LAND USE EFFECTS ON SOIL QUALITY IN OSOSO MOUNTAIN REGION, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study investigated land use effects on soil quality in Ososo mountain region of Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the differences in the physico-chemical properties of soils between the different land uses, to determine variations in the physico-chemical properties of soils amongst the different land uses and to examine the implications of soil quality under the different land uses. Thirty six (36) soil samples(0-15cm and 15-30cm depths) were collected using systematic random methodology, at distance of 15m apart, from the different land uses (secondary forest, cocoa plantation and quarry site). The physico-chemical properties of the soils collected were analyzed in the laboratory using standard procedures and data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and student t-test statistical tools. Results obtained indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) in available P, sand and clay amongst and between the studied sites. The study concluded that while land use had significant effect on the quality of soils in the topsoil (0-15cm), on the other hand, it had no significant effect on the quality of soils in the subsoil (15-30cm) in the study area. The study therefore provided baseline information for future research efforts on soil quality. The study recommended that further detailed studies could be conducted to examine soil quality in specific time period to give sound conclusions to sustainable land use.