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Agriculture Articles

  • EVALUATING AGRIBUSINESS INVESTORS' CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

    The assessment of climate change adaptation has been widely researched but the assessment of agribusiness investor’s awareness and adaptation to climate change effects in southeast Nigeria seems not to be fully explored. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted in the collection of data from three hundred and sixty (360) agribusiness investors using structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to realize the objectives of the study. Result revealed that agribusiness investors are generally aware of climate change in the area and source their climate information through personal experience, radio, television, fellow investors, extension agent and social media. The result revealed that diversification, risk management and insurance, enhanced infrastructure and storage facilities, climate-smart technologies, supply of heat during cold weather, improve soil management, improve water management, changing the breeds of livestock and planting of flood resistant/tolerant crop were the adaptation strategies in the area. With P-value of 0.0000 and the Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity at 0.05 level of probability, it is posited that climate change effects significantly affected agribusiness investment in Southeast, Nigeria. The result showed further that production factor, economic factor, equipment factor and threat to human life factor were the major factors affecting agribusiness investment. Based on the findings, it is recommended programs on how to adapt effectively to climate change variability should be embarked upon by relevant authorities for agribusiness investors.

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  • VARIABILITY, ESTIMATES OF BROAD SENSE HERITABILITY AND GENETIC ADVANCE IN WATERLEAF (TALINUM TRIANGULARE L WALP)

    Field experiments were carried out in Umudike and Uyo to access the variability, estimates of heritability and genetic advance in Talinum triangulare. The trial was a factorial experiment laid out in Randomized complete block design, with factor A as seven cultivars of water leaf and factor B as location (Umudike and Uyo). Data were taken on plant height, number of leaves/ plant, number of lateral branches /plant, number of flowers/plant, length of rachis, stem girth, yield/plot, and yield/ha. Analysis of variance of the results from pooled locations showed that the cultivars differed significantly (p < 0.05) in plant height, number of leaves/plant, number of lateral branches/plant, number of flowers/plant, length of rachis, leaf weight/ plot and yield/ hectare. Large variability existed within the cultivars in plant height, number of leaves and leaf weight/ plot as shown by genetic component analysis. Plant height, number of leaves/ plant and leaf weight / plot were under the control of additive genes since they had high genotypic coefficient of variation, high broad sense heritability and high genetic advance, hence are heritable. Cultivars with high genotypic coefficient of variation, high broad sense heritability estimates and high genetic advance for plant height, number of leaves/ plant and leaf weight /plot could be selected for improvement of leaf yield in water leaf. However, high genetic gain could be expected from selection for number of leaves/ plant and leaf weight /plot as these traits are much more under the control of additive genes.

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  • ASSESSMENT OF AGRIBUSINESS INVESTORS’ PERCEPTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS IN SOUTHEAST, NIGERIA

    The assessment of climate change adaptation has been widely researched but the assessment of agribusiness investor’s perception to climate change effects in southeast Nigeria seems not to be fully explored. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted in the collection of data from three hundred and sixty (360) agribusiness investors using structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to realize the objectives of the study. The results of the analysis showed that majority of the agribusiness investors in southeast Nigeria were mostly males of an active mean age of 54 years. The study revealed that majority of agribusiness investors were married thereby making them the principal investors in the key areas of agribusiness on educational attainment, the study identified investors that completed senior secondary school as the major players in both farm input supply (23.6%) and farm production (21.9%) The mean household size of the agribusiness investors was 7 persons. Meanwhile, agribusiness investors who have stayed above 15years were more in agro-processing. However, majority of the agribusiness investors belong to cooperative societies and have access to climate information. Agribusiness investors in the area rightly perceived the direction of changes in climatic variables, Result of multinomial regression showed that age, educational attainment, household size, agribusiness experience, marital status, membership of cooperative society, access to climate information and access to credit were all positive and statistically significant on the choice of climate change adaptation strategies. With Pseudo R2 of 0.949 and the P-value of 0.0000, it is posited that socio-economic characteristics of agribusiness investors have significant effects on the choice of climate change adaptation strategies. The result showed further that economic/managerial, socioeconomic, infrastructural and institutional were the major constraints to climate change adaptation Based on the findings, it is recommended enlightenment program on climate change to sensitize investors on the effects and sustainable adaptation strategies to be adopted in combating climate change.

