Northern Guinea Savannah Of Nigeria Research Articles

PERFORMANCE OF AMARANTH (AMARANTHUS CRUENTUS) AS INFLUENCED BY NPK FERTILIZER AND ORGANIC LIQUID FERTILIZER AT SAMARU, NORTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

Organic fertilizers have been proven to be more affordable, increase yields and safer for the ecosystem compared to chemical fertilizers. A study was carried out on the effect of NPK fertilizer and an organic liquid fertilizer (SuperGro) on Amaranthus cruentus in 2019 at the research field of the Institute for Agricultural Research and in 2022 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Samaru College of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in the northern guinea Savannah of Nigeria. SuperGro liquid fertilizer is 100% organic, made from poultry droppings and seabird guano. It contains (72 g L-1 N), (45 g L-1 P, 30 g L-1 K, 15 g L-1 S, 9 g L-1 Ca, 7 g L-1 Mg), micronutrients (5 mg L-1 Fe, 3 mg L-1 I, 1 mg L-1 Zn and 1 mg L-1 of marine salts. Treatments consisted of NPK 20:10:10 at 150, 300, 450 and 600 kg ha-1, SuperGro at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 L ha-1and a control plot (Zero fertilizer) laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data was collected on plant height, leaf area index, foliage yield and seed yield and were subjected to analysis of variance using the general linear model procedure of the statistical analysis system package. Results obtained showed that application of either of the fertilizers increased the parameters taken. However, foliage yield was highest with application of 1 L ha-1 of SuperGro where 75,556 kg ha-1 was obtained in 2019 and 86,632 kg ha-1 in 2022...

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.

GROWTH AND DRY MATTER (FODDER) PRODUCTION OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) VARIETIES AS AFFECTED BY TIMING OF NITROGEN SECOND DOSE FERTILIZATION

ABSTRACT 
 Field trials were conducted in 2016 wet season at Institute of Agricultural Research IAR, Research Farm(Lat.11o 11’ N, Long. 07038’ E, 686m above sea level), Samaru-Zaria and Jaji Military Cantonment Farm located at 30 Km from Zaria along Kaduna – Zaria road (Lat. 10o 49’ 25” N, Long. 07o 34’ 10” E, 600m above sea level), both in Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria, to Investigate the growth of Maize varieties and dry matter produced at varying timing of nitrogen second dose fertilization. The treatments consist of three maize varieties (SAMMAZ 14, SAMMAZ 15 and SAMMAZ 16) and six times of nitrogen second dose fertilization 4 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 weeks after sowing (WAS). Treatments were factorially combined and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. SAMMAZ 16 outperformed SAMMAZ 14 and SAMMAZ 15 in terms of plant height, number of leaves, total leaf area, leaf area index and dry matter production. Time of nitrogen second dose application 6 WAS consistently produced the highest growth attributes of maize ;plant height, number of leaves, total leaf area, leaf area index and dry matter production compared to other timings evaluated. SAMMAZ 16 and 6 WAS in conclusion appeared to be the optimum for increased maize fodder (dry matter) production in the Savannah region where potential for livestock production is high.

Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in growing Red sokoto bucks fed Sorghum bicolor hay supplemented with concentrate

