The International Journal of Organic Agriculture Research and Development

ORAL SUPPLEMENTATION OF CISSUS POLPUNEA AND CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA ENHANCED SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY AND OXIDATIVE STATUS OF TROPICAL RABBITS

Olayinka Abosede Ojo — 2025-12-30

The effect of Cissus populnea stem bark extract (CpSTe), with or without the addition of Citrus aurantifolia extract (CAe), was evaluated on the serum biochemistry and oxidative status of rabbits in the tropics over 34 days. Twenty-four (24) New Zealand White female rabbits were divided into four
groups of six rabbits each, designated as Treatment 1-4 (T1-T4). T1 received no extract (Control), T2 was given 2 mL of CAe per kg body weight, T3 received 2 mL of CpSTe per kg body weight, and T4 was given a combination of CAe (1 mL) + CpSTe (1 mL)/kg body weight. At the end of the experiment, a 5 mL blood sample was collected from the marginal ear vein of three rabbits per treatment using a syringe and needle; out of which 3 mLwas dropped into plain bottles to obtain serum for biochemical analysis, while a 2 mL blood sample was dropped into heparinized bottles for hematological assessments The proximate and phytochemical analyses of CPST revealed carbohydrate (67.85%) and tannin (126.60 mg/100 g) as the predominant constituents.Administration of CA significantly (p<0.05) increased the total serum cholesterol in T2, while a decrease was observed in rabbits under T1 (no administration) and T4.Administering 2 mL of CP (T3) significantly (p<0.05) raised the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and GSH in the rabbits. The use of CpSTe and CAe separately, rather than combined, could effectively improve the redox status in tropical rabbits.

PEDOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS AT LAUTECH ISEYIN CAMPUS, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

G. A. Omotoso — 2025-12-30

A detailed pedological study was conducted at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Iseyin Campus to characterize, classify, and evaluate the soils for potential agricultural use. Eight representative pedons were described, and samples were analyzed for physicochemical
properties following standard methods. The soils were moderately deep to deep, with textures varying from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Soil pH ranged from 5.7 to 6.8, indicating slightly acidic to nearneutral conditions. Organic carbon ranged from 1.32 to 3.11%, while cation exchange capacity (CEC) varied between 3.2 and 10.6 cmol/kg. Base saturation ranged from 48 to 70%, and exchangeable Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺ were generally low to moderate. Morphologically, all pedons exhibited argillic horizons with evidence of clay illuviation, cutans, and Fe mottles, signifying active pedogenesis under alternating wet and dry conditions. Based on the USDA Soil Taxonomy, the soils were classified as Typic Kandiustults, Typic Haplustalfs, Acric Kandiudults, and Dystric Cambisols, corresponding to Lixisols, Acrisols, and Cambisols under the WRB system. The study concludes that the soils are
moderately developed Alfisols and Ultisols, possessing low fertility potential and requiring management interventions such as organic matter addition, liming, and erosion control for sustainable crop production.

PERCEIVED EFFECTIVENESS OF MOBILE PHONE USAGE FOR ACCESSING AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION AMONG CROP FARMERS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

S. O. Abidoye — 2025-12-30

This study therefore examined the perceived effectiveness of mobile phone usage for accessing agricultural information, it also ascertain the frequency of mobile phone usage and constraints to mobile phone usage for accessing agricultural information among crop farmers. A multistage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 394 respondents. Primary data were collected from the respondents through the administration of a structured interview schedule. Data for the designed objectives were analyzed using descriptive statistics while Chi-square was used to test the formulated hypothesis. The findings revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 47 years, majority (67.2%) were literate, had a monthly contact with extension agents, owns and have access to mobile phone. It was also revealed that respondents frequently use mobile phone to schedule meeting with farmers with a Weighted Mean Score (WMS) of 2.42,About 44% of the respondents perceived mobile phone usage to be of low effectiveness and inconsistent electric power supply (WMS=2.42) is the most severe constraints. Chi-square revealed that access to mobile phone (X2= 13.58, p= 0.000) and educational level (X2 = 3.72, p=0.000) had significant association with perceived effectiveness of mobile phone usage for accessing agricultural information. The study concludes that crop farmers perceived mobile phone usage for accessing agricultural information to be of low effectiveness. It is therefore recommended that concern stakeholders should facilitate infrastructural facilities such as rural electrification and good network coverage to the rural area.

