Impact of continuous cultivation on soil properties of Imo state southeastern Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31073/acss85-07Keywords:
Continuous cultivated plots, fallow plots, soil properties, Southeastern NigeriaAbstract
The study was centred on the impact of continuous cultivation on soil properties of Imo state Southeastern Nigeria. Field study was carried out in six Local Government Areas of Imo State which include Owerri West, Ideato North, Ikeduru, Ngor Okpala, Mbaitoli, Owerri Municipal. 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm soil samples were collected from a seven year continuous cultivated plots. Soil samples were also collected in fallow plots as a tool for comparison. Soil samples were air dried and sieved for standard laboratory analysis. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results show nutrient depletion in the continuous cultivated plots compared to the fallow plot. Mean pH values recorded in the continuous cultivated plots was 5.27 compared to 6.22 recorded in the fallow plots. High total exchangeable acidity was recorded in the continuous plots (2.06 cmol/kg) compared to fallow plots (0.80 cmolkg). The fallow plots recorded higher mean organic matter content (3.66 %), total nitrogen (0.14 %) total exchangeable bases (3.43 com/kg), effective cation exchange capacity (4.23), percentage base saturation (81.1 %) and available phosphorus (19.69 ppm) compared to the continuous cultivated plots having mean organic matter content (0.72 %), total nitrogen (0.07 %) total exchangeable bases (0.84 com/kg), effective cation exchange capacity (2.90 cmol/kg), percentage base saturation (28.7 %) and available phosphorus (4.58 ppm). Deforestation, intensive cultivation and erosion were observed to have aided the decline of nutrient levels in the continuous cultivated plots. Application of organic manure, crop rotation and incorporation of crop residue would boost the fertility status of these soils.
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