Mulching an Arenic Hapludult at Umudike: Effects on saturated hydraulic conductivity and rhizome yield of turmeric

A study was carried out over two cropping seasons on an Arenic Hapludult at Umudike, southeastern Nigeria, to investigate and determine the quantity and type of mulch material that would optimize the rhizome yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn) and improve the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil. The turmeric was planted at two depths; 5 and 10 cm. Two types of mulch, straw (elephant grass)and wood shavings were evaluated at 3 rates (0, 4 and 8 t/ha). Results showed that the effect of mulching on rhizome yield was significant. Yields increased significantly with the rate of mulch. Rhizome yield of turmeric was significantly influenced by the depth of planting and mulch type used. The 10 cm planting depth out-yielded 5 cm depth, and straw mulch out-yielded wood shavings. Optimum values of Ksat occurred at the 4 t/ha mulch rate. Bulk density, macro porosity and microporosity were the most important physical properties influencing Ksat of the soil. Total porosity (Pt), and void ratio (Ve) were not good indicators of Ksat even though they positively explained between 98 and96% of its variations, respectively

Effect of Fluazifopbutyl and Atrazine/Metolachlor (Tank Mixed) for Weed Control in Sweetpotato (Ipomoea Batatas ) in South Eastern, Nigeria

Field studies were conducted at the research farm of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, south-eastern Nigeria in 2008 and 2009 cropping seasons, to determine the effect of herbicides and the economic implications of chemical weed control in sweetpotato using herbicides. The experiment was set up as a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replicates. Sweetpotato TIS 87/0087 was planted at a spacing of 0.3m x 1m on the crest of well prepared ridges. The treatment includes, Fluazifopbutyl at rates of 1.0kg ai/ha, 1.5kg ai/ha and 2.0kg ai/ha (recommended rate). Atrazine/Metolachlor 1.5kg ai/ha(tank mixed), mixture of Atrazine/Metolachlor + Fluazifopbutyl at rate 1.0kg ai/ha + 1.75kg ai/ha, Atrazine/Metolachlor 2.5 kg ai/ha, Atrazine/Metolachlor 3.5 kg ai/ha, Manual weeding and unweeded plots. Data on weed types and weed density were collected using two 1m x 1m quadrat. Yields were collected by 50kg weighing balance. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS and significant differences among means were tested using FLSD at 5% level of probability. The result obtained over the two years showed that application of Atrazine/Metolachlor at rate 1.5kg ai/ha controlled broad leave weeds, sedges and grasses effectively and had lowest weed density when compared with the other herbicides application and hand weeding. It also gave the highest yield and monetary gain when compares with manual weeding. This technique will be of utmost benefit to the farmers as it gave excellent weed control.Keywords: Sweetpotatoes, Weed, Herbicides Treatments, EconomicsJournal of Agriculture and Social Research (JASR) Vol. 11, No. 1, 201

Prediction Models for Water Erosion Risk Management: A Review

In order to estimate the potential soil erosion hazard of an area, erosion prediction models are needed. Various models have been used by researchers, which ranges from mathematical and conceptual simple approaches to complex models that try to include the complexities of the real world. Six (6) models are reviewed in relation to their suitability for use. The KINEROS, CORINE and EUROSEM were best suited for water erosion risk prediction in cultivated soils. On the other hand, the KINEROS, PESERA, CORINE and EUROSEM were found to be applicable in all sectors (Agronomy, water resources management and road construction) highlighted. The GLASOD had the least applicability with respect to this study.Keywords: Water Erosion, sediment transport models, Model structure and suitability for us

Mulching An Arenic Hapludult In Southeastern Nigeria: Effects On Selected Soil Properties And Rhizome Yield Of Turmeric

