FUDMA Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

SPECIATION OF IRON AND ALUMINIUM IN DUMPSITE SOILS ASSOCIATED WITH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE WASTES IN YOLA, NIGERIA

2025-09-30T14:20:35+00:00

The increasing amounts of solid waste, particularly from fruits and vegetables, present major environmental challenges in rapidly urbanizing areas. This study was carried out to determine the different forms of iron (Fe) and aluminium (Al) in fruit and vegetable dumpsite soils in Yola, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from three depths and analyzed for sodium pyrophosphate, ammonium oxalate, and citrate dithionite bicarbonate (CDB) extractable iron and aluminium. Results obtained revealed that there were highly significant (P < 0.01) differences between the interaction of dumpsite soils and sampling depths. The highest sodium pyrophosphate (pyro), ammonium oxalate (oxa) and citrate bicarbonate dithionite (CBD) extractable Fe of 32.58, 24.40, and 29.02 mg kg^-1 were recorded by fruit dumpsite soil at 0-15 cm, vegetable dumpsite soil at 0-15 cm, and vegetable dumpsite soil at 30-60 cm depth, respectively. Also, highest pyro, oxa and CBD Al of 261.60, 198.18, and 185.40 mg kg^-1 were recorded by fruit dumpsite soil at 0-15 cm, vegetable dumpsite soil at 30-60 cm, and vegetable dumpsite soil at 0-15 cm depth. A highly significant (p<0.01) positive correlation (R = 0.83) was observed between pyro Fe and Al. Significant negative correlation (R = -0.90) was obtained between oxa-Fe and CBD-Fe. The higher levels of sodium pyrophosphate-extractable Al and Fe in fruit dumpsites suggest increased bioavailability and mobility constituting a potential for leaching into groundwater. This study provides baseline data on dumpsite soils in Yola but does not account for temporal dynamics or variations in other regions.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF TERMITE MOUNDS AND THE SURROUNDING SOILS IN MODIBBO ADAMA UNIVERSITY, YOLA ADAMAWA STATE NIGERIA

2025-09-30T14:34:00+00:00

A study was conducted to investigate if termite mound soils were different from surrounding soils in terms of soil physical and chemical properties in Modibbo Adama University Yola. The dearth of information limits ecological, agricultural, and environmental roles termites play. Soil samples were collected from two sites at two depths in ten different termite mounds. Physical and chemical properties analysis were carried out upon the composite samples. Results were subjected to a t-test and the results revealed that in comparison to the adjacent soil, the termite mound soils at the surface layer (0–20 cm) significantly (p<0.05) altered soil texture by increasing clay and silt content from 4.18 and 2.32% to 11.35 and 8.05% while reducing sand content from 93.50 to 80.60%. Mound soils were less acidic (5.97) and richer in organic matter (2.49%), Total nitrogen (TN=0.13%), phosphorus (AvP=24.96 mg/kg), and base cations (TEB=5.19 cmol/kg), with significantly improved base saturation. In the subsurface layer (20–50 cm), similar trends in texture were observed, with higher clay (10.44%) and lower sand (82.15%) content. While bulk density and porosity showed no significant variation, termite mounds had a higher pH (6.14) and significantly greater concentrations of TN (0.09%), AvP (21.21 mg/kg), and exchangeable bases. These enhancements, driven by termites confirm their role in improving soil fertility, structure and contribution to resilient ecosystems. Hence, termite activity significantly enhances physical and chemical properties of soil through the enrichment of fine particles and essential nutrients. Preserving termite mounds is thus crucial for land management.

ASSESSING CLIMATIC IMPACT DRIVERS AND HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON RIPARIAN AGROFORESTRY: EVIDENCES FROM KOMADUGU-YOBE RIVER BASIN, NIGERIA.