During the dry season, forages are low in quantity and quality; hence lacks the essential nutrients that are prerequisite for growth in ruminants, suggesting a supplemental feeding. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in growing Red Sokoto bucks fed Sorghum bicolor hay supplemented with concentrate. Eight growing Red Sokoto bucks with average body weight of 15±1.0 kg were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments containing S. bicolor hay/concentrate mixture (100:0 and 60:40). The bucks were individually fed at 3.5% body weight daily for a period of 21 days in a completely randomised design with four replicates per treatment. The parameters measured were dry matter intake, water intake, amount of faeces voided, volume of urine and costs of feeding. Total dry matter intake (424.64g/day) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 60:40 dietary treatment than 100:0 treatment (353.57g/day). The digestibility coefficients of crude fibre (92.34 %), acid detergent fibre (71.46 %) and neutral detergent fibre (69.77 %) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in Red Sokoto bucks fed Sorghum bicolor hay:concentrate ratio of 100:0 compared to bucks fed 60:40 diet with crude fibre (87.25 %), acid detergent fibre (59.67 %) and neutral detergent fibre (60.08 %) digestibility coefficient values. However, crude protein (78.49 %) and ash (70.04 %) digestibility coefficients in bucks fed 60:40 diet were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those fed 100:0 diet with 38.14 % crude protein and 21.45 % ash digestibility coefficients. There was an increasing trend (p<0.05) in all parameters measured when concentrate was supplemented. The nitrogen retained (7.55 g/day), nitrogen retained as % intake (68.76 %) and nitrogen absorbed as % intake (78.46 %) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in Red Sokoto bucks fed 60:40 diets when compared with that of 100:0 diet which recorded 0.69 g/day nitrogen retained, 23.87 % nitrogen retained as % intake and 38.15 % as nitrogen absorbed as % intake, respectively. Total costs per kg of feed (N78.13K) and costs of feeding per buck (N696.72K) were significantly (p<0.05) higher for 60:40 diet than 100:0 diet with N45.83K total costs per kg feed and N340.29K costs of feeding per buck. It is therefore, concluded that concentrate supplementation on Sorghum bicolor hay enhances its utilisation by growing Red Sokoto bucks in terms of increased dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention in Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria.

Thermoregulation in humid climate-adapted and Savannah breeds of goats exposed to West African cold (harmattan) season

Abstract The West African Dwarf (WAD) goats have hereditary dwarfism and are adapted to the humid climate. The study compared the cold tolerance of WAD and Savannah (Red Sokoto and Sahel) goats during the peak of the West African cold season in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. A total of 18 adult non-pregnant, dry does comprising equal number of each breed (six per breed) were used for the study. Thermoregulatory variables were recorded four times in the morning (07:00 h) and afternoon (13:00 h) hours at two-day intervals. Results revealed that irrespective of the hour of day, the WAD had significantly (p < 0.05) higher respiratory rate when compared with Red Sokoto and Sahel goats. The diurnal afternoon rise in respiratory rate and the magnitude of afternoon rise in rectal temperature was higher (p < 0.0001) in WAD than Sahel and Red Sokoto goats. The body surface temperature in the morning hours was significantly lower in WAD compared with Sahel breed, while in the afternoon hours, the inter-digital space temperature was significantly lower in WAD compared with Savannah breeds. However, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in heart rate, rectal, head and leg temperatures between the breeds in both morning and afternoon hours. Discriminant analysis revealed that the morning hours induced greater homogeneity in the thermoregulatory responses between the breeds adapted to the humid and Savannah climates as compared with the afternoon hours. It was concluded that although WAD goats employed more intense peripheral vasoconstriction to survive cold exposure and demonstrated greater diurnal amplitude in thermoregulatory variables, they maintained comparable core body temperature as the indigenous Savannah breeds. Thus, suggesting that despite the hereditary dwarfism, the WAD goats could conserve body heat during the West African cold season in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria.

Appraisal of cowpea cropping systems and farmers' perceptions of production constraints and preferences in the dry savannah areas of Nigeria.

Abstract Background: Low plant density and wide intra-plant spacing in traditional cowpea cropping systems are among factors responsible for low yield on farmers' fields. Sole cropping and improved intercropping systems have been advocated in the last few years, to increase yield in the northern guinea savannah of Nigeria. This study investigated the level of adoption of high yielding cowpea cropping systems including factors that influenced their use, and assessed farmers' perceived production constraints and preferences. A total of 420 farmers across 36 villages of northern Nigeria were interviewed, and data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics to appraise farmers predominant cowpea cropping systems and factors that determine the use of sole vis-à-vis intercropping were identified with the aid binary logit regression. Furthermore, pairwise comparison ranking was deployed to understand farmers' view of cowpea production constraints and preferred traits. Results: The results revealed that many farmers (42%) still grow cowpeas in the traditional intercropping and a good number (25%) cultivate the crop as a sole crop, while 23% had fields of cowpeas in sole and intercropping systems. Farmers reported the incidence of high insect pests, limited access to land, desire to have multiple benefits, and insurance in the event of crop failure as reasons for preference for mixed intercropping over sole planting. The pairwise comparison ranking of constraints and preferences revealed insect pests, Striga , drought and poor access to fertilizers as major constraints to increased production, while many farmers indicated high yield as the most preferred trait. Conclusions: Findings from the study indicated a need for increased education and training of cowpea farmers on the importance of growing cowpeas in sole cropping and or improved intercropping systems. Genetic improvement efforts should focus on developing cowpea varieties that address farmers production constraints and reflect the diversity of consumers' preferences for the crop. Hence, breeding for resistance to insect pests and high yield is recommended as an important priority of cowpea breeding programmes in the region.

