Evaluation of some Conventional methods for Estimating Available Phosphate in Muds at Mbiabet Rice Farm, Akwa Ibom State

A study was carried out in May 2008 using Seven Conventional methods for estimating available soil phosphorus from swamp mud, in acid sulphate soils of Mbiabet, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The Seven extractants were tested to determine which would be suitable for routine use in the water-logged soils. The extractans were Bray and Kurtz’s (0.03NNH4F in 0.025N Hcl), Morgan’s (10% NaOAC/3%HOAC), Sounder’s (0.1NNOOH), Olsens (0.5N NaHCO3 at pH 8.5). Treatment consisted of potassium dihydroxide added in the doses of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300mg/kg, fitted into Latin square of 36 x 5m. Limestone (Ca CO3) was applied at the rate of 50 kg/ha to reduce the activity of aluminum. The results of the selective tests showed that the Oslen’s procedure gave the most reliable estimate of available P. Fractionation of the forms of inorganic phosphorus in the phosphate treated mud showed that the extracting solutions removed chiefly aluminium phosphate. In the absence of facilities for field, the relationship between crop response, concentration of soil phosphorus and available phosphorus as determined by Olsen’s procedure gave the most reliable estimate of available P. was estimated for polyethylene bag culture experiment with rice and maize. Response to additions (Rice and Maize) had available P 11 mg/kg with Oslen’s method

Effect of NPK fertilizer and interval management on the chemical properties of coastal plain sands of Akpabuyo, Nigeria

Investigation of the chemical properties of the coastal plain soils treated with NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer (NPK) at the rate of 0,60, 90 and 120kg ha-1) and observed at intervals of 3,6,9 and 12 months was carried out from March 2009 to 2010 at Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Nigeria. The experiment comprises of four fertilizer rates and four management intervals fitted into a Latin square design. The soils pH value increased consistently from 3 to 12months. Mean values of organic matter decreased with increase in profile depth from 2.12-1.34g kg-1). The distribution of N from the top soil down the profile increased consistently from 3 to 12 months. The mean value of N from the top soil was 0.82%. Exceeding 0.2%, the critical value and was more than the mean values obtained in the sub-surface soil. The mean value of P (33 mgkg-1)) during the 9 months interval was significantly (P<0.05) higher than all other samplingperiods. There was vertical and horizontal loading of P which lead to higher available P at the surface in soil depths of 0-15 and 15-30cm than 30-40cm and 40- 50cm. Levels of Ca increased slightly with sampling interval but decreased down the profile. The soils were also characterized as follows: strongly acid (pH 5.1 – 5.3), exchangeable Mg. (> 0.5cmol kg-1)), low contents of K and Na as well as high exchangeable Al. levels (> 4.0 cmol kg-1)) and cation exchange capacity (22 – 36 cmol kg-1)) The application of 90 kg/ha-1) NPK fertilizer during the 9 months interval gave highest values of N.P, Ca and Mg under the condition of the experiment, indicating that these elements will not be deficient in these soils. Equally, the CEC, organic matter and base saturation had their advantage in the 9 months interval where 90 kg'' was applied. This is cost effective and could be used to improve crop production in Akpabuyo, Nigeria.KEY WORD: Chemical Properties, NPK Fertilization, Management Intervals, Coastal Plain Sands

Phosphorus forms in soils of Oban Hills, Akamkpa, Cross River State, Nigeria

Oban Hills is located at Akamkpa in the Southern Senatorial District of Cross River, State, Nigeria. Phosphorus (P)-rich soil from the Hills is expected to have an effect on retention and distribution in the highly acidic soils surrounding the area inundated for several years. Phosphorus forms in the soils of the Hills varied with the year of deposition with the highest fraction being Ca-P. The low soil pH in the Oban Hills soils suggests that Ca-P may exist in a partially dissolved form and will be the primary source of P for vegetations around the area. The cation exchange capacity andpH of surface material from the Hills suggest a dominance of primary minerals. Based on the amount of P available it seems that the Hills soils play a role in the overall P availability to the surrounding vegetation. A significant (P<O.05) decrease in HCI soluble P with depth was observed in the OB2 soil site, where the greatest amount of HCI-soluble P was found in the 0-15cm soil depth. The bicarbonate P varied with sites (OBI, OB2 and 0B3), and depth, but the OB3 had the highest value.KEYWORDS: Phosphorus, Soils, Oban Hills, P-fixation, P-distributio

