Effects of Tractorization and Organic Manure on Physical Properties of Sandy Loam Soil in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Soil compaction has effect on soil physical properties which could affect crop growth and yield. This study was conducted to determine the influence of incorporating organic materials and load application (tractorization) on the physical properties of sandy loamy soil in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Organic materials were cow dung, poultry and swine manure. Application rates of organic manures were 0 (control), 5 and 10 tonnes per hectare. Forty-five plots measuring 5 by 3 m were established in a complete randomized block experimental design with three replications making a total of 135 plots. Load application was done using an MF 435 tractor coupled with a 20-disc harrow at 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20 passes. Penetration resistance, bulk density, gravimetric moisture content andporosity were determined using standard procedures. Penetrometer resistance at these passes were 392.2, 293.3, 285.0, 302.0 and 224.9 kPa respectively with significant differences between treatments (P≤0.05). Mean bulk density for the passes were 1.21, 1.26, 1.31, 1.27 and 1.29 g/cm3 respectively and bulk density increased with tractor passes. The effect of tractor passes, and manure incorporation rate did not have any significant effect on gravimetric moisture content. Poultry manure increased bulk density and penetrometer resistance on plots than swine manure and cow dung hence poultry manure at 10 t/ha can be incorporated on a sandy loam soil to enhance soil fertility and sustainability. Keywords: Tractorization, organic manure, sandy loam, penetration resistance, bulk densit

Evaluation of different irrigation methods in Chanchaga irrigation scheme, north central Nigeria

This study was aimed at evaluating different methods of irrigation based on parametric evaluation method for Chanchaga irrigation  scheme, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at various rooting depths of 0-15 cm, 15-40 cm and 40-75 cm, the collected samples were  analysed for physical properties. Various suitability classes were generated for surface, sprinkler and drip irrigation methods using the capability index. The results revealed that the use of drip irrigation system for soil depths of 0-15 cm and 15 -40 cm within the study area were found to be suitable and not suitable for deep rooted areas of 40-75 cm. The sprinkler irrigation method was found to be suitable for study locations 3 and 4 at depths of 15-40 cm. At depths 40-75 cm, drip irrigation method was found suitable for locations 1, 2 and 5 while locations 3 and 4 supports the use of sprinkler irrigation method. It is therefore concluded that the sprinkler and drip irrigation methods are both highly favoured for irrigation purpose in the Chanchaga irrigation scheme