Abdulazeez Shero | Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria (original) (raw)

Conference Presentations by Abdulazeez Shero

Nigeria Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2019

This study examined the economic and potential benefits of recycling used concrete pond water in ... more This study examined the economic and potential benefits of recycling used concrete pond water in vegetable production among fish farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. Seven Local Government Area (LGAs) were covered and these include Asa, Ifelodun, Ilorin east, Ilorin west, Moro, Offa and Oyun. Primary data were collected in 2015 production season through the administration of structured questionnaire and interview schedule from sampled fish farmers. A multi-stage sampling procedure results in eighty-seven (87) fish farmers (39 integrated and 48 sole fish farmers). Descriptive statistics, t-test, net farm income and principal component analysis models were used to achieved the stated objectives. The study revealed that number of juveniles stocked per pond per fish farmer and area devoted to entire farming and credit accessed connotes fish farming was subsistence and rudimentary. The net farm income (profit) obtained from integrated fish-vegetable system were fish farming (₦69,181.01), Pumpkin (₦26,449.71) and Amarathus (₦16,263.01). The difference in the yields of pumpkin, amarathus and tomatoes between either X11 and X21 or X12 and X22 were both statistically significant at 1 percent. The integrated fish-vegetable farming system is more profitable venture compared to sole fish farming system in the study area. Farmers should take advantage of relative higher profit of integrated fish farming to achieve food security, environmental and ecological sustainability.

A survey was conducted in the year 2014 at the premises of Ahmadu Bello University (Main campus),... more A survey was conducted in the year 2014 at the premises of Ahmadu Bello University (Main campus), Zaria, Nigeria (11o 11' N, 07o 38') ; located at an altitude of 586 m above sea level in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria with annual average rainfall of about 1060 mm. The area is characterized by distinct two seasons; the dry season, comprising of a cold dry period (harmattan) between November and December, and a hot dry period between April and June. The vital part of this work involved the collection, identification and description of some common ornamental plant species found within the premises of the Institute's environment and was presented in the form of original coloured photographs, identifying its scientific names, family names, English names and their common names. These ornamental plant species were then classified based on their characteristics, mode of propagation and usage (hedges, shading, indoor and lawns). During the survey, about 68 ornamental plant species comprising a total of 27 species of indoor plants, 16 of shading plants, 22 species of hedge plants and three species of lawns were identified, described and documented accordingly. It is hoped that this work would inspire floriculturist, botanist, gardeners, students and other researchers to contribute further into this interesting and attractive field of horticultural landscaping that is usually ignored or given less attention.

The influence of nitrogen at different levels on growth and leaf yield of Celosia argentea (L) wa... more The influence of nitrogen at different levels on growth and leaf yield of Celosia argentea (L) was investigated at the Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin in 2009. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. The trial consisted of five levels of Nitrogen 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha -1 . It was observed that nitrogen significantly influenced all parameters number of leaves, number of branches, plant height and weight of fresh leaves. Response nitrogen level at 90 kg N ha -1 was found to be similar statistically to 120 kg N ha -1 . Regression analysis showed there was linear response of leaf yield with increase in nitrogen application

The effect of nitrogen and phosphorus at different levels on seed yield of Celosia argentea (L) w... more The effect of nitrogen and phosphorus at different levels on seed yield of Celosia argentea (L) was investigated in the Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, 2009. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. The trial consisted of factorial combination of five levels of Nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha -1 ) and four rate of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha -1 ). It was observed that nitrogen significantly influenced harvest index, 1000 seed weight and seed yield whereas phosphorus increased only on 1000 seed weight. The nitrogen level at 90 kg N ha -1 was produced more seed yield than other N rate. Interaction between nitrogen and phosphorus was significant in seed weight.

The influence of nitrogen at different levels on growth and leaf yield of Celosia argentea (L) wa... more The influence of nitrogen at different levels on growth and leaf yield of Celosia argentea (L) was investigated in the Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin in 2009. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. The trial consisted of five levels of Nitrogen 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1. It was observed that nitrogen significantly influenced all parameters number of leaves, number of branches, plant height and weight of fresh leaves. The nitrogen level at 90 kg N ha-1 was found to be similar statistically to 120 kg N ha-1 and in the regression analysis there was linear response with increase in nitrogen application

