This document summarizes a study on the response of late season maize/soybean intercropping to nitrogen fertilizer in southern Nigeria. The study investigated different nitrogen rates (0-100 kg/ha) and crop arrangements (sole and mixed cropping) on maize and soybean yield. The results showed that nitrogen fertilization increased yields for both crops in both sole and mixed systems. Applying 100 kg/ha nitrogen to maize increased various yield components by 15-153% compared to no nitrogen. For soybean, 100 kg/ha nitrogen increased yield components by 14-120% over no nitrogen. Optimum soybean yield was obtained at 50 kg/ha nitrogen. Intercropping maize and soy
The comparative efficiency of organic and synthetic fertilizers were studied on maize and cowpea, two staple
Nigerian crops. Chemical fertilizer did not support yield as much as poultry manure (PM) or arbuscular mycorrhizal
fungi(AMF), individual or in a combined state. The combination of PM and AMF was the best application expressing
yield in form of shoot productivity. Glomus clarum was a good fertilizing candidate in this study
Evaluation of Improved Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L) Varieties for Adaptation ...Premier Publishers
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This study was carried out to evaluate and identify adapted improved cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) (Fabaceae) varieties in southern tigray lowlands of Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted during the 2016 and 2017 main cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications to evaluate three improved cowpea varieties for yield and yield related traits under rain-fed conditions at Mekoni Agricultural Research Center site and Kara Adisheho farmerâs field. Analysis of variance showed that all the traits measured were statistically significant at 5% level of probability except plant height. The earliest days to 90% maturity (79 days) were observed for the variety Kenkety, whereas the longest was recorded by bole variety (89.6 days). Similarly, Kenkety variety filled their seeds in a short period of time (25 days) compared to Assebot and Bole varieties (29; 32 days). The highest pooled mean grain yield was obtained from Kenkety variety (1958 kgha-1), while Assebot and Bole had the lowest yield of 1656 and 1481 kgha-1 respectively. When we see variety Ă location wise mean, still Kenkety variety outsmarts in both locations over the varieties and Kara Adisheho were suitable for cowpea production with (2128 kgha-1) grain yield. Taken as a whole, Kenkety variety over weights Assebot and Bole varieties especially for the two main traits of earliness and yield performance. Thus, Kenkety was promising variety for demonstration and scaling up activities in the agro ecology.
Poultry manure application and fallow improves peanut production in a sandy s...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
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To meet our food security demands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) needs to improve smallholder subsistence agriculture by promoting the production of cash crops that mature early and have a high market value. Peanut is a typical example of a cash crop which potentially has a high market value, but pod yields are low due to declinein soil quality. A field experiment was conducted under 4 different land use systems (LUS) to evaluate the effects of continuous peanut cultivation on peanut pod yield and on selected soil properties. Peanut pod yield declined significantly under the continuous peanut and peanut/corn rotation systems; while the poultry manure and land fallow systems significantly increased pod yield. Over the 3 cropping seasons, significant changes in organic carbon; extractable potassium and CEC in all cropping systems occurred, while changes in total N was significant in the peanut/corn rotation and poultry manure cropping systems only. No significant changes in bulk density; field capacity; electrical conductivity; soil pH and available phosphorus were observed in all the 4 LUS over the 3 cropping seasons. We suggest that adequate fallow periods of more than 1 year and poultry manures are applied to enhance soil quality and improve peanut productivity and/or sustain peanut production in marginal lands under continuous cultivation
Integrating striga resistant maize and spatial arrangement of intercropped co...Innspub Net
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Infestation of maize fields by Striga asiatica in coastal Kenya is increasing due to continuous mono-cropping of cereals without replenishment of soil nutrients, hence reducing land productivity. This may therefore lead to food insecurity if a viable solution is not found. A study was conducted to determine if integrating striga resistant maize and cowpea spatial arrangement could offer an effective solution to the striga problem. The study was conducted at KALRO Matuga in 2012 and 2013. A randomized complete block design, with three replications, was used. Maize varieties differed significantly in their stover yield in 2013 LR seasons but the varieties did not show any significant effect on striga stand counts in both seasons. Spatial arrangement of intercropped cowpea significantly influenced maize grain and stover yields in 2013 LR season. Maize variety V2 showed some tolerance
to striga weed. This variety is therefore recommended for multi-locational evaluation under the National Performance Trials (NPTs) to ascertain its superiority to the current commercial maize varieties (Coast Maize Composite, Pwani Hybrid 1 and Pwani Hybrid 4). Within row spatial arrangement of inter cropped cowpea gave higher maize yields than the between row arrangement. Farmers are therefore likely to realize improved maize yields by adopting the within row spatial arrangement of inter-cropped cowpea. Get the full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/volume-7-number-6-december-2015-ijaar/
Evaluation of the Growth and Yield Performances of Maize in a Soybean Culture...iosrjce
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IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The journal provides a common forum where all aspects of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences are presented. The journal invites original papers, review articles, technical reports and short communications containing new insight into any aspect Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences that are not published or not being considered for publication elsewhere.
Systems Approaches for Perennial Crops: Case Studies from Perennial Wheat in ...FAO
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http://www.fao.org/agriculture/crops/thematic-sitemap/theme/spi/en/
Presentation by Len Wade (Charles Sturt University) describing the role and benefit of perennial crops in farming systems using examples from Australia and Asia. The presentation was delivered in occasion of the âPutting Perennial crops to work in practiceâ workshop in Bamako, Mali (1-5 September 2015).
The comparative efficiency of organic and synthetic fertilizers were studied on maize and cowpea, two staple
Nigerian crops. Chemical fertilizer did not support yield as much as poultry manure (PM) or arbuscular mycorrhizal
fungi(AMF), individual or in a combined state. The combination of PM and AMF was the best application expressing
yield in form of shoot productivity. Glomus clarum was a good fertilizing candidate in this study
Evaluation of Improved Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L) Varieties for Adaptation ...Premier Publishers
Â
This study was carried out to evaluate and identify adapted improved cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) (Fabaceae) varieties in southern tigray lowlands of Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted during the 2016 and 2017 main cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications to evaluate three improved cowpea varieties for yield and yield related traits under rain-fed conditions at Mekoni Agricultural Research Center site and Kara Adisheho farmerâs field. Analysis of variance showed that all the traits measured were statistically significant at 5% level of probability except plant height. The earliest days to 90% maturity (79 days) were observed for the variety Kenkety, whereas the longest was recorded by bole variety (89.6 days). Similarly, Kenkety variety filled their seeds in a short period of time (25 days) compared to Assebot and Bole varieties (29; 32 days). The highest pooled mean grain yield was obtained from Kenkety variety (1958 kgha-1), while Assebot and Bole had the lowest yield of 1656 and 1481 kgha-1 respectively. When we see variety Ă location wise mean, still Kenkety variety outsmarts in both locations over the varieties and Kara Adisheho were suitable for cowpea production with (2128 kgha-1) grain yield. Taken as a whole, Kenkety variety over weights Assebot and Bole varieties especially for the two main traits of earliness and yield performance. Thus, Kenkety was promising variety for demonstration and scaling up activities in the agro ecology.
Poultry manure application and fallow improves peanut production in a sandy s...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Â
To meet our food security demands, Papua New Guinea (PNG) needs to improve smallholder subsistence agriculture by promoting the production of cash crops that mature early and have a high market value. Peanut is a typical example of a cash crop which potentially has a high market value, but pod yields are low due to declinein soil quality. A field experiment was conducted under 4 different land use systems (LUS) to evaluate the effects of continuous peanut cultivation on peanut pod yield and on selected soil properties. Peanut pod yield declined significantly under the continuous peanut and peanut/corn rotation systems; while the poultry manure and land fallow systems significantly increased pod yield. Over the 3 cropping seasons, significant changes in organic carbon; extractable potassium and CEC in all cropping systems occurred, while changes in total N was significant in the peanut/corn rotation and poultry manure cropping systems only. No significant changes in bulk density; field capacity; electrical conductivity; soil pH and available phosphorus were observed in all the 4 LUS over the 3 cropping seasons. We suggest that adequate fallow periods of more than 1 year and poultry manures are applied to enhance soil quality and improve peanut productivity and/or sustain peanut production in marginal lands under continuous cultivation
Integrating striga resistant maize and spatial arrangement of intercropped co...Innspub Net
Â
Infestation of maize fields by Striga asiatica in coastal Kenya is increasing due to continuous mono-cropping of cereals without replenishment of soil nutrients, hence reducing land productivity. This may therefore lead to food insecurity if a viable solution is not found. A study was conducted to determine if integrating striga resistant maize and cowpea spatial arrangement could offer an effective solution to the striga problem. The study was conducted at KALRO Matuga in 2012 and 2013. A randomized complete block design, with three replications, was used. Maize varieties differed significantly in their stover yield in 2013 LR seasons but the varieties did not show any significant effect on striga stand counts in both seasons. Spatial arrangement of intercropped cowpea significantly influenced maize grain and stover yields in 2013 LR season. Maize variety V2 showed some tolerance
to striga weed. This variety is therefore recommended for multi-locational evaluation under the National Performance Trials (NPTs) to ascertain its superiority to the current commercial maize varieties (Coast Maize Composite, Pwani Hybrid 1 and Pwani Hybrid 4). Within row spatial arrangement of inter cropped cowpea gave higher maize yields than the between row arrangement. Farmers are therefore likely to realize improved maize yields by adopting the within row spatial arrangement of inter-cropped cowpea. Get the full articles at: http://www.innspub.net/volume-7-number-6-december-2015-ijaar/
Evaluation of the Growth and Yield Performances of Maize in a Soybean Culture...iosrjce
Â
IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The journal provides a common forum where all aspects of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences are presented. The journal invites original papers, review articles, technical reports and short communications containing new insight into any aspect Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences that are not published or not being considered for publication elsewhere.
Systems Approaches for Perennial Crops: Case Studies from Perennial Wheat in ...FAO
Â
http://www.fao.org/agriculture/crops/thematic-sitemap/theme/spi/en/
Presentation by Len Wade (Charles Sturt University) describing the role and benefit of perennial crops in farming systems using examples from Australia and Asia. The presentation was delivered in occasion of the âPutting Perennial crops to work in practiceâ workshop in Bamako, Mali (1-5 September 2015).