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  • DIETARY EFFECT OF FERMENTED ANNONA MURICATA LEAF MEAL ON THE HISTOLOGY OF LIVER AND INTESTINE OF HETEROBRANCHUS BIDORSALIS FINGERLINGS

    This study evaluated the effects of fermented Annona muricata leaf on the histology of liver and intestine in Heterobranchus bidorsalis fingerlings by using electron microscope. A total of One hundred and fifty (150) fingerlings with an average weight of 27.1g and length 13.23cm, were exposed to five different concentrations of fermented Annona muricata leaves: 0.00g (0%), 1.61g (5%), 3.21g (10%), 4.82g (15%) and 6.42g (20%) over a period 56 days. Histological analysis showed that the control group (0.00g) and the 1.61g (5%) group exhibited normal liver and intestinal structures. However, with higher concentrations, changes such as hepatocyte infiltration by lymphocytes forming lymphoid follicles in the liver, oedematous mucosa with increased lymphocytes in the intestinal mucosa, and sloughing of intestinal villi were observed. The findings indicate that concentrations of Annona muricata leaf above 5% (1.61g) were toxic to the fish. Therefore, its use should be approached with caution.

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  • AMINO ACIDS PROFILE AND NUTRITIONAL POTENTIALS OF CASHEW NOT WASTE ON CLARIAS GARIEPINUS CULTURE

    A 98-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the Amino acids profile and Nutritional potentials of cashew nut waste on Clarias gariepinus juveniles Culture. Four hundred and eight juveniles 14.10±0.06g mean weight and mean length of 10.87±0.32cm were randomly distributed into four treatment tanks in triplicate groups of thirty four (34) fish per replicate in a completely randomized design. Four iso-nitrogenous diets containing 40% crude protein were prepared with varying ratios of 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% of the formulated diets respectfully contributing 0.0g100g-1, 13.50g100g-1, 17.50g100-1, and 25.00g100g-1 of the cashew nut waste. The fish in each dietary treatment were fed the allotted experimental diet at 5% body weight twice daily. Statistical analyses for all the parameters in the research were made. Nutrient composition analysis of the test diets showed significant differences among the treatments and the control. Water quality parameters measured were within the range (40-45%) for catfish culture. The result of amino acid profile showed that cashew nut waste contains all the essential amino acids and some non-essential amino acids. This investigation reveals that cashew nut waste could be a wealth-spinning venture if harnessed well and will be an alternative replacer of fishmeal in fish diets.

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  • LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP (LWR) AND CONDITION FACTOR (K) OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS (BURCHELL, 1822) JUVENILES FED CASHEW NUT WASTE DIETS

    The present study investigated the length-weight relationship (LWR) and condition factor (K) of African catfish Clarias gariepinus Juveniles fed cashew nut waste diets for fourteen weeks. A total of Four hundred and eight (408) Juveniles of mean length 10.87±0.32cm and mean weight 14.10±0.06g were randomly distributed into four treatment in triplicate of 34 fish per replicate in a completely Randomized Design to assess their growth pattern and physical condition. The Length-Weight Relationship and condition factor were calculated by the use of recommended formula and procedure. The length-weight relationship regression analysis showed that the values of 'b' obtained in the control and other three treatments were 2.1877, 3.1387, 3.3046 and 3.0875 respectively with corresponding coefficient of determination (r2) values of 0.3991, 0.6692, 0.6027 and 0.6889. Treatments 1,2 and 3 exhibited positive allometric growth pattern while the control diet revealed a negative allometric growth pattern, showing the fish were not in a stable condition.

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  • AGGREGATE STABILITY IN RELATION TO HYDROLYSABLE ORGANIC CARBON IN A HUMID TROPICAL SOIL UNDER MANURE-FERTILIZER AMENDMENTS

    Manure and fertilizer applications influence soil aggregate stability and soil organic carbon (SOC). This study aims to assess the effect of poultry manure (PM) and inorganic fertilizers (IFs) on SOC fractions, aggregate stability, and their interrelationships in southwestern Nigeria. The impact of PM (0, 5, 10 t/ha) and IFs (0, 50, 100, 150% of 400 kg/ha NPK 20:10:10 plus 150 kg/ha Urea) on soil aggregate stability and SOC fractions was evaluated for three years. Soil samples were collected at maize maturity. Results showed that Fertilizer treatments did not affect the mean weight diameter (MWD), potential structural enhancement index (PSEI), dispersion ratio (DR), aggregated silt plus clay (ASC), or aggregate density (AD). However, PM reduced the clay dispersion index (CDI). Combining PM and IFs increased bulk soil SOC (SOCb) and non-hydrolysable carbon (NHC), but hydrolysable SOC (HOC) remained unchanged compared to the control. NHC positively correlated with AD and CDI, while HOCnegatively correlated with AD (r = -61 – 79) and DR (r = –0.71), but positively with ASC (0.68). PM and IFs did not improve macro aggregate stability but did enhance CDI. Increased NHC could impair soil structure, whereas increased HOC might improve colloidal stability. To better soil aggregate stability, using organic materials with low NHC and high degradability is recommended.

