Volume 1, Issue 1

African Bird's eye pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) growers have a problem with establishment, due to poor seed germination and low seedling emergence. These are related to seed dormancy. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different hydro-priming duration on the seedling emergence and growth parameters of African Bird's eye pepper. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six treatments (0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 hours priming duration) and four replicates. Data collected were Germination percentage (GP), Germination rate (GR), Mean germination time (MGT), Seedling emergence percentage (SEP), Seedling emergence rate (SER), Mean emergence time (MET), Seedling vigour index (SVI), seedling height, leaf number, leaf area, stem girth, root length, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight and root dry weight. The best GP (100%), GR (33.33), MGT (3.00), SEP (100%), SER (22.22), MET (4.50) and SVI (8.02) were obtained from seeds hydro-primed for 12 hours. Similarly, Seeds primed for 12 hours produced taller seedlings (3.52 cm), with broader leaves (5.09 cm²), larger stem girth (4.68 mm), longer root (3.67 cm), heavier fresh and dry shoot weights (0.155 and 0.036 g respectively) as well as heavier fresh and dry root weights (0.140 and 0.036 g respectively). It can be concluded that the optimum duration for hydro-priming African Bird's eye pepper seeds for improved germination and seedling growth is 12 hours.

Sulphur (S) deficiency in agricultural soils is an increasing concern, particularly in Southwest Nigeria where continuous cropping and nutrient depletion have become prevalent. This study investigated the effects of organic amendments (poultry manure and cow dung) applied at varying phosphorus (P) rates on sulphur fractions and maize performance in soils of Southwest Nigeria. The experiment was conducted as a 2×4 factorial in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Treatments comprised two organic amendments (poultry manure at 5 t/ha and cow dung at 5 t/ha) and four phosphorus rates (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P₂O₅/ha). Results showed that organic amendment application significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced soil sulphur fractions, with poultry manure consistently outperforming cow dung in terms of total S, available S and organic S contents. Phosphorus application at 60 kg P₂O₅/ha combined with poultry manure recorded the highest values for most soil S fractions and maize performance indicators including plant height, leaf area index, cob weight and grain yield. The study concluded that the combined application of poultry manure at 5 t/ha and phosphorus at 60 kg P₂O₅/ha optimizes sulphur availability and enhances maize performance in the studied soils.

Heavy metal contamination in soil poses a significant threat to soil microbial diversity and enzymatic functioning, which are critical for ecosystem sustainability. This study examined how different Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) species influence microbial populations and enzyme activities in soils contaminated with heavy metals (cadmium and lead). A greenhouse pot experiment was set up in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with treatments including two AMF species (Glomus mosseae and Rhizophagus irregularis), two heavy metals (Cd and Pb) at two concentration levels, and a control. Results indicated that AMF inoculation significantly increased total bacteria count, fungi count, and actinomycete populations in contaminated soils compared to uninoculated controls. Enzyme activities including urease, phosphatase and dehydrogenase were markedly higher in AMF-treated soils. Rhizophagus irregularis generally performed better than Glomus mosseae in maintaining microbial populations and enzyme activities under heavy metal stress. The findings suggest that AMF inoculation is a viable bioremediation strategy for restoring soil biological activity in heavy metal-contaminated agricultural soils.

Wetlands are among the most ecologically significant yet vulnerable ecosystems globally, providing critical services such as flood regulation, water purification, biodiversity support, and carbon sequestration. In Nigeria, rapid population growth, agricultural expansion and urban encroachment have intensified land degradation pressures on wetland ecosystems. This study assessed land degradation risk in selected wetlands of Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria using geospatial techniques including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing. Land use/land cover maps were produced from multi-temporal satellite imagery and analysed alongside soil physical and chemical data. Results revealed a progressive decline in wetland extent from 2000 to 2020, with conversion primarily to agricultural land and settlements. Geospatial analysis identified areas of high degradation risk characterized by soil compaction, salinization indicators and vegetation loss. The study provides empirical evidence for targeted intervention and conservation strategies to halt and reverse wetland degradation in the study area.

Kola nut (Cola nitida, Vent. Schott. & Endl.) is an economically important tree crop in West Africa with a long history of cultural and commercial significance. Seed dormancy is a major constraint to large-scale propagation. This study evaluated the influence of biotype colour, scarification techniques and scarification intensity on germination and early growth of kola plantlets in the pre-nursery stage. Seeds from two biotypes (white-cotyledon and red-cotyledon) were subjected to three scarification techniques (epicarp scrapping, epicarp cutting and soaking in water) at three intensity levels (25%, 50% and 75% surface area treatment). Results showed that biotype colour significantly influenced germination, with white-cotyledon kola exhibiting superior germination percentage (86.67%) compared to red-cotyledon (73.33%). Epicarp cutting at 50% intensity produced the best overall germination and seedling growth parameters. The interaction of biotype colour, scarification technique and intensity had significant effects on most growth variables. These findings provide practical guidelines for nursery operators and kola growers seeking to optimize propagation of this important tree crop.

Weed competition is a major biotic constraint to sweet potato production in Nigeria, causing significant yield losses if not effectively managed. This study evaluated the varietal response of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) to different herbicide rates integrated with hoe weeding during the early cropping season in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Three sweet potato varieties (TIS 87/0087, UMUSPO/1 and UMUSPO/3) were exposed to four weed control treatments: metolachlor at 1.5 L/ha + one hoe weeding, metolachlor at 2.0 L/ha + one hoe weeding, two hoe weedings at 3 and 6 weeks after planting, and unweeded control. The experiment was set up as a 3×4 factorial in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Results revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in weed dry matter, vine length, number of leaves, tuber number and tuber yield across treatments and varieties. UMUSPO/3 recorded the highest tuber yield (14.2 t/ha) when treated with metolachlor at 2.0 L/ha integrated with hoe weeding. The unweeded control recorded the lowest yield across all varieties. Benefit-cost analysis indicated that the integration of metolachlor at 2.0 L/ha with one hoe weeding was the most economically viable weed management option for sweet potato production in the study area.

Waterlogged soils under rice cultivation often exhibit impaired soil health due to anaerobic conditions that alter microbial dynamics and nutrient cycling. Biochar amendment has been proposed as a strategy to improve soil health under such conditions. This study assessed soil health in waterlogged soil cultivated to rice following amendment with rice straw biochar (RSB), magnetic rice straw biochar (MRSB), urea-intercalated rice straw biochar (URSB) and urea-intercalated magnetic rice straw biochar (UMRSB). A pot experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments including an unamended control. Soil health indicators assessed included microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and urease activity. Results showed that MRSB and UMRSB amendments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased MBC, MBN and urease activity compared to the control and plain RSB treatment. DOC and DON values were highest in URSB-amended soils. The magnetic modifications of rice straw biochar showed superior capacity to improve biological indicators of soil health in waterlogged paddy soils, suggesting their potential application in sustainable rice production systems.