Southern Guinea Savanna Of Nigeria Research Articles

Effect of rhizobial inoculation on the nodulation, growth and yield of Soybean in the Savannah regions of Nigeria

Rhizobial inoculation is the introduction of rhizobium bacteria in a high concentration into the soil before or during the planting of crops. Field experiments were conducted during the rainy seasons of 2020, 2021, and 2022 at the Research farm of the Department of Crop Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. The study aimed to analyse the effect of Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation on the nodulation, growth and yield parameters in Soybean. The treatments consisted of three Soybean varieties, namely TGX 1485-1D (early maturing), TGX 1448–2E (medium maturing), and TGX1987–10F (medium maturing) and Two levels of inoculant (control, with inoculant), The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replicates and 54 plots. Agronomic and cultural practices were duly observed, and data were collected for growth and yield parameters. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the ‘agricolae’ package in the R Statistical Programme (R version 4.2.2.), T-test was conducted using the SPSS statistical package (Version 23), and the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) and Standard error (SE) were used to separate significant means at (P ≤ 0.05). Results showed that for all varieties of Soybean observed, the inoculated had the best performance (2685kg/ha, 2842.3kg/ha, 3038.5Kg/ha for TGX 1485-1D, TGX 1448–2E and TGX1987–10F respectively best compared to the control.

Preliminary Evaluation of Onion Bulb and Tobacco Leaf Extracts for Insect Control and Yield of Cowpea in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

The study evaluated the effects of onion (Allium cepa) bulb and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaf extract on the insect pests and yield components of cowpea. The extracts were tested on number of the flower thrips, Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom, the pod-sucking bug, Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stal, the pod borer, Maruca vitrata (F.) and cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch. Also evaluated were the dry seed weight, 100-seed weight, pod length, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod load, pod damage and pod evaluation index. Field experiment was conducted in the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. Plots were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included 10% (w/v) of each of onion bulb and tobacco leaf extracts, synthetic insecticide (Cypermethrin 1 L/ha) and untreated control. Results revealed that cowpea treated with the plant extracts had significantly (p<0.05) lower insect pest population than plants in untreated plots which suffered greater insect pest attack. However, plots treated with Cypermethrin produced significantly higher number of seeds per pod than other treatments. Nevertheless, tobacco leaf extract produced significantly (p<0.05) heavier 100-seed weight than other treatments including the control. It could be concluded that the plant extracts had potential to replace the synthetic insecticide for control of insect pests of cowpea, thus ensuring environmental safety.

Evaluation of Sowing Methods and Herbicide Mixtures for Weed Management and Productivity in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Sesame is an oil seed crop with great economic value. However, the production of this crop has been limited by weed competition, which prompted a field experiment during the 2021 cropping season in two locations: Teaching and Research Farm, Kwara State University, Malete, and National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Idofian, Ilorin, Kwara, Nigeria. The aim was to determine the treatment combinations of sowing methods and herbicide mixtures for the effective management of weeds and for increasing sesame productivity in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. The experiment consisted of twenty treatments comprising two sowing methods (dibbling and drilling) and ten weed control methods. Results showed that all the weed control methods reduced weed dry matter (67.15–186.20 and 42.00–92.45 g/m2) than the weedy check (291.55 and 155.55 g/m2) at Malete and NCAM, respectively. They also reduced the weed density (48.40–68.45 and 34.00–50.00/m2) compared to the weedy check (103.60 and 73.15 g/m2) at Malete and NCAM, respectively, from 6 to 12 weeks after planting (WAP). Dibbling (85.15 and 48.81 m2) proved superior to the drilling method (172.42 and 51.58/m2) for the management of weeds from 6–12 WAP and for promoting higher crop yield (dibbling: 78.90 and 422.70 kg/ha; drilling: 37.50 and 326.80 kg/ha) in Malete and NCAM, respectively. The treatment combinations with the highest gross margin were hoeing twice at 3 and 6 WAP × dibbling ($ -191.15 and $ 318.57), pendimethalin (P) + diuron (D) at 0.5 + 0.5 kg a.i./ha ($ -199.88 and $ 182.43), 2.0 + 1.5 × dibbling ($ -273.59 and $ 156.65) and butachlor (B) + diuron (D) at 1.5 + 1.0 kg a.i./ha × drilling ($ -269.59 and $ 177.38) at Malete and NCAM, respectively. Therefore, it is recommended that the dibbling sowing method at a spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm and thinned to 3 plants/stand integrated with herbicide mixtures of pendimethalin at 0.5 + 0.5 kg a.i./ha is recommended as an alternative to hoe weeding for effective weed control, higher yield of sesame, and economic returns.

