تلخیص
The study assessed hydraulic conductivity and soil quality of some tropical soils of Nigeria. Field studies
were carried out in eight Local Government Areas of Imo State with contrasting land use and similar lithology
(coastal plain sands). These included Owerri west (Bare fallow) Mbaitoli (Industrial Area), Owerri Municipal
(Residential Area), Ohaji/Egbema (Cassava Cultivated), Ikeduru (Oil Palm Plantation), Ngor-Okpala (Continuous
Cultivated), Aboh–Mbaise (Excavated Site) and Owerri North (Bush Fallow/Control). Top soil samples of 0-20cm
were collected from each land use type. Soil sample was also collected in fallow plot as a tool for comparison. Soil
samples were air dried and sieved for standard laboratory analysis. Data obtained were subjected to statistical
analysis. Results showed nutrient depletion in soils of all land uses compared to the fallow plot. Sand content
(812.3g/kg) dominated the texture of all soils studied. All soils studied had slightly acidic soil reaction with mean
value of 4.73. With regard to hydraulic conductivity, following the land degradation index (LDI,) high land
degradation was observed in the excavated site (-92.9), Residential Area (-87.3) and Industrial Area (-84.1) with
corresponding higher bulk densities and lower soil porosity compared to other soils .Generally, soils of the
excavated site were highly degraded, followed by the residential area, industrial area, continuous cultivated area,
cassava cultivated plot, oil palm plantaion and bare fallow plot, respectively. Dense population, blank utilization of
lands, soil mismanagement, deforestation, high temperature and rainfall, intensive cultivation were observed to
have aided the decline of soil quality. Adoption of night soil technology as well as other organic and climate smart
agricultural practices should be encouraged.
Ernest Iheanyi Chidozie, Irokwe Frida Ifeanyi, Okafor Maduabuchi Johnbosco, Irondi Aaron Onyekachi, Chime Chidubem Anthony, Okeke Marcellinus Obinna, Njoku Ugochi Gift, Dibofori George, Agbugba Stanly Emeka, Taqi Raza, Michael Oluebube Glory. (2019) Assessment of hydraulic conductivity and soil quality of similar lithology under contrasting landuse and land cover in humid tropical Nigeria, The Journal Soil & Environment , Volume 38, Issue 1.
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