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- Survey of medicinal plant species utilization in home gardens in Jema’a
local government area, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: I.T. Peter, S.I.N. Agera , G. Dachung , H.I. Ndagi
Pages: 1 - 9
Abstract: Survey of plant species planted in home gardens and their medicinal uses was carried out in Jema’ LGA, Kaduna State. Three political zones are: Gwong, Godogodo and Jema’a Central were purposively chosen for the study. Thirty respondents from 30 households with home gardens were purposively selected and visited in each zone; making a total of 90 respondents interviewed. Selection of respondents was based on the presence of home garden and willingness to participate in the study. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Frequency of Citation (FC), Cultural Importance Index (CII) of Informant and Consensus Factor (Fic) of plant species were determined. Results showed that respondents were more of males (61.1%) than females (38.9%). A total of 57 plant species belonging to 34 families were found in home garden while plant 41 species belonging to 28 families were identified as medicinal plants with Rutaceae as the most utilized family. Azadirachta indica had the highest FC of 28(31.1%) followed by Moringa oleifera 26(28.9%), Mangifera indica 25(27.8%), Persea americana 22(24.4%), Carica papaya 20(22.2%), Eucalyptus calmadulensis 15(16.7%) and Khaya senegalensis 14(15.6%), respectively. Home garden practices should be encouraged by government as part of greening the human environment, follow-up tests should be administered to patients treated with herbal medicine and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of most utilized medicinal plants in home gardens should be done to ascertain the exact bioactive properties they possess.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Assessment of population structure, composition and diversity of Dalbergia
Melanoxylon in its dominated zone of Nachingwea District, Tanzania
Authors: S. I. Nnungu , B. W. Washa
Pages: 10 - 18
Abstract: Forest management requires up-to-date information on the structure, composition and diversity of populations of plant species. The study was conducted in 2019 on the population status, composition and diversity of Dalbergia melanoxylon to enable sustainable conservation of the species. The community forests of Lionja B and Lipuyu were used to establish 15 plots and 30 plots in Lionja Forest Reserve in Tanzania.The parameters determined include height, stem per hectare, basal area per hectare, density per hectare, tree diameter class and total number of individuals of all species. Most important species were determined using species importance value (IVI) indices. The diversity of plant species was determined using Shannon-Wiener diversity index and compared using ANOVA. The number of stems, basal area and density per hectare was found to be 4.3, 27.2 m2 and 483kg/m3 respectively in Lionja Forest Reserve and 1.9, 7.6m2 and 350.4kg/m3 in Lionja B community forest. The diversity of plant species of all forms was significantly higher in the forest reserve compared to community forests (P < 0.001). Seventy-one (71) plants have been registered in Lionja Forest Reserve, 51 in Lionja B and 46 in Lipuyu. Plant density in the Lionja Forest Reserve was significantly higher than in community forests. The study found that over exploitation is highly disruptive to forests and, therefore, the study recommends protection, reforestation and restriction of forest resource use due to the importance of the species in the Tanzanian economy.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer treatments on Moringa Oleifera
seedlings Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: H.I. Ndagi, S.I.N. Agera, I.B. Chenge , P. I. Tunku
Pages: 19 - 26
Abstract: Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer treatments on Moringa oleifera seedlings was carried out in Nasarawa State University Keffi, Faculty of Agriculture, Shabu-Lafia campus to evaluate the best fertilizer for Moringa oleifera production. The experiment was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and consisted of five treatments which replicated three times each. The results of the experiment indicates that there were no significant differences in the number of leaves and leave area but there were significant differences in Plant height and collar diameter at (p>0.05) on Moringa oleifera seedlings under organic and inorganic fertilizer treatments. The results also showed that Poultry droppings (PD) recorded highest mean value 27.78±0.43cm of plant height which was greater than that of NPK 15:15:15 (27.41±0.24cm). The least mean 22.99±0.92cm was obtained for single super phosphate. For collar diameter4.53±0.25mm was observed as the highest mean value while 3.89±0.20mm of poultry dropping were recorded due to fertilizer application. On the number of leave (10.12±0.60) of NPK was obtained as the larger mean value while (8.42±0.57) was observed for single super phosphate. Leave area had mean value of 11.16±0.96cm2 for poultry droppings as highest mean value while lowest mean value of 10.06±0.86cm2 mean was recorded for single super phosphate. This work indicated that poultry droppings gave the best result at 25 gram level of application and therefore recommended for effect Moringa oleifera farming.