Effects of Organic Amendments on Cocoa Soil and Leaf Nutrient Contents

Comparative effects of two organic soil amendments on soil and leaf nutrients composition were evaluated on cocoa seedlings planted in 10kg soils in plastic pots at Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria Headquarters, Ibadan, South-west zone of Nigeria. The treatments consisted of Cocoa pod husk ash (CPHA) and oil palm bunch ash (OPBA) applied at 0, 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, 0.020 and 0.030gmN/ pot which were equivalent to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5kgNha?1 and laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) in three replicates. Prior to commencement of the study, a composite soil samples were collected, air dried, sieved to pass through a 2mm sieve and was analyzed for its chemical and physical properties. Two cocoa beans were sown per pot and later thinned to one per pot three weeks after emergence. Treatments were imposed on each of the pots one month after emergence. Watering was done twice throughout the period of the experiment. At harvest, soil and leaf samples were collected per treatment, processed and analyzed for leaf and soil nutrients contents. Results show that ash from CPHA and OPBA had a significant (p< 0.05) impact on soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, organic matter and pH at 5kgNha-1 . Results also reveal that CPHA and OPBA significantly improved leaf nutrients uptake relative to control treatments. Keywords: cocoa pod husk ash, oil palm bunch ash, nutrient uptake, organic matter, as

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

Legume Mulch Materials and Poultry Manure Affect Soil Properties, and Growth and Fruit Yield of Tomato

Present emphasis on sustainable agriculture requires successful soil resources management geared towards quality soil environment and crop production. Mulching and application of poultry manure (PM) are easy ways to enhance natural soil-nutrient build-up and soil quality protection. Field experiments were carried out to determine effects of mulching and poultry manure on soil properties, growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The legume mulch types derived from Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, and Acacia auriculiformis, rates of PM (0 or 10.0 t ha-1) were tested over 2015 and 2016. Legume mulch materials, with or without addition of PM, reduced bulk density and soil temperature and increased porosity, moisture content and soil chemical properties compared with the initial soil status before application of treatments. In both years, with or without addition of PM to mulch, Acacia improved soil physical properties and increased soil organic matter (SOM) compared with Leucaena and Gliricidia mulches that increased N, P, K, Ca and Mg compared with Acacia mulch without PM. In 2015, without addition of PM, Gliricidia increased tomato growth and yield compared with Leucaena and Acacia. Acacia with addition of PM had the highest value of growth and yield. In 2016, with or without addition of PM, Acacia increased growth and yield compared with Leucaena and Gliricidia. In 2015, addition of PM to Leucaena, Gliricidia and Acacia mulches increased tomato fruit yield by 40.0, 9.2 and 84.9%, respectively. Also in 2016, addition of PM with Leucaena, Gliricidia and Acacia mulches, increased fruit yield of tomato by 43.0, 45.0 and 52.8%, respectively. Leucaena and Gliricidia mulches enhanced tomato growth and yield through direct nutritional contributions, whereas Acacia mulch did so through mulching effects on soil microclimate. Acacia+PM produced significantly higher yield, therefore adequate application of PM to mulches should be encouraged, especially where farmers use Acacia legume materials as mulch to maximize their contribution to soil and crop productivity

Effect of different Rates of Wood Ash on Exchangeable Aluminum, Growth, Nodulation, Nitrogen Accumulation and Grain Yield of Soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merrill) in an Acid Ultisol

Response of soybean grown on acidic soil to wood ash applied at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 t ha-1 was studied in two field experiments in 2003 and 2004 at Umudike in the rainforest zone of Southeast Nigeria. Treatments were fitted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Effect of treatments on some soil fertility and productivity parameters were evaluated. The wood ash contains 64.30 g kg-1 Ca, 12.20 g kg-1 Mg, 9.03 g kg-1 K, 8.75 g kg-1 P and 4.84 g kg-1 N, and had a pH of 11.07. Soil pH increased significantly from 4.80 to 6.40, while levels of exchangeable Al3+ correspondingly decreased from initial values of 2.50 cmol kg-1 to 0.21 cmol kg-1 when 4 t ha-1 of wood ash was applied. Estimation of linear and quadratic curves respectively for soil pH and exchangeable Al3+ indicated values of r2 = 0.973** for soil pH and R2 = 0.944** for exchangeable Al3+. Significant increases (P &lt; 0.01) in soil Ca, P, K, status relate to patterns of growth, nodulation, nitrogen accumulation and grain yield of soybean. The application of 4 t ha-1 wood ash gave grain yield of 2028.34 kg ha-1 compared with 0 t ha-1,and this was significantly (P &lt; 0.01) higher than values obtained from either 2, 6 or 8 t ha-1. Thus, the effect of the application of 4 t ha-1 was more outstanding and is recommended if high grain yields are to be obtained.KEY WORDS: Soil Acidity, Wood Ash, Growth, Nodulation, Grain Yields, Southeast, Nigeria

