Southern Guinea Savanna Research Articles

Performance of Rice Grown after Cassava/Legume Intercrops at Badeggi in the Southern Guinea Savanna Ecological Zone of Nigeria

An experiment was conducted on the lowland experimental field of National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi (9°45’N, 60°7’E, ALT 70.57 M ) in the southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria in 2011, 2012 and 2013 to determine the effects of cassava/legume inter-cropping patterns on grain yield of subsequent lowland rice. The result revealed that significant higher plant height, tiller/stool and grains/panicle were obtained from with rice grown after cassava/ cowpea and cassava/Aeschynomene compared with rice grown after cassava/soybean and cassava/Lablab. Significantly higher rice panicles per metre, 1000 rice grain weight and rice grain yield were also observed in the same treatments. Cassava/cowpea and cassava/Aeschynomene are hence recommended to be planted before lowland rice.

Agro-nutritional variations of quality protein maize (Zea mays L.) in Nigeria

Quality protein maize (QPM) combining the enhanced levels of lysine and tryptophan with high grain yield and desirable agronomic traits could reduce food insecurity and malnutrition in West and Central Africa. Twenty-two varieties of QPM and two local checks were evaluated for agronomic characteristics and nutritional qualities in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria for two years (2009 and 2010). Though crude protein levels are good indicators of quality, amino acid composition analyses, especially lysine and tryptophan that would provide a final proof are in progress. The genotypes comprised five open pollinated varieties (OPVs), nine inbred lines, eight hybrids and two local varieties. Differences among the varieties were significant (P<0.01) for grain yield, days to tasselling as well as plant and ear heights, while year x variety interaction was only significant (P<0.05) for days to tasselling. Most of the QPM inbred lines (CML 437, CML 490 CML 178) and hybrids (Dada-ba, ART98-SW5-OB, ART98-SW4- OB and TZPB-OB) have superior performance for grain yield, other yield attributes and nutritional qualities compared with the OPVs and local checks. These inbreds could be potential sources of favorable alleles useful for future maize breeding, while the hybrids could be evaluated in different environments of Nigeria for comparative advantages in different environments and quality of the grains to be released to farmers.

Influence of water depth and seedling rate on the performance of late season lowland rice (Oryza sativa L) in a Southern Guinea Savanna ecology of Nigeria

A three year field experiment was conducted between 2010 and 2012 at the irrigated lowland experimental field of National Cereals Research Institute in Edozhigi (9°04N, 6°7E) of the Southern Guinea savannah ecological zone of Nigeria, to determine the effect of different water depths and seedling rates on yield and yield components of lowland rice. The trial was laid out in a split plot and arranged in a randomized complete block design by six regimes of water depths (5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, saturated soil and continuous flow of water at 2 cm depth) was accommodated in the main plot while the seedling rate of 2, 4 and 6 per stand constituted the sub-plots. The results indicated that both grain yield and yield components of rice were enhanced while the water level increased to 20 cm, although both tiller and height were negatively affected by higher water level at the early stage of growth but it was later compensated at later stage. Water depth of 15 - 20 cm revealed higher grain yield of 5051.8, 4700.4 and 4066.0 kg ha-1 which was 84.4%, 85.2% and 84.7% higher than yields obtained from saturated plot in 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively. Rice yield and yield components were significantly affected by different seedling rates and six seedlings per stand gave grain yield that is 13.1%, 27.8% and 14.4% higher than 2 seedling rate in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. It is therefore concluded that maintaining water depth between 15 to 20 cm and seedling rate of 4 to 6 enhanced yield and yield components of lowland rice

Effects of parasitoids on the severity of African rice gall midge Orseolia oryzivora H. & G. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidea) in Koda millet, Paspalum scrobiculatum L infested rice genotypes at Edozhigi in Central agro-ecological zone of Nigeria

