Northern Guinea Savanna Of Nigeria Research Articles

Productivity of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L) Geartn) as Influenced by Pre-emergence Herbicides in the Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria

Two field trials were conducted during 2011 and 2012 wet seasons at the Research Farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Zaria (Lat. 11 o 11 1 N, Long. 07 O 38E and 686m above sea level), in the northern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria, to evaluate the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides on weed in finger millet. The treatments were atrazine (80WP) at the rates of (0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 kg a.i/ha), RafT ® (500SC ) (Atrazine 250 g/l + Terbuthylazine 250 g/l ) at the rates of (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 kg a.i/ha) and Bullet (R) (700SC) (Atrazine 225 g/l + Terbuthylazine 225 g/l + Acetochlor 250 g/l) at the rates of (0.35, 0.75, 1.05 and 1.4 kg a.i/ha), hoe weeded control at 3 and 6 WAS and a weedy check. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated 3 times. The result shows that all the herbicide treatments significantly reduced weed dry weight than the weedy check. Application of atrazine at 0.8 kg a.i/ha or Raft at 0.5 kg a.i/ha gave lower weed dry weight and weed cover score than the hoe weeded control at 3 and 6WAS.While all the rates of Bullet, Raft at 0.75 and 0.1 kg a.i./ha and atrazine at 1.2 and 1.6 kg a.i./ha resulted in lower weed dry matter production which were comparable to hoe weeded control at 3 and 6WAS. Based on the results obtained from this study, 0.8 kg a.i./ha atrazine or 0.5 kg a.i./ha Raft gave season long weed control over hoe weeded check in finger millet with yield increase of 94.2 and 99.5%, respectively. The weedy checks reduced yield of finger millet by 66.7%.

Yield and Yield Components of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L) Geartn) as Influenced by Pre-Emergence Herbicides in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Two field trials were conducted during the 2011 and 2012 wet seasons at the research farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University, 2012 Zaria (Lat. 11o 111N, Long. 07O38E and 686m above sea level) in the northern Guinea savannah zone of Nigeria, to evaluate pre emergence herbicides for weed control in finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L) Geartn). The trial consisted of 14 treatments. Atrazine (80WP) at rates of (0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 kg a.i/ha), RafT® (500SC) (Atrazine 250 g/l + Terbuthylazine 250 g/l) at rates of (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 kg a.i/ha) and Bullet(R) (700SC) (Atrazine 225 g/l + Terbuthylazine 225 g/l + Acetochlor 250 g/l) at rates of (0.35, 0.75, 1.05 and 1.4 kg a.i/ha), hoe weeded control at 3 and 6 WAS and a weedy check. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), replicated 3 times. In both years, all herbicide treatments and hoe weeded control at 3 and 6 WAS significantly increased yield components and yield, consistently across the two years, weedy check gave lower yield characters and yield. Based on the results obtained from this study, 0.8 kg a.i/ha of atrazine or 0.5 kg a.i/ha of Raft gave season long weed control over hoe weeded check in finger millet which resulted into higher grain yield.

Compositional nutrient diagnosis and associated yield predictions in maize: A case study in the northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria

AbstractDeveloping optimal strategies for nutrient management of soils and crops at a larger scale requires an understanding of nutrient limitations and imbalances. The availability of extensive data (n = 1,781) from 2‐yr nutrient omission trials in the most suitable agroecological zone for maize (Zea mays L.) in Nigeria (i.e., the northern Guinea savanna) provides an opportunity to assess nutrient limitations and imbalances using the concept of multi‐ratio compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND). We also compared and contrasted the use of linear regression models and bootstrap forest machine learning to predict maize yield based on nutrient concentration in ear leaves. The results showed that 35% of the experimental plots had low yields due to nutrient imbalances (hereafter referred to as low yield imbalanced [LYI]). These experimental plots were dominated by control plots (without any nutrients applied), plots without N fertilization, and plots without P fertilization. Using the control plot as the ultimate indicator of nutrient imbalance, the significantly limiting nutrients in order of decreasing frequency of deficiency were N, P, S, Ca > Cu, and B. Both linear regression and bootstrap forest machine learning models fairly predicted maize grain yield based on nutrient concentration in ear leaves only in the LYI group and when examining all data with an independent validation dataset. These results suggest that nutrient management strategies, especially through the site‐specific management approach, should consider S, Ca, Cu, and B in addition to the existing nutrients N, P, and K to improve nutrient balance and maize yield in the study area.