A comparative study on the response of six maize hybrids: two
hybrids each from the 1980s (8321-21 and 8425-8), 1990s (9801-11 and 9803-2)
and 2000s (0103-11 and 0103-15) to sub-optimal and optimal nitrogen fertilization
was conducted in Oke-Oyi, Nigeria. The trials were set up in a split plot with three
nitrogen levels (0, 30 and 90 kg N ha-1) as a main plot and six hybrids as sub-plots.
Significant interactions were observed between hybrid and N level for all
characters, with increasing in variation as the level of N decreased. Mean grain
yield reductions across eras were 73.8% at no-N and 32.6% at low-N, and those of
optimal-N fertilization were 34.3% and 15.7% for 1980s and 1990s genotypes
respectively. Depending on N treatment, grain yield varied from 0.67 to 4.89 t ha-1.
Kernel number was most severely reduced by N stress, but had positive and highly
significant (pâ€0.01) correlation with grain yield at all N levels. Genetic gains in
grain yield were 42% (between 1980 and 2000 eras) and 9% (between 1990 and
2000 eras) under optimal-N fertilization. The two modern hybrids of 2000 era
(0103-11 and 0103-15) were outstanding for all the agronomic traits and leaf
chlorophyll concentration at all N levels. Improving traits associated with fertilizer
N response could accelerate rate of genetic gains in maize yields.
Ecophysiological Yield Components In Wheat Cultivars Under Variable Phosphoru...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
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Abstractâ Effects of P deficiency and interactions Cultivar x P available, on wheat yield and ecophysiological components were analysed, considering that the grain number m-2 is the product of the length of spike growth period, crop growth rate during this phase, the proportion of growth for spikes (partitioning) and spike fertility (grain number produced per unit of spike dry weight). Four cultivars with different strategy to generate yield (i.e. combinations of ecophysiological yield components) were compared with and without P fertilization, during two years in Azul, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The soil was moderately P deficient (7-9 mg P kg-1 soil) and P fertilization treatments (50 kg P ha-1) were established at sowing. P deficiencies affected yield and most of its components, the exceptions were: partitioning to spike, spike growth period and radiation use efficiency. The interaction Cultivar x P fertilization was not significant in all cases. The lack of interaction between cultivar and P level suggest that improvements in any crop physiological component will express in both, moderately deficiencies or high P environment.
Influence of NPK Fertilizer and Poultry Manure on the Growth of Okra (Abelmos...AI Publications
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Field trials were conducted during the 2018 rainy season at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma Teaching and Research Farm, Badole. The aim of the work was to evaluate the influence of different levels of NPK fertilizer (0, 40, 80 kg ha-1) and poultry manure (0, 4, 8 tonsâ ha-1) on the growth of okra. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The application of 4 and 8 tonsâ ha-1 of poultry manure showed significant difference on the number of plant per plot at 4 and 6WAS. While the application of NKP 15:15:15 at all level were statistically at par on the number of plant per plot. The application of poultry manure and NPK 15:15:15 showed significant difference among the treatment to plant height, number of leaves, leaves area, stem girth at various weeks of data collection. The increase in the level of poultry manure and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer showed the significant effects on number plant, number of leave per plant, leave area, plant height, stem girth. And some of parameters were statistically at far by varied level of factors and time. Okra variety Clemson spineless significantly gave taller plants and increase in the plant organs. Both NPK fertilizer and poultry manure were found to play a significant role in increasing the growth of okra plant.
Genotype by environment interaction and stability of extra-early maize hybrid...IJEAB
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Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important cereal crop produced in Ghana. However the change in environmental conditions, the expansion of maize to new agro-ecologies coupled with inadequate maize varieties available for the different environments affects yield improvement programmes in Ghana. Hence, the study is to investigate the influence of genotype by environment interaction on the maize hybrids and to identify stable and high yielding hybrids with superior agronomic for famers use in the country. The objectives of the study was to investigate the influence of genotype by environment interaction on the maize hybrids and to identify stable and high yielding hybrids with superior agronomic performance for famers use in Ghana. Thus, fifteen extra-early maize hybrids and three locally released checks were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in two locations in Ghana. The experiment was carried out at KNUST and Akomadan which represent the forest and forest transition zones of Ghana. Nine of the hybrids out of the fifteen hybrids evaluated produce above the average yield and the effect of genotype, location and genotype by location interaction was significant for grain yield. The GGE biplot used in this study revealed that TZEEI-1 x TZEEI-21, TZEEI-6 x TZEEI-21, TZEEI-15 x TZEEI-1 and TZEEI-29 x TZEEI-21 were high yielding and stable hybrids because they were closer to the ideal. The GGE biplot also identified Akomadan as the most ideal testing environment for these hybrids under irrigation.
Irrigation experiments of cocoa tend to concentrate on yield of matured cocoa trees compared to field establishment of young seedlings. Seedling survival leading to optimum population density are fundamental to obtaining maximum yield of crops. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of mulching and irrigation on survival of hybrid cocoa clone raised in three different growing media during the establishment phase. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arranged in a split-split plot design, with irrigation as the main plot factor, mulching as the subplot factor and growing media as the sub-sub plot factor with three replications. Cocoa pod husk (CPH) was used as the mulching material and each plant received 5kg at a rate of 5.6 t/ha. Irrigation was done daily by applying 4L of water except when it rains. Data was collected on soil moisture, plant height, leaf number, stem girth and plant survival. Results indicated that irrigation and mulching significantly (P<0.01) enhanced soil moisture. Cocoa seedlings raised in topsoil, mulched and irrigated significantly (P<0.05) increased survival rate (94.5%) compared to seedlings raised in soil without irrigation and no mulching (47.1%). Similarly, the survival rate of seedlings raised in growing media M2, mulched and irrigated (93.0%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than similar seedlings without irrigation (73.4%). However, the survival rate of seedlings raised in M3 without mulching but irrigated was significantly (<0.05) higher 92.1% compared to seedlings raised in M3 mulched and irrigated 67.1%. Irrigation is very important in ensuring high survival rate during early field establishment. Mulching with cocoa pod husk without irrigation did not improve cocoa seedling survival.
Reports of improvement in sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata) for grain yield and agronomic traits
through introgression of genes from the field corn (Zea mays L.) are common in literature. However, few
studies have reported improvement in field corn varieties for organoleptic and/or nutritional properties
through the transfer of recessive alleles that condition sweetness in sweet corn into the field corn. Field
and laboratory studies were conducted to determine changes in quantitative and qualitative
characteristics of three F1 hybrids derived by crossing sweet corn (pollen parent) unto field corn and
their F2 populations derived by sibmating approximately 200 ears from each of the F1 hybrids. Our
results showed significant changes in grain yield, grain protein concentration, carbohydrate and
calcium contents in the F1 hybrids and F2 populations. One hybrid (Pop31DMR x Sweet corn) had 21%
grain yield advantage over the maternal parent while another hybrid (Obatanpa x Sweet corn) showed
superiority for grain protein (27.3%) with corresponding lower carbohydrate content. Grains obtained
from the F2 populations had lower seed protein content than their respective maternal parents or the F1
hybrids and with corresponding higher carbohydrate content. Percent (%) loss in grain protein in the F2
seeds was higher than for other nutrient elements. Modest heterotic response was recorded for grain
yield in Pop31DMR x Sweet corn cross and for grain protein concentration in Obatanpa x Sweet corn
cross.
2 ijhaf dec-2017-3-effect of biochar issued fromAI Publications
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Cassava is an important food crop cultivated (75%) by smallholder farmers. However, yields are very low and rarely exceed 17tons/ha-1. A study was carried out at Nkolbisson in the humid forest zone (HFZ) of Cameroon to assess the effect of three types of biochar issued from Cassava (CSb), Ricehusk (RHb), and Corncob (CCb) on the root yield of variety 8034 cassava cultivated along a soil fertility gradient. The biochars were produced using an Elsa pyrolysis technology with carbonisation time of 50-58mins and temperature ranging from 400-6500C. Twelve 8m2 plots were constructed in three sites from the higher elevated, moderately elevated and flat fields.The biochars were applied at 20t.ha-1in three replicationsin a completely randomized design.Results showed that the biochars were high in nutrients containing 4.17-18.15g.kg-1 N, 22.26-42.51 mg.kg-1 P, 2.48-4.18 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (H2O: 7.78-10.81) and were significantly higher than the no-input soil containing 0.79g.kg-1 N, 7.41mg.kg-1 P, 1.42 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (5.68). Cassava root yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in RHb plots (23.22 t.ha-1) than CCb (20.53 t.ha-1), CSb (18.67 t.ha-1) and the no-input soil (16.13 t.ha-1). The addition of biochar particularly RHb, increasednutrient uptake in cassava leaves and roots compared with theno-input soil. The study concludes that biochars with higher N, Pand K content tend to increase cassava root yield and suggestsincreasing the quantity of biochar to 40t/ha-1or continuous application in combination with other farming options such as poultry manure, compost or mineral fertilizer tomaximize cassava productivity given the benefits of biochar.
Agro-Economic Benefits of Weed Biomass and Crop Residue in Maize Production S...IOSRJAVS
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The climatic conditions of coastal Kenya favour rapid weed growth, leading to the accumulation of large biomass of weeds between cropping seasons. Smallholder farmers in the region usually slash and remove the weed biomass and crop residue from their farms during land preparation in order to facilitate easy planting. The impact of such practice on the production of maize has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the farmersâ practice on the performance of maize and fertilizer requirement. Three methods of managing weed biomass and crop residue (removal from field, incorporation into soil, or use as surface mulch) and five fertilizer rates (60 kg N ha-1 , 20 kg P ha-1 , 30 kg N ha-1 , 10 kg P ha-1 , and no fertilizer application) were evaluated. Removal of weed biomass and crop residue from the field led to 20-26% loss in grain yield and reduced the returns to labour by 41-51%.There was no response to applied P where weed biomass and crop residue had been incorporated into soil. Efforts should therefore be made to educate farmers on the advantages of retaining weed biomass and crop residue on their farms as they prepare land for subsequent crops.
ActiveState, CA, Taking quality products to market faster with enterprise rea...ActiveState
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Open source programming languages such as Perl and Python have the highest instance of open source use in an organization at 57% according to a recent Forrester Research survey conducted with Dr. Dobb's readers. As dynamic languages presence and importance increases, organizations will rely more on enterprise-ready dynamic languages to create higher quality products, to take products to market quicker and to conserve development time and costs for core competencies.
