications. The experiment was monitored for 9weeks after planting (WAP). Plant height (cm), girth and number of leaves were measured weekly while leaf area (cm2) was measured only at 7 weeks after planting (7WAP). Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis of variance using SPSS 12. Significant means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test at P<0.05. The result shows significant differences in the height, girth and leaf area in the organic fertilizers treated crops than in the NPK and control treatments. Highest values were recorded in L. purpureus organic fertilizer treatment and C. pubescence fertilizer treatments while the control treatment recorded least values. The organic fertilizers, especially the Lablab purpureus organic fertilizer, also improved soil physico-chemical properties than the NPK treatment. These indicate that the use of locally manufactured fertilizers have potentials for improving crop productivity in Nigeria.Keywords: Organic fertilizers, maize, plant growth, organic fertilizers, and agricultural productivit