Experiments were conducted at Edozhigi in the Southern Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria between 2004 – 2007 on the use of P. scrobiculatum to enhance the biological control mechanism of Africa gall midge (AfRGM) by two naturally occurring parasitoids in six rice varieties. Both P. scrobiculatum as a lowland rice weed and rice as a crop have the same parasitoids range. The six varieties were FARO 51, FARO 52, FARO 37, TOS 14519, BW 348 – 1 and a local variety all having varying levels of tolerance to AfRGM. These varieties as treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates and each was surrounded with one – metre band of P. scrobiculatum except the local variety as control. All the varieties were scored for gall midge infestation at 42 DAT and 63 DAT (days after transplanting) and all the galls were dissected to assess the presence of parasitoids. Results indicated that the presence of galls of P. scrobiculatum had moderating influence on the incidence of gall midge signifying that P. scrobiculatum galls were able to attract parasitoids to lower the AfRGM infestation. A fact of particular importance is that FARO 37 which is a known highly susceptible rice variety consistently maintained low levels of AfRGM.

Nodulation, Nitrogen Yield and Fixation by Bambara Groundnut (Vigna Subterranea (L.)Verdc.) Landraces Intercropped with Cowpea and Maize in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Two separate field experiments were undertaken during the rainy seasons (August – December) of 2010 and 2011 at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to evaluate some landraces of bambara groundnut intercropped separately with cowpea and maize at varying planting densities for nodulation, nitrogen (N) yield and fixation. Each experiment was a 2 x 3 x 3 split-split plot set out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Intercropping decreased the number and weight of nodules; nitrogen derived from the atmosphere and fixed in both bambara groundnut/maize and bambara groundnut/cowpea intercropping systems. No significant differences were noticed between the landraces in N content of shoot and roots, but ‘Okirikiri’ had significantly higher N content (3.11 %) of pod with seed than the other two landraces. ‘Okirikiri’ and ‘Adikpo’ landraces fixed more N than ‘Karo’. N fixed increased with decline in bambara groundnut planting density. Mean percentage of plant N derived from atmosphere varied from 49.80 in the bambara groundnut/maize systems to 56.80 in the bambara groundnut/cowpea intercrops, while N fixed was 11.27 kg/ha and 34.90 kg/ha in the respective intercrop systems. The expectation of enormous contribution of nitrogen fixation to bambrara groundnut yields and its residual effects on soil medium for ensuing crops may be an illusion with the use of the landraces tested in this work, except, probably when inoculated with the appropriate rhizobia?

Nitrogen contribution of some selected legumes to a sorghum based cropping system in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria

Field experiments to assess the Nitrogen (N) contribution of legumes to a sorghum based cropping system in the southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria were carried out during the 2004 and 2005 cropping seasons. The studies were conducted at the experimental station of the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Nigeria (09° 451 N, 06° 71 E). The experimental design was a split plot randomised complete block replicated three times. Species of herbaceous legumes (Canavalia ensiformis, Mucuna cochinchinesis), and grain legumes (Cowpea - [Vigna unguiculata] varieties L25 and IR48) as well as a fallow control were assigned to the main plots. N levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) were assigned to the sub plots. Plant residues of M. cochinchinesis and V. unguiculata -IR48 had the highest percent of N content (1.55 and 1.54% respectively), while C. ensiformis had the lowest (0.93%). Only the two cowpea varieties had C:N ratio of less than 30:1. The lignin and polyphenols content of all the legumes species were less than the critical levels of 15 and 4% respectively. The soil textural classification is of sandy loam with low initial N and cation exchange capacity. Application of N fertilizer to soils incorporated with legumes resulted in significantly higher mineral N (NO3 and NH4-N) accumulation than those without fertilizer N in both soil and sorghum N. Generally, higher mineral N was recorded in legume residue incorporated treatments than the control. Application of up to 40 kg N/ha to sorghum grown after incorporation of legumes except canavalia resulted in significantly higher yield of sorghum than those after fallow control. Key words: Nitrogen, Sorghum, canavalia, mucuna, cowpea.

