The role of cattle manure in enhancing on-farm productivity, macro- and micro-nutrient uptake, and profitability of maize in the Guinea savanna

An on-farm trial was conducted in the northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria, over a period of five years, with the objectives of quantifying the effects on maize of applying cattle manure in combination with synthetic fertilizer with regard to soil characteristics, yield, plant nutrition and profitability. Maize grain yield was significantly increased by the annual application of cattle manure, compared to maize receiving an equal amount of N through synthetic fertilizer, but only from the third year of the experiment. The application of manure resulted in higher soil Kjel N, Bray-I P and exchangeable K values, and an increased N utilization efficiency by maize, suggesting that yield-limiting factors other than N deficiencies were of lesser importance than in the treatment receiving sole inorganic fertilizer. Nutrients other than N applied via the manure, particularly P, K and/or B, may have contributed to the higher grain yields in treatments receiving manure. A partial budgeting analysis revealed that, over a 5-year period, investments in the application of manure, in combination with synthetic fertilizer, resulted in higher margins than the application of fertilizer alone. However, analyses of marginal rates of return of changes from low urea N to high urea N or additional manure applications suggested that it was more profitable to invest in additional urea than in organic manure in the first two years of the experiment. The results suggested that manure applications, even when applied at relatively high rates, did not serve as a quick fix to on-farm soil fertility problems, but over a longer period, manure applied in combination with synthetic fertilizers did provide a significant and profitable contribution to enhanced cereal production

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

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Approach on Soil Chemical and Physical Properties and Performance of Tomato (Lycopersicon Lycopersicum) Under Mildly-Acidic Alfisol Conditions

Collection and conversion of freely available wild-plant residues into composted materials for vegetable crop production (either as a substitute or supplement to the highly-priced chemical / synthetic fertilizers), may be beneficial to sustainable tropical crop production and improvement of soil conditions. Field studies were conducted in the year 2009, at the Teaching and Research Farms, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria, to assess the response of tomato to Tithonia-compost with or without N-mineral fertilizer, and the effects of such integration on some soil properties. It was a factorial combination of three rates of compost application (0.0, 2.5 & 5.0 tons ha-1) and three rates of inorganic nitrogen application (0.0, 30.0 and 60.0 kg N ha-1). Data collected on growth and yield parameters were analyzed using ANOVA at p < 0.05. Compost application significantly improved soil properties, under sole and combined applications. Growth and yield parameters significantly increased with increased levels of sole and combined applications of compost and N-mineral fertilizer. Tomato responded best to integration of 30 kg N ha-1 of urea and 2.5 tons ha-1 of Tithonia-compost as reflected in best growth rate and fruit yield. The rate was found to be equally adequate for improved soil physical and chemical properties. Integration of organic and inorganic fertilizer is therefore essential for efficient soil management and crop production

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

Response of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Varieties to Different Animal Manure

High cost of inorganic manure in Nigeria coupled with the problem of product availability justifies an investigation into alternative source of nutrients, which is more readily available and cheaper while the importance of organic manure in improving crop production for food security cannot be overemphasized. Two field experiments were carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture Teaching and Research Farm, University of Benin during the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 dry cropping seasons of October – March to determine the response of two tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) varieties to different animal manure. The treatments were three types of animal manure (swine, poultry, cow-dung at 20 t ha-1 each and a control) and two tomato varieties (Roma VF and UC82). The experiment was a 2 × 4 factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, leaf area, stem diameter, number   of flowers, number of days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit fresh weight, fruit diameter and fruit yield t ha-1. Results obtained from the experiment showed that there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in some of the reproductive characters as influenced by different animal manure. Swine and poultry manure showed superiority above cow-dung and the control. In both years, significantly similar and the highest fruit yield was produced by swine manure (14.24 and 7.82 t ha-1) and poultry manure (12.15 and 7.64 t ha-1). This study showed that the rate of 20 t ha-1 of either swine or poultry manure could be used for production of the two tomato varieties (Roma VF or UC 82) in Edo rain - forest zone of Nigeria

Cow Dung, Goat and Poultry Manure and Their Effects on the Average Yields and Groth Parameters of Tomato Crop

