School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

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Open Access
Assessment of women participation in fish valued chain acivities in Buguma area of Rivers state, Nigeria
(U. P., 2016) Ogolo, I. G. S.; Ogueri, E.; Adesope, O. M.
The study focused on the assessment of women participation in fish value chain in Buguma community, Asari-Toru local Government Area of Rivers state. Data were obtained from 56 women in the study area. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean were used to analyse the data collected from the study. Findings revealed that 44.7% of the women are within the age range of 40-49 years, which makes them still energetic to actively participate in the fish value chain. Majority of the women had formal education with 42.9% with a mean household of size of 6-10 persons. Majority of the respondents are in a cooperative society 71.4%, about 55.3% have a farming experience of 10 years and above. Extension agents visit the study area with about 98.8% respondents. The average annual income gotten by the women was about N20,000. Stages involved in the fish value chain in the study area includes capture of fish, handling and sorting, processing, storage, marketing, advertising, distribution. The women are actively involved in each of the chain. It was noted that women have a high level of participation in fish value chain in Buguma community (89.3%). The problems faced by these women includes lack of modern facilities, lack of fund, insufficient wood fuel, lack of harvesting equipment’s, technical know-how of modern facilities and poor storage facilities with 98.8% respondents agreeing to it. Despite the participation of the women in fish value chain, they were hardly given attention by the extension agents who visited the study area
Open Access
Climate variability, incidences and mitigation strategies among poultry farmers in Abia state, Nigeria
(Conscientia Beam., 2018-09-28) Odok, G. N.; Unaeze, H. C.; Ogueri, E. I.; Essien, U. A.; Ukpong, C. A.; Bassey, J. E.; Onini, M. T.; Ezebuike, I. R.; Ohajianya, D. O.
This paper investigated climate variability, incidences and mitigation strategies among poultry farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. It specifically analysed the trend of climate variables over the period of 30 years, the perception of poultry farmers as regards the impact of climate variability on poultry production in the study area, and examined the different mitigation strategies adopted by these farmers. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed in choosing the required sample of 120 poultry farmers. Data were collected with validated structured questionnaire, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed a high inter-annual variability in the volume of rainfall from 1983 to 2012 with insignificant correlation (0.0781) between rainfall volume and time. Also, the result showed reduction in number of rainy days and sunshine duration between 1983 and 2012 with correlation coefficients of 0.146 and 0.132respectively. Temperature had significant positive relationship with time with correlation coefficient 0.638.High mortality rate, disease outbreak, smallness of egg size, poor quality of egg shell, heat stress and reduced feed intake actually impacted on poultry production in the study area. Climate variability was therefore found to have affected poultry production in the study area and this has serious environmental and food policies implication. The respondents identified the use of climate resilient breeds, closeness to hatchery, feed improvement, mixed farming, use of artificial cooling system and stocking less during harsh season as major mitigation strategies to climate variability. It is therefore recommended that the government should come up with appropriate policy that will assist the poultry farmer to be more resilient and able to cope with effect of climate variability. Policies should also be formulated to reduce the emission and accumulation of green-house gases in our environment.
Open Access
Impact of Afirica regional aquaculture centre on fish farmers livelihood on Obio/Akpor local goverment area. Rivers State
(2016) Emmanuel, J.; Ogueri, E.; Adesope, O. M.
This study is design to examine the impact of African regional aquaculture Centre on fish farmers livelihood in Obio/Akpor, Rivers state. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaires administered to 150 respondents using a purposive selection of 10 communities in the study area. Data collected from the study area were analyze using descriptive statistical tools (mean, frequency and percentage). The socio-economic characteristics considered in the study include gender, age, marital status, educational level, household size, farming experience, source of income and source of information. The major source of income of the respondents is farming. Fish farmers in the study area obtain information through extension agents, radio, pamphlets and meetings. Findings indicate that ARAC has played major roles in motivation, in food security, employment etc. Constraints faced are; theft, high tax, lack of loan, government intervention to fish farming problems etc. Of which all limits the efficiency of fish farming.