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Review of recent work on tomato processing: a case study on quality of
dried products
Authors: S. A. Okaiyeto , O. Nathaniel , A. Y. Unguwanrimi , J. M. Ahmed, S. I. Ogijo, K. J. Agunsoye , A. Zakariyah
Pages: 27 - 47
Abstract: Tomatoes are a highly popular vegetable known for their nutritional and health benefits. Their high initial moisture content makes them susceptible to postharvest deterioration, necessitating preservation techniques. 80% of global tomato production is processed into value-added products such as ketchup, powders, sauces, and juices. This article reviews recent tomato processing research focusing on drying techniques. Drying techniques, such as solar and open sun, hot air, microwave, heat pump, fluidized bed, infra-red, osmotic dehydration, freeze-drying, and spray-drying, have been developed and used to reduce losses, preserve tomatoes, and maintain their nutritional quality. The quality of the dried tomato products is evaluated based on parameters such as colour, nutritional content, texture, and rehydration ratio. This review discusses the various drying techniques and the influence of processing conditions on the nutritional content and colour of the final product. The review provides valuable insights into the potential of different drying techniques for tomato processing and offers suggestions for improving tomato preservation and processing technologies.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Exploring Agroforestry practices adopted among smallholder farmers in the
Hanang District, Tanzania
Authors: T.B. Tsere, B.J; Manyanda, B.P Malila , L.L. Lulandala
Pages: 48 - 56
Abstract: This study aimed at identifying Agroforestry systems, technologies and assessing adoption level in Hanang’ District Manyara region in the mainland Tanzania. Three divisions were randomly selected from the district. In each division, one village was selected and in each village, nine households were selected making 270 households for the whole study. Data were collected through questionnaires, checklists, and direct observation. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the collected data sets. Findings revealed that 74.81% of local communities adopted agroforestry, utilizing four systems i.e. Agrosilviculture (51.49%), Agrosilvopasture (30.69%), Silvopasture (13.39%) and Aposilviculture (4.46%) and seven technologies namely; mixed intercropping, integrated tree/pasture management, home gardens, alley farming, contour-ridge planting, live fences, and beekeeping/tree-bee interaction. Agroforestry adoption should be promoted among smallholder farmers in the Hanang' District through training and capacity building initiatives focusing on the identified systems and technologies. Further research is needed to explore socio-economic impacts, implementation challenges faced by farmers, and strategies to overcome these obstacles. These comprehensive investigations would contribute to evidence-based decision-making and sustainable agricultural practices in Manyara Region and elsewhere in Tanzania.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Drivers of forest conservation and their effects on livelihoods of
adjoining communities In Ipinu-Igede Community Forest Reserve, Oju Local
Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: M.A. Aondoakaa, S.A. Shomkegh, P.U. Ancha, B.U. Origbo
Pages: 57 - 67