Seasonal changes in semen characteristics of pure and crossbred rabbit bucks fed graded levels of vitamin C under heat stress conditions

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of season and graded vitamin C levels on semen quality of rabbit bucks in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. A total of 55 rabbit bucks consisting of 40 pure New Zealand White (NZW) and 15 New Zealand x California (NZW×CAL) crossbreds were used for the study. The duration of the study spanned the hot dry (March-May) and cool wet (June-August) seasons. The traits investigated were semen motility, concentration, volume, pH, colour, live and dead sperm. Results obtained showed that vitamin C had significant (p<0.01) effect on semen characteristics. There was a progressive increase in semen motility, concentration and live sperm and decrease in dead sperm as vitamin C level increased. Semen volume deviated from this pattern while colour was consistent all through. The result on monthly variation indicated that volume increased during the months of March to May ranging between 1.32-1.43 ml while during the months of June to August, it oscillated between 0.41 - 0.95 ml. Sperm concentration significantly (p<0.05) increased from the hot dry months (75.72-129.48x106) to the cool wet months (98.17-102.78x106) while colour remained consistent with an increase in live sperm cells. There was significant (p<0.001) interaction between vitamin C level and season on sperm motility, concentration and live sperm being better in the hot dry (70.9%, 114.5x106, 85.31%) and cool wet (76.3%, 121.6x106, 90.14%) seasons on 400 mg/kg feed vitamin C. Sperm volume was higher on 100 mg/kg feed vitamin C in the hot dry (1.60 ml) and cool wet (0.98 ml) seasons and 400 mg/kg feed in the hot dry (1.57 ml) and cool wet (0.77 ml) than other levels. Based on the results, it is concluded that vitamin C improved the semen characteristics of rabbit bucks at 400 mg/kg feed during the hot dry season which translates to improved semen quality.

Response of Maize-Hybrids Phenology Under high Plant Population Density in parts of Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Plant distribution in the field, as affected by plant density, has been one area that has received a great deal of attention over the last several decades. Population density, whether directly on the plant or indirectly on biotic factors associated with plant density is one of the most important factors in determining physiological attributes of a crop. Maize grain yield has a parabolic response to stand density that maximizes yield, which is widely known by the crop managers, physiologists and breeders; together with the concept that this optimum stand density varies with the environment. Development of breeding populations and hybrids with improved tolerance to high plant densities should be an important part of maize breeding programs. A field experiment was therefore conducted during 2015 and 2016 rainy season at Tudun Wada, Kano and Shika, Zaria in the Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria in order to assess the phenological components of maize-hybrids at high plant population density. The experiment consisted of two plant populations of 53,333 plantha-1 and 88,888 plantsha-1 as main plot and eight recently developed drought–tolerant maize hybrids: M0826-7, M0926-8, M1026-10, M1026-13, M1124-4, M1124-10, M1227-12 and M1227-14 and two widely cultivated commercial hybrids as controls (Oba-98 and Oba super-1) as sub-plots laid out in a randomized split-plot design and replicated three times. Maize-hybrids responded to high plant population density in the two locations. Increasing plant population significantly decreased the phenology of maize-hybrids, which showed better adaptation of hybrids to high plant population density. Hybrids showed shorter days to maturity and shorter anthesis-silking interval. Maize-hybrids performed better at Zaria than at Tudun Wada because rainfall was higher and better distributed in this location. However recent hybrids were more tolerant to high plant population than the commercial hybrids, therefore the recently released maize-hybrids were more adapted to biotic stress.
 Keywords: Biotic stress, Growth, Phenology, Plant population density and Maize-hybrids

Evaluation of furrow infiltration by Swartzendruber and Horton’s models in Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria

The study aimed at evaluating two models (Swartzendruber and Horton) using furrow infiltration data measured in Samaru, Zaria. These measurements were carried out on the three field plots A, B and C. Infiltration parameters were generated from the data measured from plot A and B and fitted into the models for predictions of water infiltrated depths at different time intervals. The predictions from the models were compared with the measured field data from plot C. Statistical indices such as coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and T-test at 5% level of significance were used to determine the best performing model. The results show that, value of R2 and RMSE recorded for Horton’s model was 0.996 and 3.05, while the value of R2 and RMSE recorded for Swartzendruber’s model was 0.998 and 3.01, respectively. The T-test values obtained for Horton’s model was 2.93, while 2.51 was recorded for Swartzendruber’s model. The results of the evaluation indicated that both models were considered suitable because they presented high values of R2 and low values of RMSE as suggested by Aminu (2019). Similarly, the results obtained from the T-test statistics indicated that there is a no significant difference between the models evaluated because the calculated values of ‘T’ 2.93 and 2.51were greater than the tabulated value 2.365 at 5% confidence interval. Therefore, this study recommends that both models should be used to predict infiltration rates of soils in the study area.

Effect of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Variety on Physiological Indices and Nutrient Composition of Livingstone Potato (Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br.) in Gombe, Northern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria

Plectranthus esculentus N.E.Br. locally known as “rizga” is an important indigenous tuber crop in Nigeria which is currently endangered. One major factor that causes disappearance of this species, is the lower agronomic recommendations developed for growers and lack of information about nutrient contents leading to loss of interest in its cultivation. A field experiment was therefore conducted during the 2016 and 2017 rainy seasons to determine the effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and variety on physiological indices as an attempt to conserve and evaluate the potential of the crop in food security, source of income and its adaptation in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments consisted four levels of nitrogen and phosphorus (­0, 60, 90 and 120 kg/ha), respectively and two varieties (vat Riyom and vat Loang’at). Results from analysis of variance showed that nitrogen and phosphorus applied at 90 kg/ha significantly produced higher physiological indices in both years. Beyond this rate, there was a decline in physiological indices resulting in decrease in starch content and dry matter accumulation. Harvest index indicated a positive relationship between the proportion of the biological yield and nutrient levels. Although, varietal difference was not significant on harvest index. This is an indication that HI is purely a genetic trait as affected by environmental factors. It was therefore concluded that, for high yield of livingstone potato, soils should be treated with a moderate application rate of 90 kg/ha nitrogen and phosphorus for enhanced physiological indices which are measures of growth and productivity per unit area of land in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria.

Evaluating quality of soils formed on basement complex rocks in Kaduna State, northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria.

A few investigations have been done regarding the soil quality index (SQI) for various locations, soil types, and states. Still, little has been reported regarding SQI for both surface and control sections, especially for the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. Due to the subsurface property pedogenic influence on soil function, it is crucial to assess SQI using surface and subsurface properties as both properties influence soil productivity. We investigated the potentials of choosing a minimum data set for soil quality indicators and assess soil quality (SQ), using both surface and entire soil pedon data for the soils on the basement complexes. Both additive and weighted soil quality indices and different scoring methods (linear and non-linear) were used in evaluating SQ. Out of the twenty-three soil properties subjected to PCA, eight indicators (TEB, clay, silt, K, EA, EC, BD, and Fe) were selected as the minimum data set (MDS). There was not much difference in the calculated soil quality using the non-linear additive (SQI-NLA), linear additive (SQI-LA), linear weighted (SQI-LW), and non-linear weighted (SQI-NLW) for the soils as they were all rated low (SQI < 0.55). The estimated SQI for the control section had relatively higher values than the surface soil, thus suggesting the need to incorporate both surface and entire soil profile properties in assessing SQ as both are important in integrating the relationship between soil properties and management goals which eventually provides complete information that affects the production of crops.