Open Access
Challenges facing semi-urban fish farmers use of information and communication technology devices in Imo State, Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2015) Chikaire, J. U,; Ani, A. O,; Ogueri, E. I.; Godson-Ibeji, C. C.
The study examined the challenges semi-urban fish farmers face in their use of information and communication technology devices in Imo state. Data were obtained using structured questionnaire from 210 fish farmers selected randomly from a list of 2300 fish farmers obtained from fish farmers cooperative office in Owerri, the state capital. Data collected were analyzed using statistical tools such as percentages and mean. Results showed that majority (37.6%) are within the active age of 41-50, 58.6% are males, 50% have secondary education, with 11-15 years of fish farming. The respondents have frequent access to radio, telephone (mobile), television, magazines and newspapers. The results of the analysis further showed that the fish farmers need information on feed formulation, water management, disease management, fingerlings, processing and drug use. The challenges faced by the fish farmers include erratic power supply, low level of education, language barrier, low income, and lack of skills in ICT. In view of the following it was recommended that communication companies and service providers improve their network coverage. Government should also improve in their provision of electricity and make power steady.
Open Access
Perceived Effects of Resource-Use Conflicts on Rural Women Farmers in South-east Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria
(Lupine Publishers, 2018-07-05) Anyoha, N. O.; Chikaire, J. U.; Ogueri, E. I.; Utazi, C. O.; Godson Ibeji, C. C.
This study analyzed specifically the effects of resource-use conflict especially, land on rural women farmers in Southeast, Nigeria. .A total of 300 rural women farmers were purposively selected from 3 states in southeast where conflicts have occurred. Data collected were analyzed descriptively–using percentages, mean and standard deviation. Results got showed that farmer farmer conflicts, pastoralists– farmer conflicts and communal conflicts were predominant in the study area with 100% response. The major causes of resource use conflicts were increasing population (M=3.37), overgrazing of farmland (M=3.35), breakdown of moral economy (M=3.57), pollution of water (M=3.46), among others. The effects on women included reduced crop yields (M=3.37), burning of crops (M= 3.38), reduced farm, reduced income (M=3.01), loss of human lives (M=3.56), rape/abduction of women (M=3.00), hatred (M=2.63), fear (M=2.57), widowhood (M=2.93) among others. The following strategies were identified, giving financial assistance to victims (M=2.65), creating job opportunities (M=2.53), proper land use planning (M=2.63), compensation to land owner (M=3.67). These farmers could be helped provision of credt facilities and proper land use planning programme.
Open Access
Effects of Oil Spillage (Pollution) on Agricultural Production in Delta Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State Nigeria
(CRDEEP journals, 2015) Ani, A. O.; Chikaire, J. U; Ogueri, E. I; Orusha, J. O
The work analyzed the effects of oil spillage/pollution on agricultural production in Delta Central Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. The specific objective of this study are to “describe the socio – economic characteristics of the respondents, to identify agricultural production activities of the respondents, to identify causes of oil spillage/pollution of the area, and to describe the effects of oil spillage on agricultural production activities of its respondents. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 115 respondents for the study. Data collected through questionnaire were analyzed using percentage presented in tables. Result shows that oil spillage /pollution occurred as a result of corrosion of oil pipelines and explosion of oil wells/terminal/stations, giving rise to unproductive soil, reducing the people interest in agricultural activities. However, some recommendation were made, the first recommendation “a permanent disaster management institution should be established in this area the second recommendation was “oil companies should engage in preventative measure to mitigate the risk of oil spillage /pollution as well as ensuring transparency with regard to payment of compensation, contract to affected communities.
