Arachis Hypogeae Research Articles

Interactive Effect of Bio-Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Crop Growth, Quality, Productivity and Profitability of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogeae L.) in an Alfisols of Western-Ghat of Maharashtra India

ABSTRACT Precisely because of low nutrient availability and toxicities of nutrients unfertilized alfisols are unable to satisfy the nutrients requirement to meet plants demand. An investigation was carried out to assess the impact of biofertilizer inoculation (no biofertilizers, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) @ 10 kg ha−1, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) @ 10 kg ha−1, AMF+PSB @ 5 kg each ha−1 and AMF+PSB @ 10 kg each ha−1) and phosphorus levels (15, 30, 45, and 60 kg ha−1) on growth, quality, productivity and profitability of groundnut in alfisols of Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, in a factorial randomized block design during 2017–18 and 2018–19 growing seasons. It was discovered that groundnuts grew better with 60 kg phosphorus and 10 kg each AMF+PSB ha−1 and produced significantly higher pod yield (35.86 q ha−1), kernel yield (2.52 t ha−1) and harvest index (41.47%). However, inoculation and their interaction did not reach the level of significance, despite the fact that they responded favorably to the high phosphorus (60 kg ha−1) rate. Similarly, plots infused with 60 kg phosphorus ha−1 and AMF+PSB 10 kg each ha−1 significantly exhibited highest oil content (50.62%), protein content (31.93%), total nitrogen (269.71 kg ha−1), phosphorus (8.60 kg ha−1) uptake, nutrient efficiency ratio (40.79 kg kg−1), nutrient harvest index (44.11%), gross return (INR 2,44,388 ha−1), net return (INR 62,209 ha−1), and benefit: cost ratio (B:C ratio) of 1.96. In view of their intense need for nutrients, groundnuts thrived well when given an appropriate combination of inorganic and biological fertilizers.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae L.) production, soil biological characteristics, micronutrient content in soil and plant parts, and their uptake are all influenced by phosphorus, AMF and PSB application

Field experiments during rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 were conducted to asses the groundnut production, soil biological characteristics, micronutrient content in soil and plant parts, and their uptake influenced by graded levels of phosphorus (15, 30, 45 and 60 kg ha−1), Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) application in Alfisols at Botany farm, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli in a factorial randomized block design with twenty treatment combinations which were replicated thrice. Results indicated that higher dose of phosphours (60 kg ha−1), biofertilizers (AMF + PSB @ 10 kg ha−1 each) and their interaction was found prominent in augmenting the highest bacterial, actinomycetes, fungal populations. Further, the combined application of phosphate and the AMF and PSB strain at higher level significantly improved the enzyme activities viz., dehydrogenase, urease, alkaline and acid phosphatase, CO2 evolution and SMBC compared to lower dose of phosphorus and non-inoculated treatment was on par with application of phosphorus @ 45 kg ha−1 with dual inoculation of AMF + PSB @ 10 kg ha−1 each. However, DTPA-extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) status showed significant improvement because of various treatment combinations. Similarly, the application of phosphorus @ 60 kg ha−1 exhibited the highest uptake in edible portion of crops which was resulted in significantly highest pod yield (35.86 q ha−1) of groundnut which was at par with application of phosphorus @ 45 kg ha−1 (31.96 q ha−1) indicating beneficial effect for improving as well sustaining soil health in long term aspects.

Application of Biophosphate fertilizer on Peanut (Arachis hypogeae L) in Lowland

Application of Biophosphate fertilizer on Peanut (Arachis hypogeae L) in Lowland

Impact of nitrogen and sulphur application on the growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogeae L.)

Impact of nitrogen and sulphur application on the growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogeae L.)

The Effect of Immersion Concentration of Coconut Water and Dosage of NPK Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.)

The Effect of Immersion Concentration of Coconut Water and Dosage of NPK Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.)

