| 1 |
Author(s):
Nweke I.A., Nnabude P.C., Ekwealor K.U., Anochie C..
Page No : 1-13
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Productivity Reclamation of the Unmanaged Watershed Ecosystem
Abstract
Watersheds are naturally productive but most ecologically vulnerable section of the landscape. A field study and pot experiment were conducted under randomized complete block design (RCRD) and complete randomized design (CRD) respectively to evaluate productivity reclamation efficiency of compost, poultry and NPK using okra as test crop. The treatments comprised 0tha-1, 10tha-1, 20tha-1 and 30tha-1 rates of compost and poultry respectively and NPK fertilizer 15: 15:15 at 150kgha-1. These experiments were carried out on a sandy loam typic paleudult in Amawbia Anambra State south east, Nigeria. Data generated from the study were subjected to analysis of variance and significant mean differences were separated using least significant difference (LSD). Result of the study indicated that productivity reclamation of unmanaged watershed with three different rates (10tha-1, 20tha-1, and 30tha-1) of compost and poultry respectively and NPK at 150kgha-1 had great improvement in the fertility status of the unmanaged watershed. With best performance in three rates of poultry manure though with highest in 30tha-1. Compost at the rate of 10tha1 was observed to have no significant increase in plant growth in slope 1 and 2 respectively. However, in slope 3 and 4, compost at the rate of 20tha-1 and 30tha-1 significantly increased the yield values of the number of fruits and fruit length of okra compared with the control. In slope 1 amendment with NPK were found to be non- significant in growth parameter of okra, but in slope 2, 3, and 4 amendment with NPK produced higher productivity of okra in the unmanaged watershed. Watershed deemed suitable for food crop production should be managed by conservation – effective cropping system as management system affect water content and the efficiency of soil – water uptake by plant.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Nweke I.A., Nnabude P.C., Ekwealor K.U., Igwe A.C..
Page No : 14-28
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Fertility Restoration Efficiency of three Contrasting Manure on an Eroded Watershed Ecosystem
Abstract
The maintenance of fertility of soils is the first condition for any permanent system of agriculture. Fertility restoration evaluation was studied in field and pot experiments to ascertain the effect of compost, poultry manure and NPK as amendment options in reclamation of a degraded watershed. The field studies were conducted on 4 slopes of the watershed in an experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The pot experiments were carried out on the soils of the unmanaged practice and were arranged in a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The treatments comprised of compost and poultry manure at the rate of 0tha-1, 10th-1, 20tha-1, 30tha-1 respectively and NPK fertilizer (15:15:15) at the rate of 150kg/ha. Tomato was used as test crop. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and significant mean differences were detected using the least significant difference (LSD). The results of the study showed that fertility restoration of the eroded watershed with different rates (10, 20, and 30tha-1) of compost and poultry manure respectively and 150kg/ha NPK as amendment increased. The amended plots had the best performance and among the rates of manure 30tha-1 rate of poultry manure show ‘superior’ performance. In slope 1 and 2 composts at 10tha-1 produced no significant increase in plant growth, but in slope 3 and 4 composts at 20tha-1 and 30tha-1 produced increases in the number of fruits and fruit length of tomato compared with the control. Amendment with NPK produced higher productivity of tomato in slope 1, 2, 3 and 4 (plain) of the eroded watershed. The findings of the study prove that most watershed require proper management and maintenance if they are to function properly over long term, to strengthen the natural resource base (soil, vegetation cover) and to increase agricultural productivity.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Babeker E.A., Elfatih Abdallah A.E., Elmansoury Y.H..
Page No : 29-41
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Changes in Biochemical Diagnostic Parameters of Sudan Nubian Goat’s kids fed Different Levels of Natron and Minerals Block
Abstract
Forty male of Nubian Kids goats at age of 5 -7 months, their average body weight was from (6.5 to 12.5kg) were used in this study to investigate the effect of different levels of Natron and Mineral block (0%, 1%, 2%; and 1%, respectively) on some blood metabolites (glucose, total cholesterol total protein, albumin, globulin and urea). The animals were divided into four equal groups each randomly. The experimental period covered twelve weeks. Blood samples were collected every two weeks for chemical analysis, they were taken three times, before feeding in the morning, after feeding at midday and in the evening the study showed variation in blood metabolites. In the evening the total protein value was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Mineral block. The albumin values in Mineral block 1%, Natron1% and Control were lower before feeding and increase significantly after feeding. The higher Creatinine values after feeding were recorded for treatment groups (including control). The Urea value in Natron1% was higher before feeding and decrease significantly after feeding. However, the significant (P<0.05) increase in the glucose values for Control, Natron1%, Natron2% and Mineral block 1% observed at midday and in the evening. When comparing cholesterol values for animals in Control, Natron 1% and Natron 2% throughout the day it was shown a significant (P<0.05) higher in the evening and midday than the morning. The values of total protein, albumin and Creatinine for control and treatment groups showed no significantly (P<0.05) from the morning to the evening.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Olufemi Adeyemi Owoade, Olatunde Seun Olarinwa.
