EFEECT OF DIFFERENT LAND USE ON SELECTED SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

ABSTRACT

Deforestation is one of the anthropogenic activities that potentially reduce soil quality. Hence, a study was carried out in Ikole-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria to evaluate the effect of conversion of secondary forest (SFR) to cashew plantation (CPL), oil palm plantation (OPP) and leucaena plantation (LPL), on selected soil physical properties. Soil samples were taken from 0 – 15 cm and 15 – 30 cm depth, and the soil parameters evaluated were; particle size distribution, bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), macroaggregate stability and microaggregate stability indices. The OPP indicated lowest sand (724 g/kg), compared to other land use types, while the highest clay (177 g/kg), lowest BD (1.3 g/cm3 and highest TP (52 %) registered in OPP were significantly higher than SFR but similar to values in CPL. Again OPP recorded significantly highest percent aggregate stability (65 %) and mean weight diameter (0.9mm) compared to other land uses. The microaggregate stability indices were controlled by the total content of the fine particles in them, hence may not be used to predict soil erodibility. There was increase in clay and reduction in sand with depth. In conclusion,OPP or CPL showed more superior capacity to enhance soil physical health compared to LPL and SFR land use.

LEAD AUTHOR

Osakwe,U.C.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR

• Quadri S. A
• Aladeokin, M . T.
• Adeyoriju, W.
• Ilo, S.