Evaluating the Characteristics of the Meander Belt Soils of the Niger Delta, Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The morphological, physical, chemical and pedological properties of eight pedons representative of the four physiographic units in the Meander Belt of the Niger Delta were studied. The soils were classified and the constraints to their agricultural and engineering uses evaluated. The soils were generally poorly drained, having an Aquic moisture regime, mottles and Fe and Mn concretions. They belong to the Entisol and Inceptisol USDA soil taxonomy orders. Soil textures were generally clayey, except for the pedons of the levee crest with sandy loam textures. Bulk density, particle density and total porosity were generally low. Total nitrogen and available phosphorus were also low. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation were high. Organic matter was low to moderate. Total elements of the clay were generally high. The soils have poor physical conditions. The high clay content, and the presence of 2:1 lattice clay minerals could account for the deterioration of the major east‐west interstate road linking southeast and southwest Nigeria that passes through the area. Optimum use of the soils for agriculture would depend on good land evaluation and efficient soil water management.

A novel technology of solarization and phytoremediation enhanced with biosurfactant for the sustainable treatment of PAH-contaminated soil

“…The soil analysis using standard methods gave the following data: clay loam; moisture content 13.7%; organic matter content 2.48%; pH 7.14; Nitrate (NO 3 − -N) extraction 18 mg L −1 ; available P 0.32 mg g −1 ; CEC 17.8 meg 100 -1 g; heavy metals < 0.1 mg g −1 and initial PAHs were non-detectable. These results are transferable considering the Niger Delta's wide range of soil textures (Kamalu et al, 2002).…”

Computing Vegetation Indices from the Satellite Images Using GRASS GIS Scripts for Monitoring Mangrove Forests in the Coastal Landscapes of Niger Delta, Nigeria

“…Due to a dense pattern of fluvial and tidal channels, bars and inner lakes interspersed in the lower plain of the Niger River Delta, polluted water remains stagnant. Furthermore, clayey soil texture in the meander belt of the Niger River Delta [62] creates favorable conditions for the accumulation of pollutants and toxic chemicals [63][64][65], and retains heavy metals [66][67][68]. All these factors facilitate the spread of oil into stagnant waters of delta and contribute to the decline of mangroves [69][70][71].…”

Current and Potential Soil Suitability for Cassava for Sustainable Production in Varying Soils of Bayelsa State Nigeria

“…The relative humidity is between 74 to 89%. The area covers the upper deltaic plain that forms a relatively low-lying broad and more gently sloping portion of the Niger Delta basin, comprising small ox-bow lakes, flood plains, alluvial cones, alluvial fans, natural levees of rivers and creeks and back swamps (Mordi, 1986;Ayolagha, 2001;Kamalu et al, 2002). The soils of Bayelsa State Nigeria are derived from geologic materials of Fluvial and alluvial materials (Figure 2) which are recent deposits of alluvium that have been affected only by slight soil forming process such as the incorporation of humus and the development of mottled color owing to poor drainage (Ayolagha, 2001).…”