Spatial distribution patterns of the populations of two subterranean termites (Blattodea: Termitidae) in eucalyptus (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) plantations

The study was conducted in Afaka, Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria to determine the spatial distribution patterns of the populations of Ancistrotermes sp. and Microtermes sp. in Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh, Eucalyptus citriodora Hook, Eucalyptus cloeziana F. and Eucalyptus tereticornis Muell plantations. Spatial distributions patterns of the two termite species populations were determined using indices such as ratios of population variance to mean, Lloyd’s index, Green coefficient, Taylor power and Iwao’s regression models. The values of variance to mean ratios, Lloyd’s index and Green coefficient showed that the populations of both termite species had aggregated distribution pattern in all the Eucalyptus species plantations. The distribution patterns of Ancistrotermes and Microtermes differed using Taylor’s and Iwao regression models. The values of R2 in Taylor’s model ranged from 0.02 to 0.99 for Ancistrotermes sp. and 0.29 to 0.99 for Microtermes sp., while in Iwao’s model, R2 ranged from 0.10 to 0.96 for Ancistrotermes sp. and 0.08 to 0.98 for Microtermes sp. The information provided is vital to develop a sound pest management protocol for these termite species.&#x0D; Keywords: Spatial distribution, Ancistrotermes sp., Microtermes sp., Aggregated, Taylor’s model, Iwao’s model

Variation of soil properties under different landscape positions and land use in Hunkuyi, Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria.

The food insecurity problem in developing countries has been linked to rapid rates of soil loss and decline in fertility in tropical environments which are characterized by insidious topography. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between topographic positions, land use, and soil characteristics. Three slope classes were considered with six pedons; two on each slope position were opened, described, sampled, and analysed for morphological and physicochemical properties. The results showed that the soils were deep to very deep with drainage improving from HK1 soils (very poorly drained) to HK3 (well-drained). The mean sand fraction ranged between 320 and 740 g kg-1, while bulk density had values between 1.20 and 1.80 M gm-3. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soils with values from 5.6 to 10.4 cmol (+) kg-1 was generally lower on the surface than the subsurface soils. The different landscape positions alongside variation in land use substantially influence variations in soil properties of the study area. The influence of topography was noticed for sand values and soil reaction (pH) along the slope, as mean pH values were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher for HK1 compared with HK2 and HK3. Intensive cultivation of soils due to rainfed and irrigated land use on middle slope position (HK2) alongside its strong slope gradient resulted in significant variation in total exchangeable bases (TEB) ((P ≤ 0.05), base saturation (P ≤ 0.05), available P ((P ≤ 0.01), and exchangeable Ca and Mg (P ≤ 0.05).

Influence of Spacing on Performance of Elephant Grass (Pennisetum Purpureurm Schum) during the Year of Establishment in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

A STUDY was conducted using a split-plot design to determine the effect of within-row spacings of 90, 60 and 30cm at a constant 60cm inter-row distance on the forage yield and growth components of two elephant grass varieties, "Shika" and "Ngala", during establishment, at Shika in the northern guinea savanna of Nigeria. With closer spacing, dry matter (DM) yield increased from 11300 kg to 16700 kg /ha and 12300kg to 15300 kg/ha whilst crude protein (CP) yield increased from 517 kg to 644 kg/ha and 600 kg to 698 kg/ha, for "Shika" and "Ngala", respectively, during the wet season when most of the annual growth occurred. The data suggest that "Shika" was more sensitive to denser planting than "Ngala". The stem and the green leaf made the greatest contribution to forage yield during the growing season. However, the green leaf accounted for a greater proportion of yield during the dry season when DM production fell drastically and crude protein content attained a peak. Considerable stand mortality occasioned early July-planted "Ngala" and this provides evidence that it would not be beneficial to establish this more succulent variety at Shika until ample rainfall has been received during the growing season. The low DM content of 18 per cent in 2.6 m tall "Ngala" suggests that successful ensilage of this crop would necessitate pre-wilting. Wider spacing resulted in lower herbage yield and significantly greater weed competition.

