Semi-arid Region Of Nigeria Research Articles

Impact of Changes in Land use and land cover on Agricultural Productivity in Northern Nigeria

The challenges posed by changes in land use and land cover are greatly affecting agricultural productivity in the semi-arid region of Nigeria. Land use and land cover change affects ecosystem functions and services, which leads to people migrating from one place to another, predominantly rural dwellers. The research studies the impact of land use and land cover change on agricultural productivity and the factors influencing the changes. To achieve this, a remote sensing technique was employed. The Landsat Thematic Mapper Image of 1990, Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Image of 2005 and Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Image of 2020 were collected and analysed. Six classes of land use and land cover were obtained using Earth Resource Development Assessment System Imagery 9.1 software. The result shows that there was a decrease in the land area occupied by wetland, shrubland and water body, while there was an increase in the land area occupied by bare lands/dunes, settlement and scattered cultivation from the year 1990 to 2020. Increase in bare land/dune, scattered cultivation and settlement were mainly as a result of climate change resulting from overgrazing, a southward movement of dunes from the Sahara desert, increasing farming activities and increasing demand for shelter by the increasing population. The decrease in shrubland, water body, and wetland were also linked to climate change resulting from increasing deforestation, and increasing use of wetland for farming activities. Based on the results of the analysis, it is recommended that measures should be taken to integrate sustainable land management and climate change adaptation options for sustainable Agriculture.

Assessment of Some Tree Species in Semi-Arid Region of Nigeria with Potential of Enriching Organic Cosmetic Production

The interest of consumers around the world is presently increasing toward the use of organic cosmetics. Forest tree extracts play a major role in organic cosmetic productions. This study evaluates forest tree species within semi-arid region of Nigeria with potential to enrich cosmetic industry. Extracts of six (6) common forest tree species found within semi-arid region of Nigeria were collected and incorporated into soap and cream productions. The forest tree species were Acacia nilotica, Adansonia digitata, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus camadulensis, Moringa oleifera, and Salix babylonica. A comparative analysis before and after using the soaps and creams for ten (10) months by eight (8) volunteered individuals were carried out to determine the efficacy of the products. The result shows a complete disappearance of all the skin issues of those with skin conditions such as skin blemishes, acne, pimples, skin discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines, body odor, and sores after ten months of usage. Skin glowing, smoothness, and even toned complexion were observed from those without skin conditions. Therefore, the development of cosmetic ingredients from various species of forest tree extracts can be an interesting option. It will encourage the cosmetic industries to go into large planting of different forest tree species needed for their cosmetic production and as a result the environmental pollution and degradation will be reduced.

Profitability Assessment of Sprinkler Irrigated Maize Production in Semi-Arid area of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Water has been identified as one of the scarce inputs, which can severely restrict agricultural production and productivity unless it is carefully conserved and managed. Increasing the adoption of irrigation technology is an important requirement for increasing Nigeria’s agricultural productivity. Farmers use the furrow irrigation method and fixed irrigation interval schedule for maize production in this region. The irrigation method used by the farmers has become unsustainable due to low yield, low water use efficiency, low quality of maize kernels and low net farm income. Thus, there is a growing gap between the demand for maize and its production to meet the food requirement for the growing population. The aim of this study was to determine the profitability of sprinkler irrigation method for maize production in semi-arid environment of Nigeria. Two field experiments were conducted in the 2014 and 2015 seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri, Borno State which is located in the semi-arid region of Northern Nigeria. The sprinkler irrigation system used consisted of a reservoir, mainline and six laterals spaced 12 meters apart. Each treatment was irrigated using two laterals and each lateral has a control valve for regulating the flow of water. Each lateral consisted of three double nozzle sprinklers spaced 6 meters apart along the lateral. The diameters of the mainline and the laterals were 101.6 and 31.75mm respectively. The area irrigated by the sprinkler system was cleared and marked out into plots of sizes 12m2. Scheduling was on the use of tensiometer, pan evaporation and fixed irrigation interval. Irrigation was conducted in the plots monitored by the tensiometer whenever the trigger level of 30cb is reached. The crops were irrigated at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio for optimum yield based on the evaporation pan method. The profitability analysis result revealed that Sprinkler irrigation was found to be a profitable irrigation method for maize production with net farm income of $460.8 and benefit cost ratio of 1.99. Based on the results, it is recommended that farmers in the semi-arid region of Nigeria should use the sprinkler irrigation method for improved maize production.

