Examining Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Erosion-Affected and Control Areas of Mubi North and South, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Soil erosion is a critical environmental issue affecting soil fertility and agricultural productivity in Mubi North and Mubi South LGAs, Adamawa State, Nigeria. This study examined the physico-chemical properties of soils in erosion-affected and control sites at 15 cm and 30 cm depths to determine the extent of degradation and soil vulnerability. Soil samples were collected from 22 erosion-affected and control locations, including Sabon Layi, Kolere, Wuro Harde, and Gidan Madara, and analyzed for bulk density, total porosity, water-holding capacity, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and total exchangeable bases. Results indicate that sandy and sandy loam soils dominate erosion-prone areas such as Wuro Harde (95% sand, 1% silt, 4% clay) and Sabon Gari (80% sand, 12% silt, 8% clay), leading to poor cohesion and increased runoff. Bulk density values ranged from 1.40 g/cm³ in Barama to 1.71 g/cm³ in Sabon Gari, while total porosity varied between 27.60% (Wuro Harde) and 42.33% (Garden City). Water-holding capacity was lowest at Wuro Harde (8.10%) and highest at Shuware (17.22%). Soil pH ranged from 5.50 (Wuro Gude) to 7.90 (Kolere), with organic carbon content as low as 0.32% (Garden City) and as high as 2.14% (Wuro-Patuje). An independent t-test at a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05) showed no significant differences between erosion-affected and control sites for bulk density (p = 0.550), total porosity (p = 0.271), organic carbon (p = 0.583), and total exchangeable bases (p = 0.943). These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation practices, such as cover cropping and organic matter addition, to improve soil structure and reduce erosion risks.