Effects of Processing on the Proximate Composition, Mineral Content and the Phytochemical Analysis of Groundnut Seeds (Arachis hypogeae)

Effect of processing on the nutritional composition of groundnut seeds were carried out using standard analytical methods. Raw, boiled and fried groundnut seeds were analyzed for proximate composition, mineral contents, and phytochemical screening. The result reported that the raw, boiled, and fried contains (5.357±0.190%, 4.545±0.050% and 3.896±0.015%, moisture contents), (2.401±0.011%, 3.225±0.004% and 2.816±0.001%, ash contents), (46.591±0.001%, 25.333±0.003% and 48.012±0.953%, crude fat), (4.126±0.887%, 15.001±0.030% and 7.692±0.002%, crude fibre), (19.520±0.040%, 21.580±0.040% and 23.540±0.000%, crude protein), (22.005±0.587%, 30.316±0.056% and 14.044±0.939%, carbohydrate) respectively. A significant difference was observed. Processing has significant effects on the mineral components of the seeds. The results revealed that raw, boiled and fried contains (56.900mg/100g, 48.400mg/100g and 35.00mg/100g Sodium), (0.215mg/100g, 0.185mg/100g and 0.540mg/100g Zinc), (65.500mg/100g, 42.700mg/100g and 25.500mg/100g Magnesium), (0.218mg/100g, 0.230mg/100g and 0.230mg/100g Iron), (0.250mg/100g, 0.110mg/100g and 0.100mg/100g Manganese). The phytochemical screening shows the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates and proteins in all the samples and the result reveals that processing does not really have effect on phytochemical constituents. The investigation shows that fresh groundnut is a good source of mineral content, while raw and processed groundnut is a good source of some phytochemical constituents and processed groundnut is a good source of protein, fat, and carbohydrate with high nutritional value.

A Dosis Pupuk Mashitam Dan Pupuk Petro Biofertil Terhadap Pertumbuhan Dan Produksi Tanaman Kacang Tanah (Arachis hypogeae L.) Varietas Jerapah

Peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.) is a legume plant that has high nutritional value. In Indonesia, peanuts as a food source have the potential to be developed. The problem in the peanut farming business is that its production is still low. One of the efforts to increase peanut production is by proper fertilization. The continuous use of inorganic fertilizers causes land damage, so it is necessary to implement a sustainable agricultural system. The use of Mashitam organic fertilizer combined with Petro Biofertil biofertilizer is expected to increase peanut production and can be an alternative in reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers. This study aims to explain the effect of giving a dose of organic Mashitam and Petro Biofertil biofertilizers on the growth and production of peanuts. This study used a factorial randomized block design (RAK) with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor is the dose of Mashitam fertilizer with 3 levels, namely 300 kg/ha; 400 kg/ha; 500 kg/ha and the second factor is the dosage of Petro Biofertil fertilizer with 4 levels, namely 50 kg/ha; 75 kg/ha; 100 kg/ha; and 125 kg/ha which was repeated 3 times. The results of this study showed that there was a significant interaction in the treatment of giving Mashitam fertilizer and Petro Biofertil fertilizer on the variables: dry weight of 100 peanuts, after the DMRT 5% test showed that the treatment that had the highest average was M2P2 (Masitam fertilizer 400 kg/ha and Petro Biofertil fertilizer 75 kg/ha), while the efficient treatment is M1P3 (Mashitam fertilizer 300 kg/ha and Petro Biofertil fertilizer 100 kg/ha). In the single treatment, the dosage of Mashitam and Petro Biofertil fertilizers on the observed variables of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, and fresh weight of pods/plant samples at all observation ages showed no significant difference after further testing with the 5% BNT test.
 Keywords: Peanut, Petro Biofertil Biofertilizer, Mashitam Organic Fertilizer

