An Investigation of the Electrical Conductivity (EC) of Soil Sample as a Tool for Understanding Soil Properties and Its Correlating Impart on Crop Yield in Precision Agriculture In Benin City, Edo State.

SUMMARY

The objective of this study was the “Investigation of the Electrical Conductivity (EC) Of Soil Sample as a Tool for Understanding Soil Properties and Its Correlating Impart onCrop Yield in Precision Farming at Okha Benin City”. Soil EC has a direct relationship with soil fertility status, soil texture and moisture content. Good soil fertility management practices will contribute to maintaining optimal EC levels. Low EC soils, suggests shortage of nutrients while high EC soils implies buildup of nutrients.Results from this study showed a positive linear correlation of both sites shallow apparent soil electrical conductivity and deep apparent soil electrical conductivity on soil properties and soil solution electrical conductivity. Thus, apparent soil electrical conductivity signals can be used to interpret soil properties and content, soil solution electrical conductivity and delineate management zones. The significant correlations between apparent soil electrical conductivity and variables related to soil fertility and crop yield such as organic matter, pH and gravimetric water content indicate that apparent soil electrical conductivity signals can also be used as soil fertility indicators. Both the shallow apparent soil electrical conductivity and deep apparent soil electrical conductivity exhibited large-scale spatio-temporal pattern, thus both measurements would be suitable to delineate management zones in precision farming. The mapping strategy using electromagnetic induction provides useful information for delineating soil textural boundaries without the costly and time demanding soil sampling, instrument calibration and remapping. Single, cost effective mapping is enough to determine the underlying spatial patterns of properties related to soil fertility and crop yields with respect to precision farming for efficient application of inputs and management of crops.This study therefore concludes that correlation analysis can provide a scientific basis for managing agricultural soil health as our observation shows positive significant correlation of EC with pH, OC, Potassium and Phosphorus and that the investigated sites are suitable for precision farming.