1
Filter:
Categories in
Effect of Age at Hemicastration on the Body and Testis Weight of Piglets
Effect of Age at Hemicastration on the Body
and Testis Weight of Piglets
SOIL CHARACTERIZATION AND LAND SUITABILITY EVALUATION OF ANUKA FARMLAND IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
The land at Anuka, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State in Southeastern Nigeria, under the sub-humid tropical climate was evaluated for maize (Zea mays), cassava (Manihot esculenta), yam (Dioscorea spp.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation. Data were obtained by field study and laboratory analyses. Six pedons were dug and described: two pedons each for maize and oil palm fields, and one each for yam and cassava fields. These pedons were dug to represent sampling units. Auger samples were also purposefully collected from the sampling units at depths 0 - 20cm and 20 - 40cm. This was to investigate the nutrient spread in the area. Soil samples from the pedogenetic horizons of the pedons were collected after profile description, processed and analyzed. The pedons were designated P01 = cassava field, P02 and P03 = maize fields, P04 = yam field, and P05 and P06 = oil palm fields. The textural classes of the soils included sandy clay loam, sandy loam, sandy clay, loam, clay loam and clay, but the dominant textural class is sandy clay loam. The overall results showed that the soils are acidic; the phosphorus content is generally low; organic matter ranged from 0.42 - 4.31 %, decreasing down the profile depth and is medium (>2.0 %) for epipedons. Exchangeable bases are generally low: low exchangeable Ca (
Rendement Sur Le Terrain Des Porcs Exotiques Et De Leurs Croisements Dans Une Zone a Tsetse Au Nigeria
Rendement Sur Le Terrain Des Porcs Exotiques Et De
Leurs Croisements Dans Une Zone a Tsetse Au Nigeria
PHOSPHATE MOBILIZATION BY ADDITION OF ORGANIC ACIDS IN TWO SOILS OF THE SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA OF NIGRIA
One mechanism by which plants can mobilize organic and inorganic forms of phosphorus (P) in soils is by exudation of low molecular weight organic acids. Laboratory and field trial were carried out during 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons to study the effects of additions of organic acids ( citric, oxalic and tartaric acids) on the mobilization of phosphate of soils from Minna and Mokwa, both in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. For initial laboratory studies and prior to field cultivation, soil samples were collected from these locations and incubated at 25± 1oC and 40% moisture content for three weeks with citric, tartaric or oxalic acids at 1.0 mmol kg-1 of soil. Soil Olsen P and inorganic P fractions were analyzed. The experimental design used during the field trial was split plot design with organic material sources (orange waste, amaranthus and tamarind pulp) assigned to the main plot while the rates (0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 tons ha-1) of application occupied the sub-plots. Each treatment received three replications in each of the locations. Maize was planted during the two cropping seasons as test crop. Both agronomic, Olsen – P and soil inorganic P data were determined. The results indicated that Olsen – P and NH4Cl – P were significantly increased by treating with the three organic acids. Al phosphate (Al – P), Fe phosphate (Fe –P), occluded phosphate (Occl – P) and Ca phosphate (Ca – P) were also mobilized and released in various degrees in each of the locations irrespective of the cropping season. The relative fractions of inorganic P was in the order Occl - P > Fe - P > Al - P > Ca – P. The effect of organic acid sources on maize plant height at 4 and 7 weeks after planting in the two locations were not significant during 2011 cropping season, but significant during 2012 cropping season. However, the effect of sources of organic acid and their rates of application on maize grain yield was significant in each location and the season. It was also observed that the results of soil inorganic P after the field trial followed similar trend with what was obtained from the initial laboratory studies (Occl - P > Fe - P > Al - P > Ca – P), but the effect was much lower. The order of increased mobilization of phosphate by these organic acids was citric acid > tartaric acid > oxalic acid and orange waste ˃ tamarind pulp ˃ amaranthus leaves respectively for both initial laboratory studies and field trial. Also, it could be concluded that hydroxyl acids i.e tricarboxylic acids such as citrate form stronger complexes than those containing single COOH groups. The pattern of P mobilization by addition of organic acids differed from one location to another. The comparison suggested that the mobilization of P was highly soil dependent, and the soil P status such as amount and distributions of P fractions may be important for solubilization of P after the addition of organic acids. These three organic acids therefore have the potentials to increase the availability of available P. The practical implication of these processes is that organic residues could be used as a strategic tool to reduce the rates of fertilizer P required for optimum crop growth on acidic and P-fixing soils of Nigeria. One mechanism by which plants can mobilize organic and inorganic forms of phosphorus (P) in soils is by exudation of low molecular weight organic acids. Laboratory and field trial were carried out during 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons to study the effects of additions of organic acids ( citric, oxalic and tartaric acids) on the mobilization of phosphate of soils from Minna and Mokwa, both in Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. For initial laboratory studies and prior to field cultivation, soil samples were collected from these locations and incubated at 25± 1oC and 40% moisture content for three weeks with citric, tartaric or oxalic acids at 1.0 mmol kg-1 of soil. Soil Olsen P