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  • EFFECTS OF GENOTYPE AND SOWING DATE ON THE VEGETATIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERS, POD AND SEED YIELD OF GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGEA L.) IN UMUDIKE, SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

    The effects of Genotype and Sowing dates on the vegetative and reproductive characters, pod and seed yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogea l.) were evaluated at the Research Farm of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike in 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. The experiment was a split plot laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The main plot was Sowing dates (June, July and August) while the sub plot treatment was Genotypes (RRB, SUMNUT 10, SUMNUT 20, RMP 91S (Small seed), RMP91 (big seed), JL 12, JL24, ICGV-8124, ICGV 89754 and ICGV 15-87281) making a total of thirty treatment combinations. Each treatment combination unit measured 1m2 with inter and intra row spacing of 1m. At maturity, data were taken on vegetative (number of leaves plant-1, number of lateral branches plant-1, length of branches plant-1 and days to 50% flowering) and reproductive characters (number of pods plant-1, weight of pods plant-1, number of seeds plant-1, weight of seeds plant-1, 100 seed weight, pod and seed yield ha-1). The genotypes differed significantly (P<0.05) in vegetative characters, reproductive characters, pod and seed yield ha-1. JL12, JL24, ICGV8124 and ICGV89754performed significantly higher (P <0.01) than others in vegetativeand reproductive characters, pod and seed yield ha-1 in both years. The crops also differed significantly (P<0.05) due to Sowing date.June and July Sowing dates recorded plants that performed significantly higher (P<0.05) than August Sowing date in 2018 and 2019. The significant interaction between Genotype and Sowing date showed that, RMP-91-S, ICGV89754 and ICGV-IS-87281 are best sown in July for highest seed yield ha-1 while JL24, RRB, RMP-91-S, ICGV89754 and ICGV-IS-8728 are best sown inJuneor July for highest pod yield ha-1.

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  • ASSESSMENT OF AGRIBUSINESS INVESTORS’ PERCEPTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE EFFECTS IN SOUTHEAST, NIGERIA

    The assessment of climate change adaptation has been widely researched but the assessment of agribusiness investor’s perception to climate change effects in southeast Nigeria seems not to be fully explored. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted in the collection of data from three hundred and sixty (360) agribusiness investors using structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to realize the objectives of the study. The results of the analysis showed that majority of the agribusiness investors in southeast Nigeria were mostly males of an active mean age of 54 years. The study revealed that majority of agribusiness investors were married thereby making them the principal investors in the key areas of agribusiness on educational attainment, the study identified investors that completed senior secondary school as the major players in both farm input supply (23.6%) and farm production (21.9%) The mean household size of the agribusiness investors was 7 persons. Meanwhile, agribusiness investors who have stayed above 15years were more in agro-processing. However, majority of the agribusiness investors belong to cooperative societies and have access to climate information. Agribusiness investors in the area rightly perceived the direction of changes in climatic variables, Result of multinomial regression showed that age, educational attainment, household size, agribusiness experience, marital status, membership of cooperative society, access to climate information and access to credit were all positive and statistically significant on the choice of climate change adaptation strategies. With Pseudo R2 of 0.949 and the P-value of 0.0000, it is posited that socio-economic characteristics of agribusiness investors have significant effects on the choice of climate change adaptation strategies. The result showed further that economic/managerial, socioeconomic, infrastructural and institutional were the major constraints to climate change adaptation Based on the findings, it is recommended enlightenment program on climate change to sensitize investors on the effects and sustainable adaptation strategies to be adopted in combating climate change.