Farmers’ knowledge, perception, and use of phosphorus fertilization for cowpea production in Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is an important legume crop, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Poor soil fertility is among the major abiotic factors that contribute to this crop's low yield. Phosphorus (P)-based fertilizers significantly increase cowpea yields but these fertilizers are not well adopted by smallholder cowpea farmers. To understand why, we surveyed 420 farmers across three major cowpea-producing states in Nigeria: first, we assessed the cowpea farmers' knowledge and perception of the need for fertilizers, especially P fertilizers; and, second, we identified factors that determine the use – or non-use – of P-based fertilizers. Although over 80% of farmers surveyed were aware of the value of fertilizers as a yield-increasing factor and were able to identify crops suffering from nutrient deficiency, only 10% used P-based fertilizers like single super phosphate (SSP) and another 11% used combinations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizers and SSP for cowpeas. Reasons for not using P-containing fertilizers included high cost, poor availability in rural markets, and lack of awareness on the need to use P fertilizers. Additionally, many growers believed that cowpeas do not require fertilizers, especially if the previous crop had been maize. Our findings are important for strategies to increase the productivity of cowpeas among smallholder growers especially in the northern regions of Nigeria and beyond, where subsistence farming systems are prevalent. Increased cowpea production through the adequate use of inputs like P fertilizers will support Nigeria's effort to reduce its large imports of cowpea grain from neighboring countries. Our survey further demonstrated that P-containing fertilizers are crucial production inputs for increased cowpea production in these regions and in areas with similar traditional farming practices. Our results will benefit breeders, development partners, extension personnel, and other stakeholders in cowpea value chains.

Influence of soil depth and texture on moisture characteristics and plant available water content of Alfisols in northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

Influence of soil depth and texture on moisture characteristics and plant available water content of Alfisols in northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

OPTIMIZING NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER WITH AND WITHOUT COW DUNG ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L) IN DIGIL-MUBI, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

The research, optimizing nitrogenous fertilizer with and without cow dung on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Digil-Mubi, Adamawa state, Nigeria, was conducted in Farm and skills acquisition center Digil -Mubi, to determine the effects of nitrogenous fertilizer with and without cow dung on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in the area. Seeds of maize was obtained from the open market in Mubi. Complete randomized design (CRD) was used and replicated three times. The trials were conducted during the 2018 cropping season at Digil - Mubi, Mubi Local Government, Adamawa state, Nigeria. Located in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. Digil - Mubi is situated between latitude 100 10’’ and 100 30’’ North of the Equator and between longitude 130 10 and 130 30’’ E of the Greenwich meridian and at an altitude of 696 m above mean sea level (MSL). The results obtained, showed that, there were significant differences at P< 0.05 in terms of yield between treatment two (30Kg N + 0 tone cow dung and 60Kg N + 5 ton cow dung. But there were no significant difference at P< 0.05 in terms of yield between 90Kg N + 5 tones cow dung and 120Kg N + 5 tones cow dung. However, luxuriant growth was observed in 120Kg N + 5 tones cow dung than the 90Kg N + 5 tones cow dung. Similarly, there were no significant difference in yield in the control plot ( 0Kg N + 0 tone cow dung) and 30Kg N + 0 tone cow dung. But the growth performance varies based on the treatment’s combinations. The results obtained from this study showed that, combined application of nitrogen and cow dung in Digil Locality resulted in higher growth, yield and changes in some soil chemical properties than sole application of each nutrient source in the study area. The results also reveals that, the application of 90Kg N + 5 tones of cow dung gave the highest yield of 2,928Kg/ha-1 while 120Kg N + 5 tones of cow dung gave the highest vegetative yield. The lowest grain of 1,796Kg-1 was obtained at 30Kg N + 0 tone of cow dung. The application of 90Kg N + 5 tones of cow dung is therefore recommended in Digil – Mubi and it surroundings for maximum yield and maintenance of soil fertility level in the area.

