Applied Science Reports. 24 (1): 5-14.

 Journal

 Dithionite And Oxalate Extractable Iron And Aluminium Oxides Amount In Soils Of Ekiti State, Nigeria.

 Popoola, A., Ewulo, B.S., Adekiya, A.O., Tomori, W. B., Adeyemo A.J. And Morohunfolu, O.

 2019

The nature and content of sesquioxides has become a good tool in making predictions of the pedogenic processes and physicochemical properties of the soils. The study was aimed at investigating the forms, content and distribution of iron and aluminium oxides along the horizons. Ten profile pits were dug at the study site. Soil samples were collected from pedogenic horizons and analyzed for dithionite (d) and oxalate (o) Fe and Al oxides. Also, Fed. Ald, Feo and Alo were correlated with selected soil properties. The soils were generally low in sesquioxides and vary with depth with sub soils higher than top soils in all the pedons. The soils had higher value of Fed than other sesquioxides (Feo, Ald and Alo) indicating that these soils exist in crystalline forms. However, their distribution is independent of clay migration as evidenced by the non-significant correlation (p?0.01) between Fed and clay (r = 0.201). All forms of Al in the soils were low especially the oxalate extractable form compared to the dithionite extractable forms. Active Fe (Feo /Fed), Fed/clay as well as silt/clay ratios indicated the soils were moderately weathered, poorly drained and young with low degree of weathering suggesting that the soils may still have some weatherable minerals with some of the nutrients still embedded in the parent materials. The soils could sustain intensive agriculture or crop cultivation due to its youthfulness but require liming and organic matter to reduce nutrient sorption and adaptable to poor drainage condition. 

 Net Journal Of Agricultural Science, 6(4): 70-76

 Journal

 Response Of Maize (Zea Mays L.) Growth And Yield To Different Fertilizer Application In Rainforest Agro-ecological Zone Of Nigeria: Evaluation Of CERES-maize Crop Model.

 Arije, D.N, Akinseye, F.M And Ewulo, B.S.

 2018

Field trials were carried out in the rainforest agroecological zone of Nigeria to assess the usefulness of the CERES-maize model as a decision support tool for optimizing growth and yield production of maize crop through varying application of organic manure as well as recommended Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium (NPK) 20:10:10 fertilizer rate. The experiment was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three (3) replications. The trial was conducted in the 2016 growing season at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology, Akure to calibrate and evaluate the performance of three maize cultivars (Suwan-1-SR-Y, ART/98/SW1 and ART/98/SW6 respectively) using sunshine organic manure applied at the rate of 0, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1 and NPK 20:10:10 applied at a recommended rate of 70 kg N ha-1 . Model performance across fertilizer management was evaluated using some statistical indicators such as Mean Square error (RMSE), Mean bias error (MBE), and R2 to measure its efficacy. Results showed that the model predicts accurately maize grain yield and total biomass with NPK 20:10:10 at 70 kg N ha-1 better than different rates of sunshine organic manure application for all the maize cultivars. The result further showed good agreement between the model predicted and observed data with low RMSE of ? 1 day for anthesis and ? 5 days for physiological maturity while the total leaf number ranged from 1.9 to 2.7. Model accuracy for predicting grain yield and total biomass was also good, for both the calibration and validation with lowest RMSE and NRMSE of the observed mean values. 

 Open Agriculture. 3 (1): 414-426

 Journal

 Heavy Metal Composition Of Maize And Tomato Grown On Contaminated Soils.

 Adekiya, A.O., Oloruntoba, A.P., Ojeniyi, S.O. And Ewulo, B.S.

 2018

The study investigated the level of heavy metal contamination in plants {maize (Zea mays) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)} from thirty soil samples of three locations (Epe, Igun and Ijana) in the Ilesha gold mining area, Osun State, Nigeria. Total concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Spatial variations were observed for all metals across the locations which was adduced to pH and the clay contents of the soils of each location. The results showed that heavy metals are more concentrated in the areas that are closer to the mining site and the concentrations in soil and plants (maize and tomato) decreased with increasing perpendicular distance from the mining site, indicating that the gold mine was the main sources of pollution. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in plants (tomato and maize) samples were considered to be contaminated as As, Cd and Pb respectively ranged from 0.6 – 2.04 mg kg-1, 0.8 – 5.2 mg kg-1, 0.8 – 3.04 mg kg-1 for tomato and respectively 0.60 – 2.00 mg kg-1, 1.50 – 4.60 mg kg-1 and 0.90 – 2.50 mg kg-1 for maize. These levels exceeded the maximum permissible limits set by FAO/WHO for vegetables. In conclusion, monitoring of crops for toxic heavy metals is essential for food safety in Nigeria. 