Open Access
Characterization and analysis of rural community associations in a pri-urban community of Imo state, Nigeria
(U. P., 2018) Ajaero, J. O.; Ogueri, E. I; Matthews-Njoku, E. C; Adesope, O. M
This paper focuses on characterization and analysis of rural community associations in a peri-urban community of Imo state, Nigeria. A qualitative methodology was used to characterize rural community associations in the study area. In Agbala community, these social units exist, comprising of six (6) women organizations, two (2) men organizations, two (2) church groups, one (1) agricultural group and seven (7) age grades. There are more social interactions among the women organizations than the males. However, inter group interaction could be described as weak and might be a manifestation of poor social cohesion in the community. Their scope of activities cover infrastructural development, education concerns, membership welfare and agriculture. Agricultural activity is the least of activities engaged in by these organizations. There is the need to educate the membership of existing community organization on the importance of incorporating economic oriented projects in their programmes. Extension service should concentrate efforts in designing a clear strategy that would utilize the existing social organizations as veritable tools for economic empowerment through grass root mobilization.
Open Access
Women farmers use of indigenous knowledge in land and water management for climate change adaptation in flood-plain agricultural areas of Imo State, Nigeria
(Medwin Publishers, 2020-08-13) Godson-Ibeji, C. C.; Chikaire, J. U.; Anaeto, F. C.; Ogueri, E. I.
This study was carried out to analyze indigenous knowledge practices employed by women farmers for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 360 women farmers was randomly selected from 7 flood plain areas of the State. Questionnaire and oral interview were used to elicit information from the respondents. Percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to analyze data collected. Results showed the indigenous land and water management practices to include ; mulching (88.8%), use of mounds (80.5%), crop rotation (97.2%), soil fertilization (81.6%), conservation agriculture (97.2%), construction of infiltration pits (83.3%), construction of wells and basins for water storage (94.4%), terrace building (96.9%), planting mangrove trees (92.7%), use of sand bags against erosion (96.6%) among others. The high mean (M) response below showed the benefits of use of indigenous knowledge in land and water management to include; enhanced agricultural productivity (M=3.64), reduced water stress (M=3.25), improve soil air and water quality (M=2.86), improves soil organic matter content (M=2.95), increase soil moisture content (M=2.90), reduces erosion menace in farm (M=2.92) and others. The following challenges were faced – high transaction cost (M=3.04), land tenure problems (M=3.95), insecurity of rights to land (M=3.35), low level of income (M=3.67), lack of education and training (M=3.55) among other challenges. Extension training of women farmers be vigorously pursued to educate and enlighten the rural agricultural population.
Open Access
Critical success factors affecting sustainability of oil and gas production in Niger Delta, Nigeria
(Ontario International Development Agency, 2010) Ogueri, E. I.; Nwachukwu, I.; Unamma, R.
: Niger Delta region hosts major Oil and Gas operations in Nigeria. Niger Delta was recently declared dangerous region because of criminalities ,kidnappings, killings and human right issues. NigerDelta communities violently stood against oil and gas operations after accusation of long term neglect and underdevelopment. Oil companies became target by heavily armed militants. World energy supply had been grossly affected. It therefore became imperative to evaluate sustainable rural development contributions of Multinational oil and gas corporations in the Niger Delta. Main objective was identification of critical success factors of sustainability. Analysis, results and recommendations are contained in this paper as contributions to sustainable world energy availability strategy. The survey was exploratory. Sampling strategy was combination of probability, purposive and clustering. Data collection was through questionnaire, interview, focused group discussion and reviewed literature. Analytical tool was multiple regression analysis. Results revealed core sustainability indices as Acceptability, Functionality, Operability and Durability of interventions through discovery of participation model of RACI. Additional results showed carriers of development information, in built operations and maintenance philosophy, completion of projects, quality of life, stakeholders’ engagement method and method of programme execution were significant to sustainability at 5%. The research developed a new model called “Spider model of rural development” where methods of selecting interventions and capacity development through Employment were significant at 1%. Environmental unfriendliness and ill- focused programmes had negative relationship .Recommendations included rural development policy or Niger Delta region based on Spider model, broad based MOU, intensified stakeholders’ engagement, participatory approach of RACI model, gender as policy mandate for oil and gas multinationals, deliberate economic empowerment and Joint venture partners’ periodic meetings on Niger Delta
Open Access
Perceived rural interventions for meeting the energy and agri-food needs of smallholder farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
(Kosmos Publishers, 2020-12-09) Chikaire, J. U.; Godson-Ibeji, C. C.; Ogueri, E. I.