ANALYSIS OF SOURCES OF MICRO CREDIT TO WOMEN GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGEAE L.) PROCESSORS AND COLLATERAL REQUIREMENTS IN CENTRAL ZONE OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined analysis of sources of micro credit to women groundnut (Arachis hypogeae L.) processors and collateral requirements in central zone of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Two local government areas were randomly selected from the central agricultural zone with sample size of 122 groundnut women processors and data were collected with the aid of well-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results revealed that all (100%) of the groundnut processors were female, 71.3% were married while 9.8%, 8.2% and 10.7 were single, divorced and widowed, respectively. The results also indicated that 35.2% of the respondents had attended secondary school and 27.0% had primary education, 17.2% had tertiary education, 11.5% had never been to school and 9.0% had adult education. Majority (79.5%) had good market access in terms of sales. 19.7% had a fair market access and 0.8% had difficult market access. The results further disclosed that 97.5% of the respondents used local method for groundnut. Majority (53.3%) of the respondents sourced credit through the informal sectors. The findings further showed that majority (86.9%) of the groundnut women processors in Central Bauchi State mainly used relatives as their source of micro credit. Cooperatives source of micro credit, village shopkeepers, local money lenders and faith organizations as well as non-governmental organizations and agricultural traders accounted for 77.0%, 70.5%, 58.2%, 58.2%, 54.1% and 54.1%, respectively. Majority (92.6%) of the groundnut omen processors indicated that household asset was the major collateral they use while obtaining loans from the informal credit sources in the study area. The findings also revealed that salary, land/title deed, cooperative registration and others accounted for 15.6%, 47.5%, 77.9%, and 9.9%, respectively, as other collateral requirements for accessing credit by the respondents in the study area. The study concuded that household asset (92%) was the major collateral the groundnut omen processors used in obtaining loans from the informal credit sources in the study area. Also, (86.9%) of the groundnut women processors major sources of credit was relatives in the study area. The study recommended that women groundnut processors should be provided with simple but efficient equipment at affordable cost, and that soft loans should be made available at low interest rate by the government and non-governmental organizations.

Influence of biochar amendments on the soil quality indicators of sandy loam soils under cassava–peanut cropping sequence in the semi-arid tropics of Northern Lombok, Indonesia

Low nutrient retention and soil organic matter depletion are the major challenges of the cropping system in the sandy loam soils of Northern Lombok, Indonesia. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of biochar-based organic amendments on the soil quality of sandy loam soils under cassava (Manihot Esculenta, Crants)–peanut (Arachis Hypogeae L.) cropping sequence. The treatments were as follows: biochar (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) and rice straw (3 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) (B1); biochar (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>), cattle manure (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>), and rice straw (3 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) (B2); biochar (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) and cattle manure (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) (B3); biochar (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) and cattle manure (10 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) plus rice straw mulch (3 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>) applied on surface soils (B4), and without organic amendments (B0) as control. Results showed that the biochar-based organic amendments significantly improved several soil quality indicators such as SOC, total N, available P, Ca, cation-exchange capacity (CEC), and aggregate stability but had no significant effect on pH, K, and Mg. Improvement in soil quality was strongly indicated by an increase in the growth and yield of cassava and peanuts. Treatments B1, B2, B3, and B4 generally had a comparable effect on soil parameters and tended to improve the growth and yield of cassava and peanuts. Cassava was responsive to treatments B2 (biochar, cattle manure, and rice straw) and B3 (biochar and cattle manure) with its actual yield of 27 tons ha<sup>−1</sup>, which is a 40% increase compared with that in the control. As a secondary crop growing after cassava, peanuts also exhibited higher yields in all amended plots compared with that in the control. The highest yield was obtained in B2 (1.38 ton ha<sup>−1</sup>), followed by B4 (1.36 ton ha<sup>−1</sup>), B1 (1.33 ton ha<sup>−1</sup>), and B3 (1.25 ton ha<sup>−1</sup>). In conclusion, the incorporation of biochar, cattle manure, and crop residues (rice straw) into soils is a promising option to maintain soil quality and sustainably produce cassava and peanuts in the sandy loam soils of the semi-arid tropics of Lombok, Indonesia.

Calcium/calmodulin modulates salt responses by binding a novel interacting protein SAMS1 in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The Ca2+/CaM signal transduction pathway helps plants adapt to environmental stress. However, our knowledge on the functional proteins of Ca2+/CaM pathway in peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.) remains limited. In the present study, a novel calmodulin 4 (CaM4)-binding protein S-adenosyl-methionine synthetase 1 (SAMS1) in peanut was identified using a yeast two-hybrid assay. Expression of AhSAMS1 was induced by Ca2+, ABA, and salt stress. To elucidate the function of AhSAMS1, physiological and phenotypic analyses were performed with wild-type and transgenic materials. Overexpression of AhSAMS1 increased spermidine and spermidine synthesis while decreased the contents of ethylene, thereby eliminating excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in transgenic lines under salt stress. AhSAMS1 reduced uptake of Na+ and leakage of K+ from mesophyll cells, and was less sensitive to salt stress during early seedling growth, in agreement with the induction of SOS and NHX genes Transcriptomics combined with epigenetic regulation uncovered relationships between differentially expressed genes and differentially methylated regions, which raised the salt tolerance and plants growth. Our findings support a model in which the role of AhSAMS1 in the ROS-dependent regulation of ion homeostasis was enhanced by Ca2+/CaM while AhSAMS1-induced methylation was regulated by CaM, thus providing a new strategy for increasing the tolerance of plants to salt stress.

