FUDMA Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

EFFECT OF INSECURITY ON SELECTED ARABLE CROPS OUTPUT IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA.

2025-08-11T19:14:54+00:00

This study examined the effect of insecurity on the output of arable crops by farmers in the rural area in Delta State, Nigeria. Particularly, it determined the effect of insecurity on agricultural enterprises and determined the output of major arable crops in the period of peak insecurity in 2023. Descriptive survey research design was adopted and data were obtained, using structured questionnaires, on 180 randomly selected respondents. The findings revealed that insecurity had far-reaching effects on all the farming processes and land preparation (mean = 2.8), planting, weeding and crop monitoring (mean = 2.6 for the three) were most affected. Crop output was also adversely affected, with cassava (mean = 4.16), yam (3.24), and maize (3.08) being most affected, while vegetables (2.41) and plantain (1.66) were less affected. ANOVA results showed significant difference (F = 96.308, p < 0.001) of the levels of output among the crops, a clear evidence that insecurity disproportionately affects arable crop outputs. The study warrants multi-stakeholder interventions as enhanced rural security, peace building activities, investment in infrastructure, and targeted post-insecurity support to resume productivity and increase farmers' resilience.

ASSESSMENT OF SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF SOME SOIL PROPERTIES AT CENTRE FOR DRYLAND AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FARM BAYERO UNIVERSITY KANO.

2025-08-13T12:46:44+00:00

The research was conducted at the Centre for Dryland Agricultural research farm with the aim of assessing the spatial variability of some soil properties and the degree of relationship between such properties. The boundary of the areas was delineated and georeferenced in ArcGIS environment, followed by digitization and creation of the shape file to represent the area. The fishnet of ArcToolbox was used to generate grid of 50 x 50 meter, and the centre of each grid was extracted and imported into Geographical Positioning System (GPS) to locate each of the sampling point. Composited soil samples were collected at the depth of 0-20cm, and the samples were prepared and analyzed based on the standard laboratory procedures. The results were subjected to descriptive statistic and geostatistics to generate the spatial representation of each parameter of the location. The result revealed that there was moderate variability in Clay, Iron and Cupper, while sand, silt, electrical conductivity, Zinc had a strong coefficient of variation (>75%). Highly Significant negative relationship was observed between sand, clay and silt, and highly significant positive relationship was also observed between clay and silt. Sand dominated all the mineral fractions and the content of micronutrient were rated moderate to high. Strong positive relationship was obtained between all micronutrient, except zinc and iron. Simple and ordinary krigging methods were used for the interpolation, with stable and exponential as best models for all the variables, except iron. Weak to moderate spatial autocorrelation was observed between all the parameters. Soil amendment should be used to improved the water holding capacity of the soil, and application of fertilizer bearing micronutrient should checked to reduced toxicity of these nutrients in the soil.

INFLUENCE OF WATER MANAGEMENT, RICE VARIETIES AND COW DUNG RATES ON PHYSICAL QUALITY INDICATORS OF A SANDY CLAY LOAM IN SOKOTO, NIGERIA

2025-08-14T06:34:30+00:00

Adoption of appropriate soil and water management practices is needed for enhancing or maintaining soil physical quality in savanna regions of northern Nigeria. It is against this background that this study was undertaken to assess the impact of four irrigation methods (AWD1, AWD2, AWD3 and CF), two rice varieties (FARO 44 and TOFA), and four cow dung rates (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha^-1) on soil physical quality in northern Nigeria's savanna region. The treatments were arranged in a split-split plot design over two growing seasons (2020 and 2021). Results showed that water management and rice varieties had no significant impact on soil physical quality. However, cow dung rates notably affected bulk density, total porosity, and plant available water significantly. Rates of 5, 10, and 15 t ha^-1 cow dung improved soil physical quality compared to no cow dung application. The study therefore, concluded that specific irrigation methods (AWD1, AWD2, AWD3 or CF), rice varieties (FARO 44 or TOFA), and cow dung rates (5, 10 or 15 t ha^-1) are better management options in enhancing the soil physical quality. It is moreover suggesting that similar research should be extended to 3-4 years to evaluate their medium-term effects.Top of Form

PROTEIN AND GLUCOSE VARIATIONS IN ENDOCRINE FLUIDS IN RELATION TO TESTICULAR OUTPUT IN POST PUBERTAL MALE GOATS IN THE TROPICS ⃰

