Online: ISSN 2784 – 0360 | Print: ISSN 2784 – 0379

Issue 4 (204)/2025

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) growth and yield response to solid winery waste compost and NPK fertiliser application in sandy soil

Ncedo Goodwill Ndololwana, Olwetu Antonia Sindesi, Azwimbavhi Reckson Mulidzi, Francis Bayo Lewu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-584195

ABSTRACT. Vegetable producers struggle with soil fertility challenges and ever-increasing inorganic fertiliser prices. Solid winery waste compost provides a promising solution to these problems and mitigates the environmental consequences of discarded winery waste. The use of organic soil amendments improves crop growth and yield; however, there is limited information on the responses of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) to solid winery waste compost. This study assessed the effect of NPK fertiliser and two rates of solid winery waste compost on Swiss chard growth and yield. The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Council, Bien Donné Farm, Paarl, South Africa, from April to June and was laid out in a randomised complete block design with four treatments: control, NPK fertiliser, and two solid winery waste compost rates. All plant growth parameters, the number of leaves, leaf length, and leaf width improved significantly with the solid winery waste compost treatments compared to the control. This was linked to the compost’s ability to act as a sponge, retaining water and slowly releasing nutrients throughout the growth cycle. The fresh yield of Swiss chard did not show a statistically significant difference (p>0.05) among the amended treatments. The lower compost rate resulted in a slightly larger, but not significantly different, yield (12.95 t/ha) compared to the high compost rate (11.78 t/ha) and NPK treatment (11.39 t/ha). This was attributed to a potential optimal application rate at the lower compost rate, in which conditions were optimal for nutrient absorption and soil pH. The high compost rate may have resulted in an antagonistic relationship with nutrients due to its higher pH and sodium content, leading to osmotic stress. These findings suggest that although solid winery waste compost is an effective soil amendment for improving Swiss chard growth, further research is needed to determine the optimal application rate necessary for significant yield improvement.

Keywords: inorganic fertiliser; leafy vegetables; plant growth; plant nutrition; soil fertility; yield.

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Institutional contribution to urban biodiversity conservation, productivity, and carbon sequestration: a case study of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria

Joshua Ogunade, Quadri Onilude, Jonathan Onyekwelu, Olusola Ogunwande, Zacharia Yaduma

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-584194

ABSTRACT. Urban trees within developed areas provide essential ecosystem services that include carbon sequestration. But growing urban populations put pressure on vegetated urban ecosystem services and biodiversity. This study examined tree diversity, biomass, and carbon storage within the developed areas of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN). A complete enumeration of 326 trees distributed among 57 tree species and 29 families was conducted. Biodiversity indices were computed using standard procedures, while biomass and carbon storage were estimated using a non-destructive method. Most species (61.4%) were indigenous, while 38.6% were exotic. Pinus caribaea, Khaya senegalensis, Entandophragma angolense, and Gmelina arborea were among the dominant tree species. About 65.6% of the trees were very stable given their low slenderness coefficient. The high biodiversity index values (species richness = 57; Shannon-Wiener diversity index = 3.84; Margalef index = 9.68) suggest that the developed areas of FRIN have good biodiversity conservation status. Total basal area and volume productions were 49.54 m² ha-1 and 660.32 m³ ha-1, respectively, corresponding to 447.90 tons ha-1 of biomass and 223.95 tons ha-1 of carbon. Despite their small land size, the developed areas of FRIN are a significant carbon sink compared to similar institutional landscapes in Nigeria. This study highlights the need for institutional green-space management strategies to be integrated into national climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation policies for enhanced ecological resilience and sustainability.

