Survey of Factors Affecting the Sustenance and Productivity of Tropical Streams and Ponds in Madagali Local Government Area, Adamawa State (Published)
The investigation involved identification and inventory of streams, ponds and fish species. It assessed the water volumes, fish productivity, factors affecting fish productivity and management strategies currently in use for the water bodies and those suggested for ameliorating the situation. The study identified 8 Streams and 4 Ponds. Result of assessment of water volumes showed that Shuwa stream with 132,225.0m3 was highest and the least was Giwa Mblaji (5,514.25m3). In terms of lost water volume, Shuwa (66,112.50m3) was also highest and the least was Giwa Mblaji (3,151.0m3). For Ponds, the water volume of Zhau (111,102.36m3) was highest. 13 fish species belonging to 6 families were recorded across the water bodies. Result of fish productivity showed Kwajiti (3.962kg) as the highest and least was Dzuel (2,395kg). Based on fish species, Clarias gariepinus (4,795kg), Clarias lazera (3,863kg) and Tilapia zilli (2,047kg) were the top reproductive fish species. Factors affecting the sustenance, and fish productivity of Streams and Ponds in perceived order of endangerment based on worst and worse effects showed; poor fishing practices characterized by partitioning of streams into paddocks and total draining of water mostly using the water power pumping machine (29.17% and 27.50%) and agricultural expansion (24.17% and 48.33%) are the leading threatening factors. Based on strongly agreed the study suggested; adoption of restoration process of water bodies through controlled fishing (45.0%), provision of alternative fish source to divert people’s attention from stream and pond overexploitation (40.0%) and provision of buffer zones between farming sites and water bodies to aid bank consolidation (39.17%) among others could be adequate if effectively utilized for addressing the factors threatening the sustenance of tropical streams and ponds.
Keywords: Factors, Fish species, Productivity, Strategies., sustenance, water volumes
Residual Effect of Organic Wastes on Productivity of an Ultisol in Abakaliki, South Eastern Nigeria (Published)
An experiment was carried out to study residual effect of organic wastes amendment on productivity of an ultisol.The field was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with four treatments of 20 t ha-1 equivalent to 8kg/plot of burnt rice mill waste (BRMW), unburnt rice mill waste (URMW), sawdust (SD) and control which were replicated five times to give a total of twenty experimental units. The treatments were applied in 2006 and 2007 cropping seasons and residual effect studied in the third season. A hybrid of maize (Oba super II hybrid) variety was used as a test crop. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) while means were separated with Fisher’s Least Significant Difference. The results showed that the textural class remained sandy loam. Hydraulic conductivity of organic wastes amended soil was significantly (P<0.05) higher when compared to control. While bulk density of SD amended plot was 7% lower, total porosity and hydraulic conductivity in same treatment were higher by 16 and 6% when compared to control, respectively. Total porosity, hydraulic conductivity. Available phosphorus and CEC of organic wastes amended soil were significantly (P<0.05) higher than control. Grain yield of maize was higher in BRHD, URHD and SD amended plots by 5, 9 and 13% respectively than control. Residual effect of organic wastes improved the productivity of ultisol more than control, and thus, could be recommended for sustainable soil productivity in Abakaliki agroecological farming system.
Keywords: Abakaliki, Organic wastes, Productivity, Residual effect, Ultisol