 Journal Of Applied Geology And Geophysics. 6 (3) : 1-23

 Journal

 Application Of Electrical Resistivity Method In Monitoring Influence Of Soil Properties On The Growth Of Cucumber Sativus

 Ayobami A, Isola., Gbenga M, Olayanju., Lawrence S, And Babatunde S, Ewulo

 2018

Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) field experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research farm of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Southwestern Nigeria. The Research is aimed at monitoring soil water dynamics and evaluating the impact of soil properties such as soil pH, soil electrical conductivity and soil salinity on the growth and yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) using 2D-Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method. Results from various surveys conducted were subjected to statistical correlation in order to determine existing statistical relationships between measured soil properties as they influence the growth and yield of the crop, as well as analyzing electrical resistivity responses from the soil properties and their significance in improving plants’ yield Data collected on plants includes vine length at 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks after planting, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, and fruit diameter, which were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean separation. The inverted electrical resistivity response, laboratory soil parameters and crop yield were correlated using regression analysis, while coefficient of correlation generated and mathematical models were interpreted in terms of plants growth and yield. 

 International Journal Of Environment, Agriculture And Biotechnology (IJEAB)

 Journal

 Assessment Of Climatic Factors On Growth And Yield Of Maize Variety As Influenced By Rates Of Sunshine Organic Manure And NPK 20:10:10 Fertilizer

 Arije D.N,. Ewulo, B.S., Akinseye F.M. And Adejoro, S.A.

 2018

Maize is one of the most important cereal crops in West Africa. Its production in Nigeria has been hindered by inconsistency in rainfall pattern and low fertility especially in Akure, Ondo State. Two experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in 2016 growing season (wet and dry seasons) to determine the effects of Sunshine Organic Manure and NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer on the growth and yield maize variety, as well in soil fertility improvement. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications per treatment. Suwan-1-SR-Ymaize varietywas used for the experiment and Sunshine Organic manure was applied at the rates of 0, 60, 90, and 120kg N ha-1while NPK 20:10:10 was used as standard at the rate of 70 kg N ha-1. Growth parameters (plant height and number of leaves per plant) were taken at two weeks interval for 12 weeks. At harvest, yield parameters (Seed weight/plant, Weight of 1000 seed (g), Number of seeds/cob, Yield in t ha-1, cob length (cm), cob girth (cm)) were determined. The following weather data were collected; Daily rainfall, maximum & minimum temperature and solar radiation, while the soil data collected were; pH, total N, available phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, and bulk density. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the data analyses. Mean separation was done using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results showed an increase in growth and yield parameters recorded with increasing application rates of Sunshine Organic Manure in both growing season. 

 Soil And Tillage Research. 174: 214-220

 Journal

 Synergistic Effects Of Biochar And Inorganic Fertilizer On Maize (Zea Mays) Yield In An Alfisol Under Drip Irrigation

 Faloye, O.T., Alatise, M.O., Ajayi, A.E And Ewulo, B.S.