THE INFLUENCE OF DATE OF PLANTING AND FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON GROWTH COMPONENTS OF COLUMBUS GRASS (SORGHUM ALMUM)

Trials were conducted at Gangora in the northern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria during the 1990 and 1991 rainy seasons. The effects of date of planting (4th,14th, 24th June and 4th July) and levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 50,100, 150 and 200kg/ha) on growth components of Sorghum almum were investigated. Planting in mid-June (14th June) in 1990 and early-July (4th July) in 1991 resulted in superior stand established and dry matter yields (p&lt;0.05) than other dates. In mid-June and early-July planting 14 day post-planting, plant densities were 7.0 and 9.0 culms/m2 while plant heights were 20.4 and 11.3cm for the respective years. It had high tillering capacity and irrespective of date of planting (except for early-June planting) plant densities by 56 days post-planting (DPP) were greater than 100 culms/m2. Plant height at this stage were greater than 100 culms/m2 and were generally above 200cm. ninety DPP the pasture was at full bloom/hard dough stage. Dm yields then ranged from 8.0 to 11.4 tDM/ha in 1990 and 9.6 to 14.7 tDM/ha in 1991. Similarly seed yield for the respective years were 894.7 and 836.3 kg/ha. Fertilizer application (p&lt;0.05) plant vigour, tillering and dry matter yield up to the highest N applied. In the first years trial, plant density at 35 days post-planting ranged from 12.0 to 29.0 culms/m2 while in the second year the ranged was 13.0 to 26.0 culms/m2. The corresponding values at 56 DPP (i.e 42 days following N application) were 32.0 to 81.0 and 45.0 to 101.0 culms/m2. Dry matter yields rose steadily from 6.5 to 12.5 tDM/ha in 1990 and from 8.9 to 13.6 tDM/ha in 1991 as fertilizer was increased 0 to 200 kgN/ha. Seed yield during the same period for the respective years varied from 416.0 to 753.0kg/ha. This study has shown that planting between mid-June and early-July with fertilize application of 100 to 200 khN/ha favour S. almum establishment and production in the northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Indigenous management of Dystocia in ruminant livestock of northern guinea savanna of Nigeria

This study, conducted in Bauchi and Zaria areas of the northern guinea savanna zone of Nigeria involved livestock that encountered problems during parturition Ninety eight Hausa-Fulani livestock holdings involving cattle, sheep and goats were investigated. The study focused on causes of and remedies for dystocia. The study showed that farmers have traditional means of handling difficult birth in ruminants. The identifiable causes of dystocia included age and size of dam, abnormal foetal presentation, poor health, multiple foetuses and weight and sex of the young. The management of this problem included the use of hand to correct foetal position, lubrication of the vulvo-vagina passage with mashed okra fruit for easy passage, and oral administration of solutions from native herbs, snake scales, potash and ashes.

DIVERSITY OF MICROBES IN SOIL AGGREGATE FRACTIONS UNDER DIFFERENT LAND-USE IN NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA, NIGERIA

Microorganisms play vital role in keeping soil healthy. Bacteria, Fungi and Actinobacteria are active in degrading soil organic matter which improves soil ecosystem functioning. There exists a dearth of information on the influence of land-use on diversity of microbes in different soil aggregate sizes in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. This study assessed the diversity of soil microbes under six different land-use practices namely forest, fallow, pasture legume, pasture cereal, date palm plantation and continuous cultivated. In each land-use soil samples were collected at two depths (0-5 cm and 5-20 cm). The soil samples were divided into two parts, one part was left as collected from the field sites (bulk soil) and the other part was separated into three aggregate fractions (&gt;250 µm, &gt;53 µm and &lt;53 µm). Bacteria, Fungi and Actinobacteria were cultured, isolated and identified, and some soil chemical properties were determined. Colony forming units per gram of soil (CFU/g soil) was computed for the soil microbes. Results revealed that Bacteria is the predominant soil microbe followed by Actinobacteria and then Fungi in all the land-uses. Bacteria population ranged from 1.49x107to 8.65x107CFU/g soil, Actinobacteria population ranged from 9.32x105 to 5.85x106 CFU/g soil and Fungi population ranged between 6.75x104 and 4.21x105 CFU/g soil. Higher microbial population were observed in forest soil than soils of the other land-uses. Continuously cultivated land had the least microbial population. Silt + clay soil fraction had significantly higher bacteria while the bulk soil was significantly richer in fungal population.

