Nature And Science

 Journal

 Comparative Studies On The Effects Of Soil Residues Of Three Maize Herbicides On The Growth, Yield And Proximate Composition Of Amaranthus Cruentus.

 Adejoro, S. A. And Ayelari, O. P.

 2019

A completely randomized design pot experiment was conducted in the screen house of the Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management of the Federal University of Technology Akure (7?16?N, 5?12?E) Nigeria, to compare the soil residual effects of atrazine, 2,4-D and glyphosate on the growth and yield as well as leaf nutritional quality of A. Cruentus. Seeds of A. Cruentus were sown in soil samples collected from maize plots where the foregoing herbicides have been used to control weeds at the usual field recommended rates. The preliminary treatments also included a weed-free control and a weedy check. Results indicated that soils containing atrazine residues best supported the growth of amaranth as it gave the highest values in terms of all the growth parameters considered. This however did not translate to increase in yield as there were no significant differences among the treatments in the yield parameters. Results further showed that the herbicides, when applied to the field at the field recommended rates did not leave residues in the soil, which may cause phytotoxic effects to the indicator plant. Seedling development and dry matter accumulation of the indicator plant was more than 90 percent normal (when compared with those from un-treated plots). It is therefore concluded that the gestation period of 12 weeks for maize growth is long enough to degrade any of the three herbicides to be able to sustain amaranth sown to succeed maize in rotation in the rain forest vegetation zone of Nigeria. 

 Integrity Research Journals

 Journal

 Biostimulatory And Carbon Sequestration Potentials Of Neem Seed-based Fertilizer Formulation In Nicosulfuron Contaminated Soil

 Adejoro, S. A

 2019

Neem seed cake has been reported to make nutrients available to support good growth of crops and increase yield. This ease of nutrient release is also required in a potential bio-stimulant. This study assessed the potentials of a neem seed-based fertilizer formulation as a bio-stimulant to aid continued nutrient mineralization from an organic source in contaminated soil samples. Neem seed-based organomineral formulation was added to soil samples contaminated with two field rates (40 and 60 mg.a. i ha-1) of nicosulfuron herbicide to assess their separate and interaction effects on soil microbial activity in the laboratory. The treated samples were incubated for 8 weeks, and soil microbial activity was monitored in dynamics for the period of incubation. Data on soil basal respiration, soil organic carbon, and soil carbon mineralization quotient (qM) were collected on weekly basis for the 8 weeks. Application of nicosulfuron alone regardless of rate repressed soil basal respiration; hence carbon mineralization in the early weeks of the incubation period, but these parameters were stimulated after the 5th week of incubation. Addition of the neem formulation on the other hand caused consistent significant stimulation from the beginning to the end of incubation. Results further showed that combining nicosulfuron and the neem formulation raised soil basal respiration significantly above what individual factor contributed. It was therefore concluded that although the individual factor was found to increase CO2-C compared to the control at the end of incubation, the interaction of the two inputs raised CO2-C even higher. This is an indication that the neem seed cake formulation has the potentials to cushion the adverse effects of nicosulfuron contamination on the soil microbial community. 

 Applied Tropical Agriculture

 Journal

 Response Of Soil Fungal Population To A Fungicide Formulation At The Spermosphere Of Maize

 Adejoro, S. A* And Makinde J. D.

 2019

A laboratory and a screenhouse experiments were respectively conducted to assess the effects of the fungicide Apron Star ® containing thiamenthoxam (20%), metalaxyl (20%), and carbendazim (10%) on maize spermosphere microbial community, as well as on maize seedling performance. Soil was sampled from the spermosphere of fungicide-dressed maize seeds planted in plastic jars in the laboratory and analyzed to determine fungal population. Germination and seedling growth of maize seeds treated with fungicide, and planted in plastic pots in the screehouse were also monitored. Results indicated that fungicide reduced fungal population in the bulk soil whereas fungal population was stimulated by the interaction of fungicide with the maize seed spermosphere. Results further showed that treatment of seeds with fungicide before planting significantly enhanced seedling establishment (30.9% increase in plant height at 4 weeks after planting). It was therefore concluded that Apron Star ® is potent against pathogenic fungi that may adversely affect maize seed germination and seedling establishment. Furthermore, application of this fungicide as seed dressing agent is not likely to pose an overall detrimental effect on the soil community of bacteria and fungi. 

