Soil Water Relations of an Ultisol amended with Agro-wastes and its effect on grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Abakaliki, Southeastern Nigeria

Global Advanced Research Journal of Agricultural Science (GARJAS) ISSN: 2315-5094
June 2016 Vol. 5(6): pp. 183-194
Copyright © 2016 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Soil Water Relations of an Ultisol amended with Agro-wastes and its effect on grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in Abakaliki, Southeastern Nigeria

Nwite, J. N¹. and Okolo, C.C².

¹Department of Soil Science and Environmental Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management Ebonyi State University, PMB 053, Abakaliki

²Trecc Africa Ph.D Scholar, Mekelle University, Ethiopia

Email: nwitejamesn@yahoo.com

Accepted 01 June, 2016

Abstract

Soil water relations of an ultisol amended with agro-wastes and its effect on grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) was studied for three cropping seasons. The field was laid out in randomized complete block design using four treatments of control and three agro-wastes at 8kg/plot. The texture of soil remained sandy loam throughout the period of study. Agro-wastes amended plots had significantly (P<0.05) lower bulk density and higher total porosity for two seasons and in residual season. There were significantly (p<0.05) higher effect of bulk density, total porosity and aggregate stability on moisture retention, availability and transmission for 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons as well as in 2015 study season except for aggregate stability on hydraulic conductivity in 2013 season. Plot amended with burnt rice mill waste was higher in water retention, available water capacity and hydraulic conductivity by 2, 3, 2%: 4, 5, 3%: 2, 3, 1% and 11% respectively compared to those of fresh rice mill waste and saw dust amended plots for the three cropping seasons. Grain yields of maize were significantly (P<0.05) higher in plots amended with agro- wastes compared to control for three seasons. Agro- wastes amendment of soil should be carried out for enhanced soil physical conditions, soil water relations and for sustainable productivity.

Keywords: Agro-wastes, Effect, Grain Yield, Maize, Soil Water relations, Utisol.

Original Research Articles

Al-Hasawi ZM and Al–Harbi HAA

Effect of Rhazya stricta dense leaf extract on the liver and kidney tissue structure of albino mice

Glo. Adv. Res. J. Agric. Sci. November 2014 Vol: 3(4): - [Abstract] [Full Text - PDF] (2,268 KB)

AI Shugaba, CB Uzokwe, AM Rabiu, F Shinku, IM Gambo, MB Mohammed and VO Onwuliri

Biochemical parameters in HIV patients with lipodystrophic features

Glo. Adv. Res. J. Agric. Sci. September 2012 Vol: 1(8): - [Abstract] [Full Text - PDF] (387 KB)

Muh Akob

Effect of Local Wisdom Competency Syariah and Human Capital toward Competitive Strategy and Bank Syariah Industry

Glo. Adv. Res. J. Agric. Sci. June 2016 Vol: 5(6): - [Abstract] [Full Text - PDF] (335 KB)

Godfred Owusu-Boateng and Kafui Korshiwor Amuzu

A survey of some critical issues in vegetable crops farming along River Oyansia in Opeibea and Dzorwulu, Accra-Ghana

Glo. Adv. Res. J. Agric. Sci. September 2013 Vol: 2(2): - [Abstract] [Full Text - PDF] (419 KB)

Achukwi Mbunkah Daniel, Ngam Sali, Maxime Madder, Mfopit Mouliom Youssouf, Nain Caroline Waingeh, Manchang Tanyi Kingsley, Ndzingu Awa Daniel, Dirk Geysen

Molecular detection of concurrent infections of Anaplasma sp Omatjenne, Theileria mutans, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale in calves and yearlings in a tick endemic Guinea savannah ecosystem in Cameroon

Glo. Adv. Res. J. Agric. Sci. August 2020 Vol: 9(4): - [Abstract] [Full Text - PDF] (834 KB)

Samar A AL-Gehani

Effect of sub chronic exposure to Malathion on hematological parameters in the quail (Coturnix coturnix)

Glo. Adv. Res. J. Agric. Sci. March 2013 Vol: 2(3): - [Abstract] [Full Text - PDF] (264 KB)