Showing papers in "Moor Journal of Agricultural Research in 2005"

Comparative effectiveness of different levels of poultry manure with NPK fertilizer on residual soil fertility, nutrient uptake and yield of maize

Abstract: The comparative effectiveness of residual effects of 300 kg/ha NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer, 7t/ha poultry manure (Pm), five combinations of reduced levels of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and poultry manure, and control (no fertilizer) on soil and plant nutrient uptake and maize yield were investigated in a field trial during the 1996 and 1997 second cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (7o 16” N, 5 o 12”E), Nigeria. The soil type of the trial site was lowly fertile loamy sand. Application of poultry manure, and combinations of poultry manure with NPK fertilizer gave high residual effects on soil chemical composition and increased plant height, leaf area, dry matter yield, plant nutrient uptake and grain yield of maize significantly. Residual effects of poultry manure, and combined application of reduced quantities of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer gave higher soil organic matter, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and micro-elements contents compared to application of 300 kg/ha NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and control. The residual effects of 3t/ha poultry manure plus 200kg/ha NPK fertilizer and 7t/ha poultry manure produced non-significantly different values. However, the 7t/ha poultry manure had the best residual effects on maize yield and soil fertility. The 3t/ha poultry manure plus 200kg/ha NPK fertilizer is recommended as substitute for 7t/ha poultry manure or 300kg/ha NPK fertilizer. Key words: Poultry manure; NPK fertilizer; residual soil fertility; nutrient uptake; maize yield Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 191-197

Socio-economic factors influencing small ruminants management practices in Kaduna State

Abstract: Socio-economic factors influencing small ruminants management practices in Kaduna State were investigated. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were administered to randomly selected small ruminants farmers in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Tools of analysis include descriptive statistics, the Pearson's correlation and stepwise regression procedures. Analysis revealed that certain socio-economic characteristics of respondents such as age, income, flock size, investment, veterinary visits, education, number of small ruminants started with, household size and experience are significantly related to small ruminant management practices. All the predictive variables (age, income, flock size, investment, etc.) contribute about 44% of the variance with household size, stock-owner's experience and number of small ruminants started with, contributing 29.6% of the variance. Constraints with small ruminants production were more of management. Key words: Small ruminants; socio-economics; management practices; constraints Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 274-280

Response of cowpea, okra and tomato sawdust ash manure

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted at Akure and Obaile in Southwest Nigeria to test effect of sawdust ash manure treatments on cowpea (var. 1T82D – 716), okra (var. NAAe – 47 – 4) and Roma variety of tomato. The nutrient analysis of leaf and pod of okra given by different sawdust ash manure treatments was done. Sawdust ash manure applied at 4t/ha increased growth and yield parameters of cowpea. Sawdust ash applied at 3 to 12 t\\ha increased pod yield of Okra and 9t/ha sawdust ash was optimum. Sawdust ash applied at 3, 6 and 9t/ha increased Okra leaf and pod P, K, Ca and Mg contents. Sawdust ash manure increased number and weight of tomato fruits significantly. Relative to control, 2, 4, 6 and 8 t/ha ash increased number of tomato fruits by 109, 226, 265 and 226% respectively, and the equivalent values for fruit weight were 29, 55, 64 and 57%. The 4t/ha sawdust ash is recommended for cowpea and tomato. Key words: Sawdust ash; nutrient; soil; crops Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 178-182

Performance characteristics of broiler chicks fed kidney bean as replacement for two conventional legumes

Abstract: An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of replacing soybean meal and groundnut cake meal with cooked and decorticated kidney bean seed meals on the performance characteristics of broilers. One hundred and eighty day old broiler chicks of Anak strain were raised on six experimental diets. The processed kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) meals were incorporated at the rate of 200g/kg of feed. The diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. Each diet was fed to a group of 30 birds for a period of 56 days. There were significant (P 0.05) differences in feed intake among the treatment groups. Apparent digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, ash and nitrogen free extract differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the treatments. Key words: Legumes; processing; anti-nutritional factors; performance Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 236-241

