ABSTRACT
The effects of two land utilization types; oil palm
plantation and mixed cropping of maize, melon and cassava were evaluated to
assess the spatial and depth variation of the soil physico-chemical properties
in Umudike Abia State. Soil samples were collected at the depth 0-20, 20-40 and
40- 60cm respectively. Using soil auger, samples were collected in five
locations with three replicate each from the two different land uses and
adjacent area of land as (controlled) in each land use. The samples were
subjected to various laboratory analysis using standard procedures. The data
collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means were separated
using fisher's least significant difference F(LSD) at 5% percent probability
level. The study showed that land use increased the value of soil physical and
chemical properties across the fields and decreased these values down the depth
of the soil. These effects were the same in both oil palm plantation and mixed
cropped farm land. However, texture was the same (sandy loam) in both farm
lands, but all other properties investigated including organic carbon content
of mixed cropped farm was medium (1.54-1.70) relative to that of oil palm
plantation which was high (2.01-2.06). Also soil pH of mixed cropped farmland
varied in reaction, from strongly acidic to moderately acidic (4.70-5.21) while
oil palm farm was moderately acidic (5.13-5.33). It is therefore recommended
that tillage activities should not extend beyond 40cm depth of the soil as
nutrient elements decrease as you move down the proffle such that plant may not
absorb enough for proper growth and yield. Also proper soil testing of the
field soil would enable efficient prediction of the quantity of input
(fertilizer or organic manure) required for uniform growth and yield.
ZIK, U (2021). Assessment Of Spatial And Depth Variation Of Soil Physicochemical Properties Of Different Land Use Types In Umudike, Abia State South Eastern Nigeria. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Nov 23, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-spatial-and-depth-variation-of-soil-physicochemical-properties-of-different-land-use-types-in-umudike-abia-state-south-eastern-nigeria-7-2
UDOCHI, ZIK. "Assessment Of Spatial And Depth Variation Of Soil Physicochemical Properties Of Different Land Use Types In Umudike, Abia State South Eastern Nigeria" Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 12 Oct. 2021, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-spatial-and-depth-variation-of-soil-physicochemical-properties-of-different-land-use-types-in-umudike-abia-state-south-eastern-nigeria-7-2. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
UDOCHI, ZIK. "Assessment Of Spatial And Depth Variation Of Soil Physicochemical Properties Of Different Land Use Types In Umudike, Abia State South Eastern Nigeria". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 12 Oct. 2021. Web. 23 Nov. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-spatial-and-depth-variation-of-soil-physicochemical-properties-of-different-land-use-types-in-umudike-abia-state-south-eastern-nigeria-7-2 >.
UDOCHI, ZIK. "Assessment Of Spatial And Depth Variation Of Soil Physicochemical Properties Of Different Land Use Types In Umudike, Abia State South Eastern Nigeria" Mouau.afribary.org (2021). Accessed 23 Nov. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/assessment-of-spatial-and-depth-variation-of-soil-physicochemical-properties-of-different-land-use-types-in-umudike-abia-state-south-eastern-nigeria-7-2