The International Journal of Organic Agriculture Research and Development

ASSESSMENT OF SPATIAL VARIABILITY IN SOILS DEVELOPED ON THE BASEMENT COMPLEX OF ORILE-IGBON/GAMBARI, OGBOMOSO, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

2025-11-14T14:34:57+00:00

Understanding the relationship between parent materials and soil properties is crucial for effective land use planning and management. This study aims to determine parent materials effect on the physical and chemical characteristics of a selected toposequence in the Orile-Igbon/Gambari area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. Four soil profile pits were dug at identified topographic positions (summit, upper slope, middle slope and the valley bottom) on a selected toposequence. Soil profile pits were studied and morphological attributes were described using USDAsoil taxonomy guideline 2007 (color, stoniness, consistence, texture and structure). Soil samples collected from identified horizons were air dried, sieved and processed for laboratory analysis as pH, exchangeable cations, organic matters. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and Coefficient of variation. The results of the analysis showed that, there was moderate variability of some soil morphological properties across the four positions on the toposequence. The textural class of the soil ranged from loamy sand to sandy loam, Available phosphorus was low in all the locations (2.5-28.6mg/kg), total nitrogen was predominantly low (0.5-3.9%). The topographic position also influenced soil properties, with valley bottom soils tending to have higher clay content and lower permeability due to the accumulation of finer particles. The results of this study can help guide sustainable land management techniques and
offer insightful information about the spatial diversity of soil qualities in the area.

YIELD AND QUALITY RESPONSE OF TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS AS AFFECTED BY ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

2025-11-14T15:23:55+00:00

Telfairia occidentalis Hook F. (fluted pumpkin) is an indigenous leafy vegetable of high nutritional, economic, and medicinal importance in West Africa. It serves as a vital source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and income for smallholder farmers. However, declining soil fertility and overreliance on costly synthetic fertilizers have constrained its productivity and quality. The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of organic fertilizer types on yield and quality of T. occidentalis at Teaching and Research Farm, LadokeAkintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. The treatments comprised five organic fertilizers types namely;AleshinloyeA,Aleshinloye B, Poultry Manure, Sunshine A, and Sunshine B, each applied at 60 kg N ha⁻¹, and control (0 kg N ha⁻¹). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. Data collected on vine length, leaf number, fresh shoot weight, mineral composition, and proximate quality were subjected to ANOVA, and means separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a
5% probability level. Results showed that organic fertilizer application enhanced vegetative growth, shoot yield, and nutritional quality compared to the control. Sunshine A and Poultry Manure consistently produced longer vines and higher leaf counts. Poultry Manure recorded the highest fresh shoot weight (56.83 g plant⁻¹) and mineral composition, including N (0.47%), K (0.56%), and Zn (0.28%). It also improved crude protein (3.10%), fibre (1.45%), vitamin A (3.80%), and alkaloids (1.62%). It is therefore concluded that organic fertilizers, particularly Poultry Manure and SunshineA, significantly enhanced growth, yield, and nutritional composition of T. occidentalis.

Maize Replacement Value of Rice Milling Waste Diets with or without Enzyme Supplementation on Haematological and Serum Biochemistry indices of Broiler Chickens

2025-11-14T14:21:17+00:00

This study evaluated the maize replacement value of rice milling waste (RMW) diets with or without enzyme supplementation on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 280 one-day-old Abor Acre broiler chicks were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with a control. The treatments included a control diet (100% maize-based basal diet), and six test diets where maize was replaced by RMW at three levels (20%, 30%, and 40%) with or without enzyme supplementation. Birds were reared for 49 days under standard management. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment to determine haematological indices and serum biochemical profiles. Results showed that replacing maize with RMW up to 30% inclusion did not adversely affect packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red and white blood cell counts, or differential counts when enzyme was added. However, higher inclusion levels (40%) without enzyme supplementation resulted in elevated liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, ALP), suggesting mild metabolic stress. Enzyme supplementation maintained normal physiological responses across all inclusion levels. The study demonstrates that RMW can effectively replace up to 30% of maize in broiler diets with enzyme support, offering a sustainable, cost-effective alternative feed ingredient.

