May 2011

Natural attenuation of a 14-month-old waste engine oil polluted soil

The effect of natural attenuation on bioremediation of waste engine oil (WEO) polluted soil was investigated. Soil was polluted with WEO at the rate of 0, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0% w/w oil in soil. The entire set up was left in the open shade for 5 months after pollution (5 MAP) in the first instance, and then for another 9 months (14 MAP), without mechanically disturbing the soil. Soil was carefully irrigated with 200 ml...

Author(s): Beckley IKHAJIAGBE and Geoffery Obinna ANOLIEFO

July 2011

Effects of cow-dung and rock phosphate on heavy metal content in soils and plants

Field trial was conducted with the view to determining the ideal rock phosphate (RP) and the level of cow dung fertilizer combination with respect to heavy metal contamination of soil and crops. Soils amended with Ogun rock phosphate (ORP) were subjected to 1-4 tha-1 of cow dung on which maize (Zea mays (L)ï´¿  and okra (Abelmuscus esculentum) were planted. The amended soils were found to be...

Author(s): O. O. Awotoye, D. J. Oyedele and B. C. Anwadike

July 2011

Comparative effectiveness of long yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) and organic and inorganic fertilizers in improving soil nutrient status and yield of maize in southwest Nigeria

The comparative effectiveness of long yam bean and organic and inorganic fertilizers for soil fertility improvement was carried out in an investigation conducted in Araromi Farms (latitude 7°16’N and longitude 5°17’E) in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State Nigeria in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The experimental design was a randomized complete block consisting of four treatments replicated three...

Author(s): F. O. Adekayode

July 2011

Environmentally friendly superabsorbent polymers for water conservation in agricultural lands

Polymer complexes of crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and starch were synthesized to form superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and their performances as a water retaining aid for irrigation were assessed. The SAP was crosslinked with aluminum sulfate octadecahydrate for optimum water retention. Starch from vegetables and chemically modified cellulose fibers were used as the basis for the polymer structure because of...

Author(s): Fidelia Nnadi and Chris Brave