Efficiency of resource use among cocoyam farmers in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract: Cocoyam has over the years been a permanent feature of the farming system in southwest Nigeria being the third most important tuber crop cultivated after yam and Cassava. Its consumption in homes especially in period preceding yam harvest has underscored its importance as possible substitute for the crop. However, yield figures for the crop over the years trails behind that of other tuber crops. The study examined resource allocation and the socio-economic attributes of cocoyam production in Owo Local Government area of Ondo State, Nigeria. The survey showed that cocoyam is widely grown by women (56%) and men (46%) farmers in the study area. An average of 0.54 hectares of cultivated area is grown to cocoyam, more as a sole crop (68%). There was also a marked dependence on hired labour both solely (28%) and as supplement to family labour (60%). Average total cost of production was N15, 708/ha with labour cost constituting 62%. With an average revenue of N38,982/ha, and gross margin of N23,274/ha, cocoyam production is a profitable farm enterprise. There was a dis-equilibrium in resource use characterized by general over-utilization of labour, as against farm size and quantity of planting material which were under-utilised. All the resources had significant contribution to revenue from coca except hired labour. Cocoyam production is experiencing an increasing return to scale in the study area. Key words: Resource use; efficiency; cocoyam production; Nigeria Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 281-287

Traditional media practitioners\' perception of entertainment-education utilization for agricultural information dissessmination in Nigeria

Abstract: This study investigated traditional media practitioners' perception of entertainment–education (EE) utilization for dissemination of agricultural information. One hundred and two respondents were sampled across music and theatre groups in south west Nigeria through multi – stage sampling technique. The result reveals that 89.4% of respondents with different educational qualifications and 80.3% of varied years of professionals experience favourably perceived EE format utilization for agricultural information dissemination. However, traditional media practitioners of different educational qualifications (73.6%), statuses (76.5%) unanimously opined that perceived constraints to EE utilization are very severe. The result further indicates that there is a significant relationship between educational qualification (X 2 = 6.21; p 2 = 0.97; P > 0.05) and medium (X 2 = 2.12; P > 0.05) and practitioners' disposition to the format utilization. Music and theatre practitioners also differ in their overall perception of EE format utilization for agricultural information dissemination. Therefore, given the overall favourable disposition of practitioners to EE format utilization, it is recommended that traditional media should be integrated into development interventions using EE strategy for its potency in information dissemination. Key words: Traditional media; entertainment-education; agricultural information dissemination and perception. Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 266-273

Comparisons of nutritional potentials of Terminalia catapa and Acalypha wilkesiana leaves as sole feed for goats

Abstract: This study reports experiments designed to assess the performance of goats fed Terminalia catappa (Indian almond) and Acalypha wilkesiana (Red acalypha) and an appraisal of the nutrient contents of each plant. Ten West African dwarf goats (bucks) aged 10 – 12 months weighing 5.50 to 9.25kg body weight were randomly distributed to two treatments in which air-dried (T) Terminalia catappa (Indian almond) and (R) Acalypha wilkesiana (Red acalypha) were fed as sole feed in a 35-day feeding trial. Haematological and biochemical indices were also monitored. The feed intake of goats fed treatment R was significantly higher (P Key words: Goats; Terminalia catappa; Acalypha wilkesiana; Sole - feed Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 242-245

Profitability of fungicide use decisions among cocoa farmers in south-western Nigeria

Abstract: This study examined the compatibility of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) recommended fungicide use rate with profit maximization objective of Nigerian cocoa farmers. To achieve this research objective, a cross-sectional survey of cocoa farmers in four local government areas (LGAs) each in Osun and Ondo states was carried out. A three stage sampling procedure was adopted in selecting the respondents. A decision theoretic approach and regression method were used to analyze the data collected. The results indicated that (i) expected crop loss should be taken into account when deciding on the amount of fungicides to apply in the study area and (ii) the use rate recommended by CRIN could not be used in all situations – it is better used when the probability of large expected crop loss is extremely high (80%). Key words: Profitability; fungicide use rate; decision theoretic model; coco Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 288-295