2025-10-06T05:12:53+00:00

Riparian agroforestry systems in the Komadugu-Yobe River Basin face increasing threats from climatic variability, land degradation, and human activities. Changing in climatic pattern and increased frequency of extreme events compromise ecosystem services, agricultural productivity, and livelihoods of local communities. This study investigates climatic impact drivers on riparian agroforestry, exploring evidence from the Komadugu-Yobe River Basin to inform sustainable management and adaptation strategies. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate climatic impact drivers on riparian agroforestry in the Hadejia-Nguru Wetland (HNW). Primary data were collected through oral interviews, focus group discussions, and structured questionnaires administered to 120 respondents in two fishing communities. Secondary meteorological data (temperature, rainfall, and wind speed) spanning 10 years were obtained from NiMet. Purposive sampling design was used, with observations taken at landing sites and agroforestry areas. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (Correlation analysis) were used to analyze human influence on agroforestry resources and the impact of climatic drivers using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 26 x 86V. The study reveals significant environmental pressures in the Komadugu-Yobe River Basin. Key findings include: overuse of surface water (35%), fuelwood harvesting (37.5%), grazing (43%), and hunting/wildlife use (45%); moderate decline in farming (57%), Doum Palm (50%), and fishing (50%); and widespread Typha grass invasion (38%). Human exploitative practices, such as illegal logging (26.67%), overgrazing (22.50%), and uncontrolled bush burning (16.67%), threaten agroforestry resources. Climatic drivers, including drought (28.33%), irregular rainfall patterns (24.17%), and increased temperature (18.33%), exacerbate these impacts. Correlation analysis shows that increased wind speed negatively impacts most resources, while temperature and rainfall have varying effects. These findings highlight the need for sustainable management practices to mitigate environmental degradation and promote ecosystem resilience. Policies and programs that discourage exploitative practices should be developed and implemented.

THE EFFECT OF LAND USAGE AND DEPTH ON SOIL QUALITY IN NORTHERN NIGERIA'S SEMI-ARID REGION

2025-11-05T11:49:05+00:00

Soil quality is a critical factor in determining agricultural productivity, ecosystem sustainability, and land management efficiency. Soil quality indices evaluation was based on the soil management assessment framework (SMAF) a minimum set of data, which is the smallest set of soil properties or indicators needed to measure soil quality, identifying key soil properties or attribute that are sensitive to change in soil functions established a minimum data set More is better, less is better, Optimum is better When cumulatively put together however, acacia vegetation soil had the highest score index followed by native vegetation soil, then arable land with least in bare land, for the depth, 40-60cm is higher than 0-20cm with least been 20-40cm.when cumulatively put together, the variation order of soil is (acacia > native > 40-60cm depth>0-20cm>20-40cm>arable >bare land) indicate the direction of good quality of soil. Soil quality was assessed using a score scale of 1 to 6; where 1 is rated best and 6 rated worst. Thus; acacia with highest total score was rated best, while bare land with lowest total score rated worst. Acacia scored best and enhance soil quality conditions (optimum soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium, EC, and bulk density), while bare land was rated worst (low organic carbon, low k, moderate phosphorus, moderate nitrogen, low bulk density and electrical conductivity

INTESTINAL COCCIDIOSIS IN 32-WEEK-OLD ISA BROWN LAYERS – A CASE REPORT

2025-11-05T13:25:23+00:00

A clinical outbreak of coccidiosis was investigated in a flock of 32-week-old Isa Brown layers on a commercial poultry farm in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The birds exhibited a sudden increase in mortality, bloody droppings, lethargy, ruffled feathers, reduced feed consumption, and a significant decline in egg production, falling from an average of 12–13 crates per day to as low as three crates. Five carcasses were submitted for post-mortem examination. Gross pathological findings included pallor of the combs, wattles, shanks, and musculature; ballooning of the intestines with haemorrhagic and necrotic mucosa; and severe haemorrhages in the caecal tonsils. Differential diagnoses considered were coccidiosis, mycoplasmosis, and aflatoxicosis. Based on the clinical history, gross lesions, and therapeutic response, a presumptive diagnosis of clinical coccidiosis was made. A sulphonamide-based anticoccidial agent was administered orally for five days, followed by supportive therapy containing vitamins and electrolytes. Following initiation of treatment, mortality declined sharply from over 80 deaths on day 0 to none by day 4. Egg production also improved progressively, with partial recovery observed by day 7. Histopathological evaluation of intestinal tissues confirmed the presence of schizonts, degenerated crypts, and mucosal destruction which are characteristic of Eimeria spp. infection. This case highlights the critical importance of timely diagnosis, targeted chemotherapeutic intervention, and appropriate supportive care in mitigating production losses during severe coccidiosis outbreaks in layer flocks. It also reinforces the need for improved farm-level biosecurity, routine monitoring, and strategic anticoccidial use as part of sustainable poultry health management