A comparative study on the response of six maize hybrids: two
hybrids each from the 1980s (8321-21 and 8425-8), 1990s (9801-11 and 9803-2)
and 2000s (0103-11 and 0103-15) to sub-optimal and optimal nitrogen fertilization
was conducted in Oke-Oyi, Nigeria. The trials were set up in a split plot with three
nitrogen levels (0, 30 and 90 kg N ha-1) as a main plot and six hybrids as sub-plots.
Significant interactions were observed between hybrid and N level for all
characters, with increasing in variation as the level of N decreased. Mean grain
yield reductions across eras were 73.8% at no-N and 32.6% at low-N, and those of
optimal-N fertilization were 34.3% and 15.7% for 1980s and 1990s genotypes
respectively. Depending on N treatment, grain yield varied from 0.67 to 4.89 t ha-1.
Kernel number was most severely reduced by N stress, but had positive and highly
significant (pâ€0.01) correlation with grain yield at all N levels. Genetic gains in
grain yield were 42% (between 1980 and 2000 eras) and 9% (between 1990 and
2000 eras) under optimal-N fertilization. The two modern hybrids of 2000 era
(0103-11 and 0103-15) were outstanding for all the agronomic traits and leaf
chlorophyll concentration at all N levels. Improving traits associated with fertilizer
N response could accelerate rate of genetic gains in maize yields.
Ecophysiological Yield Components In Wheat Cultivars Under Variable Phosphoru...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Â
Abstractâ Effects of P deficiency and interactions Cultivar x P available, on wheat yield and ecophysiological components were analysed, considering that the grain number m-2 is the product of the length of spike growth period, crop growth rate during this phase, the proportion of growth for spikes (partitioning) and spike fertility (grain number produced per unit of spike dry weight). Four cultivars with different strategy to generate yield (i.e. combinations of ecophysiological yield components) were compared with and without P fertilization, during two years in Azul, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The soil was moderately P deficient (7-9 mg P kg-1 soil) and P fertilization treatments (50 kg P ha-1) were established at sowing. P deficiencies affected yield and most of its components, the exceptions were: partitioning to spike, spike growth period and radiation use efficiency. The interaction Cultivar x P fertilization was not significant in all cases. The lack of interaction between cultivar and P level suggest that improvements in any crop physiological component will express in both, moderately deficiencies or high P environment.
Influence of NPK Fertilizer and Poultry Manure on the Growth of Okra (Abelmos...AI Publications
Â
Field trials were conducted during the 2018 rainy season at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma Teaching and Research Farm, Badole. The aim of the work was to evaluate the influence of different levels of NPK fertilizer (0, 40, 80 kg ha-1) and poultry manure (0, 4, 8 tonsâ ha-1) on the growth of okra. The trial was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The application of 4 and 8 tonsâ ha-1 of poultry manure showed significant difference on the number of plant per plot at 4 and 6WAS. While the application of NKP 15:15:15 at all level were statistically at par on the number of plant per plot. The application of poultry manure and NPK 15:15:15 showed significant difference among the treatment to plant height, number of leaves, leaves area, stem girth at various weeks of data collection. The increase in the level of poultry manure and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer showed the significant effects on number plant, number of leave per plant, leave area, plant height, stem girth. And some of parameters were statistically at far by varied level of factors and time. Okra variety Clemson spineless significantly gave taller plants and increase in the plant organs. Both NPK fertilizer and poultry manure were found to play a significant role in increasing the growth of okra plant.
Genotype by environment interaction and stability of extra-early maize hybrid...IJEAB
Â
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important cereal crop produced in Ghana. However the change in environmental conditions, the expansion of maize to new agro-ecologies coupled with inadequate maize varieties available for the different environments affects yield improvement programmes in Ghana. Hence, the study is to investigate the influence of genotype by environment interaction on the maize hybrids and to identify stable and high yielding hybrids with superior agronomic for famers use in the country. The objectives of the study was to investigate the influence of genotype by environment interaction on the maize hybrids and to identify stable and high yielding hybrids with superior agronomic performance for famers use in Ghana. Thus, fifteen extra-early maize hybrids and three locally released checks were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in two locations in Ghana. The experiment was carried out at KNUST and Akomadan which represent the forest and forest transition zones of Ghana. Nine of the hybrids out of the fifteen hybrids evaluated produce above the average yield and the effect of genotype, location and genotype by location interaction was significant for grain yield. The GGE biplot used in this study revealed that TZEEI-1 x TZEEI-21, TZEEI-6 x TZEEI-21, TZEEI-15 x TZEEI-1 and TZEEI-29 x TZEEI-21 were high yielding and stable hybrids because they were closer to the ideal. The GGE biplot also identified Akomadan as the most ideal testing environment for these hybrids under irrigation.
Irrigation experiments of cocoa tend to concentrate on yield of matured cocoa trees compared to field establishment of young seedlings. Seedling survival leading to optimum population density are fundamental to obtaining maximum yield of crops. The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of mulching and irrigation on survival of hybrid cocoa clone raised in three different growing media during the establishment phase. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arranged in a split-split plot design, with irrigation as the main plot factor, mulching as the subplot factor and growing media as the sub-sub plot factor with three replications. Cocoa pod husk (CPH) was used as the mulching material and each plant received 5kg at a rate of 5.6 t/ha. Irrigation was done daily by applying 4L of water except when it rains. Data was collected on soil moisture, plant height, leaf number, stem girth and plant survival. Results indicated that irrigation and mulching significantly (P<0.01) enhanced soil moisture. Cocoa seedlings raised in topsoil, mulched and irrigated significantly (P<0.05) increased survival rate (94.5%) compared to seedlings raised in soil without irrigation and no mulching (47.1%). Similarly, the survival rate of seedlings raised in growing media M2, mulched and irrigated (93.0%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than similar seedlings without irrigation (73.4%). However, the survival rate of seedlings raised in M3 without mulching but irrigated was significantly (<0.05) higher 92.1% compared to seedlings raised in M3 mulched and irrigated 67.1%. Irrigation is very important in ensuring high survival rate during early field establishment. Mulching with cocoa pod husk without irrigation did not improve cocoa seedling survival.
Reports of improvement in sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata) for grain yield and agronomic traits
through introgression of genes from the field corn (Zea mays L.) are common in literature. However, few
studies have reported improvement in field corn varieties for organoleptic and/or nutritional properties
through the transfer of recessive alleles that condition sweetness in sweet corn into the field corn. Field
and laboratory studies were conducted to determine changes in quantitative and qualitative
characteristics of three F1 hybrids derived by crossing sweet corn (pollen parent) unto field corn and
their F2 populations derived by sibmating approximately 200 ears from each of the F1 hybrids. Our
results showed significant changes in grain yield, grain protein concentration, carbohydrate and
calcium contents in the F1 hybrids and F2 populations. One hybrid (Pop31DMR x Sweet corn) had 21%
grain yield advantage over the maternal parent while another hybrid (Obatanpa x Sweet corn) showed
superiority for grain protein (27.3%) with corresponding lower carbohydrate content. Grains obtained
from the F2 populations had lower seed protein content than their respective maternal parents or the F1
hybrids and with corresponding higher carbohydrate content. Percent (%) loss in grain protein in the F2
seeds was higher than for other nutrient elements. Modest heterotic response was recorded for grain
yield in Pop31DMR x Sweet corn cross and for grain protein concentration in Obatanpa x Sweet corn
cross.
2 ijhaf dec-2017-3-effect of biochar issued fromAI Publications
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Cassava is an important food crop cultivated (75%) by smallholder farmers. However, yields are very low and rarely exceed 17tons/ha-1. A study was carried out at Nkolbisson in the humid forest zone (HFZ) of Cameroon to assess the effect of three types of biochar issued from Cassava (CSb), Ricehusk (RHb), and Corncob (CCb) on the root yield of variety 8034 cassava cultivated along a soil fertility gradient. The biochars were produced using an Elsa pyrolysis technology with carbonisation time of 50-58mins and temperature ranging from 400-6500C. Twelve 8m2 plots were constructed in three sites from the higher elevated, moderately elevated and flat fields.The biochars were applied at 20t.ha-1in three replicationsin a completely randomized design.Results showed that the biochars were high in nutrients containing 4.17-18.15g.kg-1 N, 22.26-42.51 mg.kg-1 P, 2.48-4.18 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (H2O: 7.78-10.81) and were significantly higher than the no-input soil containing 0.79g.kg-1 N, 7.41mg.kg-1 P, 1.42 cmol.kg-1 K and pH (5.68). Cassava root yield was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in RHb plots (23.22 t.ha-1) than CCb (20.53 t.ha-1), CSb (18.67 t.ha-1) and the no-input soil (16.13 t.ha-1). The addition of biochar particularly RHb, increasednutrient uptake in cassava leaves and roots compared with theno-input soil. The study concludes that biochars with higher N, Pand K content tend to increase cassava root yield and suggestsincreasing the quantity of biochar to 40t/ha-1or continuous application in combination with other farming options such as poultry manure, compost or mineral fertilizer tomaximize cassava productivity given the benefits of biochar.
Agro-Economic Benefits of Weed Biomass and Crop Residue in Maize Production S...IOSRJAVS
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The climatic conditions of coastal Kenya favour rapid weed growth, leading to the accumulation of large biomass of weeds between cropping seasons. Smallholder farmers in the region usually slash and remove the weed biomass and crop residue from their farms during land preparation in order to facilitate easy planting. The impact of such practice on the production of maize has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the farmersâ practice on the performance of maize and fertilizer requirement. Three methods of managing weed biomass and crop residue (removal from field, incorporation into soil, or use as surface mulch) and five fertilizer rates (60 kg N ha-1 , 20 kg P ha-1 , 30 kg N ha-1 , 10 kg P ha-1 , and no fertilizer application) were evaluated. Removal of weed biomass and crop residue from the field led to 20-26% loss in grain yield and reduced the returns to labour by 41-51%.There was no response to applied P where weed biomass and crop residue had been incorporated into soil. Efforts should therefore be made to educate farmers on the advantages of retaining weed biomass and crop residue on their farms as they prepare land for subsequent crops.
ActiveState, CA, Taking quality products to market faster with enterprise rea...ActiveState
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Open source programming languages such as Perl and Python have the highest instance of open source use in an organization at 57% according to a recent Forrester Research survey conducted with Dr. Dobb's readers. As dynamic languages presence and importance increases, organizations will rely more on enterprise-ready dynamic languages to create higher quality products, to take products to market quicker and to conserve development time and costs for core competencies.