Growth and Development of <i>Gomphrena celosioides</i> Mart under Screen House Conditions in Ilorin, Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria

The pattern of growth of Gomphrena celosioides Mart (Amaranthaceae), a weed in mown grass and lawn commonly used in southern Nigeria for treatment of skin infections and as abortifacient was evaluated in Ilorin (Lat. 8 o 29'N & 8 o 30'N; Long. 4 o 30'E & 4 o 32'E), southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria between 2010 and 2012. Seedlings and soil samples to a depth of 15cm were collected from different locations and enumerated for 15 weeks. G. celosioides seedling had a prolific growth rate, producing many leaves, sparsely branching and excessive flowers within a short period after emergence. The estimated seeds of G. celosioides in soil seedbank were about 885 seeds/m 2 . The growing shoot increased in length as a function of plant age with a mean absolute growth rate of 0.13 g plant -1 day -1 , mean RGR of 0.07 g g -1 day -1 . This result will be valuable in aiding the prediction of G. celosioides infestations in agricultural fields and provide a valuable input in timing of its control. KeyWords : Weed biology, plant growth, seedbank, Gomphrena celosioides Mart,

Interrelationship and path coefficient analysis of morpho-physiological traits among maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) diallelic crosses in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

This study was done to determine the effect of the grain yield and its related characteristics on 10 open-pollinated maize varieties and their 45 F1 hybrids using correlation and path coefficient analysis. A two-year study was conducted on maize genotypes at the University of Ilorin Teaching and Research Farm Ilorin, Nigeria, during 2005 and 2006 growing seasons. Positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic correlations were found for days to 50% tasselling with plant and ear heigh t, and grain yield with plant height, number of grains ear-1 and ear weight. Positive and significant environmental correlation was also recorded for grain yield with plant and ear height, and ear weight. The path analysis revealed that, days to 50% silking, ear weight and number of grains ear-1 had the highest direct effect on grain yield, while number of grains ear-1 had the highest moderate indirect negative effects on grain yield. Days to flowering, plant and ear height, number of grains ear-1 and ear weight could be the important selection criteria in improving open pollinated maize varieties and hybrids for high grain yield.Key words: Phenotypic, genotypic correlation, open pollinated varieties, yield characters

Quantitative Estimate of Weeds of Sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum L.) Crop in Ilorin, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

A survey was conducted in the sugarcane fields of Unilorin Sugar Research Institute, Ilorin in the southern Guinea savanna agro-ecological zone of Nigeria during 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons with an objective to identify the current status of prevalent weeds in rainfed and irrigated sugarcane fields. A quantitative method was employed for the enumeration of weeds. Quadrats were laid along transects and individual weed species in each quadrat was identified and counted. Simpson’s diversity index, Sorensen similarity index and relative abundance were used to determine the weed community structure. A total of 51 weed species belonging to 40 genera within 16 families were identified across the sugarcane fields. Rainfed sugarcane field was higher in weed species (41) than irrigated fields (35 weed species). Rainfed fields also had the diversity index of 28.84 % compared to 21.66% species diversity computed for irrigated fields. The result generally shows that the similarities index of weed species between rainfed and irrigated fields is about 50 %. Among the 10 abundant weed species, two grasses viz. Panicum repens L. and Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeschel were the most abundant weeds in sugarcane fields followed by Rottboellia cochinchinensis Lour and two sedge weeds Cyperus rotundus L. and Mariscus longibracteatus Cherm. Results obtained from this study would be useful in creating a weed management programme and making informed decision on choice of herbicides. Regular weed survey to identify possible problematic weeds and weed population shifts and direct research toward new or improved weed control measures is thereby recommended.Key words: Sugarcane fields, rainfed, irrigation, survey, weed species