and inorganic P fractions were analyzed. The experimental design used during the field trial was split plot design with organic material sources (orange waste, amaranthus and tamarind pulp) assigned to the main plot while the rates (0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 tons ha-1) of application occupied the sub-plots. Each treatment received three replications in each of the locations. Maize was planted during the two cropping seasons as test crop. Both agronomic, Olsen – P and soil inorganic P data were determined. The results indicated that Olsen – P and NH4Cl – P were significantly increased by treating with the three organic acids. Al phosphate (Al – P), Fe phosphate (Fe –P), occluded phosphate (Occl – P) and Ca phosphate (Ca – P) were also mobilized and released in various degrees in each of the locations irrespective of the cropping season. The relative fractions of inorganic P was in the order Occl - P > Fe - P > Al - P > Ca – P. The effect of organic acid sources on maize plant height at 4 and 7 weeks after planting in the two locations were not significant during 2011 cropping season, but significant during 2012 cropping season. However, the effect of sources of organic acid and their rates of application on maize grain yield was significant in each location and the season. It was also observed that the results of soil inorganic P after the field trial followed similar trend with what was obtained from the initial laboratory studies (Occl - P > Fe - P > Al - P > Ca – P), but the effect was much lower. The order of increased mobilization of phosphate by these organic acids was citric acid > tartaric acid > oxalic acid and orange waste ˃ tamarind pulp ˃ amaranthus leaves respectively for both initial laboratory studies and field trial. Also, it could be concluded that hydroxyl acids i.e tricarboxylic acids such as citrate form stronger complexes than those containing single COOH groups. The pattern of P mobilization by addition of organic acids differed from one location to another. The comparison suggested that the mobilization of P was highly soil dependent, and the soil P status such as amount and distributions of P fractions may be important for solubilization of P after the addition of organic acids. These three organic acids therefore have the potentials to increase the availability of available P. The practical implication of these processes is that organic residues could be used as a strategic tool to reduce the rates of fertilizer P required for optimum crop growth on acidic and P-fixing soils of Nigeria.
An Econometric Analysis of the Micro-Level Determinants of Conversion of Woodland to Arable Cropping in Enugu State
This study was an empirical analysis of the micro-level determinants of woodland
conversion to arable cropping in Enugu State of Nigeria. Specifically, the study described and
analysed farmers' behaviour and practices regarding the conversion of woodland to other
uses. It also investigated the impact of farmers' characteristics, institutional factors and
specific ago-ecological features on woodland conversion to arable cropping. The study also
explored the interactions and association of the factors in the conversion process.
Four hypotheses were investigated to create better understanding of the determinants,
and unravel their associations with each other in the conversion choice.
The relevant data for the research objectives were collected from 12 local
governinents areas purposively chosen for their agricultural practices and existence of large
expanse of woodland. Structured questionnaires, oral interviews and participatory
observations were techniques adopted to generate the required data used in the analysis. In
all, 324 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed in the 12 local government ' areas. The analysis was based on 291 respondents whose answers satisfied the ol~jectives of
the analysis. The data generated were analysed with descriptive statistics, multiple regression,
log~t analytical techniques and principal components extraction method.
The major findings were that: land per capita, poverty level and dependency on forest
resources for both income and fuelwood energy affect woodland conversion to arable
cropping. It was also found that land tenural arrangement, leadership status and technological
alternative significantly influenmd.cdrrVersion' of woodland to arable cropping.
The study also found that credit access, forest ownership, member of farmers'
cooperative society, technology access, and access to off-farm employment negatively and
significantly affected woodland conversion to arable cropping. Analysis also indicated that
proximity of woodland from honlestead, 'agricultural potential, topo-sequence and vegetated
lands, positively and significantly, affected choice of woodland conversion.
First and Second Parity Performance of Gilts Infected at Prepuberty with Trypanosoma Brucel Brucel
First and Second Parity Performance of Gilts
Infected at Prepuberty with Trypanosoma
Brucel Brucel
Formal Institutional Credit and the Finance of Small Farms in Nigeria: A Case Study of Jos, Plateau State
The study examines the Formal Institutional Credit arid the Finance of Small Farms in Nigeria, A representative sample of Small scale farmers and financial institutions in
Jos, Plateau State was used for the study. The respondents were selected using .the multi-stage random sampling technique while the information obtained were analysed using
descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.
The Marketing of Ginger in Kaduna State, Nigeria
This study dealt on the economic analysis of ginger (Zirrgiher. qf~cinnle Ii)
marketing in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to determine the
situation of the domestic market, and type of intermediaries involved; to ascertain and
determine the channels and marketing margin for ginger, to determine the volume,
destination and value of exports and derive policy implications based on the research
findings.
