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.