Keywords: biodiversity conservation; carbon sink; developed area; FRIN; urban vegetation.

read more

Studies on cropping systems and pesticide regimes in Tolon, in the Northern Region of Ghana

Abdul-Rahaman Amadu Dohbia, Samuel Adu-Acheampong, Emmanuel Robert Blankson, Frederick Kankam

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-584193

ABSTRACT. Although pesticide use is relatively low in Africa, most African farmers who do use pesticides do not use them safely, in part due to the cropping systems that are employed. Specifically, the cropping systems dictate pesticide application regimes that can potentially expose farmers and consumers to chemical risks under indiscriminate applications. This study aimed to identify the dominant agricultural production type, the pattern of pesticide use, and the handling of empty pesticide containers, and to determine the relationship between pesticide use and cropping systems. We specifically documented pesticide application practices and cropping systems based on the administration of a stratified questionnaire to 120 farmers in a cross-sectional survey. The participants were selected through multistage random sampling and the results were analysed using SPSS Statistics. Most of the respondents (89%) practiced continuous cultivation of maize and persistently used pesticides (>50%) with little or no adherence to safety protocols. There was a strong positive correlation between continuous cropping and pesticide use (r = 0.71, p = 0.02). In addition, most of the respondents (≈ 65%) re-used empty pesticide containers to store seeds or for other domestic purposes; the remaining respondents discarded them on their fields or nearby dumping sites or gave them to others. Overall, Tolon is dominated by continuous cropping by farmers coupled with the indiscriminate use of pesticides, which threaten environmental health and are a cause for environmental concern. The current agrochemical uses in Ghana present a high environmental and health risk, especially in areas of high agricultural production such as Tolon.

Keywords: container; cropping systems; farm; pesticides; respondent.

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Solar energy interception and maize yield variability in the Forest-Savanna Transition Zone, Oyo State, Nigeria

Chukwuka Friday Agbor, Boluwatife Mosebolatan Dada, Suleiman Abdul-Azeez Adegboyega

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-584192

ABSTRACT. The diverse agricultural activities in the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria, provides an excellent opportunity to study the effect of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception on maize yield variability. The intercepted PAR was derived from Landsat 8 imagery, using the Beer-Lambert spectrophotometric principle. Maize yields were obtained by direct field measurements and a crop growth model (CGM). Yields were also projected using predictive models developed from the regression operations between yields and fraction of absorbed energy, enhanced vegetation index, normalised difference vegetation index, and chlorophyll vegetation index. The impact of surface solar energy on yields was determined. Results revealed that the mean fraction of PAR ranged 286–572 〖μmolm〗^(-2) across plots. Average measured yield was 452 kg/plot, while the mean estimate by CGM was 448 kg/plot. Mean projected yield ranged 443.366– 506.753 kg/plot. The model and field-based yields were closely related with an average R^2 of 0.78. The multiple regression model outperformed others, with a standard error of 6.69. The yields across the plots increased with increased PAR. The findings underscore the potential of integrating satellite-derived biophysical indicators with absorbed solar radiation estimates in crop yield modeling. The finding that absorbed solar energy is a key yield driver underlines the importance of considering climate-driven variables in future climate-resilient crop yield prediction models.

Keywords: agricultural activities; crop yield prediction models; maize yield variability; photosynthetically active radiation; vegetation index.

read more

Correlation and path analysis of body weight and linear body measurements in Marshall broiler chickens

Emmanuel Abayomi Rotimi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-584191

ABSTRACT. Understanding the association between body weight (BWT) and linear body measurements (LBMs) is crucial for animal breeders, as it helps identify the optimal traits that can be prioritised to improve BWT through selective breeding programmes. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationships between BWT and LBM in Marshall broiler chickens. A total of 100 Marshall broilers at 7 weeks of age were used. Data were collected on BWT and seven LBM: body length (BL); chest girth; thigh length TL; shank length; shank girth; wing length; and keel length. Data were analysed using the statistical procedure of IBM SPSS (23.0.0) statistical package. Descriptive statistics, phenotypic correlations, path coefficient analysis, and stepwise regression were employed to determine the predictive power of the LBM on BWT. A significant positive correlation between BWT and BL (r = 0.764) was revealed. Path analysis indicated that BL had the greatest direct effect on BWT, suggesting its utility as a selection criterion in breeding programmes aimed at enhancing broiler performance. The findings provide valuable insights for optimising breeding strategies for improved productivity in broiler production. Farmers can use BL at the 7th week of age to select chickens that will be expected to grow larger and faster.

