Impact of Land Utilisation Types and Soil Depth on Selected Soil Properties in Derived Savanna Region of South East, Nigeria

<p>If land use practices are not properly managed, they can lead to soil degradation over time, resulting in poorer soil health and unsustainable crop productivity thus this study investigated the impact of land utilisation and soil depth on selected soil properties. Three land use types (grassed area, cassava and rice farms) each measuring about 250 sq/m were selected and mapped for the study.  Auger and core soil samples were collected from each of the land use types in three replicates at 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm and 40-60 cm depths after which the collected samples were subjected to laboratory analysis. The laboratory results were further subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA to determine significant differences at 5% probability level.  From the results obtained, the soils belonged to clay textural class. Bulk density ranged from 1.60-2.10 g/cm3 and increased down the depth. Total porosity was highest at 0-20 cm depth under land use types. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) of the soil was generally low and falls in the range of 0.010.09 cm/hr. The pH of the soil ranged from 4.84-5.87 showing very strongly to moderately acidic soils.  Organic carbon were generally low (0.26- 1.32%) and was highest at 0-20 cm depth under cassava farm which decreased down the depth. The effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) of soils under various land use types and across the depths ranged from 3.53-8.33 cmol/kg with higher concentration observed at 0-20 cm depth. The values obtained in this study were generally low however the study has demonstrated the importance of depth in soil nutrient availability and distribution as well as the need to improve soil productivity and plant growth through good management practices. </p>