Application of soil quality morphological index in assessing soil health of arable farms on isophyperthermic ruptic-alfic dystrudepts in Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria
Date
2006
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
R. Durson Associates
Abstract
Soil quality morphological index (SQMI) was used to assess soil health of arable farms on soils along Otamiri River in Owerri, Nigeria. Sampled points were identified based on physiography and linked using a transect. Three minipedons were dug at equal inter minipedal distance of 35 metres and sampled. Results showed that soils on a levee had the best quality (SQM1 = 3. 52), followed by Terace (SQMI = 2.83), Backswamp (SQMI 2: 75) and least in Upland soils (SQMI =2.64). Soil quality has a good relationship with organic matter (r = 0.92; r2 =0.84; 1 r2— 0.16; P-0.05). Results of soil properties were used to classify soils of the site as Isohyperthermic Ruptic-Alfic Dystrudepts (USDA. Soil Taxonomy).
Description
This article contain tables and figure
Keywords
Soil quality morphological index, soil health, Southeastern Nigeria, arable farms, Owerri, Department of Soil Science and Technology
Citation
Onweremadu, E. U., Opara, C. C, Oti, N. N., Uozoho, B. U., Ibe, A. E., Tom, C. T., Nwokeji, E. M. & Onwubiko, N. C. (2006). Application of soil quality morphological index in assessing soil health of arable farms on isophyperthermic ruptic-alfic dystrudepts in Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria. Inter-World Journal of Science and Technology, 3 (2), 20 - 30