The study examined rural intervention programmes for meeting the energy and agri-food needs of smallholder farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to identify energy sources available to farmers in the study area; examine energy and agri-food needs of respondents and ascertain perceived rural interventions for meeting the energy and agri-food needs of respondents in the study area. A total of 360 smallholder farmers were selected and interviewed.Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using percentages and mean. The available energy sources include human power (100%), mechanical power (70.5%), electrical power (66.6%), candles and kerosene (81.6%), charcoal/wood residues (78.8%). Energy is needed for cooking/preparing food (100%), crop production (100%), processing (88.5%) and the agri-food needs were to improve farmer livelihoods (66.6%), increase crop productivity (89.1%), reduction poverty (88.8%) among others. Rural interventions for meeting energy and agri-food needs included rural electrification programmes (M=4.09), standalone off grid energy solution (M = 3.91), agricultural mechanization (M=4.05), rural road /transport programmes (M=3.90) and training /retraining of both farmers and extension officers with mean of 4.08 and 3.41 respectively. Improved/clean energy facilities be provided to the rural populace by the relevant stakeholders – governments, donor agencies, NGOs, etc for improved livelihood and food security.
Open Access
Addressing corruption practices in agricultural sector to make agriculture demand-driven in Nigeria
(Spring Journals, 2016-11) Godson-Ibeji, C. C.; . Ogueri, E. I.; Chikaire, J. U.
Agriculture is one aspect of Nigeria’s economy that should not be neglected or even marginalised. Not only that agriculture is the major source of food for people and livestock, it also provides earnings to farmers and raw materials for industries as well as providing over sixty-five percent employment to the teeming population of Nigerians. In spite of all these advantages over other professions such as law, medicine, engineering and others, yet, people in Nigeria still express phobia for agriculture as an enterprise. Corruption in agricultural sector is an impediment which, when fought and eliminated will make agriculture demand-driven in Nigeria. This paper therefore takes a cursory look at some aspects of corrupt practices in agricultural sector and their attendants’ effects on agricultural productions. It concludes among other suggestions that to fight and eliminate corruption in agricultural sector and achieve the implementations of the Nigerian agricultural transformation agenda (ATA) as well as make agriculture demand-driven in Nigeria, those actors who perpetuate the nefarious acts of corruption in the sector should be reprimanded by the law and made to face the penalties.
Open Access
Roles of information and communications technologies in improving fish farming and production in Rivers State, Nigeria
(University of Nebraska, 2016-07-27) Ejiogu-Okereke, Ngozi Eucharia; Chikaire, Jonadab Ubochioma; Ogueri, Emmanuel Ifeanyi; Chikezie, Ngozi Patience
The study examined the roles of ICTs for improved fish farming and production in Rivers State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to - describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the responding fish farmers in the area; identify ICT devices used by respondents in the area; examine fish farming/production information needs of respondents; ascertain ICT roles in promoting fish farming and production in the study area; and identify problems of ICTs use by fish farmers in the study area. Multi stage sampling technique was adopted in sample selection. Data were collected with use of questionnaire and interview schedule. The sample size was 150 fish farmers randomly selected from a list of 1500 registered ICT user fish farmers obtained from fish farmers cooperative office in Andoni, headquarters of Zone II.Data were analyzed using descriptive tools such as percentages, presented in tabular forms. Majority, (43.3%) were 41-50 years with a mean age of 42.5 years, 91.3% were males, 76% were married, 63.3% had a family size of 1-4 people. Majority (56%) had secondary education, 50.6% had between 21-30 years in fishing experience. ICT devices used includes mobile phones, radio, television, internet, journals and magazines among. Fish farmers needed information on pond construction, sources of fingerlings, sales and marketing, diseases treatment, weather/temperature an many more. ICTs play the following roles in fish farming: information exchange, knowledge sharing, promotion of education, monitoring illegal fishing and price information provisioning. The challenges facing them includes high cost of device, low level of education, power supply, network problem among others. It was recommended that education and training be given to the farmers by the extension agents, power supply and network services should be improved the various bodies responsible for the services
Open Access
Application of soil quality morphological index in assessing soil health of arable farms on isophyperthermic ruptic-alfic dystrudepts in Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria
(R. Durson Associates, 2006) Onweremadu, E. U.; Opara, C. C.; Oti, N. N.; Uozoho, B. U.; Ibe, A. E.; Tom, C. T.; Onwubiko, N. C.; Nwokeji, E. M.
