Evaluation of soil physical properties under different land uses in semi-arid Nigeria

Soil physical properties are vital indicators of soil health and land productivity, particularly in semi-arid regions where soil degradation is a critical concern. This study evaluated the influence of different land use systems such as grazing, orchard, and irrigation on soil physical properties at Koza Integrated Farms, Maiadua Local Government Area, Katsina State, Nigeria. The investigation focused on key parameters such as soil texture, bulk density (BD), particle density (PD), porosity, organic carbon (OC), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and structural stability index (SSI). Composite soil samples were collected and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Descriptive statistics showed that soils in the area are predominantly sandy, with an average sand content of 91%, silt 6.8%, and clay 2.7%. Bulk density ranged from 1.34 to 1.94 g/cm³, with grazing lands recording the highest compaction. Porosity was inversely related to BD, averaging 38.6%, and EC ranged from 0.01 to 1.07 dS/m. The mean pH of 6.41 indicates a slightly acidic to neutral soil environment. Organic carbon was moderate, with a mean of 1.29%, while SSI values indicated moderate aggregate stability. Correlation analysis showed significant interdependence among parameters. Bulk density and porosity had a strong negative correlation, while clay content was positively correlated with SSI, confirming that finer particles improve structural stability. Grazing lands exhibited the most deteriorated soil properties, including high compaction and salinity, likely due to overgrazing and animal waste deposition. In contrast, orchard and irrigated lands displayed better physical conditions, attributed to organic inputs and less soil disturbance. The findings underscore the need for sustainable land use management to prevent further soil degradation. Practices such as rotational grazing, organic amendments, conservation tillage, and agroforestry were recommended to enhance soil structure and fertility. Monitoring soil health indicators and providing farmer training were also identified as essential components for effective soil conservation. This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on the impact of land use on soil health in semi-arid regions and provides practical, location-specific recommendations for improving soil quality. These interventions are crucial for sustaining agricultural productivity and mitigating land degradation under climate-sensitive conditions.