Influence of organic wastes amendment on growth and foliar yield of jute mallow Corchorus olitorius (linn.) In South Western Nigeria

This study investigated the growth and foliar yield responses of jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius Linn.) on soils amended with ashed and unashed corn cob and coconut husk agro-waste. Slightly acidic (pH=6.20) sandy loam soil were collected and incubated for six and twelve weeks respectively for the study, with agro-wastes [coconut husk ash (CHA), coconut husk unashed (CHU), corn cob ash (CCA) and corn cob unashed (CCU)] under greenhouse conditions. A completely randomized design was adopted with three replicates. The results showed that the corn cob ash and coconut husk ash positively enhanced soil chemical properties than their unashed version. At 2 WAP, the mean plant height ranged from 2.70 ± 0.12 cm to 3.88 ± 0.12 cm; the mean total leaf count from 3.60 ± 0.05 to 4.0 ± 0.05 and mean leaf area from 0.54 ± 0.21 cm2 to 2.48 ± 0.21 cm2 and at 8 WAP, the mean stem girth ranged from 0.43 ± 0.07 cm to 1.02 ± 0.07 cm for C. olitorius planted in soils incubated for six weeks with agro-wastes. This trend increased with the age of C. olitorius and with increase in agro-waste applications in the order CCA&gt;CHA&gt;CHU&gt;CCU. These growth parameters, except the plant height were of higher values in 6 weeks soil incubation than 12 weeks soil incubation. The highest mean yield (17.93g/pot) of C. olitorius was obtained in soil pots amended for 12 weeks with 5 t/ha of CHU. The increase growth and foliage yield obtained in this study showed that soils amended with ashed and unashed corn cob and coconut husk waste have the potential of promoting the production of vegetables, especially C. olitorius and also ensuring environmental sustainability.Key Words: Agro-waste, Amended soil, Coconut hust, Corn cob, Corchorus olitorius, Greenhouse, Vegetabl

Effects of Chromolaena and Tithonia Mulches on Soil Properties, Leaf Nutrient Composition, Growth and Yam Yield

Plant materials differ in their chemical composition, rate of decomposition and suitability as mulch materials. Experiments were conducted on an Oxic Tropuldalf of southwestern Nigeria at Owo to study the effect of Chromolaena and Tithonia mulches applied at 0.0, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 12.5 t ha-1 on soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient composition, growth and tuber yield of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir). Both Chromolaena and Tithonia mulches reduced soil bulk density and temperature. They also increased concentrations of organic matter, N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the soil, and N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the leaves. The mulches also increased growth and yield of yam compared with the control. The values of soil organic matter, N and P, and leaf N and P concentrations increased with increasing mulch rate. Chromolaena mulch and Tithonia mulch applied at 10.0 and 7.5 t ha-1, respectively, were found to be suitable for yam production. Tithonia mulch compared with Chromolaena mulch produced higher values of soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient concentrations, growth and yield of yam. Tithonia mulch produced 19% and 18% higher tuber yield compared with Chromolaena mulch in the first and second cropping seasons, respectively

Palm Bunch Ash Effect on Soil Base Saturation and Growth of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L.)