Development of drought-tolerant maize varieties with high and stable yields is very imperative as being affordable alternative to
many smallholder farmers. Drought-tolerant maize varieties belonging to two maturity groups (10 early and 10 late/intermediate) were evaluated
for yield and other related characters in the southern guinea savannah (SGS) of Nigeria for two years. Days to flowering were higher in
the second year than the first year. Consistent number of days (3 days) was recorded for anthesis-silking interval in both years. Plant and
ear heights are greater in 2008 than 2007. However, plant and ear aspects were fair in overall phenotypic appeal and grain yield was not
significantly difference in both years. Maize grain yield in late/intermediate varieties is significantly higher than the early with a difference of
one tonne. High grain yield recorded in two varieties each among the early (AC 90 POOL 16 DT STR and TZE-Y DT STR C4) and late/
intermediate (DT-SR-WC0 F2, SUWAN-1-SR-SYN) varieties was approximately 4.6 t/ha. These genotypes could be used either as cultivar
per se to escape the prolonged moisture stress during the later part of the cropping season or introgressed with favourable cultivars for high
yield adaptable to drought-prone areas in SGS ecologies.
Context: Development of early maturing maize cultivars that remain productive under low N fertilizer farming system, consistent with the farmersâ technologies is a prerequisite to improving adoption of new varieties without increasing production cost.
Objective: To assess the performance of ten early open pollination maize varieties (OPVs) and their F1 hybrids for grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and also identify productive cultivars under low N fertilizer regimes.
Materials and Methods: The trials were set up in a split plot arrangement with three N fertilizer levels (0, 45 and 90 kg N ha-1) as main plot and the genotypes as sub-plot. Each plot within N level was four-row, laid out in a randomized complete block design of four replications. Ten OPVs were crossed in a half diallel to generate 45 F1 hybrids during 2004 and 2005 growing seasons. Planting were carried out on 20th July, 2005 and 2nd July, 2006. Agronomic characters studied were grain yield, maize establishment count, days to 50% tasselling and silking as well as plant and ear heights.
Results: The year 2005 growing season was better for all observed characters amongst all the genotypes than the year 2006. Although, expressions of these traits in the hybrids were relatively higher than the OPVs including the grain yield. The total increase in grain yield observed was 1.72 t ha-1 and 1.95 t ha-1 for OPVs and hybrids respectively on application of 90 kg ha-1 over no N-application. However, NUE was optimum at 45 kg N ha-1 in both groups. Grain yield and NUE correlated positively with growth characters measured except for days to 50% silking. Higher genetic gains were recorded for plant and ear heights.
Conclusion: Two drought tolerant varieties (Acr 90 Pool 16-Dt and Tze Comp3 Dt) that combined well with specific cultivars for grain yield and NUE probably have gene pools for low N-tolerance.
Genotype by Environment Interaction of Full-sib Families of Maize Endosperms ...Premier Publishers
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The present study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farms, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi and Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Lafia to evaluate the presence of genotype by environment interactions in a population of 300 FS families of three maize endosperms to ascertain their agronomic performance, yield and stability across environments. The experiment was laid out in a 10 Ă 10 balanced lattice square design with three replications. Results from the GGE Biplot for mean grain yield performance showed the entry P93 (Popcorn) obtained the highest yield at Lafia while F5 (Field Corn) had the highest yield and thus the winning family for Makurdi. The entries S72, P98, P90, S20, P31, and P54 were the most stable with an above average performance and thus recommended. The significant Location by Entries interaction effects for grain yield explains that a promising genotype selected in one of these locations will not be suitable for production in the other locations in the same agro-ecological zone, however, P93 (Popcorn) and F5 (Field corn) recorded the highest yield for Lafia and Makurdi respectively. The identified stable or location specific families should be crossed in all possible combinations to complete Cycle 1 of the FS families in a recurrent selection programme.
Production of food in resource-constrained environments that have poor inherent soil nutrition depends on tillage and cropping systems that provide high yields, preserve soil, water and biodiversity. This research was conducted in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana, during the 2015-2016 cropping seasons to evaluate the impact of tillage and cropping systems on sustainable production of maize and soybean by resource-poor farmers. The experiment was a split-split plot design with four replications. The factors consisted of tillage system at three levels (plough, ripping and direct-seeding) laid out as main plots, fertilizer rate at three levels (0 kg/ha, half the recommended rate of 30-15-15 kg/ha and the recommended optimum rate of 60-30-30 kg/ha NPK) laid as sub-plots and cropping system at two levels (sole maize, maize-soybean intercrop) laid on the sub-sub plot. Apart from leaf area that had significant three-way interaction of tillage, cropping system and fertilizer rate (p < 0.05), all other growth parameters were affected by either two factor interaction or a sole factor. Grain yield of maize was significantly influenced by sole maize and fertilizer rate with highest yield occurring under the full rate (3.4 t/ha) compared with the half rate (2.7 t/ha), amounting to yield difference of about 700 kg/ha. Yield of soybean under the integrated production was affected by interaction of tillage system and fertilizer rate. Highest soybean yield (1.4 t/ha) was recorded under the ploughed condition at the full rate of fertilizer application. Though sole maize, ploughed and with full rate of fertilizer application, gave similar benefit/cost ratio as that of the integrated production with half rate of fertilizer application, the intercropped system with half fertilizer rate resulted in 45% more increases in profit compared to the sole production with full fertilizer rate. Integrated production of maize and soybean, with half the recommended rate of NPK (30-15-15 kg/ha) is therefore recommended to resource-poor farmers in northern Ghana.
Evaluating the Response Of Maize (Zea Mays L.), Varieties To Plant Population...paperpublications3
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Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 2011 small rainy season (Belg) at Elefeta Farmer Training Center (FTC), in west Badewacho Woreda, Hadiya Zone, with the objectives to determine the optimum proportion of maize-haricot bean intercropping for maximum productivity and economic benefit; evaluate the performance of different maize varieties intercropped with haricot bean; identify the optimum haricot bean population density of intercropped with different maize varieties; and Estimate economic benefits of maize haricot bean intercropping. Three varieties of maize (PHB3253 Jabi, PHB30G19 Shone and Local) were planted intercropped with four haricot bean population densities (D1 = 62,500; D2 = 125,000; D3 = 187500; D4 = 250,000) arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. In this study, sole cropped maizeâs varieties gave significantly (P<0.05)><0.05)> with 100 % haricot bean population density is recommended for intercropping for their better compatibility and economic benefit with haricot bean as compared to other varieties and population densities in the study area.
Evaluating the Response Of Maize (Zea Mays L.), Varieties To Plant Population...paperpublications3
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Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 2011 small rainy season (Belg) at Elefeta Farmer Training Center (FTC), in west Badewacho Woreda, Hadiya Zone, with the objectives to determine the optimum proportion of maize-haricot bean intercropping for maximum productivity and economic benefit; evaluate the performance of different maize varieties intercropped with haricot bean; identify the optimum haricot bean population density of intercropped with different maize varieties; and Estimate economic benefits of maize haricot bean intercropping. Three varieties of maize (PHB3253 Jabi, PHB30G19 Shone and Local) were planted intercropped with four haricot bean population densities (D1 = 62,500; D2 = 125,000; D3 = 187500; D4 = 250,000) arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. In this study, sole cropped maizeâs varieties gave significantly (P<0.05)><0.05)> with 100 % haricot bean population density is recommended for intercropping for their better compatibility and economic benefit with haricot bean as compared to other varieties and population densities in the study area.
Effect of nitrogen fertilizer rates and intra-row spacing on yield and yield ...Premier Publishers
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A field experiment was conducted at Gode Polytechnic College demonstration farm in 2013 under irrigation to observe the effect of six N rates (0, 46, 69, 92, 115 and 138 kg ha-1) and four intra-row spacing levels (7.5, 10 12.5 and 15 cm) on yield and yield components of onion (Allium cepa L.). The experiment was laid out according to randomized complete block design in factorial arrangement with three replications. Results of the analysis revealed that the interaction effects of N rates and intra-row spacing showed highly significant (P<0.01) effect on harvest index, fresh biomass yield, dry biomass yield, total bulb yield and marketable bulb yield. Thus, according to the result of partial Budget analysis application of 138kg N ha-1 planted at 7.5cm plant to plant distance was found the best treatment than others in relation to yield and yield components of onion under Gode condition.
Evaluating Plantmate organic manure and prime EC foliar on plant performance ...Innspub Net
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Trials for the effectiveness of Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food for increased yields for selected crops were done in five different Agro-ecological zones and soil types, in Kenya. The approach was executed through controlled greenhouse experiment and in the field. The trials data obtained indicated Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food in combination with half the rate of recommended inorganic fertilizer performed significantly (p<0.05) better than all other treatments. Thus, plots treated with Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food gave higher yields in common beans, French beans, maize, onions, cabbages, capsicum with percentages exceeding 100 compared to the control in most cases. In many soils fertilizers are fixed and rendered insoluble under certain soil conditions such as soil pH. The Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food ameliorated the soil conditions as it interacted with inorganic fertilizer thus increasing its use efficiency by crops. Plantmate organic manure and Prime EC Foliar Plant Food not only increased soil chemical fertility but also improves water use efficiency at low matric potential and generally improves plant vigor and soil health.
Influence of cowpea and soybean intercropping pattern and time of planting on...Premier Publishers
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The study was conducted to determine influence of cowpea and soybean intercropping pattern and time of planting on yield and Gross Monetary Value (GMV) of sorghum. The treatments were included two legume crops, two time of planting, three planting patterns of legumes and sole crops (sorghum, soybean and cowpea). The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replication. Sorghum/soybean cropping system reduced sorghum grain yield by 23.9% where as sorghum/cowpea reduced by grain yield by 40.3%. The highest LER (1.55) and the lowest LER (1.19) was recorded in sorghum/soybean and sorghum/cowpea intercropping system. Highest gross monetary benefit (20561 Ethiopian birr) accrued from planting two rows of cowpea with the first weeding of sorghum in between the two rows of sorghum. However, it was at par with simultaneous planting of cowpea in double alternate plants within sorghum plants along with two rows of cowpea in between sorghum rows and two rows of soybean planted in between two rows of sorghum with first weeding of sorghum. Legumes crop soybean and cowpea should involved in sorghum cropping either simultaneously planting or sowing at first weeding or hoeing of sorghum.
