Isolation and Identification of Bacteria in Petroleum Hydrocarbons Polluted Soils in North-West Bayelsa State

Soil samples were analyzed to identify population of autochthonous aerobic heterotrophic bacteria (AHB) and hydrocarbon degrading bacteria (HDB) in soils of Bayelsa State. Soil samples collected from two locations (Okodia and Imiringi) at two different crude oil sites (polluted and unpolluted) at two soil depths (0-15cm and 15-30cm). Pour plate method using Nutrient Agar (NA), DeMan Rogosa and Sharp Agar (MRSA), Cetrimide Agar (CA) and Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) were used for both total AHB and HDB counts incubated at 37oC for 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively. Results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis (ANOVA) using Turkey's test to separate means of significant difference (p<0.05). Results for bacterial population expressed in (CFU/g x 106) showed that Imiringi soils were significantly different from Okodia soils with polluted sites significantly different from unpolluted sites for both locations. However, soil depths for both locations and sites showed no significant differences. Furthermore, results showed no significant difference indicating that both bacteria are equally present in the locations, sites and soil depth respectively. Three HDB isolates were identified, namely: Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The bacteria isolates were two Gram-stain positive and one Gram-stain negative. Physico-chemical properties and rate of respiration of the bacteria from both locations were also analyzed. Results of the analyses showed that population of the HDB present in this study could be well utilized for bioremediation of soils in Bayelsa State and other crude oil exploration and exportation states within the Niger Delta for agricultural purposes via bio-augmentation and bio-stimulation methods

Effect of Siam Weed Mulch on Soil Properties and Performance of yam in Southwest Nigeria

The study investigates effectiveness of mulch derived from residues of Siam Weed for Yam production. ‘Soil physical and chemical properties, growth and yield of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) given by 0.5,10,15 and 20 t/ha. Much rates were compared at Efon-Alaaye and Orin-Ekiti in Southwest Nigeria. Mulch at 5,10,15 and 20t/ha increased soil moisture content, reduced soil bulk density and temperature and increased soil pH, organic matter, N,P,K Ca and Mg contents. Values of soil organic matter, N, P, and K increased with amount of mulch. Mulch increased number of leaves, tuber length weight and establishment percentage of yam. The 10t/ha mulch gave optimum mean tuber yield. The increase in tuber yield given by 10t/ha performance of yam was related to soil bulk density and moisture content.Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 17 2007: pp. 120-12

Effect of Siam Weed Mulch on Soil Properties and Performance of yam in Southwest Nigeria

The study investigates effectiveness of mulch derived from residues of Siam Weed for Yam production. ‘Soil physical and chemical properties, growth and yield of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) given by 0.5,10,15 and 20 t/ha. Much rates were compared at Efon-Alaaye and Orin-Ekiti in Southwest Nigeria. Mulch at 5,10,15 and 20t/ha increased soil moisture content, reduced soil bulk density and temperature and increased soil pH, organic matter, N,P,K Ca and Mg contents. Values of soil organic matter, N, P, and K increased with amount of mulch. Mulch increased number of leaves, tuber length weight and establishment percentage of yam. The 10t/ha mulch gave optimum mean tuber yield. The increase in tuber yield given by 10t/ha performance of yam was related to soil bulk density and moisture content.Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 17 2007: pp. 120-12

EFFECT OF COMBINED USE OF UREA AND GOAT DUNG MANURE ON CELOSIA

Three field experiments were conducted to investigate the separate and combined effects of urea and goat dung manure on leaf nutrient contents, growth and yield of Celosia argentea in southwest Nigeria. Each experiment involved 7 treatments namely: no treatment, 10t/ha goat dung, 125 kg/ha urea, 125 kg/ha urea + 2t/ha goat dung, 125 kg/ha urea + 4 t/ha goat dung, 125 kg/ha urea + 6t/ha goat dung and 125 kg/ha urea + 8 t/ha goat dung, replicated three times using a randomised complete block design. Goat manure increased height, number of leaves, stem girth, root length, stem and leaf weight of celosia and leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents. Compared with urea or goat dung alone, combined application of urea and goat dung increased growth and yield of celosia and leaf nutrients contents. Addition of goat manure to urea increased leaf P, K, Mg status. Leaf P and K increased with increasing amount of goat manure. Compared with no treatment, 10t/ha goat dung, 125 t/ha urea and 125 t/ha urea + 6t/ha goat dung increased fresh matter yield by 66, 273 and 974% respectively. [Niger Agric. J. 34 (2003): 87-90

Effect of pig manure on nutrient composition, growth and yield of Okra

Two field trials were conducted at Ikere Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria to study fertilizing value of pig droppings (manure) in okra (Abelmoschus esculentuss moench) cultivation. The sites of study had low soil organic matter, available P, marginal in N and slightly acidic. Five rates of manure, 0,2.5,5.0,7.5, and 10.0t/ha and NPK (15-15-15) fertilizer } at 200kg/ha were compared as to their effects on leaf nutrient composition, growth and pod yield of okra. Pig manure increased okra leaf nutrient N,P,K Ca and Mg contents, and the nutrients increased with application of manure. NPK fertilizer did not increase leaf Ca and Mg. Pig manure and NPK fertilizer increased number of leaves, plant height, number and weight of okra pods. Although fertilizer gave highest values of growth parameters, pod yield difference between 5.0,7.5,10t/ha were not significantly different. The pod weight increases given by 2.5,5.0,7.5, 10t/ha pig manure and NPK fertilizer were 26,45,53,56 and 57% respectively. It is concluded that pigs manure is suitable as nutrient source for okra.Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 17 2007: pp. 109-11

Effect of different levels of wood ash on nutrient contents of maize (Zea mays L.) and grain yield in an acid Ultisol of Southeast Nigeria.

Field experiments were conducted at Umudike in the rainforest zone and at Igbariam in the derived savanna zone in early seasons of 2001 and 2002 to study quantitatively wood ash effects on leaf nutrient compositions and grain yield. Treatments consisted of 0,2,4,6 and 8t, ha wood ash replicated thee times in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results show that wood ash applied from 4t ha significantly (r2= 0.95**- 0.99**) increased ear leaf N.P.K, Ca and Mg concentration and significantly increased grain yield of maize (r2 = 0.96** -0.99**) in southeast Nigeria.Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 17 2007: pp. 98-10