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Abstract
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Article Information:
Soil Dynamics under Continous Monocropping of Maize (Zea mays) on a Forest Alfisol in South-Western Nigeria
O.S. Eludoyin and C.C. Wokocha
Corresponding Author: Wokocha Chima Chibuike
Submitted: 2010 April, 12
Accepted: 2010 May, 04
Published: 2011 March, 15 |
Abstract:
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The present study evaluated the impacts of maize cultivation on soil properties under the continuous
monocropping system of farming in South-western Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from both cultivated
maize plot and less disturbed secondary forest, both lying contiguous to each other. Laboratory analysis was
carried out to determine the levels of particle size composition, porosity, bulk density; and concentrations of
Cations Exchange Capacity (CEC), Exchangeable Sodium (Na), Exchangeable Calcium (Ca), Exchangeable
Magnesium (Mg), Available Phosphorous (P), Soil pH, Exchangeable Acidity, Organic Carbon (C) and
Nitrogen (N). The mean of each of these soil properties was used for comparison and t-test was also used to
determine the significant difference that exists in each soil property. The result shows that the level of C, N and
porosity were higher in soils under forest than soils under maize. However, there was no significant difference
in Exchangeable Acidity, Mg, Soil pH and Ca in the two land use types. Nevertheless, the concentrations of
Na and K were higher in the cultivated soils while P and Ca were lower in the cultivated soils. The particle size
composition was predominantly sandy. Planting of cover crops, mixed cropping and mulching among others
were suggested as ways to minimize erosion and leaching so that fertility can be restored and maintained.
Key words: Alfisol, forets, maize, monocropping, soil dynamics, south-western,
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Cite this Reference:
O.S. Eludoyin and C.C. Wokocha, . Soil Dynamics under Continous Monocropping of Maize (Zea mays) on a Forest Alfisol in South-Western Nigeria. Asian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, (2): 58-62.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-3890
ISSN (Print): 2041-3882 |
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