Soil evangelization, an awareness campaign to attract youths to study soil science and address so... more Soil evangelization, an awareness campaign to attract youths to study soil science and address soil fertility challenges to sustainable crop production was extended to two primary and two secondary schools, respectively, in Southeast Nigeria, participating in school cocoyam project (SCP), under the aegis of cocoyam rebirth initiative of the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The aim was to develop the capacity of the youths for soil fertility recapitalization and very rapid multiplication of cocoyam. The approach involved participatory result demonstration of Gocken Rapid Multiplication Technology using micro cormels and micro setts of ≤ 7 g of cocoyam, planted on a 5 m x 4 m plot in each location at 50,000 plants/ha. Organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied. Results showed that there were 14.2. 50.0, 55.8, 48.5 and 58.3 % improvements in soil pH, total N, organic matter and exchangeable K, respectively, over the initial soil nutrient status. Total corm + cormel yields ranged from 14.5-19.7 t/ha. The highest significant (p = ≤ 0.05) yield (19.7 t/ha) was obtained at Okposi while the lowest yield (14.5 t/ha) was obtained at Abua Kingdom. Seed harvest multiplication ratio (SHMR) ranged from 25-35. It was concluded that the SCP is a proven strategy to promote soil evangelization and cocoyam production.
Soil is a component of land but the most valuable input and possession of the rural farmer for cr... more Soil is a component of land but the most valuable input and possession of the rural farmer for crop and animal production. In totality, it provides the basis for food, feed, fuel and fiber production, clean water availability, nutrient cycling, organic carbon stocks, one quarter of global biodiversity, and serves as a platform for construction and construction material. Godfray, et al. [1] projected that the need to feed 9 billion people by 2050 can partly be met by closing the yield gap and increasing the production limits of agriculture. A simplified good knowledge about any track of land, in terms of its potentialities and limitations, will guide appropriate land use and management to increase productivity and close the yield gap. This makes the availability of a good quality soil data imperative. Ability to interpret the soil data correctly will guarantee good land use planning and judicious application of other inputs to achieve sustainable soil management decisions, to enhance agro-technology transfer, and overall agricultural development. As a consequence, soils have been the object of close study and investigation for a successful and sustained agriculture. The knowledge of soil physical, morphological and chemical characteristics in association with environmental features would enable proper delineation of a track of land into mapping units, in relation to their potentialities and limitations, for an intended use or uses. Access to good quality soil combined with soil conservation, the knowledge for best management and adoption of technologies [2] should contribute to maximizing the yield potential [3]. This will guide potential users of the land to evaluate the usefulness of the soils, in terms of appropriate management to achieve food security and improve overall livelihood of the farm families. Despite the consciousness of the importance of soils in agriculture, there is a widespread apathy for soil, even by soil scientists. How many soil scientists freely discuss soils by name as farmers discuss their crops and their animals by name? Chukwu [4] attributed this mostly to lack of passion for soil, absence of soil evangelization/awareness campaign and the scale of mapping of Nigerian soils (1:1,000,000) displayed at a scale of 1: 650,000. Such large scale soil maps mask information about soil resources of rural communities in Nigeria where agricultural production actually take place.
Production of Taro {Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott} in Nigeria had stagnated and even began to de... more Production of Taro {Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott} in Nigeria had stagnated and even began to decline in the last few years due to several constraints including poor yield of local cultivars worsened by advent of taro leaf blight (TLB). Introduction and evaluation of exotic cultivars for adaptation to local production is a promising option to increase local variability, diversity and yield of taro. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate newly introduced (exotic) cultivars of Taro in order to identify and select those with high yield, TLB resistance and quality suitable for local production. Fifteen exotic cultivars of taro, obtained from International Network on Edible Aroids (INEA) as part of an EU-funded project on \Adapting Clonally Propagated Crops to Climatic and Commercial Change,. and some local cultivar were evaluated in 2013 and 2014 at Umudike, located between latitudes 5‹24. to 5‹30. N and longitudes 7‹31. to 7‹37. E in the rainforest agro-ecological z...
A field trial conducted on a Haplic Acrisol in 2009 and repeated in 2011 at the National Root Cro... more A field trial conducted on a Haplic Acrisol in 2009 and repeated in 2011 at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Nigeria (5°24 1 to 5°30 1 N; 7°31 1 N to 7°37 1 ) used integrated plant nutrition to control cocoyam root rot blight complex (CRRBC) and improve soil health. Treatments comprised five soil amendments: control, 20 t/ha rice mill waste (RMW) alone, 10 t/ha RMW + 4 t/ha poultry manure (PM), NPK 15 15 15 alone at 400 kg/ha and 5 t/ha RMW + 4 t/ha PM + NPK. They were laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications, using cocoyam (Xanthosoma mafafa) cv NXs 001 as a test crop. Results showed that the treatments influenced number of rotted corms and cormels significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in the magnitude of RMW + PM + NPK< RMW alone < NPK alone < RMW + PM < Control. Mean rotted number of corms and cormels was 225 % higher in the control than when a combination of RMW, PM and NPK was applied. The mean total yield from the application of 5 t...
