The International Journal of Organic Agriculture Research and Development

GROWTH AND MINERAL COMPOSITION RESPONSE OF AGAVE (AGAVE AMERICANA) TO FERTILIZER RESIDUE AND SHADE LEVEL

2024-09-12T10:59:52+00:00

Agave is an ornamental plant which is used in landscape for beautification. The experiment was conducted at Student Field School, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The research site lies between latitude 8o 10'' N and longitude 4o 16'' E in the Southern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria. A pot experiment of 2 X 3 factorial fitted into Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications was conducted. The factors considered were residual compost (0, 5 and 10 t/ha) and shade level (shade and no shade). Data were collected on the following parameters; plant height, number of leaves, canopy diameter, leaf area, fresh biomass, dry biomass, light intensity, chlorophyll content and mineral composition which were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT 12th edition and separation of treatment means was done by the use of standard error at 5% level. The results showed that Agave raised under no shade had higher number of leaves, leaf area, fresh and dry biomass, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous and chlorophyll B content while Agave raised under shade had wider canopy and higher chlorophyll A content. Agave from residual compost of 10 t/ha had taller plant, higher number of leaves,
wider leaves, higher fresh and dry biomass, more calcium, magnesium, nitrogen and chlorophyll A contents when compared with 0 and 5 t/ha compost. Agave from residual compost of 5 t/ha gave higher potassium and chlorophyll B contents than 0 and 10 t/ha compost. Plant raised under shade and from residual compost of 10 t/ha had higher calcium, magnesium, nitrogen and chlorophyll A and B contents than other treatment combinations. In conclusion, Agave raised under no shade had better growth and chlorophyll content. The higher the rate of compost application the higher the residual effect on growth of Agave. Plant raised under no shade or shade and with compost residue from 10 t/ha compost had better growth and chlorophyll content.

EFFECT OF FARM MECHANIZATION ON MAIZE FARMERS' OUTPUT IN OYO STATE NIGERIA

2024-09-12T09:36:46+00:00

There is supply-demand gap in maize production in Nigeria which has culminated into scarcity and hike in prices of maize and its products which need urgent increased production. This gap could be bridged through mechanization of maize production. Thus, the study analyzed the effect of mechanization on maize farmer's output in Oyo Sate, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select a sample size of 138 maize farmers, comprising of 108 users of farm mechanization and 30 non-users farmers. Primary data was used to elicit information from the maize farmers through the administration of a well-structured interview schedule. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics tools like frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and Weighted Mean Score (WMS) while T-test were used as the inferential tool to test the hypothesis. The result revealed that tractor was the most utilized farm machines and ranked first with weighted mean score (WMS) of 2.97.Additionally, Paired T-test analysis revealed a significant difference in output per hectare of users and non-users of farm mechanization in maize production (t = 7.728) with a mean difference of 587.39kg at 1% level of significance. This confirms a wide gap in output per hectare between users and non-users benefiting users. The study concludes that despite the high cost of using farm mechanization, it is still beneficial to the users as they earned more income than the non-users. It was therefore recommended that farmers should organize themselves into cooperative society so as to pull
resources together in order to purchase farm machines.

YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN FISH FARMING IN JALINGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-09-12T10:09:23+00:00

This study analysed youth participation in fish farming in Jalingo L.G.As of Taraba State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 respondents for this study. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency,
percentage, mean and standard deviation. The results of the study revealed that the majority (49 %) were within the age bracket of 20 -30years. The result also indicated that more males (66%) were involved in fish farming than female counterparts and 55% of these fishers were married with a mean household size of 5
persons per household. The results also showed that the majority of the fish farmers (46%) had secondary education with crop production as their main occupation and had average years of experience of 7.4. The results further revealed that the majority (60.0%) began fish farming using their personal funds and the majority 81% lacked access to credit facilities. Also, the majorities (88%) had no extension contact and are not members of any fish farmers association. The result showed that the majority (93.3%) participated in the feeding of fish and the majority of youth (52.5%) are into fish farming for personal consumption and to
generate income with the majority of respondents (75.8%) had never at any time received government intervention to support their fish farming. Socio economics variable have great influence in youth participation in fish farming. Based on the findings youths participate mainly in feeding, sorting, washing
and drying of fresh fish. Government and all stakeholders involved in youth development and empowerment should devise greater and more far-reaching interventions targeted towards helping youths currently practicing in fish farming in order to help them improve their fish production activities.

