Agriculture and Forestry Journal

Influence of some tropical cover crops on soil structural properties and organic matter in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

2022-06-01T19:03:19+00:00

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of cultivated tropical cover crops on soil structure and organic matter. Four cover crops; Glycine max (Soybean), Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea), Colocythis citrillus (Melon) and Ipomoea batata (Sweet potato) were cultivated. Top soil samples were collected using core sampler and auger at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after planting. Interim changes in structural properties of the soil as well as organic matter of the cover crops treatment were measured and compared with the control plot without cover crops. Data collected were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of SPSS. Significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5 % level of probability. The study revealed that cover crops reduced bulk density, but increases porosity by 33 %, water retention by 37 % and organic matter content by 42 %. The cover crops provided vegetative cover and consequently improved soil structural properties and organic matter content.

Pre-sowing treatments and soaking duration on physiological potential seed germination of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus cv. smooth green)

2023-03-17T20:48:52+00:00

Okra exhibits an impermeable coat making it difficult for water penetration; hence this study was carried out in two separate experiments to evaluate the effects of different pre-sowing seed treatments and soaking durations on physiological potential seed germination of okra. Pre-sowing treatments: Water (control), 100 ppm GA3, 100 ppm carrageenan (Vital Gro), and 100 ppm fermented plant juice (FPJ); Experiment 2 on soaking durations: (no soaking, 18 h, 24 h). Soaking okra seeds for 18 h and 24 h showed comparable mean germination rate and mean germination time. However, 24 h seed soaking showed better coefficient velocity of germination (CVG) and germination index (GI), thus resulting to early germination. In terms of pre-sowing treatment, 100 ppm Carrageenan showed significant results on germination percentage, CVG, GI and vigor index. Whereas, using 100 ppm FPJ derived from banana stem as soaking solution was detrimental to okra seed germination.

Economic losses caused due to wood defects in Shorea robusta (Sal) at tropical forest of Nepal

2022-10-31T16:33:25+00:00

Wood defects are considered to be irregularities and abnormalities in wood that are caused by both natural and artificial factors like fungal attacks, deposit of rain water in woods, methods of harvesting, rapid tree growth etc. This study has focused on studying economic loss caused by cracks, shakes and rot defects on Shorea robusta and comparing economic loss among wood defects on Shorea robusta which was conducted at Nepal Ban Nigam Ltd.'s wood sawmill in Ithari, Nepal. Logs of Shorea robusta used in this research are brought from Kumarkhet National Forest, Sunsari and are separated into three categories, i.e., logs without defects (category A), logs with cracks and shakes (category B) and logs with rot (category C). Logs are converted into fine products along with the production of by-products. This research study has shown that about 77% of the sized timber has been harvested from category A logs. Similarly, 54% of the sized timber was from category B and 43 % from category C. If we assumed 77% as the total main product harvested from a log with a fine quality log, it has been observed that shakes and cracks have caused 24% of the loss in timber, whereas 43% of the loss in timber has been caused in logs with rot defects. Overall economic losses, including by products, were 24.22% and 43.13% in categories B and C, respectively.

Germination characteristics of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile in response to seed shapes in the Sahelian zone of Nigeria

2023-07-27T21:37:19+00:00

Seed shape is one of the important functional traits responsible for rapid and synchronised germination. However, it is often neglected during seed collection, particularly in tree species. Therefore this study was conducted to assess the effect of seed shape(s) on the germination indices of Balanites aegyptiaca. 4 treatments (seed shapes) were used namely: elongate, oblong, oval, and spherical shape. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) and replicated 5 times. Germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT), and germination speed (GS) were assessed. All the variables assessed were found to be significantly influenced by seed shape. The highest GP (60.94±33.47) and GS (0.80±0.46) were recorded by seeds with an oblong shape, while seeds with an oval shape took a shorter time to complete the germination process (11.27±6.73 days). Oblong-shaped seeds of B. aegyptiaca performed better in the majority of the indices assessed, therefore it is recommended for collection when raising seedlings.

Indigenous utilization of wasp nests by selected people of Lagos and Ogun states southwest Nigeria: an insight into untapped wild insect earth

2022-08-13T08:59:22+00:00

The use of clay from termite nests (TNs) for therapeutic, agricultural and spiritual purposes is known. However, knowledge of indigenous utilization of wasp nests (WNs) that shared similar physical characteristics with TNs has received little or no documentation in Nigeria. Face-to-face and phone interview were used to collect data on cultural, religion, agricultural and medicinal potentials of WNs from selected herbal vendors, trado-medicals and other knowledgeable users in southwest Nigeria using purposive, convenient and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analyzed descriptively with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that the respondents collected urban wild WNs mostly for spiritual (to seek protection and prosperity), cultural (in clay work) and medicinal (as anti-inflammatory, whooping cough, anti-rheumatism and analgesic medicines). Thus suggesting their significance for indigenous utilization, for which they all shared the same methods of preparation for its usage. There was however no report on the use of WNs for agricultural purpose. It is therefore evident from the survey that WNs have cultural, therapeutic, magical and mystical values for the south western people of Nigeria.

Perception paysanne de l’évolution des ligneux dans les parcs agroforestiers du bassin arachidier sénégalais

2023-10-15T10:02:11+00:00

L’étude vise à caractériser l’évolution des différentes espèces ligneuses présentes dans les parcs agroforestiers à Cordyla pinnata et à Faidherbia albida dans le bassin arachidier. La méthode utilisée est basée sur des enquêtes ethnobotaniques. Les résultats montrent une évolution différente des parcs étudiés. La majorité (59,32%) trouve que certaines espèces présentent une population en augmentation alors que d’autres sont en voie de disparation (93,22%) ou complètement disparues (88,98%). Différentes raisons sont indiquées notamment la coupe (75,45%), la pharmacopée (31,81%). La régénération naturelle (RNA) assistée pourrait être une voie de salut pour une meilleure gestion de la strate ligneuse de la végétation dans les parcs.