Implication of Soil Physical Properties for Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability: A Case Study of an Arable Land in The Guinea Savanna Area of Nigeria

Abstract

Soil physical properties aids in understanding how soils function in an ecosystem and how they can be
managed for optimum crop yields while conserving the soil environment. The objective of this study is to
examine soil physical properties in the study area in relation to crop production, soil genesis and
environmental sustainability. Soil study was undertaken using stratified random sampling approach. To
examine soil physical properties in the area, a total of ten soil profile pits were dug and fifty two soil
samples obtained from genetic horizons. Soil physical properties studied included particle size distribution,
density, moisture characteristics; compaction and drainage characteristics. Particle size analysis showed a
high degree of textural differentiation with the subsurface soils having higher clay content. Mean contents
of dispersion ratios in the area were high (>0.71) indicating a high vulnerability of the soils to erosion. The
available water holding capacity of the soils were low (range: 3.5-12.14%; mean: 6.3%) with the sub soils
exhibiting a high level of compaction. The continuous use of these soils for crop production without
appropriate management practices could lead to unacceptable low yields, increased soil erosion and
pollution of nearby reservoirs.