Drought-tolerant maize genotypes belonging to two different maturity (10 early and 10 intermediate) groups were
evaluated for yield and other related characters in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria for two years (2009 and
2010). The differences among genotypes between and within maturity groups differed significantly (P<0.01)><0.01) only for grain yield. The rainfall patterns were favourable in
both cropping years with comparable values of growth parameters. Intermediate maturing genotypes (TZL COMP1-
W C6 F2, SUWAN-1-SR-SYN, TZB-SR, OBA SUPER I, EV 8435-SR) out-yielded early maturing ones with yield
advantage of 34.29% and taller by 17.04% compared to early ones. However, early genotypes were early to
anthesis with 6.57% advantage over intermediate genotypes. Four early genotypes (DMR-ESR Y CIF2, AC 90
POOL 16 DT, STR, TZE-W DT STR C4 and ACR 95TZE COMP4 C3) were superior for grain yield withn a range of
4.39 to 4.68 t ha-1. These genotypes could be selected either as parental breeding cultivars to overcome the
problem of moisture stress during the later part of the cropping season or introgressed with favourable cultivars for
high yield adaptable to drought-prone areas in the SGS agro-ecology.
Growth and Yield Response of Bread Wheat Variety Grown Under Varying Seed Rat...Premier Publishers
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Wheat is among the most important staple crop globally. However, constrained by appropriate agronomic practices. Therefore, the information on the interaction effect of seed rate and weeding period is useful to identify the effective time of weeding for high yield of wheat. Thus, the present study conducted at Amuru district of Horro Guduru Zone, Ethiopia in 2019 cropping season with the aim of identifying optimum seed rate and appropriate time of weeding to improve production and productivity of bread in the area. The experiment was laid down in randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replications. The treatment was arranged in factorial combinations of four weeding intervals (farmer practice, weeding at two weeks after emergence, three weeks after emergence and four weeks after emergence) and three levels of seed rate (125 kg, 150 kg and 175 kg-1).The result showed that days to 50% heading, days to maturity and effective tillers per plant were highly significantly (p<0.01) affected by the interaction effect of weeding time and seed rate. Moreover, interaction effect of weeding time and seed rate was significantly (p<0.01) affected the weed above ground dry biomass. Guizotia scabra (22.47%) with population density (370), Phalaris paradoxa (22.10%) with population (364), Plantago lanceolata (18.58%) with population density (306), and Bidens piloso L. (8.74%) were the dominant weed species competing with wheat in the study area. Minimum relative weed density (26.6%) weed dry biomass (1.7gm) and maximum weed control efficiency (98.08%) was recorded at weeding four weeks after emergence and 175kgha-1seed rate. Thus, the finding suggest grain yield was increased (52.3%) when weeding four weeks after emergence over farmers practice and 13.75% at 175kg seed rate.
protein maize (QPM) production. A field trial was therefore conducted to compare the performance of
six hybrids (three each of QPM and normal endosperm) at three population densities using a split-plot
design at the sub-station of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Oke-Oyi, in the
southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria during the 2010 and 2011 cropping seasons. Plant population
densities (53,333, 66,666, and 88,888 plants ha
-1
) constituted the main plots and the six hybrids were
assigned to the subplots, replicated three times. Our results showed a differential response of maize
hybrids to high densities, with plant populations above 53,333 plants ha
-1
reduced grain yield, and this is
more pronounced in QPM than normal endosperm hybrids. This is contrary to the results observed in
many other countries. This might be that the hybrids were selected in low yield potential area at low
plant densities, and hence not tolerant to plant density stress. It may also be due to low yield potential
of the experimental site, which does not allow yield increases at high plant densities. Though normal
endosperm hybrids 0103-11 and 0103-15 as well as QPM Dada-ba were superior for grain yield among
the hybrids at 53,333 plants ha
-1
, hybrid 0103-11 was most outstanding. Therefore, genetic
improvement of QPM and normal endosperm hybrids for superior stress tolerance and high yield could
be enhanced by selection at higher plant population densities.
A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of time of application and rates on the
performance of performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) on July and November 2013 at Lapai (9o
2' N and 6o34'E) and Mokwa (9o 8'N and 5o4'E) in the southern Guinea savanna ecology of Nigeria, The
experiments consisted of three (3) levels of poultry manure application time (two weeks before planting, at
planting and two week after planting) and four (4) levels of poultry manure application rates(0, 5, 10 and 15
t ha-1). The experiments were laid out as a 3 x 4 factorial in a randomized complete block design. Data
collected include plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of branches fruit weight, pod length, pod
diameter and cumulative yield. The result showed that the application of poultry manure two weeks before
planting significantly produced taller okra plants, higher number of leaves, wider leaf area and more okra
branches than other treatments in the two locations in 2013 cropping season. Fruit characteristic results
followed the same trends. In the case of the poultry manure rate, the application of 10 t ha-1significantly
produced taller okra plant, higher number of leaves, wider leaf area and more okra branches than other
treatments in the two locations in 2013 cropping season. The application of 15 t ha-1 was comparable to 10 t
ha-1 but significantly different from 5 t ha-1 and no application in the two locations in 2013 cropping season.
This result therefore recommended that poultry manure should be applied at least two weeks before planting
at 10 t ha-1
Effect of Rates and Time of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on Yield and Yiel...Premier Publishers
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A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of rates and time of nitrogen fertilizer application on yield and yield components of sorghum in northern Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of four rates of nitrogen (23, 46, 69 and 92 kg N ha-1) and three time of N application (1/2 dose at sowing and 1/2 dose at mid-vegetative, 1/2 dose at mid-vegetative and 1/2 dose at booting stage, 1/3 dose at sowing, 1/3 dose at mid vegetative and 1/3 dose at booting stage). The main effect of rate of N application showed significantly the highest days to flowering, days to physiological maturity, plant height, panicle length and biomass yield (10716 kg ha-1) at 92 kg N ha-1. Similarly, the highest days to flowering, leaf area index (2.86) and panicle weight were obtained from three split application and the maximum biomass yield (10142 kg ha-1) was recorded from two split application of N (1/2 dose each at mid-vegetative and at booting stage). The interaction of rates and time of application of nitrogen had significantly the highest 1000 kernels weight (44.67 g), grain yield (4635 kg ha-1) and harvest index from 69 kg N ha-1 in three split application. Economic analysis showed that maximum net benefit of 33053.23 ETB ha-1 from 69kg N ha-1 in three split application. Based on the results, it can be concluded that application of 69 kg N ha-1 in three splits to be appropriate to increase the productivity of sorghum in the study area.
Similar to Response of late season maize soybean intercropping to nitrogen in the humid environment of south southern nigeria (20)
GDG Cloud Southlake #33: Boule & Rebala: Effective AppSec in SDLC using Deplo...James Anderson
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Effective Application Security in Software Delivery lifecycle using Deployment Firewall and DBOM
The modern software delivery process (or the CI/CD process) includes many tools, distributed teams, open-source code, and cloud platforms. Constant focus on speed to release software to market, along with the traditional slow and manual security checks has caused gaps in continuous security as an important piece in the software supply chain. Today organizations feel more susceptible to external and internal cyber threats due to the vast attack surface in their applications supply chain and the lack of end-to-end governance and risk management.
The software team must secure its software delivery process to avoid vulnerability and security breaches. This needs to be achieved with existing tool chains and without extensive rework of the delivery processes. This talk will present strategies and techniques for providing visibility into the true risk of the existing vulnerabilities, preventing the introduction of security issues in the software, resolving vulnerabilities in production environments quickly, and capturing the deployment bill of materials (DBOM).
Speakers:
Bob Boule
Robert Boule is a technology enthusiast with PASSION for technology and making things work along with a knack for helping others understand how things work. He comes with around 20 years of solution engineering experience in application security, software continuous delivery, and SaaS platforms. He is known for his dynamic presentations in CI/CD and application security integrated in software delivery lifecycle.
Gopinath Rebala
Gopinath Rebala is the CTO of OpsMx, where he has overall responsibility for the machine learning and data processing architectures for Secure Software Delivery. Gopi also has a strong connection with our customers, leading design and architecture for strategic implementations. Gopi is a frequent speaker and well-known leader in continuous delivery and integrating security into software delivery.
Connector Corner: Automate dynamic content and events by pushing a buttonDianaGray10
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Here is something new! In our next Connector Corner webinar, we will demonstrate how you can use a single workflow to:
Create a campaign using Mailchimp with merge tags/fields
Send an interactive Slack channel message (using buttons)
Have the message received by managers and peers along with a test email for review
But thereâs more:
In a second workflow supporting the same use case, youâll see:
Your campaign sent to target colleagues for approval
If the âApproveâ button is clicked, a Jira/Zendesk ticket is created for the marketing design team
Butâif the âRejectâ button is pushed, colleagues will be alerted via Slack message
Join us to learn more about this new, human-in-the-loop capability, brought to you by Integration Service connectors.
And...
Speakers:
Akshay Agnihotri, Product Manager
Charlie Greenberg, Host
GraphRAG is All You need? LLM & Knowledge GraphGuy Korland
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Guy Korland, CEO and Co-founder of FalkorDB, will review two articles on the integration of language models with knowledge graphs.
1. Unifying Large Language Models and Knowledge Graphs: A Roadmap.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2306.08302
2. Microsoft Research's GraphRAG paper and a review paper on various uses of knowledge graphs:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/graphrag-unlocking-llm-discovery-on-narrative-private-data/
LF Energy Webinar: Electrical Grid Modelling and Simulation Through PowSyBl -...DanBrown980551
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Do you want to learn how to model and simulate an electrical network from scratch in under an hour?
Then welcome to this PowSyBl workshop, hosted by Rte, the French Transmission System Operator (TSO)!
During the webinar, you will discover the PowSyBl ecosystem as well as handle and study an electrical network through an interactive Python notebook.
PowSyBl is an open source project hosted by LF Energy, which offers a comprehensive set of features for electrical grid modelling and simulation. Among other advanced features, PowSyBl provides:
- A fully editable and extendable library for grid component modelling;
- Visualization tools to display your network;
- Grid simulation tools, such as power flows, security analyses (with or without remedial actions) and sensitivity analyses;
The framework is mostly written in Java, with a Python binding so that Python developers can access PowSyBl functionalities as well.
What you will learn during the webinar:
- For beginners: discover PowSyBl's functionalities through a quick general presentation and the notebook, without needing any expert coding skills;
- For advanced developers: master the skills to efficiently apply PowSyBl functionalities to your real-world scenarios.
