Effect of Cover Crops, Lime and Rock Phosphate on Maize (Zea mays L.) in an Acidic Soil of Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Phosphorus deficiency is the major constraint to maize production in acidic soil of Heipang (9°38’, 8°53’) in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. The soil is high in sesquioxides and soluble aluminum and has high phosphate sorption capacity. To address this problem, a field trial was conducted between 1996-1997 to assess the responses of six tropical cover crops and maize to lime and applied rock phosphate and to evaluate the effect of these treatments on the performance and P nutrition of succeeding maize. Results of the trial showed that planting Chamaecrista rotundifolia, Lablab purpureus, Mucuna pruriens, and maize-Chamaecrista rotundifolia intercrop reduced the leaf Al concentration of succeeding maize by more than 38%. Although none of the six cover crops significantly increased grain yields of succeeding maize, C. rotundifolia was the most consistent in improving maize performance while Glycine max produced the least performance. Concentration of Mn in the index leaves of maize was significantly higher on plots where G. max preceded maize, thus accounting for the poor performance of maize on these plots. Application of Sokoto Phosphate Rock at 30 kg ha^(-1) to cover crops produced very significant improvement in the yields of succeeding maize. While liming with 1.35 t CaO ha^(-1) in 1997 raised the soil pH value by 0.2 and significantly improved total P uptake by maize

AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGY JOURNAL OF NORTH AMERICA Socio-economic factors influencing rice production among male and female farmers in Northern Guinea Savanna Nigeria: lessons for promoting gender equity in action research

ABSTRACT This paper examined the performance of male and female farmers in rice farming in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria, with a view to determining the parameters for promoting gender equity in farmers' access to opportunities for improved livelihoods from rice production. Data were obtained from 624 farmers selected by stratified random technique from twelve villages in Katsina and Kaduna States of Nigeria; using structured interview and focus group discussion. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression model of double log form. Results indicated that land, variable inputs, and experience were significant at 1 percent and 5 percent levels; implying that these variables would greatly influence productivity of rice for both male and female farmers in the area; while age would influence rice production negatively, implying that the older the rice farmers the less the vigour for farming. Also, the coefficient for marital status of women was negative; implying that married women within reproductive age were more likely to be constrained in their production by their multiple roles and cultural practices that prevented women from direct field production activities. It was concluded that policies that would enhance farmers access to land, fertilizers, improved seeds, herbicides and labour; coupled with strategies for substituting women's time on production activities for non-entrepreneurial activities would likely enhance rice production and gender equity among rice farmers in the Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGY JOURNAL OF NORTH AMERICA Soil moisture stress mitigation for sustainable upland rice production in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

ABSTRACT Northern Guinea Savanna (NGS) of Nigeria cultivable lands have sandy loam to loamy sand surface textures, low organic matter and are susceptible to erosion (wind and water). To mitigate crop moisture stress, on-farm trials involving contour-ridge-tying and contour ridging were carried out in Albasur and Dansoda villages in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State (NGS) to conserve soil against erosion and moisture for crop use in 2008 and 2009. The area (NGS) witness poor rainfall distribution, dry spells lasting beyond twenty one days occurring between June and July and low rainfall amounts (<900 to 1300mm per annum). These result in upland crops like rice (NERICA 2 var.) witnessing deficit soil moisture to undergo proper growth and production, low yields or complete crop failure. Also, soil erosion and runoff deplete water that could be available for crops and degrade farmlands for continued cultivation on the land. In this trial farmers ranked their rice grain yields while physical and agronomic data collected were statistically analysed using ANOVA and Duncan multiple range tests to separate means. Results show that cross-banded ridge resulted in significantly higher rice grain yields than the other treatments and was followed by contoured ridge. Socio-economic data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and budgeting technique. Costs and returns analysis results show that labour and fertilizer inputs accounted for greater proportion of total variable costs incurred in contour (15.72%), contour plus tie ridging (15.72%), planting on flat land and farmers ridging practice (16.43 and 16.55 % respectively). Costs and returns analysis result shows that rice cultivation using contour and contour plus tie ridging is more profitable, implying feasible sustainable rice production through contour farming