Volume : V, Issue : III, March - 2015

Effect of Land Use on Organic Matter Concentration of Aggregate Fractions of Fallow and Cultivated Soils

Nweke, I. A.

Abstract :

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of continuous cultivation on the organic matter concentration of the aggregate fractions of dry and wet sieved samples. Four soils collected from different locations in Nsukka area of southeastern Nigeria were used for the study. The land use types considered were fallow and cultivated. The soils collected from 0–25cm depth were separated into five aggregate fractions, 5–2mm, 2–1mm, 1–0.5mm, 0.5–0.25mm and 0.25mm and the organic matter (OM) concentration due to cultivation were determined for both dry and wet sieved fractions. The result of the study showed a decrease in the OM concentration for both dry and wet sieved fractions in all the soils following continuous cultivation. The OM concentrations in the aggregate of dry and wet–sieved fractions increased as aggregate sizes decreased in virtually all the soils studied and showed a trend of ENsk (Entisol at Nsukka) > UNsk (Ultisol at Nsukka) > IEh (Inceptisol at Eha–Amufu) > Iik (Inceptisol at Ikem), higher concentrations of OM was more observed in the aggregate size of the fallow than those of the cultivated soils of the dry sieved samples. From the result of this study it was found out that continuous cultivation depletes OM content of soil which invariable will affect their fertility and aggregation stability of the soils, which directly will affect the productivity of the soils studied. Hence appropriate fallow period and other management practices that will ensure more residues inputs on the soil to improve the OM content should be encouraged to ensure yield and soil sustainability

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Nweke, I.A. Effect of Land Use on Organic Matter Concentration of Aggregate Fractions of Fallow and Cultivated Soils Indian Journal of Applied Research, Vol.5, Issue : 3 March 2015

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