Allelopathic effect of Calotropis procera (L) leaves extract on seed germination and early growth of Arachis hypogeae (L) and Pennisetum glaucum (L)

The effect of aqueous leaves extract of Clotropis procera at 20%, 40% and 80% on seeds germination and early growth of Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae) and Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) was investigated. The results showed that the extract both at lower and higher concentration did not affect the seeds germination of the two plants species. Final germination percentage after ten days was increased by increasing the extract concentration especially on Millet where 100% and 95% germination was observed at 20% and 80% concentration of the extract respectively. Generally, the radicle and plumule growth was sensitive to different levels of the extract where the plumule length was decreased by increasing the extract concentration and some leaves began to die at higher concentration (80%) in Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae). However, plumule emergence and growth was stimulated in both lower (20%) and higher (80%) concentration in Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) seedlings more than control treatment. Therefore the seedlings of Groundnut were more affected by the aqueous extract of Clotropis procera than that of Millet. The implications of these findings are hereby discussed.

Jajar Legowo Planting System on Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea, L)

Peanut (Arachis hypogeae, L.) is the second most important food crop after soybean. The low production of peanuts in Indonesia is caused by various obstacles, namely the use of low seed production, poor land management, pest and disease attacks, suboptimal maintenance, and the influence of the season. These obstacles can be overcome by making efforts such as improving cropping methods and regulating plant populations. The purpose of this study was to obtain the best jajar legowo planting system for growth and yield. This study used a randomized block design, consisting of 4 treatments and four replications. The average test was carried out by the Tukey test at the 5% level. The results showed that the significance value of plant height parameters was 0.910; number of branches 0.313; number of filled pods 0.168; number of empty pods 0.974; pod fill weight 0.601; wet weight is 0.695. The results obtained showed that planting peanuts (Arachis hypogeae, L.) with the jajar legowo planting system in each treatment was not significantly different, so no further testing was carried out. So it can be said that the results of peanuts with the jajar legowo planting system are no different from other planting systems.

Review on chemical compositions and biological activities of peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.).

Peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.) is a food resource with great nutritional and health functions. The present review summarized the nutrients (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals), chemical components (stilbenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols, triterpenes, and alkaloids), and biological activities of edible parts of peanut, and research value of bioactive factor resveratrol. In vivo and in vitro studies, the biological activities of peanut were anticancer, cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and regulating intestinal flora, among which resveratrol had the most significant biological activity. The extraction methods of resveratrol are solvent extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis. Improved extraction and detection methods of resveratrol can better develop high resveratrol peanut varieties. Multiple biological activities of peanuts indicate its potential in disease prevention and treatment. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This review introduces the research progress of nutrients, chemical components, and biological activities of edible portions of peanuts, which will promote the development of peanuts in the food industry and its application as a pharmaceutical preparation. Some bioactive compounds in peanuts, including resveratrol, β-sitosterol, procyanidins, oleic acid, and arachidins, have been found to have the potential to tackle diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and oxidative stress, suggesting that peanuts can be used as nutritional foods to prevent and control these diseases.

Analysis of Peanut (Arachis Hypogeae L) Farming in Buae Village, Watang Pulu District, Sidenreng Rappang Regency

This study aims to determine (1) how much is the cost of peanut farming, (2) how much income is obtained from peanut farming, (3) how much is the feasibility level of peanut farming. This type of research used in this research is descriptive quantitative. The data collection methods used were observation, questionnaires, and interviews. The data analysis used was the B / C Ratio. Primary data which is the result of interviews with respondent farmers is tabulated to determine the cost and income of peanut farmers in Buae Village, the amount of costs used by peanut farmers is divided into three, among others: (1) the cost of labor outside the family (reel issued) of Rp. 5,465,316 and family workers (calculated) of Rp. 2,900,000, (2) the cost of production facilities is Rp. 2,321,457.31 (3) fixed costs of Rp. 345,299.67 total costs incurred by farmers of Rp. 8,132,073.21 / Ha. The amount of revenue is Rp. 18,071,018.06 / Ha. The amount of income received is Rp. 9,938,944.85 / Ha based on the calculation of B / C ratio shows 1.22 indicating that peanut farming in Buae Village is feasible to be developed where each expenditure is Rp. 1 can give you a profit of Rp. 1.22.