Abstract: A study was carried out to determine the drivers of forest conservation and their effects on livelihoods of adjoining communities in Ipinu-igede community forest reserve, Oju Local government area Benue State Nigeria. A Semi-structured questionnaire which sought answers to questions on socio-economic characteristics of the people in adjoining communities, Drivers of forest conservation and socio-economic factors influencing conservation of forest resources in Ipinu-igede community forest reserve Oju local government area, Benue State. Data for livelihood activities of the people was collected through multi-choice question format. Administration of questionnaire was done with the assistance of the local residents. Three hundred and eighty-eight (388) copies of a semi-structured questionnaire were administered to respondents from five communities (Odaleko, Oyinyi, Ikache, Andibilla, and Uchenyum), purposely selected due to their proximity to the forest reserve of Ipinu-Igede, for the assessment of drivers of forest conservation, socio-economic factors influencing the conservation of the forest, and the contribution of forest resources to the livelihoods of the people. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Based on the result, traditional taboos, forest laws, prevention of illegal logging, and protection of forests from fire were the drivers of forest conservation in the area. Traditional taboo was identified as the major driver that helped to conserve the forest ecosystems from indiscriminate exploitation. Socioeconomic attributes such as education and age significantly and positively influenced the conservation of forest resources in the study area. Fuel wood, medicinal plants, fodder, plant foods, wood products, honey, and animal products, among others, were some of the identified forest resources collected from the study area. The study recommends that there should be an awareness campaign on private partnership funding to encourage individuals to invest in afforestation programs in the study area and community forest management should be encouraged by involving the community people in decision making, planning and implementation of programs in the area.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Implications of anthropogenic induced perturbations on Nigerian National
Park rangelands
Authors: B. B. Meer, P. Y. Julius, D. I. Ikima, H. I. Manyam , A. Adedotun, D. M. Vangervihi, D. Kajo
Pages: 68 - 77
Abstract: This paper reviews the implications of anthropogenic induced perturbations on national Park rangelands. It aimed at investigating the degradation, effects and sustainability of national park rangelands in Nigeria. The proximate causes of rangeland degradation include overgrazing, logging, hunting, unsustainable fuelwood use, mining, and plowing of rangelands with subsequent loss of soil productivity while ultimate causes are typically associated with policies, socio-economic changes or interactions of socio economic and governance factors with climatic stressors such as drought, desertification, erosion and flood. The loss of biodiversity is the end product of a wide range of factors causing rangeland degradation. Social and economic systems provide the context and rationale for rangeland management in national parks. Sustaining rangeland ecosystems requires attention to the social, economic and ecological conditions. National parks play a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation efforts since they are the means of protecting species that cannot sustain in anthropogenic interference ecological settings. It is also the place of natural evolution and forthcoming ecological restoration. Hence, conservation of rangelands in national parks is a vital issue that needs to be addressed for sustainable development.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Farmers-wildlife conflict types, adopted mitigation strategies and their
effectiveness in subsistence farming in Ido-Osi Local Government Area,
Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: A.I. Ojo, M.B. Gomna, J.F. Awodiya, T.A. Fajembola
Pages: 78 – - 78 –
Abstract: This study investigated Farmers-Wildlife conflicts in subsistence farming within the Ido Osi local government area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The research encompasses the identification of conflict types, adopted mitigation measures, and their effectiveness. Through the use of standardized questionnaires, information from 150 participants across all the 11 towns was gathered. IBM SPSS and Microsoft Excel were used for the analysis. The results showed that majority (65%) of the respondents were male majority and a dominant age range of 55-64 years (44%) for both genders. Highest percentage (51%) of the farmers had informal education, with 43% of them practiced traditional religion. Majority (46%) of homes which had 4-5 people, were married. The Yoruba ethnic group constitutes 91% of the participants. The following wildlife species were found to be involved in conflicts: vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) (crop raiding during harvest - 22%), porcupines (Erethizon dorsaum) (crop destruction - 69%), African civet cats (Civettictis civetta) (livestock predation - 53%), waterbucks (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) (water source conflicts - 37%), and spitting cobras (Naja nigricollis) (direct attacks during farming - 51%). Crop rotation (x̄=4.11), scare tactics (x̄=4.04), nocturnal vigilance (x̄=2.55), scent-based deterrents (x̄=2.83), wooden fences (x̄=4.41), crop netting (x̄=3.91), motion-activated lighting (x̄=3.95), altering harvest timing (x̄=4.36), non-lethal traps (x̄=3.39), and direct killing (x̄=4.29) are the mitigating strategies that were observed. The study concluded that a combination of these preventive measures effectively reduces conflict incidents. Development and execution of community-specific wildlife management plans and the support of initiatives that spread knowledge and awareness will help lessen conflict.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Volume models for Tectona grandis (Linn F.) in Mbavaa Forest
