<div>Background: This study aimed to determine the pattern of N mineralization of tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) leaves and assess the uptake of N nutrients in maize by giving T. diversifolia and S. officinarum leaves with different qualities on sandy loam soil. 
 
Methods: The research used a completely randomized design (CRD) with following treatment: T1 (100% T. diversifolia), T2 (100% S. officinarum), T3 (75% T. diversifolia: 25% S. officinarum), T4 (50% S. officinarum: 50% T. diversifolia), T5 (25% T. diversifolia leaves: 75% S. officinarum), T6 (without T. diversifolia and S. officinarum or control). 
 
Result: The results showed that the N mineralization pattern of the organic matter combination was significantly higher than the control for all observations. The amount of N mineral released in each treatment was T1 (54.58-529.7 mg/kg), T2 (41.80-381 mg/kg), T3 (47.69-473.6 mg/kg), T4 (46.70-424.0 mg/kg), T5 (70.69-378.9 mg/kg) and T6 (47.14-303.6 9 mg/kg). The sequence of cumulative N release during 12 weeks of incubation was T1 (529 mg/kg)&gt; T3 (573.6 mg/kg)&gt; T4 (424.0 mg/kg)&gt; T2 (381 mg/kg)&gt; T5 (378.9 mg/kg)&gt; T6 (303.6 mg/kg). These results suggested that T. diversifolia and S. officinarum leaves significantly increased N nutrient uptake in maize by 125% to 144.54%.</div>

Pattern of N Mineralization and Nutrient Uptake of Tithonia diversifolia and Saccharum officinarum Leaves in Sandy Loam Soil

<div style="text-align: justify;">Tithonia biomass transfer was presented as a technology that would replenish infertile soils, enhance food security and eradicate poverty in Africa in the 1990s. Since then, a huge volume of research has been conducted and the agronomic effectiveness of tithonia unequivocally demonstrated. Its reported effects on soil properties have however been inconsistent. This has made it difficult to develop a predictive understanding of the effects of tithonia on soil properties. Socio-economically, tithonia failed to live up to the hype on its ability to increase the farmers&rsquo; incomes. Adoption rates have been dismal mainly because of high labor costs associated with its use. Two decades later, poverty and food insecurity are still widespread in Africa despite the enormous research and extension efforts that were devoted to popularizing the technology.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Recent Advances in the Use of Tithonia diversifolia Green Manure for Soil Fertility Management in Africa: A Review</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The study was for assessing performance of broilers fed Tithonia diversifolia flower meal as substitute of conventional feed ingredients. 180 number of day-old broiler chicks were assigned into six homogenous groups and fed rations with TDFM at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% of the total ration, respectively. The feeding trial was conducted up to 6th weeks of age and a metabolic trial for 3 days at the end of feeding trial. The average body weight gain decreased with increased level of TDFM; but, no significant difference was observed up to 6%inclusion level at 42nd days of age. No significant difference was observed for apparent nutrient digestibility, but was comparatively lower at 8% and 10% level. No significant difference observed in average profit and ERS up to 6% TDFM inclusion. It was concluded that TDFM was acceptable and could be included up to 6% level without significant effects on growth, nutrient utilization and economics of broiler in Mizoram.</div>

Growth, nutrient utilization and economics of broiler fed Tithonia diversifolia Flower Meal (TDFM) as substitute of conventional feed-stuffs in Mizoram, India