Investigation Of Some Soil Properties Under Different Landuse Systems In Abofimbaise, South East Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Soils under different landuse systems were investigated in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo state, Nigeria. The landuse systems were: grass, forest, four- year bush fallow and continuously cultivated lands. Samples were collected at two depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm in all locations using auger and core samplers. Samples were analyzed for soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (total N), available phosphorus (available P), pH, exchangeable cations, bulk density, aggregate stability and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). Data generated were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using M-stat C for a split-plot in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results obtained showed that soil under forest cover had highest SOM and total N contents, while continuously cultivated soil had the least. Also, SOM had a positive relationship with aggregate stability and saturated hydraulic conductivity while negatively correlating with bulk density. These results indicated that forest- derived landuse systems such as fallows or secondary forests, pastures and continuous cultivation have lower contents of soil organic matter (SOM), total N, availability P and exchangeable captions when compared with primary forest.