SASAKAWA TECHNOLOGY A PANACEA TO MAIZE YIELD IMPROVEMENT AND MEETING THE VAGARIES OF CLIMATE CHALLENGE IN MUBI

This study determines the efficacy of Sasakawa technology to maize yield improvement and meeting the demand of the populace in terms of food crop production at the time of unpredictable weather conditions in Mubi. The field trials were conducted during the 2017 cropping season at the teaching and research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Adamawa state University Mubi to evaluate the effect of Sasakawa Technology as a panacea to maize yield improvement and meeting the vagaries of climate change in Mubi. Mubi, located in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. Mubi is situated between latitude 100 10’’ and 100 30’’ North of the Equator and between longitude 130 10 and 130 30’’ E of the Greenwich meridian and at an altitude of 696 m above mean sea level (MSL). Extra early white (EEW) variety of maize was obtained from Farm office of the University, were sown at three different sowing dates 19th July, 29th July and 8th August, 2018. There was a large yield difference between the Sasakawa Technology of maize production and local farmers’ output in Mubi, despite the limited opportunities to sustainability and increase in the productivity of the crop in order to adapt to vagaries of climate change. Yields recorded during the three sowing dates were 2,967kg/ha, 2,930kg/ha and 2,921kg/ha while on the neighboring farmer’s field was 1,897kg/ha. It indicated that, the Sasakawa technology used in terms of spacing of 25cm x 25cm between plants and 75cm x75cm between rows, single seed per stand and appropriate fertilizer application increased maize yield more than the neighboring farmers fields. The Sasakawa technology recorded mostly two cobs per stand, longer cobs mean lengths with maximum grain filled and the grains were significantly bigger when compared to the farmer’s fields. Even though some critics argue that, Sasakawa Global 2000 technology deals with high-external-input technologies (HEIT) which are too costly to some farmers, but the out – put out weights the input in terms of yields, economic returns and also sustained the vagaries of climatic effects due to timely sowing and maintenance of the Sasakawa technology techniques. To boost maize production in Mubi and at this time of unpredictable climate and its effects, the Sasakawa technology is recommended to be adopted by the farmers.

Yield and yield components of intercropped dual-purpose lablab and cowpea with maize of contrasting maturities

Intercropping is a way to intensify agricultural land use. Cowpea is an important crop in the traditional farming systems in northern Nigeria because it serves to provide food and feed. Although lablab has potential to function in these ways, it remains an underutilized crop because among other factors, there is dearth of information on its incorporation into the system by way of intercropping it with the major cereal crops. A field trial was conducted at Samaru (11o 11’N, 07o 38’E, 686 m asl) in northern Guinea savannah of Nigeria, to evaluate the relative yield and yield components of dual-purpose lablab and cowpea cultivars when gown sole and when intercropped with maize of contrasting maturities. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with four replications. The experiment consisted of early maize maturing cultivar (TZE COMP. 5 W) and a late maize maturing cultivar (TZL COMP. 1 SYN). Cropping system (intercropping and sole cropping) was assigned to the main plot and crop cultivar (lablab: ILRI 4612, NAPRI 2 and cowpea: IT89KD- 288, IT99K-241-2) was assigned to subplots. Results showed that intercropping cowpea or lablab into early maturing maize cultivar was more productive than intercropping into late maturing maize cultivar for number of pods (74.4 vs. 63.9), harvest index (0.22 vs. 0.20), grain yield (575.7 vs. 441.0) and fodder yield (2075.4 vs. 1758.2) for the legumes. Lablab cultivars had superior performance than cowpea for number of pods (113.5-114.2 vs. 81.1-81.5) and fodder yield (2968.9-3042.3 vs. 1725.4-1795.9 kg ha -1 ) whereas cowpea cultivars had superior performance than lablab for harvest index (0.29 vs. 0.17) and grain yield (802.3-833.9 vs. 587.8-632.4 kg ha -1 ), meaning that both legumes have potential in providing food and feed with lablab producing more fodder and cowpea more grain. Land equivalent ratio showed that intercropping advantage was higher when lablab and cowpea were intercropped with early maturing maize cultivar (1.34, 1.24) than with late maturing maize cultivar (1.10, 1.15). It is recommended that for higher lablab or cowpea/maize productivity in an intercrop, farmers should intercrop dual-purpose cultivars of these crops with maize of earlier maturities. Keywords: maize, lablab, cowpea, grain yield, fodder yield