Carcass characteristics of rabbits raised in the semi-arid region of Nigeria

Aims: This study was carried out to investigate the carcass characteristics of male and female rabbits raised in the semi-arid condition.Methods and Results: Twenty-four (24) rabbits, comprising of 12 bucks and 12 does, were used for this study. At 12 weeks of age, the rabbits were weighed and slaughtered. Parameters measured include; pre-slaughter weight (kg), hot carcass weight (g), four primal cut weights (shoulder, ribs, loin and rump), internal organs weight (liver, lungs, kidneys, hearts, stomach and intestines). Sex had non-significant effects on the pre-slaughter, hot carcass and the four primal cuts weights (shoulder, ribs, loin and rump).Conclusion: Conclusively, sexual dimorphism existed in the weights of the internal organs such as; liver, lungs, kidneys and intestines where female rabbits had higher weights. However, the pre-slaughter, hot carcass, shoulder, rib, loin and rump weights were not significantly affected by sex, implying that any of the sex could be safely utilize for meat production. Pre-slaughter weight was positively correlated with the weights of hot carcass, shoulder, rib, loin and rump while negatively correlated with liver, stomach and intestine.Significance and Impact of Study: Pre-slaughter weight could be use as selection criterion for improvement of carcass quality in rabbits.

Inter-Annual Variation of Weather Pattern in the Semi Arid Region of Nigeria and Its Implication on Sorghum Production

Inter-Annual Variation of Weather Pattern in the Semi Arid Region of Nigeria and Its Implication on Sorghum Production

Productivity, Water- and Nitrogen-Use Efficiency, and Profitability of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) under Different Nitrogen Applications in Semiarid Region of Nigeria

An experiment was conducted to examine the performance of pearl millet under different nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates in two locations in the semiarid zone of Nigeria. The objective was to evaluate the effects of different N rates on pearl millet yields, water- and nitrogen-use efficiency, and profitability. Grain yield increased by 23, 26, 32, 32, and 27% and by 38, 41, 54, 58, and 56% compared to unfertilized plots when applying 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and Gambawa, respectively. Similarly, stalk yield increased by 4, 3, 9, 9, and 9% and by 16, 24, 36, 40, and 37% compared to unfertilized plot when applying 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and Gambawa, respectively. The variations in GY that could be explained by TWU and NUE were 28% and 26% in Minjibir and 46% and 41%, respectively, in Gambawa. There was a strong and positive correlation (R = 0.81 and R = 0.95) between WUE and GY across N-fertilizer rates and pearl millet varieties in both locations. An increase in N-fertilizer levels increased WUE, confirming the optimal application of 60 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and of 80 kg Nha−1 in Gambawa. Similarly, the highest net economic return (NER) of US$610 ha−1 was obtained at 60 kg Nha−1 in Minjibir and the highest NER of US$223 ha−1 was obtained at an application rate of 80 kg Nha−1 in Gambawa. Break-even yield was above 1000 kg ha−1, signifying that average farmer with a mean yield of less than 1000 kg ha−1 produces millet at a loss.

Determinants of Agroforestry Practitioners Income in Semi-Arid Region of Nigeria

This study examined the determinants of farm income among Agroforestry Practitioners in Semi-arid region of Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling technique, 300 Practitioners were randomly selected from six purposive selected semi-arid region of Nigeria. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The study revealed an income of between N301,000 and N400,000 among the Agroforestry Practitioners in the study area. Result on the linear regression analysis revealed that the coefficients of Agroforestry farm output (p<0. 01), farm size (p<0. 01, household size (p<0. 05,) and education (p<0. 05,) were found to positively and statistically influence Agroforestry farm income in the study area. It is recommended that multifaceted interventions through infrastructural development that supports access to education and land, skill acquisition and empowerment program should be implemented in the study area.