Accelerate your Kubernetes clusters with Varnish CachingThijs Feryn
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A presentation about the usage and availability of Varnish on Kubernetes. This talk explores the capabilities of Varnish caching and shows how to use the Varnish Helm chart to deploy it to Kubernetes.
This presentation was delivered at K8SUG Singapore. See https://feryn.eu/presentations/accelerate-your-kubernetes-clusters-with-varnish-caching-k8sug-singapore-28-2024 for more details.
Securing your Kubernetes cluster_ a step-by-step guide to success !KatiaHIMEUR1
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Today, after several years of existence, an extremely active community and an ultra-dynamic ecosystem, Kubernetes has established itself as the de facto standard in container orchestration. Thanks to a wide range of managed services, it has never been so easy to set up a ready-to-use Kubernetes cluster.
However, this ease of use means that the subject of security in Kubernetes is often left for later, or even neglected. This exposes companies to significant risks.
In this talk, I'll show you step-by-step how to secure your Kubernetes cluster for greater peace of mind and reliability.
Epistemic Interaction - tuning interfaces to provide information for AI supportAlan Dix
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Paper presented at SYNERGY workshop at AVI 2024, Genoa, Italy. 3rd June 2024
https://alandix.com/academic/papers/synergy2024-epistemic/
As machine learning integrates deeper into human-computer interactions, the concept of epistemic interaction emerges, aiming to refine these interactions to enhance system adaptability. This approach encourages minor, intentional adjustments in user behaviour to enrich the data available for system learning. This paper introduces epistemic interaction within the context of human-system communication, illustrating how deliberate interaction design can improve system understanding and adaptation. Through concrete examples, we demonstrate the potential of epistemic interaction to significantly advance human-computer interaction by leveraging intuitive human communication strategies to inform system design and functionality, offering a novel pathway for enriching user-system engagements.
UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series, part 4DianaGray10
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Welcome to UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series part 4. In this session, we will cover Test Manager overview along with SAP heatmap.
The UiPath Test Manager overview with SAP heatmap webinar offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the role of a Test Manager within SAP environments, coupled with the utilization of heatmaps for effective testing strategies.
Participants will gain insights into the responsibilities, challenges, and best practices associated with test management in SAP projects. Additionally, the webinar delves into the significance of heatmaps as a visual aid for identifying testing priorities, areas of risk, and resource allocation within SAP landscapes. Through this session, attendees can expect to enhance their understanding of test management principles while learning practical approaches to optimize testing processes in SAP environments using heatmap visualization techniques
What will you get from this session?
1. Insights into SAP testing best practices
2. Heatmap utilization for testing
3. Optimization of testing processes
4. Demo
Topics covered:
Execution from the test manager
Orchestrator execution result
Defect reporting
SAP heatmap example with demo
Speaker:
Deepak Rai, Automation Practice Lead, Boundaryless Group and UiPath MVP
Smart TV Buyer Insights Survey 2024 by 91mobiles.pdf91mobiles
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91mobiles recently conducted a Smart TV Buyer Insights Survey in which we asked over 3,000 respondents about the TV they own, aspects they look at on a new TV, and their TV buying preferences.
To Graph or Not to Graph Knowledge Graph Architectures and LLMs
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Response of late season maize soybean intercropping to nitrogen in the humid environment of south southern nigeria
1. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol.3, No.10, 2013
84
Response of Late Season Maize/Soybean Intercropping to
Nitrogen in the Humid Environment of South Southern Nigeria
Utietiang L. Undie1
* Donatus F. Uwah2
Sylvia B. A. Umoetuk2
Emmanuel E. Attoe1
Emmanuel B. Effa2
1 Department of Agronomy, Cross River University of Technology, Obubra Campus, Nigeria
2 Department of Crop Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
*E-mail of the corresponding author: utietiangundie@gmail.com
Abstract
Intensification of maize/legume production during early rains in the High Rainforest region of South Southern
Nigeria is limited by heavy rainfall. Production of late season maize/legume by peasant farmers is gaining
prominence though yields are low due to low soil fertility and improper crop arrangement. The objective of this
research was to investigate the yield performance of late season maize/soybean intercropping in response to
nitrogen fertilization and spatial arrangement of the intercrops. The trial was a split-plot design in randomized
complete block with three replications. Treatments consisted of five rates of nitrogen (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg
ha-1
) and five crop arrangements (sole maize at 53,333 plants ha-1
, sole soybean at 266,666 plants ha-1
and maize:
soybean additive mixture arrangements of 1:1, 2:2 and 1:2). Nitrogen fertilization increased yield in both maize
and soybean at all the treatment levels, when grown sole or in mixtures. Application of 100 kg N ha-1
to maize
increased number of ears per plant, 100-grain weight, cob yield and grain yield by 46, 35, 138 and 153 percents,
respectively in 2007, and by 15, 48, 88 and 109 percents, respectively in 2008, over no nitrogen application.
Similarly, application of 100 kg N ha-1
to soybean increased number of pods per plant, number of barren pods
and 1000-seed weight by 53, 120 and 16 percents, respectively in 2007, and by 55, 99 and 14 percents,
respectively in 2008, over no nitrogen application. Optimum seed yield in soybean was obtained at 50 kg N ha-1
.
The yield values of 1,352.8 and 1,158.2 kg ha-1
were higher than those obtained at 0 kg N ha-1
by 31 and 21
percent in 2007 and 2008. Increasing the nitrogen level further to 100 kg ha-1
depressed seed yield by 8 percent
in 2007 over 0 kg ha-1
. The nitrogen x crop arrangement interaction effects on grain yield and all other
parameters were not significant (p< 0.05). Late season maize and soybean populations may be superimposed on
each other and fertilized with 50 kg N ha-1
to take advantage of optimum soybean seed yield and 66-76 percent
of the maize grain yield.
Key words: maize, soybean, intercropping, additive mixtures, nitrogen fertilizer
1. Introduction
Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop in the family Poaceae. It is an important source of carbohydrate
in human diet and as animal feed worldwide (Onasanya et al., 2009). Early season maize is planted in mixture
with other crops and is harvested first for subsistence or sold as fresh maize to urban dwellers. Expansion in the
cultivation of the early season maize crop in the humid Tropical Rainforest agro-ecology of South Southern
Nigeria is limited by lack of appropriate technologies for preservation of the fresh harvest. The large gap
between demand and supply has necessitated expansion of cultivation into the late cropping season. Soybean
(Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is a leguminous oil crop in the family Papilionaceae. It is an important source of
protein for man and animals (Singh, 2011). As a leguminous crop, soybean is superior to other grain legumes. It
has an average protein content of 43 percent and, as such, can greatly supplement human protein needs,
especially in the developing countries, where animal protein is too expensive to buy and/or difficult to come by.
Despite its importance, soybean is not a common crop in the farming system of the peasant farmers of the humid
Southern Nigerian. This is due to heavy rainfall which predisposes the crop to rot when grown and harvested as
an early season crop (Oko et al., 1991). But soybean crop can successfully be cultivated in the Tropical Rain
Forest of Nigeria during the late planting season to take advantage of the approaching harmatan winds in
preserving the crop (Oko et al., 1991).
Subsistence farmers in the tropics rely on mixed cropping as their crop production system (Sivaraman &
Palaniappan, 1996). Recent research findings have shown that mixed cropping shall continue to be more
beneficial to these small scale farmers for obvious reasons. Mixed cropping provides security in food output
which is considered more important than food maximization (Brintha & Seran, 2009). It also suppresses weeds
(Dimitrios et al., 2010), increases cash returns to the farmers and provides higher yield advantage over sole
cropping (Seran & Brintha, 2010). The commonest food crops grown in this region are yams, cassava, maize,
plantain and cocoyam. Three or more of these food crops in combination are common on farmersâ plots with
rarely any legume in the combinations. Cereal-legume mixtures have been adjudged the most productive form of
intercropping since the legume does not compete with the cereal for available nitrogen but fixes and uses its own
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nitrogen (Adu-Gyamfi et al., 2007). The cereal may also benefit from the nitrogen fixed in the root nodules of
the legumes in the current year (Chalk, 1996) or subsequent years ( Giller & Wilson, 1993).
Information on fertilizer requirements of late season cereal-legume mixtures in the humid South Southern
Nigeria is scanty. The information gap may be due to contrasting fertilizer requirements of the component crops
or to uneven fertilizer loss due to heavy rains during the first raining season, which leaches much of the soluble
soil nutrients (Aune & Lal, 1997). Available information is conflicting on the effects of increasing nitrogen
availability on the productivity of legume/non-legume intercropping. Midmore (1993) reported that addition of
nitrogen fertilizer to intercrops raised yields of both components, but reduced the relative advantage of
intercropping. Siame et al. (1998) observed that the yield components and yield of maize/Phaseolus intercrop
responded significantly to nitrogen, up to the 120 kg N/ha applied, in all the intercropping treatments. Chiezey et
al. (2005) obtained significant increase in grain yield of sorghum grown as a component crop with soybean, but
the effect of nitrogen on soybean was not significant. There is a clear indication from the above review that the
cereal components must be fertilized for appreciable yield to be obtained. The response of the legume
components of the intercrop, however, seems unpredictable.
Soils of the Tropical Rain Forest are heavily leached of plant nutrients during the early rains (Aune & Lal, 1997).
Sustainable production of maize on these soils requires investing heavily on fertilizers. Fertilizers, where
available, are used sub-optimally and this accounts for the low productivity under subsistence farming. In
traditional farming, the crops in mixture are planted with no regard to proper arrangement for effective use of
environmental resources. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen and crop
arrangement on the yield attributing characters and yield of late season maize/soybean mixtures.
2. Materials and Methods
The field experiments were conducted in September to December of 2007 and 2008. The study was sited at the
Teaching and Research Farm of the Cross River University of Technology, Akamkpa. Akamkpa (50
15âN;
80
22âE) lies in the tropical rainforest agro-ecology of the Equatorial climatic belt of Nigeria. The mean annual
temperature of the area ranges between 230
C to 350
C with daily range of about 30
C. The area has distinct wet
and dry seasons with mean annual rainfall ranging from 1,250 to 4,000 mm. The wet season has double rainfall
peaks during July and October with a short break in rainfall, called âAugust breakâ, in between the double peaks.
Consequently, there are two cropping seasons (early: from March to July, and late: from August to December) in
the area.