Perceived Effect of Roles of Agricultural Extension Workers in Combating Emergencies among Arable Crop Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria

M. A. Alarape — 2025-12-01

This study examined the perceived effects of the roles played by agricultural extension workers in combating emergencies among arable crop farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 156 registered arable crop farmers from two agricultural zones.
Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, Chisquare, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Findings revealed that farmers experienced multiple emergencies including climate variability, pest outbreaks, flooding, drought, and pandemics.
Extension workers played crucial roles such as information dissemination, early warning, training, and provision of advisory services. However, farmers reported constraints such as poor road networks, inadequate staffing, limited funding, and weak access to ICT tools. Results further showed a significant relationship between farmers’socioeconomic characteristics, constraints encountered, and their perceived effect of extension roles. The study recommends strengthening extension systems through improved funding, capacity building, digital tool integration, and enhanced farmer–extension
linkages to support effective emergency response.

DETERMINATION OF OPTIMAL DOSAGE APPLICATION OF COMPOST TEA FOR ENHANCED GROWTH AND YIELD OF SELECTED ARABLE CROPS

H.O Rosulu — 2025-12-01

The study was conducted to determine the optimal compost tea dosage for improving growth and yield of selected arable crops. Five treatments were applied biweekly to Celosia, Cucumber, and Potato in a RCBD with three replications. Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in growth and yield, with treatment 1 (12.5 L compost tea + 12.5 L water) outperforming other treatments and the control. Highest values were recorded for number of leaves, plant height/vine length, stem girth, leaf biomass, leaf area, yield, and fruit diameter across the crops. Compost tea analysis revealed Ca as the dominant mineral (16.14 mg/kg), moderate N (0.27 mg/kg), and high microbial population (3.7×10⁷ CFU/ml) dominated by Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp. The findings indicate that compost tea is effective, environmentally safe, reduces bulkiness associated with organic fertilizers, and caused no phytotoxic effects on the crops.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND INSECTICIDAL EFFECTS OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA AND HELIANTHUS ANNUUS LEAVES EXTRACTS ON ANTIOXIDANT AND CHOLINERGIC ENZYMES IN WEEVILS

E. Adeleke Gbadebo — 2025-12-01

Azadirachta indica and Helianthus annuus are reported to possess insecticidal potentials due to presence of a myriad of chemical compounds in them. Synthetic insecticides are not eco-friendly and could induce resistance in target insects. Certain botanical agents are capable of insecticidal actions, with no harm to the ecosystem. Fresh leaves of Azardiracta indica and Helianthus annuus were collected air-dried, pulverized and subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol and rotary evaporation to obtain A. indica leaf methanol extract (AILME) and Helianthus annuus leaf methanol extract (HALME). The extracts were chemically characterized using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Enzyme assays were carried with the extracts against the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and acetylcholinesterase of maize and bean weevils. The HPLC Chromatogram of AILME alone was found to contain β – caryophylene, trans- β – farnes, α – ionone, phytol, ascaridol, phyllene, quercetin, azadirachtol, azadirachnol, Azadirachta A, myricetin and α – funebren. However, the chromatogram of a mixture of AILME and HALME showed presence of β – caryophylene, trans- β – farnes, furostan, α – ionone, phytol, ascaridol, caffeic acid, α – amyrin, β – amyrin, α – tochopherol, quercetin, azadirachtol, Azadirachta A, avanasterol, myricetin, α – funebren,
phytic acid, lecithin and cephalin. The mixture of AILME and HALME reduced the activities of SOD, catalase and acetylcholinesterase enzymes in the maize weevil and bean weevil comparable to Dichlorvos and Phostoxin. Azadirachta indica and Helianthus annuus leaves contain compounds which could induce insecticidal actions in maize weevils and bean weevils, via oxidative and anti cholinergic mechanisms.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS IN BOREHOLE AND WELL WATER AT OLOUNDE ESTATE, IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Oladele Johnson Popoola — 2025-12-01

Water pollutants spread faster within biological components of the environment. Heavy metal is known to have a longer lifespan in our environment, thereby, posing a severe threat to human and other living organisms in contact with it. The study was conducted to determine the concentration level of following heavy metals: iron, cadmium, manganese, chromium, zinc, lead, copper in borehole and well water. This research was carried out at Olounde estate a residential area in Ibadan. Three borehole water and three well water were sampled. A random sampling technique was used, at about 16 m difference to each other. From point zero to borehole A(16.4 m), from borehole A to borehole B(16.5 m), from borehole B to borehole C (16.3 m), from borehole C to well A (16.8 m), from well A to well B (16.2 m), from well B to well C (15.3 m). The result of this research shows that high heavy metal concentration is present in the borehole water and well water in the study area. Zinc was identified to be the highest heavy metal concentration (0.24 mg/l), followed by iron (0.23 mg/l), while Chromium concentration was the lowest (0.001 mg/l). Cadmium presence was only found in Borehole A (0.005 mg/l).Iron and Chromium were very high above the WHO and USEAP permissible level of heavy 2+ metals in water. Borehole had the highest heavy metal concentration (zn ) at borehole C (0.24 mg/l).

