Asian Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF SOIL PROPERTIES IN YAKURR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA (original) (raw)
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The status and spatial variability of soil properties across agrarian communities in Yakurr Local Government Area, Southeast Nigeria were assessed and soil management strategies suggested for limiting soil properties. Nine communities were identified within the study area and soil samples collected from young fallow lands measuring 40 m by 40 m at depths of 0 -20 cm and 20 -40 cm to represent surface and subsurface soils respectively. The interpolation of the area was done using the deterministic methods of inverse distance weighting (IDW) in ArcGIS 10.2.2 software. The soils were sandy loam to loamy sand with the coefficients of variation (CV) of particle sizes ranked as clay> silt> sand while soil pH ranged between 5.2 and 5.75, and organic matter ranged from 7.4 in Ntamkpo to 20.3 gkg -1 in Idomi with CV of 27.54%. Total N was generally low in the soils with CV of 31.25% in the surface soils and 58.36% in the subsurface soils. Available P and exchangeable basic cations were rated low but with high CVs except for exchangeable K + and Na + and ranked as P> Mg> Ca> Na> K. The ECEC was however rated medium with CV of 23.8% in the surface soils. It was however observed, that ECEC and organic matter were among the most spatially variable properties in the area. Intensified soil tests and farmer education were suggested to control the use of agrochemicals while unhealthy practices such as bush burning and unplanned continuous cropping should be checked. The integrated use of calcitic and dolomitic limes with organic inputs, crop rotation and bush fallow systems were also advocated.
ABSTRACT Land use types affect soil physicochemical properties, fertility, productivity, sustainable crop production and environmental management. Effect of land use types on physicochemical properties of soils of Oil Palm Plantation (OP), Secondary Forest (SF), Industrial Layout (IL) and Residential Layout (RL) were evaluated in July-August 2012. Target survey approach was used and two profile pits dug in each of the land use types selected. Samples were collected according to horizon differentiation, and also at predetermined depths of 0-15 and 15-30 cm in all land use types, giving a total of sixty-one (61) samples. Samples were subjected to laboratory analysis and statistical tools such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Coefficient of Variation (CV). Sandiness increased down the profile ranging between 632-782g/kg (CV≥1.20≤8.50%).Silt/clay ratio varied between 0.10-0.54(CV≥26.19≤89.56%).Bulk density ranged from 1.19-1.73g/cm-3 (CV≥1.90≤17.54%) with high mean values in IL land use (1.69gcm-3 and 1.73gcm-3). Saturated hydraulic conductivity (KSat) varied from 0.012-0.084cm/mins (CV≥35.02≤91.25%). pH(H2O) was moderately acidic, ranging from 5.22-6.16(CV≥0.70≤8.88%).Organic Carbon ranged from 0.28-1.58% (CV≥19.0≤36.32%) with high mean value at SF (1.0g/kg).Total Nitrogen (TN), Available Phosphorus (Av.P), Total Exchangeable Bases (TEBs), Cation Exchangeable Capacity (CEC) and Ca/Mg ratio were generally low and their values ranging from 0.01-0.18 (CV≥23.09≤46.15%), 0.24-0.75mg/kg (CV≥9.11≤25.35), 1.98-2.60cmol/kg (CV≥5.45≤21.72%), 4.38 6.69cmol/kg (CV≥4.84≤12.14%) and 1.06-3.19(CV≥7.01≤45.02%) respectively. Soil degradation assessment indicated that RL was highly degraded in terms of physical, chemical and biological degradation, followed by IL, OP and SF land use types. BD vs Ksat correlated negatively and significant at OP (p=0.05) and SF (p=0.01). MC vs OC correlated positively and significant at OP, SF and IL (p =0.01). Land use types had significant difference (p=0.05) with selected soil properties used in various locations, and require different management systems for sustainable crop production. Soils of OP, SF and RL were classified using USDA Soil Taxanomy as Grossarenic kandiudult, while that of IL was classified as Typic Kandiudult which translates to Dystric Nitisols in World Reference Base system.
