The International Journal of Organic Agriculture Research and Development

EFFECTS OF SELECTED COMPOST TYPES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF SESAME (Sesamum indicum) VARIETIES IN OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE.

K. Rauf Oyebisi — 2025-04-25

Researching into suitability of some under-utilized crops/weeds (which are naturally nutrients rich with heavy biomass production), as potential fertilizer materials for arable crop production is a worthwhile low input technology. In recent times, manifestation of ill-effects of abusive use of chemical fertilizers as become a great concern, as it affects soil fertility/productivity, crop performance and human welfare. Hence, crop production is moving towards organic farming, which disallows the use of agro-chemicals (chemical fertilizer inclusive). Field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, to evaluate the performance of different sesame varieties, under different compost types. Two sesame varieties (E8 and Ogbomoso local) were investigated under six fertilizer treatments namely: NPK 15-15-15 (applied at 300kg/ha) and four compost types made from phyto-residues
obtained from the Devil’s claw plant (Martynia annua) and other three (3) selected common wild plants (Chromolaena odorata, Gliricidia sepium and Tithonia diversifolia), and the control. All the phyto-residues were applied at 4tons/ha. The treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated thrice. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, stem girth, number of capsules, seed weight, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight and grain yield parameters. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means were separated using Duncan Multiple
Range Test at 5% level of probability (p≤0.05). Application of different fertilizers significantly influenced growth, yield parameters as well as the nutrient uptakes of sesame, irrespective of the varieties, compared to the control. Although, a significantly higher number of capsules (100.7g/plant) was recorded for E8 variety plants which received NPK 15-15-15 application, the value was not significantly different from those obtained from Martynia and Tithonia composts. All treatments applied enhanced the growth and yield parameters of sesame. The application of Zero fertilizer had the least value across all the parameters measured. The two sesame varieties responded well to improved soil nutrition from different organic fertilizers tested. Martynia annua and Tithonia diversifolia biomass significantly enhanced sesame growth and yield, compared to other treatments tested.The growth and yield of sesame responded to different fertilizer types. The most suitable fertilizer that supplies adequate nutrients for optimum performance of sesame is Martynia annuaandTithonia diversifolia. Therefore, application of either Martynia or Tithonia compost at 4tons/ha is hereby recommended to be most suitable and adequate for improving the performance of sesame (especially E8 variety), in the study area.

EFFECTS OF FERTILIZER TYPES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SWEET POTATO (Ipomoea batatas L.) UNDER URBAN AND CONVENTIONAL FARMING CONDITIONS IN OGBOMOSO.

O. Grace Ibikunle — 2025-04-25

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) is a creeping annual crop plant commonly cultivated for its edible tuber. It is a versatile crop well known for its dietary, medicinal, industrial and socio-cultural values. However, Intensification of land use particularly for buildings, construction and other infrastructure advancement in the urban centers had been reported to enhance unavailability of suitable hectarages of lands and rapid depletion of soil nutrients.As a result of these unpleasant conditions, devising organic means of maximizing, managing the available soil resources in the urban areas for dependable crop production is crucial. This experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo state. Soil samples were collected at 0–30cm soil depth. The composite sample was taken and air dried, crushed and sieved through 2 mm and 0.5 mm sieves. Sweet potato vines measuring 25cm were planted concurrently both on the field and designated cement sacks containing 30kg soil each. Six fertilizer treatments tested were; T0= Control, T1=Tithonia compost, T2= Composted Household wastes, T3= Rabbit droppings, T4= Poultry manure, T5= Cow dung applied at 4tons/ha. For the field experiment, one plot per treatment was used with treatments laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated thrice. Two pots per treatment was used for the pot experiment. The treatments were arranged in Complete Randomized Design (CRD), replicated three (3) times. Application of different fertilizers significantly enhanced growth, and yield of sweet potato, compared to the control in both field and pot experiment. Therefore, the study recommends that application of any of the organic source fertilizers such as Tithonia, Rabbit droppings, household wastes, poultry manure and cow dung improves the growth and yield of sweet potato in the study area.