The soils of Akamkpa are formed from Basement complex, predominantly granite and gneiss, and are classified
as dystic cambisol. The soils are fine, granular and sandy loam in texture and are well-drained (Ibanga et al.,
1989). The 2007 experimental site was under cassava cultivation for five years but left fallow for one year before
the commencement of the experiment.
Hybrid maize (OBA SUPER 2) and soybean (TGX 1440-IE) cultivar were used for the experiment. The
experimental treatments consisted of five nitrogen levels (O, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg N/ha) and five crop
arrangements. The arrangements were sole maize, sole soybean and maize: soybean intercrop arrangements of
1:1, 2:2 and 1:2, respectively. The treatment combinations were assigned to split plots in a randomized complete
block design with three replications. The five rates of nitrogen were randomly assigned to the main plots while
the five types of crop arrangements were randomly allocated to the subplots. The gross main plot size was 3 m x
10 m (30 m2
), while the subplot size was 3 m x 2 m (6 m2
). The net plot size for data collection was 1 m x 1.5 m
(1.5 m2
).
Soil samples were randomly obtained with a soil auger from a depth of 0-30 cm prior to fertilization. The
samples were composited and analyzed in the Soil Science Laboratory of the Department of Soil Science,
University of Calabar, Nigeria. Particle size analysis was determined by the hydrometer method using sodium
hexametaphosphate (Calgon) solution as outlined by Juo (1979). The textural class was determined by the use of
standard textural triangle. Soil samples for chemical analysis were air dried and ground to pass through a 23 mm
sieve for the subsequent procedures and analyses. Soil pH was measured with a glass electrode pH meter in soil
water suspension of 1:2.5 and organic carbon was determined by the Walkley and Black wet oxidation methods
as given in Juo (1979). Total soil nitrogen was determined by the macro-kjedahl method of Bremmer (1965).
Available P was determined by the method of Murphy & Riley (1962). Phosphorus was determined
calorimetrically using molybdenum blue. Calcium and magnesium were estimated by the Versenate EDTA
Titration method Juo (1979), while exchangeable K and Na were estimated by flame photometry (Juo, 1979).
The exchangeable cations were determined on extracts obtained after leaching soil samples with neutral normal
ammonium acetate solution (Juo, 1979).
The 2007 crops were planted on 22nd September, 2007 while the 2008 crops were planted on 5th September,
2008. Three seeds of each crop were sown manually per hole using a meter tape to achieve the desired distances.
The seedlings were thinned to one plant per stand at one week after sowing. Interplant spacing was maintained at
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25 cm throughout for maize and 5 cm for soybean except in 1:2 arrangement where it was 10 cm. The crops
were sown as sole maize (1:0) or sole soybean (0:1) and three arrangements of maize and soybean intercropping
of 1 row maize to I row soybean (1:1), 2 rows maize to 2 rows soybean (2:2) and I row maize to 2 rows soybeans
(1:2). Plots in a replication were separated from each other by 1.5 m path. An additive or superimposed model
was used and plant density was kept constant on a total plot area basis set at the optimum for sole crops and kept
the same in intercrops. Maize was planted at 53,333 plants/ha and soybean at 266,666 plants/ha by adjusting
within row spacing of the intercrops.
Rows were spaced 75 cm apart in sole maize and in sole soybean plots. Intercropped maize was 75 cm from
maize to maize and 37.5 cm from maize to soybean rows in 1:1 arrangement; but 37.5 cm from maize to maize
or maize to soybean in 2:2 arrangement. In 1:2 arrangement, intercropped maize was 75 cm from maize to maize
but 25 cm from maize to soybean. Intercropped soybean rows were 75 cm from soybean to soybean and 37.5 cm
from soybean to maize rows in 1:1 arrangement but 37.5 cm from soybean to soybean or soybean to maize in 2:2
arrangement. However, in 1:2 arrangement, intercropped soybean was 25 cm from soybean to soybean or
soybean to maize.
Phosphorus as single superphosphate (7.8 percent P) and potassium as muriate of potash (49.8 percent K) were
applied at the rates of 30 kg P/ha and 50 kg K/ha. The two fertilizers were uniformly broadcast and harrowed
into the soil before planting. Nitrogen was applied as urea (46 percent N) at the rates as per each treatment. Half
of the required dosage was applied two weeks after sowing and the remaining half was applied six weeks after
sowing, all by side placement along the rows. Weeds were controlled post emergence by manual weeding with
hoe at 4 and 8 weeks after sowing.
The 2007 crops were harvested on 15th December, 2007 (81 days after sowing) while the 2008 crops were
harvested on 24th December, 2008 (110 days after sowing). In both years, harvesting was done manually when
the maize and the soybean had reached physiological maturity. In 2007, earlier harvesting was due to earlier
cessation of rainfall and subsequent dry up of the maize crop. Crop data were taken randomly from crops within
the net plot measuring 1.5 m2
. Ten plants of maize and twenty soybean plants were taken per plot for crop
attributes and for yield measurements and computations.
In maize, the number of ears per plant was determined at harvest by finding average number of ears borne by the
plants in the sample. For 100-grain weight, 300 oven-dried seeds were counted by hand, weighed and then
divided by three. Shelling percentage was calculated from the 10-plant sample as (seed weight/cob weight) x
100. For cob yield, sampled ears were dried in the oven at 600
C until three consecutive constant weights were
obtained. These were then weighed with an electronic scale and the weight recorded and calculated in kg ha-1
.
Grain yield was determined by drying the seeds from each yield sample to a constant weight at 600
C in an oven,
weighing the sample and then calculating grain yield in kg ha-1
. Harvest index was calculated from the ten-plant
sample as (seed weight/total sample weight) x100.
In soybean, number of pods per plant was counted and recorded as mean number of pods borne by plants in a
sample at maturity. Percentage sterile pods per plant was estimated as (pods with no seed/pods with at least one
or more seeds) x 100. For pod yield, hand threshed and oven dried pods were weighed separately and the weight
of the pod samples was added to the corresponding weight of their oven dried seeds and calculated as pod yield
in kg ha-1
. For seed yield, seeds from each sample were dried in an oven at 600
C to a constant weight and the
recorded weight calculated as grain yield in kg ha-1
. Shelling percentage was estimated as (seed weight/total pod
sample weight) x 100.
All the data collected were subjected to statistical analysis appropriate to the split plot in a randomized complete
block design using Windows Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 14. Analyses of variance
(ANOVA) were constructed to examine nitrogen effect and its interaction on the variables measured. Treatment
means were separated and compared using Duncanâs Multiple Range Test (Gomez & Gomez, 1984) at 5%
probability level.
3. Results and Discussion
Results of the physical and chemical properties of the experimental sites showed both sites to be sandy loam in
texture (Table 1). However, the 2007 site was lower in total nitrogen compared to the 2008 site. Generally, the
2007 site was lower in all the nutrient elements measured, as well as in base saturation. The soil acidity was,
however, higher in 2007 site compared to 2008 site. The average monthly minimum and maximum temperatures
of the site showed little variation in temperature between the months in either 2007 or 2008 (Table 2). The
sowing month of September in both the years was warmer than the previous month. The highest temperatures
occurred in December in both the years, which were ideal for ripening and harvesting of the crops. The average
monthly rainfall showed marked variation in each of the years. In 2007, the average rainfall during planting in
September was higher compared to 2008. The average rainfall during harvest (December) in 2007, on the other
hand, was lower compared to 2008. Treatment effects of the two crops are presented below. Due to non-
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significant interaction between nitrogen and crop arrangements, all the nitrogen results were averaged over crop
arrangement. The effects due to crop arrangement has been reported (Undie et al., 2012)
3.1 Number of ears per plant, 100-grain weight and grain yield in maize
In 2007, each increase in nitrogen rate from 0 kg to 100 kg ha-1
resulted in significant increase in the number of
ears per plant (Table 3). In 2008, raising the nitrogen level from 0 to 50 kg ha-1
had no significant effect on the
number of ears, but further increase to 75 or 100 kg N ha-1
significantly increased the number of ears per plant at
each of the levels. The 100-grain weight of maize was significantly increased at each rate of applied nitrogen
from 0 to 100 kg ha-1
in each of the years (Table 3). In both years grain yield of intercropped maize was
significantly increased as the rates of nitrogen were raised from 0 to 100 kg N ha-1
(Table 3). At the 100kg N ha-
1
, grain yield obtained in 2007 was 47% lower than that obtained in 2008
3.2 Cob yield, harvest index and shelling percentage in maize
Cob yield increased significantly at each level of applied nitrogen in both years (Table 4). The harvest index of
intercropped maize in 2007 increased with nitrogen up to the 100 kg ha-1
(Table 4). All increases in harvest
index at each level of nitrogen were significant except those between 50 and 75 kg N ha-1
or 75 and 100 kg N ha-
1
, which gave statistically similar values. In 2008, however, each increase in the nitrogen rate significantly
increased the harvest index up to the 100 kg N ha-1
used. The shelling percentage of intercropped maize was
significantly affected by nitrogen in both 2007 and 2008 (Table 4). Shelling percentages increased with
increased application of nitrogen up to 100 kg ha-1
. However, significant differences did not exist between 0 and
25 kg N ha-1
in 2007 or 50 and 75 kg N ha-1
in 2008.
3.4 Number of pods per plant, percentage sterile pods and 1000-seed weight in soybean
In 2007, each incremental rate of nitrogen from 0 to 75kg N ha-1
significantly increased the number of pods, but
a further increase in nitrogen rate to 100 kg ha-1
produced pods that were statistically similar with those at 75 kg
ha-1
(Table 5). In 2008, increasing the nitrogen rates from 0 to 25 or 50 to 75 kg ha-1
produced significant
increase in number of pods per plant. Nitrogen rates at 25 and 50 or 75 and 100 kg ha-1
produced number of pods
per plant that were not statistically different. Increasing the nitrogen rates from 0 to 100 kg ha-1
significantly
increased the percentage of sterile pods per plant at each level of applied nitrogen in both years (Table 5). For
1000- seed weight, application of nitrogen from 0-100 kg ha-1
significantly increased the weight at each of the
applied rates (Table 5).
3.5 Seed yield, pod yield and shelling percentage in soybean
Seed yield of soybean was significantly increased at each applied rate of nitrogen from 0 to 50 kg ha-1
(Table 6).
