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. 

 International Journal Of Applied And Pure Science And Agriculture, 1(10): 13-20.

 Journal

 Response Of Tomato (Lycopersicum Esculentum Var. Mill) To Different Levels Of Nitrogen And Phosphorus Fertilizer In South Western Nigeria.

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

 2015

A randomized complete block experiment was carried out at the teaching and research farm of Federal University of Technology, Akure (7?16?N, 5?12?E) located in the rain forest vegetation zone of Nigeria, to examine the response of tomato to Nitrogen and Phosphorus source. The treatments consist, of urea at two levels of application (50kg ha-1and 100kg ha -1) and single supper phosphate (SSP), also at two levels of application (60kg ha-1 and 180kg ha-1). The experiment design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. Soil samples were collected and analyzed before and after the experiment for soil pH, O: C, N, P, Ca, Mg, K, and Base Saturation. Plant and growth parameter (plant height, numbers of leaves, stem girth, and number of leaves) were collected at two weeks interval. The results were statically analyzed showed. The result of the study indicated that combined use of nitrogen and phosphorus inorganic fertilizer does not have significant positive (P>0.05) effect on tomato growth, yield and soil nutrient after harvesting. The best combination for the combined use of nitrogen and phosphorus inorganic fertilizer tomato growth is 50kg/ha urea + 60kg /ha SSP, while for yield is 10kg/ha urea + 180kg/ha SSP. While 0kg/ha urea + 60kg/ha SSP gave significant (P 

 Journal Of Organic Agriculture And Environment, 3:15-25

 Journal

 : Effect Of Poultry Manure And Irrigation Interval On Soil And Quality Protein Maize (QPM) Growth And Yield Performance In Akure, Southwest Nigeria.

 Ewlo, B.S. And Omoju O.J.

 2015

A screen house experiment was conducted at the Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, to examine the effect of three levels of poultry manure (0, 4 and 8 tons ha-1) and three irrigation interval (3, 6 and 9 days) on soil properties maize growth and yield. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replicates. Specified levels of poultry manure were mixed with topsoil in plastic pot and irrigated. Plant data were collected at 21, 42 and 63 days after planting (DAP) and yield data at harvest. Poultry manure (PM) application at 4 t ha-1 decreased pH by 2.34%, bulk density by 0.76%, and increases OC, Ca and CEC by 11.69%, 6.35% and 2.61% respectively. While the 8 t ha-1 PM decreased pH by 4.22%, bulk density by 5.38%, and increases OC, Ca and CEC by 19.48%, 17.46% and 22.32% respectively. The 4 t ha-1 PM treatment interacted with irrigation interval to give 12% and 53.85% increase in OC and N, whereas the 8 t ha-1 PM interaction gave 2.20% and 57.14% increases in OC and N respectively. The highest number of seeds per cob (111 g), and weight of 100 seeds (32.78 g) occurred in the 3 days irrigation interval. The percent decrease in 3 and 9 days irrigation interval in plant height and stem girth at 42 and 63 DAP. Numbers of seeds per cob were 16.20, 24.52, 18.68, 13.89 and 63.77%, respectively. 

 International Journal Of Agriculture Innovation And Research, 4(1): 2319-1473.

 Journal

 Fertilizer Effect On Soil, Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineesis) Seedling Growth, Biomass And Leaf Nutrient Content In Directly Sown Nursery

 Ewulo, B.S., Oluyi O.J. And Omoju O.J.

 2015

Deficiency of the tropical soils in nutrients constitutes one of the main factors limiting crop production in Sub-Saharan Africa. An experiment laid out in randomized complete block design replicated four times was conducted to evaluate the comparative effects of different organic manure in the recapitalization of soil fertility to improve cucumber cultivation in Ikorodu agro-ecological zone of Lagos State. The treatments consisted of 20 tons/ha-1 cow manure, goat manure, pig manure poultry manure and control. The parameters evaluated were: number of leaves, plant height, vine height at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after planting (WAP), number of days to 50% flowering, number of harvested fruits, fruit circumference and weight of harvested fruits. Results obtained shows that application of poultry manure amended plots significantly influenced growth parameters and yield attributes of cucumber. Soil physico-chemical at the experimental site was greatly improved with the application of various organic manure. Organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn levels were progressively increased with application organic manures, while pH level was slightly increased. 