Phytosociological survey of weeds in irrigated maize fields in a Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Maize is a food crop for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. However, severe weed infestation might cause significant yield loss. This study investigated weed composition, abundance and distribution in maize-based cropping systems in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. Fields were surveyed between February and March 2022. The Importance Value Index (IVI) of each weed species was determined using relative frequency, relative density, and relative abundance. A total of 29 weed species from 15 families were identified. Poaceae (34.9 %) was the most prevalent weed family, followed by Cyperaceae (26.9 %) and Portulacaceae (12.8 %). The IVI showed that Cyperus rotundus (38.6), Portulaca oleraceae (29.4), Digitaria horizontalis (25.5), Brachiaria deflexa (24.2), Senna obtusifolia (17.6), Ageratum conyzoides (16.0), Cynodon dactylon (12.6), Phyllanthus niruri (11.1) and Eragrostis sp. (10.6) were the most dominant. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) ordination biplot revealed that Setaria pumila was strongly associated with sole maize cultivation, as was Desmodium scorpiurus with maize/rice intercropping, C. dactylon with maize/pepper, Euphorbia hirta with maize/cassava, and Cleome viscosa with maize/amaranthus intercropping. Special attention to these weed species is required when making an informed decision on the choice of weed control measures.to reduce yield losses in endemic areas.

Economic Activities of Rice Production Practice and the Outcome in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

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EFFECT OF DIFFERENT RATES OF BIOCHAR ON NODULATION AND YEILD OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max.L.merill)

The experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of different rates of biochar on nodulation and yield of soybean in Lafia, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. The experiments were laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Biochar at the rates of 0, 4, 8 and 12 tons/ha was incorporated into ridges at planting. Four seeds of soybean were planted per hole at a spacing of 5cm between plants on four manually prepared ridges of 2 m long spaced at approximately 75cm. The seedlings were thinned to two plants after two weeks of planting (WAP). All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT statistical package while least significant difference was used to separate treatment means at 5% level of probability. The results obtained showed that biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha significantly (p<0.05) produced the highest number of nodules (20.8 and 16.4), recorded the heaviest weight per 100 seeds (16.9 and 14.9g) and grain yield of soybean (1304.0 and 1316.7 kg/ha) in both cropping seasons. The results further revealed that the highest dose of biochar (12 tons/ha) in this study did not necessarily influence and increase any parameter tested except over the control (0.0 tons/ha) in both cropping seasons. Therefore biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha is hereby considered to be the optimum rate for sustainable soybean production in the study area.

SUSCEPTIBILITY OF SOME COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L) WALP) VARIETIES TO PERIOD OF WEED INTERFERENCE IN THE SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

Field trials were conducted at the Research Farm of Niger State College of Agriculture, Mokwa, in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria during the 2019 and 2020 wet seasons to investigate the Reaction of cowpea varieties to periods of weed interference. The treatments were made of four cowpea varieties and ten periods of weed-interference in two sets. One set of the weed interference treatment plots were kept weed-free for 3, 6, 9, 12 weeks after sowing (WAS) till harvest while the other sets of treatment plots were left weed infested for the corresponding periods. There were two control treatments in which one plot was kept weed free till harvest while the other plot was left infested until harvest. The treatments were laid out in a split- plot design with three replications in a randomized complete block design where the main plot was assigned to cowpea varieties and the sub-plot to periods of weed interference. The results obtained from the study indicate that cowpea variety IT90k-277-2 and IT98k-305 produced significantly (P<0.05) highest grain yield compared to the other varieties in both years. Weed dry matter production was highest in IT98k-305 but was least with Dan Sokoto variety. Weeding cowpea for 3 WAS only was quite inadequate for effective weed control and promotion of acceptable grain yield. Cowpea varieties IT90k-277-2 and IT98k-305 are recommended for cultivation while a weed-free period for the first 4 – 6 WAS of growth is required for optimum grain yield in the study area.