 2018

Biochar, inorganic fertilisers and drip irrigation have all been shown to have potential to increase crop yield in tropical and water-limiting environments. However, their complementary effect on crop yield is scarcely studied. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effect of biochar made from maize-cob residue and inorganic fertiliser on the yield of maize under drip irrigation system. A factorial field experiment in which the biochar was applied at four rates; 0, 3, 6, and 10 t/ha, in combination with NPK 15:15:15 inorganic fertiliser applied at two rates; 0 and 300 kg/ ha to a sandy soil classified as Alfisol was evaluated. The plots were irrigated by drip irrigation to keep available moisture at about 50% Maximum Allowable Deficiency (MAD). Four models (linear, linear +squares, linear +interactions and full quadratic) were obtained by analysing the response surface for the relationship between biochar, inorganic fertiliser and yields. Results showed that the grain and biomass yields were positively increased with increase in the amount of added biochar. The interaction effect between fertiliser and biochar did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect maize yield, but significantly (P < 0.05) influenced biomass yield. The full quadratic model established between biochar and inorganic fertiliser gave the best prediction, with R2 equal to 0.85 and 0.97 for grain and biomass yields, respectively. Therefore, using the modelling approach, it was established that for every 10 t/ha of biochar application and 300 kg/ha of fertiliser application, the maize grain yield and biomass yield could increase by up to 6.03 and 10.43 t/ha. The Pareto analysis of the standardized effects showed that the combined application of fertiliser and biochar resulted in an additional contribution of 11.4% and 16.5% for grain and biomass yields. Also, analysis on soil chemical properties showed that biochar positively increased soil pH, N, P, K and CEC. The results established that fertiliser and biochar application synergistically increase drip irrigated maize yields. Also, fertiliser contributed more to the yields than the increase in the amount of added biochar, suggesting a further need to investigate higher biochar application rate to determine the optimum rate under drip irrigation. 

 African Journal Of Food Scince. 11 (5):140-145

 Journal

 Enrichment Of Traditional Maize Snack (Kokoro) With Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) Leaf And Soybean

 Ewulo, T.O., Olwalana, I.B., Ewulo, B.S. And Awolu, O.O.

 2017

Kokoro, a local maize snack was made from white maize (W) flour and supplemented with Moringa oliefera leaf (M) and defatted soybean (S). WMS0 (100:0:0%), WMS1 (90:10:0%), WMS2 (90:0:10%), WMS3 (90:5:5%), WMS4 (90:7.5:2.5%), and WMS5 (90:2.5:7.5%) were carried out in triplicates. Kokoro was produced by deep frying in hot refined vegetable oil. The proximate composition, vitamin content and phytochemicals composition were determined. Kokoro formulated with 90% maize flour and 10% deffated soybean (WMS2) had the highest moisture, crude protein, fat, oxalate, phytic acid and alkaloid, while Kokoro formulated with 90% maize flour and 10% moringa (WMS1) had the highest crude fibre, vitamin A, B3 (niacin), C and flavonoid. On the other hand, Kokoro formulated with only 100% maize flour (WMS0) had the least phytochemical composition and vitamins A, B3, C contents. Although, the addition of soybean had the highest positive effect on the protein and crude fibre contents of Kokoro, it was the addition of moringa that had the highest positive effect on the vitamins contents. On the other hand, moringa also raised the phytochemical contents significantly (p?0.05). Overall, sample WMS4 (90% Maize + 7.5% Moringa + 2.5% Soybean) had substantial proximate and minerals composition in addition to having the least phytochemical could be considered the best formulation for Kokoro formulation. 

 Research Journal Of Agricultral And Environmental Sciences.3(2): 1-10

 Journal

 Effects Of Phosphorus And Organic Fertilizers On The Growth Of Lettuce (Lectuca Sativa) And Soil Nutrient Content In Southwestern Nigeria

 Sani, K.O., Ewulo, B.S. And Adesina, J.M

 2016

A field experiment was conducted in 2011/2012 cropping season at the Teaching and Research Farms of Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Nigeria and Horticultural Unit, Ondo Stare Ministry of Agriculture, Akure, Nigeria to evaluate the effect of different types of organic manure, phosphorus source fertilizers and their combination on the growth performance of lettuce and soil chemical properties. The study involved three types of organic manure (poultry dropping, pig manure and cow dung) and two types of phosphorus source fertilizer (Ogun Rock Phosphate (ORP) and Single Super Phosphate (SSP) and a control resulting in sixteen treatments combinations. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, leaf area) were collected at 40, 60 and 80 Days after Transplanting (DAT). Shoot dry matter was taken at 80 DAT, while yield was determined by weighing the harvested lettuce at 50 DAT. Soil sample were collected before and at harvest for analysis of N, P, K, Ca, Mg to determine soil fertility status. The result of the study showed that lettuce grown on soil amended with organic manure combined with SSP and RP at 8t ha-1 and 4t ha-1 exhibited significant growth performance and improved the soil nutrient composition positively at harvest compared to control and sole organic manure application. The result obtained clearly indicated that organic manure combined with phosphorus source fertilizers prove to be a sound soil fertility management strategy in the study area for the cultivation of lettuce 

 International Journal Of Innovative Research And Advanced Studies (IJIRAS), 3(3): 5- 9

 Journal

 Effects Of Urea And Poultry Manure On Growth And Yield Attributes Of Tomatoes (Lycopersicon Esculentum Mill) And Soil Chemical Composition

 Ewulo, B. S., Eleduma, A.F. And Sanni, K. O.