THE PERFORMANCE OF OKRA AND SOME SOIL NUTRIENTS ON COW-DUNG AND PIG MANURES APPLICATION

2024-09-12T09:14:47+00:00

Experiment was carried out at the Research Farm, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Oyo State. It aimed at evaluating the effects of organic fertilizer on growth, yield of Okra and soil chemical properties. It was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated five times. Treatments includes; Control (Co), 5t/ha (CD and Pgm) and 10t/ha (CD and Pgm). Data were collected on growth (plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and number of days to 50% flowering) and yield number of harvested pods, fresh and dry weight of pods of Okra) components. All data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the means were separated using Duncan multiple range test. Application of Cow-dung and pigmanure positively influenced (P< 0.05) growth and yield of okra. Number of harvested pods, fresh and dry pods weight were significantly (P< 0.05) different compared with control. The result showed that application of 5t/ha CD resulted in increased Okra yield, although, higher level of CD and Pgm at 10 t/ha did not resulted in corresponding increase in yield of Okra. The result also showed that the addition of CD and Pgm increased some of the soil chemical properties (Soil pH, total N, available P, Organic
matter and some cation exchange capacity) considered. Thus, application of either 5 t/ha of CD and Pgm could be used as a better option for soil management and restoration of the nutrients for sustainable Okra production in the study area.

ASSESSMENT OF THE MICROBIAL BIOMASS AND THE ENZYME ACTIVITY IN RELATION TO THE FERTILITY AND QUALITY OF PEAT FOR A SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN SEPANG, MALAYSIA

2024-09-12T10:30:26+00:00

Microbial biomass is an important parameter linking the plants to the soil and a source of plant nutrients. Soil microbes play important role in maintaining the soil fertility and they vary with locations due to environmental and human factors. In this study, we examined the effect of the microbial communities on the fertility and quality of the peat or organic soil for a sustainable agriculture. This study was conducted in a cassava farm located in Sepang district of Selangor,
Malaysia, and the soil type is peat or organic (0-60 cm). A fresh peat samples (0-15 cm) was collected randomly (30 points) across the study area of about 9 ha, kept in refrigerator at 4oC for microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen and dehydrogenase determination using the appropriate methods. Results obtained ranged from 57.25 µgC/g – 1189.21 µgC/g, 1.46 µgN/g – 10.31 µgN/g, and 0.19 µgTPF/1g/24hrs - 6.23 µgTPF/1g/24hrs for microbial biomass carbon
(MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and dehydrogenase (DHA) respectively. There was a moderate variation as the coefficient of variation (CV %) recorded were 67.82 %, 47.0 % and 60.12 % for MBC, MBN and DHA respectively. Results shows that the high organic content of the peat favors the growth of microbial population and increases the fertility of the soil in the study area. The microbial index and enzyme activity (MBC, MBN, DHA), showed correlation with other soil
nutrients and shows that they can serve as a useful soil quality indicator with respect to the different land use and soil management.

CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF Hyptis suaveolens AND Bridelia ferruginea AND THEIR ASSESSMENT FOR NEMATICIDAL PROPERTIES AGAINST Meloidogyne incognita INFECTING SOYBEAN (Glycine max)

2024-09-12T09:50:08+00:00

Soybean production is constrained by root-knot nematodes (RKNs) that attack the root system leading to reduced productivity in Nigeria. Thus, these field and screenhouse experiments investigated the use of powdered leaf extracts of Hyptis suaveolens and Bridelia ferruginea as plant-based nematicides in the control of RKNs infecting two varieties of soybean.The studies were 2 x 3 factorial experiments fitted into a randomized complete block design,. Each pot in the screenhouse was inoculated with 1000 eggs at planting, whereas the field was naturally infested. Hyptis suaveolens and Bridelia ferruginea were applied at 200 g per stand, twice, at a four-week interval, first at one week after planting. The untreated pots and plots served as the controls for the experiments. Phytochemical screening was conducted on samples of the plant materials to determine the presence of organic compounds. Data collected on growth parameters, pod production, and nematode population were subjected to analysis of variance and means were separated using the Fisher's Least Significance Difference Test at P=0.5. The results revealed that the treated plants recorded significantly higher (P=0.5) growth and yield than the controls. The untreated TGXP1448-2F plants recorded the highest final nematode populations. In spite of the susceptibility of both varieties to M. incognita, powdered form of Hyptis suaveolens had significantly higher performance than that of Bridelia ferruginea, especially on the LOCAL variety. Phytochemical screening of the botanicals revealed the presence of certain organic compounds including phenol and phytol. The prospects of combined powdered extracts of Bridelia
ferruginea and Hyptis suaveolens as efficacious integrated nematode management strategy in soybean production is intriguing.