Evaluation of sampling techniques for millipedes

Abstract: Reports of Crop damage by millipedes are widespread and attacks by this pest are sporadic, unpredictable and arise from populations, which built up previously. A good sampling technique is a useful tool in monitoring pest populations for effective management. Four techniques were compared to determine the most effective in sampling the population of two polyphagous millipede species (a) Spirostreptus assiniensis (Diplopoda: Spirostreptidae) and (b) Tibiomus species (Diplopoda: Odontopygidae). The four techniques were (i) Soil excavation by spade (ii) search through plant litters (iii) use of cassava root baits (iv) use of plant litters over cassava roots. Sampling was done on monthly basis for 12 months. Results showed that all the four techniques were effective in sampling millipedes. However, technique (iv) sampled significantly (P < 0.05) higher (34.7% and 53.0%) numbers of millipedes (a) and (b) respectively. Techniques (i), (ii) and (iii) sampled 17.8% and 6.7%; 21.9% and 14.6%; 25.6% and 25.6% respectively of millipedes (a) and (b). Technique (i) appeared to be ideal for the dry season and during high temperatures when these diplopods move into the lower layers of the soil to avoid desiccation. Techniques (ii), (iii) and (iv) appeared appropriate for wet season sampling as the millipedes prefer the top soil during this period to avoid waterlogged condition or excessive moisture. The four techniques derived from the natural habitat, food needs, suitable conditions of temperature and moisture dictated by time of sampling. Key words: Millipedes; Spirostreptus assiniensis; Tibiomus sp.; sampling techniques Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 230-235

Optimizing resource use in integrated crop-livestock farming systems in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract: The development of measures for improved crop-livestock integration requires an assessment of the present state of crop-livestock interaction and the potential for its improvement. This paper presents a mixed-integer programming model to determine the mix of crop and livestock activities that maximize gross return. The resource use efficiency and sensitivity of the optimal solutions to prescribed changes in some limited resources were also examined. Data were collected from 120 households in Katsina State of Nigeria during the 1998/99 cropping season. The model results demonstrate the rationality of the decision on the part of the households in allocating resources on their farms as the optimal plans did not deviate much from the dominant existing activities in the study area. The optimization through mixed integer programming resulted in an increase of about 65%, 30% and 134% in the gross margins as compared to that obtained in the existing farm organizations in zones I, II and III respectively. The relative contribution of livestock to gross return decreased as farm size was made to increase in the sensitivity analysis. The result also revealed that with large farm sizes, there are unused or inefficiently used livestock activities and resources. When labour and capital were further restricted, livestock activities were eliminated from the optimum plans in all the zones. It was therefore concluded that the potential for crop-livestock integration in the study area is limited and more applicable to the smallholder farming systems. Key words: Smallholder; optimum; resource use; crop – livestock; Nigeria Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 251-259

Reaction of some maize genotyhpes to infestation with the witch weed (Striga asiatica)

Abstract: A total of twenty four maize genotypes comprising nine inbreds, six open pollinated, four synthetic and five hybrids were tested for tolerance to artificial infestation of Striga asiatica using seeds of the pest as inoculum source. Yields varied directly with tolerance level and reduction in plant height was observed with increase in age of the maize plants between 8 and 10 weeks after planting in most of the genotypes. Although, stem girth was not significantly different under striga infestation, plant height and leaf-area at 8 - 10 weeks were significantly different in the infested maize plants. Striga emergence counts was significant with marked effect on yield, while Striga damage rating ranged between two and four in tolerant genotypes and between five to nine among susceptible ones. Two inbreds (EV8485-Y and EV8725-100-2) STR, one hybrid (9044-27-Y) and one synthetic (NEW STR-1-W) were found to be tolerant to Striga asiatica . The tolerant maize genotypes may be desirable for introduction to S. asiatica endemic regions of Southern Guinea Savanna. Key words: Maize genotype; artificial infestation; Striga asiatica, tolerance level Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 210-217

Assessing the nutritional potential of sodium in combination with potassium for the growth of tomato in soil culture

Abstract: The role of sodium (Na) in combination with potassium (K) in the growth and yield of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum L.) was studied in soil culture. Sodium was applied at 0, 5, 10, 20 mg / kg soil as NaCl and K at 0, 20, 40, 80 mg / kg soil as KCl. Records of components of growth and mineral nutrient uptake and accumulation in plant tissue were taken. Sodium application at levels above 10mg / kg improved number of leaves and root dry matter yields, while number of flowers and shoot dry matter yields were depressed. The application of K to varying levels of Na reversed the antagonistic effects of Na on plant growth. However, Na applied at levels lower than 10 mg / kg increased tissue N, P and Ca and decreased Mg and Na. A complimentary relationship between Na and K at a ratio of 1:8 or 1:16 was observed to have enhanced the growth and yield of tomato. Key words: Sodium nutrition, tomato, dry matter yield, tissue elemental content Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 183-190