2024-09-11T00:52:03+00:00

The biochemical characteristics of cells and tissues are crucial for comprehending metabolic processes in animal organisms. This study evaluated sperm reserves and cerebral fluids in twelve bucks; six each from the West African Dwarf (WAD) and Sokoto Red (SR) breeds, weighing 7.5±0.61kg and 11.00±1.22kg, respectively. At 8weeks of observatory feeding, their reproductive tracts and brains were excised, homogenization, and biochemical assay conducted via standard procedures. Data was subjected to t-test analysis. There were no variation (p<0.05) in paired testis weight, daily sperm production, and sperm production efficiency between both breeds. Paired testis weight ranged from 6.83±0.51g to 7.53±0.45g, daily sperm production from 0.48±0.05 x 10⁷to 0.48±0.02 x 10⁷spermatozoa, and sperm production efficiency from 0.21±0.04 x 10⁷to 0.18±0.03 x 10⁷ spermatozoa in post-pubertal WAD and SR bucks respectively. However, significant differences (p<0.05) were evident in epididymal regions between the two breeds, particularly in caput, corpus, and cauda reserves. Protein concentration in cerebral fluids varied significantly (p<0.05) across cerebral cortex, medulla oblongata, amygdala, pons varolli, midbrain, and hippocampus regions for both breeds. Total glucose exhibited similarities (p>0.05) within most brain regions, except in the hypothalamus. Interestingly, the hypothalamus region demonstrated analogous protein and glucose values in both breeds, implying a notable correlation (p<0.05) between in-situ hormonal activity in the brain and reproductive tract. In conclusion, this study evaluated the biochemical assay in reproductive tract and brain regions of WAD and SR bucks, emphasizing the significance of understanding these variances in the context of reproductive physiology.

SOIL ORGANIC CARBON STOCKS IN SEMI-ARID SALINE SOILS OF DUTSE, NORTHERN NIGERIA

2025-09-04T06:10:33+00:00

Soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks play a critical role in soil fertility, ecosystem sustainability and climate change mitigation. This study assesses the SOC stocks in semi-arid saline soils of Dutse, Northern Nigeria, a region characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, and soil salinity challenges. Soil samples were collected from three land use types, including croplands (School farm), permanent crops (NIFOR) and fallow lands (Senate building), at three different depths (0–20, 20-40 and 40–60 cm). The SOC content, bulk density, and soil salinity levels were analyzed to estimate SOC stocks and evaluate the impact of salinity on carbon sequestration. Results revealed that SOC stocks were relatively low with no significant variations with depth, ranging from 1740.34 g C cm^-2 in the topsoil (0–20 cm), 1910.95 g C cm^-2 (20-40 cm) to 1870.04 g C cm^-2 in the subsoil (40–60 cm), with significant variations across land use types ranging from 1040.78 (NIFOR) to 2580.79 (School farm) g C cm^-2. Saline soils exhibited reduced SOC stocks compared to non-saline soils, highlighting the inhibitory effect of salinity on organic matter accumulation. School farm showed higher SOC stocks than Senate and NIFOR suggesting that land management practices significantly influence carbon storage. This study underscores the need for sustainable land management strategies to enhance SOC stocks in semi-arid saline soils, thereby improving soil health and contributing to climate change mitigation in the region.

MICROBIAL QUALITY EVALUATION OF MEAT FLOSS PRODUCED FROM BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS CONTAINING VARYING ENERGY LEVELS

2025-09-04T07:02:11+00:00

The research was conducted to evaluate the effects of storage period, energy levels and packaging materials on microbial quality of meat floss produced from broiler chickens fed varying energy levels. Two hundred and seventy Cobb-500 Strain day-old-chicks were raised intensively for 8 weeks in a Completely Randomized Design. The meat floss experiment was laid in a 3×4×6 factorial arrangement. The factors were 3 dietary energy levels (2400, 2600 and 2800 Kcal/kg); Four Packaging materials (High Density Polyethylene, Low Density Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride and Aluminum Foil) and 6 Storage Period (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 weeks). The bacteriological quality and safety of the meat floss were assessed. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli species were enumerated, isolated and identified which were evaluated to fall within the range of 4.53–8.30 x 10⁴cfu/g. It can be concluded that the microbial load obtained in this study (4.53–8.30 x 10⁴cfu/g) fall within the safe limits of 10⁷cfu/g specified for meat products by the ICMSF, and aluminium foil should be recommended to package meat floss as it has the least bacterial and fungal load.