Heliyon, 2022
Soil acidity is the major soil chemical constraint that limits agricultural productivity in the highlands of Ethiopia receiving high rainfall. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different lime rates determined through different lime rate determination methods on selected soil chemical properties and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) on acidic Nitisols of Mecha district, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The experiment had 10 treatments (0, 0.06, 0.12, 0.18, 1, 2, 3.5, 4, 7 and 14 tons ha−1 lime) that were calculated by three lime rate determination methods and applied through three lime application methods (spot, drill and broadcast). The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. N at the rate of 180 kg ha−1 and P at the rate of138 P2O5 kg ha−1 were applied to all plots. A full dose of P and lime as a treatment were applied at planting; whereas N was applied in split, 1/2 at planting and 1/2 at knee height stage. One composite soil sample before planting from experimental site and again one composite sample from each experimental unit were taken after harvest to analyze soil chemical parameters following appropriate laboratory procedure. Liming showed a positive significant difference on pH-H2O, pH-buffer, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and exchangeable bases but it had an inverse and significant effect on exchangeable acidity (EA). However, it didn't show any significant difference on soil C and N. Grain and above-ground biomass of maize yields had significant differences among treatments. The highest grain and biomass yields (7719 and 18180.6 kg ha−1, respectively) were obtained from application of broad cast method while the lowest (6479 and 15004.6 kg ha−1, respectively) were obtained from control treatment. Drill lime application method provided better efficiency with over 200% cost reduction advantage compared to the broadcast method to ameliorate the same level of acidity. Application of 3.5 tons ha−1 lime in the drilling method is recommendable to ameliorate soil acidity. However, from an economic point of view, application of 0.12 tons ha−1 lime applied in the micro-dosing method is more profitable due to low variable cost.
Science, Technology and Arts Research Journal, 2016
A study was conducted in Loma Woreda, Dawuro impacts of land use types (forest, grazing and cultivated) on the selected soil physico chemical properties of the study area. Composite surface (0 collected randomly from three sites of each land use which were adjacent to each other and subjected to laboratory analysis. The results of the study revealed that there was relative variation in proportion of sand and clay content among the land use types though they have the same textural class. The bulk density of the soils decreased from grazing to cultivated and then to forest land, while total porosity decreased from forest to cultivated and then to grazing lands. The average soil pH-H2O value of the area varied from very strongly acidic strongly acidic. Exchangeable acidity and Percent Acid Saturation were significantly lower by about 60.02 and 61.54% in the forest soils than the soils of cultivated lands, and 29.70 and 38.32% than that of grazing lands, respectively. As compared to th amount of soil OM, TN and CEC in cultivated land have declined by about 76.53, 38.97%, respectively. The available P, exchangeable bases and PBS have shown decreasing trends in the soils of forest to grazing and then t study, it can be concluded that the soil fertility and quality were well maintained relatively under the forest land, while the impact on most parameters were negative on the soils of the cultivated land. Applications of lime, organic and inorganic fertilizers and crop rotation especially in the cultivated lands may enhance the productivity of the soils, implying the need for undertaking integrated soil fertility management in sustainable way to improve and maintain the favorable soil properties.
A B S T R A C T The chemical degradation of soils, due to acidity, and erosion processes, resulting from a traditional tillage system method, are one of the main factors responsible for decreasing the productive capacity of tropical pastures. Thus, establishing the crop-livestock integration system (CLIS) by applying lime on surface without disrupting the soil is interest. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the chemical changes in a soil following surface application or incorporation of lime and to determine the effects of liming on plant nutrition, corn (Zea mays L.) grain yields, and various yield components in cultivated areas of degraded Brachiaria decumbens Stapf pasture. A randomized block experimental design with a split-plot arrangement consisting of two management systems (tillage and no-tillage system) and three lime rates (0.0; 2.7 and 5.4 Mg ha À1) was used. The highest reactivity of calcium carbonate was observed after six months of liming, since during the sampling time the level of exchangeable Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ decreased to 0.05 m depth, and increased Al 3+ and soil acidity to 0.3 m. The incorporation of lime did not increase the movement or reaction of the bases in the degraded soil profile. Therefore, surface liming under perennial forage crop residues (B. decumbens Stapf. pasture) provided the best alternative to increase the soil pH index at a depth of up to 0.3 m. Macronutrients uptake by plant, yield components, and corn grain yield were not affected by the application method. However, the use of limestone showed viability to maximize up to 20% in corn productivity, regardless of lime rate. The results suggest that it is possible to ameliorate soil acidity and chemical properties of degraded grassland only by surface application of limestone; however, the strategy is considered effective just for soils with no physical restriction to root development.