1 E) of Abia State, southeast agro-ecological zone of Nigeria, was conducted to provide data for ... more 1 E) of Abia State, southeast agro-ecological zone of Nigeria, was conducted to provide data for appropriate land use decisions for sustainable agriculture and rural development. A participatory and free survey approaches were adopted. The physiography rises from 30 to 152 m above sea level. The soils are characterized by toposequence and lithosequence, and are classified as Ultisols and Alfisols in the USDA System correlated with Acrisols and Nitisols in the FAO-UNESCO Legend. Three soil series named Orlu, Ahiara and Alagba were delineated. Orlu series is the largest (19,530 ha or 63.0 % of the area) followed by Ahiara series (6,820 ha) and Alagba series (4,650 ha). The soil series are correlated with map units 407, 431 and 12a in FDALR soil maps of Nigeria, to enhance a better understanding and use of the soils in relation to available national soils report.
ABSTRACT Declining yields of local taro cultivars, worsened in recent years by outbreak of taro l... more ABSTRACT Declining yields of local taro cultivars, worsened in recent years by outbreak of taro leaf blight (TLB), necessitate the development of varieties that combine TLB resistance with high yield and quality. The objective of the experiment was to obtain viable true taro seeds (TTS), the lack of which has hindered local breeding effort to improve taro. Fifteen exotic cultivars of taro, obtained from International Network on Edible Aroids (INEA) as part of an EU-funded project on “Adapting Clonally Propagated Crops to Climatic and Commercial Change,” and four local cultivars constituted the crossing block at Umudike (5°24′ to 5°30′ N; 7°31 to 7°37E) in south eastern Nigeria in 2013. One hundred and nine crosses were made, of which 18.3% were successful, but only infructescence from nine crosses developed to maturity and produced seeds. Germination of these TTS started on the 7th day after sowing. Seedlings that developed from these seeds were transplanted into small bags filled with sterilized peat mixed with vermiculite. Each plant is expected to be genetically different from all others and could be a potentially improved cultivar. This is the first report of successful hybridization, production of TTS, and development of seedlings from true seed of taro in Nigeria.
Soil resource illiteracy and a weak link between agricultural research and farmers are major prob... more Soil resource illiteracy and a weak link between agricultural research and farmers are major problems limiting agricultural development in Nigeria. Pedologists provide interpretative soil maps (land capability classification and soil fertility maps) that will enable potential land users to appreciate the advantages and limitations of the soil resource base that is utilized for agricultural production. Such maps are visual aids to facilitate effective communication between extensionists and farmers, in an effort to (1) adopt appropriate land and agronomic management practices, (2) increase productivity and (3) enhance the efficiency of resource use in agricultural production. This approach was illustrated using Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, Nigeria, as a case study.
Soil evangelization, an awareness campaign to attract youths to study soil science and address so... more Soil evangelization, an awareness campaign to attract youths to study soil science and address soil fertility challenges to sustainable crop production was extended to two primary and two secondary schools, respectively, in Southeast Nigeria, participating in school cocoyam project (SCP), under the aegis of cocoyam re-birth initiative of the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The aim was to develop the capacity of the youths for soil fertility recapitalization and very rapid multiplication of cocoyam. The approach involved participatory result demonstration of Gocken Rapid Multiplication Technology using micro cormels and micro setts of ≤ 7 g of cocoyam, planted on a 5 m x 4 m plot in each location at 50,000 plants/ha. Organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied. Results showed that there were 14.2. 50.0, 55.8, 48.5 and 58.3 % improvements in soil pH, total N, organic matter and exchangeable K, respectively, over the initial soil nutrient status. Total corm + cormel...
International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 2012
A soil survey of Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria was conducted using a combi... more A soil survey of Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria was conducted using a combination of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Free Survey Techniques (FST) with a view to understanding the physical environment as a basis for biodiversity conservation. Four soil mapping units, namely, Ibe, Ibeobo, obolo and Ariolo were delineated based on toposequence and lithosequence. Mapping unit Ibe was found to be hydromorphic, clayey and derived from alluvium and shale. Mapping unit Ibeobo occupies dissected plains threatened by morpho erosion, while mapping unit Obolo occupies gently undulating plains. Ibeobo and Obolo are coarse loamy soils derived from coastal plains sands. Mapping unit Ariolo is a nearly level plain with sandy or coarse loamy soils derived from coastal plain sands and alluvium. Good land husbandry practices, fishery, rice-fish culture and sloping agricultural land technology are recommended on appropriate soil mapping units. The paper recommends dissemination of these technologies through effective extension services and on-farm research in order to increase biodiversity and enhance biodiversity conservation in Ikwuano Local Government Area.
Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta {taro} and Xanthosoma mafafa {tannia}) is a neglected staple carbohy... more Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta {taro} and Xanthosoma mafafa {tannia}) is a neglected staple carbohydrate-based food in Nigeria, despite its higher nutritional advantages over competitor roots and tubers. The National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Nigeria, launched cocoyam rebirth initiative (CRI) in 2007 to promote cocoyam research, production, marketing and consumption. Currently, about 34. 6 x 10 6 and 23. 4 x 10 6 million ha of the country's arable land are moderately suitable and highly suitable, respectively, for sustainable cocoyam production. However, 28. 2 x 10 6 and 4.7 x 10 6 million ha are marginally suitable and unsuitable, respectively. A combination of land area under highly suitable and moderately suitable, showed that 65.1 and 34. 9 % of it represent where cocoyam is relatively unimportant and very important, respectively. Cocoyam is also relatively unimportant on marginally suitable land (32.7 %) out of total suitable land area. To promote cocoyam production in the country through CRI, application of cocoyam rebirth mission ad extra where the crop is relatively unimportant and cocoyam rebirth mission ad intra where it is very important is recommended.
Global Approaches to Extension Practice: A Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2008
ABSTRACT The determinant of yam output among women farmers in Imo State, Nigeria was studied. Usi... more ABSTRACT The determinant of yam output among women farmers in Imo State, Nigeria was studied. Using a multistage sampling techniques, 276 women yam farmers were selected from the three Agricultural Zones of the State. Frequency distribution, Percentage and Regression Estimate were analytical tools used. The results showed that majority of the women belonged to the activate age range (36-40yrs) and were married, 52.2% of the women cultivate family lands and more than 47.10% bought seed yams and fertilizer from open markets and used hired labour for their farm production. Output of yam was related to size of land cultivated, quantity of seed yams planted and quantity of fertilizer used. However, good yam management practice was another major factor that affected yam output.
Low multiplication ratio of cocoyam {Colocasia esculenta (taro) and Xanthosoma mafafa (tannia)} a... more Low multiplication ratio of cocoyam {Colocasia esculenta (taro) and Xanthosoma mafafa (tannia)} and scarcity of planting materials are major constraints militating against sustainable cocoyam production. During harvesting and processing of cocoyam, very small cormels weighing about 7.0 g (micro cormels) and less are discarded as wastes. These 'wastes' usually sprout in the wet season to constitute environmental problem. The Gocken Multiplication Technology is a new technology developed at the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Nigeria, for very rapid multiplication of cocoyam by recycling 'wastes' of cocoyam (≤7.0 g cormels) in cocoyam production. The technology utilizes a seed rate of about 0.35-0.45 t/ha compared to 1.0-2.0 t/ha currently in use. Total corm + cormel yield ranged from 7.34-15.5t/ha. Similarly, seed harvest multiplication ratio (SHMR) ranged from 19.0-39.0, while available yield ranged from 89.5-94.7 %. Economic analysis showed that the benefit cost ratio was 4.24:1.0, indicating that the technology is profitable by returning N4.24 to every N1.00 spent.
Lack of good storage reduces the shelf life of harvested cocoyam (Colocasia spp and Xanthosoma sp... more Lack of good storage reduces the shelf life of harvested cocoyam (Colocasia spp and Xanthosoma spp) corms and cormels. This is a major challenge facing cocoyam farmers, processors, and marketers in Nigeria. The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Nigeria, which has a national mandate to research into root and tubers crops of economic importance, has developed the 'Gocing Storage' for improved storage of cocoyam. The paper highlights this improved method of storing cocoyam as an advancement in cocoyam research, to reduce loss of cocoyam in storage, and make highly quality cocoyam available to consumers, processors and marketers throughout the year.
Linking pedological science and extension education is an emerging trend that will enhance judici... more Linking pedological science and extension education is an emerging trend that will enhance judicious land use, improve advisory services as well as the dissemination and adoption of integrated soil fertility management technologies, to improve agricultural productivity and sustain soil health. The proposed pedo-extension model is illustrated by delineation of land capability classification map and soil fertility classification map of Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, and demonstration of their application in agricultural extension.
Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, on 25 June, 2015. The SEG is a so... more Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, on 25 June, 2015. The SEG is a soil rebirth awareness campaign group that comprises committed lecturers and students who are passionate to improve soil resource literacy and to impact on Nigerians a positive attitudinal change in soil resources use and management for ecosystem conservation and food security. The group improves soil resources literacy through soil data interpretation, dissemination of innovative soil technologies and capacity building of farmers, students and other stakeholders to be able to work efficiently towards solving current soil management challenges and to prevent new ones that could impact negatively on food security in a given ecosystem. The members add psychological value to soil science by incorporating songs and slogan into teaching, to enhance studentteacher relationships, and attract more youths to the discipline. The paper presents SEG as a grass root and an emerging national soil movement in Nigeria.
Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasi... more Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott, a major carbohydrate staple food in Nigeria and the tropical regions. Spatial distribution of Fe on a lithosequence of late Tertiary era (> 5,000 years ago) in southeastern Nigerian where taro is a major crop in the farming system was estimated using kriging technique. The parent materials are coastal plain sands, shale and sandstone respectively, estimated to cover about 4.28 million hectares (m ha). 69 soil samples were collected at geo-referenced locations at 0 -30 cm depth and analyzed. Data generated from soil analyses were further subjected to geostatistics to quantitatively estimate spatial distribution of available Fe. Results showed that about 1.90 million ha (44.4%) mostly covered by sandstone is low in available Fe (< 20 mg/kg). However, over half of the study area (53.5%) representing 2.29 m ha, predominated by coastal plain sands and shale is moderate in available Fe (20 -30 mg/kg). Application of Fe micronutrient as a foliar application or incorporating it into NPK fertilizers and integrated (organo-mineral) plant nutrient management is recommended to increase yield and quality of cocoyam corms and cormels and sustain soil health in the area.
Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasi... more Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott, a major carbohydrate staple food in Nigeria and the tropical regions. Spatial distribution of Fe on a lithosequence of late Tertiary era (> 5,000 years ago) in southeastern Nigerian where taro is a major crop in the farming system was estimated using kriging technique. The parent materials are coastal plain sands, shale and sandstone respectively, estimated to cover about 4.28 million hectares (m ha). 69 soil samples were collected at geo-referenced locations at 0 -30 cm depth and analyzed. Data generated from soil analyses were further subjected to geostatistics to quantitatively estimate spatial distribution of available Fe. Results showed that about 1.90 million ha (44.4%) mostly covered by sandstone is low in available Fe (< 20 mg/kg). However, over half of the study area (53.5%) representing 2.29 m ha, predominated by coastal plain sands and shale is moderate in available Fe (20 -30 mg/kg). Application of Fe micronutrient as a foliar application or incorporating it into NPK fertilizers and integrated (organo-mineral) plant nutrient management is recommended to increase yield and quality of cocoyam corms and cormels and sustain soil health in the area.
Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasi... more Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott, a major carbohydrate staple food in Nigeria and the tropical regions. Spatial distribution of Fe on a lithosequence of late Tertiary era (> 5,000 years ago) in southeastern Nigerian where taro is a major crop in the farming system was estimated using kriging technique. The parent materials are coastal plain sands, shale and sandstone respectively, estimated to cover about 4.28 million hectares (m ha). 69 soil samples were collected at geo-referenced locations at 0 -30 cm depth and analyzed. Data generated from soil analyses were further subjected to geostatistics to quantitatively estimate spatial distribution of available Fe. Results showed that about 1.90 million ha (44.4%) mostly covered by sandstone is low in available Fe (< 20 mg/kg). However, over half of the study area (53.5%) representing 2.29 m ha, predominated by coastal plain sands and shale is moderate in available Fe (20 -30 mg/kg). Application of Fe micronutrient as a foliar application or incorporating it into NPK fertilizers and integrated (organo-mineral) plant nutrient management is recommended to increase yield and quality of cocoyam corms and cormels and sustain soil health in the area.
Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasi... more Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott, a major carbohydrate staple food in Nigeria and the tropical regions. Spatial distribution of Fe on a lithosequence of late Tertiary era (> 5,000 years ago) in southeastern Nigerian where taro is a major crop in the farming system was estimated using kriging technique. The parent materials are coastal plain sands, shale and sandstone respectively, estimated to cover about 4.28 million hectares (m ha). 69 soil samples were collected at geo-referenced locations at 0 -30 cm depth and analyzed. Data generated from soil analyses were further subjected to geostatistics to quantitatively estimate spatial distribution of available Fe. Results showed that about 1.90 million ha (44.4%) mostly covered by sandstone is low in available Fe (< 20 mg/kg). However, over half of the study area (53.5%) representing 2.29 m ha, predominated by coastal plain sands and shale is moderate in available Fe (20 -30 mg/kg). Application of Fe micronutrient as a foliar application or incorporating it into NPK fertilizers and integrated (organo-mineral) plant nutrient management is recommended to increase yield and quality of cocoyam corms and cormels and sustain soil health in the area.