Effect of Intra-Row Spacing on the Incidence and Severity of Viral Diseases of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in Mokwa, Nigeria

The study was conducted to assess the effect of intra-row spacing on the incidence and severity of viral disease on soybean during the wet cropping season in 2019 at the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI), Mokwa field, located in the Southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria at an altitude of about 212 metres above sea level. Observation and data collection were done on the disease incidence and severity rating; also, plant height, the number of leaves, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod and Grain yield (t/ha) were determined at harvest. Data collected on growth and yield parameters were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (PROC GLM) procedure of SAS (2008). The means of significant (p≤0.05) F-test were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at a 5% probability level. The Elisa results obtained revealed the presence of Cowpea mottle virus, Cowpea yellow mosaic virus and Soybean mosaic virus. Also, the field trial showed that the different spacing and soybean cultivars investigated differ significantly on the variables tested. However, optimum spacing at 20 cm and 1448 - 2E had significantly (P<0.05) increased in all vegetative, reproductive growth and yield as well as reduced incidence of the soybean viruses detected in the field. From the above results, spacing at 20 cm with the cultivation of soybean cultivar 1448 - 2E and appropriate cultural practices are hereby recommended to farmers in the area.

Effects of conservation tillage, phosphorus and variety on selected soil physical properties and cowpea productivity at Minna in Nigeria’s Southern Guinea Savanna

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of conservation tillage, inorganic phosphorus fertilizer and variety on soil physical properties and cowpea productivity at Minna in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. Three tillage practices (zero, reduced and ridged), three phosphorus rates (0, 30 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1) and three cowpea varieties (IT93K-452-1, IT99K-573-1-1 and IT90K277-2) were factorially combined and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Two crops of cowpea were cultivated sequentially. Soil and crop indices used for the evaluation were soil bulk density, soil organic carbon content, mean weight diameter, soil moisture content, haulm yield and grain yield. Conservation tillage significantly affected the four soil indices while phosphorus rates significantly affected soil organic carbon content, mean weight diameter and soil moisture content. There was varietal effect on soil organic carbon content and soil moisture content. Conservation tillage methods influenced haulm yield significantly but had no significant effect on grain yield. Phosphorus application and variety, on the other hand, significantly affected both haulm and grain yields. Notably, in the early harvest, application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 raised haulm yield from 2,489 kg ha-1 (untreated control) to 5,482 kg ha-1 , and grain yield from 614 kg ha-1 (untreated control) to 1,440 kg ha-1 , representing 120% and 135% increments for haulm and grain yields respectively. Farmers are advised to combine either zero or reduced tillage with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 and IT99K573-1-1 for maximum haulm and grain yields.

Prevalence and Distribution of Weed Flora in Some Major Sugarcane Growing Areas of Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

Weed population survey was undertaken to determine prevalence and distribution of weeds, and asses weed flora shift in major sugarcane growing areas in Southern guinea savanna of Nigeria. The selected areas surveyed are namely Badeggi, Sulti, and Isenyi. The Sugarcane fields were assessed using 1.0 m x 1.0 m quadrat placed randomly at vegetative stage. Weed seedlings in each quadrat were clipped at the soil level and identified according to standards. Result revealed that a total of 38 weed species were recorded. Graminaea and compositae were most abundant and diversified families based on the number of species recorded. Individual weed species shows variation in their abundance, dominance and frequency. The most frequent weed species in the Sugarcane fields irrespective of the soil, climate and crop varieties were Hyptis suaveolens, Paspalum scrobiculata, Kyllinga squamulata, Dactylactenum aegypium and Cynadon dactylon and were considered as the most important species in the surveyed areas. From Similarity indices, variations were observed between locations. Accordingly, areas having similarity indices more than 60 % indicate similarities in weed community. Thus, when devising a weed control strategies same control option should be considered for the location that have similar weed flora and vise-versa.

Agronomic and economic performance of maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by seed bed configuration and weed control treatments

Abstract Poor method of weed control and indiscriminate use of herbicides led to low yields, economic returns, and increasing environmental pollution in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. These prompted the conduct of field trials in the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to determine the effects of seed bed configuration and weed control treatments on the agronomic and economic performance of maize. The treatments consisted of flat and ridge seed beds and six weed control treatments. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with split plot arrangement and replicated thrice. Results showed that seed bed configuration had significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on weed density, but not on maize grain yield. All the weed control treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced weed infestation and increased maize grain yields compared to the weedy check. Furthermore, Primextra at 1.5 kg active ingredient per hectare (kg a.i. ha−1) + One supplementary hoe weeding (SHW) at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), Primextra + Paraforce at 1.5 + 0.7 kg a.i. ha−1, and Primextra + Guard force at 1.5 + 0.03 kg a.i. ha−1 applied on flat seed beds and two hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAS + ridge produced higher yields, profit, and economic returns. Therefore, the above reduced herbicide rates applied on flat seed beds are recommended to farmers as alternatives to two hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAS for profitable production of maize.