Keywords: body weight and linear body measurements; body weight prediction; Marshall broiler chickens; path analysis.

read more

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) growth and yield response to solid winery waste compost and NPK fertiliser application in sandy soil

Jan 14, 2026 |

Ncedo Goodwill Ndololwana, Olwetu Antonia Sindesi, Azwimbavhi Reckson Mulidzi, Francis Bayo Lewu

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-584195

ABSTRACT. Vegetable producers struggle with soil fertility challenges and ever-increasing inorganic fertiliser prices. Solid winery waste compost provides a promising solution to these problems and mitigates the environmental consequences of discarded winery waste. The use of organic soil amendments improves crop growth and yield; however, there is limited information on the responses of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) to solid winery waste compost. This study assessed the effect of NPK fertiliser and two rates of solid winery waste compost on Swiss chard growth and yield. The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Council, Bien Donné Farm, Paarl, South Africa, from April to June and was laid out in a randomised complete block design with four treatments: control, NPK fertiliser, and two solid winery waste compost rates. All plant growth parameters, the number of leaves, leaf length, and leaf width improved significantly with the solid winery waste compost treatments compared to the control. This was linked to the compost’s ability to act as a sponge, retaining water and slowly releasing nutrients throughout the growth cycle. The fresh yield of Swiss chard did not show a statistically significant difference (p>0.05) among the amended treatments. The lower compost rate resulted in a slightly larger, but not significantly different, yield (12.95 t/ha) compared to the high compost rate (11.78 t/ha) and NPK treatment (11.39 t/ha). This was attributed to a potential optimal application rate at the lower compost rate, in which conditions were optimal for nutrient absorption and soil pH. The high compost rate may have resulted in an antagonistic relationship with nutrients due to its higher pH and sodium content, leading to osmotic stress. These findings suggest that although solid winery waste compost is an effective soil amendment for improving Swiss chard growth, further research is needed to determine the optimal application rate necessary for significant yield improvement.

Keywords: inorganic fertiliser; leafy vegetables; plant growth; plant nutrition; soil fertility; yield.

read more

Institutional contribution to urban biodiversity conservation, productivity, and carbon sequestration: a case study of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria

Jan 12, 2026 |

Joshua Ogunade, Quadri Onilude, Jonathan Onyekwelu, Olusola Ogunwande, Zacharia Yaduma

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-584194

ABSTRACT. Urban trees within developed areas provide essential ecosystem services that include carbon sequestration. But growing urban populations put pressure on vegetated urban ecosystem services and biodiversity. This study examined tree diversity, biomass, and carbon storage within the developed areas of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN). A complete enumeration of 326 trees distributed among 57 tree species and 29 families was conducted. Biodiversity indices were computed using standard procedures, while biomass and carbon storage were estimated using a non-destructive method. Most species (61.4%) were indigenous, while 38.6% were exotic. Pinus caribaea, Khaya senegalensis, Entandophragma angolense, and Gmelina arborea were among the dominant tree species. About 65.6% of the trees were very stable given their low slenderness coefficient. The high biodiversity index values (species richness = 57; Shannon-Wiener diversity index = 3.84; Margalef index = 9.68) suggest that the developed areas of FRIN have good biodiversity conservation status. Total basal area and volume productions were 49.54 m² ha-1 and 660.32 m³ ha-1, respectively, corresponding to 447.90 tons ha-1 of biomass and 223.95 tons ha-1 of carbon. Despite their small land size, the developed areas of FRIN are a significant carbon sink compared to similar institutional landscapes in Nigeria. This study highlights the need for institutional green-space management strategies to be integrated into national climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation policies for enhanced ecological resilience and sustainability.

Keywords: biodiversity conservation; carbon sink; developed area; FRIN; urban vegetation.

read more

Studies on cropping systems and pesticide regimes in Tolon, in the Northern Region of Ghana

Jan 12, 2026 |

Abdul-Rahaman Amadu Dohbia, Samuel Adu-Acheampong, Emmanuel Robert Blankson, Frederick Kankam