 2016

A field experiment to investigate the effects of urea and poultry manure (PM) on tomatoes’ growth yield parameters and soil chemical properties. The study involves three levels of both Urea and poultry manure, resulting in nine-treatment combinations, viz: (i) 0 U kg/ha-1 + 0t PM/ ha-1 (ii) 0 U kg/ha-1 + 4t PM/ ha-1 (iii) 0 U kg/ha-1 + 8t PM/ ha-1 (iv) 50U kg/ha-1 + 0t PM/ ha-1 (v) 50U kg/ha-1 + 4t PM/ ha-1 (vi) 50U kg/ha-1 + 8t PM/ ha-1 (vii) 100U kg/ha-1 + 0t PM/ ha-1 (viii) 100U kg/ha-1 + 4t PM/ ha-1 (ix) 100U kg/ha-1 + 8t PM/ ha-1. Treatments were assigned in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Growth data (plant height, number of branches, number of leaves and stem girth) were collected fortnightly starting from 2 weeks after treatment application (WAT). At harvest, fruit weight and fruit number were recorded. Soil samples were collected before and during experimentation for routine soil analysis. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS statistical software package and mean separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test. The results of the study showed that the combine use of PM and urea at 50U + 8ton and 100U + 4 ton is very good for cultivation of tomato and maintenance of soil properties. 

 Journal Of Sustainable Agriculture And The Environment. 10(1): 172-191.

 Journal

 Characterisation, Classification And Suitability Evaluation Of Soils Of Eastern Part Of Akoko Southwest Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria For Cassava Cultivation.

 Ewulo, B.S., Adesemuyi, E.A. And Ojeniyi, S.O.

 2015

Soils in the tropics are inherently low in fertility and form the basis on which agricultural production takes place. In order to characterize, classify and evaluate selected soils formed on basement complex for cassava cultivation in eastern part of Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Six pedons were excavated in the area; pedons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 at Ikun 1, Ikun 2, Iwaro, Oka, Akungba, and Ayegunle respectively. Pedons were characterized and classified according to USDA soil Taxonomy and WRB systems of soil classification. The suitability of the study area for cassava cultivation was evaluated by non-parametric and the parametric square methods. Topsoil morphology indicated grayish brown (10YR 5/2) to brown (7YR 5/3) colour matrix, sandy loam to sandy clay loam textures and friable (moist) consistence underlain by yellowish (7.5YR 5/4) to reddish brown (2.5YR 4/3) colour matrix, sandy clay loam to clay textures and firm (moist) consistence endopedon. The distribution of clay content increased with soil depth for all pedons. The soil reaction (in water) was moderately acid to moderately neutral (pH 5.6 to 6.9). Base saturation, percentage organic carbon and total nitrogen were generally low. Pedons 1 was classified as Typic Kandiustult (USDA) with (FAO/WRB) correlation as Kandic Acrisol. Pedon 2 was classified as Plinthic Kandiustult (USDA) and Plinthic Acrisol (FAO/WRB). Pedons 3 and 6 were grouped as Typic Kandiustepts (USDA) and Kandic Cambisols (FAO/WRB). Pedon 4 was classified as Typic Kandiustalf (USDA) and Kandic Luvisol (FAO/WRB) while pedon 5 was Typic Kandiaquept (USDA) and Kandic Cambisol (FAO/WRB). The suitability assessment of the soils by parametric method showed that potentially, 50% of the study area was highly suitable (S1) while remaining 50% was moderately suitable (S2) for cassava cultivation. When assessed by the non-parametric method, the result revealed that the entire area was currently marginally suitable (S3) whereas potentially, 50% was moderately suitable (S2) and the remaining 50% was marginal (S3) for cassava cultivation. The soils require varying levels of fertility management practices targeted at alleviating the identified constraints to cassava productivity.