ANALYSIS OF COSTS AND RETURN IN CASSAVA PROCESSING; EVIDENCE OF GARRI PRODUCTION IN EKITI LOCAL GOVERNMENT, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.

2025-09-04T07:22:31+00:00

This study examines the socio-economic characteristics and financial viability of Garri processing in Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. The industry is predominantly female dominated (97.9%), with a significant proportion of married (77.08%) and youthful (29-38 years, 33.33%) processors. However, 65.63% lack access to credit, and 82.29% receive credits of ≤₦100,000/annum. The cost-benefit analysis reveals a lucrative venture, with an average weekly production of 25.5 baskets of cassava roots translating to 1270kg (12.7bags) of garri, a gross margin of 28%, and a Return on Investment (ROI) of 38.9%. The total revenue per week (₦646,610.52) surpasses the total cost by ₦181,227.82. The study concludes that Garri processing contributes significantly to income generation, employment opportunity and rural development. To enhance its viability, targeted credit facilities, training on technological adoption and financial management, and investment promotion are recommended. These findings inform policymakers, investors, and development practitioners on the industry’s potential for economic growth.

ENHANCING NUTRIENT INTAKE AND DIGESTIBILITY IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOAT BUCKS THROUGH ENSILED MAIZE STOVER AND BROWSE FODDER MIXTURES

2025-09-04T07:50:28+00:00

The incorporation of browsing legume fodders as silage, in conjunction with various ratios of maize stover residues, exhibits elevated protein efficiency and total digestible nutrients. This study assessed the nutritional consumption and digestibility of West African dwarf developing bucks fed maize stover residues (MSR) ensiled with certain browse plant species at the Teaching and Research Farm of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Nigeria. Sixteen growing WAD bucks, aged 6-9 months and weighing between 6.00-10.00 kg, were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: T1 (100% MSRS silage + 300g concentrate), T2 (MSR70GS30 silage + 300g concentrate), T3 (MSR70FT30 silage + 300g concentrate), and T4 (MSR70GA30 silage + 300g concentrate). Each diet was administered at 3% of the individual animals' body weight. Notable differences (P<0.05) in nutrient consumption and digestibility were detected. The maximum dry matter (DM) intake was seen in T1 (214.36g/d), whereas the minimum was in T3 (193.73g/d). Buck fed T3 exhibited the highest crude protein (CP) intake at 103.05g/d, whereas the lowest CP intake was recorded in T1 at 32.65g/d. The maximum DM digestibility (45.84%) was recorded in T3, while the peak crude fiber digestibility (50.00%) was noted in T4. The findings indicate that the integration of MSR with certain browse fodders enhances nutritional absorption and digestibility, particularly with a composition of 70% MSR and 30% F. thonningii fodder.

INFLUENCE OF SOWING METHOD ON WEED SUPPRESSION AND YIELD RESPONSE OF SOYBEAN VARIETIES IN SUDAN SAVANNA AGRO ECOLOGICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA

2025-09-04T08:06:19+00:00

Weed pressure and suboptimal agronomic practices reduce soybean productivity in Nigeria’s Sudan Savannah. A 2023 rainy-season field trial was conducted at Bayero University Kano and a community farm in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Five soybean varieties (TGX 1955-4F, TGX 1987-10F, TGX 1987-6F, TGX 1951-3F, TGX 1835-10E) were tested under drilling, single-row dibbling, and double-row dibbling for weed suppression, growth, and yield. Across sites, drilling recorded the lowest weed density (12.0 m⁻²) and dry matter (148.2 g m⁻²), and the highest grain yields (1872.3 kg ha⁻¹ at Kano, 1672.2 kg ha⁻¹ at Dutsin-Ma). TGX 1955-4F produced the most pods (24.73 pods/plant), the highest pod weight (30.51 g), and the top yield (2200 kg ha⁻¹) under drilling. TGX 1987-10F had the heaviest seeds (58.56 g/100 seeds) but the lowest yield (1130.1 kg ha⁻¹). TGX 1955-4F with drilling is recommended for optimal weed suppression and yield in the Sudan Savannah.

