Research Article

Micro - Aggregate Indices and Structural Stability of Soils Under Different Management

Udom B. E.1*, Anozie H.1
1 Department of Crop and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
* Corresponding author: ebassidy@yahoo.com
Published: Aug, 2018
DOI: 10.67042/njss.2018.oikwgaaw
Pages: 66-71
Views: 456
Downloads: 826

Abstract

Low water stability of soil micro-aggregates accentuated by increased intensity of cultivation and soil degradation are among the significant issues that draw the attention of Soil Scientists due to their effects on soil physical conditions. The study was carried out to quantify changes in micro-aggregate stability indices of soils on coastal plain sands under contrasting land use and management. Soil samples were collected from cassava plots, plantain, maize, rubber plantation, oil palm and 2-season fallow plots with Calapogonium mucunoides. Results revealed significant changes in microand macro-aggregate stability indices. Clay dispersion index (CDI) was 0.46 and 0.39 g g-1respectively in cassava and maize plots. Parameters such as aggregated silt and clay (ASC), clay flocculation index (CFI) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) used as estimates of soil structural stability were significantly (p < 0.05) increased due to 2-season fallow and 10-year oil palm plantation. Two-year fallow increased ASC and CFI by 57 % and 86.5% respectively compared with continuous maize cultivation. Ten-year cultivation to cassava and maize increased sand content by 18 and 9% respectively and decreased the mean weight diameter (MWD) of water stable aggregates and Ksat. Relationships showed significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation between ASC and CFI and Ksat. Two-year fallow with Calapogonium mucunoidesand 10-year oil palm plantation improved the soil micro- and macroaggregate in dices. They could be used to conserve the soil and reduce the degradation of soil resources.

Keywords

and macro-aggregate stability indices. clay dispersion index (cdi) was 0.46 and 0.39

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How to Cite

E., U. B., & H., A. (2018). Micro - Aggregate Indices and Structural Stability of Soils Under Different Management. Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, 28(2), 66-71. https://doi.org/10.67042/njss.2018.oikwgaaw

U. B. E., and A. H., "Micro - Aggregate Indices and Structural Stability of Soils Under Different Management," Nigerian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 66-71, August 2018. doi: 10.67042/njss.2018.oikwgaaw

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