FUDMA Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

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

R.I SOLOMON — 2025-09-30

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

A.M. MUSA — 2025-09-30

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.

K.D. SALAMI — 2025-10-06

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

H. HAMZA — 2025-11-05

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

David Olayinka Ishola — 2025-11-05

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