Response of Cucumber to Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization in Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

A field experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State in the Southern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria during 2017 cropping season to evaluate the effect of varying rates of Nitrogen and Potassium on the growth and yield of Cucumber. Nitrogen (50Kg N/ha, 100Kg N/ha and 150Kg N/ha), Potassium (50Kg K 2 O/ha and 75Kg K 2 O/ha) were combined randomly with basal Phosphorous (50Kg P 2 O 5 /ha) to give seven treatment combinations. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The crop data collected include number of leaves, leaf area and number of branches, vine length, vine diameter, fruit weight and yield. The result showed that application of Nitrogen and Potassium fertilizers at various rate significantly (P<0.05) increased the growth and yield of cucumber over the control. The highest rate of 150 KgN/ha + 50 Kg P 2 O 5 /ha + 50 Kg K 2 O/ha result to higher vegetative growth than fruit yield. The combination of 50 KgN/ha + 50 Kg P 2 O 5 /ha + 75 Kg K 2 O/ha gave the highest yield and therefore considered optimal for cucumber production in the study area. Keywords: Nitrogen and Potassium, Fertilization, Guinea Savanna, Cucumber DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-12-05 Publication date: June 30 th 2021

Varietal response of maize to nitrogen and zinc fertilizer in Minna Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted in 2018 and 2019 seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Minna to determine the varietal response of maize to nitrogen and zinc fertilizer in Minna. The treatments included four levels of N: 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1, three levels of Zn: 0, 2.5 and 5 kg ha-1 and two varieties of maize (Oba Super 2 and Suwan-1-SR). The experimental design was a 4×3×2 factorial design fitted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The data collected were, plant height, number of leaves, cob weight, cob length, stover yield, grain yield and 1000 grain weight. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Highest plant height (43.69 and 44.37 cm) were obtained in 60 and 90 kg N ha-1 treatment application respectively in year 2018 at 3 Week After Sowing (WAS), these heights were significantly different from that of control (0 kg N ha-1). Zinc (Zn) fertilization has no significant effect on maize height at all growth stage of maize in year 2018. Application of Zn produced significantly taller plants than those without Zn application at 3 and 9 WAS in 2019. The treatment 60 kg N ha-1 had significantly higher yield (27873.7 kg ha-1) than others but similar to 90 kg N ha-1 (2512.4 kg ha-1). Application of 60 kg N ha-1 increased with 12 % than the 0 kg N ha-1 on maize yield in 2019. There was response to Zn fertilization on stover and grain yields. The interaction effects were significant on stover yield. The nitrogen rate of 60 kg N ha-1 and the zinc rate of 2.5 kg were optimum for maize grain yield in Minna, both Oba Super 2 and Suwan-1-SR performed better in the study.

EFFECT OF POPULATION DENSITY OF SWEET POTATO ON THE YIELD OF MAIZE-SWEET POTATO INTERCROP FOR WEEDS SUPPRESSION IN SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Maize–sweet potato intercropping often results in weed suppression and increased crop productivity. This study was designed to determine the appropriate planting time and optimal density of sweet potato in a maize-sweet potato intercropping system that will minimize weed infestation and improve yield of the component crops in a drought-prone southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. The experiment was laid as a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement and 3 replications in 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. The main plots were planting time (May, June and July) while the sub-plots consisted of 3 maize-sweet potato intercropping populations(maize at 53,333 plants/ha + 33,333 plants/ha of sweet potato, maize at 53,333 plants/ha + 66,666 plants/ha of sweet potato and maize at 53,333 plants/ha +99,999plants/ha of sweet potato), sole maize at 53,333 plants/ha and sole sweet potato at 33,333 plants/ha. The results revealed that, 7 weed species were the most prevalent and there was inconsistent effect of planting date on weed flushes while weed smothering efficiency of intercropping was between 31 to 49 % and 48 to 73% for weed density and weed biomass, respectively. Intercropping resulted in land equivalent ratios (LER) of 1.29 to 1.74 while the competitive ability of maize was increased with an increase in sweet potato density. Planting in the month of June had significantly higher tuber yield of 9.56 t/ha of sweet potato and maize grain yield of 3.28 t/ha while intercropping 33,333 plants/ha of sweet potato (1 vine of sweet potato planted at 0.40m apart on the ridge and 0.75m between ridges) and maize at 53,333 plants/ha (0.25m x 0.75m) gave an intercrop yield of 7.32 t/ha tubers and 3.46 t/ha grain yield with highest LER of 1.74, a net profit of ₦566,435.00 and benefit cost ratio of 1.44 was relatively similar to sole sweet potato. Therefore, the above intercropping pattern established in the month of June will minimize weed infestation and improve productivity of maize and sweet potato in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria.