Parameters, Interrelationships with Yield and use of Carbofuran to Control Stem Borers in Maize (Zea mays l.) at Makurdi in the Nigerian Southern Guinea Savanna

Parameters, Interrelationships with Yield and use of Carbofuran to Control Stem Borers in Maize (Zea mays l.) at Makurdi in the Nigerian Southern Guinea Savanna

Parameters, Interrelationships with Yield and use of Carbofuran to Control Stem Borers in Maize (Zea mays l.) at Makurdi in the Nigerian Southern Guinea Savanna

Early and late crops of flint, pop and sweet maize (Zea mays L.) were sown in field plots laid in randomized complete block design at the Teaching and Research Farm in 2004. Stem borer infestation and damage were assessed both in the plots treated with 1.5 kg carbofuran/ha and in those not treated for stem borer control. The maize types, as subplot treatments, and carbofuran application vs no application, as main plot treatments, were replicated four times. Borer damage was quantified as percentage dead-heart, bored stems, lodged stems, bored internodes, and as numbers of borer larvae/stem and borer cavities. The damage parameters were correlated with each other and with yield. Busseola fusca Fuller was the most abundant species; borer infestation was 5 times higher in the late than in the early crop and application of carbofuran resulted in 86.8 and 63.5 % control, respectively. Yield loss due to borer damage to the early crop was 14.0%; that for the late crop was 1.5-fold higher. In both crops, maize type exerted no significant effect (P>0.05) on borer damage. Percentage bored internodes was positively and significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with number of bored stems (r = 0.95, early crop; 0.88, late crop), and lodged stems (r = 0.82, early crop; 0.83, late crop). Similarly, bored and lodged stems were positively correlated (r =0.75 and 0.74, respectively in the early and late crop; P < 0.01). Dead-heart was positively correlated with each stem damage parameter; coefficients of correlation were higher for the early than the late crop. All damage parameters were negatively correlated with yield but a robust yield loss predictive model was not found. As such, use of carbofuran against maize stem borers would continue to be prophylactic at Makurdi.

A contribution to the Holocene vegetation history of Nigeria: Pollen from Ohe Pond Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria

The pollen record from Ohe Pond (N 06° 50.156, E 007° 21.837) in Nsukka, Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria, provided strong evidence of existence of a Southern Guinea savanna in the mid-Holocene. Prior to 6417 ± 67 BP, there was a closed forest with strong Guinea savanna affinities with a more humid condition. However, after 6417 ± 67 BP, Southern Guinea savanna woodland became well established in the area. Considerable periods of high precipitation alternating with warm and dry climatic phases may have favoured the establishment and maintenance of this complex heterogeneous vegetation structure after 6388 ± 71 BP. Frequent natural fires, indicated by charred plant tissues throughout the mid Holocene, probably were important in promoting the expansion of savanna species in the vegetation. Furthermore, human impact associated with iron smelting from about 4005 ± 40 BP in the area may have contributed to depletion of the forest vegetation. The transition from the Southern Guinea savanna to derived forest-savanna mosaic vegetation became apparent at a latter part of the late Holocene around 1470 ± 79 BP. Although climate may have played a significant role in shaping the structure of the vegetation, human activities certainly played an important role in the late Holocene vegetation transformation.

Participatory Rural Appraisal of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) Production in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) study of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.)Verdc.) production was conducted in six villages sampled from three Local Government Areas (LGA). The LGAs were Ogbadibo, Kwande (Benue State) and Olamaboro (Kogi State), all located in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. The study involved 6 group discussions and 240 individual key informants who were interviewed using a check list with a view to provide information on existing bambara groundnut-based cropping systems. Results indicated that most bambara groundnut farmers were literate (99.58%). 52.91% of the farmers were males and 47.08% were females. Bambara groundnut production was mainly in small holdings (≤1ha). About 30 % of bambara groundnut farmers plant the crop as sole while 65.83% intercropped it with other crops. Intercropping with cassava dominated the intercrop systems. Planting was mainly on ridges (83.33%). About 77% of the farmers do not apply fertilizer to bambara groundnut with the belief that it could grow well on poor soils. Weeding was done manually by 87.08% of the farmers, while 21.25% of them used herbicides for weed control mainly in Kwande LGA. Yields of bambara groundnut were generally low (100-600 kg/ha). Labour and lack of finance ranked the highest consideration by farmers as constraints to the production of bambara groundnut in Southern Guinea Savanna. Scientific investigation into the suitability of some of the popular landraces of bambara groundnut in the various cropping systems in Southern Guinea Savanna might be necessary to ensure food security in the region.