 Science Publisher

 Journal

 Influence Of Different Organic Manures On Agronomic Performances Of Celosia Argentea (L.) In Humid Rainforest South Western Nigeria

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

 2014

Farmers in rural areas are vulnerable to hunger and poverty because of the poor fertility state of theirsoils. The use of organic manures could improve agricultural productivity for these farmers. The current study wascarried out to evaluate the performance of Celosia argentea planted with 25t ha-1 poultry manure (PM), cow dung(CD) and compost in randomized complete block design replicated three times. There was also control plot with noaddition of organic manure. The results from the study shows that plots amended with 25t ha-1 poultry manuresignificantly (P< 0.05) influenced the agronomic performance of C. argentea in respect to plant height, number ofleaves and stem girth at 2 and 4 weeks after transplanting (WAT); which relatively translate to higher yield(7.6kg/plot) compared to other treatments. Based on the findings from this study, it is recommended that soilamended with 25t ha-1 PM is good for C. argentea production due to its high nitrogen content which influenced thecrop agronomic performances and ultimately the yield. It was also noted that CD can serve as a better substitute forpoultry manure 

 Conference On International Research On Food Security, Natural Resource Management And Rural Development Organised By The University Of Hohenheim

 Conference

 Effects Of Crude Oil On The Physicochemical And Microbial Properties Of Agricultural Soils Grown With Vigna Unguiculata And Ammaranthus Sp.

 Olukunlea, O. F., Djossoua, A. N. And Ewulob, B. S.

 2013

An experiment was conducted in the screen house to ascertain the effects of crude oil on thephysicochemical and microbiological characteristics of agricultural soil grown with cowpea(Vigna unguiculata) and leafy vegetables (Ammaranthus sp.). The response of Vigna unguiculataand Ammaranthus sp. to the contamination with crude oil, as well as the slight alteration of thephysicochemical, physical and microbial characteristics show the deleterious effects of crude oilon agricultural soil and the negative impacts it has on our environment in general. Comparing thephysicochemical, physical and microbial results; it was deduced that cowpea reacted almostinstantly; (three days) after the introduction of the crude oil. This shows that cowpea has little orno ability to withstand crude oil spillage while Ammaranthus still exhibited some level ofresistance to the crude oil especially from the least 5% (w/v) to the highest 11% (w/v)concentration. Microorganisms identified and isolated from soil samples were Bacillus cereus,Bacillus megaterium, Clostridium sporogenes, Micrococcus luteus, Aspergillus fumigatus,Trichoderma viride, A. saprophyticus, Methylococcus capsulatus, Pseudomonas areoginosa,Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Vibrio anguillarum, Penicillium notatum, Sporobolomycessalmonicolor and Rhbizopus nigrican. However, the contamination had no significant effect onpH but rather on phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, organic carbon andorganic matter content of the contaminated soils for Vigna uiguiculata compared to theuncontaminated, whereas; for soils with Ammaranthus sp; there were no significant effects forsodium but rather on phosphorus, pH, potassium, magnesium, calcium, organic carbon andorganic matter content of the contaminated soils compared to the uncontaminated soil samples. 

 South Asian J Exp Biol

 Journal

 Lime And Organic Manure Effect On Acid‐clay Soil, Okra Growth And Yield Parameters

 B.S. Ewulo

 2012

Two potted experiments were conducted at the screen‐house of the Departmentof Crop, Soil and Pest Management of the Federal University of Technology,Akure to investigate the effects of lime and different levels of organicmanure amendment on acid‐clay soil, Okra growth and yield parameters.The first experiment consisted of six treatments and a control; choppedTithonia diversifolia leaves were applied on limed soil (100g lime kg‐1 Soil) at0g, 6.75g, 13.5g, 20.25g, 27.0g and 33.75g kg‐1 Soil. The second experimentalso consisted of six treatments and a control; poultry manure was appliedon limed soil (100g lime kg‐1 Soil) at 0g, 6.75g, 13.5g, 20.25g, 27.0g and33.75g kg‐1 Soil. They were arranged in Complete Randomized Design. Soilsamples were collected at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th, week after planting and subjectedto chemical analysis. Okra growth and yield data were collected andstatistical analyses carried out using the SPSS Package and means comparedwith Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. The resultof the study showed that soil pH, OC, OM, N, P, K, Ca, Na, Mg and CECincreased with lime application and with increases in rate of Tithonia leavesor poultry manure application. There were no significant differences in mostof the soil parameters considered in Tithonia and poultry manure applied at27.0g and 33.75 g kg ‐1 soil. Growth parameters showed no significant differencesfor the two experiments except with regards to number of leaves inTithonia application. Application of 33.75g Tithonia kg‐1 gave the highestOkra pod weight for Tithonia treated soil while the application of 27g poultrymanure kg‐1 gave highest Okra weight for poultry manure treated soil. 