English

The effects of cassava/legume intercrop-rice relay and weed management practices on weed infestation, growth and yield of rice were investigated at Badeggi, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria in 2011 to 2013 cropping seasons. The treatments consisted of factorial combination of cassava (IIT 427) intercrop with: Mucuna or Velvet bean [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.], Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], Hyacinth bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet.] and Porcupine Jointvetch (Aeschynomene histrix Poir.) and weed management practices: (i) application of propanil at 1.44 kg a.i ha-1 plus 2,4-D at 0.80 kg a.i ha-1 (Orizo Plus&reg;) at the rate of 2.24 kg a.i ha-1 at three weeks after transplanting (WAT) rice followed by hoeing at 6 WAT, (ii) two hoeing at 3 and 6 WAT, (iii) one hoeing at 3 WAT, and (iv) weedy check with sole cassava and natural fallow as control laid in a split plot arranged in a randomized complete block with three replications. Across cassava/legumes intercrops, cassava/mucuna had lower weed density and dry matter, cassava/Aeschynomene and cassava/cowpea produced comparable taller rice plants, more rice panicles and paddy yield, and cassava/Aeschynomene produced greater number of rice tillers. Irrespective of the weed management practices, two hoeing at 3 and 6 WAT gave better weed control, taller rice plants, greater number of tillers and panicles, and higher paddy yield comparable to application of Orizo Plus&reg; at 3 WAT followed by one hoeing at 6 WAT. This study suggests that sustainable weed control with Mucuna intercrop and rice productivity with Aeschynomene and cowpea intercrops can be achieved with two hoeing at 3 and 6 WAT or application of Orizo Plus&reg; at 3 WAT followed by hoeing at 6 WAT in this agro-ecology of Nigeria. Key words: Intercrops, legumes, Oryza sativa L., paddy yield, weed suppression. &nbsp

Variation in Yield and Yield Components of Tropical Forage Grass Species Evaluated in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Seven improved tropical grass species, namely, Andropogon gayanus Kunth., Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain &amp; Evrard, Cenchrus ciliaris L., Chloris gayana Kunth, Panicum maximum var. coloratum C.T, Paspalum orbiculare G. Forstand Sorghum almum Parodi were evaluated for yield and yield components at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria in 2015 and 2016. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in each of the years. Results showed that the evaluated grass species could be cut at an early age when the leaf: stem ratio is high enough for the ruminants to derive maximum nutritional benefit and need not be delayed till 16 weeks after planting. The highest correlation between plant height and grain yield was observed at 4 weeks (r = 0.69) and 8 weeks (r = 0.70) after planting, implying that the taller the plant species at this stage of growth, the higher the probability for high grain yield. Identification and selection of tropical grass species for improvement in grain production should, therefore, be carried out between 4 and 8 weeks of growth. All the seven tropical forage grass species performed favourably well in terms of growth and yield, with the positive response to increasing rainfall and further studies on multi-location evaluation within the Southern Guinea Savanna agro-ecologicalal zone of Nigeria is recommended.

Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Antenatal and Postnatal Disorders in Kaduna Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria: Empirical Study of Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Medicinal plant used in the treatment of ante-natal and post-natal disorders in Kaduna Sothern Guinea Savanna using Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State as a case studied was investigated. Twenty-five (25) questionnaires were randomly distributed in each of the four (4) wards to make a total of hundred (100) questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using frequency distribution table and Chi-square (X2). The result Shows that part of the plant species used in preparation of the herbal used in the treatment of ante natal and post-natal disorders include leaves; roots; bark; fruits; leaves and barks; roots and leaves. A total of fourteen (14) plants species belonging to ten (10) families were documented for antenatal while a total of twelve (12) plants species belonging to ten (10) families were documented for post-natal Majority of the herbs are consumed in fresh forms. Crushing is the major (66.0%) method of preparing the herbal /medicine. Also, drinking method is the major (64.0%) method of administration of the herbs/plants. Based on the result, it was further reveals that anemia (26.0%) had major symptoms associated with ante natal while protracted labour (26.0%) was the major symptoms associated with postnatal. Demographic characteristic of the respondents was also examined. The percentage of male was (15.0%) while that of female counter part was (85.0%). majority (41.0%) of the respondents were between 31-40-years age bracket and 73.0% are married and 58.0% of the respondents had qur’anic education while 12.0% had no formal education and majority (42.0%) of the respondents are traditional practioners. Chi-square(X2) analysis revealed that all the independent variable at (P&gt;0.01) probability level the results gave no significant relationship (P&gt;0.01) with the symptom associated with ante-natal and postnatal and the parts of the plant used. However, it is recommended that modernization of health care in Kaduna Southern Guinea Savanna could benefit from integrating aspect of traditional practice and plant used in to health care modernization programme through active involvement of local people. This would also facilitate the implementation of culturally appropriate health care that respect traditional knowledge and contribute to bio-culturally sustainable development of the area.

Restorative effects of amendments on artificially degraded soils in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria.

An evaluation of the productivity of degraded alfisols at Makurdi and Otobi, Nigeria, using artificial desurfacing techniques (ADT) was carried out in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons. The study was a split-split plot experiment arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The soil was desurfaced at 0 – 5, 0 – 10, 0 – 15, 0 – 20 cm and the undesurfaced soil, 0 cm (control) depths. The restorative amendments were 9 t ha-1 of poultry dropping as an organic source of manure, N:P2O5:K2O as an inorganic source of manure and zero application as control. Soybean variety TGX 1448-2E and maize variety, Oba super II were used as test crop. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was significantly (P = 0.05) lower at 20 cm (29.08 cm hr-1 ), but did not differ significantly at 0 to 10 cm depths. Soil pH of 5.58 was recorded at 0 cm depth and it decreased to 5.05 at 20 cm depth. Also, organic matter content (1.71 – 1.00 g kg-1 ), total nitrogen (0.12 – 0.08 g kg-1 ) as well as CEC (7.39 – 6.24 cmol kg-1 ) recorded a significant decrease with increase in soil depth from 0 to 20 cm depths. Application of poultry manure increased total porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity as well as organic matter content across desurfaced depths. Soybean number of leaves was significantly (P = 0.05) reduced at 4, 7, and 10 WAP with increased topsoil removal. The highest grain yield of soybean (1474 kg ha-1 ) was recorded on poultry manure treated plots which were significantly higher (p = 0.05) than other treatments. Application of poultry manure caused 20 % soybean yield reduction at 5 depth, and a 56 % reduction at 20 cm depth.

Medicinal Utilization of Water Melon (Citrillus Lanatus) in Different Parts of Kaduna Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Proximate and medicinal utilization of watermelon (Citrillus lanatus) was examined in different parts of Kaduna Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. Two hundred (200) questionnaires were randomly administered and one hundred and eighty-five (185) were retrieved. The results showed that watermelon can be used in the treatment and prevention of various diseases such as eye problems, skin disease, hypertension; reduce formation of kidney stones, renal stones, urinary stones, cough and catarrh, tuberculosis and many more. Majority (33.5%) of the respondents used grinding methods in preparing the seeds before use and the herbal mixture prepared are consumed fresh. The result of the proximate analysis showed that the seed contains 89.46% dry matter, 59.4% carbohydrate, 13.56% protein, 9.24% lipids. Other compositions in the seed are ash content (7.49%), crude fibre (8.81%). Demographic characteristics of the respondents were also examined. The percentage of male was 48.1% while that of female was 51.9%. Majority (52%) of the respondents is aged between 31 – 40 years and 53.5% are married. 54.6% of the respondents had secondary education while 86% had no formal education and majority (46.5%) is traditional healers. It is however recommended that agroforestry practices should be encouraged in the local government areas. Consequently, it must be ensured that watermelon fruits be the agricultural crop to be incorporated into the system for sustainability of the medicinal uses of the plant.

Effects of seed bed types and weed control methods on the vegetative parameters of long cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutesens L)

Effects of seed bed types and weed control methods on the vegetative parameters of long cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutesens L)