Investigating the Interaction of IAA and NaCl on the Early Growth of Acacia senegal (L.) Willd and Balanites aegyptiaca (Linn) Del. in Semi-arid Area of Sokoto, Nigeria
Research Aspects in Agriculture and Veterinary Science Vol. 2, 2021
Field trials were conducted during the 2017 wet season at the Dryland Teaching and Research Farm ... more Field trials were conducted during the 2017 wet season at the Dryland Teaching and Research Farm of , Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (Latitude 13o 7’N, Longitude 50 10’E’) and Dutsinma in Katsina State (longitude 70 29’E, Latitude 12o 27’N ). The aim was to evaluate Pendimethalin, Butachlor and S-Metolachlor for weed control in soya beans. Treatments consisted of Pendimethalin at 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 kg a.i./ha, Butachlor at 1.5, 1.8 and 2.0 kg a.i./ha and S-Metolachlor at 0.6, 1.3 and 1.9 kg a.i./ha and control where weeding was done manually at 4 and 6 weeks after sowing. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Data were collected on weed parameters. Results obtained indicated that all the herbicide treatments significantly reduced weed infestation during the first four weeks after sowing but the crop experienced competition with weeds thereafter which varied according to the types of herbicides and their rates. Pendimethalin ...
Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 2013
Phosphate rock has been used over the years as source of P fertilizer especial in acid soils. Sok... more Phosphate rock has been used over the years as source of P fertilizer especial in acid soils. Sokoto state is rich in PR deposit and could be used to complement the conventional P fertilizer whose use by peasant farmers have been limited by high cost and scarcity. Sequel to this, an Experiment was conducted in 2009 at the Botanical Garden, Department of Biological Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to determine the influence of Sokoto Phosphate Rock (SPR) on some chemical properties of soil, growth and yield of cowpea [ Vigna Unguiculata (L)Walp.]. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of two varieties (Dan Gusau (v 1 ) and IT90K-82-2 (v 2 ) and three levels of SPR at 0.062, 0.125 and 0.187g/5kg (25, 50, 75 kg ha -1 ) as well as a control (without fertilizer). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) replicated three times. SPR applied enhanced availability of nutrients in soil and the general performance of cowpea varieties which i...
A study was conducted during 2006/2007 irrigation season to assess the condition of drainage faci... more A study was conducted during 2006/2007 irrigation season to assess the condition of drainage facilities of Kore sector in Kano River Irrigation Project (KRIP) phase I. A total of three hundred and seventy eight field drains and forty six collector drains in the sector were surveyed. The result shows that a total of two hundred and two (202) drains 53.44 % are not functioning (NF) as a result of blockage, cropping, water logging, weed infestation and merger with the rest of the farmland. The number of the drains functioning (F) stand at thirty (30) 7.94 % and one hundred and forty six (146) drains 38.62 % are out of operation because of non existence of irrigation activities due to lack of water reaching those areas which rendered the area to be completely transformed into rainy season farms a such these irrigation and drainage structures are not in place.
International Journal of Agricultural Technology, 2014
A study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons to investigate the effect of poultry manu... more A study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons to investigate the effect of poultry manure and urea on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of castor (Ricinus communis) at the Experimental Field of National Cereals Research Institute Badeggi in Southern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria. The treatments consisted of three levels each of urea and poultry manure at 0, 45 and 90kg N ha -1 and 0, 2 and 4 t ha -1 respectively. The treatments were laid in a randomized complete Block design (RCBD). Poultry manure was incorporated two weeks before sowing and urea was split applied at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS). Castor seeds used for the experiment was Lafia 4 accession. These were sowed on seed beds spaced at1.0 by 0.75m (inter and intra-row spacing). Soil samples were collected before and after cropping for determination of the chemical properties of the soil using standard laboratory procedures. Agronomic parameters were also collected and the data subjected to analysis o...
