EFFECTS OF FERTILIZER AND HERBICIDE APPLICATION ON NEMATODE POPULATION IN GREEN HILLS FARMS, OLOGBO, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study aims to show that nematodes can be harmful to cassava and that fertilizers and herbicides application can increase or reduce the growth of these nematodes in the soil. The soil samples used for this research were obtained from Green Hills farms, Ologbo in Edo State, Nigeria. They were taken at various points while taking note of the various treatments that were applied to the soil which is significant to this study. The chemical properties of the soil also exhibited notable variations across different treatment samples. The various treatments considered were single application of fertilizer and application of pre and post emergence herbicides as first treatment, double application of fertilizer and application of pre and post emergence herbicides as the second treatment. However, in the third treatment, there was no fertilizer applied and only pre-emergence herbicide was used, highlighting the impacts of agricultural inputs on soil composition and health. The results demonstrate that the application of synthetic fertilizers, such as N.P.K 12:12:17, can significantly influence the composition and abundance of nematode communities in soil. From the result, soil samples containing double fertilizer, has a higher mean number of nematodes presented – (5.76 n/g) than soil samples containing single fertilizers –(5.55 n/g). The soil phenology showed variations across treatment samples; however the chemical properties showed significant differences across different treatments. Therefore, the comprehensive assessment of soil properties, the impact on soil parameters, and their implications for the normal growth of cassava emphasizes the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Understanding and mitigating the effects of agricultural inputs are crucial to ensuring the productivity and resilience of cassava farms in Ologbo and similar agro-ecological zones.