Growth and yield response of streak virus resistant maize (TZESR-W) to different nitrogen rates on a sandy loam soil of semi-arid region of Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Research Farm, Bauchi during the 1992 and 1993 cropping seasons to investigate the “Growth and yield response of streak virus resistant maize (TZESR-W) to different N rates on a sandy loam soil of semi-arid region of Nigeria”. Experimental treatments consisted of seven rates of N (0, 50,100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 KgN/ha) and optimum levels of P (17.5 Kg/ha) and K (50 Kg/ha) applied as base rates. These were tested in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. N was split applied by side dressing in two equal does: half at two weeks after sowing and the other half at 5 weeks after sowing. Experimental results revealed that the application of N fertilizer up to 100 KgN/ha significantly increased the maize plant height, number of cobs, cob length, cob girth, cob weight, grain yield, stover yield and percent N in grain and stover over the absolute control in both 1992 and 1993 cropping seasons. In other words, the application of N fertilizer beyond 100 KgN/ha was not significant when compared with the absolute control. On the other hand, shelling percentage, 1000-grain weight and N uptake by stover were not significantly affected by N fertilizer application. This study therefore suggested that maize (TZESR-W) could be grown on a sandy loam soil of semi-arid region of Nigeria with the application of 100 KgN/ha, 17.5 KgP/ha and 50 KgK/ha. Application of N fertilizer beyond 100 KgN/ha on TZESR-W is a waste of resources.

Effects of Water Deficit on Growth, Biomass Allocation and Photosynthesis of <i>A. senegal</i> Seedlings from Nguru and Gujba Provinces of Yobe State, North Eastern Nigeria

Acacia senegal (L) Willd is a multipurpose tree species that occurs throughout semi-arid Africa. Poor yields of gum from the species in the semi-arid region of Nigeria may be due to more frequent drought events. It is not yet clear whether some populations of A. senegal may respond differently to any encroaching drought. The effects of water deficit on growth, biomass allocation and photosynthesis of A. senegal seedlings from Nguru and Gujba province of Yobe state, North Eastern Nigeria were studied under glasshouse conditions for 120 days. Plants were subjected to three watering regimes; control (well-watered) conditions corresponding to 25% gravimetric water content (GWC), mild water deficit at 15% (GWC) and severe-water-deficit at 10% (GWC), respectively. There was a highly significant difference in stomata conductance among the treatments (F2, 84=11.38, P< 0.001) in relation to water deficit. There was no statistical difference in quantum yield between the two provenances (F1, 84 =0.15, P=0.695) and interaction between treatment and provenances was also not significant (F2, 84= 2.14, P=0.124). mean root length between the provenances were significantly different (F2,84 =0.60, P< 0.001) however Root length was not statistically significant between treatments (F2,84= 0.60, P= 0.550). Plant biomass, stomata conductance, quantum yield, chlorophyll fluorescence, relative water content, root length and root: shoot ratios were highly responsive to changes in soil water. It was concluded that A. senegal is capable of physiological adjustment in response to soil moisture as a form of ecological adaptation.Keywords: biomass allocation, provenances, relative water content, stomata conductance.

Assessment of nitrate concentrations in the shallow groundwater aquifer of Maiduguri and environs, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract Maiduguri and environs lie in the semi-arid region of Nigeria, characterized by low rainfall of approximately 600 mm per annum and high evapotranspiration of over 2000 mm per annum. Surface water is largely seasonal with rivers flowing for about three months in a year, although the Alau dam is an exception whose water is treated for supply to about 30% of the citizens of Maiduguri. Therefore, perennial water supply to the inhabitants is from groundwater, with the shallow Upper aquifer the dominant source. Assessment of quality of this water is thus fundamental. This is because of its susceptibility to contamination as a result of poor waste disposal from a rapidly growing population and industrialization. Water samples from 128 shallow boreholes were used to measure the EC, NO3 and temperature using appropriate meters, in addition to taking the site coordinates. The values of the EC and NO3 were used to evaluate the quality of this shallow groundwater. The results show a linear relationship between EC and NO3, which indicate that NO3 is a major contribution to the EC. NO3 concentrations in some boreholes are over 700 ppm; considerably higher than the WHO and NSDWQ permissible limit of 50 ppm. These boreholes are in wards of older settlements and with high population density. Most of the water from boreholes having lower than 50 ppm average NO3 are from wards that have low population density and usually of recent settlement. Although, for borehole sites close to the river channel, their NO3 concentrations are low due to dilution. Distribution of the NO3 concentrations over the study area indicates that the age of settlement and population density the major controls. There is the need to assess and constrain the source and mechanism of NO3 leaching into the groundwater of this area. Ultimately, there will be a need to develop modern human waste disposal systems that will enhance protection and/or minimize groundwater contamination.