MANAGEMENT OF A CONCURRENT OUTBREAK OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE AND KLEBSIELLA INFECTION IN 70-WEEK-OLD BROWN LAYERS: A CLINICAL CASE REPORT

2025-11-10T15:33:06+00:00

A concurrent outbreak of Newcastle Disease (ND) and Klebsiella planticola infection was investigated in a flock of 70-week-old brown layers (n=6,000) raised on deep litter. The farm reported reduced egg production, anorexia, and increased mortality rate, peaking at approximately 0.67% per day (40/6,000). Post-mortem findings included necrosis of caecal tonsils, petechial hemorrhages at the proventricular -gizzard junction, lineal hemorrhages at the colorectal mucosa, and marked hemorrhages on the duodenal mucosa. Other lesions included soft-shelled eggs in the oviduct, pericarditis, and peritonitis. Histopathology revealed severe pulmonary edema, renal hemorrhages, and lymphoid depletion in the spleen. Klebsiella planticola was isolated and identified through biochemical tests. It also showed susceptibility to enrofloxacin, which was administered. Mortality dropped significantly, with zero deaths by the fourth day of treatment. A booster dose of ND live Lasota vaccine raised protective ND antibody titers from 43.8% to 100% post-vaccination. Recommendations included strict biosecurity, routine water sanitation, and proper vaccination protocols to prevent future outbreaks.

INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS IN A 30-WEEK-OLD BROILER BREEDER FLOCK (ARBOR ACRE PARENT STOCK): A CASE REPORT

2025-11-10T15:56:14+00:00

Infectious bronchitis (IB), caused by the avian gammacoronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV), is a highly contagious poultry disease that causes significant economic losses globally. This report describes an outbreak in a 30-week-old Arbor Acre parent stock breeder flock of 1,250 birds in Oyo State, Nigeria. Clinical signs included a sharp decline in egg production, misshapen and rough-shelled eggs, reduced feed intake, diarrhea, and increased mortality, mainly in females. Post-mortem findings were tracheal catarrh, ovarian follicle degeneration, bluish combs and wattles, and watery albumen. Bacterial culture confirmed Escherichia coli as a complicating infection, showing multidrug resistance but susceptibility to gentamicin. Serological testing demonstrated high IBV titres above the protective range with a narrow coefficient of variation, indicating uniform exposure to a circulating field strain despite prior vaccination with the H120 strain. Supportive management, nutritional supplementation, and gentamicin therapy improved flock performance, with egg production rising from 64% to between 74% and 88%. This case illustrates the persistence of IBV in breeder flocks despite vaccination and the potential role of colibacillosis in worsening outcomes. It further underscores the importance of strict biosecurity, adoption of strain-specific or updated vaccination strategies, and supportive care in reducing losses linked to IB outbreaks in Nigeria and similar production settings.

ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND POLICY DISTORTIONS IN WHEAT PRODUCTION IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA: A POLICY ANALYSIS MATRIX (PAM) APPROACH.

