European Journal of Scientific Research - EuroJournals
European Journal of Scientific Research - EuroJournals
European Journal of Scientific Research - EuroJournals
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<strong>European</strong> <strong>Journal</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Scientific</strong> <strong>Research</strong><br />
ISSN 1450-216X Vol.14 No.3 (2006), pp. 401-406<br />
© Euro<strong>Journal</strong>s Publishing, Inc. 2006<br />
http://www.eurojournals.com/ejsr.htm<br />
Seedling Growth <strong>of</strong> Gmelina Arborea (Roxb) as Influenced by<br />
Crude Oil in Soil<br />
Agbogidi, O. M<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty <strong>of</strong> Agriculture<br />
Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State,Nigeria<br />
E-mail: omagbogidi@yahoo.com<br />
Dolor, D. E<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty <strong>of</strong> Agriculture<br />
Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State,Nigeria<br />
Okechukwu, E. M<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty <strong>of</strong> Agriculture<br />
Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Delta State,Nigeria<br />
Abstract<br />
A study was carried out in 2005 on the seedling growth <strong>of</strong> Gmelina arborea as<br />
influenced by crude oil in soil in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out<br />
in a randomized complete block design with four treatments (0% (control), 4%, 8% and<br />
12% wet weight (w/w) <strong>of</strong> crude oil) and replicated four times. Parameters measured at<br />
different growth stages (1, 2 and 3 months after transplanting) were plant height, number <strong>of</strong><br />
leaves, leaf area, collar girth and dry weight biomass per seedling per treatment. The results<br />
showed significant reductions (P=0.0.5) in all the growth characters assessed throughout<br />
the experimental period in seedlings subjected to crude oil treatment when compared with<br />
those grown in the uncontaminated soils. The height, number <strong>of</strong> leaves, leaf area and collar<br />
girth <strong>of</strong> seedlings exposed to 12% oil treatment was 29. 6 cm, 6.3, 50.2 cm 2 and 1.0 cm<br />
while those in the control soils were 49.4 cm, 17.8, 109.3 cm 2 and 2.2 cm at 2 months after<br />
transplanting respectively. This study has demonstrated that crude oil contaminated soil<br />
significantly reduced the performance <strong>of</strong> Gmelina seedlings. The present study indicated<br />
that G. arborea could be tested for phyto – remediation studies in crude oil contaminated<br />
areas.<br />
Key words: Crude oil, soil contamination, seedling growth, Gmelina arborea.<br />
Introduction<br />
Gmelina, Gmelina arborea, a fast growing exotic tree species was first introduced to Nigeria in 1924<br />
(Akoun et al., 2002). It is a fuel wood and a chew stick species. Goat and sheep relish G.arborea<br />
greatly (Etukudo, 2000). With the current high cost <strong>of</strong> building materials, many people are using<br />
wattles as support in wattle – and - daub houses and G. arborea is a popular species in this direction. In<br />
the rain forest and derived savanna zones, G. arborea is recommended for use in our farms to supply<br />
nitrogen to the soil (Etukudo, 2000). He maintained that G. arborea is among the trees recommended