Page No : 42-51
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Analysis of Profitability of Small-Scale Brood-and-Sell (3-4 weeks old) Broiler Enterprise in Ibarapa Area of Nigeria
Abstract
Generally, the willingness to engage in an enterprise developed once the profit incentive was acknowledged as without profits the enterprise is unsustainable and will either collapse or become dependent on external intervention. On this premises, profitability of brood-and-sell broiler enterprise was carried out in Ibarapa area of Oyo state, Nigeria. Data collected using structured questionnaire and interview schedules from 40 brood-and-sell poultry farmers were analyzed using budgetary analysis technique and descriptive statistics. Budgetary analysis revealed that the enterprise was profitable and gives a return of 28 kobo on every 100 kobo invested with variable cost made up of 96.30% of cost of production. The paper identified important hindrances to maximization of profit to include high cost of quality feeds and healthy day-old chicks and limited access to veterinary services. The paper concluded that profitability of the enterprise depends on the managerial ability of the enterpriser to control variable cost- feed and day-old chicks. To improve profitability and ensure sustainability of the enterprise it was recommended that there must be improved access to credit, veterinary services and investment in rural infrastructure of road and electricity in the area.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Angela Ebere Obetta, Anthonia Ifeyinwa Achike, Ridwan Mukaila, Bala Taru.
Page No : 52-62
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Economic Analysis of Marketing Margin of Banana and Plantain in Enugu State, Nigeria
Abstract
Agricultural marketing has a stimulating and guiding impact on production activities and distributing agricultural commodities, thus is one of the major forces driving economic development. Due to the income generated from banana and plantain marketing, it is necessary to examine its marketing margin. The profit of middlemen, the economic power of farmers and efficiency of the marketing system is better determined by marketing margin analysis. The present study, therefore, analysed the marketing margin of banana and plantain in Enugu State, Nigeria. Primary data gotten from 160 marketers through the use of questionnaires were used in the study. The marketing performance of banana and plantain were determined by marketing margin model, T-test statistics and Likert scale rating technique. The results revealed that the mean marketing margin for banana and plantain retailers were 12.04% and 17.78%, respectively. Also, the mean marketing margin for banana and plantain wholesalers were 9.68% and 10.44%, respectively. Wholesalers and retailers lack capacity building. Poor finance, low capital investment, heavy imposition of tax/levies and high cost of transportation were the severe constraints to banana and plantain marketing in the study area. Available and adequate credit facilities at an appropriate interest rate is required to reduce the problem of finance. Feeder roads should be improved in an effort to reduce the high cost of transportation and damaged to the fruits, hence increasing marketing margin.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Ja’afar A. A. Zankan, Hassan A. Abdul, Hussain A. Abdul, Augustine T. Shat.
Page No : 63-78
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Effects of Covid-19 on Agriculture in Southern Kaduna State of Nigeria
Abstract
This paper examined the effects of Covid-19 on agriculture in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria, with a view to providing information for sustainable agricultural production even in the presence of any epidemic of disease. Data for this study was obtained through questionnaire survey, in-depth interview and direct field observation. The result indicates that the negative effects of Covid-19 on agriculture are as follows: increase in the prices of seedlings, fertilizers, herbicides/insecticides, increase in the cost of farm labour, losses in farm produce, prevent buyers from buying farm produce, depreciate the cost of poultry and dairy products, and difficulties accessing veterinary services and animal feed. The result also indicates that Covid-19 has positive effects on agriculture as follows: it led to the production of more crops, led more people into agriculture, led to increase in the prices farm produce, led to the cultivation of more lands, increase in the purchase of farm tools, increase in the supply of food items into the market, forces many people in the city to involve in agriculture, increase in the purchase of farm inputs and lastly, it forced many people who are not farmers into agriculture. It is recommended that soft loan be giving to farmers so as to encourage them to boost food production in the country, distribution of good medical facilities and personnel and free treatment to the affected persons in the rural areas to improve their healthy conditions and finally, sensitization and training of farmers on modern methods of agriculture that will involve social distancing to improve the health conditions of the farmers.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Nweke I. A., Ijearu S. I., Ibe K. G., Ngonadi E. N, Nworji M. J..