Soil evangelization, an awareness campaign to attract youths to study soil science and address so... more Soil evangelization, an awareness campaign to attract youths to study soil science and address soil fertility challenges to sustainable crop production was extended to two primary and two secondary schools, respectively, in Southeast Nigeria, participating in school cocoyam project (SCP), under the aegis of cocoyam rebirth initiative of the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The aim was to develop the capacity of the youths for soil fertility recapitalization and very rapid multiplication of cocoyam. The approach involved participatory result demonstration of Gocken Rapid Multiplication Technology using micro cormels and micro setts of ≤ 7 g of cocoyam, planted on a 5 m x 4 m plot in each location at 50,000 plants/ha. Organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied. Results showed that there were 14.2. 50.0, 55.8, 48.5 and 58.3 % improvements in soil pH, total N, organic matter and exchangeable K, respectively, over the initial soil nutrient status. Total corm + cormel yields ranged from 14.5-19.7 t/ha. The highest significant (p = ≤ 0.05) yield (19.7 t/ha) was obtained at Okposi while the lowest yield (14.5 t/ha) was obtained at Abua Kingdom. Seed harvest multiplication ratio (SHMR) ranged from 25-35. It was concluded that the SCP is a proven strategy to promote soil evangelization and cocoyam production.
Soil is a component of land but the most valuable input and possession of the rural farmer for cr... more Soil is a component of land but the most valuable input and possession of the rural farmer for crop and animal production. In totality, it provides the basis for food, feed, fuel and fiber production, clean water availability, nutrient cycling, organic carbon stocks, one quarter of global biodiversity, and serves as a platform for construction and construction material. Godfray, et al. [1] projected that the need to feed 9 billion people by 2050 can partly be met by closing the yield gap and increasing the production limits of agriculture. A simplified good knowledge about any track of land, in terms of its potentialities and limitations, will guide appropriate land use and management to increase productivity and close the yield gap. This makes the availability of a good quality soil data imperative. Ability to interpret the soil data correctly will guarantee good land use planning and judicious application of other inputs to achieve sustainable soil management decisions, to enhance agro-technology transfer, and overall agricultural development. As a consequence, soils have been the object of close study and investigation for a successful and sustained agriculture. The knowledge of soil physical, morphological and chemical characteristics in association with environmental features would enable proper delineation of a track of land into mapping units, in relation to their potentialities and limitations, for an intended use or uses. Access to good quality soil combined with soil conservation, the knowledge for best management and adoption of technologies [2] should contribute to maximizing the yield potential [3]. This will guide potential users of the land to evaluate the usefulness of the soils, in terms of appropriate management to achieve food security and improve overall livelihood of the farm families. Despite the consciousness of the importance of soils in agriculture, there is a widespread apathy for soil, even by soil scientists. How many soil scientists freely discuss soils by name as farmers discuss their crops and their animals by name? Chukwu [4] attributed this mostly to lack of passion for soil, absence of soil evangelization/awareness campaign and the scale of mapping of Nigerian soils (1:1,000,000) displayed at a scale of 1: 650,000. Such large scale soil maps mask information about soil resources of rural communities in Nigeria where agricultural production actually take place.
Production of Taro {Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott} in Nigeria had stagnated and even began to de... more Production of Taro {Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott} in Nigeria had stagnated and even began to decline in the last few years due to several constraints including poor yield of local cultivars worsened by advent of taro leaf blight (TLB). Introduction and evaluation of exotic cultivars for adaptation to local production is a promising option to increase local variability, diversity and yield of taro. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate newly introduced (exotic) cultivars of Taro in order to identify and select those with high yield, TLB resistance and quality suitable for local production. Fifteen exotic cultivars of taro, obtained from International Network on Edible Aroids (INEA) as part of an EU-funded project on \Adapting Clonally Propagated Crops to Climatic and Commercial Change,. and some local cultivar were evaluated in 2013 and 2014 at Umudike, located between latitudes 5‹24. to 5‹30. N and longitudes 7‹31. to 7‹37. E in the rainforest agro-ecological z...
A field trial conducted on a Haplic Acrisol in 2009 and repeated in 2011 at the National Root Cro... more A field trial conducted on a Haplic Acrisol in 2009 and repeated in 2011 at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Nigeria (5°24 1 to 5°30 1 N; 7°31 1 N to 7°37 1 ) used integrated plant nutrition to control cocoyam root rot blight complex (CRRBC) and improve soil health. Treatments comprised five soil amendments: control, 20 t/ha rice mill waste (RMW) alone, 10 t/ha RMW + 4 t/ha poultry manure (PM), NPK 15 15 15 alone at 400 kg/ha and 5 t/ha RMW + 4 t/ha PM + NPK. They were laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications, using cocoyam (Xanthosoma mafafa) cv NXs 001 as a test crop. Results showed that the treatments influenced number of rotted corms and cormels significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in the magnitude of RMW + PM + NPK< RMW alone < NPK alone < RMW + PM < Control. Mean rotted number of corms and cormels was 225 % higher in the control than when a combination of RMW, PM and NPK was applied. The mean total yield from the application of 5 t...