Reserve, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: V. D. Popoola, C. Ushi
Pages: 89 - 99
Abstract: Tectona grandis (Teak) is a fast-growing exotic tree species utilised for numerous purpose such as pole and furniture making and it is one of the most preferred species for investment opportunities, due to its high wood quality and excellent growth performance. Effective management of Teak plantation requires information on volume of the growing stock of the plantation. In spite of the importance of volume models, accurate and site-specific models is not available for the study area. The objective of the study was to develop equations which best predict individual-tree volume that will evaluate and estimate the yield of Tectona grandis trees in Mbavaa Forest Reserve, Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State. Simple random sampling was used in selecting sample plots. Temporary sample plots of size 20m x 20m resulting in Ten (10) plots was laid. Thirteen volume models which consisted of the simple linear regression models, multiple linear regression models and logarithmic transformed models were used for tree volume estimation. Diameter at breast height values ranged from between 25cm to 32cm. The logarithmic combined variable equation of diameter and height (equation 11) had more precision in the estimate, as displayed by the values of coefficient of determination, standard error of estimate and root mean square error) it was therefore selected as the best model for volume estimation for the study area. Precaution should be taking when applying the equation in other locations with similar site condition.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Effect of spacing and harvesting interval on the nitrogen, carbon, and
crude protein contents of four Moringa species
Authors: S. Abdullahi
Pages: 100 - 105
Abstract: Moringa species are valued for their nutritional profile and potential to combat malnutrition. Plant spacing and harvesting intervals influence nutrient composition in crops. However, limited research exists on Moringa species. Understanding these factors is vital for optimizing cultivation practices. This study aimed to assess the effect of spacing and harvesting intervals on the nitrogen (N), carbon (C), and crude protein (CP) content of Four (4) Moringa species (M. peregrina, M. oleifera, M. stenopetala, and Periyakulam 1-PKM 1). A randomized complete block design with four (4) replicates was used. Four (4) plant spacing (15x15 cm, 15x20 cm, 20x20 cm, 20x30 cm) and four (4) harvesting intervals (2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks) were studied. Samples were collected, dried, grinded, and analyzed using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) International procedure. The results demonstrated significant variations in nutrient content across different spacing and harvesting intervals. The highest nitrogen content was observed at a spacing of 15x15 cm and a harvesting interval of 2 weeks for all Moringa species (M. peregrina: 44.05%, M. oleifera: 44.75%, M. stenopetala: 43.85% and PKM 1: 23.85%). Carbon content showed similar trends, with the highest values observed at the same spacing and harvesting interval (M. peregrina: 43.65%, M. oleifera: 42.35%, M. stenopetala: 44.75%, PKM 1: 22.20%). Crude protein content varied across species and was influenced by both spacing and harvesting interval with the highest CP content of 4.00% in M. oleifera at 15x20 cm plant spacing and a harvesting interval 4 weeks. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing plant spacing and selecting appropriate harvesting intervals to enhance the nutritional value of Moringa plants. These results contribute to our understanding of the influence of spacing and harvesting interval on nutrient composition in Moringa species and provide valuable insights for silvicultural practices and utilization of Moringa as a food and feed resource. Hence, spacing and harvesting intervals should be considered by the farmers to maximize the nutritional benefits of Moringa and future research should explore additional factors such as fertilization and genotype interactions.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Domestication of Annona muricata lin (soursop) by marcotting
