Despite the high socio-economic potentials of African walnut, Plukenetia conophora Mull-Arg, there is a dearth of information on stock density and yield studies under different site conditions. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the stock density and fruit yields of P. conophora in three different habitats (i.e. less disturbed natural forest, recently disturbed natural forest and plantation forest) within Omo Forest Reserve (OFR) and Shasha Forest Reserve (SFR) of Nigeria. Stratified random sampling was used to carry out the inventory survey. Fruit yields were determined by collecting fruit falls through double sampling approach. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysing the data at p=0.05. Stock densities of P. conophora were 5.33+1.7 stands/ha, 14.67+2.05 stands/ha and 16.00+2.94 stands/ha in OFR, while they were 7.33+0.47 stands/ha, 14.67+1.25 stands/ha and 10.67+04.7 stands/ha in SFR for recently disturbed forest, less disturbed forest and plantation forest respectively. There were significant differences in number and distribution of species by forest types, but not between forest reserves. The mean yield of P. conophora was estimated at 7,800 kg/ha/yr for OFR and 6,534 kg/ha/yr for SFR. Yields from plantation area contributed more in OFR, while yields from less disturbed natural forest area were higher in SFR. Yields from recently disturbed natural forest were consistently lower in the two reserves. These results show that P. conophora thrives better in plantation and old re-growth forests. This information is pertinent towards improving the management of the species, increase its productivity and enhance benefits in a more sustainable manner to the rural populace.
Soil nutrient augmentation by some nitrogen (N2) fixing trees/shrubs coupled with their profuse litter cannot be over emphasized since most of them are deciduous. Thus, the influence of Albizia lebbeck Benth (its green manure and N2 fixation activities of its 6 months' old tree rows when first planted) on soil fertility under alley cropping (an agro-forestry system) with Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was investigated. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising five treatments (T0 -T4) and three replicates. Soil sample analyses (pre and post experiment) were done. Tending operations and data collection on the morphological and yield parameters of the test crop throughout the five cropping seasons were carried out. Results on the soil physical properties indicated that the nine (9) samples from the three soil depths of T4 were predominantly sandy loam (except two samples) sequel to the fact that T4 received the highest rate of green manure application (10 ton ha-1) and also had A. lebbeck tree rows. Thus, a little (non-significant) difference between the pre and post planting soil texture was observed and the textural classes were mainly loamy textured with sandy clay loam, clay loam and sandy loam constituting the dominant textural classes. Regarding the soil chemical properties, the organic matter and % N2 were very low and the values decreased from pre planting to after planting (no significant difference between treatments /blocks) due to crop removal. A. lebbeck green manure and its tree rows significantly (P < 0.5) influenced the available P and K at three soil depths and block effects were observed at significant level (P < 0.5) on the pH and Mg. The morphological parameters (plant height, leaf count and collar girth) except stem count were highly influenced by the different levels of Albizia lebbeck green manure application and its tree rows (sequel to N2 fixation) at P < 0.1 which subsequently brought about significant differences in yield (tuber count (P < 0.5) and tuber weight (P < 0.01).of the crop (Irish potato) in all the 5 treatments and throughout the 5 cropping seasons owing to modification / improvement on the soil nutrient status in the agro-forestry farm.
ABSTRACT. Soils of the savannah zones of Nigeria are low in plant nutrients and peasant farmers; therefore, rely on external inputs in the form of organic and inorganic manure for sustainable yield. They also sow their seeds at suboptimal plant population density, thereby providing opportunity for weeds to thrive. Moreover, farmers use saved seeds from the previous cropping season for planting, which often results in low yield. A study was conducted to assess the growth and yield of two maize cultivars under the influence of organic fertilizer and plant population density. Treatments used were factorial combinations of three levels of poultry manure (0, 2.5, 5.0 t/ha), two population densities (95,556 and 53,333 plants/ha) and two maize varieties (DMR-ESR-Y and Suwan-1-SR). Data were collected on number of leaves, plant height, leaf area, stem girth, root and shoot dry weight, total dry weight, days to tasseling, days to silk appearance, grain yield per hectare, number of seeds per cob, seed rows per cob, weight of 100 seeds and shelling percentage. The results revealed significant improvement (p≤ 0.05) in all parameters examined, when 5 t/ha poultry manure was applied to Suwan-1-SR at density 53,333 plants/ha. However, there was marginal difference between 5 and 2.5 t/ha in grain production. Therefore, application of 2.5 t/ha poultry manure for production of Suwan-1-SR maize variety at plant density 53,333 plants/ha could be used for getting optimum yield, that can feed the growing population of maize consumers coupled with better straw production for animal feed.
Field experiments were conducted between April and November 2016 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (Latitude 09 0 02 " N and Longitude 06 0 34 " E) and Research Farm of College of Agriculture, Mokwa (Latitude 09 08''N and Longitude 05 0 04''E) to examine the effects of poultry manure time of application on the growth and yield of water melon varieties. The experiment was a 4 x 3 factorial laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. The treatments consisted of four (4) varieties of water melon and three (3) different times of application of poultry manure; a week before planting, during planting and a week after planting. The poultry manure was applied to all the treatments at the rate of 10 tonnes per hectare. Parameters evaluated were vine length per plant (cm), number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant (kg) and fruit yield (t/ha). Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), significant means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD 0.05 ). The results indicated that, out of the four varieties evaluated, variety Koloss F 1 , and Kaolak significantly produced longest vine, higher number of leaves and branches, higher number of fruits per plant, heavier fruits weight per plant and higher yield (t/ha). Also the application of poultry manure at a week before planting significantly supported higher growth rate and yield in all the four water melon varieties evaluated. Based on the outcome of this research, Koloss F 1 and Kaolak varieties planted in the plots with the application of poultry manure a week before planting showed appreciable growth responses at the two locations considered.
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