Assessment of genetic variability in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes grown under South African conditions using agronomic and SSR markers

Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae) is a legume crop grown in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. The objective of the study was to assess the presence of genetic diversity among fifty three groundnut genotypes of diverse origin using eleven agronomic and twenty SSR markers. The analysis of variance showed that highly significant variations exist among the genotypes for all phenotypic traits measured. Five principal components showed 71% of the total phenotypic variation. The SSR loci showed high values of polymorphic information content ranging from 0.31 to 0.89, with a mean of 0.71. Heterozygosity values ranged between 0.03 and 1.00 with a mean of 0.57. The genotypes showed a wide range of allelic diversity from 3 to 16, with a mean of 8.1 alleles per locus. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that larger variability (59%) was due to variation within individuals, whilst the remaining variation was accounted for variation among individuals within population. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into two distinct clusters, where it showed that the discrimination of the genotypes was not dependant on the origin of the genotypes. The high gene flow observed among the different geographic origin might contribute to the low differentiation among the population. The SSR and phenotypic markers were able to detect wide genetic diversity and discriminate groundnut genotypes. The two genetically distinct groups observed in this study, can be used as source of genes of novelty and parental lines for transgressive segregation and for further broadening of the genetic base of the crop

Quality of Peanut (Arachis hypogeae L.) Kefir with Variation in Ragi Starter Concentration and Long Fermentation

One of the fermented milk products, namely kefir, is increasingly popular because it has many health benefits. Peanut juice has a high enough protein content that it can be used as a substitute for animal milk. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of peanut kefir with variations in the concentration of ragi tape inoculum and fermentation time. This research method used 3 variations in the concentration of tape yeast (1, 2 and 4%) and long fermentation time (24, 48 and 72 hours). The results showed that the highest total LAB was in 4% ragi tape inoculum with a fermentation time of 24 hours (4.4x108 cells/mL) and the lowest was in 4% tape yeast inoculum with a fermentation time of 72 hours (9.8x107 cells/mL) and total yeast between 1x104 cells/mL - 3x105 cells/mL) and alcohol produced <1%. Total acid obtained between 6% - 17.6%. The increase in total acid is proportional to the decrease in pH. The pH of the peanut kefir medium was between 3.44 - 4.12. Peanut kefir with tape yeast inoculum meets the standard requirements for fermented milk and can replace milk kefir.

EFFECTS OF SELECTIVE HERBICIDE, ATRAZINE ON THE RHIZOBIUM POPULATION AND NODULATION OF GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGEAE)

Atrazine is a selective herbicide used to control weeds in farm operations. The effect of different concentrations of atrazine on Rhizobium population and nodulation in groundnut (Arachis hypogeae) was investigated using Yeast Extract Mannitol Agar (YEMA). The test crop was planted for 90 days after the soil was treated with the various concentration of atrazine. The following parameters; Rhizobium count, nodule count, plant height and germination percentage were observed. The total Rhizobium count obtained at 0% atrazine treatment has 3.0 x 108, 0.1% has 2.9 x 108, 0.5% has 2.5 x 108, 1% has 2.0 x 108, and 3% has 1.4 x 108 all in cfu/ml while the number of root nodules formed was also counted after uproot which was; 0% atrazine treated has 50 nodules, 0.1% has 50 nodules, 0.5% has 30 nodules, 1% has 23 nodules and 3% has 19 nodules. The study revealed that the higher the atrazine concentration the lower the population of Rhizobium, the numbers of root nodules increased with decrease in atrazine concentration and Plant height, root length and germination percentage was also affected adversely by increased in atrazine concentrations.