Authors: B. A. Iwalesin , M. B Oyun , D. O. Oke
Pages: 106 - 115
Abstract: The study was conducted to determine the effects of rooting substrate, branch positions and branch diameter on the onset of rooting and the growth of root strands. Nine trees of Annona muricata were selected for this study. Four marcots were set on each tree to make a total of thirty-six marcots. On one tree using coconut peat, sawdust and mixture of coconut peat and sawdust as the rooting medium; two branches were selected at the upper position (>1.5m): one of the branches is 1 – 2.3cm and the other is 3 – 4.5cm. Two branches (1 – 2.3cm; 3 – 4.5cm) were also selected at the lower position (<1.5m), this was replicated three times and the same was done for the remaining two rooting substrate (mixture (coconut peat and sawdust 50:50) and sawdust). The result of the study revealed that, coconut peat had the lowest days for time taken to first root growth (63days), compared to sawdust and mixture. The study also established that big diameter branch 3-4.5cm was better than small diameter branch which had mean value of 7.17 for coconut peat, while 4.83 and 4.67 were recorded for sawdust and mixture respectively. Lower branch position tends to produce more root mass in coconut peat medium with mean value of 7.17 while sawdust and the mixture recorded 5.17 mean value respectively. The effect of rooting substrate on the number successful marcots indicated that, coconut peat and the mixture had the highest percentage (100%), while sawdust had the lowest (91.67). Effect of branch position on number of successful marcots also showed that marcots set on lower position had higher percentage (60%). Similarly, marcots set on big sized branch obtained higher percentage (57.14%). It was recommended that, artificial regeneration of Annona muricata should be encouraged and adopted by teaching farmers how to go about the marcotting techniques.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Assessment of herbaceous plant species diversity and distribution pattern
of roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus, Desmarst 1804) wildlife habitats in
Zugurma Sector, Kaniji Lake National Park, Nigeria
Authors: P. O; Osaguona, J.C. Onyekwelu, D. O. Oke, J. Olushola
Pages: 116 - 125
Abstract: The study focused on the diversity and distribution pattern of herbaceous plants species in Roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus, Desmarst 1804) wildlife habitats of Zugurma sector, Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria. Four (4) out of the five (5) existing wildlife habitats in Zugurma sector were randomly selected for the study. Two (2) line transects of 4 km each were randomly laid on each of the selected wildlife habitats. Along each transects, four (25m x 25m) temporary plots were laid in an alternate direction. Furthermore, five sub-transects of 5m were laid at 5m interval in each of the 25m × 25m plot. Five samples points were collected from each sub-transect using step point techniques for herbaceous plant species assessment. A total 65 herbaceous plant species were encountered belonging to 7 families with a mean density/ha of 902 individuals/ha in the study area. Out of which 27 herbaceous plant species were present in all the four wildlife habitats of Zugurma sector prominent species were: Aspilia africana, Mimosa invisa, Mimosa pudica, Andropogon gayanus, Andropogon tectorum and Brachiaria deflexa. However, Cyperus iria was only encountered in one habitat of the Zugurma sector. It was observed that the national park was suffering from loss of biodiversity as a result of human activities such as illegal hunting, cattle grazing, uncontrolled burning, illegal felling and mining. Therefore, there should be proper enforcement of strict laws and orders governing the biodiversity conservation and management of the National Park.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Physicochemical quality, potentially toxic elements characterization and
toxicological risk assessment of industrial effluents in Iju River, Ogun
State, Nigeria
Authors: A.O. Famuyiwa, O.D. Umoren, S. Ande, R.I. Eze, K.S. Sowemimo , R.B. Rafiu
Pages: 126 - 135