Soil Salinity and Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil: Impacts on Ecosystem Sustainability in Kurugu, Gombe State, Nigeria

Hammani Babangida — 2025-04-25

Soil salinity and Heavy metal contamination are key conservational challenges that disturb farming output besides environmental sustainability. This study examines the impact of soil salinization and heavy metal contamination accumulation on different land uses in Kurugu, Kwami Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria. A total of 42 composite samples of soils were collected and analyzed for key physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density, organic matter (OM), and organic carbon (OC). Additionally, heavy metal concentrations of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) were examined. The findings revealed that soil pH ranged from 6.87 to 7.99, while EC values varied between 137 and 915 µS/cm, signifying fluctuations in salinity levels. Bulk density ranged from 1.18 to 1.74 g/cm³, OM content varied between 3.26% and 4.50%, and OC levels were between 1.89% and 2.61%. Heavy metal concentrations were within regulatory limits, with As ranging from 0.000 to 0.550 mg/kg, Cu from 1.027 to 7.055 mg/kg, Cd from 0.039 to 0.710 mg/kg, Cr from 0.154 to 0.427 mg/kg, and Pb from 0.000 to 0.113 mg/kg. Though they have not exceeded the hazardous levels, long-term accumulation could pose risks to soil health and agricultural viability. The study highlights the emergent threat of soil degradation due to salinity and heavy metal contamination, which restricts land productivity and contributes to food insecurity. It recommend that policymakers incorporate soil health assessments into land management strategies, administer environmental regulations, and implement remediation measures. Continuous monitoring and sustainable soil management practices are essential to maintaining soil fertility, ensuring food security, and preserving ecosystem balance in Kurugu and beyond.

Influence of Candle Bush (Senna alata) on the Growth Metrics of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

C.O Olaniyi — 2025-04-25

The effect of candle bush leaf meal (senna alata) was investigated on the growth performance of Clarias gariepinus, (mean body weight, 119.8g). Five diets with crude protein of 35% were formulated with varying inclusion levels of candle bush leaf meal. T1 (control) has 0 g of CBLM, while T2, T3, T4 and T5 has 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05g/100g of the diets. A total of 105 juveniles of C. gariepinus were randomly distributed into 120-liter tank replicating twice at stocking density of 7 fish per tank and constant water level was maintained in the experimental tanks. The tank contained pond o water (pH ≈ 7.1, oxygen≈ 4.2 mg/l, temperature≈ 26. 2 C). The fish were fed to satiation twice daily between 8.00hrs and 17hrs for a period of 84 days. Records of feed intake and weight gain were taken every two weeks. At the end of the feeding trials, Data collected on weight changes and feed-intake were subjected to one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The result of this study found that including 0.03g of candle bush leaf meal (CBLM) in catfish diets resulted in the best growth performance result.

SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES, ORGANIC CARBON DYNAMICS, AND MAIZE PERFORMANCE UNDER LONG-TERM GRAZING AND CONTINUOUS CULTIVATION IN ADO EKITI, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Owolabi Oladeji NURUDEEN — 2025-04-25

The development of climate smart strategies for improved soil health and sustainable crop production requires an understanding of the responses of soil properties to grazing and cultivation. This study was aimed at quantifying the stock, distribution, and sequestration of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil physical properties, and maize yield on grazed pasture (GP) and cultivated land (CL). Soil samples collected from two adjacent fields: GP and CL, were analysed using standard laboratory procedures. Texturally, the two soils alternated from loamy sand at the surface 20 cm for CLand sandy loam for GP to sandy clay loam for GP and sandy loam for CL respectively at the subsoil. In addition, bulk density and cone index averaged 1.7 and 1.5g/cm3; 4.75 and 2.5kg/cm2 respectively on GP and CL showing higher soil compaction of the soil under GP. With dispersion ratio (DR) standing at 55 and 80 for GP and CL soils respectively indicating more structurally stable aggregates for the GP soil. Higher infiltration rate, saturated hydraulic conductivity and hence soil moisture content were also recorded for the grazed soil. Moreover, after 20 years of cattle grazing, SOC content varied widely from 3 to 13% on the grazed pasture and was significantly higher than on cultivated plot which was less than 1%. At the surface 10cm, SOC stocks of the GPwas almost 10 times higher (136 mg/ha) than that under CL (14mg/ha). Maize yield was 4.3tons/ha on GP in contrast to 0.3 ton/ha) on CL. The heavy SOC addition into the GP soil and the attendant improvements in soil aggregate stability, water retention plus the resultant nutrient level and soil health has further confirmed the benefits that can accrue from integrating light to moderate animal grazing into crop cultivation in a humid tropical environment.