ASSESSMENT OF SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG FARMERS IN THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA ZONES OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

A.O Olabooye — 2025-12-01

Declining soil fertility remains a major constraint to agricultural productivity and sustainability in Nigeria’s Guinea Savanna zones. This study assessed soil fertility management practices among farmers in the Northern and Southern Guinea Savanna zones of Kwara State, Nigeria, with emphasis on the types of practices adopted, socio-economic factors influencing adoption, and major challenges encountered. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 200 farmers across three local government areas. Primary data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Results showed that most respondents were within the active age range (31–50 years), male, married, and moderately educated, with an average of 6 ha farm size and substantial farming experience. The majority belonged to farmer associations indicating high potential for information sharing and innovation diffusion. Both organic and inorganic fertilizers were widely used; however, the Northern zone relied more on organic inputs due to livestock manure availability, whereas the Southern zone depended on inorganic fertilizers because of better access to input markets. Soil testing awareness was relatively high, but adoption remained low due to high costs, inadequate facilities, and limited technical knowledge. Fertilizer application and crop rotation were the most common soil fertility training topics, while organic manure management received less attention. Major constraints identified includes high input costs, inadequate extension support, soil erosion, and limited access to quality inputs. Farmers largely perceived fertilizers as the most effective fertility restoration method, showing preference for NPK over organic alternatives. The study concludes that although farmers
recognize the importance of soil fertility management, their practices remain conventional and cost driven. In conclusion, the study recommends that strengthening of extension systems, improving access to soil testing services and credit facilities, promoting integrated soil fertility management (ISFM), are required to enhance sustainable productivity across both Guinea Savanna zones and supporting farmer cooperatives.

PROXIMATE AND FIBRE FRACTION OF ENSILED bRACHARIA MULATO ii UNDER DIFFERENT IRRIGATION METHODS AND FERTILIZER TYPES

O. P Olaniyi — 2025-12-01

The study investigated the proximate and fibre fraction of ensiled Brachiaria mulato II harvested under different irrigation and fertilizer types in a 4x2 factorial arrangement using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), there were four irrigation methods and two fertilizer types replicated in triplicate. Data were collected on Crude Protein (CP), Crude fibre (CF), Ether extract (EE), Neutral detergent fibre (NDF), Acid detergent fibre (ADF), Acid detergent Lignin (ADL). All data were subjected to analysis of variance using a general linear model of SAS (2002). CP was significant for irrigation methods (8.11-11.08), but not for fertilizer types (P=0.33), the interaction effects (p=0.00) significantly affect CP, CF was significant for irrigation methods (18.42-19.65), fertilizer types (P=0.00), and the interaction effects (p=0.00). EE was significant for irrigation methods (P=0.00), fertilizer types (P=0.00), and interaction effects (p=0.00). NDF was significant for irrigation methods (P=0.00). NDF was not significant for irrigation methods (P=0.05), fertilizer types (P=0.31), and their interaction effects (P=0.20), but was significant for ADF and ADL. The study revealed that irrigation methods, manure fertilization and their interactions showed positive effects on the proximate and its fibre fractions

LEAD AND CADMIUM TOXICITY IN TWO FISH SPECIES COMMONLY CONSUMED IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA AND HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT

F. J. Okparaocha — 2025-12-01

Lead and Cadmium are two toxic heavy metals that have the ability to bioaccumulate in human body system even at low concentrations when ingested. This present study is aimed at assessing the concentrations of Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in the tissues of raw and smoked fishes of Clupea harengus (Herring fish) and Gadus morhua (Cod fish) collected from food vendors in selected local government areas in Ibadan, Oyo state. The tissues were digested using standard procedure and analysed with Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The result revealed the mean concentration of Cadmium in the tissue of Gadus morhua (Cod fish) was 91% higher than that of Lead. The mean concentration of Lead and Cadmium in the Cod fish sample was observed to be lower in the smoked sample (0.02mg/kg and 0.42mg/kg) than in the raw sample (0.04mg/kg and 0.49mg/kg). Higher level of Lead (33.3%) and Cadmium (46.5%) were observed in the Cod fish than Herring fish. All the fish samples showed concentrations lower than the permissible limits of World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (0.3 mg/kg for Lead and 0.5 mg/kg for Cadmium). The health risk assessment (THQ < 1) on consumption of both fish tissues obtained suggest that there is no obvious health risk to human populace on ingestion over a period of a year.