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  • ASSESSMENT OF INCOME AND POVERTY STATUS OF RURAL AGRIPRENUERSHIP INVESTORS IN SOUTHEAST, NIGERIA

    The study assessed income and poverty status of rural agripreneurs in Southeast, Nigeria using 200 respondents selected through random sampling procedure. Data were collected using questionnaire administered in the form of interview schedule. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies percentages and FGT model. Results indicated that agriprenuership investors were mainly male with females accounted for 73%. Again, the investors were on average 42 years who were married with average household size of 7 persons. Furthermore, the agriprenuers investors have stayed in the agripreneurship for 11 years on average experience earning an average annual household income of N576,176.00. Result also showed that the incidence of poverty among male and female investors were 0.4222 and 0.1806 respectively with overall index of poverty incidence as 0.6027. The poverty depths were 0.2137 and for male and female rural agripreneurs. With the overall poverty depth index of 0.3443, the severity of poverty index was 0.1519 for male headed households and 0.1022 for female headed households with overall severe poverty index of 0.2541. The estimated Gini coefficient showed that income inequality existed among male and female rural agripreneurial investors with the index of 0.493 and 0.475 for female and male agriprenuers respectively. The study therefore concluded that rural agripreneurship investments have positively and significantly influenced agriprenuers income generation and poverty reduction in Southeast, Nigeria. The study recommended that policies designed to reduce the incidence of poverty must be hinged on creating favourable environment for investment in the agricultural sector.

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  • SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS AND CONSTRAINTS TO ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION BY FARMERS IN ABOH MBAISE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA

    ABSTRACT This study analyzed the socio-economic determinants and constraints to access and utilization of agricultural information by farmers in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. Purposive and multi-stage random sampling techniques were employed to select 120 respondents. Primary data were collected with aid of a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using inferential statistics such as multiple regression and factor analyses. Result showed that the coefficient of multiple determinations (R2), was high with a value of 81.91%. This means that about 81.91% variations in the access and utilization of agricultural information was as a result of the combined effects of the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents. The agricultural information accessed mostly were production techniques (53%) and harvesting (23%). The constraints that limited access and utilization of agricultural information for agricultural production included; lack of formal education, lack of willingness to learn, lack of simplicity in training/information, high cost of ICTs facilities, corruption, lack of government encouragement and lack of fund. It was concluded that improving the socio-economic status of the farmers could lead to greater access and utilization of agricultural information in the area. The following recommendations were made based on the research findings; Rural farmers should be encouraged to access formal education as this will help them improve their access to agricultural information which results to increase in agricultural productivity, there should be subsidization of cost of agricultural information as this will increase the access and utilization by rural farmers who have been observed to earn low and farmers should be encouraged to access agricultural credits which will encourage access and utilization of such funds in agricultural production. Keywords: Accessibility, Utilization, Agricultural Information, Small Scale Farmers, Socio-economic characteristics, Constraints

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  • IMPACT OF INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND AGRONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF A COCOYAM- GROWN SOIL IN UMUDIKE, SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

    A 3-year field experiment was conducted from 2015 through 2017 cropping seasons at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Eastern Research Station, Umuahia to assess the impact of integrated nutrient management on the physical/chemical properties and agronomic efficiency of a cocoyam-grown soil environment. This experiment was fitted in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in which poultry manure formed Factor A with three levels (0, 5, 10 t/ ha) while NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer formed Factor B with three levels (0, 300, 600 kg/ha). There were a total of 9 treatment combinations with three replicates. Integrated plant nutrient management was applied through the method of band placement at 8 weeks after planting and after earthen up.Field data were taken on physical and chemical properties of the soil as well as cocoyam yield traits. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques for a 3 x 3 factorial in randomized complete block design (RCBD) according to the procedure described by Obi (2001). Fisher`s least significant difference (F-LSD) was applied to detect significant difference between two means at 0.05 % probability. The results of the experiment showed that application of integrated plant nutrient management significantly improved (P≤0.05) the agronomic efficiency, physical and chemical characteristics of the soil except base saturation.

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  • EVALUATION OF SEED YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF TEN GENOTYPES OF GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGAEA L.) IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

    Ten genotypes of Groundnut (A. hypogaea) were assessed for seed yield and yield components in a randomized complete block design with three replicates at the Research Farm of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in 2018 and 2019. In each year, the experiment consisted of 30 plots, each measuring 1m by 1m with a distance of 1m separating the plots and blocks. Seeds were planted at inter and intra row spacing of 0.5m to give a population of 40,000 plants ha-1. Data were collected on length of branches plant-1, number of branches plant-1,number of leaves plant-1, days to flowering, number of pods plant-1, and weight of pods plant-1, number of seeds plant-1, weight of seeds plant-1, 100 seed weight, pod yieldha-1 and seed yieldha-1. Analysis of variance showed that the genotypes differed significantly (P<0.01) in vegetative characters (length of branches, number of branches and number of leaves plant-1) days to flowering, reproductive characters (number of pods plant-1, weight of pods plant-1, number of seeds plant-1, weight of seeds plant-1, 100 seed weight), pod yield ha-1and seed yield ha-1. Fisher’s Least Significant Difference was used in separating the means of the characters. Number of leaves and number of branches plant-1 (Vegetative characters) greatly determined the performance of reproductive characters which translated to higher seed and pod yield ha-1. Correlation studies corroborated this assertion as number of leaves plant-1, number of branches plant-1, weight of pods plant-1, weight of seeds plant-1, number of podsplant-1, 100 seed weight plant-1 and pod yield ha-1 associated positively and significantly (P<0.05) with seed yield ha-1. Path coefficient analysis revealed that weight of seeds, number of seeds and pod yield ha-1 were the first three most important individual characters that influenced seed yield ha-1. Based on seed yield, the genotypes JL24, ICGV-15-87281, ICGV89754, JL12 and RMP-91-B could be released to farmers in southeastern Nigeria after further works for commercial groundnut production.