Heliyon
Soil acidity has become a major constraint that threatens sustainable agricultural production in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to evaluate effects of lime rates and application methods on selected soil properties and wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) yields on acidic Luvisols of northwestern Ethiopia. The treatments included control, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 t ha − 1 lime drilled along the seed rows and 2, 3, 6 and 12 t ha − 1 lime applied in broadcasting method. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Lime rates applied for this experiment were quantified using exchangeable acidity and Buffer pH methods. To analyze selected soil properties, composite soil samples were collected immediately before sowing and after harvest. Results revealed that liming significantly increased soil pH, available phosphorus, and exchangeable bases but markedly reduced exchangeable Al 3+ contents. The lime rates determined by buffer pH method were greater in ameliorating soil acidity, increasing soil nutrients status and crop yields than exchangeable acidity. Besides, lime application along the row was better in overcoming soil acidity constraints and increasing crop yields compared to broadcast application. Application of 12 t ha − 1 lime in the broadcasting method, 3 t ha − 1 and 2 t ha − 1 lime drilling along the row increased wheat grain yield by 65.10, 49.80 and 27.05%, respectively, compared to the control. Likewise, partial budget analysis showed that the highest net benefit (51,537 Birr ha − 1) was obtained from plots amended with 3 t ha − 1 lime while the lowest economic profit (31,627.5 Birr ha − 1) was recorded from treatments that received 12 t ha − 1 lime. Thus, we concluded that application of 3 t ha − 1 lime in row is a promising practice to mitigate soil acidity and increase available nutrients, exchangeable bases and crop yields in the study area and similar soil types elsewhere.
Variation in Soil Physiochemical Properties at Different Land Use Sites in Northeastern Nigeria
The variability of some soil physiochemical properties related to land-use sites in the northern part of Taraba State, North-Eastern Nigeria, was studied to determine the extent of variation in soil-properties between land-use sites. The main purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of farmers reasons for cultivating hillslopes when there are flatland areas. Six surveyed-plots, with eight surveyed-positions, were randomly selected; one-composite sample was collected from each position over three successive measurement intervals for soil laboratory analysis. Thirteen soil-properties were analysed using the GLM procedure and the analysis of variance in SPSS release version 22. The results obtained showed a statistically insignificant difference for most soil physical properties; sand and silt, chemical properties; soil pH, TN and Base cations (Na, and Ca), suggesting the absence of effects that can be directly associated with the sites. Hence, the farmers reasons for cultivating hillslope when there are flatlands. However, differences in the distribution of soil clay-fraction, OC, P and Na between the two-sites were significantly different. These significant differences suggest two important policy implications. 1. Any intervention in soil management should be location-specific and the blanket-recommendations for fertilizer application and soil and water conservation, which is now the norm in Nigeria, should be changed. 2. The severity of soil degradation varies with the site; hence, local-level investigation is essential to design local-specific and appropriate management interventions. Hence, the study recommends that -the best practices of farmers from time immemorial, such as contour-ploughing, intercropping, use of cover crops and mulch, should be enhanced and encouraged especially for hillslope farmers. The expectations and perceptions of farmers should be integrated into future studies to provide empirical evidence of farmers preference for cultivating hillslope sites when there are flatlands.
Soil degradation and desertification pose a major threat to agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa. The influence of cropping systems which had been established on selected physical and chemical properties of soil were investigated in Akinyode-Okinni community in Egbedore Local Government Area (LGA) of Osun State, Nigeria. The cropping systems included agri-silviculture (SCM), silvi-pasture (SPC), agri-horti-silviculture (PAH) and agroforestry (AFT) selected from existing farms in the community. The selected plots had cocoa (Theobroma cacao), oil palm (Elais guineensis) and kolanut (Kola nitida) as permanent crops; coco-yam (Coco nucifera), guinea grass (Panicum maximum), plantain (Musa spp), maize (Zea mays), and cassava (Manihot utilissima) were the annual crops. The experiment was carried out for two cropping seasons. Results showed that in the AFT system, bulk density (BD) decreased slightly from 1.22 to 1.16 g/cm 3 in the top soil and from 1.18 to 1.09 g/cm 3 in the subsoil after two cropping seasons. The pH varied between 6.40 and 7.05 in the first season and between 7.05 and 7.29 after two seasons. On average, the topsoil contained more organic carbon (OC) in SPC (38 g kg-1) and SCM (36 g kg-1) systems than in the PAH and AFT systems. Similarly, the total phosphorus content was higher in the topsoil of SPC and SCM systems than in the other systems. There was a slight reduction in soil acidity and no significant changes occurred in the concentrations of exchangeable bases after two cropping seasons. Conclusively, these cropping systems have the potential to reduce soil deterioration and thus; further studies to develop appropriate management strategies are necessary.