1 E) of Abia State, southeast agro-ecological zone of Nigeria, was conducted to provide data for ... more 1 E) of Abia State, southeast agro-ecological zone of Nigeria, was conducted to provide data for appropriate land use decisions for sustainable agriculture and rural development. A participatory and free survey approaches were adopted. The physiography rises from 30 to 152 m above sea level. The soils are characterized by toposequence and lithosequence, and are classified as Ultisols and Alfisols in the USDA System correlated with Acrisols and Nitisols in the FAO-UNESCO Legend. Three soil series named Orlu, Ahiara and Alagba were delineated. Orlu series is the largest (19,530 ha or 63.0 % of the area) followed by Ahiara series (6,820 ha) and Alagba series (4,650 ha). The soil series are correlated with map units 407, 431 and 12a in FDALR soil maps of Nigeria, to enhance a better understanding and use of the soils in relation to available national soils report.
ABSTRACT Declining yields of local taro cultivars, worsened in recent years by outbreak of taro l... more ABSTRACT Declining yields of local taro cultivars, worsened in recent years by outbreak of taro leaf blight (TLB), necessitate the development of varieties that combine TLB resistance with high yield and quality. The objective of the experiment was to obtain viable true taro seeds (TTS), the lack of which has hindered local breeding effort to improve taro. Fifteen exotic cultivars of taro, obtained from International Network on Edible Aroids (INEA) as part of an EU-funded project on “Adapting Clonally Propagated Crops to Climatic and Commercial Change,” and four local cultivars constituted the crossing block at Umudike (5°24′ to 5°30′ N; 7°31 to 7°37E) in south eastern Nigeria in 2013. One hundred and nine crosses were made, of which 18.3% were successful, but only infructescence from nine crosses developed to maturity and produced seeds. Germination of these TTS started on the 7th day after sowing. Seedlings that developed from these seeds were transplanted into small bags filled with sterilized peat mixed with vermiculite. Each plant is expected to be genetically different from all others and could be a potentially improved cultivar. This is the first report of successful hybridization, production of TTS, and development of seedlings from true seed of taro in Nigeria.
Soil resource illiteracy and a weak link between agricultural research and farmers are major prob... more Soil resource illiteracy and a weak link between agricultural research and farmers are major problems limiting agricultural development in Nigeria. Pedologists provide interpretative soil maps (land capability classification and soil fertility maps) that will enable potential land users to appreciate the advantages and limitations of the soil resource base that is utilized for agricultural production. Such maps are visual aids to facilitate effective communication between extensionists and farmers, in an effort to (1) adopt appropriate land and agronomic management practices, (2) increase productivity and (3) enhance the efficiency of resource use in agricultural production. This approach was illustrated using Ikwuano Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, Nigeria, as a case study.
Soil evangelization, an awareness campaign to attract youths to study soil science and address so... more Soil evangelization, an awareness campaign to attract youths to study soil science and address soil fertility challenges to sustainable crop production was extended to two primary and two secondary schools, respectively, in Southeast Nigeria, participating in school cocoyam project (SCP), under the aegis of cocoyam re-birth initiative of the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The aim was to develop the capacity of the youths for soil fertility recapitalization and very rapid multiplication of cocoyam. The approach involved participatory result demonstration of Gocken Rapid Multiplication Technology using micro cormels and micro setts of ≤ 7 g of cocoyam, planted on a 5 m x 4 m plot in each location at 50,000 plants/ha. Organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied. Results showed that there were 14.2. 50.0, 55.8, 48.5 and 58.3 % improvements in soil pH, total N, organic matter and exchangeable K, respectively, over the initial soil nutrient status. Total corm + cormel...
International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 2012
A soil survey of Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria was conducted using a combi... more A soil survey of Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria was conducted using a combination of Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Free Survey Techniques (FST) with a view to understanding the physical environment as a basis for biodiversity conservation. Four soil mapping units, namely, Ibe, Ibeobo, obolo and Ariolo were delineated based on toposequence and lithosequence. Mapping unit Ibe was found to be hydromorphic, clayey and derived from alluvium and shale. Mapping unit Ibeobo occupies dissected plains threatened by morpho erosion, while mapping unit Obolo occupies gently undulating plains. Ibeobo and Obolo are coarse loamy soils derived from coastal plains sands. Mapping unit Ariolo is a nearly level plain with sandy or coarse loamy soils derived from coastal plain sands and alluvium. Good land husbandry practices, fishery, rice-fish culture and sloping agricultural land technology are recommended on appropriate soil mapping units. The paper recommends dissemination of these technologies through effective extension services and on-farm research in order to increase biodiversity and enhance biodiversity conservation in Ikwuano Local Government Area.
Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta {taro} and Xanthosoma mafafa {tannia}) is a neglected staple carbohy... more Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta {taro} and Xanthosoma mafafa {tannia}) is a neglected staple carbohydrate-based food in Nigeria, despite its higher nutritional advantages over competitor roots and tubers. The National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Nigeria, launched cocoyam rebirth initiative (CRI) in 2007 to promote cocoyam research, production, marketing and consumption. Currently, about 34. 6 x 10 6 and 23. 4 x 10 6 million ha of the country's arable land are moderately suitable and highly suitable, respectively, for sustainable cocoyam production. However, 28. 2 x 10 6 and 4.7 x 10 6 million ha are marginally suitable and unsuitable, respectively. A combination of land area under highly suitable and moderately suitable, showed that 65.1 and 34. 9 % of it represent where cocoyam is relatively unimportant and very important, respectively. Cocoyam is also relatively unimportant on marginally suitable land (32.7 %) out of total suitable land area. To promote cocoyam production in the country through CRI, application of cocoyam rebirth mission ad extra where the crop is relatively unimportant and cocoyam rebirth mission ad intra where it is very important is recommended.
Global Approaches to Extension Practice: A Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2008
ABSTRACT The determinant of yam output among women farmers in Imo State, Nigeria was studied. Usi... more ABSTRACT The determinant of yam output among women farmers in Imo State, Nigeria was studied. Using a multistage sampling techniques, 276 women yam farmers were selected from the three Agricultural Zones of the State. Frequency distribution, Percentage and Regression Estimate were analytical tools used. The results showed that majority of the women belonged to the activate age range (36-40yrs) and were married, 52.2% of the women cultivate family lands and more than 47.10% bought seed yams and fertilizer from open markets and used hired labour for their farm production. Output of yam was related to size of land cultivated, quantity of seed yams planted and quantity of fertilizer used. However, good yam management practice was another major factor that affected yam output.
Low multiplication ratio of cocoyam {Colocasia esculenta (taro) and Xanthosoma mafafa (tannia)} a... more Low multiplication ratio of cocoyam {Colocasia esculenta (taro) and Xanthosoma mafafa (tannia)} and scarcity of planting materials are major constraints militating against sustainable cocoyam production. During harvesting and processing of cocoyam, very small cormels weighing about 7.0 g (micro cormels) and less are discarded as wastes. These 'wastes' usually sprout in the wet season to constitute environmental problem. The Gocken Multiplication Technology is a new technology developed at the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Nigeria, for very rapid multiplication of cocoyam by recycling 'wastes' of cocoyam (≤7.0 g cormels) in cocoyam production. The technology utilizes a seed rate of about 0.35-0.45 t/ha compared to 1.0-2.0 t/ha currently in use. Total corm + cormel yield ranged from 7.34-15.5t/ha. Similarly, seed harvest multiplication ratio (SHMR) ranged from 19.0-39.0, while available yield ranged from 89.5-94.7 %. Economic analysis showed that the benefit cost ratio was 4.24:1.0, indicating that the technology is profitable by returning N4.24 to every N1.00 spent.
Lack of good storage reduces the shelf life of harvested cocoyam (Colocasia spp and Xanthosoma sp... more Lack of good storage reduces the shelf life of harvested cocoyam (Colocasia spp and Xanthosoma spp) corms and cormels. This is a major challenge facing cocoyam farmers, processors, and marketers in Nigeria. The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Nigeria, which has a national mandate to research into root and tubers crops of economic importance, has developed the 'Gocing Storage' for improved storage of cocoyam. The paper highlights this improved method of storing cocoyam as an advancement in cocoyam research, to reduce loss of cocoyam in storage, and make highly quality cocoyam available to consumers, processors and marketers throughout the year.
Linking pedological science and extension education is an emerging trend that will enhance judici... more Linking pedological science and extension education is an emerging trend that will enhance judicious land use, improve advisory services as well as the dissemination and adoption of integrated soil fertility management technologies, to improve agricultural productivity and sustain soil health. The proposed pedo-extension model is illustrated by delineation of land capability classification map and soil fertility classification map of Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, and demonstration of their application in agricultural extension.
Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, on 25 June, 2015. The SEG is a so... more Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, on 25 June, 2015. The SEG is a soil rebirth awareness campaign group that comprises committed lecturers and students who are passionate to improve soil resource literacy and to impact on Nigerians a positive attitudinal change in soil resources use and management for ecosystem conservation and food security. The group improves soil resources literacy through soil data interpretation, dissemination of innovative soil technologies and capacity building of farmers, students and other stakeholders to be able to work efficiently towards solving current soil management challenges and to prevent new ones that could impact negatively on food security in a given ecosystem. The members add psychological value to soil science by incorporating songs and slogan into teaching, to enhance studentteacher relationships, and attract more youths to the discipline. The paper presents SEG as a grass root and an emerging national soil movement in Nigeria.
Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasi... more Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott, a major carbohydrate staple food in Nigeria and the tropical regions. Spatial distribution of Fe on a lithosequence of late Tertiary era (> 5,000 years ago) in southeastern Nigerian where taro is a major crop in the farming system was estimated using kriging technique. The parent materials are coastal plain sands, shale and sandstone respectively, estimated to cover about 4.28 million hectares (m ha). 69 soil samples were collected at geo-referenced locations at 0 -30 cm depth and analyzed. Data generated from soil analyses were further subjected to geostatistics to quantitatively estimate spatial distribution of available Fe. Results showed that about 1.90 million ha (44.4%) mostly covered by sandstone is low in available Fe (< 20 mg/kg). However, over half of the study area (53.5%) representing 2.29 m ha, predominated by coastal plain sands and shale is moderate in available Fe (20 -30 mg/kg). Application of Fe micronutrient as a foliar application or incorporating it into NPK fertilizers and integrated (organo-mineral) plant nutrient management is recommended to increase yield and quality of cocoyam corms and cormels and sustain soil health in the area.
Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasi... more Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott, a major carbohydrate staple food in Nigeria and the tropical regions. Spatial distribution of Fe on a lithosequence of late Tertiary era (> 5,000 years ago) in southeastern Nigerian where taro is a major crop in the farming system was estimated using kriging technique. The parent materials are coastal plain sands, shale and sandstone respectively, estimated to cover about 4.28 million hectares (m ha). 69 soil samples were collected at geo-referenced locations at 0 -30 cm depth and analyzed. Data generated from soil analyses were further subjected to geostatistics to quantitatively estimate spatial distribution of available Fe. Results showed that about 1.90 million ha (44.4%) mostly covered by sandstone is low in available Fe (< 20 mg/kg). However, over half of the study area (53.5%) representing 2.29 m ha, predominated by coastal plain sands and shale is moderate in available Fe (20 -30 mg/kg). Application of Fe micronutrient as a foliar application or incorporating it into NPK fertilizers and integrated (organo-mineral) plant nutrient management is recommended to increase yield and quality of cocoyam corms and cormels and sustain soil health in the area.
Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasi... more Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott, a major carbohydrate staple food in Nigeria and the tropical regions. Spatial distribution of Fe on a lithosequence of late Tertiary era (> 5,000 years ago) in southeastern Nigerian where taro is a major crop in the farming system was estimated using kriging technique. The parent materials are coastal plain sands, shale and sandstone respectively, estimated to cover about 4.28 million hectares (m ha). 69 soil samples were collected at geo-referenced locations at 0 -30 cm depth and analyzed. Data generated from soil analyses were further subjected to geostatistics to quantitatively estimate spatial distribution of available Fe. Results showed that about 1.90 million ha (44.4%) mostly covered by sandstone is low in available Fe (< 20 mg/kg). However, over half of the study area (53.5%) representing 2.29 m ha, predominated by coastal plain sands and shale is moderate in available Fe (20 -30 mg/kg). Application of Fe micronutrient as a foliar application or incorporating it into NPK fertilizers and integrated (organo-mineral) plant nutrient management is recommended to increase yield and quality of cocoyam corms and cormels and sustain soil health in the area.
Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasi... more Fe is an essential micronutrient required for optimum growth, yield and quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott, a major carbohydrate staple food in Nigeria and the tropical regions. Spatial distribution of Fe on a lithosequence of late Tertiary era (> 5,000 years ago) in southeastern Nigerian where taro is a major crop in the farming system was estimated using kriging technique. The parent materials are coastal plain sands, shale and sandstone respectively, estimated to cover about 4.28 million hectares (m ha). 69 soil samples were collected at geo-referenced locations at 0 -30 cm depth and analyzed. Data generated from soil analyses were further subjected to geostatistics to quantitatively estimate spatial distribution of available Fe. Results showed that about 1.90 million ha (44.4%) mostly covered by sandstone is low in available Fe (< 20 mg/kg). However, over half of the study area (53.5%) representing 2.29 m ha, predominated by coastal plain sands and shale is moderate in available Fe (20 -30 mg/kg). Application of Fe micronutrient as a foliar application or incorporating it into NPK fertilizers and integrated (organo-mineral) plant nutrient management is recommended to increase yield and quality of cocoyam corms and cormels and sustain soil health in the area.
ASURI, NRCRI Book of Readings In honour of Dr. J.C. Okonkwo Structural Transformation in Root and Tuber Research for Value Chain Development and Employment Generation in Nigeria, 2017
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