Field experiment was conducted during the wet season of 2014 at the research farm station of the ... more Field experiment was conducted during the wet season of 2014 at the research farm station of the Institute for Agricultural Research (I.A.R), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to study the effect of soil and foliar applied NPK fertilizers to growth and yield of Celosia (Celosia argentea L.). The treatments consist of five soil applied NPK fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha-1), and three foliar applied NPK fertilizer rates (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 litres ha-1). Application of NPK fertilizer, significantly increased most of the growth, yield and yield components of Celosia as compared to the untreated control, and the highest obtained when 200 kg ha-1 of soil applied NPK fertilizer. Application of 2.5 litres ha-1 of foliar applied NPK fertilizer resulted in increased in plant height and number of branches, while application of 2.0 litres ha-1 of the same fertilizer resulted to increase other growth parameters. The results of the interaction between soil and foliar applied NPK fertilizers at 200 kg ha-1 and 2.0 litres ha-1 result in increased in most of the growth parameters. The interaction between soil and foliar applied NPK fertilizers on the yield at 150 kg ha-1 and 2.0 litres ha-1 on leaf yield resulted in the highest yield. Based on the result obtained in this study, farmers in the savanna can adopt the application of 200 kg ha-1 and 2.0 litres ha-1 gave the maximum fresh shoot yield.

Journal Papers by Abdulazeez Shero

TARABA JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (TAJET), 2021

ABSTRACT A field incubation experiment was conducted for 70 days to determine decomposition rate ... more ABSTRACT
A field incubation experiment was conducted for 70 days to determine decomposition rate and nutrient dynamics of N, P & K release by green manure legume Lablab (Lablab purpureus) in NPK fertilizer rate application of Tomato (Lycopersicum lycopersicon L.) at Kadawa, Northern Guinea Savanna in Nigeria. The treatments are plots of inorganic fertilizer of (0, 150, 300 and 450 kg ha1) where the decomposition study was monitored. The experiment was carried out under field conditions in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Decomposition was monitored by harvesting the litter bags and analyzing the residues at stated intervals of 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 56 and 70 days from the time green manure was incorporated. The nutrient release was
evaluated at 28 days after incorporation of litter bags. The litter decomposition and nutrient released concentrations were assessed. The result showed that higher decomposition rate and nutrient release was obtained from higher rate of NPK fertilizer rate. From this study it also
revealed that it took 11 days after incorporation of Lablab green manure released 50% of total mass has been decomposed. Hence, the green manure has the potential to decay rapidly and release nutrients for vegetable production.

Response of plumed cockscomb Celosia argentea (L) to nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and seed y... more Response of plumed cockscomb Celosia argentea (L) to nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and seed yield was investigated at the Garden of Kwara state College of Education, Ilorin, in 2010 and 2011. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. The trial consisted of factorial combination of five levels of Nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1) and four rate of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1). It was observed that nitrogen at 90 kg ha-1 significantly influenced growth parameters and seed yield whereas phosphorus application 60 kg ha-1 significantly increased growth and seed yield. The results revealed that nitrogen at 60 kg ha-1 and phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 could be used in combination to produce seed yield of celosia in southern guinea savanna of Nigeria.

Field experiments were conducted in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 dry seasons at Research farm of the I... more Field experiments were conducted in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 dry seasons at Research farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research (Longitude 11 0 N' N' Latitude 07 0 38 E at altitude of 686m above sea level) Samaru northern guinea savanna agro ecological zone of Nigeria. The treatment consisted of two tomato varieties (Roma VF and UC82B), four rate of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer (0, 150, 300 and 450 kg ha-1), and three rate of green manure (0, 5 and 10 ha-1) the legume specie used laid out in a split-plot design with three replications, NPK fertilizer and variety constitute the main plot while green manure rate was allocated in the subplot. Both varieties were similar in early growth stages of 5 and 7 weeks after transplanting (WAT) on plant height, relative growth rate and crop growth rate (CGR). However UC82B prove superior over Roma VF on growth indices CGR at 5-7 WAT, net assimilation rate (NAR) at 7-9 WAT and total fruit yield with 10.6% higher. Application of NPK fertilizer significantly increased growth such as plant height, crop dry weight and crop growth rate. Similarly NPK fertilization cause significant increased on total fruit yield. Incorporation of green manure resulted to increase in growth and total fruit yield. Application between 250-280 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizers was the most efficient for total fruit yield while 10 t ha-1 green manure was consistently produce higher yield.

The experiment was carried out on the teaching and research farm of the University of Agriculture... more The experiment was carried out on the teaching and research farm of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta to determine the effect of phosphorus application rates on growth, yield and yield components of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. The experimental design was randomized complete block design with three replicates. The treatments were application of phosphorus at different levels (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kgha-1). Phosphorus significantly increased growth, yield and yield components (number of leaves, number of flowers length of main vine etc.) of snake tomato at 15kg/ha up to 30 kg P ha-1, beyond which there was a reduction.