Heliyon, 2020
This study examined changes in soil properties under different types of agricultural land-use. This was done with a view to extending knowledge on the nature of soil properties under long-term land-use practices. The study investigated six types of land-use: paddock, continuously cropped, secondary forest, teak, oil palm, and cacao plantations. Soil strength and saturated hydraulic conductivity were determined in-situ at two soil depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) across the land-use types. Soil samples were collected to determine particle size distribution, bulk density, aggregate stability, pH, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test was used to separate significant means at p 0.05. The results showed that land-use types such as forest, cacao and continuously cropped had higher saturated hydraulic conductivity, while soil bulk density was highest under continuously cropped land-use type (1.55 g cm À3). The soil aggregates of forest, teak, and oil palm land-use types were more stable, but soil under oil palm land-use had the highest soil strength (5.65 kg m À2). Soil pH across the land-use types was slightly acidic to strongly acidic, while soil organic carbon was least in continuously cropped land (3.87 g kg À1). The total nitrogen content of soil across the land-use types was high, but the available phosphorus was low. Paddock, cacao, and continuously cropped land-use types had higher cation exchange capacity. The results implied that continuous cultivation led to depletion in soil physical and chemical properties, whereas, afforestation and cultivation of tree crops conserved soil properties better. Therefore, the establishment of tree crop plantations and conservative soil management practices such as manuring, mulching, liming, and conservation tillage were suggested to prevent agricultural lands from degradation in areas with soils under similar conditions.
Vegetable Farm Types and Hydromorphic Soil Properties in Ojo Area of Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria
OALib, 2014
Vegetable cultivation is practiced in cities around the world as urban agriculture aimed at meeting the food and vegetable demand of the urban population. However, like every other human activity it has the potential to cause damage to soil health leading to poor productivity and large environmental impacts. Previous studies on the impact of vegetable cultivation on soil nutrients status have focused on the difference in soil properties of vegetable farms and undisturbed lands. This study examined the impacts of vegetable cultivation under different vegetable farm types in Ojo area of Lagos state, Nigeria. Simple random sampling was used to collect soil samples from the vegetable farms (which were categorized using the dominant vegetable crop grown in each farm). The collected soil samples were analyzed for soil properties (soil pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium, Organic Carbon, Sodium, Manganese, Magnesium, Iron etc.) using standard laboratory procedures. The data collected were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics analysis. The mean and standard deviation was used to show the pattern of distribution as well as Pearson moment correlation to establish the type of association among the soil properties. The results obtained from this analysis revealed that the lettuce farm had the lowest soil pH value at 6.12 while the amaranthus and pumpkin leaf farms had the highest pH value (6.51), organic Carbon, total Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium were lowest in the pumpkin leaf farm (2.014 g/kg, 0.259 g/kg, 0.641 Mg/g and 0.14 Cmol/kg respectively) and highest in the amaranthus farm (6.426 g/kg, 0.649 g/kg, 3.147 Mg/g and 1.23 Cmol/kg respectively), Calcium was lowest in the pumpkin leaf farm (0.25 Cmol/kg) and highest in the spinach farm (1.95 Cmol/kg), Magnesium ranged from 0.31 Cmol/kg in the control to 3.32 Cmol/kg in the spinach farm, Sodium ranged from 0.19 Cmol/kg in the pumpkin leaf farm to 0.41 Cmol/kg in the green onion farm and micronutrients; Manganese, Iron, Copper and Zinc were lowest in the control (3.0 Mg/kg) and highest in the amaranthus farm (137.5 Mg/kg), lowest in the pumpkin leaf (57.2 Mg/kg) and highest in the spinach farm (226.1 Mg/kg), ranged from 2.37 Mg/kg in the control to 4.45 Mg/kg in the spinach farm and ranged from 0.13 Mg/kg in the pumpkin leaf farm to 1.25 Mg/kg in the control respectively. The soil physical and chemical and micronutrient properties as investigated had positive and significant relationship with each other (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) under all the vegetable farms studied.