Yield and yield attributes of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor subspecies Saccharatum (L.) Moench. varieties as influenced by weed control treatments and plant population in the semi arid region of Nigeria

Field trial was conducted during the 2012 and 2013 wet seasons at Institute for Agricultural Research,Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Farms at Kadawa and Minjibir, (110 39’N, 080 20’E) and Kano (120 08’ N, 080 40’ E)500m above sea level in the Semi arid ecological zone of Nigeria, to study the influence of weed control treatment and plant population on yield and yield attributes of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.)Moench. sub-species. saccharatum) varieties. The treatments consisted of four levels of weed control treatment (one rate each of atrazine and primextra gold at 2.1 kg a.i/ha, hoe-weeded control at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) and weedy check), three plant densities (53,333, 106,667, and 160,000 plants/ha), and two varieties(NTJ2 and Ex-Daura). The treatments were laid out in a split plot design with three replications. The combination of weed control treatment and the plant population were assigned to main plot while the two varieties to sub-plot. The study revealed that primextra gold at 2.1 kg a.i/haand two hoe-weeding at 3 and 6 WAS resulted in significantly longer panicle length, higher 1000-grain weight, stalk, grain, and brix yields in both seasons and locations.T he performance of this herbicide was comparable to hoeweeding in keeping the trial fields weed free and lower competition for nutrients at both location seasons. Weedy check reduced all yields and yield attributes. The 160,000 plants/ha significantly suppressed weed infestation and resulted in longer panicles, higher 1000-grain weight, stalk, grains and brix yields at the two the locations and seasons. NTJ2 performed better in term yield and yield attributes, with higher stalk yield at Kadawa and grain yield at Minjibir. Based on the result obtained from this , it can be concluded that the use of NTJ2 variety, with application of primextra gold at 2.1 kg a.i/ha, and 160,000 plant population and NTJ2 variety had resulted gave season long weed control, the highest stalk and grain yields at Kadawa and Minjibir.Keywords: Grainand stalk yields, plant population, sweet sorghum and weed control

English

Pearl millet is potentially prone to diseases as such downy mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola causing losses in grain yield. Crop improvement technologies such as seed priming and fertilizer micro-dosing have only been applied to improve crop production without assessing their implications in the diseases of crops. This study examines the effects of these technologies on downy mildew of pearl millet. An experiment was conducted for three years (2012, 2013 and 2014) cropping seasons at the University of Maiduguri teaching and research farm. The experiment consisted of four pearl millet varieties Ex-Borno, SOSAT-C88, LCIC 9702 and a local check. Each was subjected to four treatments viz: primed, micro-dosed, primed + micro dosed and untreated (control). These were laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The variety served as the main plot and the treatment served as the sub-plot. Seed priming resulted in significantly higher percentage of stand establishment, reduced downy mildew severity and increased yield. However, plants from micro-dosed seeds suffered lower stand establishment, higher downy mildew incidence and lower yield than in the control seeds. The efficiency of micro-dosing alone increased only when combined with seed priming. SOSAT-C88 had the highest plant stands, the lowest disease incidence and severity, and the highest yield. The interaction of seed treatment (priming and micro-dosing) × variety on yield of pearl millet showed seed priming alone was more effective on the landrace Ex-Borno, while micro-dosing alone was more effective on the improved cultivar SOSAT-C88. Combination of seed priming with micro-dosing gave the highest yield increase in cultivar LCIC 9702. Seed priming remains a potential option for farmers in the semi-arid region of Nigeria. But more studies are needed to determine the precise effect of fertilizer on downy mildew of pearl millet. Key words: Downy mildew, severity, incidence, pearl millet, seed priming, micro-dosing.