IMPACT OF GROWTH MEDIA ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE OF ORNAMENTAL PALM SEEDLINGS

O. F. Sadiq — 2025-12-01

The efficiency of nursery production of ornamental palms is largely dependent on the quality ofgrowth medium used during early establishment. This study evaluated the impact of different growth media on vegetative growth and nutrient uptake of ornamental palm seedlings under screenhouse conditions at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Six-month old golden palm seedlings were grown in three growth media: topsoil only (TS), topsoil + poultry manure (TSPM), and topsoil + sawdust (TSSD), arranged in a completely randomized design with six replications. Data on plant height, number of leaves, stem
girth, and nutrient uptake were collected and subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SAS statistical software (2009) and treatment means separated by least significance difference at 5% probability level. Results showed that growth media significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced all vegetative growth parameters and nutrient uptake. Seedlings grown in TSPM consistently recorded the highest plant height (45.63 cm), stem girth (4.57 cm), leaf number, and nutrient uptake. TSSD produced moderate growth responses while Topsoil alone resulted in the lowest growth performance and nutrient uptake. The findings conclude that organic-enriched media, particularly topsoil amended with poultry manure, significantly enhance vegetative growth and nutrient acquisition in ornamental palm seedlings. The use of topsoil + poultry manure is therefore recommended for sustainable and cost-effective nursery production of ornamental palms in the study area

MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOILS AS INDICATORS OF SOIL DEGRADATION IN LAUTECH ISEYIN CAMPUS, NIGERIA

O. Salaudeen Ishaq — 2025-12-01

Soil degradation is the decline in the physical, chemical, and biological quality of soil, remains one of the most pressing global environmental challenges, threatening agricultural productivity and the stability of ecosystems. Human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable farming practices, together with the increasing effects of climate change like flooding and erosion, have multiple effects on soil degradation. The study examined the land use types, evaluate the effects of farming practices on soil properties, and propose sustainable management strategies to reduce degradation and improve soil health at LAUTECH, Iseyin campus, Oyo state. The study was, conducted at Iseyin campus Oyo State, which lies on latitude 7°58'N longitude 3°36'E within Southern Guinea Savanna Zone. A rigid grid sampling method was used across 30,000 m² area, with transverses cut at 100-meter intervals. Nine profile pits (1.5 m × 1.5 m × 2.0 m) were dug at each point, from which undisturbed soil samples were collected at 0-15cm depths. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine particle size distribution, pH, exchangeable acidity, available phosphorus, organic carbon, total nitrogen and exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K, and Na). Field
descriptions and degradation classifications followed the FAO guidelines. The study revealed that soils in profiles 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 were in good condition and classified as Class 1 (non or slightly degraded), while profiles 3, 7, and 8 showed Class 2 (moderate degradation) under
FAO standards. The soils were mainly sandy loam, with sand content ranging from 66.8 to 89.2%, silt from 7.4 to 17.4%, and clay from 3.4 to 24.8%. Nitrogen (0.09-0.34%) and organic carbon (0.84-3.11%) levels indicated moderate degradation in some areas, particularly in profiles 3, 7, and 8. Phosphorus (8.0-38.65 mg/kg) and cation exchange capacity (8.08-13.26 cmol/kg) values were generally adequate, placing most soils in Class 1. Soil pH ranged from 5.62 to 6.84, showing slightly acidic to near-neutral conditions suitable for crop growth. Exchangeable bases and cation exchange capacity varied across profiles, while aluminium toxicity was minimal, appearing only in the basement complex horizon of profile 6. Overall, the soils are largely fertile and suitable for sustainable agricultural use, with only localized areas showing moderate degradation. Most soils within LAUTECH, Iseyin campus are in good condition, showing only slight to moderate degradation and are largely suitable for sustainable agricultural use, although localized areas with reduced nitrogen and organic carbon require attention to prevent further decline. Appropriate soil management practices such as organic matter incorporation, controlled fertilizer application, use of contour farming, continuous soil fertility monitoring, and conservation-oriented land-use planning should be adopted to ensure sustained long-term soil productivity.