A study was carried out over two cropping seasons at Umudike, southeastern Nigeria, to determine the type and quantity of mulch that would improve some selected physical properties of an Arenic Hapludult and optimize the rhizome yield of turmeric. Effects of mulch rate on bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), macro-porosity (Ma. P), water stable aggregates (WSA > 0.5 mm) and mean-weight diameter (MWD) significantly depended on the type of mulch material used. Straw mulch reduced BD and increased other parameters more than wood shavings. Optimum values of WSA > 0.5 mm (23.2) and MWD (0.535) occurred at the 4 t/ha mulch rate, whereas, maximum values of TP (54.08%), Ma. P (26.55%) and minimum value of BD (1.51 g/cm3), were achieved at mulching beyond 4 t/ha. Apart from total porosity, which was found to be optimum, BD, organic carbon (OC), Ma. P and MWD explained individually between 80 and 99% of the variability in yield. Results also showed that all mulched plots out-yielded the bare plots. Rhizome yield varied with the rate of mulch application with yield increases declining in the order 8, 4 and 0 t/ha mulch rate. Increase in the rhizome yield of turmeric was dependent on the type of mulch used, with straw mulch out-yielding wood shavings by 38.4 and 76.6% in 2004 and 2005, respectively.Keywords: Turmeric rhizomes, soil physical properties, mulching, arenic hapludul

The Impact Of Community-Directed Administration Of Various Formulations Of Pre-Packaged Chloroquine In Umuahia South Local Government Area Of Abia State Nigeria

The high patronage of Patent Medicine Vendors (PMV's) to the detriment of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), the uncontrollable habit of home treatment and self-medication by rural dwellers, have necessitated the need to improve on the knowledge and awareness of malaria exhibited by these target groups. A community-directed intervention programme to effect prompt and adequate treatment of presumptive episodes of clinical malaria in a rural community (Ubakala, population 15,600) in Ummuahia South Local Government Area (L.G.A.) of Abia State, Nigeria has therefore been studied. The instruments of implementation were based on (a) training the rural dwellers, 3 Community Malaria Committees (CMC's) and the Patent Medicines Vendors (PMVs) in the community and (b) supplying the CMCs and PMVs with the essential antimalarial drug, chloroquine (CQ) packaged in various age-specific plastic bottles, compartmentalized polythene bags and blister packs. Of the 3,000 pre-packs delivered in 4 instalments from January to November 1998, 2503 were sold under a subsidized cost-recovery scheme. The progress of 510 patients was followed up 4 days after treatment and 250 mothers/carers of children under 6 years in each of the test and control (Olokoro, population: 11,800) communities were interviewed in-depth. Results showed a significant increase (

Effect of Dietary Garcinia cambogia Extract on Serum Essential Minerals (Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium) and Trace Elements (Iron, Copper, Zinc) in Rats Fed with High-Lipid Diet

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Garcinia cambogia extract on serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in rats fed with the normal or the high-lipid and -cholesterol diet. Thirty 1-year-old female Sprague-Dawley rats (pathogen-free), weighing an average of 229 g, were randomly assigned to three experimental groups of ten animals each. Diets and tap water were given ad libitum for 75 days. Group 1 (control group) was fed with basal diet (2 % liquid vegetable oil, 0 % cholesterol), while the diets of groups 2 and 3 contained vegetable oil (2 % liquid vegetable oil and 5 % hydrogenated vegetable oil) and cholesterol (3 %) in high levels. 4,5 % G. cambogia extract containing 65 % HCA was added to the diet of group 3 as from day 45. Blood samples were withdrawn on days 0, 45 and 75. Serum mineral levels were analyzed using standard enzymatic colorimetric methods with a spectrophotometer. All significant differences were p < 0.05. Serum Ca levels were not significantly different between all groups on days 45 and 75. Serum P level was significantly higher in the group fed with high-lipid diet and G. cambogia extract than in the control group on day 45. Serum Mg level was significantly higher in group 2 than in the control group on day 45. Serum Fe levels were significantly lower in the control group than in the other groups on days 45 and 75. Serum Zn level of the group fed with high-lipid diet and G. cambogia extract was significantly higher than in the control group on day 75. Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in the control group, and in group 3 than in group 2 on day 75. In conclusion, a diet containing the high fat amounts may lead to the increase in circular levels of some minerals due to the short-chain fatty acid production lowering the luminal pH which increases mineral solubility, or serving as a fuel for mucosal cells and stimulating cell proliferation in the large intestine. G. cambogia extract may be used in the P and Cu deficiencies due to increases resulting in the present P and Cu amounts in G. cambogia extract, or the use of phytate P in diet. It was hoped that with further evidence-based study this product will enter to mainstream medicines