African Journal of Soil Science

African Journal of Soil Science ISSN 2375-088X Vol. 7 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Yield and nitrogen accumulation in five cassava varieties and their subsequent effects on soil chemical properties in the forest/savanna transitional agro-ecological zone of Ghana

S. Adjei-Nsiah

University of Ghana Agricultural Research Centre, Kade, Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Ghana, Legon, P. O. Box 38, Legon, Ghana. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +233208206662, +233245395251.

Accepted 17 December, 2018

Abstract

We evaluated five varieties of cassava for yield, N accumulation and their effect on soil chemical properties. Soil phosphorus content increased drastically after 14 months of crop growth while soil organic carbon, N and exchangeable K contents reduced during the same period. Fresh root yield ranged from 17 t ha^-1 to 35.9 t ha^-1, while total dry matter production also ranged from about 18 t ha^-1 to about 25 t ha^-1. Total N accumulation in the total plant biomass varied from about 228 kg N ha^-1 to about 288 kg N ha^{- 1}. The amount of total N uptake exported from the soil through crop harvest ranged from about 59 kg N ha^-1 to about 123 kg N ha^-1 while the total N uptake recycled into the soil through the return of crop residue ranged from 127 kg N ha^-1 to about 189 kg N ha^-1. The study suggests that cassava varieties with high root dry matter yield have the potential of exporting large quantities of nutrients from the soil while varieties with high leaf litter deposition is likely to recycle substantial amount of the plant nutrient uptake.

Key words: Biomass, leaf litter, nutrients, root dry matter, soil chemical properties.

African Journal of Soil Science ISSN 2375-088X Vol. 7 (2), pp. 001-014, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Fractionation profile and mobility pattern of trace metals in sediments of Nomi River, Tokyo, Japan

Shaila Sharmin¹*, H. M. Zakir² and Naotatsu Shikazono¹

¹Laboratory of Geochemistry, School of Science for Open and Environmental Systems, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Hiyoshi 3-14-1, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.

²Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.

Accepted 14 December, 2018

Abstract

This study provides a geochemical partitioning and mobility pattern of Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) in sediment samples collected from Nomi River, Tokyo, Japan. For the partitioning of particulating trace metals, a widely used 5-step sequential extraction procedure was employed and the concentrations were measured in the liquid extracts by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) to understand enrichment and metal availability in five geochemical phases. The association of Cd (39.8-89.7%) was found highest with adsorbed, exchangeable and carbonate (AEC) fraction, Fe (25 - 44.1%), Mn (11.8 - 76.7%), Cr (12.6 - 46.9%) and Ni (9.8 - 41.8%) were in residual phase and the maximum association of Cu was recorded with amorphous Fe Oxyhydroxide phase (24.7 - 51.3%). The order of potential trace metals mobility in the aquatic environment of Nomi River was- Cd > Cu > Cr > Ni > Fe > Mn. According to the risk assessment code applied in the present study Cu, Ni and Cr were under medium and Cd was under high risk category. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study detected the presence of several clay minerals; those are likely to be the major host of trace metals in sediments.

Key words: Trace metal, fractionation, mobility, pollution, sediments, Nomi River, Tokyo.

African Journal of Soil Science ISSN 2375-088X Vol. 7 (2), pp. 001-004, February, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of two commonly used herbicides on soil microflora at two different concentrations

Ayansina A. D. V. ¹* and Oso, B. A.²

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Bowen University, P. M. B. 284, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.

²Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Accepted 21 November, 2018

Abstract

The effect of two commonly used herbicides (atrazine and atrazine + metolachlor) on non-target soil microflora was investigated over a period of 8 weeks. One kilogram soil samples each from maize farm were treated with the herbicides separately at company recommended and one and half (X1.5) recommended rates. Effects of the herbicides on soil pH and percentage organic matter were also investigated. Significant changes in soil pH and percentage organic matter were observed only in atrazine treated soils (P < 0.05). Herbicide treatments at both recommended and X1.5 recommended rates resulted in decreases in microbial counts. Higher concentrations of herbicides treatments resulted in much lower microbial counts compared to soils treated with recommended herbicide does. Herbicide treatments also resulted in the elimination of some microbial species. Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. were the most frequently isolated bacteria from herbicide treated soils. While A. niger, A. Flavus, Penicillium sp and Trichoderma sp were the most frequently isolated fungi from herbicide treated soils.

