Physical Soil Quality of Semi - Arid Savanna as Influenced by Acacia senegalensis in Desert Research Experimental Plot Yobe State University Damaturu, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Soil is a living and dynamic natural reservoir and source of plant nutrients that play numerous key roles in terrestrial ecosystems. This study investigated the impact of three adjacent land use systems (Acacia senegalensis plantation (ACP), pilostigma raticulatum plantation (PRP) and Ground nut field (GNF) on selected soil physical quality indicators in a Northern Nigeria semi- arid Savanna. Minimum data set for assessing soil quality (Prime quality agricultural land) in this study include bulk density, organic carbon content, total nitrogen, carbon stock, available phosphorus and pH values obtained from DRMCC research field. Mean values of the data set were arranged and scored to obtain totals among the minimum data set (MDS). Soil quality is considered a key element for evaluating the sustainability of land management practices. Data generated were analyzed using ANOVA and significant means were determined using Duncan multiple range test (DMRT). ACP had significantly higher organic carbon content (9.37 gkg-1) and lower bulk density (2.16 gkg-1) than pilostigma and GNF respectively. The lower bulk density (ρb) and high organic carbon in ACP might be due to high leaf shading by acacia while the lower bulk density in ground nut field aided by trampling induced compaction resulted in its high relative field capacity (RFC), permanent wilting point (PWP) and micro-p ore spaces (PMIC) tillage in ground nut field created loose soil in the plough layer (<20 cm) which turn out to its low bulk density (ρb). Acacia plantation contained highest total nitrogen value (1.23 gkg-1); perhaps resulting Acacia leaf litter is known to have a high decomposition rate. Pilostigma plantation contained (1.22 gkg-1) nitrogen, while the least nitrogen content was obtained under ground nut field. On scoring the land use types and depth against the minimum data set, the least total was that under acacia plantation, followed by pilostigma plantation then ground nut field. Therefore, soils under acacia plantation were ranked best quality (SQ1) for cultivation purposes at 0-10 cm, followed by pilostigma land use type that were ranked SQ2. Ground nut field soils were ranked least (SQ6) in quality for use in crop production at depth of 10-20 cm.