Soil Texture Effects on Soil Characteristics Under Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Plantations of Selected Environments in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Orobator PO, Ugwa IK, Ashiriba H
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
The current work was carried out to examine soil texture effects on organic carbon and nitrogen of soils under oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plantations of selected environments in Edo State, Nigeria. Eighteen soil samples were collected (0–15cm and 15–30cm) from three oil palm plantations. Soil indicators were analyzed using standardized procedures and the data obtained was examined by student t-test. Results of student t-test indicated that there were significant differences between NIFOR versus Hartman and OPC farms versus Hartman Farms for soil pH. Significant differences were also observed for sand contents between NIFOR and Hartman. This study revealed that the low status of organic carbon and nitrogen detected in the soils can be attributed to the textural characteristics of soils in the investigated sites. This study recommends that to improve the deficient status of organic carbon and nitrogen in the soils, crop and residue management strategies should be adopted.
Affiliations: Department of Geography and Regional Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Keywords: Soil Texture, Concentration, Oil Palm Plantation, Soil Indicators, NIFOR
Published date: 2018/12/30