Seasonal variations in the growth duration of some rice varieties grown in Cross River State

Two experiments were carried out in 2008 and 2009, in four locations in Cross State, to determine seasonal variations in the commonly grown rice varieties. Their response to different photoperiod treatments were  investigated with rice plants in polyethylene bags subjected to varying lengths under artificial light. High photoperiod - sensitive varieties, showed significant difference in their maturation periods when planted at different times of the year. The longer growth duration occurred when plantings were made in January - February. The shortest growth duration occurred when plantings were made in the October - November period. In some of the photoperiod - sensitive varieties, there were big differences in the growth duration when planted in the same month, of different years. These varieties would be unsuitable for planting during the off season (August to September). The results are discussed in light of photoperiod sensitivity of some rice varieties planted at different times of the year.KEYWORDS: Seasonal variation, growth duration of rice

The Power and Purpose of Instructional Objectives in Social Studies Education

Argument on the need for objectives in education is on the rise with divergent views of teachers over the matter. Some see objectives as vital to teaching learning process and should be clearly stated and made known to students prior to instruction while others see objectives as not necessary; yet many are undecided. The importance of objectives in the entire educative process cannot be overemphasized. This paper explores the power and purpose of instructional objectives in social studies instruction. Keywords: Social studies, general objectives, specific objectives, teacher, student and academic achievement

A Re-Examination of Trade Policy and Industrial Sector Performance in Nigeria

In this paper, the purpose was to investigate the extent to which trade policy impact on industrial sector performance in Nigeria within the period of 1970 to 2014. Particularly, the study was carried out using ARDL bounds testing approach. It was observed that the trade policy variables of exchange rate, trade openness and tariff significantly impact on industrial sector performance. Specifically, exchange rate and tariff have negative and significant impact on manufacturing sub-sector and industrial sector performance in Nigeria. On the other hand, trade openness has a significantly positive effect on industrial sector growth. On the basis of these findings, the study suggested the implementation of appropriate exchange rate and tariff policies that will promote industrial activities as well as protect domestic firms from external competition. Emphatically, moderate tariff on importation of raw materials and machineries should be adopted and enforced

An empirical study of poverty in Calabar and its environs

The aim of this study is to empirically identify and analyse the determinants of poverty in Calabar and its environs. Ordinary least squares linear regression technique was used to evaluate the extent of impact of variables such as income, educational status, age, occupational status of heads of households and household size on poverty in five different zones of Calabar and its environs. The study was carried out using structured questionnaires served on 500 heads of household to generate primary data. Based on the results, lack of or inadequate income and large household size were found to be responsible for the level of poverty being witnessed in Calabar and its environs. The low values of adjusted R2 as revealed by the results suggest that there are other macroeconomic variables that actually account for the poverty level in Calabar which were not included in the model. However, using two-thirds ofper-capita consumption expenditure as a basis for measuring poverty in all the zones, 60 per cent of households living in Calabar and its environs could be said to be suffering from poverty. Policy measures to enhance increase in income, promotion of income earning opportunities and reduction of household size are among the measures advocated

A Re-Examination of Trade Policy and Industrial Sector Performance in Nigeria

In this paper, the purpose was to investigate the extent to which trade policy impact on industrial sector performance in Nigeria within the period of 1970 to 2014. Particularly, the study was carried out using ARDL bounds testing approach. It was observed that the trade policy variables of exchange rate, trade openness and tariff significantly impact on industrial sector performance. Specifically, exchange rate and tariff have negative and significant impact on manufacturing sub-sector and industrial sector performance in Nigeria. On the other hand, trade openness has a significantly positive effect on industrial sector growth. On the basis of these findings, the study suggested the implementation of appropriate exchange rate and tariff policies that will promote industrial activities as well as protect domestic firms from external competition. Emphatically, moderate tariff on importation of raw materials and machineries should be adopted and enforced