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  • VOLUNTARY FEED INTAKE AND GROWTH RESPONSE OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS FINGERLINGS TO AD LIBITUM

    The research was carried out to evaluate the establishment of ad libitum by weight in the nutrition of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Ninety (90) fingerlings were procured from a commercial Fish Farm and used for the study in a completely randomized design. C. gariepinus fingerlings were stocked at ten fish per square meter density for 3 different feeds (Aller aqua as T1, Coppensas T2 and Skretting as T3) and each treatment replicated thrice and fed ad-libitum for 56 days. The result showed that protein efficiency ratio differed significantly at 42 days feeding while average weight gain and average final weight varied significantly at 56 days after feeding. Average final weight gain (AWG) of Skretting (79.87±0.12g), Coppens feed (47.19±0.13) and Aller aqua feed (75.81±3.28); feed conversion ratio of Skretting feed (1.19±0.11) followed by Aller aqua (1.14±0.14) and Coppens (1.05±0.14); survival rate (ranging from 80.00±1.00 to 86.67±0.88); weight gain range of 232.00±32.63g (Coppens) to 362.00±57.41 (Aller aqua.) Skretting recorded better growth performances at 42 and 56 days. The result showed that Skretting and Aller aqua feeds are best for rearing fingerling at ad-libitum feeding regime. However there is need to investigate the originality of the brand of Coppens feed used.

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  • EFFECTS OF WATER PHYSICOCHEMICAL VARIATIONS ON THE HATCHABILITY AND SURVIVAL OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS (BURCHELL, 1822) LARVAE

    This study investigated the effects of physicochemical parameters of four different water sources on hatchability and survival of Clarias gariepinus larvae. The water sources used were: rain water (T1), borehole water (T2), river water (T3) and well water (T4). The study entailed artificial induced breeding of C. gariepinus using the aforementioned water sources as incubation and culture medium of the hatched larvae for 14 days. Vital water physicochemical parameters assessed were temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and ammonia, conductivity and total hardness. Hatchability rate was estimated 24 hours after incubation whereas larval survival rate was determined at 14 days’ post hatching. Data from the experiment were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at (P<0.05) significance level. At the end of the experiment, results obtained for water physicochemical parameters in the four water treatments for conductivity and total hardness were significantly different (P<0.05). Rain water (T1) recorded a low mean conductivity value of 24.3±0.88 μScm and low mean total hardness value of 3.33±0.3 mgl. Percentage hatchability in all treatments was relatively high with the highest mean value of 93.1±1.60 % obtained in T1. Larval survival rate at 14 days post hatching was comparatively above average with the highest mean value of 63.7±2.41 % recorded in T2 while T1 recorded the lowest mean value of 44.2±0.55 %. This study has shown that borehole water (T2) is the most suitable water source for hatching and survival of C. gariepinus larvae.

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  • ACCESSIBILITY AND UTILIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION BY FARMERS IN ABOH MBAISE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA

    This study analyzed the agricultural information accessibility and utilization by farmers in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling techniques were employed to select 120 respondents used for the study. Primary data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means, frequency, percentage, mean scores and Chi-square test. Result showed that the most predominant classes of agricultural information by the rural farmers were; town crier (95.83%), friends (90.83%), radio (80.83%) and extension agents (86.67%). Also, the most accepted factors of accessing and utilizing information by farmers were; access to extension agents (X = 4.13), cost of accessing information (X = 3.89), access to ICT facilities (X = 3.78) and nature of information (X = 3.53).The agricultural information accessed mostly was production techniques (X= 4.67) and harvesting (X= 4.16). Production techniques (X = 4.52) and harvesting (X = 3.89) were also the most utilized agricultural information in the area. The result of null hypothesis showed that there is significant difference between access and utilization of agricultural information by the respondents. It was concluded that adequate access and utilization of agricultural related information by the farmers could lead to increased agriculture production and improved welfare of the farmers. Recommendations such as training of farmers on the use of modern information and communication technologies, employing and mobilizing extension agents for enhanced extension service delivery, improving method of information dissemination by town criers as well as improving information dissemination in input distribution, storage techniques and marketing strategies among others.

