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International Journal of Soil Science

Year: 2007 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 3 | Page No.: 218-223
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Authors

S.O. Omotoso

G.E. Akinbola

Keywords

Research Article

Variability of Soil Properties at the Transition Zone Between Two Parent Materials in South Western Nigeria

S.O. Omotoso and G.E. Akinbola
A rigid grid soil survey was carried out on a 1,295 hectares land at the transitional zone between Basement complex and Sedimentary soils of southwestern Nigeria at Atuagbo-Ekhilor, Edo State. Six mapping units were established. A fertility evaluation of the soils was carried out by examining and sampling the soils at 0-20 cm depth. The number of observation point was dependent on the areal coverage of the mapping units identified. Sample were processed and analyzed for eighteen parameters. Thevariability of individual property as indicated by coefficient of variation differed widely: Silt, clay and gravel, organic C, total N, Avail. P, Mn, B, Zn and K were highly variable (CV>35%) while sand, Ca, Mg, N and ECEC were moderately variable (CV 15-35%). Three properties pH, Exch acidity and Base saturation were least variable (CV<15%). The variance ratio test indicate that some properties which are most influenced by management significantly (p<0.01) affected the variability of the soil. Data of this kind would give a better understanding of the soil fertility of the area and planning of management practices to be employed for optimum output. Also, data of this kind should accompany soil survey report so that soil map users can have a better understanding of the soils they are working with.
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