Page No : 79-86
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Two Years Evaluation of Plantain and Banana Peels on Soil Properties and Dry Matter Yield of Okra in a Sandy Soil
Abstract
Plantain and banana peels are common wastes that when properly harnessed increased the organic matter (OM) content and fertility status of soils. Thus, the effect of plantain and banana peels on selected soil chemical properties and okra yield was evaluated for 2 years. The study was established in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and four replications. The treatments studied were; Plantain peels (PT), Banana peels (BN), Plantain + Banana peel (PB) and control (CO) that received no application of the peels. Results showed that for the 2 years study, plantain peels and banana peels influenced the soil chemical properties tested and the agronomic parameters of okra, though most of the parameters tested recorded non-significant difference (P BN > PB > CO and PT > CO > PB > BN respectively. OM content in 2019 season was observed to be significantly increased relative to its value in 2018 planting season and the initial value, while Ca and Mg values obtained in 2019 season were below their critical value for crop production in the study area. The root and shoot dry matter yield showed highest value of 5.25gkg-1 and 2.75gkg-1 respectively in PB in 2018 planting season, but the yield values for the two parameters in 2019 planting season was 0.05gkg-1 and 0.07gkg-1 respectively for BN and PN. The growth parameters increased as the WAP increased in both 2018 and 2019 seasons. The result of the study showed that the use of plantain peels and banana peels in crop production activities can improve the soil fertility and crop yield though it will require continuous application for reasonable yield to be achieved beyond first planting.
| 8 |
Author(s):
C.D. Nnadi, C.U. Nwajiuba, G.C. Onubuogu, F.N. Nnadi, P.E. Kainga.
Page No : 87-95
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Market Orientation Awareness and Implementation by Farmers’ Cooperatives under Commercial Agriculture Development Project in Cross-River State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study analyzed Market Orientation Awareness and Implementation by farmers’ Cooperatives under Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) in Cross-River State, Nigeria. To determine the awareness of market orientation culture and the extent of implementation of market orientation by the farmers’ cooperatives under CADP, Cross-River State were the objectives that guided the study. Data collected from 219 purposively sampled cooperatives using CADP list were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, percentage and standard deviation. The results indicated overwhelming awareness of market orientation culture by the farmers’ cooperatives under CADP (98%), marginally market-oriented farmers (mean ≈ 3.24) who implemented 38% competitor orientation, 37% customer orientation and 25% inter-functional coordination. Provision of capacity building programmes through training, seminars, workshops, conferences, among others on market orientation for farmers’ cooperatives was recommended.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Adeosun O., Adeleke R.T., Mustapha B.L..
Page No : 96-102
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Mineral Element Composition of Selected Commercially Smoked Marine and Freshwater Fish Species in Ibadan, Oyo State
Abstract
All living organism requires mineral element for biochemical activities at moderate levels. The deficiency of the principal mineral elements induces a lot of malfunctioning. Fivemarine fish species and four freshwater fish species were collected at Bodija market, dried in the oven, ground and kept for mineral analysis. The data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The result revealed that the macro elements Na, k, Mg and Ca were in large quantities and decreasing order K >Ca> Mg > Na. Values obtained for micro elements were lower than macro elements and are in decreasing order Fe >Zn > Cr >Mn> Cu >Al. The values of Pb, Hg, As and Cd were negligible in all the fish species sampled. Considering the nutritional benefits associated with fish consumption, it is therefore important that the mineral composition of some commercial marine and freshwater fish species be analyzed.
| 10 |
Author(s):
B. C. Ilechukwu, C. O. B. Okoye.
Page No : 103-121
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Bioaccumulation of Toxic Metals from Trace Metals Polluted Soils Using Five Species of Mushroom Found in Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract
The aim of the study was to provide base-line data on five mushroom species and determine their potential for remediation of metal polluted soil in Anambra State, Nigeria. Five species of Mushroom namely Termitomyces robustus, Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus tuber-regium, Amanita phalaoides and Amanita verosa were collected from eleven locations in Uke, Abatete, Ideani, Nnobi, Nnewi (Okpuno-egbu), Nnewi (Umudim) and Ozubulu between 2012 and 2016 in Anambra State, Nigeria. They were kept in clean collection bags and identified by a taxonomist. Some of the mushroom samples were later oven dried at 75 0 C for 4 h and kept for chemical analysis while some were used for cultivation. During cultivation, seeds from matured mushrooms were scrapped from their veils into already compounded substrates/soil from their natural habitats and refuse dump soil. The seeds were allowed to germinate within 4-5 days, the fruiting bodies/spawns were watered once daily for 14 days. The matured mushrooms were harvested, cleaned and oven dried at 75 0 C for 4 h. The dried mushroom samples (wild and cultivated respectively) were homogenized into a fine powder using a blender with titanium blade and stored in pre-cleaned bottles for chemical analysis. These samples were subjected to various chemical analyses using standard methods by the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC). The data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95 % level using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 16.0. Bioaccumulation factors ranged as follows: Cd (0.14 -1.78), Co (0.06 – 3.01), Cr (BDL), Cu (0.01 – 0.35), Fe (1.17 -2.22), Mn (0.38 – 13.53), Ni (0.08 – 1.95), Pb (0.08 – 1.50) and Zn (0.22 – 10.13). The obtained values were above the acceptable limit in food.