ASSESSMENT OF PROFITABILITY OF WATER MELON (CITRILLUS LANATUS) IN SELECTED MARKETS IN PARTS OF KADUNA NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH OF NIGERIA

The study examines the assessment of profitability of watermelon (Citrillus lanatus) in selected markets in parts of Kaduna Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. One hundred questionnaires were randomly administered (100) and 51 were recovered from the respondents. Descriptive statistics gross margin analysis and Z- test were used to analyze the data collected. The results revealed that 74.51% of the respondents are male and 25.29% are female. Majority of the respondents are aged between 35 – 45 years (43.14%) and 12.55% are married. 35.29% of the respondent had secondary education and 39.21% had primary education. The gross margin analysis shows a significant level of profitability at (P&gt;0.05) with estimated net income of #10,851.20 per annum. The Z- test further shows that the calculated value was statistically significant at (P&gt;0.05) probability level. However, recommendation for improvement and marketing of the species were highlighted.

First report of Agaricus micromegatuus found in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria, West Africa

Agaricus is a general name of macrofungi of the family Agaricaceae. Mushrooms vary according to the species, strain, environment and growth conditions. A detail morphological description of Agaricus micromegatuus belonging to the order Agaricales was carried out. The taxon was described and identified using conventional keys. Morphological characters of the wild mushrooms were observed and their morphometrics were recorded thus: Presence of veil with ring, presence or absence of hollow stipe and bulbous base, close or free attached gills (lamellae) in the pileus, shapes and sizes, color and texture of pileus and stalk. Morphological studies revealed that Agaricus mushrooms exhibited hymenium with basidia and basidiospores. Spore prints were collected and spore characters were recorded. The morphology of Agaricus micromegatuus showed cap diameter of 4.0 – 10.0 cm. However, their basidiospores shapes were smooth and elliptical and measured 4.5-5.5×3.5-4.0µ with decurrent and parallel interwoven trama. This is the first report on Agaricus micromegatuus from Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. The species has been deposited in the herbarium of the Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.

Soil Based Heavy Metals Originating from Anthropogenic Activities on Floristic Composition of Some Selected Sites in Kaduna Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Soil based heavy metals originating from anthropogenic activities on floristic composition of some selected sites in Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria were investigated. 50m x 50m plots were laid in each of the three (3) selected sites with 30m espacement between each plot. This is replicated three (3) times to make a total of nine (9) plots in all. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 25m with a soil auger and heavy metal analysis was carried out with the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The floristic compositions were evaluated using line transect method. Flora were enumerated in all the sites irrespective of the growth form, (i.e. trees, shrubs and herbs). The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistic, Anova using SPSS while the diversity index was calculated using Shannon Weiner method. The study revealed the presence of six (6) soil based metals in the selected sites, Cd; Cu; Mn; Ni; V and Zn. Significance differences (P&lt;0.05) exist in soil based heavy metal between sites. A total of two thousand two hundred and sixty one (2,261) floral species were evaluated. The population densities of the floristic composition are higher in site A than all the other sites while species diversity decrease significantly (P&lt;0.05) from Site A to C. It is concluded that population densities and diversity of the floristic composition in the selected sites are influenced as a result of soil based heavy metals originating from anthropogenic activities in the sites. It is however recommended that there should be provision of guidelines for the abatement of pollution establishing standard for the control of fuel additives with respect to heavy metals. Also, there should be prescribed standard for the level of emission from automobile exhaust and energy generating plants and stations.

