Effects of land-use types on soil quality indices in ughoton community in Ovia north-east local government area, Edo state, Nigeria

Abstract

The present study was conducted to examine the effects of different land-use types on soil quality indices. Surface soils were collected at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth respectively from three land-use types: Cassava field, Oil palm, and Banana plantation. Samples were subjected to physical, chemical, and microbiological analyses using standard methods, and the result were subjected to descriptive statics. The extent of change in soil quality was assessed using soil quality indices as an index for soil fertility management. The result showed that oil palm plantation was highest in soil quality evaluated as compared to Banana and Cassava field. The fertility differences observed across the land use types were due to inherent soil properties such that farming practices that ensure accumulation of organic matter need to be encouraged in order to improve soil productivity. It is recommended that soil fertility management should be site-specific to enhance optimum yield and productivity.