INFLUENCE OF FRUIT WASTES AND RATES ON OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) GROWTH AND FRUIT YIELD IN OGBOMOSO AND OYO TOWN, OYO STATE.

K.O Kareem — 2025-03-25

The influence of fruit wastes and rates on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus l.) growth and fruit yield were investigated in two locations, at Teaching and research farms, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo. The experiments involved three fruit waste types namely: plantain waste, orange waste and cocoa pod and five rates of application (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg N/ha). The 2 x 3 x5 factorial experiment was fitted into
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The fruit wastes were sorted, air-dried, milled and analyzed for N.P.K. compositions before application to the experimental plots two weeks before sowing. Data were collected on growth and yield components and subjected to the analysis of variance and the means were separated using least significant difference (LSD) at 5% probability level. The result revealed that location, fruit waste type and rate had significant (P≤0.05) effects on the growth and yield of okra. At Ogbomoso, highest values for growth parameters were recorded while Oyo location gave the best result for yield and yield components. Application of plantain waste gave the highest number of leaves (21.06), stem girth (1.22cm), leaf area (128.30cm2), fruit length (6.73cm), fruit weight (100.00g) and total yield (3.96 ton/ha) while orange waste recorded least values for the parameters mentioned.At 100kgN/ha, highest values for number of leaves (23.66), leaf area (154.20cm2), stem girth (1.42cm), fruit weight (131.01g/ 1.44m2) and total yield (5.14 ton/ha) were recorded while control recorded the least values. Therefore, it can be concluded that Plantain waste and 100kgN/ha rate gave the highest performance of okra planted in Oyo. Therefore, these could be recommended for optimum growth and yield of okra in Guinea Savannah of South Western Nigeria.

GROWTH AND YIELD OF AMARANTH (Amaranthus cruentus) VARIETIES AS INFLUENCE BY DIFFERENT FORMS OF DEVIL’S CLAW APPLICATION IN OGBOMOSO.

A. Florence Adetona — 2025-04-25

The study examined the performance of Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) as influenced by different forms of Martynia annua on the growth and yield of Amaranth. A pot experiment was conducted during the rainy season of (2024), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso in guinea savannah zone of Nigeria between May and October, (2024). Ogbomoso lies on latitude (8º N I0ºS) and longitude (4ºW, 10ºE) and annual rainfall was over 1000mm. Six (6) fertilizer treatments introduced were: NPK 15-15-15 at 300kgha-1 and four (4) forms of Martynia annua biomass (Shredded, Paste/suspension, Pelletized and Pulverized) applied at 4 tons ha-1 and the control. The trial was arranged in Complete Randomized Design (CRD), replicated thrice. Data were collected on growth (plant height, number of leaves and number of branches) and yield (shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight) parameters. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of probability. Application of different forms of Martynia annua significantly (P≤0.05) enhanced the growth, yield and nutrient uptakes of the two amaranth varieties tested, compared to control. However, applications of pelletized and pulverized forms significantly improved the performances, irrespective of the variety concerned, compared to other forms of application and the control.

VARIETAL RESPONSE OF SOLE AND COMBINED APPLICATION OF NPK 15-15-15 FERTILIZER ON GROWTH YIELDS OF ROSELLE (Tithonia diversifolia) VARIETIES IN OGBOMOSO, NIGERIA.

