Author/Authors :
Ahukaemere، C.M نويسنده Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. , , Ndukwu، B.N. نويسنده Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. , , Agim، L.C نويسنده Department of Soil Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. ,
Abstract :
This study investigated the influence of land use types on soil quality and soil degradation. Four profile pits representing varying agricultural land use types were studied. The texture of the soils ranged from sand, loamy sand to sandy loam, with sand dominating the particle fractions of the soil. Bulk density of the soils increased with depth, varying from 1.27 – 1.50g/cm3, with continuously cultivated land having the highest value. Soils were acidic, with pH values ranging from 4.27-5.56. The least organic matter content was recorded in continuously cultivated soils (10.68g/kg). The total nitrogen contents of the soils were generally low (0.70 -1.4g/kg). Exchangeable sodium percent (ESP) was very low ranging from 1.60 to 4.27%. The CEC of the soil was dominated by Ca2+ and Mg2+ and ranged from 3.13 to 5.98 cmol/kg. From the study, it was ascertained that forest, oil palm plantation and fallow soils posses superior quality than those of continuously cultivated soil.
