Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry

Assessment of Soil Physicochemical Properties of Four Selected Silvicultural System Practices in Mubi North of Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

H. Saidu, M. G. Saka, A. Adedotun, I. A. Ishiyaka — Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Globally, sustainable silvicultural practices have been recognised for their potential to support forest productivity while conserving soil resources. This study assessed the effect of soil physicochemical properties on four different silvicultural practices in Mubi Local Government Area, Adamawa State. Four different silvicultural system sites were selected for this study. In each of the sites, three plots of 50 X 50 m in size were laid and demarcated. Sub-plots of 1m x1m was laid at each corner and at the centre of the plot. In each plot, five points were marked for soil sampling collection at three different soil depths. Soil textural class results revealed that Clear cutting (CC), Agroforestry (AF) and Natural regeneration (NR) had the highest percentage of 59.6, 50.6 and 14.0% for sand, clay and silt, respectively, while AF, CC and Selective logging (SL) had 40.3, 28.2 and 8.4% for sand, clay and silt, respectively. Soil chemical properties showed variations in pH, OC and OM values across the four studied silvicultural practices. The ANOVA conducted showed that sand, clay, silt and porosity had a significant effect (P < 0.05), but the bulk density showed no significant effect (p> 0.05) on silvicultural practices in the study area. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a moderate negative relationship between the silvicultural practices, MC (-0.66) and WHC (-0.65). TN and Avp had a low negative correlation of -060 and -0.61respectively, while Na⁺, Ca⁺ and H⁺ had a high positive correlation of 0.97, 0.99 and 0.98 with silvicultural practices. These findings will offer a long-term benefit for soil fertility and restoration of degraded ecosystems in Mubi North LGA of Adamawa State.

Assessment of Farmers’ Knowledge and Attitude to Tea Value Chain in Cross River State, Nigeria

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study assessed farmers’ knowledge and attitudes to tea production in Cross River State. A Purposive sampling technique was used to select Cross River State. One hundred and nine respondents were randomly selected from Akampa, Boki, Etian, Ikom, Etung, Obubra and Yakurr Local Government Areas. A structured questionnaire was used. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the majority of the respondents (91.74%) had not heard about the tea crop, (92.66%) were not aware of tea cultivation, and (95.41%) of the farmers had not seen the tea crop. Similarly, most (90.83%) of the farmers were not aware of the different varieties of tea crops, while all (100%) of the farmers did not recognise that tea is a perennial crop, and 98.17% of the farmers do not identify tea as a commodity crop. Likewise, 96.33% of the farmers do not understand that the tea crop can thrive in Cross River State. The study concluded that the tea crop is new, and there is a wide knowledge gap in the value chain in the study area. Therefore, it’s imperative to introduce the tea crop value chain to these farmers to benefit from the numerous advantages the tea crop can offer.

Experimental Study on the Physical and Frictional Properties of Cassava Stems

B. O. Malumi, M. O. Ale, S. A. Fasoyin, O. B. Imoukhuede — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) stems are essential planting materials, and their physical and frictional properties are important for the practical design of planting, conveying and handling equipment. This study experimentally evaluated four cassava varieties, TMS 4(2) 1425, TME 419, TMS 30572 and TMS 30555, obtained from the Teaching and Research Farm of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria. Freshly harvested 12-month-old stems were cut into 250 mm stakes for frictional tests, while stem dimensions were assessed using 300 mm samples. Measurements were taken on days 1, 3 and 5 after harvest under dry-season conditions. A locally fabricated measuring device was used to determine the angle of friction, coefficient of friction, bulk friction coefficient and coefficient of rolling resistance on wood, stainless steel and mild steel surfaces using fabric and plastic ropes. Stem moisture content, diameter, number of nodes and density were also determined. Stem density decreased after harvest in all varieties, ranging from 328.07 to 391.29 kg/m3. TMS 4(2) 1425 recorded the highest density, mean number of nodes per 300 mm and mean stem diameter, whereas TME 419 had the lowest density. The coefficient of friction ranged from 0.348 to 0.579 for the fabric rope and from 0.344 to 0.581 for the plastic rope. Bulk friction coefficient ranged from 0.061 to 2.057, while rolling resistance ranged from 4.076 to 7.923. Frictional responses varied with variety, contact surface, rope material and moisture condition. The results provide experimentally derived parameters that can support the design and adjustment of cassava stem handling and planting equipment.