Comparative Response of Conventional and Quality Protein Maize Hybrids to High Population Densities in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Optimum plant population is very important in enhancing high and stable grain yield especially in quality protein maize (QPM) production. A field trial was therefore conducted to compare the performance of six hybrids (three each of QPM and normal endosperm) at three population densities using a split-plot design at the sub-station of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Oke-Oyi, in the southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria during the 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons. Plant population -1 densities (53,333, 66,666, and 88,888 plants ha ) constituted the main plots and the six hybrids were assigned to the subplots, replicated three times. Our results showed a differential response of maize -1 hybrids to high densities, with plant populations above 53,333 plants ha reduced grain yield, and this is more pronounced in QPM than normal endosperm hybrids. This is contrary to the results observed in many other countries. This might be that the hybrids were selected in low yield potential area at low plant densities, and hence not tolerant to plant density stress. It may also be due to low yield potential of the experimental site, which does not allow yield increases at high plant densities. Though normal endosperm hybrids 0103-11 and 0103-15 as well as QPM Dada-ba were superior for grain yield among -1 the hybrids at 53,333 plants ha , hybrid 0103-11 was most outstanding. Therefore, genetic improvement of QPM and normal endosperm hybrids for superior stress tolerance and high yield could be enhanced by selection at higher plant population densities.

A Survey of &lt;i&gt;Passiflora foetida&lt;/i&gt; L. and Associated Weed Species on Arable Crops in Ballah, Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria.

A survey was conducted in the research field of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Ballah sub-station in southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria during 2010 to 2011 cropping season with an objective to determine the relative abundance of Passiflora foetida L. and predict the potential of the weed species dominating arable fields. Passiflora foetida L. was found to be with a high percentage frequency of occurrence (16.99 %) and relative abundance ranging from 27.05 to 62.29 % at crop vegetative stage and 17.49 to 74.75 % during harvesting of arable crops. The fields of cowpea and soyabean had higher frequencies of occurrence of the alien weed compare with sole cassava and maize plots and theirintercrops with lower frequencies of occurrence. This study advocated periodic observation of weed flora by farmers to ascertain cases of invasion of farmlands by alien weed species to facilitate early management strategy that could limit spread of such weed species.Keywords : Passiflora foetida, arable crop fields, associated weed species, Ballah

Forms and distribution of potassium in particle size fractions on talc overburden soils in Nigeria

The potassium status of soils developed over talc overburden in a southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria was evaluated using exchangeable, acid extractable, total and residual potassium values in particle-size fractions. Soil samples collected from genetic horizons of six profile pits at Kampe Forest Reserve were separated into sand, silt and clay fractions. Exchangeable K, acid-extractable K, total K and residual K were determined in these fractions. Reserved K values were similar to those of mobile K, but lower than total and residual K, whereas exchangeable K showed the lowest values. Total K was >25 cmol kg−1 in all the profiles; reserved K ranged from 9.26 to 24.45 cmol kg−1 and mobile K ranged from 5.12 to 29.57 cmol kg−1. Exchangeable K accounted for <1% of total K and ranged from 0.20 to 0.50 cmol kg−1. In most cases, the clay fraction of the soils had the highest values for all potassium forms, followed by the silt fraction, while the sand fraction had the lowest values for these forms of potassium.