Blood profile of growing dromedary camel fed varying levels of dried Gawo (Faidherbia albida) leaves in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dried Faidherbia albida leaves on some haematological and biochemical parameters of growing dromedary camels. Four male camels weighing on average 228.51 kg were randomly allocated to 4 diets containing 0, 10, 20 and 30% dried F. Albida leaves in a 4 x 4 Latin Square Design. Normal haematological (whites blood cells, Red blood cells, Packed cells volume and haemoglobin concentration), different Leucocytes count (Neutrophils, Esinophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Basophils) and Serum biochemical parameters have been determined. Statistical analysis showed there were significant differences in all the parameters. However, the values were within the normal reference values. Hence, dried F. albida leaves can be included in the diets of camels up to 30% without detrimental effect on their blood profile in the northern guinea savannah of Nigeria.

Effect of imazapyr treated maize on Striga infestation and time of intercropping cowpea in Samaru, Nigeria

Two field experiments were conducted at the research farm of Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru, Zaria during the 2011 cropping season, with the aim of determining the effect of imazapyr treated maize on Striga infestation and time of intercropping cowpea in Samaru, northern guinea savannah of Nigeria. There were two sets of experiments: the first experiment consisted of Six (6) hybrids (AS1128-1, AS1128-2, AS1128-3, AS1128-4, AS1128-6 and AS1128-8) of imazapyr resistant (IR) maize seeds treated with imazapyr chemical and intercropped with cowpea at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) of maize. The second experiment consisted of the same Six (6) hybrids of IR maize seeds but untreated and also intercropped with cowpea at 2, 4 and 6 WAS of maize. The experiments were laid out in a split plot design with time of intercropping cowpea as main plot and hybrid maize varieties as sub plot, and replicated three times. The cowpea variety used for the trial was IT97K-499-35. Among the treated IR-maize hybrids, only AS1128-1, AS1128-2, AS1128-3 and AS1128-4 germinated while for the untreated, all the six hybrids germinated. The grain yields per hectare of all the treated maize hybrids did not significantly differed whereas grain yields per hectare of the untreated maize hybrids AS1128-1, AS1128-2, AS1128-3 and AS1128-4 were significantly higher than the hybrid AS1128-8. The treated IR maize hybrids exerted 100% control of Striga while the untreated supported Striga emergence. There was no visible damage symptoms observed on the cowpea intercropped with treated maize at all times of intercropping. It is therefore concluded that the IR-maize hybrids ASII28-1, ASII28-2, ASII28-3 and ASII28-4 should be used in the treated forms for the control of Striga. Moreover, the intercropping of cowpea with imazapyr treated maize can be carried out starting from 2 WAS of maize.Key words: Intercropping, imazapyr resistant maize (IR-maize), cowpea, Striga.

Probit Analysis of Cotton Farmers’ Accessibility to Credit in Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

The study examined the determinants of credit accessibility among cotton farmers in the Northern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to select two hundred and forty (240) cotton farmers for enumeration. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the probit regression model were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that formal education, off-farm income, household size, farm size and farming experience were factors that significantly influenced credit accessibility to cotton farmers. Farmers had more access to informal sources of credit than the formal sources and the rate of accessibility to credit is highest among those sourcing from relatives and friends. The study recommends the need to educate farmers and create awareness on the importance of attaining higher level of formal education as it influences their farm output, credit demand and making rational choices.

