Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies

Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies

Vol 9, No 1 (2020): August

Discipline: Multidisciplinary Studies

Publisher: Misamis University

ISSN 2350-7020 (Print)
ISSN 2362-9436 (Online)

ABSTRACT

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.7828/jmds.v9i1.1453

Chemical Properties of Soils under Oil Palm Plantation and Fallow in Ekpoma Edo State Nigeria

B.E. Amenkhienan, H.H.E. Isitekhale, P.A1. Walter

Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
Corresponding author: B.E. Amenkhienan, email: brightamen2004@gmail.com

Due to the importance of oil palm, it has become one of the most rapidly expanding foods in Ekpoma, Edo State. One of the major constraints to oil palm plantation is the fertility of the soil and soil nutrient distribution. Thus, this study identifies and compares the various chemical properties of soils under oil palm plantation and fallow lands in Ekpoma. The study investigates the key issues of soil chemical properties for sustainable agricultural development in Ekpoma, Edo State. Soil samples were collected from both sites based on slopes (upper, middle, and lower) at 0-15 cm. Soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory for chemical properties and texture. Results showed that for oil palm plantation, the mean soil pH was 5.3, organic carbon (OC) 8.88g/kg, total N 2.10g/kg, available P 1.63mg/kg, Ca 1.47cmol/kg, Mg 0.55cmol/kg, K 0.04 cmol/kg, Na 0.89 cmol/kg, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) 3.16cmol/kg, clay 9.47%, silt 4.07% and sand 86.47%. For fallow land, the mean pH was 5.38, OC 23.00g/kg, total N 5.60g/kg, available P 1.14mg/kg, Ca 1.93cmol/kg, Mg 0.93cmol/kg, K 0.08 cmol/kg, Na 0.95 cmol/kg, ECEC 4.10 cmol/kg, clay 10.8%, silt 9.4% and sand 79.8%. Available P, Ca, K, Mg, and clay contents were very low in both soils. Organic carbon, ECEC, Ca, Mg, K, and N was significantly higher in an unfallow land than in a plantation. The decay of the above-ground and root biomass of fallow vegetation and the presence of native leguminous species among the vegetation have been attributed to increases in soil chemical properties to manage soils for sustainable agricultural development.

Keywords :   Fallow soils, Lower slope, Middle slope, Oil palm plantation, Upper slope

Literatures Cited :   Click here
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