Humic Substances and Mineral-Associated Soil Organic Carbon As Influenced By Land Use in Southeastern Adamawa State, Nigeria

Land use management has been observed to affect labile, stable and humified soil organic matter fractions, but the magnitude of these changes has not been established in the Southern Guinea savanna of Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria. The study investigated effects of five land use management systems (undisturbed natural forest, crop land, grazing reserve, forest plantation and fallow land) on the status of humic substances and mineral-associated soil organic carbon. Three transects that are 100 m apart were cut in each of the study site and four sampling plots of 20 m × 20 m in dimension were laid in alternate positions along each transect at 50 m interval. Soil core samples were collected diagonally at a depth of 0-15, 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 cm and at three points in each plot using a 3cm diameter soil auger. These results showed that both mineral-associated and humified organic matter are better protected under natural forest, plantation and grazing reserve and consequently less vulnerable to mineralization. The study revealed that seven years fallow contribution to soil organic carbon was minimal. This might be attributed to several factors such as livestock grazing, incidence of annual bush burning and cutting of vegetation for fuel wood. The relationship between stable soil organic carbon and various soil nutrients indicates that positive correlation exists. This shows that availability of humic, fulvic acid, exchangeable magnesium, exchangeable calcium, total phosphorus, cation exchange capacity and total nitrogen depend to some extent on the status of mineral-associated soil organic carbon. The content of humic was significantly influenced by land use and soil depth. Highest humic acid content (17.42 g/kg) was recorded under plantation in the soil surface layer (0-15 cm), followed by natural forest (15.16 g/kg), grazing reserve (14.16 g/kg), and fallow land (12.31 g/kg). The fulvic acid content also followed the same pattern as obtained for humic acid. The highest %mineral associated soil organic carbon was recorded for plantation and natural forest at the surface layer (0-15 cm) (1.19 and 1.15 respectively), followed by the grazing reserve (1.12). The crop land and the fallow land recorded 0.95 and 0.87 respectively. There exist differences across land use types in their potentials of storing total, particulate, mineral-associated organic carbon and humic substances in the Southern Guinea Savanna soils of Adamawa State, Nigeria. From the results it was noted that, natural forest, plantation and grazing reserve had potentials for storing organic carbon of appreciable concentration. This result provides valuable information for implementing tillage practices (such as zero tillage) that can favour carbon sequestration and improve soil quality.

Factors Influencing Adoption of Agro-Forestry among Smallholder Farmers in Toungo, Southeastern, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Agroforestry technologies have been extensively researched and introduced to smallholder farmers in Nigeria for over two decades. Despite the research and extension effort over this period, not many farmers have adopted these technologies. In view of this, the study was conducted to assess factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry practices. The study was carried out in Toungo Southeastern fringe of Adamawa State, Nigeria, situated in the Southern guinea Savanna zone. Data were collected with pre-tested questionnaires administered to 100 farmers-household heads, randomly selected from the two Districts of the Local Government Area. Information was gathered on the age, gender, marital status, educational level and years of farming experience, major occupation household size and farm size of the respondents. Others include farmers' awareness of and involvement in Agroforestry systems, willingness to plant, retain or take care of trees planted, tree species commonly retained/planted on farmland and other information relevant to the study. Data were analyzed using a descriptive statistics, T-test and χ 2 models. The χ 2 test result revealed that the educational level of the respondents correlated highly with the respondents major occupation (p<0.01). χ 2 test shows that there was significant relationship (p<0.01) between the respondents' level of education and awareness of agroforestry systems. This means that farmers who acquire some level of education are more likely to perceive new technologies than the ones who have no any form of education. The t-test result shows a significant difference with respect to the type of agroforestry practices among the respondents. The deliberate retaining of trees on farmland was the most common agroforestry practice in the study area as indicated. The farmers maintained that tree species are retained to provide various uses such as Wind break (8%), Fodder (16%), Fuel wood (6%), Staking material (4%), Source of Income (14%), Soil improvement (28%), Medicinal herbs (10%), Shade (6%) and constructional materials (8%). The result of the t-test shows a significant difference (p< 0.01) in the proportion of those aware of agroforestry practices and those not aware. 82% maintained that they are aware of the potentials of agroforestry while 18% claimed not to be aware. 76% of the respondents indicated that they were willing to retained/plant trees on their farm land. Farmers' responses to questions on some reasons for unwillingness to practice agro-forestry technologies were different. Generally none of the reasons provided in the survey could be considered to greatly influence agro-forestry practice. The result indicated that lack of knowledge and lack of seed/planting materials influence the adoption of agro-forestry more than other factors do. Generally, level of awareness is high. Therefore lack of awareness was not one of the main reasons preventing farmers from adopting agroforestry. Since lack of knowledge and lack of seed were said to influence agroforestry practice more than would lack of awareness, limited land, and lack of interest, they perhaps

Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Forest Soil in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Most studies on soil characteristics had centered on suitability for agricultural production. Once a soil does not support crop production, it is referred to as poor, unproductive, and finally abandoned. Such soil could be very useful for forest crop plantation. This study was designed to investigate characteristics and describe the forest soil in Ombi, southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria. Soil samples were collected randomly from three locations around the engineering department of Nasarawa State Polytechnic Lafia, at depth of 0-30cm. Samples (1kg each) were taken in plastics bags to the laboratory for studies. Physical and chemical properties were analyzed according to standard procedures. Results show that sand had the highest % in soil of the area (74.96). Bulk densities were within the same range (1.68; 1.77 and 1.78g/cm3) for sand, silt and clay respectively. Sand had the highest porosity (37.7%) while clay had the least (31.6%). Aggregate stability was least for sand (9.74%) and highest for clay (56.82%). Soil reaction was neutral (7.05); nitrogen and CEC were 1.6 and 12.3 Cmol kg -1 among others, while organic carbon was 4.82g/kg-1. The soil is described as light and falls under sandy loam. Forest plantation establishment will be worthwhile.

Socio-Economic Impact of Desertification on Rural Livelihood in Ganye Southeastern Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to evaluate the socio-economic impact of desertification on rural livelihood in Toungo, Southeastern fringe of Adamawa State, Nigeria, situated in the Southern Guinea Savanna zone. A total of three hundred (300) respondents (farmers) interviewed were selected using purposive and random sampling techniques. The results of socio-economic characteristics of the respondents (farmers) are presented in Table 1. On the causes of desertification, the respondents (56.7%) indicated that the main causes of desertification were human activities, 30% were of the opinion that this was cause by changes in the climate, while 13.3% of the respondents are ignorant of what causes desertification. When asked about the effect of desertification on their livelihoods, 43.3% of the respondents indicated that there was reductions in the amount of rainfall receive each year, 40% pointed out that there was increased in temperature, and 16.7% maintained that they noticed drying of water bodies. There was a diverse response concerning the impact of desertification on farmer's agricultural activities. 43.3% of the respondents pointed out that they recorded poor harvest as the result of desertification in the previous years, 36.7% maintained that they notice an increase in wind erosion, 13.3% shows that the situation was tending towards a decrease in the availability of pasture for livestock, while 6.7% revealed that there was a drastic reduction in soil fertility as observed on their farmlands. The results of this study shows that majority of the farmers in the study area are aware about the causes, effects and impact of desertification as it's seriously affects their agricultural productions in diverse ways. At the same time, 56.7% of the respondents indicated that Aforestation is one of the best strategies for combating desertification, 43.3% believe that the practice of proper irrigation will be a good strategy, while 10% maintained that establishment and maintenance of shelter belts will reduce the impact of desertification in the study area. An important issue is how to support the rural poor to use the soils, the biota and other natural resources without destroying those resources, and without affecting the climate adversely.