Field trials were conducted at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Fadama Teaching and Resear... more Field trials were conducted at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Fadama Teaching and Research Farm Kwalkwalawa Village during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 dry seasons to study the effect of bionim and agriboom fertilizers on yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) in Sokoto. Treatments consisted of factorial combination of five levels of each of agriboom fertilizer (0, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000l/ha), bionim fertilizer (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000kg/ha) and a Red Bombay Onion variety). Treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times. Results of the study indicated that agriboom fertilizer at the rate of 4000ml/ha consistently recorded the highest values for all the parameters studied. Similarly, the use of 1000kg/ha of bionim fertilizer rate showed superiority among the treatments in all the parameters investigated. From the finding of this research it could be concluded that 4000ml/ha of agriboom organic fertilizer combined with 1000kg/ha of b...
The study was under taken to assess the fertility status of the flood plain soils of some selecte... more The study was under taken to assess the fertility status of the flood plain soils of some selected local government areas of Kebbi State and recommend management practices to be provided for the maximum yield of tomatoes in Kebbi State. Soil samples were analyzed for the various physical and chemical properties following the standard procedures. The study revealed that the soils were predominantly sandy loam in texture with the mean particles composition of 715.71 gkg-1, 87.42 kg-1 and 196.87 kg-1 for sand, silt and clay, respectively. The soils contained low organic carbon of 6.0 gkg-1 and high concentration of nitrogen (0.8 gkg-1) which might be due to frequent addition of nitrogenous fertilizers on the soil. The low available phosphorus of 0.64 mgkg-1 was observed which might be due to acidity level of the soils (pH 5.6). On the basis of exchangeable bases, the soils were discovered to be low in Ca (1.51cmolkg-1), but high in Mg content (1.78 cmolkg-1). The soils contained high N...
Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 2013
A study was undertaken to examine the nutrient contents of some selected organic materials within... more A study was undertaken to examine the nutrient contents of some selected organic materials within Sokoto metropolis. The organic materials sampled included; neem leaves, neem seeds, poultry manure, sheep dung, cow dung, refuse dump, millet husk, wood ash and rice husk. The samples were collected in three replicates from different locations, making a total of 27 samples. These samples were air-dried, gentle crushed and sieved through 2mm sieve mesh. The following chemical properties of the samples were analyzed using standard methods; pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, Na, and K) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) and percentage base saturation (PBS) was also calculated. The result showed that the pH value ranged from 5.4 (neem seeds) to 7.54 (sheep dung). The organic matter content ranged from 2.03% in neem leaves to 22.05% in sheep dung, sodium ranged from 0.39 cmol/kg in millet husk to 7.10 cmol/kg in refuse dump, total nitrogen v...
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2020
A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of combined application of fortified pou... more A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of combined application of fortified poultry manure with ash and NPK fertilizer on the performance of sakanal onions (Allium cepa L.) variety during 2018/2019 dry season in Chimola (Gwadabawa LGA) and Wurno (Wurno LGA), Sokoto State. The treatments consisted of three (3) levels combination of fortified poultry manure with ash (1:3 ratio) at 5, 10 and 15t ha-1 and three (3) levels of NPK at 30, 45 and 60kg ha-1 which were combined and laid-out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three (3) times. Sakanal onion variety was used as a test crop. The data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure for RCBD using SPSS version 23.0. The results revealed that fortified poultry manure with ash and NPK fertilizer significantly (P<0.05) affected Growth and yield parameters such as plant height (71 - 62 cm), number of leaves (8), fresh bulb yield (70t ha-1), crop growth rate (1.52g cm-1) in Ch...
This research was conducted with a view to assess the carbon stock in Majiya Fuel Reserve in Dang... more This research was conducted with a view to assess the carbon stock in Majiya Fuel Reserve in Dange Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State. A 150 m line transect was laid at both sides of the reserve and the area was divided into 30 x 30 m plots, of which simple random sampling was used to select 15 plots from each side. A total of 474 trees from 30 randomly selected plots using 5 line transects were used for this study. Detailed measurement of the trees were carried out in terms of merchantable height, diameter at base, diameter at breast height (Dbh), diameter at middle and top in all the selected plots. Stem cores were also taken from 5 randomly selected trees in each selected plot for density estimation. Near the center of each plot, soil samples were collected at three different depths (0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm) for soil organic carbon (SOC) estimation. The data collected were used to compute volume and density for aboveground biomass (AGB) estimation and 20% of the AGB was adopted for belowground biomass (BGB) estimation. The AGB was estimated to be 44.58t ha-1 , BGB of 8.92t ha-1 and SOC of 252.04t ha-1 which amounts to a total carbon stock of 305.54t ha-1 and the atmospheric CO 2 capture of the reserve was 1121.33t CO 2 e ha-1. The result of this study revealed that Majiya Fuel Reserve has a great potential for sequestering atmospheric CO 2 if managed sustainably.