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  • SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS AND CONSTRAINTS TO ACCESS AND UTILIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION BY FARMERS IN ABOH MBAISE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA

    This study analyzed the socio-economic determinants and constraints to access and utilization of agricultural information by farmers in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. Purposive and multi-stage random sampling techniques were employed to select 120 respondents. Primary data were collected with aid of a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using inferential statistics such as multiple regression and factor analyses. Result showed that the coefficient of multiple determinations (R2), was high with a value of 81.91%. This means that about 81.91% variations in the access and utilization of agricultural information was as a result of the combined effects of the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents. The agricultural information accessed mostly were production techniques (53%) and harvesting (23%). The constraints that limited access and utilization of agricultural information for agricultural production included; lack of formal education, lack of willingness to learn, lack of simplicity in training/information, high cost of ICTs facilities, corruption, lack of government encouragement and lack of fund. It was concluded that improving the socio-economic status of the farmers could lead to greater access and utilization of agricultural information in the area. The following recommendations were made based on the research findings; Rural farmers should be encouraged to access formal education as this will help them improve their access to agricultural information which results to increase in agricultural productivity, there should be subsidization of cost of agricultural information as this will increase the access and utilization by rural farmers who have been observed to earn low and farmers should be encouraged to access agricultural credits which will encourage access and utilization of such funds in agricultural production.

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  • EFEECT OF DIFFERENT LAND USE ON SELECTED SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

    Deforestation is one of the anthropogenic activities that potentially reduce soil quality. Hence, a study was carried out in Ikole-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria to evaluate the effect of conversion of secondary forest (SFR) to cashew plantation (CPL), oil palm plantation (OPP) and leucaena plantation (LPL), on selected soil physical properties. Soil samples were taken from 0 – 15 cm and 15 – 30 cm depth, and the soil parameters evaluated were; particle size distribution, bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), macroaggregate stability and microaggregate stability indices. The OPP indicated lowest sand (724 g/kg), compared to other land use types, while the highest clay (177 g/kg), lowest BD (1.3 g/cm3 and highest TP (52 %) registered in OPP were significantly higher than SFR but similar to values in CPL. Again OPP recorded significantly highest percent aggregate stability (65 %) and mean weight diameter (0.9mm) compared to other land uses. The microaggregate stability indices were controlled by the total content of the fine particles in them, hence may not be used to predict soil erodibility. There was increase in clay and reduction in sand with depth. In conclusion,OPP or CPL showed more superior capacity to enhance soil physical health compared to LPL and SFR land use.

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  • PHOSPHORUS FORMS AND DISTRIBUTIONS IN SELECTED SOILS OF THE OIL PALM BELT IN YENEGOA, BAYELSA STATE OF NIGERIA

    This study was conducted to determine the forms and distribution of phosphorus (P) in some soils in sedimentary soils of the Oil Palm belt in Yenegoa Local Government Area Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of thirty one soil samples from six pedons were sampled according to genetic horizons and taken to the laboratory for analysis using standard procedures. Physical and chemical properties were analysed using standard methods. The various phosphorus forms were analysed by sequential fractionations. The texture was dominated by sand. The soils generally was acidic in nature. Total Phosphorus ranged from 5.46 to 49mgkg-1 across the slope. Organic Phosphorus (Org-P) formed about 15.07% of total–P. It ranged from 2.46 to 12.49mgkg-1 with the highest value of 22.35mgkg-1 in pedon OBT4 and decreased within the profiles across the pedons. The inorganic P fraction accounted for 1.30% of total–P. The active P (Ca-P, Al-P and Fe-P) accounted for (0.30 to 45.96) % while Saloid–P, Reductantly soluble P (Occ-P), Occ-Fe and Al-P, and Res-P accounted for 0.11, 0.08, 0.34, and 0.047 % respectively of total inorganic P. Generally, the total and available P-forms were low and distributed moderately. This suggest that Phosphorus requirement varies within the various pedons.

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Journal of the science of agriculture, food technology, and the environment(JSAFE)

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