Effect of Poverty on Risk Attitudes of Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria
The study investigated the Effects of Poverty on the Risk Attitudes of
Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. Nigeria has remained one of the poorest
countries in the world and Benue State in particular was ranked the eight poorest
of the thirty-six states of the Federation. The dominance of the oil sector and the
consequent neglect of agricultural sector is one of the major precursors of
poverty in Nigeria. Small-scale farmers who operate in an environment
characterized by risk and uncertainty produce the bulk of Nigeria's food and fibre.
Presently, the Nigerian agriculture is characterized by low productivity, low level
of technological adoption, and use of inefficient production techniques. The
present poor state of the Nigerian agriculture is related to farmers1 attitudes
towards risks in the production and socioeconomic environment.
Economic Analysis of Adoption and Productivity of Some Recommended Rice Technologies in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
This study investigated the economic analysis of adoption and
factor productivity of some recommended rice technologies in Ebonyi
State of Nigeria. The specific objectives were, to describe the major rice
production systems in the area, identify and analyze the socio-economic
factors which influence farmers' adoption decision, estimate and
compare factor productivity, resource use efficiency, costs and returns
between adopters and non adopters as well as identify the major
constraints against the adoption of improved rice technologies and
increased rice production in the area.
Six local government areas; two from each of the three agricultural
zones of the state were purposively selected for the study. Multistage
random sampling technique was employed to select a total of 144 rice
farmers (comprising 72 adopters and 72 non-adopters) on whom
structured questionnaire were administered. Oral interviews and field
measurement in addition to the questionnaire formed the major parts of
the primary sources used for data collection. Descriptive statistics,
probit model, Cobb Douglas production function and costs and returns
enterprise analysis were used for data analysis. Farm resources
considered in the resea'rcfi" Ciiklude land, labour, rice seeds,
agrochemicals and miscellaneous variable capital inputs.
Results showed that whereas the greatest percentage (52%) of the
adopters fell within the middle age limit. of between 31 to 40 years, the
greatest percentage (33%) of the non-adopters fell within the older age
category of 51 to 60 years.
The result of the probit model showed that age, level of formal
education, farm size, level of income, access to credit and membership
to farmers grou pslco-operatives were the socio-economic variables that
significantly influenced the farmers' decision to adopt or not to adopt the O+ .d recommended rice technologies.
From the Cobb Douglas production regression, the study revealed
that the production resources analyzed contributed to output for adopters
and non-adopters under the two rice systems. The results of the ratio of
the marginal value product (MVP) to the marginal factor cost (MFC)
revealed that whereas the adopters were more efficient in the allocation
of rice seeds (X& agrochemicals (X4) and miscellaneous input (X5)
under the lowland rice system, the adopters under the upland rice
system were more efficient than the non-adopters in the allocation of all
the resource inputs excepting rice seeds (X3).
.cc_.
The study also revealed that major constraints to the adoption of
improved rice technologies include high cost of inputs, high illiteracy
level among others. Other major constraints to increased rice production
in the area include high cost of inputs, low prices for domestic rice due to
importation of foreign rice, prevalence of pests and diseases among
others.
Rural Banking Programme and Agricultural Finance in Anambra State
This study appraised the potential of the Rural Banking Program (RBP) in assisting Agricultural development in Anambra state of Nigeria with a case study of Nsukka Agricultural zone.
Effectiveness of the Use of Local Sanction by Smallholder Farmers in Agricultural Loan Recovery Under the Community Banking System in Enugu State Nigeria
Distress problems in .Nigerian financial institutions resulted into their liquidation. Prior to the distress syndrome, many financial institutions could not respond very effectively ~
to the needs of small-holder farmers in Nigeria.
An Analysis of the Financial Structure and Profitability of Rice Enterprise; The case of Adarice Project Participating farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria.
In order to help local farmers improve on their rice production technique among other objectives, Adarice project adopted the participating farmers' scheme. Currently, the
farmers engaged in rice production have reduced in number from one thousand in 1988 to
three hundred and fourteen in 1998 rainy season with a lot of empty, uncultivated fields wasting away. Consequently, the study analysed the financial structure and also ascertained . the.profitability of the enterprise in order to determine whether they are the causes of the
farmers' withdrawal from further production or not. Broadly, the study was an analysis of
the financial structure and profitability of rice enterprise of Adarice project participating
farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. The spxil'ic objectives of the study were to describe the
socio-economic characteristics of the participating farnlers; analyse the financial structure of
the participating farmers' rice production enterprise; ascertain the profitability of the
enterprise during the pre-harvest and post-harvest periods; describe the management
problems from the view points of the project's officials aid the participating farmers; and
prof+r recommendations based on the study's findings.
Production and Marketing of Garri by Small Holder Farmers in Aniocha North L.G.A. of Delta State
This study examined the small holder production and marketing of garri in Aniocha North LGA of Delta State.
The Demand For And Delinquency Problem Of Formal Agricultural Loans By Agricultural Zone Of Imo State
The objective focus of this thesis is to examine
the demand for and delinquency problems of formal agricultural loans in Owerri ;Agricultural zone of Imo State.
Data used for the study were collected from a sample of
one hundred.and ten loan recipients and six formal lending institutions.
