Physico-Chemical Soil Properties and Their Correlations with Maize and Cassava Production in Ebonyi, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed relationships between soil properties and food crop production in Ebonyi State of southeast Nigeria. Free survey was conducted after three zones (Agbaja, Akaeze and Ikwo) in the state were purposely selected for representation of the soil sampling. Two types of sampling were conducted; Auger sampling at 0-20 and 20-40 cm depths and soil profile sampling. Annual crop yield data on maize and cassava for the state from 1988 to 2017 were collected from Agriculture Development Program. Variations in properties among soil horizons were obtained using coefficient of variations while soil parameters were regressed against crop yields to establish their relationships. Results showed that fine sand, total sand, bulk density, total porosity, soil pH, and available phosphorus significantly (p = 0.05) differ from 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm depths. Also, cassava yield correlated negatively with base saturation, and organic matter at 0.05 probability level; with exchangeable Ca and Na at 0.01 probabilities level but correlated positively with bulk density and available water capacity at 0.01 and 0.05 probability levels, respectively. Similarly, maize yield correlated negatively with available phosphorus and total nitrogen at 0.05 probability level; and with total porosity and exchangeable Ca at 0.01 probability level; and then correlated positively with available water capacity, and bulk density, at 0.01 probability level; with coarse sand at 0.05 probability level. However, soils of Ebonyi State are fertile but some of the chemical properties are still low, therefore, it is paramount to improve the quality of the soil to achieve improved food security in the state.

Heavy Metals Contamination of Rice and Soil Samples in Nnatu St Azuuiyi Udene, Abakiliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

“…The State lies approximately within latitudes 5˚40' and 6˚45' north of the Equator and longitudes 7˚30' and 8˚30' east of the Greenwich meridian. The state experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern with the first peak in July and the second in September, and annual rainfall is usually between 1613.8 mm to 2136.27 mm [27]. The dry season begins in November, when a dry continental northeastern wind sweeps from the Mediterranean Sea, across the Sahara and Samarian deserts, and down to Nigeria's southern coast.…”

“…As a result, the state has been separated into three zones for soil sampling purposes: Ebonyi South, Ebonyi Central, and Ebonyi North. The state capital is Abakaliki, and the state is notable for its salt resources, as well as zinc, lead, limestone, granite, refractory clay, and gypsum, among other minerals [27].…”

Diagnostic de l’état agropédologique des sols argileux de Kango au Gabon

“…La granulométrie a été réalisée par la méthode à la pipette de Robinson (Musy et Soutter, 1991 ;Ondo, 2011). Le pHeau et le pHKCl ont été déterminés par la méthode électrométrique (Mulaji-Kyela, 2011 ;Koulibaly, 2011 ;Chinazor Okorie et al, 2020) qui consiste à immerger les électrodes d'un pH-mètre dans une suspension de rapport sol/eau, et sol/KCl de 1/5 à la température du laboratoire. Le carbone organique total par la méthode Walkley et Black (1934).…”

“…La forte réactivité des composés phosphorés vis-à-vis des oxydes métalliques, des argiles, de la matière organique ainsi que le processus d'insolubilisation du phosphore, sont à l'origine de cette déficience (Liang-liang et al, 2020 ;Ortega-Torres et al, 2021). Pour remédier à cette situation, l'usage du compost, du biochar ou du mélange des deux constituent des solutions appropriées en vue d'améliorer la fertlité de ces sols ( Sanusi et al, 2018 ;Okorie et al, 2020).…”

Perceptions of climate change-related disasters and impact on household food security in rural farm households in Imo State, Nigeria

“…It is also observed that food crops are becoming more scarce and expensive in Imo State. Studies (Odoemela & Ajuka, 2012;Duru & Obiechefu, 2013;Okorie, Njoku, Iwuji & Onweremmadu, 2019) in different parts of Imo show a negative impact of climate variability on household food security. It is widely acknowledged that the impact of climate change varies over time and space and therefore cannot be generalized.If household food security is to be secured in Imo State, it becomes imperative to identify the specific climate change related disasters that adversely affect household food security status as well as their intervention needs.…”