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Evaluating the Spatial Variability of Soils of Similar Lithology under Different Land Uses and Degradation Risks in a Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecology of Nigeria

Peter IkemefunaEzeaku

Published 2013 in Unknown venue

ABSTRACT

The spatial variability of soils of similar lithology, which may be greatly affected by land use, plays an important role in both agriculture and the environment, especially with regard to soil fertility and soil quality. Little research has been done in this regard. The study addresses the spatial pattern of soil properties under different land use types and their degradation ratesin Guinea Savanna agroecology of Nigeria. 112 soil samples (between 0-20cm and 20-45cm depths)were collected, using a grid sampling design, from arable, plantation crops and fallow sites in Agyaragu and Shabu locations in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Using statistical method, the soils were characterized and compared for the spatial heterogeneity of Ksat, texture, soil pH, SOM and CEC under different land use types(LUTs)(farmland, plantation and fallow). Using a rating scheme, soil degradation risks of these soil properties were determined.Results revealed significant (P bulk density and Ksat (SDR = 2) > texture and available P (SDR = 3) > SOM, total N and CEC (SDR = 4). Best soil quality had a value of SDR (1) and the least had a value of SDR (5). Soils at Agyaragu are slightly more prone to resist degradation (mean SDR = 3.0) and thus better soil qualities than those of Shabu (mean SDR = 3.4). Study concludes that spatial patterns of the considered soil propertieswould change significantly with land use changes currently being implemented to achieve sustainable agriculture. Taking LUT into account when considering the spatial variation of thesoil properties would increase the accuracy in prediction of soil nutrient status and nutrient vulnerability in the Guinea savanna agroecology of Nigeria.

PUBLICATION RECORD

  • Publication year

    2013

  • Venue

    Unknown venue

  • Publication date

    Unknown publication date

  • Fields of study

    Agricultural and Food Sciences, Geography, Environmental Science

  • Identifiers

    No identifiers available.

  • External record

    Open on Semantic Scholar

  • Source metadata

    Semantic Scholar

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