Regression analysis was done to determine the polynomial response of the yield of green bean vari... more Regression analysis was done to determine the polynomial response of the yield of green bean varieties to nitrogen and phosphorus rates suited to savannah ecology. Polynomial response of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties to nitrogen and phosphorus rates showed a quadratic response in yield of Ex-Brown variety in 2009/2010 with optimum N rate at 45 kg N ha-1 and a linear response for Dangora and Yar-Helina. Yield linearly increased in other years. A quadratic response in yield was observed with P application with on optimum P rate of 29.5 kg P ha-1 .More research on N fertilizer application to green bean or inoculation with Rhizobium phaseoli needs to be conducted in these Sudan savanna agro ecological zone of Nigeria to ascertain the optimum N requirement,and application of 22.5kg ha-1 produced the optimum yield and is therefore recommended.

The paper looks at estimation of the agronomic efficiency (AE) for various crop mixtures at varyi... more The paper looks at estimation of the agronomic efficiency (AE) for various crop mixtures at varying levels of fertility
management. To evaluate the concept, three trials using different cropping patterns and fertility rates were reviewed by
calculating and comparing the relative yield and agronomic efficiency of the main crop. AE was higher in the mixtures
compared to the sole crop in all the trials, and in the mixtures while efficiency between the control and the fertility levels
employed were high, those between the fertility levels were not as high and increased at a reducing rate, sometimes tending
to be constant. These responses gave rise to situations similar to a quadratic response and could therefore permit for optimum
fertility levels for crop mixtures to be predicted. This therefore means that sustainable intensification is possible under
small scale production systems as increase in efficiency was higher at lower fertilizer rates compared to the higher rates.
Assessment of AE for crop mixture could also result in staggered recommended production practices, thus discouraging
the excessive use of fertilizers – chemical or organic – and cut cost of production, reduce the pollution of the environment
with its attendant consequences while production costs could be within reach of the small scale farmers. Small scale family
farmers seeking alternative methods of soil fertility management could be encouraged to undertake the clipping/thinning
management of companion leguminous crops as such measures could enhance their productivity as the estimation of AE
has shown in these investigations. The practice of either clipping or thinning of the leguminous companion crop is similar
or close to current production practices employed by these farmers and therefore should not be difficult to adapt and adopt.

Papers by Abdulazeez Shero

Fertilizer Use Optimization in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2017

This chapter describes the agricultural systems of Nigeria, including the agroecological zones (A... more This chapter describes the agricultural systems of Nigeria, including the agroecological zones (AEZ), and the traditional practices affecting soil fertility. The chapter then discusses fertilizer use and recommendations and the diagnostic results for the Northern Guinea Savanna AEZ . Further, the chapter presents information on optimizing fertilizer use and fertilizer use optimization tools for Nigeria. Finally, the chapter explores fertilizer use in an integrated soil fertility management context and enumerates targeted crops and cropping systems by AEZ.

The experiment was carried out on the teaching and research farm of the University of Agriculture... more The experiment was carried out on the teaching and research farm of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta to determine the effect of phosphorus application rates on growth, yield and yield components of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. The experimental design was randomized complete block design with three replicates. The treatments were application of phosphorus at different levels (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kgha -1) . Phosphorus significantly increased growth, yield and yield components (number of leaves, number of flowers length of main vine etc.) of snake tomato at 15kg/ha up to 30 kg P ha -1,

Advances in Nutrition & Food Science

International Journal of Agronomy, 2014

Field experiments were conducted in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 dry seasons at the Research farm of t... more Field experiments were conducted in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 dry seasons at the Research farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Samaru northern guinea savanna agro ecological zone of Nigeria to study growth rate and yield of tomato under green manure and NPK fertilizer rates. Treatment consisted of two tomato varieties (Roma VF and UC82B), four rates of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg ha−1), and three rates of green manure (0, 5, and 10 t ha−1), laid in a split-plot design with three replications. The variety and fertilizer constituted the main plot while green manure was allocated in subplot. Both varieties responded linearly in growth stages of 5 and 7 weeks after transplanting (WAT) on plant height, relative growth rate, and crop growth rate (CGR). However, UC82B proves superior over Roma VF on growth indices CGR at 5–7 WAT, net assimilation rate (NAR) at 7–9 WAT, and total fruit yield with 10.6% higher. Application of NPK fertilizer significantly increa...