English

Sugarcane mosaic disease caused by sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Johnsongrass mosaic virus (JGMV), maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) and sorghum mosaic Virus (SrMV) is an economically important viral disease of sugarcane worldwide. Field survey was conducted to assess the presence of the viruses involve in mosaic disease of sugarcane in Makarfi Local Government Areas of Kaduna State (Northern Guinea Savannah), Nigeria. A range of symptoms were observed on the  infected land races from the pale green stripes to yellow chlorotic stripes on a dark green background. The purple land race (“Bakarkwama”) was highly susceptible followed by green land race (“Bahausa”) and the least infected was the white land race (“fararkwama”). 63 symptomatic and asymptomatic sugarcane leaves and stem juice extract from 14 villages of Makarfi L.G.A. were screened for the four viruses using DAS and TAS ELISA methods. SCMV, MDMV and SrMV were detected from both symptomatic and asymptomatic sugarcane leaf samples whereas JGMV was not detected in the locations sampled. SCMV isolate has the highest incidence (83%) from all the locations followed by SrMV (10%) and MDMV (5%) isolates. Mixed infections of the three viruses were also detected in some samples. This is the first report of identification of virus isolates inducing sugarcane disease in one of the major sugarcane producing areas of the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria.   Key words: Sugarcane, SCMV, MDMV, SrMV, TAS-ELISA, DAS-ELISA.

Soil properties of a fallow field under long-term cultivation and fertilization regimes in Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

The long-term dung (D), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) commonly referred to DNPK experiments in northern guinea savannah of Nigeria was subjected to different fertilization regimes from 1950 to 1996 under continuous cultivation. Experimental plots have been under fallow from 1997 till now. Surface soils (0 to 5 and 5 to15 cm) were sampled and analyzed for physical and chemical properties under different combinations and application rates with organic and or inorganic fertilizers; that is, DNP, DNK, DNPK, NPK, DPK, and control (CT) received no fertilization treatments. From 0 to 5 cm soil depth, bulk density was high except for NPK and DNPK which recorded the lowest values of 1.46 and 1.48 Mg m-3, and decreased by 14 and 16%, respectively compared to the control. Mean weight diameter (MWD) indicate water stable aggregates of 0.55 and 0.66 mm in DNPK and NPK, and dry macroaggregates between 1.08 to 1.71 mm across all treatments. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) was higher with 150.4 and 104.1 cm hr-1 in DNK and DNP, which increased by 6 and 9 folds, respectively, compared to CT while total porosities of 32 to 44% was observed for all treatments except DNP and CT, and increased by 47 to 88% in the other dung treatments compared to CT at 0 to 5 cm. Soils organic matter content was moderate to high (28.7 to 44.1 g kg-1) across all the treatments while soil (pH) with calcium chloride was lowest in NPK. Most of the moisture is retained in the soils at field capacity and permanent wilting point in dung treatments and CT, while it was lowest for NPK. Taking all the properties into consideration, soil quality decreases in the order DNPK > DNK > DNP > DPK = NPK > CT and implies better quality under dung fertilization with mineral fertilizer in the long term. The positive effect of long-term integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers is further emphasized as a recommended sustainable soil management practice for tropical soils. Key words: Soil quality, long-term experiments, mean weight diameter, soil organic matter (SOM), inorganic fertilizers

Performance of cowpea cultivars when grown as an intercrop with maize of contrasting maturities

A field trial was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2008 and 2009 at Samaru in northern Guinea savannah of Nigeria to determine the performance of semi-determinate and indeterminate cowpea cultivars intercropped with extra early, early and late maize cultivars. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) having treatments arranged as a split-plot factorial. Transmitted radiation was reduced by 49–63% due to shading by the maize plants. Similarly, intercropping cowpea with maize reduced intercepted radiation, fodder yield and grain yield of cowpea by 59–70%, 39–51% and 45–62%, respectively. Intercepted radiation and yields of intercropped cowpea were lower for late maize which maintained high leaf area over a longer period of time. This is supported by the higher plant height, higher leaf area index (LAI) and reduced transmitted radiation recorded in late maize compared with extra early and early maize. Extra early and early maize were less competitive with cowpea because of shorter period of association in addition to permitting higher radiation. Crop value of maize plus cowpea was higher than that of sole cowpea ($2616.8 vs. $1218.7 ha−1) because higher combined yield was achieved by a more efficient use of resources in the intercrop. Therefore, cowpea cultivar may be intercropped with extra early maize.

