An Empirical Survey on Damages Caused by Erosional Depositions on Farmlands along Jimeta-Yola Road, Adamawa State Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: To empirically survey the damages caused by erosional deposition on farmlands along Jimeta-Yola road, Adamawa state Nigeria.
 Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted in June-July 2020 rainy season due to the unprecedented depositions on three farmlands (Abattoir, Garage and Yola Bridge) in the area.
 Methodology: Data was obtained in three phases which include on-farm interviews and questionnaires, direct measurement of depositions using simple bathymetric method and collection of three representative soil samples from the profiles for determination of some physico-chemical properties.
 Results: The result indicated that rice was major crop grown in the area for about 30 years with an average yield ranges from 2000-8000 kg (20-80 bags). The number of farmlands damaged was 11 with total of 22 acres, at Abattoir, 5 farmlands at Garage having a total of 15 acres and 7 farmlands were also damaged with about 10 acres respectively. Fine sandy soil was deposited to an average depth of 55 cm with an estimated volume of 48.96 m3 at Abattoir area, debris and clay loam was deposited to an average of 20 cm at Garage having an estimated of 12.14 m3 and at Yola Bridge farm location about 4.24 m3 volume of loamy soils were also deposited to an average depth of 10 cm. The depositional soils have pH values ranges from 5.23-6.23, organic matter content of 0.43-2.33%, water holding capacity 35-55% with rapid to moderate permeability.
 Conclusion: To combat the damaged imposed by soil erosions on farmlands in the area both preventive and conservative measures should adopted by the government and the farmers with the aim of restoring and sustaining the good soil health that will support food production for growing population.