A field experiment to investigate the effects of application cow dung, goat and poultry manure on the average yield and growth parameters of a tomato variety was carried out at the Research Farm of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Potiskum, North-Eastern part of Nigeria during 2012 planting season. Treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The variables measured were plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and fruit yield obtained. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The means were separated using LSD at five percent level of significance. Results obtained indicated that growth and yield of tomato was lowest in control treatments which showed that the organic manures used in the study especially poultry manure positively influenced the performance and yield of tomato. The results also revealed that plots treated with poultry manure gave the highest number of leaves and branches per plant and fruit yield of 28.0t/ha. Comparatively, lesser fruit yield of 11.5t/ha was obtained with the application of goat manure. Cow dung produced 3.5t/ha of tomato fruits while the least yield of 1.2t/ha of tomato were recorded in the control treatments. Based on the findings of the experiments it could be deduced that poultry manure seems to promote higher growth yield of tomato. Thus, it should be recommended for growers of tomato crop in the study area. Goat manure commonly found in the area may be applied for maximum growth parameters. Keywords: Organic manure, Growth parameter, Yield and Tomato variety

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

Growth and yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) as influenced by poultry manure and NPK fertilizer

Four field trials were conducted during the years 2006 and 2007 at Owo, the forest- savanna transition zone in southwest Nigeria, to study the effect of poultry manure (PM), NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + poultry manure on the growth and yield of tomato. Seven treatments were applied to the soil: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 t ha-1 poultry manure , 300 kg ha-1 NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + 10 t ha-1 poultry manure. These were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The treatments were compared on the basis of their effect on soil chemical properties, leaf nutrient content, growth and yield of tomato. All levels of poultry manure and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + poultry manure increased leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg levels. The soil chemical properties except pH increased with amount of poultry manure. NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer alone did not increase the soil and leaf Ca and Mg. All levels of poultry manure, NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer alone and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + poultry manure increased the number of leaves, plant height, leaf area, number of fruits and fruit weight significantly. Among poultry manure levels, 30 t ha-1 poultry manure gave the highest fruit yield. Among the seven treatments, NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + poultry manure gave the highest yield. On an average over the two years, 10, 20, 30, 40 t ha-1 poultry manure, 300 kg ha-1 NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer alone and 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + 10 t ha-1 poultry manure treatments increased fruit weight by 19, 36, 51, 14, 20 and 83%, respectively. Results revealed that poultry manure is a suitable source of nutrients for tomato especially if applied at 30 t ha-1 in the forest-savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria. The combined use of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and poultry manure increased tomato yield compared to the application of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer or poultry manure alone and is therefore recommended for sustainable productivity. In addition, lesser quantities of poultry manure and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer would be required, therefore, reducing the amount of money spent on chemical fertilizer

SOIL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND COCOYAM YIELD UNDER DIFFERENT TILLAGE SYSTEMS IN A TROPICAL ALFISOL

Experimental data on tillage requirement of cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) are needed to identify the most suitable tillage methods for managing the fragile Alfisols of the humid tropics to ensure sustained productivity. Hence, five tillage methods were compared as to their effects on soil physical and chemical properties, and growth and yield of cocoyam on an Alfisol at Owo in the forest-savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria. The experiment consisted of five tillage methods: manual clearing (MC), manual ridging (MR), manual mounding (MM), ploughing + harrowing (P + H) and ploughing + harrowing twice (P + 2 H) were used for three years at two sites in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In the first two years (2007 and 2008), P + H produced the least soil bulk density and highest growth and yield, whereas in the third year (2009), MC produced the lowest soil bulk density and best performance of cocoyam. Manual clearing produced the best values of soil chemical properties in 2008 and 2009. Averaged over the three years, P + H, MR and MM had lower soil bulk density hence better growth and yield compared with P + 2 H and MC. Over the three years MC, MM, MR and P + H increased cocoyam cormel yield by 10, 21, 23 and 32%, respectively, over P + 2 H.The corresponding increases in corm yield were 7, 15, 13 and 21%, respectively. The multiple regressions revealed that bulk density and moisture content significantly influenced the yield of cocoyam. Soil chemical properties were not significant. Bulk density rather than soil chemical properties dictated the performance of cocoyam in an Alfisol of southwest Nigeria. Soil quality was degraded by P + 2H. For small farms, either MR or MM is recommended while P + H is recommended for large-scale farming of cocoyam. INTRODUCTION The majority of Alfisols available for crop production in the tropics are strongly weathered and of inherently low organic matter and nutrient status (Lal, 1987). In addition, Alfisols have a weak structure and are highly susceptible to crusting, compaction and accelerated erosion (Lal, 1987) leading to low crop yields. Cocoyam like any other root and tuber crops is a heavy feeder, exploiting a large volume of soil for nutrient and water (Osundare, 2004). Tillage is an important cultural practice that can be used to increase the yield of cocoyam. In the humid tropics where most farmers are poor and fertilizer is expensive, soil working and tillage methods can temporarily serve as an alternative to fertilizer application (Adekiya and Ojeniyi, 2002). §Correspondin