Biological nitrogen fixation of some groundnuts as affected by genotype and applied phosphorus at Samaru, northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), brought about by both free living soil microorganisms and their symbiotic associations with higher plants, is the major source of N input into agricultural systems. Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), in symbiosis with rhizobia, in their root nodules, fix atmospheric nitrogen (N2). A field trial was carried out at Samaru, Nigeria, in 2008 with a view to evaluate BNF potentials of five groundnut genotypes (SAMNUT 10, 11, 21, 22 and 23). Each genotype received four rates of P (0, 20, 40 and 60 P2O5 ha-1) in an RCBD with three replications. N-Difference method was employed in assessing the BNF of the genotypes. Nodulation performance of the genotypes was observed. Results of the study showed that SAMNUT 11 and 22 significantly recorded thehighest nodulation, by number and weight. All the remaining genotypes statistically produced same nodule number. Moreover, the early maturing SAMNUT 21 fixed the highest (82 kg N ha-1) quantity of N2, while SAMNUT 11 (46 kg N ha-1) and 23 (31 kg N ha-1) were statistically similar and fixed the lowest N2. SAMNUT 11 and 22 were, therefore, found to significantly record the highest nodule number and weigh and SAMNUT 21 fixed the highest N2, and hence the highest BNF, indicating their genotypic desirability in terms of N2 addition to the soil environment, especially forsubsequent crops.Keywords: Arachis hypogaea, Biological Nitrogen Fixation, Genotype, Phosphorus

Agronomic performance of improved Cowpea varieties under natural infestation with Alectra vogelii (benth.) in the northern guinea savannah of Nigeria

Field trials were conducted over three years at Samaru in the northern Guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria to evaluate the performance of 20 improved cowpea varieties under conditions of natural infestation by a parasitic weed, Alectra vogelii (Benth.). Grain yield ranged from 695 to 2043 kg ha-1.The best yielding varieties were IT95K-1072-57 and IT97K-499-35. These varieties also hosted very low number of Alectra shoots, suggesting that they are resistant to it. In addition to high grain yield, both varieties produced high fodder yield, making them to be dual purpose varieties. They are therefore ideal for the semi-arid zone where livestock production is an integral part of the farming system and Alectra is a major constraint to the attainment of high cowpea yield. Alectra did not emerge on two of the varieties (IT95K-1090-12 and IT97K-818-35), indicating that they are highly resistant to the weed, but these varieties were among the poorest yielders. They may, however, be good sources of Alectra resistance in cowpea breeding programmes. Four varieties, IT95K-1380, IT93K-273-2-1, IT95K-222-5 and IT93K-573-5 supported high number of Alectra shoots and were therefore highly susceptible to its parasitism.

Socio-economic factors influencing rice production among male and female farmers in Northern Guinea Savanna Nigeria: lessons for promoting gender equity in action research

This paper examined the performance of male and female farmers in rice farming in the Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria, with a view to determining the parameters for promoting gender equity in farmers’ access to opportunities for improved livelihoods from rice production. Data were obtained from 624 farmers selected by stratified random technique from twelve villages in Katsina and Kaduna States of Nigeria; using structured interview and focus group discussion. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression model of double log form. Results indicated that land, variable inputs, and experience were significant at 1 percent and 5 percent levels; implying that these variables would greatly influence productivity of rice for both male and female farmers in the area; while age would influence rice production negatively, implying that the older the rice farmers the less the vigour for farming. Also, the coefficient for marital status of women was negative; implying that married women within reproductive age were more likely to be constrained in their production by their multiple roles and cultural practices that prevented women from direct field production activities. It was concluded that policies that would enhance farmers access to land, fertilizers, improved seeds, herbicides and labour; coupled with strategies for substituting women’s time on production activities for non-entrepreneurial activities would likely enhance rice production and gender equity among rice farmers in the Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria.