Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Glomus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae am Strains Influence on Soil Physical, Biological and Chemical Characteristics in Tea Plantations in Kenya
No full textArbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi occur over a wide range of agro climatic conditions and are geographically ubiquitous. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are the medium of soil structure, they determine the flow of water, nutrients, and air, directs the pathways of root growth, and opens channels for the movement of soil animals. As the moderator of the microbial community, they also determine the metabolic processes of the soil. In other words, the mycorrhizal network is practically synonymous with ecosystem function. The tremendous advances in research on mycorrhizal physiology and ecology over the past 40 years have led to a greater understanding of the multiple roles of AMF in the ecosystem. The current study was informed due to the depletion of nutrients and poor soil microbiology in tea production whose production has declined in the recent years. The trial was conducted in the research and development greenhouse at the James Finlays Farm in Kericho County, Kenya. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with factorial arrangements of tea clones and mycorrhizae levels. The phosphorus treatments consisted of a standard rate of 107.66kg ha -1, two clones of the tea (S15/10 and SC 12/28) and two mycorrhizal strains (Funneliformis mosseae and Glomus intraradices) at two rates (50 kg ha-1 and 70 kg ha-1) and an untreated control without mycorrhizae. The soil pH was positively influenced by reducing the acidity content significantly where mycorrhizae strains were introduced with the highest unit change (1.3) was recorded on clone SC 12/28 at the 50 kg Mycorrhizae ha-1 rate. The same treatment also significantly increased the soil total phosphorus level (2.3 g/kg) compared to all other treatments with the least change observed on the control. Application of AMF strains Glomus intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae is recommended in tea production at the rate of 50 kg ha-1 which improves and enhances the general positive characteristics of soil health
Phytochemicals, Heavy Metal and Proximate Analysis of Parkia biglobosa and Three Varieties of Bouillon Cubes (Purchased From Iyana Iba Market, Ojo Local Government Area in Lagos, Nigeria
No full textDespite the huge nutritional values and availability of local seasonings such as Parkia biglobosa, knorr chicken as food seasonings, some developing countries like Nigeria require more information on the needs for increasing their utilization. Analysis was done using standard analytical methods, to compare the nutritional and heavy metal composition of P. biglobosa seed and bouillon cubes (Knorr chicken, magi star and Tasty cubes). The specific focus was to find out the proximate analysis (carbohydrate, fat, protein and vitamin), heavy metals, Minerals and phytochemicals composition of P. biglobosa and bouillon cubes. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used in the determination of the levels of (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn). Phytochemicals, including phytic acid, tannins, carotenoids, phenols, saponins and hydrocyanic acid were also determined using method of Ola and Oboh [19]. The result shows that the seeds of P. biglobosa had significantly higher (p<0.05) Moisture (17.530±3.686) crude protein (25.722±3.524%), crude fat (27.536±2.273%) and Crude fiber (6.540±1.795%) contents compared to the bouillon cubes (Knorr chicken, Maggi Star, tasty cubes). The bouillon cubes had significantly higher (p>0.05) contents of ash (22.188±0.950, 24.092±0.911, 22.880±0.736) which is found to be low in P. biglobosa seed. Carbohydrate level in bouillon cubes were also found to have higher means values of (28.87±1.581, 46.785±2.243, 38.035±12.574). The minerals content of the analyzed samples shows that the P. biglobosa seeds have higher means value in Ca (126.285±16.393), Na (150.820±25.075), and K (1454.432±199.575) and bouillon cubes were also found to be high in (Ca, Na , K , Fe), respectively. While the values of (Mn, Zn, Cr Cb, Pb pH) were found to have low mean value which were higher than WHO permissible limits. For the ANFs, P. biglobosa seeds recorded higher levels of Phytic acid (31.171±8.369 mg/100g), saponins (15.767±4.663 mg/100g) and tannins (55.772±6.655 mg/100g), Total carotenoids (41.561±2.632), Total phenols (65.689±14.439), Hydrocyanic acid (7.618±1.922mg/100g) and Ascorbic acid (101.025±11.670 mg/100g) while it was not detected (ND) in bouillon cubes on analysis. T he heavy metal contents in P. biglobosa was found to be high in copper with mean value of (2.478±2.077) while it was found to be insignificant in (Cr, Cb, and pb) and are not within the recommended value by WHO. The overall results are suggestive of higher nutritional quality of the Parkia biglobosa seeds than the bouillon cubes. It was therefore recommended that information concerning the use of local seasonings should be made available through public awareness campaign
Interaction Effect of Land Uses and Time on Some Water Transmission Properties and Fertility Status of an Ultisol in Imo State, Nigeria
No full textThe interaction of land use and time on some soil water transmission properties and fertility status of an Ultisol was examined. Results indicate that the texture of the soils ranged from sandy loamy to sandy clay loam and was unaffected by land use and time. The bulk density varied significantly across the land uses with the Sand mining site SM having the highest bulk density of 1.7 and 1.78 g/cm3 in the first and second years respectively. The Primary forest, PFL had the lowest BD of 1.50 and 1.78 g/cm3 in the first and second year of studies respectively. Similarly the percentage porosity varied significantly across the four land uses and has its highest value of 43.1 and 42.3% in the first PFL of the first and second year studies. Also the saturated hydraulic conductivity KSat and moisture content MC were significantly different across the four land uses, the Ksat was highest in the PFL in both first and second year of studies (17.2 and 14.7 cm/min), the least Ksat values of 6.70 and 5.88 cm/min occurred in the 1st year sand mining site SM. Similarly there was a significant difference (P>0.05) in the percentage organic matter OM, Total nitrogen N, available phosphorous P, exchangeable acidity, Percentage base saturation BS, and CEC across the land uses, however the total N was only significant in land uses PFL and not in the other land uses. Generally the soil quality indicators ranged from low to moderate in ratings and have affected productivity of recent in the area. Appropriate land uses that will restore the productive potentials of the soil should be adopted and sustained. Similarly the organic matter of the soils should be improved on as this will go a long way in improving appreciably the poor soil water transmission properties
Effects of the Digestate Produced by the Bio-Digester EB.06019.LHT-MWINDA on the pH of Kimwenza-Mission Soil and the Growth of Amaranthus cruentus
No full textThe evaluation of the effects of the digestate produced by the reactor EB.06019.LHT-MWINDA on the pH of Kimwenza soil and the growth of Amaranthus cruentus was conducted during the dry season (June-July 2019). Two treatments were used for the experiment: NPK (T1) and digestate (T2). The untreated soil was taken as a negative control(T0). The results obtained show that the digestate has a more neutralizing effect on the acidity of the Kimwenza-mission soil than the mineral fertilizer: the pH increased from 4.40 ± 0.33 to 9.28 ± 0.45 for T2 versus 5.19 ± 0.59 to 7.71 ± 0.29 for T1. The plants treated with T2 gave leaves with relatively more weight (1.8 ± 0.5g) than those obtained with T1 (1.06 ± 0.87g). It was observed that plants treated with digestate were taller (10,4 ±1,1m) than those with NPK (9,45 ±1,13m). The average number of leaves obtained from plants was 7.06 ; 6.36 and 5.97 respectively for T2, T1 and T0. These results are an indication that the digestate produced by the reactor EB.06019.LHT-MWINDA could be used for the amendment of the acidic soil of Kimwenza-Mission and therefore contribute to reducing significantly the use of synthetic agro-chemicals, hence decreasing residual environmental and human health hazards
Salinity and Sodicity Status of the Floodplain Soils of Kebbi State, North Western, Nigeria
No full textFloodplain soils are the sites for most of agricultural activities during dry seasons. With efficient irrigation facilities such as tube wells and water pumps, they can produce 2-3 short duration crops during a year. However, due to persistent irrigation activities, these soils are always susceptible to salinization and sodicity hazards. High salt content in the soil inhibits uptake of plant nutrients and water, while high sodium content in sodic soils destroys soil structure and consequently reduces the rate of permeability and aeration. In view of this, it becomes necessary to assess the level of salinity and sodicity of the floodplain soils of the study area; Augie, Argungu, Birnin Kebbi and Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State, so as to ascertain the appropriate management practices to be applied on these soils. Soluble salts were as such analyzed. It was observed that the calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+) and Sodium (Na2+), were in the value of 1.90cmol(+)kg-1, 1.66cmol(+)kg-1, 0.16cmol(+)kg-1, and 0.34cmol(+)kg-1, respectively. Salinity and sodicity determinants were also analyzed where pH was observed to be 6.88, electrical conductivity (EC) 0.19dSm-1 exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) 2.09%. The data were subjected to statistical analysis so as understand the relationship between the four local government areas. Based on the concentration of pH, EC and ESP, the soils could be said to be free from salinity and sodicity hazards at least for now. However, due to the high concentration of Mg2+, K+ and Na+, the soils could be said to have potential threat to salinity and sodicity problems and therefore proper management strategies should be practiced to prevent their further concentration
Soil Chemical Properties Changes under Alley Cropping in Terrace Ecosystem of Bangladesh
No full textSoil health needs to be improved for the sustenance of a productive agriculture and sound environment where alley cropping system might play a vital role. The study was composed of two factors viz. three alley widths of Gliricidia sepium (3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 m), and five nitrogen levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the recommended dose) along with pruned materials in a split-plot design with three replications. The soil chemical properties were examined in alleys of Gliricidia sepium tree over two consecutive seasons. Results displayed that pruned materials (PM) of G. sepium increased the soil pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S), exchangeable calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil in different alley widths compared to the control. However, alley width 3.0 m and 100% N along with PM displayed the maximum OC (0.94%), total N (0.21%), available P (16.26 ppm), exchangeable Ca (2.54 meq/100 g) and Mg (0.90 meq/100 g), while maximum exchangeable K and CEC were noted in alley width 4.5 m and 100% N along with PM. The above results explicated that the improvement of the soil chemical properties by using pruned materials of G. sepium in alleys can be a promising option for uplifting the soil health condition as well as sustainable agricultural practices
Physico-chemical Characterization of the Soils of New Heveicolate Localities of Côte d’Ivoire: Case of the Departments of Man (West) and Toumodi (Centre)
No full textIn order to assess the suitability of soils for rubber cultivation in the departments of Man and Toumodi, two new rubber-growing areas, a study was carried out to evaluate the physical, physico-chemical and chemical characteristics of soils under rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). The methodology used consisted of a physical description of twelve soil pits, coupled with chemical analyses of the soil samples taken. The pedological profiles carried out revealed that these soils belong mainly to the Ferralsol class with distinctive characteristics, except for those of Kimoukro (Toumodi) which belong to the Cambisol class. The Toumodi soils, of silty-clay-sandy texture, are provided with coarse elements (≥30 p.c) with good internal drainage in the surface horizons. More or less deep, depending on the topographical position, Toumodi soils are slightly acidic (pH = 6) and less supplied with nitrogen and exchangeable bases. The soils of Man, on the other hand, have a sandy-clay texture, with more than 30 p.c. of clay from the surface to the depths. The bulk density (Da = 1.6 ≥ 1.5 g/cm3) was higher for the soils of this locality compared to those of Toumodi (Da = 0.8 ≤ 1 g/cm3). The soils of Man, which are less rich in nitrogen and carbon, are more acidic (pH = 5.4). Exchangeable base contents and CEC are high, mainly in the upper surface horizons
Assessment of the Dietitian Experts’ Role in Khartoum State Hospitals-Sudan
No full textBackground: Nutrition is a major lifestyle factor in health promotion, prevention and treatment of several population health issues [1]. There are some published studies that show the benefits associated with nutrition interventions provided by dietitians but there is still a need for studies that go beyond the intervention approach to explore these roles teams [2]. In this study out of a total of 227 dietitians in Khartoum state government hospitals, only 42 participated in the electronic questionnaire. The majority (31.0%) of these dietitians were aged between 40-49 years with 93.10% experienced between 6-10 years, Also, most of them (52.4%) have post-graduate studies and have a good awareness of their field of specialization. However, they pointed out that there are some obstacles to work, such as working components (31.1%).
Objectives: The main ejective of this study was to assess the dietitian experts’ role in Khartoum hospital state, The specific objectives was to assess the dietitians role, services provided, dietitian knowledge in Khartoum hospitals state, to assess the level of performance of dietitian experts and their specializations, and whether there are any impediments to doing so.
Study design (method used): The researcher(s) adopted a cross-sectional descriptive analytical study. An online electronic questionnaire was sent to a dietitians in government hospitals in Khartoum state in the period from September 18 to October 18, 2021, as a data collection tool to identify the participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, services provided, and Knowledge assessment After the approval of the head of the department at the Ministry of Health, the electronic questionnaire was sent to the dietitians in hospitals through Google, then the data was analyzed using the SPSS program and placed in the tables.
Sampling: The questionnaire targeted all dietitians experts in government hospitals in Khartoum state (227) but the number that completed the questionnaire was 42.
Problem Statement: There are not many studies that explain the role and importance of dietitian in hospitals and some performance problems, so I wanted to shed light on these aspects.
Hypotheses: Due to my work for several years in Khartoum state hospitals, I expect that the nutritionist will have the scientific information that would enable them to perform, but they lack the possibility of having work tools to help that.
Setting: The research was conducted in the state of Khartoum, which is the capital of Sudan and inhabited by about 8 million people, representing the various cultures and races in Sudan. The nutrition departments are affiliated to the Hospital Administration at the Ministry of Health, which has close to 54 of government hospitals, which providing service for 24 hours, including general and specialized hospitals [3,4].
Participants: The number of dietitians in government hospitals was approximately 227, and only 42 of them participated in completing the questionnaire
Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers Applications Levels on Greenhouse Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Yield and Soil Quality in Khost Province
No full textThe study was carried out to determine the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on tomato yield and soil quality. The study was performed in a randomized complete block design consisting of 7 treatments with 3 replications in the research farm, Shaikh Zayed University, Khost, Afghanistan. The fertilizers treatments were T1, organic fertilizer (5 t/ha); T2, organic fertilizer (10 t/ha); T3, urea (150 Kg/ha); T4, urea (200 Kg/ha); T5, mixed fertilizers (organic fertilizer 3 t/ha + urea (100 Kg/ha); T6, mixed fertilizers (organic fertilizer 6 t/ha + urea (70 Kg/ha) and T7 a control. Results indicate that applications of inorganic fertilizers with a combination of organic fertilizers increased tomato yield and improves the nutrient status of the soil. T5 showed the highest yield of tomato and followed by T4 treatment, which were 33.1 and 31.7 t/ha respectively. The lower yield were obtained in T7 and T1 treatments. The highest plant heights (205.0 and 199.0 cm) were obtained in T5 and T4 respectively, while the lowest plant heights were obtained in T1 treatment and followed by T7 treatment. Similarly, we found that a combination of both inorganic and organic fertilizers application also is the best strategy to improve soil nutrients, maintain soil fertility. Soil P2O5 and K2O, where the highest amounts were obtained in T5 and followed by T6, which were 26.5, 22.5 and 44.5 and 41.5 mg/L respectively. The control treatment had the lowest amount of P2O5 and K2O. Therefore, this study suggests that an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer with inorganic fertilizer not only increased tomato yield but also improve soil fertility
Effects of Prilled Urea, Urea Briquettes and NPK Briquettes on the Growth, Yield and Nitrogen use Efficiency of BRRI Dhan48
No full textNitrogen is one of the most deficient plant nutrients in Bangladesh soils. The use nitrogenous fertilizer especially urea is a commonly used fertilizer for rice production but its efficiency very low about 30-40% under traditional broadcast method A field experiment was carried out in the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during Aus rice growing season of 2014 to investigate the effects of prilled urea, urea briquettes and NPK briquettes on the growth, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency of BRRI dhan48. There were six treatments as T1 [check (N0P16K42], T2 [Urea briquette (one-3.4 g) (N52P16K42)], T3 (Urea briquette (one-2.7 g (N78P16K42)], T4 [NPK briquette (one-3.4g)(N51P13K32], T5 [Prilled urea (N78P16K42)] and T6 [NPK briquettes(two-2.4 g briquettes (N78P15K42)]. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments and four replications. Prilled urea was applied in two equal splits application; at 8 days after transplanting (DAT) and the second dose after 38 DAT, while for urea briquettes and NPK briquettes were deep placed (8-10 cm depth) at 8 DAT between four hills at alternate rows. Water samples were collected for every 7 consecutive days and analyzed for NH4-N. The results showed that the NH4-N concentration in floodwater reached to maximum on day 2 in PU treated plots and then decreased with time, while the urea briquettes and NPK briquettes treated plots slowly produced NH4-N over the growth period. The highest grain yield of 4.75 t ha-1 (69% over control) was obtained in the treatment T3 [Urea briquette (one-2.7g) (N78P16K42)]. The treatment T3 also produced the highest straw yield of 5.49 t ha-1. The maximum apparent N recovery and the maximum N use efficiency were found in the treatment T4 [NPK briquette (one-3.4g) (N51P13K32)]. It appeared that the deep placement of urea briquettes and NPK briquettes reduced N-losses and enhanced the recovery of applied N as well as N use efficiency in comparison with PU application