EFFECT OF GROWTH MEDIA ON GROWTH AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE OF COCOA SEEDLING VARIETIES NIGERIA.

2025-11-14T14:05:50+00:00

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is a vital economic crop that serves as a major source of income for many tropical countries and is the raw material for the global chocolate industry. However, poor seedling vigor due to suboptimal nursery growth media often limits successful establishment and productivity in the field. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the effect of different growth media on the growth and nutrient uptake of cocoa seedling varieties at the Teaching and Research Farm, LadokeAkintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. Factors considered were of three growth media (topsoil only, topsoil + poultry manure, and topsoil + sawdust), and six cocoa varieties (TC1, TC2, TC3, TC4, TC5, and TC6). The 3 x 6 factorial experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates. Data on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) were analyzed using ANOVA, and means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% significance level. Results revealed that both growth media and variety significantly influenced all measured growth and nutrient parameters, with significant interactions. Across all sampling periods, seedlings grown in TS+PM exhibited superior performance in height, leaf number, leaf area, and nutrient uptake compared with TS and TS+SD. At 12 WAS, seedlings in TS+PM attained the greatest mean height (19.21 cm) and leaf area (40.55 cm²). Among the varieties, TC2 produced the tallest seedlings, whereas TC5 and TC6 recorded the widest leaf area and highest nutrient accumulation (N = 0.94%, P = 4.54%, K = 0.67%, Ca = 0.56%, Mg = 0.41%). The interaction between TS+PM and varieties TC2, TC5 and TC6 resulted in the most vigorous seedlings. The study concludes that integrating poultry manure with topsoil enhances cocoa seedling growth and nutrient composition.

Impact of Atrazine and Biochar Pre-treatment on Soil and Leachate Properties

2025-11-14T15:10:55+00:00

Atrazine is a widely used herbicide in agriculture, but its persistence and mobility in soils and water pose ecological and health risks, however, biochar a carbon rich solid product of biomass pyrolysis, has been proposed as a strategy to reduce herbicide leaching and improve soil quality. This study
assessed the effects of atrazine application (at manufacturers, adjusted lower and higher rates of 3.0, 1.5 and 4.5 kg of the active ingredients ha⁻¹ and biochar pre-treatment (Tithonia diversifolia, TD and TD + bonemeal, applied at 3 t ha⁻¹) on soil and leachate properties in soils with contrasting organic
carbon contents. A factorial leaching column experiment was conducted with 72 experimental units, using 250 g soil columns under screen-house conditions. Results revealed that , Nitrate leaching reached 9.7 mg L⁻¹ in LOC compared to 8.9 mg L⁻¹ in high organic carbon (HOC) soils, while phosphate losses ranged from 0.00 to 0.35 mg L⁻¹. Biochar amendments enhanced soil quality by increasing organic carbon (up to 3.32%) and available phosphorus (up to 105.3 mg kg⁻¹), but this led to short-term nutrient leaching, with leachate electrical conductivity (EC) rising to 1780 µS cm⁻¹ in
amended HOC soils compared to 664 µS cm⁻¹ in the control. Overall, biochar, particularly TD + m bonemeal, reduced atrazine mobility and improved soil fertility, though its effectiveness was soildependent and required careful rate management to minimize leaching risks.

Evaluation of Sawah Eco-Technology in Rice Production among Rural Households in Kebbi State, Nigeria

2025-11-05T15:48:55+00:00

This study examined factors influencing the awareness of sawah technology in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Sawah refers to levelled rice field surrounded by banks with inlet and outlet for irrigation and drainage. Using pre-tested interview guide, data were collected from 300 sawah farmers in the study area. Data collected were analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics using stata package. The results showed that respondents were predominantly male, married and had no formal education. The mean age was 48.13 years with mean household size of 14 persons; farm sizes ranged from 1–50 hectares with average of 4.70 ha, the mean yield was 6.88tha–1. The results further showed that bond construction had 60% awareness, nursery 55%, puddling 53%, flooding 65%, leveling and smoothening 56% and power tiller use 48% awareness. Awareness of sawah technology was
influenced by socio economic characteristics which include sex, age, educational level, farm size, yield and income of the farmers. The study also showed that the attributes of sawah, production factors, information and extension and perception of respondent toward sawah technology influenced
awareness. It is concluded that sawah eco-technology is widely aware of by rice farmers in Kebbi State. The study therefore recommended that dissemination of sawah to other states in Nigeria need to consider factors that promote its awareness. Improvement of those factors that significantly affect awareness of sawah technology is also recommended.

PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING OF SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.) SEED OIL USING UV-Vis AND FTIR SPECTROSCOPY

2025-10-03T11:24:12+00:00

Consumption of defective or poor-quality oils can pose health and environmental risks. Phytochemicals derived from plant oils provide natural protection to plants and confer several therapeutic and nutritional benefits in humans, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer
activities. Conventional phytochemical analysis is often laborious, time-consuming, and less sensitive, hence the need for rapid, efficient, and non-destructive methods. Spectroscopic techniques such as Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy offer alternatives with higher precision and minimal sample preparation. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents of sesame (Sesamum indicum) seed oil using UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopy. Oil was extracted by cold press and n-hexane solvent methods. UVVis analysis was performed to identify conjugated dienes and phenolic compounds, while FTIR spectra were obtained to determine functional groups associated with phytochemicals. The UV-Vis
spectra revealed prominent absorption peaks at 230–280 nm and 320–360 nm, indicative of phenolic compounds, conjugated dienes, flavonoids, lignans (sesamin), and sesamol. FTIR spectra showed characteristic peaks at 1742, 2853, 2920, 1465, 1160–1100, 1600–1500, and 3400 cm⁻¹, corresponding to C=O (ester carbonyl), C–H (alkanes), CH₂ bending, C–O stretching, aromatic C=C, and O–H vibrations. These findings confirm the presence of bioactive components such as triglycerides, fatty acids, flavonoids, lignans, alcohols, and phenolic groups, which possess strong antioxidant potential.
This study establishes sesame oil as a rich source of phytochemicals with nutritional and therapeutic significance, highlighting the utility of UV-Vis and FTIR in rapid phytochemical profiling.

Carcass and Organoleptic parameters of West African Dwarf Bucks Fed Cassava Peel-Based Diets Containing Varying Levels of Shivan and Sandpaper Leaf Meals

2025-11-06T11:37:07+00:00

The study was conducted to assess the carcass, organoleptic and meat quality of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed with five experimental diets; namely; a cassava peel-based diet (CPBD) without shivan or sandpaper leaves (0GLM0FLM), and CPBD containing varying levels of shivan and sandpaper leaf meals (10 GLM, 20 GLM, 10 FLM, 20 FLM). Study lasted for 56 days. Thirty (30) WAD bucks weighing 5.00 ± 0.08 kg were used. Six (6) animals, balanced for weight, assigned to each diet. Carcass, organoleptic and meat quality assessment was done. Values were subjected to one-way analysis of variance of SAS (2000) and Duncan New Multiple Range Test were used to separate the means. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed among the animals on bled weight (BW), dressing percentage (DP), skinning (S), skinning weight (SW), eviscerated weight (EW), neck (N), rib (R). Animals on Diet 0GLM0FLM was significantly (p<0.05) higher than other diets in BW (66.61%), DP (60.00 %) S (7.67%), SW (47.50 %), EW (22.50 %) N (3.70 %), R (9.17 %) and F (3.45 %). Animals on Diet 20 FLM was least in BW (46.65 %), DP (40.00 %), SW (27.50 %) and R (5.91 %) respectively. Animals on Diet 20 GLM and 10 FLM gave the best results in terms of overall acceptability on organoleptic. Meat obtained can be recommended to WAD goat farmers. Study concludes that cassava peel-based diet containing shivan and sandpaper leaf meals had a positive effect on all the parameters measured in WAD goats.