2025-11-13T14:09:15+00:00

Several policies were designed to create a protected market environment that incentivizes wheat farmers to engage in and expand wheat cultivation. However, a critical concern is whether the observed growth in wheat production in Jigawa State is driven by genuine economic efficiency and a comparative advantage or it is primarily a creation of substantial government policy support. The current study assessed the competitiveness and comparative advantage of wheat production in the state. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was employed to select 312 farmers. The study employed the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) framework was the analytical tool to assess the economic efficiency and policy distortions in wheat production. Results revealed that wheat production is financially profitable at Private Profit of ₦619,390/ha and exhibits a strong comparative advantage with a Domestic Resource Cost of 0.52, indicating efficient use of domestic resources. However, high policy transfers significantly inflate profitability, as evidenced by substantial output protection Nominal Protection Coefficient on output of 1.56 and a net positive incentive Effective Protection Coefficient of 1.59. The study concludes that while Jigawa State possesses an inherent comparative advantage for wheat production, its current profitability is heavily sustained by policy support. The study recommends facilitating a shift from import bans to tariffs, reforming input subsidies towards productivity enhancing investments, implementing farmer capacity building programs, and strengthening local input supply chains to ensure long term sector sustainability.

ADOPTION OF ORGANIC FARMING PRACTICES AMONG MAIZE FARMERS IN BATAGARAWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

2025-11-13T15:14:25+00:00

This study assessed the adoption of organic farming practices (OFPs) among maize farmers in Batagarawa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Using a two-stage sampling technique, data were collected from 110 respondents through a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including probit regression analysis, were employed to analyze the data. The results revealed that the majority of the farmers were male (83.6%) with a mean age of 45 years. Most were married (76.4%), had household sizes between 6–10 persons, and were mainly smallholders cultivating 1–5 hectares. The most adopted organic practices included crop rotation (87.3%), use of organic fertilizer (86.4%), and mixed cropping (78.2%). Probit analysis indicated that age, marital status, and farm size significantly influenced the likelihood of adopting OFPs, implying that older, married, and large-scale farmers were more inclined towards organic methods. Major constraints identified were weed pressure, high cost of organic inputs, limited access to credit, inadequate information, and poor extension services. Radio, television, and farmer associations were the main information sources on organic practices. The findings highlight the growing interest in sustainable farming but highlight persistent challenges that hinder widespread adoption. It is recommended that government and agricultural agencies enhance access to credit, strengthen cooperative societies, and expand extension training programs to promote awareness and ease adoption. Promoting OFPs among maize farmers can enhance soil fertility, reduce input costs, and contribute to environmentally sustainable agricultural production in northern Nigeria.

SOIL DEGRADATION ASSESSMENT IN SELECTED LAND-USE TYPES OF KANO STATE, NIGERIA

2025-11-13T15:59:29+00:00

This study assessed the status of soil degradation across three prevalent land uses: farmland, grazing land, and tree plantations in Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State, where a total of eighteen (18) samples (six per land use) using simple random soil sampling methods were collected within the depths of 0-20 cm and composites of two samples for each land use were made and tested for physical (bulk density, texture) and chemical (N, P, K, ESP, BSP, EC, OM) properties. The laboratory results obtained were compared with the standard indicators and criteria for land degradation assessment according to FAO, 1979. The results revealed varying degrees of degradation; physical degradation was evident with tree plantations and grazing lands exhibiting higher bulk density (1.4–1.7 g cm⁻³). Most soils textureof the area were sandy (>85% sand), though some farmlands showed improved silt content (120–130 g kg⁻¹). Chemical degradation was discerned with low P (6.16–51.9 mg kg⁻¹), N (0.1–0.19%), and K (0.33–0.43 cmol/kg) respectively, organic matter depletion (0.58–1.91%) and BS below (1%) signifying very high degradation were observed, while some sites have shown high ESP (up to 31%). EC values in all the sites are within the standard (< 2 dS/m). From the findings, the comparison of the status of the soil's physical and chemical properties with the FAO standard shows that the area is undergoing degradation. Therefore, sustainable land management strategies, including rotational grazing, organic amendments, gypsum application, and agroforestry, were recommended to enhance the soil structure and fertility of the study area. Additionally, policy interventions for promoting soil conservation and farmer education are also needed to combat ongoing degradation and ensure long-term agricultural productivity.