 International Academic Journals

 Journal

 Characterization And Classification Of Soils On Two Toposequence At Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Nigeria

 Atofarati S.O., Ewulo B.S., Ojeniyi S. O.

 2012

Inadequate information on soil and the influence of landscape on soil properties is a major factor limiting agricultural production in Nigeria. In order to characterize and classify soils on two toposequennce at Ile Oluji, Ondo State, in southwest Nigeria, three pedons were dug respectively on two typical hillslope and studied with regards to their morphological, physical and chemical properties. They represented soils on the summit to shoulder (Pedon 1 and 4), backslope to footslope (Pedon 2 and 5) and toeslope (Pedon 3 and 6) along the hillslope. Distributions of clay increased with depth for all pedon. The soils were moderately to strongly acidic, the highest concentration of O.C and O.M occurred at the down slope and decreased with depth for all pedon. Exchangeable acidity (EA) were higher in the pedons of the middle slope. Pedon 1, and 2, on the first toposequence and pedon 4, 5, and 6 on the second toposequence classify into the order Alfisol, suborder Udalf and great group Kandiudalfs in USDA system of soil classification and Albeluvisols in FAO system. Pedon 3 classifies in the soil order Entisol, suborder Arents and great group Udarent in USDA system of soil classification and Eutric fluvisol in FAO system.

 

 International Research Journals

 Journal

 Tillage And Mulch Influence On Soil Physical Properties, Plant Nutrient Composition And Performance Of Pepper (capsicum Annum L) And Sorghum (sorghum Bicolor L)

 Ewulo B.S, Ojeniyi S.O And Morenikeji C.I

 2011

Field experiments were conducted at Akure in the rainforest zone of Southwest Nigeria to studythe effect of tillage and mulching in production of pepper (Capsicum amnum) and sorghum(sorghum bicolor). The soil physical properties, plant nutrient content, growth and yields ofpepper and sorghum were evaluated. Zero tillage (herbicide based), manual clearing (MC), ridge(R) and heap (H) without and with weed residue mulch (M) were studied, Ridge or heap withoutmulch reduced soil bulk density and temperature compared with MC or MC + M. Tillage (H, R)increased leaf N, P and Ca in pepper, mulch increased leaf N, P, K, Ca and Mg and highest valuesof P, K, Ca and Mg were recorded for H + M and R+M. Tillage and mulch significantly increasedpepper height, number of leaves, branches, fruits and fruit weight hence H+M and R+M hadhigher values of the parameters. Relative to MC, the H, R, MC+M, H+M and R+M increased fruitsweight by 497, 448, 540, 876 and 903% respectively. The values for fruits weight were 457, 432,500, 896 and 968%. Tillage increased dry matter yield of sorghum significantly, while dry matteryield, plant height, leaf area and grain yield were significantly increased by mulching. Highestgrain yields were given by R + M and H+M. Relative MC, the MC+M, R+M and H+M increasedgrain yield by 23, 51 and 49% respectively. Tillage plus mulching significantly enhancedperformance of pepper and sorghum. 

 South Asian J Exp Biol;

 Journal

 Manure And Lime Amendment Effects On Soil PH, Fertility, Microbe Population And Respiration

 B.F. Dada And B.S. Ewulo

 2011

Soils of the tropical and subtropical climate are intensively weathered, acidicand have low native fertility. In order to determine the effect of lime and itscombination with either poultry manure or Tithonia diversifolia on tropicalrainforest soil, top soils were collected from the Teaching and Research Farmof the Federal University of Technology, Akure (7‐5’ N, long 5‐10’ E) in South‐West, Nigeria and incubated. Five treatments and a control were establishedat Soil:Lime:Manure ratio of 10:1:1, the treatments were; Soil+Lime (S+L),Soil+Lime+Tithonia diversifolia (S+L+T), Soil+Lime+Poultry manure (S+L+PM),Soil+Tithonia diversifolia (S+T), Soil+Poultry manure (S+PM), and a control S.The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) withthree replicates and soil water maintained at field capacity. Soil sampleswere collected for chemical analysis, soil respiration measurement and microbecount at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and10th week. Data collected were subjectedto statistical analysis and the result showed that the application ofLime, poultry manure and T. diversifolia and their combinations reduced soilacidity. The combination of lime with poultry manure or T. Tithonia diversifoliaimproved soil nutrient and microbes count. Lime combined with poultrymanure most favoured rapid multiplication of soil bacteria.