EFFECTS

The study focused on the characteristics and effects of pluvial flooding on soil quality under oil palm plantation in Ovia North East, Edo State in order to avert soil degradation, loss of nutrents and fertility. Soil samples were collected from two sites within the same area which was then labeled as experiment A (Flooded Soils) and experiment B (Non flooded soils/control) and at depths of 0 – 15 , 15 – 30 and 30 – 45 cm respectively. The soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The treatments were non-replicated and the data was analyzed using factorial arrangement in randomized complete block (RCB) design. The result showed that sand and clay particle distribution had the highest value in the non-flooded soils than the flooded soils, silt was higher in the flooded soil. It was only Bulk density (BD) that indicated significant difference (P>0.05).water holding capacity (WHC) and Hydraulic conductivity (K-Sat) value was higher in the flooded soils, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). Porosity value was higher in the non-flooded soils, there was significant difference (P>0.05. The pH and Organic carbon (O.C) value of the flooded soils was higher than the non-flooded soils. Total Nitrogen (T.N) was higher in the non-flooded soils; Its LSD was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. Available phosphorus, Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Sodium (Na) were higher in the flooded soil except Potassium; LSD was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. The LSD of exchangeable acidity (E.A), Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC) and base percentage was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. Fe, Mn and Zn were higher in the flooded soil, but significant difference (P>0.05) except Zn which is not significant at 0.05 level of probability. It was only Cu was high in the non-flooded soil and LSD indicates no significant difference at P>0.05. From the mean values gotten for SEF and SFI, it was discovered that flooded and non-flooded soil are both fertile and are of good quality. It can be concluded that moderate flooding actually helps to improve the quality of the soil.

This study investigated the effect of nanosilica (NS) as a partial replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. The aim was to assess the suitability of nanosilica in improving concrete performance and to determine its optimum replacement level for sustainable construction applications in Nigeria.Concrete was produced using a nominal mix ratio of 1:2:4 and a constant water–cement ratio of 0.5. Nanosilica was used to replace cement at levels of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight. Tests carried out included slump test, setting time determination, compressive strength test, flexural strength test, and water absorption test. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results showed that workability increased with increasing nanosilica content, while both initial and final setting times decreased. Compressive and flexural strengths increased up to an optimum nanosilica content of 2%, where 28-day values of 24.4 N/mm² and 5.25 N/mm² were recorded, compared to 22.5 N/mm² and 4.67 N/mm² for the control mix. Water absorption reduced to 7.3% at 2% nanosilica replacement compared to 9.7% for the control, indicating improved durability. ANOVA results showed no significant differences in compressive strength, flexural strength, and workability (p > 0.05), while setting time showed significant variation (p < 0.05). The study concluded that 2% nanosilica replacement provided the best overall performance and is recommended for producing stronger and more durable concrete

The oil palm industry generates large quantities of solid waste, particularly Empty Fruit Bunches
(EFB), which are often discarded despite their potential value as organic soil material. This study examined the effects of EFB on bacterial communities in oil palm rhizosphere soils collected from the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in Edo State, Nigeria. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine how different EFB application rates influenced soil properties and bacterial population structures. The results showed that moderate EFB application at 50kg to 100kg improved key soil parameters such as pH, organic carbon, and nutrient content. Although bacterial counts slightly decreased with EFB addition, beneficial species such as Bacillus subtilis and Enterobacter aerogenes were more prominent, exhibiting plant growth- promoting traits like nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. However, the presence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus indicated potential biosafety concerns. In conclusion, EFB enhances soil fertility and supports beneficial microbes, when applied in moderate rates (50kg- 100kg)

This study evaluated the effect of different lignocellulosic substrates on the mycelial growth performance of Pleurotus tuberregium and Psathyrella atroumbonata, two indigenous edible mushrooms of nutritional and economic significance in Nigeria. Five agro-residues including oil palm fiber corn straw, corn husk, plantain leaves, and sawdust were prepared as substrates following pasteurization procedures. Pure cultures of Pleurotus tuberregium and Psathyrella atroumbonata were inoculated into the substrates and incubated at 35°C under controlled humidity (75-80%). Mycelial growth parameters, including radial extension, growth rate, and morphological density, were measured at three-day intervals. The results revealed that substrate composition significantly influenced mycelial colonization and growth rate. For Pleurotus tuberregium, plantain leaves supported the highest mycelial extension after three days, followed by oil palm fiber, while corn husk exhibited the least growth. In contrast, Psathyrella atroumbonata recorded its best performance on oil palm fiber and sawdust, with the least growth again on corn husk. Mycelial density and morphology varied across substrates, with dense and woolly growth observed on oil palm fiber and plantain leaves, indicating vigorous metabolic activity, while sparse or thin mycelium was associated with corn husk, reflecting nutrient limitation and structural rigidity. The comparative growth rate analysis showed that Psathyrella atroumbonata (27.06 mm day') grew faster than Pleurotus tuberregium (22.39 mm day'), suggesting species-specific enzymatic adaptation and differential substrate utilization. The study establishes that substrate selection is a critical determinant of mycelial performance in mushroom cultivation. Plantain leaves and oil palm fiber emerged as the most efficient substrates for Pleurotus tuberregium and Psathyrella atroumbonata, respectively, due to their favorable carbon-nitrogen balance, moisture retention, and porosity. The findings highlights the potential of agricultural residues as contributing to both waste reduction and enhanced food.