Soil quality morphological index (SQMI) was used to assess soil health of arable farms on soils along Otamiri River in Owerri, Nigeria. Sampled points were identified based on physiography and linked using a transect. Three minipedons were dug at equal inter minipedal distance of 35 metres and sampled. Results showed that soils on a levee had the best quality (SQM1 = 3. 52), followed by Terace (SQMI = 2.83), Backswamp (SQMI 2: 75) and least in Upland soils (SQMI =2.64). Soil quality has a good relationship with organic matter (r = 0.92; r2 =0.84; 1 r2— 0.16; P-0.05). Results of soil properties were used to classify soils of the site as Isohyperthermic Ruptic-Alfic Dystrudepts (USDA. Soil Taxonomy).
Open Access
Constraints and extent of access to productive resources and agricultural services among women farmers in Awka and Aguata agricultural zones of Anambra State, Nigeria
(Elixir Publishers, 2015) Ani, A. O.; Chikaire, J. U.; Ogueri, E. I.; Orusha, J. O.
The study investigated constraints and extent of access to productive resources and agricultural services among women farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Specifically, it identified income generating activities of women farmers in the state, identified the productive resources and agricultural services available to them and determined the extent of availability of the resources and services and constraints to accessing the resources. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select a total of 120 women farmers. Data were collected with aid of a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using mean, percentages and frequencies. Results showed that majority (60%) of the respondents are married and a majority (50%) has formal education. It was further revealed that the respondents had diversified income generating activities with a majority engaging in processing of agricultural products (98.3%) and farming (95.8%). The results also showed that majority of the respondents indicated labour as the most available productive resource in the area. On the extent of access to productive resources, the result revealed that labour (x=3.0) and processing facilities (x = 2.50) are the accessible productive resources. Finally, the result revealed sharing of knowledge (x = 2.56) and marketing facilities (x = 2.98) as the only agricultural services accessible to the farmers. Constraints encountered lack of capital, poor electricity connection, lack of access roads, poor radio signals, illiteracy among others. It was recommended that the existing land ownership policies in the country should be reviewed to promote ownership be improved as well.
Open Access
An application of probit analysis to factors affecting small fertilizer in Ohaji/Egbema area of Imo State, Nigeria
(U. P., 2017-03-31) Anaeto, F. C.; Ohajianya, D. O.; Mathew-Njoku, E. C.; Ani, A. O.; Korie, O. C.; Osuagwa, C. O.; Uzor, U. C.; Adolph-Nnebene, E.
This study analyzed factors affecting smallholder farmers’ decisions to use fertilizer in Ohaji/Egbema area of Imo State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained between April and June 2015 with structured questionnaire from 202 randomly selected smallholder farmers. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and probit model. Factors affecting smallholder farmers’ decisions to use fertilizers were farm size, education level, extension contact, net farm income, farming experience, cost of fertilizer, and perceived soil fertility status. Mc-Fadden’s Pseudo-R2 value of 0.6879 indicates that the independent variables included in the probit model explain 69% significant proportion of the variations in smallholder farmers’ decisions to use fertilizer. The pobit model predicted 82% of the factors affecting fertilizer use by smallholder farmers. The role of extension service in improved technology use cannot be over emphasized. The distribution of fertilizers to farmers through the GSM services should be restored since it proved an effective mechanism to reach smallholder farmers in input supply and distribution
Open Access
Agricultural production and climate change: Need for proper extension policy formulation in Nigeria
(U. P., 2012) Anaeto, F. C.; Asiabaka, C. C.; Onweagha, A. E.; Ohajianya, D. O.; Nnadi, J. O.; Ajaero, J. O.; Ukpongson, M. U.; Ugwoke, F. O.
Changes in climate are expected to have significant impacts on farm yields and product quality as a result of changes in temperature, moisture, air and soil. This paper reviews the effects of climate change on agricultural production and the need for extension policy formulation. The paper further dwelt on the need for sound agricultural policy but observed that much cannot be achieved in that direction without efficient and effective extension system. It recommends a well articulated and comprehensive agricultural extension policy which will address properly the issue of climate change and its mitigations/adaptation.
Open Access
Cassava response to natural and simulated erosion on the ultisols of Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria
(U. P., 2016) Oti, Nnenna Nnannaya
The impact of erosion on soil productivity is soil, crop and environment specific. It is therefore important that erosion-soil-productivity relationships be established for each soil type and ecological zone. The results reported here are a part of an elaborate series of studies to quantify the relationship between natural and simulated erosion on the yield of major crops on the ultisols of Owerri, southeastern Nigeria. Two crops of cassava were grown between 1998 – 2000 on non-eroded (NE), slightly (S), moderately (M) and severely (Sv) eroded phases of ultisols within the Otamiri watershed of Owerri. Simultaneously, desurphased experiments with three levels of topsoil depth removals (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, cm) were conducted on the non- eroded reference plateau terrain. Natural erosion had no adverse effect on plant establishment and tuber numbers, but led to significant reductions of total dry matter, stem and storage root yields. For instance, the relative yield performance of fresh tubers in the 1998/1999 planting (40 WAP) was in the order 100:52:59:36 for NE:S:M:Sv and the corresponding yield values were 29.6, 15.4, 17.4 and 10.7 t/ha respectively. Desurphasing led to drastic reductions on all yield parameters and tuber yield declines of 91% were recorded when 7.5 cm of topsoil was removed. Linear functions of storage root yield decline per cm of topsoil eroded naturally was 1.74 t/ha, and 10.34 t/ha for mechanical topsoil removal. The best-fit indicators for predicting tuber yields were soil organic matter (SOM), aluminium saturation, (Ca + Mg)/ (Al + H) ratio, available water capacity (AWC), bulk density (BD) and A-horizon depth, accounting for 68.9 % of the variability in tuber yields. The simulation of erosion through mechanical topsoil removal exaggerated the impact of erosion on cassava yield by factor of 6, therefore the results from such experiments should be used with caution.
Open Access
Quality assessment of Amangwu-Edda stream and its tributaries for rice production under irrigation
(Agricultural Society of Nigeria, 2020-08-30) Oti, N. N.; Mbe, J. O.
Rice is one food that has solved the food security problems of many densely populated countries like China, India, Thailand and South Korea, etc. Inadequate and uneven distribution of rainfall and declining soil fertility are among the major challenges militating against increase in rice production in Sub-Sahara Africa. The problems associated with rainfall can be addressed through irrigation, a concept that involves the artificial application of water to the land in accordance with 'crop requirement', throughout the 'crop period', for fullf-ledged nourishment of the crop. Water sources to be used for rice production under irrigation in Amangwu-Edda, Afikpo-South Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria were evaluated for their quality in terms of salt content. Laboratory results revealed that the water samples had mean pH value of 7.04 and Ca, Mg and Na values of 18.03mg/l, 6.07mg/l, and 1.75mg/l respectively. Similarly, mean SAR, K, SO CL, TDS, 4, -5 and EC were 0.913meq/l, 2.05mg/l, 202.5mg/l, 99.715mg/l, 1,001.4mg/l and 6.3x10 respectively. The result indicates that the water quality is safe for irrigated rice production. Similarly the mapping units studied are predominantly clay loamy, which is very ideal for irrigated rice production, but primary nutrients were generally low, and should be supplemented with organic or inorganic fertilizer.