Abstract: The study aimed to determine the physicochemical quality, concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and potential health risks of exposure to industrial effluents in the Iju River. Composite water samples were collected from six stations (effluent before treatment, point of treatment, effluent after treatment, point of discharge, 50 m and 100 m downstream), of the river. Temperature and pH were tested in situ, then the sample was transported to the laboratory for analysis. The physicochemical quality of the samples was carried out using standard methods. PTE levels were estimated using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The study showed a high concentration of pH (6.45 and 8.89) and turbidity (1.00 - 11.0 NTU) in the effluent before treatment, at the point of treatment and 50 m downstream. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were high in all sampling stations (7.54, 89.4, 95.2, 95.1, 85.2, 60.5 mg/L and 95.4, 111, 125, 121, 106, 85.5 mg/L) while dissolved oxygen (DO) was low (2.22, 2.54, 3.25, 4.52, 4.98, 7.56 mg/L) across stations compared to the WHO standards (20.0mg/L, 50.0 mg/L and 13.0-14.0 mg/L) for BOD, COD and DO respectively. The obvious similarity between BOD, COD and DO might be due to the presence of a high level of organic or inorganic matter which is oxygen-demanding. Interestingly, this could be linked to anthropogenic activities. Fe concentration in the stations (except 100 m downstream), and the concentration of Cd at the point of treatment and 50 m downstream were higher (0.004 and 0.005 mg/L) than the WHO standard (0.003 mg/L). Health risk assessment showed that all studied PTEs at the time of investigation have a non-significant hazard effect on exposure. Therefore, the effluent is polluted with organic, inorganic materials, and Cd, and Fe at some of the stations.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Physicochemical quality, potentially toxic elements characterization
investigation of seasonal changes in quality parameters of Ladokun river
water and its fitness for irrigation purposes
Authors: G.A. Adegbola, S. M. Obidola, I. Adamu, M. U. Henry, L. T. Soyewo, D. S. Muritala
Pages: 136 - 146
Abstract: In the present investigation an attempt was made for the assessment of Ladokun river water fitness for irrigation purpose. Samples of Ladokun river water were collected during the dry and wet seasons and data gotten were analyzed for various parameters. The results indicated that total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), phosphate (PO3-P), sulphate (SO42-), nitrate (NO3-N) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) were within the recommended limits set for irrigation water standard, however, the hydrogen potential(pH) range was slightly acidulous in the dry season but more alkaline during the wet season. The water quality indicators, including magnesium absorption ratio (MAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), total hardness (TH), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), permeability Index (PI), potential salinity (PS) and kelly’s ratio (KR) were all within safe limits for both seasons. Ultimately, the findings indicate that Ladokun river water is suitable for irrigation purposes, and farmers in the area can use it to grow their crops without ominous effects, although, continuous monitoring of water quality is essential to ensure that it remains within safe limits, and appropriate measures should be taken to address any issues that may spring up.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Evaluation of farming systems effects on spatial and temporal variability
of soil moisture, organic carbon and bulk density in rain-fed lowlands of
Laikipia County, Kenya
Authors: D. M. Kinyumu , H. W. Kamiri , P. W. Mathenge
Pages: 147 - 157
Abstract: A study to determine the effects of farming systems on spatial and temporal variability of soil bulk density, soil organic carbon and soil moisture was carried out in lowland areas of Laikipia during 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Soil sampling was carried out from 3m x 3m plots, demarcated in 30 selected farms practicing conservation agriculture (CA), conventional farming(CF) and from a bordering fallow reference land (RL). Ten soil samples/cores from each plot were collected at 20cm depth, using metallic soil augers of 5cm diameter and core ring samplers of 5cm diameter and 10cm height, air dried taken for lab analysis to determine the soil attributes. Findings indicated that the percentage soil moisture in farms adopting conventional farming was significantly lower than that adopting conservation agriculture. The mean soil bulk density under convention farming was 1.35 ± 0.06 g/cm3, while farms under conservation agriculture had a mean bulk density of 1.78 ± 0.04 g/cm3 and 1.13 ± 0.04 g/cm.3 in uncultivated reference land. Overall, the highest levels of total soil organic carbon were 61.9gkg-1 under CA and 35.3gkg-1 under CF. These findings could show that the adoption of CA can substantially affect the selected soil physical properties and potentially enhance soil quality and productivity in the study area.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Medicinal survey of plant in selected council wards in Otukpo Local