Agricultura Tropica et Subtropica, Dec 1, 2015

The paper looks at estimation of the agronomic efficiency (AE) for various crop mixtures at varyi... more The paper looks at estimation of the agronomic efficiency (AE) for various crop mixtures at varying levels of fertility management. To evaluate the concept, three trials using different cropping patterns and fertility rates were reviewed by calculating and comparing the relative yield and agronomic efficiency of the main crop. AE was higher in the mixtures compared to the sole crop in all the trials, and in the mixtures while efficiency between the control and the fertility levels employed were high, those between the fertility levels were not as high and increased at a reducing rate, sometimes tending to be constant. These responses gave rise to situations similar to a quadratic response and could therefore permit for optimum fertility levels for crop mixtures to be predicted. This therefore means that sustainable intensification is possible under small scale production systems as increase in efficiency was higher at lower fertilizer rates compared to the higher rates. Assessment of AE for crop mixture could also result in staggered recommended production practices, thus discouraging the excessive use of fertilizers-chemical or organic-and cut cost of production, reduce the pollution of the environment with its attendant consequences while production costs could be within reach of the small scale farmers. Small scale family farmers seeking alternative methods of soil fertility management could be encouraged to undertake the clipping/thinning management of companion leguminous crops as such measures could enhance their productivity as the estimation of AE has shown in these investigations. The practice of either clipping or thinning of the leguminous companion crop is similar or close to current production practices employed by these farmers and therefore should not be difficult to adapt and adopt.

Journal of Agricultural …, 2011

Nutritional Quality of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) as ... Influenced by Mulching, Nitro... more Nutritional Quality of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) as ... Influenced by Mulching, Nitrogen and Irrigation Interval ... Aliyu Samaila (Corresponding author) Nigerian Agricultural Extension and ResearchLiaison Services Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810001, Nigeria Tel: 803-...

Nigeria Journal of Fisheries and Aquaculture, 2019

The influence of nitrogen at different levels on growth and leaf yield of Celosia argentea (L) wa... more The influence of nitrogen at different levels on growth and leaf yield of Celosia argentea (L) was investigated in the Agronomy Department, University of Ilorin, Ilorin in 2009. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. The trial consisted of five levels of Nitrogen 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha-1. It was observed that nitrogen significantly influenced all parameters number of leaves, number of branches, plant height and weight of fresh leaves. The nitrogen level at 90 kg N ha-1 was found to be similar statistically to 120 kg N ha-1 and in the regression analysis there was linear response with increase in nitrogen application

TARABA JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (TAJET), 2021

Fertilizer Use Optimization in Sub-Saharan Africa, 2017

The experiment was carried out on the teaching and research farm of the University of Agriculture... more The experiment was carried out on the teaching and research farm of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta to determine the effect of phosphorus application rates on growth, yield and yield components of Trichosanthes cucumerina L. The experimental design was randomized complete block design with three replicates. The treatments were application of phosphorus at different levels (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kgha -1) . Phosphorus significantly increased growth, yield and yield components (number of leaves, number of flowers length of main vine etc.) of snake tomato at 15kg/ha up to 30 kg P ha -1,

Advances in Nutrition & Food Science

International Journal of Agronomy, 2014

Agricultura Tropica et Subtropica, Dec 1, 2015

The paper looks at estimation of the agronomic efficiency (AE) for various crop mixtures at varyi... more The paper looks at estimation of the agronomic efficiency (AE) for various crop mixtures at varying levels of fertility management. To evaluate the concept, three trials using different cropping patterns and fertility rates were reviewed by calculating and comparing the relative yield and agronomic efficiency of the main crop. AE was higher in the mixtures compared to the sole crop in all the trials, and in the mixtures while efficiency between the control and the fertility levels employed were high, those between the fertility levels were not as high and increased at a reducing rate, sometimes tending to be constant. These responses gave rise to situations similar to a quadratic response and could therefore permit for optimum fertility levels for crop mixtures to be predicted. This therefore means that sustainable intensification is possible under small scale production systems as increase in efficiency was higher at lower fertilizer rates compared to the higher rates. Assessment of AE for crop mixture could also result in staggered recommended production practices, thus discouraging the excessive use of fertilizers-chemical or organic-and cut cost of production, reduce the pollution of the environment with its attendant consequences while production costs could be within reach of the small scale farmers. Small scale family farmers seeking alternative methods of soil fertility management could be encouraged to undertake the clipping/thinning management of companion leguminous crops as such measures could enhance their productivity as the estimation of AE has shown in these investigations. The practice of either clipping or thinning of the leguminous companion crop is similar or close to current production practices employed by these farmers and therefore should not be difficult to adapt and adopt.

Journal of Agricultural …, 2011