 Microthink Instititute

 Journal

 Soil Microbial Community Response To Compost Addition To Nicosulfuron Contaminated Soil

 Solomon A. Adejoro (Corresponding Author), Ajoke C. Adegaye, Doyinsola S. Sonoiki

 2018

The toxicity of nicosulfuron to none target organisms is its downside, which has generated concerns about the herbicide in spite of its high herbicidal activity. Practices that would facilitate accelerated degradation of this herbicide will certainly be complementary to its use. A completely randomized design laboratory incubation experiment was carried out to examine the potentials of organic and mineral fertilizers to stimulate microbial activities in soil under the influence of the nicosulfuron herbicide. Soil contaminated with the field rate of nicosulfuron was separately amended with compost and NPK mineral fertilizer, and the treated samples were incubated for 56 days at room temperature. Soil microbial activity and microbial biomass C were measured in dynamics for the period of incubation. Eco-physiological quotients were also computed at the end of incubation to determine responses of soil microbes at the community level to the treatments. Application of nicosulfuron alone was found to repress both microbial biomass and microbial activity. Addition of fertilizer however caused these parameters to increase especially during the first 28 days after treatment application. The microbial metabolic quotient was raised by the soil amendments shortly after application with the exemption of NPK treated soil. However, only the soil samples in which compost was present lowered qCO2 at the termination of the experiment. NIC-COMP and NIC-NPK respectively raised and lowered the soil carbon mineralization quotient (qM) measured at the end of incubation. The soil microbial community was also found to be positively affected by the addition of fertilizers as indicated by the Cmic: Corg ratio and the microbial biomass change rate quotient (qC). It was therefore concluded that though the nicosulfuron herbicide at the field recommended rate has potentials to negatively affect the soil microbial community, application of organic fertilizer may help the soil to regain its microbial competence through enhanced degradation engendered by biostimulation of native microorganisms. 

 Microthink Instititute

 Journal

 Rhizosphere Microbial Population And Plant Species Diversity As Influenced By Chromolaena Odorata Invasion

 Solomon A. Adejoro, Lekan C. Aguda

 2018

Invasive plant species have been commonly implicated to cause loss in plant species diversity. Attention had however not been paid to the effects of these species loss on the soil microbiome. A study was conducted in 18 farmers’ fields within three states in southwestern Nigeria to examine the effect of Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) invasion on native plant diversity as well as on the rhizosphere microbial population using randomized complete block design. Results indicated significant losses in plant species diversity and reduction in density per square meter compared with adjacent non infested fields. Results further showed C. odorata invasion exerted diverse influence on soil microbial population. Relationships were subsequently established among plant density, species diversity; and soil microbial population. Further studies were also recommended to accommodate more microbiological indices. 

 Journal Of Agricultural Chemistry And Environment

 Journal

 Uptake And Use Efficiencies Of Nutrients By Sesame And Bambara Nut Alley Crops As Influenced By Manuring In A Cashew-Based Intercropping System In The Guinea Savanna Agroecology Of Nigeria