This study was carried out to assess the effect of Palm Bunch Ash (PBA), at various levels (0, 2, 4t/ha) on soil Base Saturation and growth of Cucumis sativus L. at the Teaching and Research Farm, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. PBA, and Soil samples (0 – 15cm) before and after application, from the experimental plots, were collected and analyzed with standard methods for Physico-chemical properties and Base Saturation calculated. A total of 9 treatments were used with T0 (Control), T2, and T4, where T represents PBA as treatment, and the subscripts 0, 2, and 4 represent the levels. The experiment was a 1x3 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. 18 seeds of cucumber (2 per hole) from NSPRI, Port Harcourt were planted on each treatment plot of 2 x 2m at plant spacing of 45 × 45cm. Thereafter, it was thinned to one (1) per hole after emergence. This implies that there were a total number of 10,000 plants per hectare. Growth parameters include shoot height (cm), 3, 6, and 9WAP, and a number of leaves, 3, 6, and 9WAP. Data generated from the field were subjected to a one-way ANOVA test using the Minitab package and the means were separated using Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference at 95% probability. The results revealed that Base Saturation increased (p&lt;0.05) as the treatment level increased in the treated soil with the highest 65.96 of 4t/ha. Again, there was a significant effect (p&lt;0.05) on shoot height, as the PBA level, increased in treated soil with the highest values&nbsp; 13.97 recorded in 2t/ha, and 48.13 and 77.90 recorded in 4t/ha for 3, 6, and 9WAP. Similarly, for a number of leaves, the highest values were recorded in 4t/ha, also for 3, 6, and 9WAP.&nbsp; Hence, PBA is recommended as a good amendment for acid soil neutralizer, Base Saturation booster, and nutrient buffer and supplier to the soil and ultimately to plants

Effect of Palm Bunch Ash on Soil pH And Growth of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus L)

A field experiment to assess the effect Palm Bunch Ash (PBA), at various levels (0, 2, 4t/ha) on the pH of soil and growth of Cucumis sativus at the Teaching and Research Farm, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, was conducted. Soil samples (0 – 15cm) before and after application, from the experimental plots were collected, and analyzed with standard methods for pH and nutrients. Also, Palm Bunch Ash (PBA) sub-sampled, and analyzed with standard methods for pH used for the experiment. A total of 9 treatments were used with A0 (Control), A2 and A4, where A represents PBA, and the subscripts 0, 2 and 4 represent the treatment levels. The experiment was a 1x3 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. 18 seeds of cucumber (2 per hole) from NSPRI, Rumueme, Port Harcourt were planted on each treatment plot of 2 x 2m at a plant spacing of 45 × 45cm. Thereafter, it was thinned to one (1) per hole after emergence. This implies that, there were a total number of 10,000 plants per hectare. Growth parameters include shoot height (cm), 3, 6 and 9WAP, and Number of leaves, 3, 6 and 9WAP. Data generated from field were subjected to one-way ANOVA test using the Minitab package and the means were separated using Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference at 95% probability. The results revealed that pH increased (p&lt;0.05) as the amendment level increased in the treated soil with the highest 6.00 of 4t/ha. Also, there was significant effect (p&lt;0.05) on growth, as the PBA level increased in the treated soil with the highest values&nbsp; 13.97cm recorded in 2t/ha, and 48.13cm and 77.90cm recorded in 4t/ha for 3, 6, and 9WAP. Similarly, for number of leaves, the highest values were recorded in 4t/ha, also for 3, 6, and 9WAP.&nbsp; Hence, PBA is recommended as good amendments for acid soil neutralizer and nutrient buffer and supplier to the soil and ultimately to plants

The Effect of Tillage on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties and Yield of Ginger

Five tillage methods were compared during the seasons of 2014–2016 with reference to their effects on soil physical and chemical properties and fresh rhizome yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on an Alfisol at Owo, southwest Nigeria. The tillage methods were: zero tillage (ZT), manual ridging (MR), manual mounding (MM), ploughing plus harrowing (P + H) and ploughing plus harrowing twice (P + 2H). P + 2H had higher soil bulk density than other tillage methods and resulted in lower soil OM, N, P, K, Ca and Mg and rhizome yield of ginger. ZT improved soil bulk density, moisture content, temperature, soil OM, N, P, K, Ca and Mg better than other tillage methods and resulted in higher plant height and rhizome yield of ginger compared with other tillage treatments. Results of multiple regressions revealed that bulk density and moisture content significantly influenced the yield of ginger. Compared with MR, MM, P + H and P + 2H, and averaged across years, ZT increased rhizome yield of ginger by 10.9, 11.5, 4.9 and 26.8%, respectively. P + 2H degraded soil quality and reduced rhizome yield of ginger significantly. ZT was found to be the most suitable for soil health and optimum yield and is therefore recommended for ginger cultivation