IMPLICATION OF THE ADOPTION OF IMPROVED RICE VARIETIES ON FARMERS' WELL-BEING IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

2024-09-12T09:32:46+00:00

Adoption of innovation and agricultural technology is expected to transform the livelihood outcome of farmers. But, in the case of smallholder farmers, the assumption has not been evident as expected. In this study, we investigated the effects of adoption of Improved Rice Varieties (IRV) on poverty status of rice
farmers in Ogun state, Nigeria. Sampling about 200 rice farmers from the clusters. Primary data was obtained through the use of well-structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, Foster Greer Thorbecke (FGT) and Instrumental Variable Regression methods were used to analyze the data.
Findings indicated that most adopters were ages averaged at 46.82 years and 45.52 years for non-adopters. Educational levels were for both adopters and non-adopters was high, which may support higher adoption rate of agricultural innovations. Farming experience is also a factor, with adopters averaging 21.2 years
compared to 19.56 years for non-adopters. The poverty analysis reveals that 25% of rice farmers were below the poverty line, with adopters significantly less likely to be poor.Also, the regression analysis shows that the adoption of improved rice varieties negatively influence poverty, reducing the poverty gap among farmers. The key factors influencing poverty include sex (p=0.023), farming experience (p=0.041), and contact with extension agents (p=0.004), adoption of IRV ((p=0.066), discontinuity of IRV (p=0.049) and agricultural information (p=0.052). The study recommends promoting educational programs and training workshops on modern farming techniques, improving interactions between farmers and agricultural extension agents, and strengthening extension services to provide up-to-date information and technical support.

FARMERS PERCEPTION OF ORGANIC VEGETABLE FARMING IN AKINYELE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE

2024-09-12T11:27:26+00:00

Organic farming is a production system that sustains the health of the soils, ecosystems and people. This study assessed the small-scale farmers' perception of organic-based vegetable production in Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 120
respondents for the study. Primary data were collected for the study and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that the mean age of the respondents was 40years. Seventy per cent of the respondents were married. Information on organic-based vegetable production was majorly sourced from farmers association (77.5%) and friends/family (75.8%). The major perceived effect of organic vegetable production were healthy for consumption ( m̅ ean=4.85) and enhances soil fertility (mean =̅ 4.80). There were significant relationships between marital status (χ2=0.004, p< 0.05), educational status (χ 2 =
0.002, p< 0.05), and perceived effect of respondents. It was concluded that organic based vegetable production is a panacea for sustainable agriculture.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PARTICIPATION OF POSTHARVEST INNOVATION PRACTICES AMONG TOMATO FARMERS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA.

2024-09-12T12:56:59+00:00

Tomato production enterprises in Nigeria are characterized by low output, increasing wastage, inadequate storage facilities, price fluctuations, and a lack of awareness and knowledge regarding innovative practices. This study investigated the factors influencing the participation of postharvest innovation practices among tomato farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the various postharvest innovation practices employed by tomato farmers, determine the socio-demographic and technological factors that influence farmers' participation in the practices, and assess the extent of their
participation in the study area. Multistage sampling technique was employed for the study. Primary data were collected from a sample total of 174 respondents using structured questionnaires Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, minimum, and maximum) and inferential statistics, specifically Heckman's two-stage probit model. The study revealed that the average age of farmers in tomato production was 46 years, with an average of 19 years of farming experience and an average household size of 7 members. The postharvest innovation practices identified among the farmers included grading and sorting (58.62%), processing into sundried products (11.49%), storage facilities (6.32%), and packaging materials (23.56%). The Heckman selection model identified education (p = 0.0003), distance to market (p= 0.0458) off-farm income (p = 0.0277), and training (p = 0.0014) as statistically significant factors influencing farmers' participation in postharvest innovation practices at the 1% and 5% levels. The study concludes that participation in postharvest innovation practices among tomato farmers is essential for enhancing food security and increasing farmers' income. Therefore, the study recommends that policymakers implement appropriate measures to promote engagement in postharvest innovation practices through the dissemination of affordable postharvest technologies, including adequate storage facilities.