 Samuel Agele, Nduka Beatrice, Famuwagun Babadele, Adejoro Solomon

 2018

Field experiments were conducted at at the experimental farm Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) Sub-Station, Ochaja, in the Southern Guinea Savanna agro ecological zone of Nigeria to examine uptake and use efficiencies of nutrients by Sesame and Bambara nut alley crops as influenced by manuring in a Cashew-based intercropping system. Experimental treatments were based on responses of sole and intercrop mixtures of Sesame and Bambara nut alley crops to Cocoa Pod Husk (CPH), pelletized organic fertilizer and NPK fertilizer in a cashew-based intercropping system. Data were collected on the growth and yield variables of the alley crops. Highest nitrogen harvest index (NHI) for seed and leaf of alley crops were obtained from un-manure treated plants. Cocoa pod husk (CPH) significantly enhanced P uptake compared with other fertilizers applied. CPH improved Na, Ca, Mg Zn, Cu, P, K and carbohydrate in the leaves and Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, crude fibre and carbohydrate contents of seeds of sole crops while Sesame + Bambara had enhanced contents of N, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, P, N, K, moisture, protein, and crude fibre, crude protein, moisture content in leaves. The effects of NPK were significant for N, K Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu, P, moisture and crude fibre, while in the un-manure (control) plots influenced N, fat and protein and nitrogen harvest index (NHI) of leaf and seeds. CPH and NPK fertilizers enhanced nutrient uptake and nitrogen harvest index of alley crops. Nutrient uptake was similar for the varieties of Sesame and Bambara nut as affected by the application of 4.84 and 9.68 Kg pelletized organic fertilizer. Sole Bambara had higher N and K concentration in leaves compared with Bambara +Sesame. In addition, sole Bambara had higher values of Physiology efficiency (PE), and fertilizer use efficiency (FAE) compared to the mixed crops of Bambara + sesame. However, physiology efficiency (PE), and fertilizer use efficiency (FAE) were significantly lower for Bambara + Sesame. The un-manure plants had enhanced N, P and K uptake. Varietal effects were pronounced for most of the resource use efficiency variables measured. The alley crop varieties responded differently to 4.84 and 9.68 kg pelletized fertilizer treatments (Agronomy Efficiency (AE), N-removed at harvest and Internal Utilization Efficiency (IE) and partial factor productivity (PFP)). Sesame variety NCRIBen04E had enhanced AE, N-remove at harvest, IE and PFP while variety E8 had significantly higher apparent Recovery Efficiency (RE), apparent Recovery Efficiency by difference (RE%), Physiology Efficiency (PE), Utilization Efficiency (UE), and internal Utilization Efficient (IE). Bambara variety TVSu999 had higher IUE, Agronomy Efficiency (AE), Apparent Recovery Efficiency (RE), Physiology Efficiency (PE) and Fertilizer Agronomy using Efficiency respectively (FAE) compared to variety TVSu1166. The fertilizers affected most of the indicators of nutrient use efficiency (NUE) measured. The effects were significant on AE, agronomic N-use efficiency (ANUE), RE, UE and PFP. NPK fertilizer enhanced Physiology efficiency (PE) and Partial factor production. NPK fertilizer significantly enhanced NUE parameters compared to CPH and un-manure. CPH manure significantly influenced RE%, PE and IE. The Internal Utilization Efficiency and N-remove at harvest were compared with the un-manure plants (control). The effects of 9.68 kg/plot pelletized fertilizer, were pronounced on Agronomy Efficiency (AE), Apparent Recovery Efficiency by difference (RE%), Physiology Efficiency (PE), Utilization Efficiency (UE), N-removed at harvest and Internal Utilization Efficiency (IE). Similar trends were observed in the responses NUE of Sesame and Bambara manuring. The responses sole crops in terms of RE, PE UE PFP were similar while their intercrop combinations had significantly higher AE, RE, UE, PFP and N removed at harvest. Sole Sesame significantly influence Agronomy Efficiency (AE), Utilization Efficiency (UE), Internal Efficiency (IE) and Partial Fertilizer Production (PFP) and sole Bambara under NPK fertilizer had enhanced N-removed at harvest and apparent recovery by difference (RE%). Bambara + Sesame under cocoa pod husk (CPH) manure had enhanced apparent recovery efficiency by difference (RE%), fertilizer use efficiency (FAE) and internal utilization efficiency (IE). Sesame variety NCRIBen04E had enhanced Agronomy Efficiency (AE), N-removed at harvest and Internal Utilization Efficiency (IE) under 9.68 kg treatment while variety E8 had higher partial factor productivity (PFP) at 4.84 kg/plot pelletized organic fertilizer. 

 International Journal Of Environment, Agriculture And Biotechnology

 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; 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. 