Government Area of Benue State
Authors: B. U. Origbo
Pages: 158 - 164
Abstract: A survey of medicinal plants species in home gardens in selected Council Wards in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State to identify plants that are used for medicinal purposes in the area. Applying a multi-stage sampling technique, 150 household members were sampled and interviewed to elicit data. These were analysed using descriptive statistics. The result showed Scent leaves and Guava had 99% respectively as the highest., Aloe vera, Moringa, Ugwu and Pawpaw respectively come second each with 90%. Other plant species were Sweet potato (64%), Mango (61%), Garden egg (59.33%) respectively. The least prevalent plant species mentioned were (Ogblichi tree (18%), Jerusalem leaf (13.33%), Egbe (12%), Enache (7.33%) and Ichinkla (6%) respectively. Comprising 20 leaves, 2 stem, 5 barks, 7 fruits and 5 roots show leaves recorded the highest use value. The various diseases are diabetes, stomatitis, cough, sore throat, tooth, tooth decay, jaundice, Cough/dry throat, Skin infection, Antidote against poison, Headache, Asthma, Urinary disease, Stomach-ache, to reduce obesity and used as digestive, Hypertension, Constipation, Sexual disorder, Skin-disorder, Blood supplements.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Age assessment of two cassava cultivars on yield and quality of Gari
Authors: G. A. Adegbola, I. Adamu, L. T. Soyewo, S. M. Obidola
Pages: 165 - 171
Abstract: This study investigated the age effects of cassava roots on GARI yield and quality through the assessment of chemical analysis of two cassava varieties that were processed into gari, OKO IYAWO and TME 419; 12, 15, and 18 months of each of the cassava roots were selected. Chemical analyses done on the samples were: pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), total crude fiber (TCF), ash contents (AC), and moisture contents (MC). The results were pH of OKO IYAWO: 3.65, 4.00 and 3.75; pH of TME 419: 3.75, 4.00 and 4.21; TTA of OKO IYAWO: 0.85, 0.93 and 0.87; TTA of TME 419: 0.97, 0.95 and 0.84; TCF of OKO IYAWO: 2.77, 1.92 and 2.19; TCF of TME 419: 3.63, 1.82 and 1.62; AC of OKO IYAWO :1.30, 1.30 and 1.34; AC of TME 419: 1.24, 1.31 and 1.31; MC of OKO IYAWO: 3.7, 3.90 and 5.00; MC of TME 419: 5.5, 2.90 and 2.40. SI of OKO IYAWO: 2.80, 2.88 and 3.00; SI of TME 419: 3.00, 3.08 and 2.92 for 12, 15 and 18 months respectively. Finally, Gari yield values of OKO IYAWO cassava were 24%, 26% and 27% for the age of 12, 15 and 18 months respectively however, Gari yield of TME 419 cassava were 35%, 34% and 18% for the age of 12, 15 and 18 months respectively. The chemical analysis done were within the standard recommendation.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
- Impact of urbanization on urban ecosystem services dynamic, structural
attributes, carbon storage and sequestration in two Nigeria cities
Authors: A.D. Agbelade, A.P. Ojo , D.I. Giwa , G.E. Ojerinde
Pages: 172 - 184
Abstract: Urbanization can have positive or negative effect on diversity conservation and carbon sequestration. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of urbanization on urban ecosystem services dynamic, structural attributes, carbon storage and sequestration Osogbo and Akure cities, using Simple Random Sampling. Biomass values, above-ground biomass (AGB) and below-ground biomass (BGB) was used to quantify carbon stock to estimate the amount of carbon sequestrated by the urban forests in the two cities. The results revealed a total of 455 individual trees distributed among 37 species and 19 families in Osogbo, while 985 individual trees distributed among 41 species and 21 families in Akure urban forest respectively. Shannon-Wiener diversity index (2.65 and 3.42) was higher in Akure and lower in Osogbo, with higher species recorded for Akure, this is an indication of a more pronounce greenness coverage for Akure metropolis than Osogbo metropolis. The total carbon stored by the urban forests of Osogbo and Akure were estimated at 405.73 and 1049.70 tons, respectively. Tree species diversity had greater influence in determining biomass accumulation, carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Selecting and planting the right species as avenue trees, building parks and gardens, urban landscaping could improve urban forest carbon sequestration and providing other essential urban forest ecosystem services.
PubDate: 2023-11-06
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 3 (2023)
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