Impact of some savanna trees on soil quality on smallholder farms in a part of Kano, Nigeria

Soil nutrient decline has become a major issue of concern to researchers in the semi-arid region of Nigeria. This condition is further exacerbated by worsening climate and declining environmental quality, amplified by huge population pressure on limited resources. This research investigates the impact of some key savanna tree species on soil quality on smallholder farms in a part of Kano, Nigeria. The results indicate that many indigenous tree species are deliberately left on these smallholder farms in a practice that may be referred to as agroforestry. Inventory of these trees indicates that Vitellaria paradoxa at 25%, Parkia biglobosa at 20%, and Anogeissus leiocarpus at 12%, and Faidherbia albida at 8% are the dominant tree species on smallholder farms in the study area. Laboratory analysis of soil quality at different distances - 2m, 6m and beyond 6m – around the inventoried trees on smallholder farms in the area indicated statistically significant differences in available soil minerals, at 0.02. Eighty-three percent of the farmers corroborated that crops close to trees perform better, in a social survey conducted on some 400 smallholder farmers in the study area. The study recommends: (1) deliberate promotion and regeneration of tree species, most especially leguminous, on smallholder farms; (2) more researches to determine and establish the specific distance(s) at which soil mineral elements are profoundly influenced by trees, and quantifying the actual soil mineral elements that may be made available by each of the different tree species. Keywords : Agroforestry; Indigenous; Savanna; Smallholder

Comparative study of soil physico-chemical properties under <i>Acacia senegal</i> in three different plantations in Maifari, Jigawa state, Nigeria

Acacia senegal is a multipurpose drought-tolerant tree or shrub legume, and is commonly used in agroforestry systems in sub-Saharan Africa for gum arabic production and soil fertility improvement. Despite its relatively wide distribution in Nigeria, there has not been exhaustive evaluation on the effects of the tree/shrub on soil physicochemical properties under its canopy forsustainable utilization of the tree. Accordingly, three sitesin the semi-arid regionof Nigeria representing three plantation ages of 7, 27and 37 years old were selected for assessment. Soil samples were collected under tree canopies and were compared with the soils from the open canopies. Results indicated that there were significant differences in soil physicochemical properties among the three ages (P<0.05 and P< 0.01). Generally, soil nutrients under the canopies were higher than in the open canopies irrespective of the age mainly due to effects of litter accumulation. The tree/shrubhas beneficial effects on soil nutrient status in their natural ecosystems and would most likely improve crop productivity in agroforestry systems such as alley cropping. The resultant improvement in soil nutrients status can increase herbage production in agricultural rangelands thus enhancing animal production in the study area. The tree/shrub growing under different soil types may have an effect on their gum Arabic production and quality.Keywords: Acacia senegal,plantation ages, soil nutrients accumulation, sustainable utilization.

Nutrients intake and digestibility of growing and fattening Uda sheep fed graded levels of ginger in semi-arid Nigeria

Two separate experiments were conducted at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Livestock Teaching and Research Farm to assess intake and digestibility of nutrients for growing and fattening Uda sheep fed graded level of ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) in semi-arid region of Nigeria. In each experiment, fifteen intact male animals with an average weight of 17 and 21.4 kg respectively, were allocated to three treatment diets in a completely randomized Experimental Design (CRD) replicated five times. Experimental diets containing 0 (control), 2.5 g/kg (treatment 2) and 5.0 g/kg (treatment 3) were formulated separately for each experiment. Each experiment lasted for 90 days feeding trial and three weeks digestibility trial. Results indicated that, for growing animals (experiment 1), ginger inclusion has an overall negative effect on nutrients intake and digestibility (P<0.05). However, for fattening animals (experiment 2), intake and digestibility were affected (P<0.05) when ginger inclusion exceeds 2.5%. It was concluded that ginger inclusion had a negative effect on intake and digestibility of growing animals and on fattening animals above 2.5%.