 Applied Tropical Agriculture

 Journal

 Interaction Effects Of Glyphosate And Cypermethrin On Soil Basal Respiration And Carbon Mineralization Quotient

 Adejoro, S. A

 2016

A factorial experiment laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) to examine the combined effects of glyphosate and cypermethrin on basal respiration (BR) and mineralization quotient (qM) of soil samples collected from an agro ecosystem was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. The insecticide was applied to the soil at two field recommended rates (75 and 100 g a.i/ha) and the herbicide at 1.44 kg a.i./ha. The incubation study was carried out using soil samples maintained at 60 % water holding capacity at room temperature for 12 weeks. The main effects of cypermethrin appeared as transient inhibition, which was followed by mild stimulation of basal respiration and mineralization quotient of soil samples. However, whether in sole application, or judging from its contributions from treatment combinations, glyphosate engendered stimulatory effects on carbon mineralization. Results further showed that the interaction between the herbicide and insecticide produced stimulation of soil microbial activity from the beginning to the end of incubation. It is therefore presumed that the degradation of glyphosate in soil may confer a co-metabolic influence on the cypermethrin insecticide in soils. 

 Applied Tropical Agriculture

 Journal

 Evaluation Of Selected Weeding Methods For Weed Control And Performance Of Maize In South Western Nigeria

 Olatunji, A., Adejoro, S.A*., Ayelari, O.P., And Aladesanwa, R.D.

 2016

Extensive use of inorganic fertilizes has been discovered to have depressing yield effects on Two field experiments were conducted each in 2011 and 2012 in Akure, Ondo State, located in the rain forest zone of Nigeria. The study evaluated the efficacy of some selected herbicides for weed control in maize (Zea mays L). Each experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) involving four replications per treatment. The treatments were: (1) weedy check where no weeding occurred, (2) glyphosate only at 1.44kg a.e ha-1, (3) glyphosate at 1.44kg a.e ha-1 + weeding at four weeks after planting (4WAP), (4) glyphosate at 1.44kg a.e ha-1 + weeding at 7 WAP, (5) paraquat only at 0.41kg a.i ha-1, (6) paraquat at 0.41kg a.i ha-1 + weeding at 4 WAP, (7) paraquat at 0.41kg a.i ha-1 + weeding at 7 WAP, (8) atrazine (80 WP) at 3.00kg a.i ha -1, (9) Primextra (500 F) at 3.00kg a.i Ha -1 and (10) hand weeding at 3 & 7 WAP, respectively. Data were collected on maize plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, maize cob length and girth, grain yield as well as weed flora, weed density, and percentage herbicidal efficacy on weed density. Results showed that weed flora identified with maize production were different for both locations; plots treated with atrazine plus metolachlor (Primextra) gave better performance in terms of maize growth. Maize cob length and grain weight were higher in plots treated with atrazine (80WP) at 0.41kg a.i/ha. Results further indicated that herbicidal efficacy was higher (61%) in plots treated with glyphosate plus weeding at 4 WAP but did not differ significantly (p 

 JOST Publisher

 Journal

 Weed Control In Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.) Moench) With Pendimethalin And Its Residual Effects On Soil Physico-chemical Properties

 Adejoro S. A And Olopha P.K

 2013

Pendimethalin, despite being widely used for weed control in crop production has been classified as a persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT). It is therefore thought that this herbicide is likely to impact the elements of soil fertility. To investigate the influence of pendimenthalin on the growth of okra as well as the residual effects of its application on soil physico-chemical properties, a completely randomized pot experiment involving three replications was performed in the screen house of the Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology Akure (7????16????N, 5????12????E), Southwestern Nigeria. The treatments imposed were six application rates of pendimenthalin, a weed free, and a weedy control. Results indicated that pendimenthalin at all the rates tested did not affect okra seed germination; however the supra optimal rates of pendimenthalin (0.99kg a.i. ha-1 and above) exhibited phytotoxicity to okra seedlings and engendered 100% seedling mortality at 3 weeks after planting (WAP), and pendimenthalin treatment at 0.33kg a.i. ha-1 competed favorably with the weed free treatment with respect to okra growth. Weed control assessment parameters (weight and density of weed removed at okra harvest) decreased with increasing dose of pendimethalin. Results further showed that pendimethalin increased soil nutrient contents compared to the untreated pots. It is hence concluded that pendimethalin dose of 0.33kg a.i. ha-1 is optimal for okra growth in southwestern Nigeria; and that okra production under weed control with pendimethalin is sustainable owing to the enhancement of soil nutrient status.