Open Access
Structural stability and carbohydrate contents of an ultisol under different management systems
(Elsevier Science B. V., 2001) Adesodun, J. K.; Mbagwu, J. S. C.; Oti, N.
An understanding of the dynamics of soil carbohydrate pools is necessary for assessing the impact of organic residue management in organic matter build up and structural stability in tropical ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to evaluate temporal changes in aggregate stability and cold water-soluble, hot water-soluble and acid-soluble carbohydrate fractions of a sandy soil under different organic residue management practices. The soil is an Nkpologu sandy clay loam (fine loamy, kaolinitic, isohyperthermic, typic kandiustult) at Nsukka in southeastern Nigeria. In July 1995, it was incorporated with complete fertiliser (N:P:K ¼ 12:12:17 at 480 kg/ha) (F); rice mill wastes (RW, 10 t/ha); RW þ F; poultry manure (PM, 10 t/ ha) and RWð5t=haÞþPMð5t=haÞ up to the 0–20 cm depth. A control, tilled up to the 0–20 cm depth, was also included Surface soil samples (0–20 cm), collected at 3, 6 and 12 months after residue applications were used to measure changes in aggregate stability by mean weight diameter (MWD), total OC and carbohydrate pools. In all treatments MWD increased whereas the concentrations of acid-soluble, hot water-soluble and cold water-soluble carbohydrates decreased with sampling time. Also irrespective of the type of amendment, the carbohydrate concentrations at each sampling period varied in the order, acid-soluble > hotwater-soluble > coldwater-soluble. Aggregate stability correlated very poorly with all the carbohydrate fractions and OC. The correlation coefficient values were rather low and did not mean much in the physical interpretation of these results. This shows that these carbohydrate pools were not very effective in stabilizing the soil aggregates.
Open Access
Cytotoxic investigation of crude oil impact on selected crops via pre-planting and post-planting treatments
(University of Oradea Publishing House, 2023) Oti, Nnenna Nnannaya; Ogbulie, Toochukwu Ekwutosi; Nwachukwu, Augusta Anuli; Madubuike, Mercy Ngozi
Oil spills destroy farmlands with detrimental impact on agricultural crops, thereby deteriorating the health of humans and other animals that consume the crops from the polluted regions. Assays for this study were conducted between two soil groups polluted with 100 mL crude oil (A-soil polluted before planting [PB] and B-soil polluted two weeks after planting [PA]) within a period of 28 days from their pollution time; at Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria. The impact of oil spill on three edible plants (Allium cepa, Telfairia occidentalis and Zea mays) were evaluated through plant growth measurement, total chlorophyll test done by spectrophotometry of leaf samples and histo-anatomical investigations. Results obtained at the end of the experiment showed a decrease in plant height, leaf area and leaf number for all the polluted plants compared with their controls. However, plants grown on group A soil experienced delayed emergence and retarded growth, but survived better than plants grown on group B soil. The photomicrographs revealed alterations and anomalies in leaf structures for both polluted groups as compared to their control samples. A notable decline in total chlorophyll contents occurred amongst the plants in group B when compared to plants in group A. Therefore, this study deduced an elevated cytotoxic effect of crude oil in all the polluted crop samples, except for mild anomalies observed in the leaves of T. occidentalis in group A (UPB); which also showed no physical sign of crude oil pollution based on the non-observance of leaf yellowing, deformity or defoliation.