Correlation Studies in Tomato (&lt;i&gt;Lycopersicon lycopersicum&lt;/i&gt; L. Karst) as Affected by Mulching and Cultivar During the Heat Period in the Semi-Arid Region of Nigeria

Tomato though a day neutral crop, is predominantly cultivated during the cool dry harmattan partly due to low incidence of diseases and favourable low temperature. The scarcity of fresh tomato outside this season needs to be considered to meet the teeming demand of the populace. Knowledge of the nature of association between yield and its components is of great necessary in any breeding programme. It was against this background that a field experiment was conducted in 2008 and 2009 at Salam Farm of Ngaburari village of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State (Lat. 12°N and Long. 13°13’E) in the Semi-Arid Region of Nigeria to determine the relationship between yield and other agronomic parameters as affected by mulching and cultivars of tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum L. Karst) during the heat period to provide effective tool for breeders. The treatments consisted of five cultivars of tomato (Tandino, Danbaga, Roma VF, UC82B and Dansyria) and six grass mulch (Pennisetum pedicelatum Trin) levels (0 t/ha, 2.5 t/ha, 5 t/ha, 7.5 t/ha, 10 t/ha and 12.5 t/ha) which were laid out in a strip-plot design and replicated three times. The parameters studied include plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, number of branches per plant, days to first and 50 % flowering, number of fruits, weight of fruits per plant and yield in t/ha. Data collected were subjected to Correlation Analysis using Statistic 8.0 and the results of the combined years for cultivars indicated that total fruits yield was significantly and positively correlated with plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, days to first flowering and weight of fruits but significantly negatively correlated with days to 50 % flowering. Similarly, correlation of parameters as affected by mulch indicated significant and positive correlation of fruit yield with plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index days to first flowering, number of fruits and weight of fruits but significantly negatively correlated with number of branches and days to 50 % flowering. Days to first flowering had significant positive correlation with days to 50 % flowering, number of fruits and weight of fruits both as affected by cultivar and mulch. Hence selection for high yield during heat period in the semi arid region of Nigeria should be based on earliness to flowering.

Correlation Studies in Tomato (&lt;i&gt;Lycopersicon lycopersicum&lt;/i&gt; L. Karst) as Affected by Mulching and Cultivar During the Heat Period in the Semi-Arid Region of Nigeria

Tomato though a day neutral crop, is predominantly cultivated during the cool dry harmattan partly due to low incidence of diseases and favourable low temperature. The scarcity of fresh tomato outside this season needs to be considered to meet the teeming demand of the populace. Knowledge of the nature of association between yield and its components is of great necessary in any breeding programme. It was against this background that a field experiment was conducted in 2008 and 2009 at Salam Farm of Ngaburari village of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State (Lat. 12°N and Long. 13°13’E) in the Semi-Arid Region of Nigeria to determine the relationship between yield and other agronomic parameters as affected by mulching and cultivars of tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum L. Karst) during the heat period to provide effective tool for breeders. The treatments consisted of five cultivars of tomato (Tandino, Danbaga, Roma VF, UC82B and Dansyria) and six grass mulch (Pennisetum pedicelatum Trin) levels (0 t/ha, 2.5 t/ha, 5 t/ha, 7.5 t/ha, 10 t/ha and 12.5 t/ha) which were laid out in a strip-plot design and replicated three times. The parameters studied include plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, number of branches per plant, days to first and 50 % flowering, number of fruits, weight of fruits per plant and yield in t/ha. Data collected were subjected to Correlation Analysis using Statistic 8.0 and the results of the combined years for cultivars indicated that total fruits yield was significantly and positively correlated with plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, days to first flowering and weight of fruits but significantly negatively correlated with days to 50 % flowering. Similarly, correlation of parameters as affected by mulch indicated significant and positive correlation of fruit yield with plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index days to first flowering, number of fruits and weight of fruits but significantly negatively correlated with number of branches and days to 50 % flowering. Days to first flowering had significant positive correlation with days to 50 % flowering, number of fruits and weight of fruits both as affected by cultivar and mulch. Hence selection for high yield during heat period in the semi arid region of Nigeria should be based on earliness to flowering.