Effects of some test parameters on dehulling efficiency of a roasted groundnut seed dehulling machine

Groundnut (Arachis hypogeae. L) is an important oil seed grown in over 100 countries for its nutritional value. In order to improve its storability and value, various ways of processing the seeds have been adopted among which is the roasting and removal of husk or rind from the roasted groundnuts. The process of removing of groundnut husk is mostly done manually and inappropriate for large scale processing. In order to improve groundnut seed husk dehulling process through mechanization, a roasted groundnut seed dehulling machine was developed and the effects of operating speed of the machine and moisture content of the seed on the on the efficiency of the machine was studied. 1kg of the roasted groundnut in five replicates with moisture content of 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 % (w.b) respectively, was fed into the machine at different speed of 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 rpm for each replicate. The machine had the best dehulling efficiencies of 80%, 78%, 77%, 90% and 73% at the lowest speed (30 rpm) while the lowest efficiency of 57%, 49%, 53%, 52% and 46% was recorded at the highest speed (50 rpm) in all moisture content (1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2%) respectively. The best performance efficiency of 90% was gotten at 30 rpm and moisture content of 2.0 % (w.b). Hence, an optimum operating condition was established for the machine.

Assessment of Farmers’ Perception of Land Degradation and Coping Strategies in Yobe State, Nigeria

The study was conducted between December 2019 – February 2020 in Nguru, Po-tiskum and Gujba Local Government Areas of Yobe state, Nigeria with sole aim of assessing farmers’ perception of land degradation and coping strategies in the state. Descriptive Survey design involving both quantitative and qualitative methods us-ing structured questionnaire and Focused Group Discussions was adopted. A total of 110 farmers were sampled using Purposive and Convenient techniques. Respondents’ demographic data revealed that the majority of the respondents were uneducated male youth with good years of experience in farming practicing non-mechanised rain fed commercial farming with vast farmlands. Crops commonly grown were corn (Zea mays), groundnut (Arachis hypogeae), maize (Zea mays), beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), sesame (Sesamum indicum) and sorghum (Sorgum bicolor) and commonly observed forms of land degradation included wind erosions, soil nutrient depletion, loss of soil fertility, loss of vegetation cover and break down of soil structure. Other forms of land degradation peculiar to some of the studied places were bio-invasion and salinization in Nguru and serious water erosion in Potiskum. The most common unsustainable farming practices identified included deforestation, bush burning, mono-cropping, in-creased tillage, continuous cultivation, indiscriminate use of fertilizer and other agro-chemicals. The farmers’ perceptions on the causes of land degradation were not more different and included deforestation, bush burning, natural causes, continuous crop-ping etc. while its indicators according to the farmers’ perceptions included loss of soil fertility, poor crop yield etc. The farmers also believed that the major impacts of land degradation were reduced crop yield which translates into increased poverty among farming communities. With regards to the possible solutions to land degra-dation, the farmers believed that measures such as shifting cultivation, reforestation, stopping bush burning, mulching, use of organic manure, application of inorganic fer-tilizer etc. were adopted by the farmers. Besides, to cope with the impacts of droughts and delayed rains, the farmers usually practice early planting and use of improved seeds especially drought resistant seeds. Based on the outcome of the study, it was concluded that despite being fully aware of the environmental impacts of some farming practices such as bush burning, farmers in these areas still engage in many unfriendly farming practices probably due to poverty, culture or ignorance. Hence, it was against this background that a strong recommendation was proffered that special laws and regulations should be enacted to tackle human induced agricultural land degradation.

Effect of Different Bio-fertilizers on the Chlorophyll, Nitrogen and Vitamin E Content in Arachis hypogeae L. and Sesamum indicum L.

The peanut or ground nut (Arachis hypogeae L.) is a species in the legume or bean family (Fabaceae). Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a flowering plant belonging to the family Pedaliaceae. The present study was carried out to study the effect of different bio-fertilizers on the chlorophyll, nitrogen content on the 30th day of growth of the plants and Vitamin E content in the seeds after harvest of the two test crops. The bio-fertilizers used were Azospirillum, panchagavya, VAM fungi and a mixture of these three fertilizers. Control plant was maintained without any fertilizer application. The chlorophyll and nitrogen content seemed to be more in the plants treated with mixture of organic fertilizers in both the plants. The Vitamin E content were found to be higher in seeds obtained from Azospirillum treated plants in groundnut and VAM fungus treated plants in sesame.