Concentration of Available phosphorus in Soil Amended with Rock Phosphate and Palm Oil Mill Effluent

The effect of palm oil mill effluent (POME) on the concentration of available phosphorus in a dystric cambisol (Kulfo series) amended with Sokoto Rock Phosphare (SRP) was investigated in this study. The experiment comprised six treatments replicated three times (POME + SRP) and incubated in the green house. Sub samples of the various treatments were collected at 3 – day intervals for 15 days and analysed for available phosphorus. The results obtained showed that there was significant increase (P < 0.001) in the amount of available phosphorus between the untreated and the amended soils. Furthermore, maximum available P concentration was 103.66 and 109.85 mg/kg at constant amount of SRP and POME treatments respectively. The present study has provided further basis for the combined use of POME and rock phosphate in enhancing the availability of P. However, further studies are expected to investigate amongst others, the specific rates of application of SRP and POME that will ensure maximum available P release and utilization by plants

Characteristics of lipase isolated from coconut (Cocos nucifera linn) seed under different nutrient treatments

Lipase (triacyglycerol acyl hydrolase, E. C. 3.1.1.3) activity was demonstrated on acetone powder prepared from coconut seeds, under different nutrients condition. Conversion of the free fatty acid releasedto copper salt enabled the activity of the crude enzyme extract on coconut oil, triolein, tripalmitine and olive oil to be determined colorimetrically. Lipase from coconut plant grown under complete nutrient conditions showed high affinity for the native substrate coconut oil. The enzyme acted maximally at 35°C and had a broad optimum pH of 7.5 – 8.5

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rural agricultural wetland soils of the Niger Delta Region

The concentration and distribution of 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in some rural agricultural wetland soils of the Niger delta region, Nigeria was determined. There were measurable amounts of naphthalene, acenaphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene,fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene and  benzo(b)fluoranthene. Benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, indeno(1,2,3)perylene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene and benzo(g,h,i)perylene were not detected in the soils. There were also significant correlations between the occurrences of some of the PAHs. However, the concentrations of the PAHs obtained were within the background levels expected for rural agricultural soils. The PAHs levels obtained in this study would act as baseline levels of these persistent organic pollutants in this environment with about 50 abandoned oil wells that are now been reactivated for completion and production

Bio-composting oil palm waste for improvement of soil fertility

Sources of bio-compost as agro-industrial wastes includes wide range of oil palm wastes viz. waste, biomass, palm kernels, empty fruit bunch, mill effluent, trunk and frond compost. Various composting processes are summarized in brief with distinct reference of oil–palm composting covering aerated static pile, and co-composting with earthworms (vermicomposting). However, in-vessel composting and windrow composting has meritorious advantages in composting. This review article refers to various significant roles played by microorganisms associated. Noteworthy study of bio-compost applications and procedures are correspondingly glosses framework of ecological, economical and agro-ecosystemic benefits

Comparative analytical determineation of Pb and Cd bound to soil organic matter

No Abstract. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 16 (1) 2006: pp. 158-16

Selective binding affinity of Pb, Cu and Cd to Humic acid in the presence of K and Mg ions

No Abstract. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 16 (1) 2006: pp. 151-15

Determination of total phenolic amount of some edible fruits and vegetables

Total phenolic content of some fruits and vegetables namely; garden egg (Allium sativvum L.), ducanut (Irvingia wombolu), lemon (Citrus limonia), garden egg (Solanum melongena), grape (Citrus paradise) and carrot (Daucus carota L.) purchased from an open market in Benin City, Nigeria were determined. The results obtained showed that ducanut had the highest amount of total phenolics (98.77 ìg/g), gallic acid equivalent (GAE), while the lowest amount determined (5.75 ìg/g) GAE was in the grape fruit.These values were generally lower than similar studies conducted elsewhere

Evaluation of physicochemical properties and distribution of Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni in soils and growing plants around refuse dumpsites in Akure, Nigeria

The physicochemical properties and distribution of Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni in soils and growing plants around refuse dumpsites in Akure, Southwestern Nigeria were evaluated to ascertain the impact of the wastes on these soil quality indices and edible plants. The soils close to the dumpsites were more acidic (pH, 5.50) compared with the soils away (25.0 m) from the sites. Also there were corresponding increases in the organic carbon and cation exchange capacities of the soil indicating measurable levels of biodegradability of the wastes. Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni have maximum concentrations of 23.00, 2.91, 9.00 and24.00 mg/kg respectively in the soils. The amount of Cd determined in the soils was consistent with the critical level obtained for agricultural soils. Results obtained from the plant tissues analysed showedthat 0.84 mg/kg Pb was detected in the root of Zea mays, while 0.25 mg/kg Ni was obtained in the root of Sorghum vulgare. Talinum triangulare and Amaranthus crucantus did not possess detectable levels of these metals. The present study has justified the need to continually assess the quality of soils, and the concentration of certain heavy/toxic metals in growing plants around refuse dumpsites

Effects of composted oil palm bunch wastes and chemical fertilizer on growth of oil palm seedling under water stress condition

A greenhouse study was conducted at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka to compare the effects of sole and integrated use of composted oil palm bunch waste and chemical fertilizer for improving the growth of oil palm seedlings under water stress condition. The experiment was a 3x3x4 factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications, comprising 3 factors thus irrigation intervals, NPKMg compound fertilizer and composted oil palm bunch waste. Water stress was imposed by observing irrigation intervals of 7days, 14days and 21days after irrigating the soil to field capacity. NPKMg (12:12:17:2) fertilizer was applied at 0g, 28g and 42g per seedling/polybag (based on field application rates of 0 Kg/ha, 1400 Kg/ha and 2100 Kg/ha), while the composted bunch waste was applied at 0g, 100g, 200g and 300g per seedling/polybag. Result showed that 14 days irrigation intervals gave the highest (P&lt;0.05) effect on oil palm seedlings growth parameters compared to the 7 and 21 days intervals of irrigation. Similarly, application of 42g NPKMg fertilizer showed the highest (P&gt;0.05) effects on growth parameters of oil palm seedlings relative to other rates of mineral fertilizers. Results also indicated that application 300gcompost/seedlings gave highest (P&lt;0.05) effect on all growth parameters compared to other compost application rates. Interaction between the composted bunch waste, chemical fertilizer and irrigation intervals had no significant effect on all the growth parameters studied. However, combined application of 42g NPKMg compound fertilizer and 300g compost/seedlings was most effective in improving the growth of oil palm seedlings under 14 day intervals of irrigation and is therefore recommended