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2015
An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of industrially formulated organomineral f... more An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of industrially formulated organomineral fertilizer (OMF) on some chemical properties of soil and growth performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Sokoto, Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria. The experiment was carried out at the screen house of the
American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 2015
Sustainable use of mineral fertilizer by Nigerian farmers has become a serious problem due to eve... more Sustainable use of mineral fertilizer by Nigerian farmers has become a serious problem due to ever increasing cost and associated procurement difficulties. Besides this, the use of chemical fertilizers have created a lot of environmental issues thereby rekindling the interest of many researchers in the use of organic materials either in their sole form or combination with less amount of chemically produced materials. It is on this premise that a field experiment was carried out to evaluate the comparative efficacy of cow dung manure (CD) and NPK 20-10-10 in their sole and combined forms as well as their effects on some soil properties. However, the experiment consists of six treatments-NPK (0.3t/ha), CD (3t/ha) , NPK + CD combined in ratio 1:2 on weight basis (w/w) (0.5t/ha), NPK + CD at 1:4 w/w (0.75t/ha) , NPK+CD at 1: 6 w/w (1t/ha) and the control(unfertilised) pot using chilli as the test crop.The result obtained on growth and yield of chilli pepper revealed that plant height, stem girth and fresh fruit weght were significantly enhanced over the control.
Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2011
IT90K-l372-1-2, IT90K-82-2 and Bahaushe (local). The legume genotypes and reference millet crop (... more IT90K-l372-1-2, IT90K-82-2 and Bahaushe (local). The legume genotypes and reference millet crop (ZM-01-58) were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. N difference method and the difference between N 2-fixed and N exported in grain at harvest were used to estimate N 2-fixed and N balance respectively. The biomass yield (2.9 to 5.23 t ha-1) in cowpea cultivars were significantly (P<0.05) higher than in soybean (0.95 to 1.5 t ha-1). Above ground cowpea biomass (vine plus litter) accumulated up to 81.03 kg N ha-1 which differed significantly from the 33.13 kg N ha-1 observed in soybean. N 2-fixed that ranged from 42.27 to 59.07 kg N ha-1 in soybean cultivars was generally higher than those of cowpea. All the soybean cultivars recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher grain N than the cowpea. This explains the high percentage nitrogen harvest index (NHI) (64.33 to 70.22 %) and negative N balances (-9.47 to-1.2 kg N ha-1) obtained in all the soybean genotypes. On account of the large above ground biomass and N content, positive N balances and low percentage N H I, cowpea appeared to perform better in contributing to soil N the following year.
Effect of Cow Dung on Soil Properties and Performance of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) in Sudan Savanna, Nigeria
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2015
The study was conducted during the 2011/2012 dry season at two locations simultaneously, to evalu... more The study was conducted during the 2011/2012 dry season at two locations simultaneously, to evaluate the effect of cow dung rates on some selected soil chemical properties and performance of sweet potato. The trials were conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto vegetable research farm (Kwalkwalawa) and Bakalori irrigation project, Talata Mafara, Zamfara State, Nigeria. The three rates of cow dung were; 3, 2 and1 t/ha which was laid in randomized complet e block design (RCBD) replicated three times. The soil properties considered were; soil pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen and available phosphorus. Number of vines and leaves per plant, tuber weight and fresh tuber weight were am ong the growth and yield parameters considered for assessing the sweet potato performance. Result obtained were consistent as per locations, indicating that treatments have no significant effect (P>0.05) on soil properties, while significant (P<0.05) on gr owth and yield parameters of sweet potato. Application of 3t/h cow dung recorded
Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2011
