CHARACTERIZATION

This study entailed the production of ginger powder and analysis for selected phytochemicals and minerals element constituents. Examined phytochemicals were flavonoid, saponin, glycoside, phenols, alkaloid, tannin, coumarin, quinones and steroids while selected mineral elements analysed were iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium and sodium. The ginger rhizomes for this study were obtained from New Benin Market, Edo State, Nigeria. Standard methods were used for processing the ginger powder. Specifically, the presence or absence of the selected phytochemicals was determined. Findings indicated that for fresh ginger rhizomes, the examined minerals are of the following values: Fe (1.00mg/L), Mg (0.75mg/L), Ca (0.50mg/L), Zn (0.80mg/L), K (19.7mg/L) and Na (2.2mg/L). For the processed ginger powder, the obtained values for the examined mineral constituents are: Fe (1.60mg/L), Mg (1.08mg/L), Ca (0.30mg/L), Zn (1.20mg/L), K (61.1mg/L) and Na (11.4mg/L). Based on findings from this study, ginger powder is a good source of the examined food minerals.

Human hands usually harbor microorganisms both as part of normal flora and
microorganisms contacted from the environment. A prospective study was carried out in the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. This study was aimed at identifying the types of bacteria associated with hands of undergraduate students in the University of Benin and to isolate and determine the hemolysin production of bacteria isolates present on the hands of the students. A total of 6 samples were obtained. The samples were analyzed using cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics (citrate, indole, oxidase, catalase, motility, triple sugar ion and coagulase). The bacteria isolates recovered were S. aureus 3(25%), C. jeikeium 1(8.33), S. epidermidis 4(33.33), S. hominids 2(16.67) and Escherichia coli 2(16.67). All isolates of S. aureus, E. coli and S. hominis showed complete hemolysis (Beta hemolysis) while S. epidemidis and C. jeikeium were non hemolytic (Gamma hemolysis). All Gram positive isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, rifampin and septrin. Gram negative bacteria isolates were highly resistant to nalixidic acid, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin

The study focused on the characterizing, classifying and identify the soil-forming processes in a waterlogged soil in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State for the purpose of providing an understanding of the ecosystem and land-use sustainability. A soil profile of up to 180 cm was dug in the area, and six soil samples were drawn from the each of the horizons in the profile for laboratory analysis. The morphological properties of these soils: colour, soil structure, soil consistence, drainage, boundaries and root inclusions were recorded in the field. The soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The treatments were non-replicated and the data was analysed using different weathering indices. The results showed that the soil in the study area has a moderate, medium, sub-angular blocky structure in the topsoil, with colours ranging from dark reddish brown to red. The bulk density of the soil was found to be within acceptable limits. The water holding capacity (WHC) was highest in the subsurface horizon and lowest in the surface horizons, with the highest values found at the Bt2 horizon and the lowest at the AB horizon. The pH of the soil was slightly acid to neutral and did not show a clear pattern throughout the profile. Available phosphorus was very low and not sufficient for crop production. The levels of micronutrients in the soil, including manganese, copper, zinc, and iron, were higher than necessary for crop plant growth, and crops sensitive to these micronutrients should not be planted. The soil contained high levels of heterogeneous bacteria and fungi, with microbial activity being particularly high at the topsoil. However, microbial activity decreased with soil depth. There is evidence of transformation, translocation of clay, eluviation, illuviation, and leaching. The soils were classified according to the USDA Soil Taxonomy as Typic Kandiudults. These findings provide important information for understanding the suitability of the soil for crop production and identifying potential management strategies. To improve the productivity of the soil in the study area, the study recommends putting in place a well-functioning drainage system and water management facilities, engaging in good organic matter management practices, including the use of farmyard manure, and periodically applying lime to the soil.

This study was carried out on a 0.25 hectare land at the SLM Research Hub, University of Benin, Edo state where the soil was cha acterized, classified and evaluated for its suitability for the cultivation of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The soil survey process was carried out with an intensive scale using the Rigid grid systematic survey method and a mapping unit was delineated in the study site. A pedon was sunk in the mapping unit, described appropriately and sa pled for analysis. The soil samples were analyzed using standard method procedures at the laboratory. Soils were classified using the USDA soil taxonomy, World Reference Base for soil resources (WRB) and the local Nigerian classification system based on Moss (1957) as updated by Ogunkunle (1983). The suitability of the soil for ginger and cucumber production was evaluated using both limitation and parametric method. The current and potential land suitability classes were assessed. The result showed that the textural class of the soil varied from Loamy Sand in the surface to Sandy Clay Loam in the subsoil while the structure ranged from fine sub-angular blocky to medium sub-angular blocky with a base saturation of 1.37-4.54% and pH level of 4.3-5.2. Sand fraction in the soil ranged from 72.9- 86.2%, Silt from 1.5-2.4% and clay from 11.4-25.6%. Taxonomically, the soil was classified , a Sandy Isohyperthermic Rhodic Kandiudult under the USDA Soil Taxonomy and as a Rhodic Lixisol (Loamic, Differentic, Ochric) under the WRB system. Locally, it was classified as the Orlu Series (Normal).