EFFECTS OF SOLE AND COMBINED APPLICATIONS OF RABBIT DROPPINGS AND NPK FERTILIZER ON PERFORMANCE OF MILLET (Pennisetum thyphoides) VARIETIES IN OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE

2025-11-06T11:36:37+00:00

Millet (Pennisetum thyphoides L.) is a versatile arable crop known for its high nutritional and economic values in relation to crop/animal husbandry and human welfare, however, its production is majorly limited by soil fertility. Tropical farmers’ efforts to reverse such undesirably conditions are majorly focused on incessant application of quick-action inorganic fertilizers like NPK, which had been shown to induce adverse effects on soils, crops, man and the environment. Hence, there is a necessity to direct research attention towards achieving a reduced chemical load on tropical soils, via complementary application of organic materials with chemical fertilizer. The study evaluated the performance of two indigenous millet varieties, under different inclusion levels of rabbit droppings and NPK fertilizer, at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. It was a factorial experiment with six (6) levels of fertilizer treatment combinations: T0 (the control, which received no fertilizer application), T1 (100% NPK recommended rate at 300kg/ha + 0% Rabbit droppings), T2 (0% NPK+ 100% Rabbit droppings at 4tons/ha), T3 (75% NPK + 25% Rabbit droppings), T4 (50% NPK + 50% Rabbit droppings) and T5 (25% NPK+ 75% Rabbit droppings) and two (2) levels of Crop variety (V1 = Ogbomoso local and V2 = Baccita local). Crop variety served as the main plots, while different fertilizer treatment combinations served as the sub-plots. Each plot size was = 4m2, at a spacing = 50cm × 50cm. the trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated three (3) times. Data collection commenced at four weeks after sowing (4WAS). Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, shoot fresh and dry weights, fresh and dry root weights and total seed yield. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance. Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test, at 5% level of probability. The results of the pre-cropping chemical and physical analyses of the soil sample revealed that the soil was slightly acidic (with pH value of 6.00) and texturally sandy loam.Also, the major soil nutrient concentrations were very low: N (0.08g/kg), P
(3.86g/kg), and K (0.20cmol/kg). All the sole and combined proportions of NPK and Rabbit droppings significantly improved the growth and yield parameters of the two millet varieties tested. Also, rabbit droppings competed significantly (p=0.05) with NPK fertilizer irrespective of the variety concerned, compared to the control. V1 that received 25% NPK + 75% Rabbit droppings has significantly higher yield value of 8.0 tons/ha, compared with V2 that received 25% NPK + 75% Rabbit droppings with the value of 6.0 tons/ha In conclusion, rabbit droppings could be regarded as a useful organic fertilizer material, for improving millet production under tropical soil conditions. The combined application of 25% NPK + 75% Rabbit droppings significantly improved the performance of the two millet varieties, and it is therefore recommended for optimum performance of the two millet varieties in the study area. In addition, sole application of Rabbit droppings at 100% recommendation level (4 tons/ha) is also recommended for pure organic millet production in the study area.

RESPONSE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS TO TREATED CORNCOB BASED DIETS