The effect of Ipomea asarifolia on physico-chemical properties of the soils at Usmanu Danfodiyo U... more The effect of Ipomea asarifolia on physico-chemical properties of the soils at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto main campus, in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria was investigated. The study determined the effect of the plant on some physical and chemical properties of soils, found out the nutrient retention ability of the plant in the soils and the variation of the effect with distance within the plants canopy. A total of 48 samples were collected from four different sites within Usmanu Danfodiyo University main Campus; VC complex area, University stadium area, Behind new library area and opposite IBB centre area and four distances from the plant (control, plant base, 0.5 m and 1 m from the plant base). Samples were collected for use in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment with three replicates. Soil pH, Organic C, CEC, total N, available P, K, Ca and Mg concentrations were determined, particle size analysis was also carried out. The results were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), where significant F values were obtained, the means were separated by Duncan multiple range tests (DMRT). The difference among the sites and the distances were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01) for the chemical properties determined. The soils of the University stadium area had the highest CEC and total N; 4.28 g kg-1 and 0.41 g kg-1 respectively, while the soils of the IBB centre area had the least organic carbon, CEC, and available phosphorus; 3.23 g kg-1 , 2.00 cmol kg-1 , 9.00 mg kg-1 respectively, with the effect almost following the order; University stadium area > VC complex area > New library area > IBB centre area. On the other hand, the effect on all the parameters was found to decrease with distance from the plant with the base of the plant having the highest organic C, CEC, total N, available P and exchangeable K, Ca and Mg; 6.83 g kg-1 , 5.00 cmol kg-1 , 0.42 g kg-1 , 10.82 mg kg-1 and 0.26, 0.50 and 0.97 cmol kg-1 respectively, while the control soils had the least values; 3.46 g kg-1 , 4.00 cmol kg-1 , 0.12 g kg-1 , 7.43 mg kg-1 , 0.21, 0.38, and 0.45 cmol kg-1 respectively. The effect was attributed to the accumulation of organic matter around the plant and its ability to prevent erosion by both water and wind thus retaining nutrients making it a suitable cover crop for soil fertility improvement.
Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2010
A study was conducted in Gantsare village, Wamakko local government, Sokoto state to determine th... more A study was conducted in Gantsare village, Wamakko local government, Sokoto state to determine the effect of cement dust emitted from Sokoto cement factory on the fertility of fadama soils. Soil samples were collected in June, 2008 from the eastern, northeastern, and southeastern parts of the village and Girabshi; a nearby village with least effect of the dust. The samples were collected at two depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) using simple random sampling method. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed, replicated three times, making a total of 24 samples. The samples were analyzed for pH, OC, CEC, total N, available P, exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K and Na) and particle size. Almost all parameters determined were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01). OC was found to be lower in concentration in the areas closer to the factory; eastern part<northeastern part<southeastern part<Girabshi village; 1.31<1.36<1.50<2.59 g kg-1 respectively, available P also followed similar trend. While pH indicated a reverse trend; eastern part>northeastern part>Southeastern part>Girabshi village; 7.77>7.76>7.75>6.25 respectively, likewise CEC and exchangeable bases. The trend in the results observed may be attributed to possible adverse effects of the dust on microbial population, reduction in the availability of some nutrients and a favour on the concentrations of exchangeable bases and CEC. The topsoils showed better results of all the soil chemical properties. The study recommends minimization of the amount of dust reaching agricultural soils and the use of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizer supplements as soil management practices to enhance soil fertility status and enhance adequate crop yield in the area.
Study was conducted to assess the current condition of drainage channels of Kore sector in Kano R... more Study was conducted to assess the current condition of drainage channels of Kore sector in Kano River Irrigation Project (KRIP) phase I with a view to evaluate field and collector drains hydraulic parameters. The result shows that the bed slopes and geometry of both field and collector drains have drastically change thereby pounding the water rather than evacuating it. The carrying capacity of the field drains are 0.16, 0.49 and 0.54 m 3 /s for Kore I, II and VI respectively. The value exceeded the design value of 0.03m 3 /s as a result of erosion which have expanded the drains dimensions. The estimated Manning's roughness coefficient using the determined discharge runoff of 0.0059m 3 /s from the drains was found to be 0.6, a value far above the design discharge of 0.03 for the field drains. Even though the runoff recorded during the irrigation period was found to be adequate and can be handled by the drains' current carrying capacity however, farmers' practice during the rainy season period pose a serious challenges on the overall existence of the project.
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