ANALYSIS OF GROUNDNUT HAULM MARKETING IN SELECTED MARKETS OF KANO STATE, NIGERIA

2025-09-04T08:24:12+00:00

The study analysed the marketing of groundnut haulm in Badume and Rimin Gado markets in Kano State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 97 respondents for the study. Data were sourced primarily by using questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics, marketing margin, marketing efficiency and return on investment. Findings revealed that 100% of the marketers were males with mean age of 54.9 years, signifying they are in their energetic and active ages. They also had a mean household size of 18 persons, average groundnut haulm marketing experience of 26.2 years and one form of education or the other. The profitability analysis showed that groundnut haulm marketing was generally profitable and efficient in the study area. However, comparatively, marketing of the haulms was more profitable and efficient during the peak season (March to June) with a gross margin of N2,600 and efficiency of 156.52% per 120kg of groundnut haulm than during the off-season (July to October) with a gross margin of N1,950 and efficiency of 154.93%. The return on investment also showed a similar trend of N56.5 and N54.9 per naira invested for both the peak season and off-season, respectively. Marketers had problems of inadequate storage facilities, high transportation cost and lack of standardized measures in the market. It is therefore recommended that for more efficient deployment and utilization of market resources, government should provide basic market infrastructure such as adequate storage facilities, standardized measures and cheap and efficient means of transportation that can enhance more efficient and profitable marketing of the commodity in the study area.

EFFECT OF SOWING DEPTH AND SOWING WINDOW ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) IN SUDAN SAVANNA OF NIGERIA

2025-09-04T08:40:20+00:00

Field trials were conducted during the 2023 raining season at the Teaching and Research Farm of the faculty of Agriculture, Bayero University, Kano and Agricultural Education Department Research Farm at Federal College of Education (Tech) Bichi, Kano State. The study was aimed to determine the effect of sowing depth and sowing window on the performance of maize. The experiment consisted of four planting depth (2cm, 4cm,6cm and 8cm) and three sowing windows (Early July, Mid-July and Late July) which were factorially combined and laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The result generated from the experiment was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Genstat 17^th Edition. Treatment means were separated using Student-Newman Keuls Test (SNK). The result of the study showed significant (P˂0.05) effect of sowing depth and sowing window on plant height, LAI, days to 50% silking, biomass weight and grain yield at both locations. Sowing depth showed a non-significant effect on days to 95% emergence at both locations. Sowing window showed a significant effect on days to 95% emergence at both locations, while a non-significant effect on days to 50% emergence was recorded at Bichi only. There was a significant interaction between sowing depth and sowing window on plant height, 50% silking, biomass weight and grain yield. 6cm sowing depth showed the highest grain yield (2477 kgha^-1and 2260 kgha^-1) at BUK and Bichi respectively. Early July showed the highest grain yield (2840 kgha^-1and 2599 kgha^-1). Sowing at 6cm depth at early July produced the tallest plant, highest biomass weight and highest grain yield per hectare (3218 kgha^-1and 2912 kgha^-1) at both BUK and Bichi. The deepest sowing depthf 8cm showed poor performance in the parameters considered. Sowing too deep at 8cm and too shallow at 2cm depth are unfavourable for the growth performance of maize seedlings. Furthermore, sowing at late July or when the temperature is very low is unfavourable for the growth and yield performance of maize seedlings. It is recommended among others, that sowing at 6cm depth at early sowing window (early July) gives the best optimum plant growth and yield.

ASSESSMENT OF THE PROFITABILITY, CONSTRAINTS AND DRIVERS OF PRODUCTIVITY AMONG SMALLHOLDER MAIZE FARMERS IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA.

