ABSTRACT

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the agronomic potentials of two different tennite mounds, macrotermes and microtermes mounds both of which, were collected from within the premises of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture and National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The experimental layout. was a split plot in completely randomised design (CRD) with four replicates.  The mound types constituted the main-plot treatments, while poultry dropping. used as amendments at the rates of 0.0 t/ha, 5.0 t/ha, 10 tlha, 15.0 t/ha and 20.0 tlha, were time sub-plot treatments. Data collected included percent germination count, plant height, dry matter yield, fruit number and fruit diy matter. The physico-cliemical properties of the mounds were also detennined using routine analysis. Two successive cropping were carried out on the mounds. Results obtained showed that during the first cropping, planb growmi on microtermnes mounds gave a significantly (P > 0.05) higher yield than those grown on the macrotermes mounds in terms of percentage germination count and plant height. Also during the second cropping,. microtermes mounds showed a significantly (P > 0.05) higher yield in all the parameters measured. Microterines mounds have greater agronornic potentials than mnacrotermnes mounds. They contain more plant nutrients and the better performance observed was a reflection of the nutrient level. It may be recommended that both mound types be amended with up to 10.0 tlha of poultty dropping before cropping. in order to improve crop productivity.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Acknowledgement  

Dedication

CHAPTER THREE:

3.0 Materials and Methods 12

3.1 Sample Collection . 12

3.2 Sample Preparation ... 12

3.3 Laboratory Analysis 14

3.4 Experimental Layout 15

CHAPTER FOUR:

4.0 Result and Discussion 17

4.1 Physico-chemical Properties of Termite Mounds 17

4.2 Yield Response of Okra 20

4.2.1 Germination Count ... 20

4.2.2 Plant Height ... 20

4.2.3 Dry Matter Yield 21

4.2.4 Fruit Yield ... 21

CHAPTER FIVE:

5.0 Conclusion •22

6.0 References 23

7.0 Appendix 26

7.1 Appendix I .27

7.2 Appendix 11 28

7.2 References