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF ORGANIC MANURES AND METHODS OF APPLICATION ON YIELD OF MAIZE AND SOIL NUTRIENTS DYNAMICS

2024-09-12T12:57:50+00:00

Field study was conducted on the effect of Organic manures and methods of application on yield of maize and Soil nutrients dynamics during the cropping seasons of 2022 and 2023. Two organic amendments (poultry manure (PM) and compost manure (CM) with two methods of application Surface (S) and Incorporated (I) and no amendment ( Co). The treatments thus includes; Co, CI, CS, PI and PS which were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Soil nutrient statuses of the site were evaluated before and after cultivation to reveal the nutrients content and yields of maize taken at harvest. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Manure application improved soil fertility status, especially soil organic C, CEC, available P, exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg and increased nutrient uptake and yields of maize. Nutrient of Soils treated with CM gave the highest potential for carbon sequestration and the incorporated had nutrients compared to the surface. The highest grain yield was obtained in the rainy season for CMI, followed by PMI, CMS and PMS, respectively while the control gave the least. Soil nutrient responses after the first cropping, following one time manure application indicated residual effects of manure application. Hence, the study shows that CM >PM and Incorporated application is better than surface method. Therefore, the application of CMI at 5t/ha should be considered for optimum maize production in the region of investigation.

EVALUATION OF Albizia lebbeck LEAF AND BARK EXTRACTS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.)

2024-09-12T12:58:27+00:00

The issue of Soil nutrient depletion is indeed a significant concern in agriculture, leading to poor crop yields and decreased fertility. The use of synthetic and organic manures has been explored to address this issue, but some of these solutions have had unintended negative consequences, such as: Soil degradation, Water pollution, Reduced soil biodiversity, Negative impacts on human health. This study therefore investigated the potential of aqueous extracts from the bark and leaves of Albizia lebbeck as liquid fertilizers for promoting the growth and yield of maize. Aqueous extract source (leaf and plant bark), application rates of plants part and four application rates (100ml, 200ml, 300ml and 400ml) per plant, organic fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer and control. The experiment was replicated three times. The experiment was laid out in complete randomized design (CRD). Data collected on growth and yield parameters were Plant Height (PH), Number of Leaves (NL), Stem Girth (SG), Leaf Area (LA), Cob length (CL), Fresh Cob weight (FCW), Dry Cob Weight (DCW) and Weight Per100grains (WPG) were measured at 2weeks interval. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance using SAS 2002 and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at P≤0.05. The maize plant treated with A.lebbeck bark at 20% and 10% concentration had the highest value for the aqueous extract plant height (190.3cm) and leaf area (720.8cm) respectively while inorganic fertilizer had the highest stem girth (19.3cm).For yield parameters, Albizia lebbeck bark aqueous extract at 30% concentration had the highest dry weight (36.7g), cob length (11.3g), and seed weight (29.3g) respectively. . Conclusively, the application of leaf and bark extracts of Albizia lebbeck at different concentration as soil supplement brought about improvement in the soil fertility, evident from the growth and yield of maize. These tree species on farmland, under agroforestry system are helpful to increase the performance of maize. It is therefore recommended that Albizia lebbeck leaf aqueous extract at 30% concentration be used for Oba super 6 maize hybrid cultivation.

PROFIT EFFICIENCY OF SOYABEAN ENTERPRISE IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-09-12T14:02:30+00:00

This study determined the profit efficiency of soybean enterprise in Taraba State. The specific objectives were to: analyze the performance indices of producers' in soybean enterprise, estimate cost and return from soybean enterprise, identify the determinants of profit function in soybean enterprise, assess the determinants and efficiency levels of soybean enterprise and identify the constraints to soybean enterprise in the study area. Multistage, purposive and stratified random samplings were used. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive Statistics; Stochastic Frontier
Production function and Tobit Regression. About 71.2% of the respondents invested between N1, 000 to N400,000 in the enterprise. The study revealed that soybean enterprise is a profitable venture because farmers gain 62 kobo in every naira invested. The determinants of profit efficiency in the study area were
farming experience, savings, sales, investment, cost of modern machines and distance which were positive and statistically significant at 1 and 5% respectively. The R2is 0.98 meaning that about 98% variation in the profit efficiency were explain by the explanatory variables. Also, fertilizer, labour and pesticide were
positive and significantly influenced technical efficiency. Incidence of pest and inadequate capital were the major constraint faced by farmers. Based on the finding it was recommended that farmers should be encouraged to expand their scale of production by providing them with production inputs like credit
facilities, fertilizer, and chemicals in order to have increased yield.

ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED SOIL PROPERTIES UNDER DIFFERENT LAND USE IN THE DERIVED SAVANNAH OF IGBOORA

2024-09-12T14:36:24+00:00

Globally, efforts are being made to identify land use types that could potentially improve carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change and global warming and ensure sustainable agriculture. The study characterize the soils under different cultivations and assesses the effects of different land use systems on selected soil morphology and physicochemical properties in Igboora. Five land use systems (Cassava, Maize, Maize interplanted with cassava, fallow land and orchard plot) were identified. Twenty-five soil samples were collected from five profile at 0–20, 20 – 35, 35 – 65, 65 – 95, 95 – 125cm depth. Ten soil morphology, and physicochemical properties were measured. Soil colour varied along soil depth, while soil consistence (wet) showed various grades of stickiness and plasticity, the soil reactions of the pedons were slightly acidic while soil total carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorous showed increasing trend with depth of pedon across the land uses, ranging from 0.23 – 5.4% suggesting that Organic Carbon, Total Nitrogen and Available Phosphorus and other properties were affected by the land uses. Land use has detrimental effects on soil properties in Igboora, indicating that the conditions of cassava interplant with maize soils are becoming worse than other for land uses. Adopting integrated soil fertility, management, applying organic fertilizer should preserve the existing conditions and increase soil quality.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC UTILIZATION OF WILD AQUATIC RESOURCES LEADING TO BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN IBARAPA CENTRAL OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA

2024-09-19T08:17:53+00:00

The unlimited exploitation of aquatic wildlife in the natural water bodies is a threat to their continuous existence and sustainability. This study therefore identified the distribution and degree of utilization of wild aquatic and terrestrial resources in Ibarapa Central Local Government Area. Two main markets were sampled through the wildlife traders called 'Lekuleja'. Questionnaires and purposive sampling techniques were used by targeting the wildlife traders, selected buyers of wildlife and traditionalists. Slovin"s formula also helped in the choice of adequate representation of the sampled population. Women were the sole operators of the aquatic wildlife trade and are called 'Lekuleja'. Utilization of the aquatic resource, in descending order, recognizes medicinal /traditional use (50.9%), economic use (39.6%), nutritional use (10.5%), and industrial use (0.0%). The most exploited aquatic classes are the fin fishes and amphibians; contributing abundantly to trade volume at 21.1% and 10.5%, respectively. Traditional use accommodated diverse application to better the survival of rural dwellers such as anti-car accident, increase in sexual drive, and curing infertility in women. Nutritionally, all are edible except theAfrican clawed toad.All are sources of economic empowerment by sale. Rational utilization of these resources should be employed through regulation by local government authority to avoid extinction through the wildlife traders. Wildlife reserves through established parks and dams should also be proactive towards conservation while ecotourism should
be encouraged.

ASSESSMENT OF THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF DIFFERENTLY PROCESSED NIGELLA SATIVA BASED DIETS ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF ALBINO RATS

2024-09-19T08:41:09+00:00

The effects of differently processed Nigella sativa seed-based diets on haematological indices of albino rats were investigated. The aim was to test if N. sativa seeds processed using different methods would have toxic effects on some haematological parameters of albino rats; adopting completely randomized design. The experimental animals were fed with diets supplemented with 10% raw (RAN), Parboiled (PAN), Boiled (BON), Roasted (RON) and control diet at 0% supplementation. The animals were fed for six weeks before being sacrificed and blood collected from them for analysis. The white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils and Basophils were determined using standard analytical techniques ans Analysis of variance (ANOVA) as the tools for analysis with the mean separation. The results showed that all treatment groups have higher values (concentrations) of PCV, Hb and WBC than the control group. The animal group that received PAN had highest concentrations of PCV (47.30±2.40), RBC (18.7±0.60) and Hb (19.98±0.70) while the group fed with BON showed least concentration of PCV (45.65±2.92), RBC (7.6±1.63) and Hb (18.92±9.02). RAN with 12.43±8.02 x 103mm3 white blood cells had the highest concentration of WBC while the PAN with 6.81±0.70 x103mm3 white blood cells had the lowest concentration of WBC among the treatment groups. The calculated values for neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are as follow in descending order 0.65, 0.63, 0.58, 0.58 and 0.54 for RON, RAN, PAN, NOD and BON respectively. These values were not too high to cause any major damage to the organisms that were fed with the different formulated diets. The results showed that Nigella sativa seeds, processed in all the methods assessed, has no toxic effect on the haematological parameters of albino rats.