Ayodeji J. Olayemi — 2025-04-25

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn) is regarded as a vegetable, as the calyces are the economic parts commonly utilized for dietary, industrial, medicinal and socio-cultural purposes. However, despite the multipurpose nature of roselle, one of its major production limiting factors in Nigeria is soil fertility. As a result, local farmers opted for rapid nutrients-replenishing means of applying different chemical fertilizers, which had eventually worsened the tropical soil conditions, as manifested through accelerated nutrients depletion and poor general crop performance. Therefore, this research was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo state, to evaluate the performance of two varieties of roselle (Green and Red) under percentile proportionate combinations of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and Tithonia diversifolia compost, and the control. The experiment involved six (6) treatments namely: F0 (Zero application- control), F1 (100% application of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer), F2 (Tithonia compost), F3 (75% NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + 25% Tithonia compost), F4 (50% NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + 50% Tithonia compost) and F5 (25% NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer + 75% Tithonia compost) were arranged in Completely Randomized
Design (CRD), replicated thrice. Data were collected on growth (plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and stem girth) and yield (fresh and dry weights of calyx, and dry biomass yields) parameters. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Treatment means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of probability. The results of pre-cropping soil analyses showed that the soil sample used was texturally sandy loam and slightly acidic with pH (H2O) value of 6.1. Also, the soil was grossly low in major nutrient concentrations N (0.09 %), P (0.42 mg/kg) and K (0.14 mg/kg). Application of different fertilizers significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced growth and yield of the two varieties investigated compared to the control. All the treatments applied
significantly improved growth and yield parameters of the two roselle varieties. The Green roselle variety significantly responded better to different fertilizer treatments tested, compared to red roselle variety (VIF4). Generally, the crop yields, irrespective of the variety was significantly enhanced with increasing levels of organic residues from 50 to 100%. However, application of 25% NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer and 75% Tithonia compost significantly improved the growth and yield parameters measured, as well as the nutrient uptakes of roselle. In conclusion, although application of 25% NPK and 75% Tithonia compost significantly improved the performance of green roselle, their values were not significantly different from those obtained from 100% Tithonia compost, therefore application of 25% NPK and 75% Tithonia compost is recommended, in order to: supply adequate nutrients for optimum performance of the green roselle variety and ensure reduction of chemical loads on soils. In addition, application of 100% Tithonia compost is equally recommended for pure organic production of green roselle variety, in the study area.

EVALUATION OF THE SEASONAL EFFECTS ON LAYING PERFORMANCE OF AFRICAN GIANT LAND SNAILS, (Archachatina marginata), (Achatina achatina) AND (Achatina fulica), IN CAPTIVITY.

G.O Abdulazeez — 2025-04-25

Atotal of 150 land snails, 50 each ofArchachatina marginata,Achatina fulica andAchatina achatina of weight range (≤100g, 101-150g and >150g) were reared in captivity to determine the effect of seasons on laying performance at the snail unit of Federal College of Education, Special, Oyo State, Nigeria. Data were collected on the clutch size of each species of snail; temperature and relative humidity were also observed and recorded for analysis. The result showed that there was a significant (P<0.01) effect of species on the laying performance of Archachatina marginata, Achatina fulica and Achatina achatina at with the least square mean values of 5.35± 7.39; 236.37± 7.66 and 90.38±28.52 respectively. It also showed that the effect of different seasons on the clutch size and the interactive effect of species and seasons were not significant.

Elemental characterization of atrazine treated soil pretreated with sawdustbased biochar types using Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy

Yetunde Bunmi Oyeyiola — 2025-03-25

The escalating area of degraded farmlands across Africa, attributed to the intensive and indiscriminate use of agrochemicals demands investigation into the speciation of nutrient elements in this herbicide treated soils for devising sustainable management strategies. This study examines the fate of organic carbon, heavy metals, macro and micronutrient compositions in soil treated with atrazine (a widely utilized broad-spectrum herbicide in Africa), both with and without biochar pretreatment using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Elemental characterization of soil treated solely with atrazine (at 2.5 kg active ingredient/ha) was evaluated under screenhouse condition when factorially combined with four sawdust (SD)-based biochar: SD pyrolyzed with or without poultry manure (PM) at 350℃ (tagged SD+PM@350 and SD-PM@350 respectively), and SD pyrolyzed with or without PM at 450℃ (tagged SD+PM@450 and SD-PM@450 respectively). Each biochar was applied at 5 and 10 t/ha, equivalent to 2.37 and 4.75 g/950 g soil, respectively.An absolute control soil, that received neither atrazine nor biochar was included. Soil samples collected from appropriately treated soil after two successive maize cropping were analyzed for total metal concentrations using EDX spectroscopy after sputtering each sample with gold on aluminum stubs. Significant (p < 0.05) enrichments of Cu, Ni, and Pb by
215%, 165%, and 222%, respectively, were observed in sole atrazine treated soil which were absent (0 ppm) in similar atrazine-treated soils pretreated with SD+PM@350 and SD+PM@450. Similarly, total C decreased by 10% and 17% in sole atrazine and absolute control soils respectively, compared to the baseline value. Biochar pretreatment however, increased total C by a range of 24.5 to 35.9%. Higher percentages of total N, P, Mg, and K were, however, observed in sole atrazine treated soil relative to the baseline and absolute control values, with the total Mg and K contents exceeding those observed in biochar-pretreated soils.
Continued sole atrazine use, therefore, poses potential risks of carbon depletion and heavy metal toxicities in the soil studied. Pretreating soils with sawdust-based biochar, therefore, offers mitigation strategy against these environmental and sustainability risks in soils annually receiving atrazine herbicides.

DECOMPOSITION AND NUTRIENTS RELEASE FROM FOLIAGE OF LEGUMINOUS TREE SPECIES IN THREE ALFISOLS SOIL

A. M. Bichi — 2025-03-25

Rejuvenating agricultural farming system to ensure continuous production and promoting soil fertility, leguminous tree leaves used as manure are potential alternative to commercial fertilizer for agricultural crop production. Hence, this study was carried out to investigate rate of decomposition and nutrients release from foliage of five leguminous tree species (Albizia lebbeck, Acacia nilotica, Dalbergia sissoo, Delonix regia and Parkia biglobosa) incorporated in three alfisols (sandy, loamy and clayey) at Bayero University Kano School Farm. The treatment consists of foliage of five leguminous trees in three alfisols soils and no incorporation as control resulting in a total of eighteen treatment in a completely randomized design (CRD) replicated three times using standard methods of
laboratory analysis to determine macro and micro nutrients released over three months periods. The results obtained showed significant difference in macro and micro nutrients released in the three soils. Significantly higher amount of macro nutrients (organic Carbon, available Phosphorus and total nitrogen), CEC, micro nutrients (iron and zinc) and exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, Na and K) were obtained from decomposed foliage of leguminous trees than the control, with D. sissoo foliage resulting in higher amount of nutrients than other foliage and control. Similarly, foliage incorporated in loamy soil resulted in higher release of nutrients than those recorded from clayey and sandy soils. The interaction of leguminous trees and soil types also had significant effect on nutrients released with D. sissoo incorporated in loamy soil having significantly higher nutrients released than all other treatment combinations. There were significant correlations among different soil properties as influenced by leguminous trees and soil types, and these variations could form the basis for their selection in improving degraded soil and to improve soil fertility in the study areas.

DETERMINATION OF PHYTOCHEMICALCOMPOSITION OFBAMBUSAVULGARIS

O.A. Okekunle — 2025-03-25

The use of plants for the treatment of diseases has gained wider acceptability because people have seen it as better alternative to orthodox medicine. Bambusa vulgaris has been a utilities plant since times immemorial. The plant has been useful in medicinal purposes with little attention to its phytochemical composition. This research therefore sets to investigate phytochemical composition of Bambusa vulgaris leaves by using ethanol extract of the air-dried Bambusa vulgaris leaves. The leaves were collected from the Oyo State college of Agriculture and Technology premises, Igboora, air dried for two weeks and pulverized to powder. 50g of the powdered was weighed and 250ml of ethanol was added for crude extraction. The set up was left for 72hr. Qualitative and Quantitative analysis of
selected Phytochemicals were carried out on the extract using Harborne, 1974 method. Saponins, tanins, alkaloids, terpenes, oxalates, flavonoids and steroids were identified. Flavonoids (28.00±00) were found in higher concentration, followed by alkaloid (22.60±0.00) and tanins (17.70±00). Oxalates, terpenes and steroids were found in smaller concentration. This result confirm the possibilities of traditional uses of Bambusa vulgaris as a good antioxidant and antimicrobial agent.