Physiological Evaluations of Maize Hybrids under Low Nitrogen

A field experiment was conducted during 2014 and 2016 rainy season at Tudun Wada, Kano and Shika, Zaria in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria in order to study the physiological responses of maize hybrids under low nitrogen. The experiment consisted of two nitrogen levels 0 and 120 N kg ha−1 as main plot and 8 drought-tolerant maize hybrids and 2 controls as subplot laid out in a randomized split plot design and replicated three times. Physiological parameters of hybrids were significantly affected by low nitrogen at both locations. Interaction between hybrids and nitrogen was significantly affected at both locations. Based on these results, application of nitrogen significantly increased the physiological growth indices of maize hybrids. The extent of increment in physiological reactions was additionally higher in Zaria in view of higher soil natural carbon and nitrogen and higher precipitation was better dispersed at this area. However recent hybrids were more tolerant to nitrogen stress and out-yielded the older hybrids. Therefore the recently released hybrids were more adapted to abiotic stresses.

Nitrogen Contribution by Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) Genotypes in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Most grain legumes irrespective of their ability to fix substantial amount of nitrogen to the soil, could impact negatively on the soil nitrogen balance, particularly if the fix nitrogen is exported from the field with harvested biomass (Shoot, root, grain/kernel). Thus, for agronomic purposes, it is important to quantify the potential amount of nitrogen from this source that will become available to the soil for subsequent crop uptake and/or ecosystem balance. The field trial was undertaken at the teaching and research field of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru Zaria in the wet planting season of 2011 and 2012. The treatments consist of ten groundnut genotypes (SAMNUT 24, SAMNUT 22, ARRORSICGX-SM 00017/5/P15/P2, SAMNUT 10, ICIAR 7B, ARRORSICGX 000201/5/P4P10, SAMNUT 21, 6AT, SAMNUT 23 and SAMNUT 14), and two rates (0 and 30 kg N ha-1) of nitrogen (urea) fertilizer arrange in a split plot design. Nitrogen balance was estimated as the difference in nitrogen fix by the plant and nitrogen content of kernels/haulms. Results of the analysis of variance indicate that there was significant variation among the selected groundnut genotypes in their net contribution of nitrogen in both 2011 and 2012 at instances where both the groundnut kernel and haulms were exported from the field. Nitrogen contributions by the genotypes were not consistence in both years. In 2011, while SAMNUT 14 left the highest value of 9.79 kg N ha-1, ICIAR 7B returned the highest value in 2012. ICGX-SM 00017/5/P15/P2 (-16.55 kg N ha-1) and SAMNUT 22 (-56.07 kg N ha-1) contributed the least amount of nitrogen in 2011 and 2012 respectively when the kernel were removed from the field. On the other hand, 6AT was relatively stable in both years, and contributed close to 1 kg N ha-1. Even though negative nitrogen balances were reported at instances where the kernels were exported from the field, a more severe N depleting effect was observed when both haulms and kernels were removed from the field. Although, negative N balance was predominant at both rates (0 and 30 kg N ha-1) of N application, but the average nitrogen contribution was significantly higher (-1.10 kg N ha-1) with the application of starter nitrogen than the control (-13.23 kg N ha-1). In view of these findings, groundnut genotypes 6 AT, SAMNUT 14 and ICIAR 7B could be elite genotypes if building a resilience sustainable ecosystem is a priority due to their high biological nitrogen fixing abilities and nitrogen contributing potential.

Effect of fertilizer levels and plant spacing on the performance of Mucuna prureins (velvet bean) in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Fertilizer recommendation for crop and plant spacing is dynamic process in view of the generation of new knowledge with management practices. Information such as (phosphorus levels and plant spacing) on maintaining adequate soil fertility is very much important for producing better forages for livestock. Leguminous crop such as Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) can alleviate some of these problems. Field experiment was conducted to access the effect of phosphorus fertilizer application level at 0, 80 and 120kg/ha and plant spacing interval of 30, 60 and 90cm of Velvet bean. Application of 80kg/ha of phosphorus fertilizer significantly influenced the performance of Mucuna plant such as plant height, number of branches and forage yield. Plant spacing interval of 30cm resulted in better stand count, taller plant, higher number of branches and forage yield per plant. Famers in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria can adopt the application of phosphorus fertilizer at 80kg/ha and using narrower spacing (25cm by 30cm) for better yield of Mucana, thereby increasing farm output and animal performance.Keywords: phosphorus level, plant spacing, Mucuna pruriens, Velvet bean