Evaluation of physiological changes in coffee seedlings intercropped with maize, cassava and plantain in Nigeria

Abstract: Field experiments were carried out at three locations with different vegetation in Nigeria between 1996 and 1998 to determine the physiological changes in coffee intercropped with maize, cassava and plantain. There were four intercropping treatments comprising coffee/maize, coffee/cassava, coffee/plantain and coffee/maize/cassava/plantain while coffee sole was used as the control. Spacing of 3.1m was used for coffee and plantain, 1m apart for cassava while it was 0.75m [inter row] and 0.30m [intra row] apart for maize. The treatments were replicated four times under randomized complete block design. Data were collected at 3-monthly intervals for 36 months on net assimilation rate [NAR], leaf area ratio [LAR] and relative growth rate [RGR]. Land equivalent ratio (LER) of the trial was also determined. Result showed that NAR decreased as coffee seedlings aged and coffee/plantain gave the highest value while coffee/cassava showed the least NAR value. Same trend above was recorded for the LAR values. Coffee sole had the least RGR value and it was highest in coffee/plantain. This indicates that intercropping coffee with plantain will improve its physiological growth than when grown as sole crop. The land equivalent ratio was recorded for coffee/plantain intercrop in all the locations. Consequently, coffee/plantain intercrop is recommended for coffee farmers in the first three years after transplanting to the field. Key words: Physiological changes; coffee seedlings; intercropped Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 218-224

Information cues of agricultural advertisements in Nigerian daily newspapers

Abstract: The sudden appearance of some elites as new entrants into the farming enterprise necessitates the diversification of the methods employed by extensionists in disseminating agricultural information, as educated farmers tends to benefit more from literacy based extension materials including newspapers. Hence, the study set to investigate the information cues of agricultural advertisements in Nigerian daily newspapers. Information cue was investigated since it is the actual message or idea of any agricultural advertisements. The study was a content analysis of 1800 editions of daily newspapers selected through random sampling process from the editions published continuously in Nigeria from January 1, 1985 to December 31, 1994. Explicitly, a total of 200 days were randomly chosen and nine newspapers published on the selected 200 days were content analysed for agricultural advertisements. The result revealed that majority of the agricultural advertisements have Product prices and Location, Product utility and Product description while product capacity and product process were rarely used. Also, specific information cue were prevalent in the advertisements of particular agricultural products and services and there was no significant variation in the information cues of agricultural advertisement overtime. However, there were indications that farmers may likely obtain necessary information that may benefits them from the advertisements of agricultural products and services. Key words: Agricultural advertisements; information cues, newspapers, Nigeria Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 260-265

Soybean performance ( Glycine max (L) Merr ) on tropical soils with nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization

Abstract: Pot trial was conducted to investigate the effects of soil types, nitrogen and phosphorus application on the yield, and nodulation and nutrient uptake of soybean grown on tropical soils. Results showed that forest soils produced higher dry matter yield, pod number, seed number, nodule number, and nodule weight at 6 and 12 weeks after planting (WAP) than savanna soils. The increment values were averagely 152%, 325%, 275%, 105% and 45% respectively at both periods. The uptake of K, Ca and Sulphur were greater in savanna soils, while forest soils had 19% and 41% increase in the uptake of Nitrogen and Phosphorus, respectively above savanna soils. The interaction between soil type and nitrogen or phosphorus also indicated that forest soil with 25kgNha -1 or 50kgPha -1 had significantly higher values for the soybean performance parameters investigated. Soybean grown on forest soil from Odeda I (Typic kandiudalf) had higher seed-weight and number of pods; 2% and 57%, respectively above that from savanna soil (Ayetoro II, Typic kandiudult) both at 25kgNha -1 fertilization. Forest soil from sedimentary rock/Alluvium (Ikorodu 1(and those from basement complex rock (Odeda I) produced soybean that had higher values in nodule weight and uptake of phosphorus at 50kgPha -1 compared to savanna soil from sedimentary rock. The incremental values were 59% and 79% respectively. In general, the combined application of 25kgNha -1 and 50kgPha -1 appeared optimum for soybean cultivation. Key words: Tropical soil; soybean performance; nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers Moor Journal of Agricultural Research Vol.4(2) 2003: 170-177