2025-09-04T06:28:34+00:00

This study evaluated the profitability, constraints, and drivers of productivity among smallholder maize farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional survey of 300 farmers selected through multi-stage sampling. The objectives were to assess socio-economic characteristics, evaluate profitability, analyze productivity determinants, and rank constraints. Descriptive statistics, Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), Likert scale ranking, t-test statistics and z-test statistics were employed. Results revealed a youthful farming population (mean age: 41 years), with 75% male and 55% having secondary or tertiary education, but limited access to credit (46.33%) and extension services (62.67%). Maize farming was profitable, with a net farm income of ₦199,122, a benefit-cost ratio of 1.47, and a t-test (t = 21.91, p < 0.01) rejecting the null hypothesis of non-profitability. SFA showed that seeds (β = 0.3829, p < 0.01), farm size (β = 0.1684, p < 0.01), labour (β = 0.1134, p < 0.01), fertilizer (β = 0.0069, p < 0.01), and agrochemicals (β = 0.0156, p < 0.05) significantly influenced productivity, while education, extension contact, and experience reduced inefficiency, rejecting null hypotheses on socio-economic and production impacts. Key constraints included lack of government support (mean = 4.48) and limited credit access (mean = 4.29). The study recommends enhancing credit access, extension services, and input subsidies to improve profitability and productivity. These findings support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation goals by highlighting strategies to address constraints and leverage productivity drivers for sustainable maize farming and food security.

EVALUATION OF THE NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF JERKY MEAT (KILISHI) SOLD IN JIGAWA

2025-09-06T12:15:51+00:00

This study was conducted to determine the nutritional composition of jerky meat (Kilishi) retailed at some designated locations within Jigawa State. The locally prepared jerky meat samples were obtained from six locations viz, A, B, C, D, E and F and the research was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design. The values obtained from the nutritional composition of Kilishi revealed significant (p<0.05) differences in all the parameters evaluated across the locations. The lowest and highest dry matter contents of 91.68% and 94.64% were recorded from locations C and E respectively. The highest value (54.87%) of crude protein content was observed from location E while the lowest value (41.83%) was from location A. The lowest value of fat (17.68%) and ash (6.19%) were recorded from location F. The highest value of sodium (360.88mg/l), and potassium (463.62mg/l) were recorded in location D, and calcium (87.75mg/l) and magnesium (26.08mg/l) were recorded in locations F and C respectively, while the lowest values of potassium (333.30mg/l) and calcium (57.39mg/l) were observed in location E. The highest values of Iron (Fe) (48.59mg/l) and copper (Cu) (0.26mg/l) were recorded in location B, while the lowest value of (Fe) (27.37 and 27.44mg/l) was in location A and E. Cu (0.12mg/l) and Manganese (1.53mg/l) least values were recorded in location A and C respectively. It was concluded that local Kilishi had high nutrient contents. Good manufacturing practices, proper packaging and storage were recommended to safeguard the nutritional value of Kilishi to the consumers.

QUALITY EVALUATION OF WEANING FOOD PRODUCED FROM MAIZE FLOUR, AND SUPPLEMENTED WITH AFRICAN YAM BEANS AND PIGEON PEA FLOUR BLENDS

2025-09-12T13:27:03+00:00

Quality evaluation of weaning food produced from sprouted maize flour (SMF) supplemented with sprouted African yam bean (SAYBF) and sprouted pigeon pea flour (SPPF) was carried out. Most weaning food are inadequate in protein and incorporation using underutilized protein source such as SAYBF and SPPF will improve its nutrition. Maize, African yam bean and pigeon pea were condition and allow to sprout before blending. Five blend formulations were developed with varying proportions of maize and the legumes: 100 % SMF (Sample A) as control, and blends containing 5 - 20 % SPPF with a constant 5% SAYBF (Samples B–E). The blends were analysed for proximate composition, mineral contents, functional properties, antinutrient contents, and sensory characteristics using standard methods. The results showed a significant improvement in the nutritional profile with increasing legume supplementation. The moisture, protein, fat, ash, and energy values increased, while carbohydrate and fiber content decreased. Protein content ranged from 9.2% in the control to 29.5% in weaning food with 75:5:20 blends of SMF, SAYBF and SPPF respectively. Mineral analysis revealed higher levels of magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus in the legume-fortified samples. Bulk density, water and oil absorption capacities, foam capacity, and foam stability improved with higher legume contents. However, antinutrients like oxalates, tannins, phytates, and saponins also increased but remained within acceptable limits. Sensory evaluation indicated that all the samples were acceptable with the control (100 % SMF) most preferred followed by, 75:5:20 blends of SMF, SAYBF and SPPF respectively. The study demonstrates that incorporating sprouted African yam bean and sprouted pigeon pea into maize-based weaning foods enhances their nutritional and functional properties without compromising acceptability. Use of underutilized legumes could help in combating protein-energy malnutrition in infants in resource constrained environment.