2025-11-06T12:15:21+00:00

Feed scarcity during the dry season remains a significant constraint to ruminant livestock production in Nigeria. One of the ways to ease this challenge is to use other feed sources that are not consumed by man but are in abundance. Corncob is one of the feed sources. This study evaluated the response of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats offered diets containing corncob that were treated with caustic soda, wood ash, and urea. Corncob was crushed to 2mm particle size and divided into 4 equal portions, T1 was untreated corncobs which was the control, T was treated with caustic soda at 1litre of caustic 2 soda solution (0.5% concentration) per 1kg of crushed corncobs, T was treated with wood ash, at the 3 dilution rate of 100g of wood ash per 1liter of water per 1kg of crushed corncobs, T was treated with 4 urea solution, with 1litre of urea solution (5% concentration) at 1kg of crushed corncobs. The treated and air-dried corncobs were mixed at 40% with other feed ingredients. Twenty growing WAD goats (initial weight 5.0–8.0 kg) were allocated to the four treatments in a Completely Randomized design. Data was collected on nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen utilization, haematological, serum
biochemical. Treatment means were separated with Dunacn Multiple range Test at 5%significance level. Body weight performance results indicated that goats offered wood ash treated corn cobs diet (T3) had the highest weight gain (1.70 kg) and average daily weight gain (60.85 g/day). Dry matter
intake was highest in animals offered T2 diet (265.60g/day). Nutrient digestibility coefficients revealed significant differences (P<0.05) among the treatments with. digestibility coefficients for dry matter (89.83%) and crude fibre (90.34%) were highest in animals offered T1 diet, while crude protein
(97.39%) was highest animals offered T4 diets. Nitrogen utilization was highest in T3, with the nitrogen intake (20.99g) and retention (72.57 %) respectively. Urea-treated goats (T4) exhibited significantly higher packed cell volume (35.99%), hemoglobin concentration (11.99g/dl) and red blood cell count (3.99×10 ), indicating enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity. Serum biochemical 6 analysis showed that animals offered T4 diet has the highest values for the total protein (6.70g/dl), albumin (3.40g/dl), HDL (2.39mmol/l), ALP (264.99u/l) while the animals offered T3 had the highest value for cholesterol (3.04mg/dl), AST(245.99u/l) and LDL(0.84mmol/l) which remained within the acceptable ranges across the treatments, indicating no adverse effects on liver function. The study concluded that chemical treatment of corn cobs, particularly with urea and wood ash, can enhance their nutritional value and improve their utilization by West African Dwarf goats. Urea treatment showed the most promising results in terms of protein enhancement and blood parameters, while wood ash treatment yielded superior growth performance.

EFFECT OF GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES ON RICE PRODUCTION IN OGBESE, AKURE NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ONDO STATE NIGERIA.

2025-11-06T12:33:37+00:00

The study investigated the effect of Government subsidies on rice production in Ogbese Akure North Local government area of Ondo state. Data for the study were collected using structured questionnaire administered to 100 respondents who were randomly selected. Data collected were analyzed using
descriptive statistics, Cross margin analysis and multiple regression analysis. Results showed that both married men and women were involved in rice production in the study area, even though males dominated Most (52%) of them were still in their productive age range of 31-40 years; and also have one form of education or the other. Furthermore, (44.30%) of the respondents had 6-10years of experience in rice production.The coefficients for fertilizer, herbicides, farm implements and grants were all positive and highly significant at 1% level of probability. The costs and returns analysis revealed that rice production is a very rewarding and profitable enterprise in the area, if well managed. The major problems and challenges confronting them and which have been identified include; Poor access to credit/funds, Poor infrastructural facilities, inadequate processing facilities, Poor and
inadequate storage facilities, lack of improved rice varieties, shortage and high cost of labor; among others. It is therefore, recommended that all these constraints limiting the respondents from achieving their vision and mission in rice production be addressed by the Government and the relative agencies in power so as to encourage them to increase their rice production potentials and capabilities.

TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF SAWAH TECHNOLOGY IN RICE PRODUCTION AMONG SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN KEBBI STATE NIGERIA.

2025-11-06T12:52:40+00:00

The research examined the economics of Sawah technology in rice production among small scale farmers in Kebbi State Nigeria. The study specifically identified the drivers of usage of Sawah rice technology in the study area, estimated the technical efficiency of rice farms using Sawah rice technology and analyzed the effect of Sawah rice technology on the profit of rice farmers in the study. Three hundred respondents were sampled from the study area. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Gross margin analysis, logit model, stochastic frontier model and t-test. The Cobb-Douglas functional form of the stochastic production frontier was employed to estimate the technical efficiency of users and non-users of Sawah rice technology. For users of Sawah technology, all the variables (farming experience, household size, amount of credit obtained and membership of farm group) had negative and significant effect on technical inefficiency. For non-users, all the variables (years of Education, farming experience and membership of farm group) had negative and significant effect on inefficiency. The range of small-scale rice farmers' calculated technical efficiencies was 0.0536 to 99.5%, with an average of 56.7%. Sawah rice technology users had average technical efficiency values of 0.646, or 64.6%, while non-users had average technical efficiency estimates of 0.533, or 53.3%, correspondingly. The study therefore recommended that dissemination of sawah to other states in Nigeria need to consider factors that promote its adoption. Improvement of those factors that significantly affect adoption of sawah technology is also recommended.