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-584193

ABSTRACT. Although pesticide use is relatively low in Africa, most African farmers who do use pesticides do not use them safely, in part due to the cropping systems that are employed. Specifically, the cropping systems dictate pesticide application regimes that can potentially expose farmers and consumers to chemical risks under indiscriminate applications. This study aimed to identify the dominant agricultural production type, the pattern of pesticide use, and the handling of empty pesticide containers, and to determine the relationship between pesticide use and cropping systems. We specifically documented pesticide application practices and cropping systems based on the administration of a stratified questionnaire to 120 farmers in a cross-sectional survey. The participants were selected through multistage random sampling and the results were analysed using SPSS Statistics. Most of the respondents (89%) practiced continuous cultivation of maize and persistently used pesticides (>50%) with little or no adherence to safety protocols. There was a strong positive correlation between continuous cropping and pesticide use (r = 0.71, p = 0.02). In addition, most of the respondents (≈ 65%) re-used empty pesticide containers to store seeds or for other domestic purposes; the remaining respondents discarded them on their fields or nearby dumping sites or gave them to others. Overall, Tolon is dominated by continuous cropping by farmers coupled with the indiscriminate use of pesticides, which threaten environmental health and are a cause for environmental concern. The current agrochemical uses in Ghana present a high environmental and health risk, especially in areas of high agricultural production such as Tolon.

Keywords: container; cropping systems; farm; pesticides; respondent.

read more

Solar energy interception and maize yield variability in the Forest-Savanna Transition Zone, Oyo State, Nigeria

Dec 23, 2025 |

Chukwuka Friday Agbor, Boluwatife Mosebolatan Dada, Suleiman Abdul-Azeez Adegboyega

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-584192

ABSTRACT. The diverse agricultural activities in the Forest-Savannah Transition Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria, provides an excellent opportunity to study the effect of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception on maize yield variability. The intercepted PAR was derived from Landsat 8 imagery, using the Beer-Lambert spectrophotometric principle. Maize yields were obtained by direct field measurements and a crop growth model (CGM). Yields were also projected using predictive models developed from the regression operations between yields and fraction of absorbed energy, enhanced vegetation index, normalised difference vegetation index, and chlorophyll vegetation index. The impact of surface solar energy on yields was determined. Results revealed that the mean fraction of PAR ranged 286–572 〖μmolm〗^(-2) across plots. Average measured yield was 452 kg/plot, while the mean estimate by CGM was 448 kg/plot. Mean projected yield ranged 443.366– 506.753 kg/plot. The model and field-based yields were closely related with an average R^2 of 0.78. The multiple regression model outperformed others, with a standard error of 6.69. The yields across the plots increased with increased PAR. The findings underscore the potential of integrating satellite-derived biophysical indicators with absorbed solar radiation estimates in crop yield modeling. The finding that absorbed solar energy is a key yield driver underlines the importance of considering climate-driven variables in future climate-resilient crop yield prediction models.

Keywords: agricultural activities; crop yield prediction models; maize yield variability; photosynthetically active radiation; vegetation index.

read more

Correlation and path analysis of body weight and linear body measurements in Marshall broiler chickens

Dec 15, 2025 |

Emmanuel Abayomi Rotimi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-584191

ABSTRACT. Understanding the association between body weight (BWT) and linear body measurements (LBMs) is crucial for animal breeders, as it helps identify the optimal traits that can be prioritised to improve BWT through selective breeding programmes. This study was undertaken to investigate the relationships between BWT and LBM in Marshall broiler chickens. A total of 100 Marshall broilers at 7 weeks of age were used. Data were collected on BWT and seven LBM: body length (BL); chest girth; thigh length TL; shank length; shank girth; wing length; and keel length. Data were analysed using the statistical procedure of IBM SPSS (23.0.0) statistical package. Descriptive statistics, phenotypic correlations, path coefficient analysis, and stepwise regression were employed to determine the predictive power of the LBM on BWT. A significant positive correlation between BWT and BL (r = 0.764) was revealed. Path analysis indicated that BL had the greatest direct effect on BWT, suggesting its utility as a selection criterion in breeding programmes aimed at enhancing broiler performance. The findings provide valuable insights for optimising breeding strategies for improved productivity in broiler production. Farmers can use BL at the 7th week of age to select chickens that will be expected to grow larger and faster.

Keywords: body weight and linear body measurements; body weight prediction; Marshall broiler chickens; path analysis.

read more

© 2026 by the authors; licensee Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment, Iasi, Romania. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)