A further increase in nitrogen rates from 50 to 75 or 100 kg ha-1
decreased seed yield at each level over that
obtained at 50 kg N ha-1
. However, the yield decrease between 75 and 100 kg N ha-1
was not significant in 2007
but significant in 2008. In 2007 the yields obtained at 75 or 100 kg N ha-1
were statistically the same with that
obtained at 25kg N ha-1
. In 2008, the yield obtained at 75 kg N ha-1
was statistically similar to that obtained at 0
kg N ha-1
; while that at 100 kg N ha-1
was significantly lower than that obtained at other nitrogen rates in 2008.
In both the years, the highest grain yields were obtained at 50 kg N ha-1
. Pod yield of soybean was significantly
increased at each nitrogen rate applied up to the 100 kg ha-1
in 2007 (Table 9). In 2008, pod yield increased
significantly with nitrogen application up to 50 kg N ha-1
, beyond which there was a decrease but not
significantly. The effect of nitrogen on shelling percentage of soybean showed that increasing nitrogen rates
from 0 to 50 kg ha-1
in 2007 significantly increased shelling percentage at each of the applied rates (Table 9). A
further increase to 75 or 100 kg ha-1
significantly decreased shelling percentage over that obtained at 50 kg N ha-
1
. Shelling percentages obtained at 75 and 25 kg N ha-1
or 100 and 0 kg N ha-1
were statistically similar. In 2008,
the highest shelling percentage was also obtained at 50 kg N ha-1
. However, the shelling percentages at 25 and 50
kg N ha-1
were not significantly different. Similarly, the shelling percentage obtained at 100 kg N ha-1
was
significantly lower than that obtained at 50 or 75 kg N ha-1
but statistically similar with that obtained at 0 kg N
ha-1
.
Application of nitrogen had beneficial effects on yield components and grain yield of both maize and soybean as
sole crops or intercrops. In maize, yield components of number of ears per plant, 100-grain weight, shelling
percentage, cob yield, harvest index and grain yield were positively and linearly influenced by the application of
nitrogen. Thus, at 100 kg N ha-1
, compared to O kg N ha-1
, there were 46, 35, 138 and 153 percent increases in
number of ears per plant, 100-grain weight, cob yield and grain yield, respectively, in 2007. In 2008, these
attributes increased by 15, 48, 88 and 109 percent at the 100 kg N ha-1
, respectively. In soybean, application of
nitrogen increased number of pods per plant by 51 percent, 1000-seed weight by 16 percent, and number of
sterile pods per plant by 120 percent in 2007; In 2008, nitrogen increased number of pods per plant by 55
percent, 1000-seed weight by 14 percent and number of sterile pods per plant by 99 percent. The positive
increases in the yield components indicated that with nitrogen fertilization, contribution of assimilates to these
attributes was greatly enhanced. Grain yield has been linked to enhanced current assimilate supply to developing
yield components and kernel (Boyle et al. 1991). The highest values of these parameters in maize, therefore,
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88
occurred at the highest rate of nitrogen used, suggesting that the 100 kg N ha-1
as used in this experiment might
not be the optimum for the production of âOBA SUPER 2â hybrid maize. This observation agrees with Siame et
al. (1998) who obtained optimum grain yield at nitrogen levels above 100 kg ha-1
as used in this experiment and
recommended rates ranging from 120 to 150 kg ha-1
for the production of sole maize, especially hybrids.
In soybean, there was an increase in the number of pods per plant at nitrogen rates beyond 50 kg ha-1
. However,
these did not translated to higher grain yield at these nitrogen levels. There was high percentage sterile pods that
nullified any gain in grain yield. Optimum grain yield of soybean in response to nitrogen was, therefore, at 50 kg
N ha-1
. Increased availability of nitrogen might have concomitantly increased the number of sterile pods due to
the shading effects of maize on soybean beyond at 50 kg N ha-1
. This optimum rate of 50 kg N/ha-1
for soybean
contrasted with the 25 kg N/ha-1
reported by Anon (1986) and the 30 kg N/ha-1
obtained by Kang (1975). The
work of Chiezey et al. (2005) who obtained no significant response in soybean grain yield to nitrogen
application also contrasted sharply with the current finding. The optimum nitrogen rate of 50 kg ha-1
in this
study, however, agreed with the report of Mandimba & Mondibaye (1998) who obtained optimum grain yield in
soybean at 50 kg N ha-1
. The higher nitrogen demand may be due to the low inherent soil nitrogen because of
heavy leaching or because this variety was grown on this soil for the first time with no inoculation.
Similar results on the importance of fertilizer usage in intercropping have been given for maize/cowpea and
maize/phaseolus (Olasantan et al., 1997; Siame et al., 1998). At the optimum rate of 50 kg N ha-1
for soybean
yield as observed in this study, 66 percent in 2007 and 76 percent in 2008 of the maize grain yields were already
obtained. An additional 50 kg N ha-1
to the intercrops produced only 24 to 34 percent of the maize grain yield,
indicating that the 50 kg N ha-1
might be considered the optimum rate for the production of late season
maize/soybean as intercrops in the humid agro-ecology of South Southern Nigeria.
4. Conclusion
This study demonstrated the role of nitrogen in grain yield and yield components of maize, soybean and
maize/soybean intercropping in the humid agro-ecology of Nigeria. Although grain legumes can significantly
reduce the need for nitrogen by cereals in intercropping situation, inclusion of inorganic fertilizer is necessary if
the ultimate goal is to increase yield. Intercropping legumes with maize in the humid South Southern agro-
ecology of Nigeria can decrease nitrogen use, leaving our environment healthier.
From the results obtained in this study, it is evident that nitrogen fertilization improved grain yields in late
season intercropped maize and soybean. The 50 kg N ha-1
, which was the maximum for soybean production,
might be considered the optimum rate for the production of late season maize/soybean mixture as more than 66
percent (2007) and 76 percent (2008) of the total yield of maize was obtained at this nitrogen level.
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Table 1.Physical and chemical properties of the soils of the experimental sites in 2007 and 2008 late planting
season at Akamkpa, South Southern Nigeria
Properties 2007 2008
Physical composition (g/kg)
Sand 10.0 5.0
Silt 13.0 19.7
Clay 77.0 75.3
Textural class
sandy loam
sandy
loam
Chemical characteristics
pH (H2O) 4.2 5.1
Organic carbon (g/kg) 1.13 1.63
Total Nitrogen (g/kg) 0.09 0.13
Available Phosphorous (g/kg) 2.75 3.12
Exchangeable bases (cmol/kg)
Ca 0.6 2.2
Mg 0.2 1.0
K 0.07 0.08
Na 0.04 0.05
Exchangeable Acidity (cmol/kg) 4.8 3.0
ECEC (cmol/kg) 5.71 6.33
Base Saturation (g/kg) 16.0 53
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Table 2 Temperature and rainfall data at Akamkpa during experiment in 2007 and 2008
Source: Nigeria Meteorological Services (NIMET), Calabar.
Table 3 Effect of nitrogen on number of ears per plant, 100-grain weight and grain yield of intercropped maize in
2007 and 2008.
Nitrogen (kg ha-1
) Number of ears/plant 100-grain weight (g) Grain yield (kg/ha)
2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008
0 0.72e 0.98c 14.30e 17.07e 1035.4e 1970.8e
25 0.82d 1.00c 15.53d 18.86d 1314.4d 2590.1d
50 0.95c 1.00c 16.42c 21.45c 1719.8c 3134.3c
75 1.00b 1.07b 18.28b 23.17b 2135.0b 3612.0b
100 1.05a 1.13a 19.34a 25.19a 2616.3a 4121.5a
SE± 0.012 0.013 0.231 0.310 10.99 21.51
Means followed by a common letter in a column are not significantly different at 5 percent level.
Table 4 Effect of nitrogen on cob yield, harvest index and shelling percentage of intercropped maize in 2007 and
2008.
Nitrogen (kg ha-1
) Cob yield (kg/ha) Harvest index Shelling percentage
2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008
0 1500.3e 2739.0e 0.19d 0.21e 68.4d 72.6d
25 1913.7d 3436.8d 0.23c 0.24d 68.9d 75.4c
50 2425.7c 3916.2c 0.27b 0.26c 70.7c 79.7b
75 2950.5b 4533.8b 0.28b 0.28b 72.4b 80.0b
100 3575.5a 5139.3a 0.31a 0.32a 73.4a 80.33a
SE± 21.71 35.55 0.017 0.002 0.37 0.39
Means followed by a common letter in a column are not significantly different at 5 percent level.
Table 5 Effect of nitrogen on number of pods per plant, percentage sterile pods and 1000 seed weight of
intercropped soybean in 2007 and 2008.
Nitrogen (kg ha-1
) Number of pods per plant Percent sterile pods 1000-seed weight (g)
2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008
0 0.98d 30.48c 18.62e 19.97e 10.88e 11.33e
25 0.14c 38.27b 20.07d 20.28d 11.45d 11.43d
50 0.64b 39.25b 29.24c 28.55c 11.70c 11.77c
75 0.15a 46.37a 36.03b 34.40b 12.13b 12.48b
100 0.72a 47.39a 41.01a 39.66a 12.58a 12.87a
SE± 1.108 1.145 0.603 0.543 1.09 0.600
Means followed by a common letter in a column are not significantly different at 5 percent level.
Month
Mean Temperature (o
C) Rainfall (mm)
2007 2008 2007 2008
Min Max Min Max
August 23.3 28.1 23.3 28.4 415.5 509.2
September 23.7 28.7 23.4 29.7 561.7 122.5
October 23.0 29.0 23.0 30.5 297.9 315.0
November 23.0 30.4 23.7 31.6 263.2 102.5
December 23.5 30.5 23.4 31 33.1 77.1
8. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online)
Vol.3, No.10, 2013
91
Table 6 Effect of nitrogen on seed yield, pod yield and shelling percentage of intercropped soybean in 2007 and
2008
Nitrogen (kg ha-1
) Seed yield (kg ha-1
) Pod yield (kg ha-1
) Shelling percentage
2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008
0 1030.0c 961.0c 1540.3e 1452.0c 61.10c 71.33c
25 1162.0b 1097.7b 1631.3d 1575.8b 69.33b 74.41a
50 1352.8a 1158.2a 1703.3c 1657.2a 73.25a 74.45a
75 1227.3b 948.8c 1740.5b 1420.6c 68.70b 73.28b
100 1203.3b 885.0d 1775.9a 1353.6d 65.85c 72.06c
SE± 47.39 24.10 13.42 26.19 0.920 0.470
Means followed by a common letter in a column are not significantly different at 5 percent level.
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