Dynamics of Hydrological Growing Season at Kano as Evidence of Climate Change

The semi arid region of Nigeria is experiencing the impact of climate change. Daily rainfall records from 1976-2011 were used to examine the impact of climate change on the hydrological growing season at Kano. The onset, cessation and length of rainy season at Kano were determined. The estimated parameters were subjected to time series analysis. Trend lines and fitted linear trend line equations for each of the parameters were produced. The Mann-kendall tau (τ) statistic was used to investigate the significance of these trends. The results show that the rainy season has progressively been starting late as signified by the positive trend line equation of y = 0.183x+41054. Trend analysis showed that the rains ceases earlier in recent decades. This is corroborated by the negative linear trend line equation (y = -0.438x+41184). The results also indicated that the hydrological growing season is progressively shortening. The implication of late onset and early cessation is the decreasing length of the hydrological growing season as indicated by a negative linear trend line equation (y = -0.395x+1289). The length of the hydrological growing season has decreased from an average of about 140±5 days to about 120 ±5 in the state. The Mann-kendall tau (τ) statistic showed significant trends for all the parameters at 0.05 level. The results of this study have great implications for both surface and underground water resource management, agriculture and sustainable food security not only for the Kano region but Nigeria at large. Increased irrigation agriculture is eminent in this environment.

Environmental Implication of Poultry Waste Generation and Management Techniques in Minna, Semi-arid Region of Nigeria

To develop an acceptable manure management and pollution prevention plan in poultry production, accurate accounting of waste generation and concentration of the waste need to be ascertained. In view of this, a study was conducted in Minna, Nigeria to assess quantity of waste generated and the quality of the wastes in selected registered poultry farms. This is with a view to knowing present waste generation status and managements strategies with respect to environmental protection and recommending appropriate management methods to protect air, surface and groundwater environments. Questionnaires focusing on farm information, birds’ information and waste management were administered in the farms. Findings from the questionnaires showed that a total of 2,131,400 layers, 1,224,840 broilers and 848,570 cockerels which amount to a total of 4,204,810 birds are raised annually in confinement in the farms covering an area of 170 hectares of land. From calculation, the farms generate 100.97 metric tons of dead birds over a brooding cycle with about 159,430 metric ton of poultry waste excluding slaughter house litter and hatchery wastes. Management of the waste is poor in the farms visited as indiscriminate dumping on land and burning are major waste management systems in these farms. Only a few adopt re-feed method, dead birds are buried without minding the shallow water table of the area. This waste generation and management method need to be changed to safe Minna environment from imminent hazards. Modern management strategies like green disposal, gasification and biogas production and composting are recommended for Minna poultry farmers because are more environmental friendly and can generate of resources from the waste.

Breed effect and non-genetic factors affecting growth performance of sheep in a semi-arid region of Nigeria

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of breed and some non-genetic factors on growth performance of Balami and Uda sheep in a semi-arid region of Nigeria. Methodology and results : Data on birth weight (BWT), 90-day weaning weight (90-DWWT), 6-month weight (6-MWT), 9-month weight (9-MWT) and yearling weight (Y-WT) of 595 lambs (306 Balami and 209 Uda) born in the Sheep Meat Project of the Federal Livestock Department (FLD), Katsina, between 1996 and 1998 inclusive were collected and used for this study. Pre and post weaning weight gains were also estimated on each lamb. Data was subjected to analysis of variance using the generalized linear model (GLM) procedure of SAS to determine the effects of breed, parity, sex, type of birth, season of birth and year of birth on the growth of lambs. Breed and sex significantly (P<0.05) affected body weights at all ages. Pre and post-weaning growth rates were significantly (P<0.05) affected by all the factors examined except parity of dam and year of birth. Significantly low to moderate phenotypic correlations were observed between the growth traits studied. Conclusion and application of findings: Most of the non-genetic factors have been shown to be important sources of variation in the growth performance of sheep. Therefore, effects of environmental factors need to be corrected for if mixed model approaches such as the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) values are to be used for breeding value evaluation in Balami and Uda lambs. Key words: Sheep, Balami, Uda, Pre and Post weaning growth, Sex, Parity.