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Journal of Applied Sciences

Year: 2019 | Volume: 19 | Issue: 5 | Page No.: 459-465
DOI: 10.3923/jas.2019.459.465
Properties and Aggregate Stability of Soils of Dissimilar Lithology under Land Use Systems in Imo State, Nigeria
Onwudike Stanley Uchenna , Ugwuanyi Amarachi Kelechi, Nkwopara Ugochukwu Nnamdi , Ahukaemere Chioma Mildred and Umeojiakor Anthony Obinna

Abstract: Background and Objective: The productivity of soil is influenced by the tenacity soils of different parent materials withstands the impact of raindrop as well as the land use system. This study therefore investigated the effects of land use types on soils of contrasting parent materials on aggregate stability and soil physicochemical properties. Materials and Methods: Soils from false bedded sand stone and coastal plain sand were evaluated under palm plantation, cassava farm land and plantain plantation. Dispersion Ratio (DR), Clay Dispersion Index (CDI), Clay Ratio (CR) and Clay Flocculation Index (CFI) were used to measure the stability of soil aggregates. Data were analyzed using one way analysis of variance and correlation analysis. Results: Highest value of moisture content (386.37 g kg1) was recorded in plantain plantation under false bedded sand stone while the highest value of soil pH (6.24) was recorded in palm plantation under false bedded sand stone. Soil pH was lowest (4.71) in cassava farm land under coastal plain sand. The lowest values of DR (0.40) and CDI (26.1) which showed more stability of soil aggregates were recorded in plantain plantation site under false bedded sand stone. Significant negative correlations existed between CDI with base saturation, moisture content, organic matter, total exchangeable bases and total nitrogen. Dispersion Ratio (DR) significantly correlated negatively with moisture content. Conclusion: Soil aggregates in false bedded sandstone under plantain plantation were more stable than soils in coastal plain sand under palm plantation or cassava cultivated land. Therefore; agronomic practices that will enhance soil organic matter for better stability in coastal plain should be adopted.

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How to cite this article
Onwudike Stanley Uchenna, Ugwuanyi Amarachi Kelechi, Nkwopara Ugochukwu Nnamdi, Ahukaemere Chioma Mildred and Umeojiakor Anthony Obinna, 2019. Properties and Aggregate Stability of Soils of Dissimilar Lithology under Land Use Systems in Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of Applied Sciences, 19: 459-465.

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