Key words: herbicides, microflora, atrazine, metolachor, concentrations.

African Journal of Soil Science ISSN 2375-088X Vol. 7 (1), pp. 523-529, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of the concentration of heavy metals associated with landfill leachate in Gamodubu soils in the Kweneng District, Botswana

Thatayaone Popego¹, Oagile Dikinya², Goabaone Gaobotse³

¹Dept. of Earth and Environmental Science, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Private Bag 16, Palapye, Botswana.

²Dept. of Environmental Science, University Of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana.

³Dept. of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Private Bag 16, Palapye, Botswana.

Corresponding Author. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 13 December, 2018

Abstract                                                         

Composting is a common method of household waste in developing countries such as Botswana. However, compost can introduce heavy metals which are harmful to the environment. High concentrations of heavy metals are toxic to plants and humans and can affect soil by killing soil microorganisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the amount of four heavy metals (Cr, Co, Cu and Pb) in Gamodubu soils that are associated with leachate from a landfill in that area. Soil samples were collected from five randomly selected points around the Gamodubu landfill. A control site was established 1000m away from the landfill i.e. free from landfill leachate. Water samples were collected in a control natural pond away from the landfill and a leachate pond within the landfill. Total recovery concentrations for Cr, Co, Cu and Pb were determined using microwave digestion with nitric acid. Our findings showed no evidence of heavy metal concentration in Gamodubu soils as these metals were detected at negligible amounts. The presence of these metals in the soil was greater than their presence in water. Concentrations of all metals (except Pb) in the control water sample were within the chemical requirements of drinking water as set by the Botswana Bureau of Standards. Findings of this study will contribute to the inadequate knowledge on the soils and drinking waters of Botswana. Furthermore, this study will guide similar future studies in Botswana.

Keywords: Contamination, landfill leachate, Gamodubu area, atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

African Journal of Soil Science ISSN 2375-088X Vol. 7 (1), pp. 507-510, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Health implications posed to living organisms on consumption of plants cultivated on polluted environment

Okoronkwo NE¹*, Igwe JC¹, Onwuchekwa EC²

¹Department of Industrial Chemistry, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.

²Department of Microbiology, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.

Accepted 22 April, 2018

Abstract

Studies of polluted soils have shown heavy metals contamination of the soils as well the uptake of these toxic elements by plants. Consequently, there are reasons for concern over elevated concentration levels of heavy metal/toxic elements in polluted soils. This can ultimately result in high human and animal exposure to these toxic elements through food-chain transfer, ingestion of wind blown dust or direct ingestion of soils. The toxic effects caused by excess concentrations of heavy metals in living organisms include competition for sites with essential metabolites, replacement of essential ions, reactions with –SH groups, damage to cell membranes and reactions with the phosphate groups.

Key words: Polluted soils, toxic/heavy metals, plant uptake, health.

African Journal of Soil Science ISSN 2375-088X Vol. 7 (1), pp. 518-522, January, 2019. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of the effects of Apron plus 50DS and soil amendment on the growth, yield and food components of soybean

A. A. Adegbite^1*, G. O. Agbaje¹, L. O. Adegbite², L. B. Taiwo¹ and R. O. Awodoyin³

¹Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, P.M.B.5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria.

²Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme, Ibadan/Ibarapa Zonal Headquarters Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria.

³Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Accepted 12 July, 2018

Abstract

Comparative effects of Apron plus 50DS (a systemic fungicide) and soil amendment (poultry droppings) on growth yield and food components of soybean (TGX 1485-1D) were studied. Soybean seeds treated with recommended dose of Apron plus 50DS had lower percentage germination when compared to the other treatments while the untreated seeds (control) had the highest percentage germination. Seeds treated with Apron plus and planted on amended soil gave the best performance in terms of development and yield. Biochemical analysis of harvested seeds showed an increase in protein content of seeds treated with recommended dose of Apron plus, planted on amended soil. Seeds treated with less than the recommended dose had the highest percentage carbohydrate content, while untreated seeds planted on amended soil had the lowest carbohydrate content. The control experiment had the highest percentage crude fibre while the lowest was recorded for seeds treated with recommended dose of Apron plus, planted on amended soil. However, there is no significant difference among the treatments in percentage ash and moisture content.

Key words: Apron plus 50DS, soil amendment, soybean, yield.