EVALUATION OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER AND CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY IN RELATION TO DISTANCE FROM DAM IN DUTSINMA FLOODPLAIN SOILS KATSINA STATE NIGERIA

Dams significantly alter the hydrological and sedimentary dynamics of surrounding landscapes, influencing soil formation, nutrient distribution, and agricultural potential. Understanding the spatial variation in soil properties relative to dam proximity is essential for sustainable land management. This study investigates the impact of proximity to a dam on various soil physicochemical properties. Notably Soil organic matter and CEC.Soil samples were collected from three distinct zones—onshore, midshore, and offshore—and analyzed for texture, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, nutrient content, pH, electrical conductivity, and exchangeable acidity. The findings reveal spatial variations in soil composition and fertility, with midshore zones exhibiting optimal conditions for agricultural productivity. The results showed that the soils were slightly acidic, with a mean pH of 5.947, and had low electrical conductivity, indicating low soil salinity. The soil texture was predominantly sandy, with high sand content (82%) and low clay content (7.53%). The mean organic carbon and organic matter contents were moderate, ranging from 1.549% to 2.671%. The effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) was moderate, with a mean value of 11.560 cmol/kg. The study also found that distance from the dam influenced soil properties, particularly soil texture, exchangeable acidity, and cation exchange capacity.