Soil Physical Variability: A Field Assessment to Identify the Major Factors of Soil Component
0Soil Physical Variability: A Field Assessment to Identify the Major Factors of Soil Component Variation in Akwa Ibom State, Southeastern Nigeria
Layman Abstract : Gully erosion — when water cuts deep channels into the land — is a serious problem in Southeastern Nigeria, especially in Akwa Ibom State, where the soil is mostly sandy. This study looked at how soil properties change in different types of gullies (active, partly stable, and old/stable) and at different parts of the slope (upper, middle, lower). Soil samples were taken from two depths (topsoil and subsoil) and compared with soil from areas without gullies.
What they found:
Sand is the main type of soil, with very little clay or silt.
Old/stable gullies have better soil structure and allow water to move through more easily than active gullies.
Soil on the lower slopes is less compacted than on upper slopes.
Soil structure and its ability to hold water vary depending on the gully type, slope, and depth.
Key takeaway:
The biggest factors contributing to gully erosion are things that weaken the soil structure and reduce how well soil particles stick together.
Recommendations:
The researchers recommend urgent action by the government to stop further erosion and to improve soil organic matter and soil structure to make the land more resistant to erosion.
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Original Abstract : Nowadays, gully erosion is a major process of land degradation in arid and semi-arid areas of the world. Researchers have shown that the causes of gully erosion initiation in different climates can be different. The menace of gully erosion is quite alarming on the soils of the coastal plain sands of Southeastern Nigeria. Consequent upon this, a study was conducted to determine the effect of Gully Categories, gully slope position and soil depth affect soil properties on coastal plain sand, Akwa Ibom State, Southeastern Nigeria. The study was conducted in nine (9) gully erosion sites. The gullies were grouped into three broad categories based on their dynamics namely, Active gullies, Meta stable gullies and Stabilized/Old gullies at three Gully slope positions of upper slope, middle slope and Lower Slope with a control site. Samples were collected with a spade at 0-20cm and 20-50cm depths. Data generated were fitted into a 3 x 3 x 2 factorial design and were assessed with the use of analysis of variance...... See More : https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/geserh/v6/4360
#Soil_physical_variability #gully_category #gully_slope_position #soil_physical_properties