CHARACTERISTICS

The study was designed to investigated the agricultural potentials of a degraded Ultisols in a humid ecological zone of Edo State. The objectives of the study is to investigate the agricultural potentials of the soil. A reconnaissance survey was undertaking to identify the field characteristics, and a representative profile was dug at the University of Benin Agriculture farm. Themorphology, physical and chemical properties of the soil was evaluated. Soil sample was collected from the profile horizons and analyzed using standard procedures. Generally, the soil was well drained, deep, absence of rock. The soil was generally sandy loam in texture. Soil reaction was acidic (5.2 – 5.3), ECEC was low (1.29 – 1.64Cmol kg-1) and base saturation was high (84.96 – 90.00%). Correlation analysis was employed to show the relationship between the physical and chemical parameters of the soil. Six soil properties were positively significant while two were negatively significant. The study provided baseline information forfuture research efforts on soil quality. The study recommended sound agronomic practices especially erosion control measures should be encouraged that further detailed studies could be conducted to examine soil quality in specific time period for sustainable land use

This study investigated the comparative drying performance and product quality of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) leaves processed using traditional open sun drying (OSD) and an improved parabolic-shaped solar dryer (PSSD). Freshly harvested fluted pumpkin leaves were divided into two batches and dried under both methods to a target moisture content of 10% (wet basis). Key performance indicators measured included drying time, drying rate, and final moisture content, while sensory attributes such as colour, odour, texture, and overall acceptability were assessed using a 9-point Hedonic Scale. Results revealed that the PSSD achieved significantly faster drying (4.55 h) and higher drying rate (21.78 g/hr) compared to OSD (6.05 h and 16.22 g/hr, respectively), with the difference statistically significant (p = 0.027). Sensory evaluation further indicated that leaves dried with the PSSD were preferred (overall acceptability = 7.9) to those dried under open sunlight (5.9), with superior colour retention and aroma preservation (p <0.001). The enhanced efficiency and product quality observed in parabolic solar drying demonstrate its potential as a sustainable, energy-efficient alternative for preserving perishable leafy vegetables in Nigeria. Adoption of this technology can substantially reduce postharvest losses, improve marketability, and promote year-round availability of nutrient-rich vegetables like fluted pumpkin.