Poor management practices degrade agricultural lands. Composite sample taken at a depth of 0-30 c... more Poor management practices degrade agricultural lands. Composite sample taken at a depth of 0-30 cm from degraded soil in Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria was amended with coal in an incubation study. One kg potted soil replicated thrice were amended with coal at the rate of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ton ha-1 and arranged in a complete randomized design (CRD). Scooped samples at 3, 14, 28, 42 and 56 days of incubation were analysed for selected chemical properties. The pH decreased significantly with the days of incubation while other soil properties increased except for available phosphorus, total nitrogen, sodium, exchangeable aluminum and cation exchange capacity, having irregular trends. For amendment rates, 0 ton ha-1 recorded a significantly higher pH of 4.69 while rate 20 ton ha-1 had the highest but nonsignificant organic carbon (OC, 17.43 g kg-1) but other soil parameters were statistically the same. Incubation days correlated significantly with all parameters except the available phosphorus, while coal rates were generally non-significantly correlated. Generally, nutrients mineralization increased with days of incubation but exhibited an irregular pattern with coal amendment rates. Therefore, 15-ton ha-1 coal is suggested for the improvement of degraded soils as the rate was not significantly different from the higher amendment rate.
The combination of quantitative and qualitative studies in land evaluation is important for decis... more The combination of quantitative and qualitative studies in land evaluation is important for decision making on the adoption of specific land utilization type. This study evaluates the suitability of two locations for rice production in an alfisol of derived savanna, Ikole-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria. Two locations; Ikole-Ijesa-Isu road (K1) and Ikole-Osin road (K2) were selected and a profile was dug in each of the site, described according to the standard and sampled for laboratory analysis of soil physic-chemical properties. Field experiment was conducted in 2022 cropping session to evaluate the performance of rice in the two locations. The locations were considered as the treatment and rice was planted in the representative portion of each of the site in four replicates. The experiment was a randomized completely block design. Recommended cultural practices for rice in the derived savannah zone of Nigeria were followed. Yield data were collected in tons per hectare and analysed with T-test at 5% probability level. Results obtained revealed that the soils pH ranged from 5.5 to 6.2, organic carbon is from 0.4 to 5.01% and total nitrogen from 0.08 to 0.19%. K1 had actual index of suitability of 34.88 therefore rated marginally suitable while K2 was 19.37 for rice. The potential index of suitability of K1 was 80 highly suitable and K2 was 60 moderately suitable. Highest rice yield of 1.03 t ha-1 was obtained in K1. K1 was recommended as preferred location for rice cultivation in the study area. Suitability evaluation should be followed by qualitative experiment in order to make recommendations that are adoptable for farmers.
Elemental oxides can help to identify processes of soil formation and the degree of soil developm... more Elemental oxides can help to identify processes of soil formation and the degree of soil development. This study assessed soil development and weathering intensity in soils developed on schist and older granite in upland tropical rain forest and southern guinea savanna agro ecological zones of Nigeria. Soil profile samples were collected in each of the study locations. In the laboratory, total elemental oxides was determined using the energy dispersing X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) XRF SPEC (Minipal 4). The relative intensity of weathering of total elemental oxides was determined by choosing titanium as the suitable indexing element and the relative gain or loss of element was estimated using relative retained element (Ro) equation. Result obtained, revealed that SiO2 was the most abundant in the soils. Distribution of Al2O3 and CaO showed the direction of the pedogenic age. Older granite soil had higher values of Al2O3 and lower values of CaO. There was negative relationship of SiO2 with Al2O3 and Fe2O3. The trace elemental oxides were less than 1% and zirconium oxide was the most retained oxide in the soils. Soil which developed on schist retained more of the trace elements than soil on older granite. There was evidence of alitization, ferritization and desillication in the soils. Parent materials contributed to loss and gain of trace elemental oxides. Older granite soil was more weathered and pedologically older than schist derived soils.
Soil evaluation for cashew, and cocoa and oil Palm in Akure south west nigeria, 2022
A key element in the sustainability of the soil-plant relationship in crop yield and performance ... more A key element in the sustainability of the soil-plant relationship in crop yield and performance is the soil's capacity to support tree crops prior to establishment. With the intention of determining the suitability and limitations of the soils of the locations, the northern and southern portions of Akure, a rainforest in Nigeria, were chosen for the suitability evaluation of land for tree crops. In the study area, 16 pedons were established with the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS), the locations were georeferenced and samples were taken from the pedons. The samples were subjected to standard physical and chemical testing. The findings revealed that soils in the research locations were deep to extremely deep, with pH ranging from highly acidic to slightly acidic (4.94 to 6.71). and that sand predominated. The soils had low levels of organic carbon, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), total nitrogen, and available phosphorus, whereas exchangeable cations were evaluated as low to moderate. The suitability result indicated that only Pedon 2 and Pedon 14 are currently highly suitable (S1) for the production of oil palms, while others ranged from moderately suitable to marginally suitable. Pedons 4, 12, and 16 were not suitable (N1), respectively, but other Pedons were moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3) for the cultivation of cocoa. None of the study areas are currently highly suitable for the production of oil palms. The poor soil texture and low fertility status were the two main drawbacks found. Finally, sound management practices and soil conservation are essential for fertility sustainability.
Land use has great impacts on the distribution of nutrients in soils, Anthropogenic activities an... more Land use has great impacts on the distribution of nutrients in soils, Anthropogenic activities and recorded increase in population density in the study area is expected to lead to great changes in the soil spatial nutrients distribution, data on the spatial distribution of nutrients in Akure North and South Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo state is scarce, therefore it is important to fill this knowledge gap. This study shows the distribution of major soil nutrients and their spatial distribution in relation to land use in Akure North and South LGA of Ondo State, South Western Nigeria. Nature and A nthropogenic activities coupled with land use have affected soil nutrients changes in the area therefore to study these activities major nutrients parameter determined (pH, OM, N, P, and K) were interpolated using ArcGIS Version 10.3, Microsoft Office, Erdas Imagine 2014. The study was conducted within A and B horizons of soil pedons. The soil pH ranged between very strongly acidic (4.70) to slightly acidic (6.71) in the topsoil (A1) and from very strongly acidic (4.81) to moderately acidic (5.77) in the subsoil. This distribution spanned over wide range of land area in the two LGA's. High Organic Carbon (OC) concentration was found distributed along FECA and Iju axis. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) in the topsoil ranged from very low (0.95 %) to high (3.04 %), and from very low (0.15 %) to moderate (2.84 %) in subsoil. Nitrogen concentrations in the study area fall sharply with depth from A1 to Btg2. Phosphorous, and Potassium were widely distributed in the study area. Integrated nutrient management system suggested in the study area.
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology International Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, 2020
Aggregate soil carbon distribution and stock in the soil in the form of a carbon pool is importan... more Aggregate soil carbon distribution and stock in the soil in the form of a carbon pool is important for soil fertility and sequestration. The amount of carbon pool and other nutrients statues of the soil are to benefit plants, animal and the environment in the long run. This study was carried out at Akure North and South Local Government; the study area is one of the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State in the Southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria. The sites were divided into Map Grids and geo-referenced with Global Positioning System (GPS). Horizons were designated and morphological description carried out on the field. Pedons were characterized and classified according to USDA soil taxonomy. The local government area shares boundaries with; Ikere Local Government (LG) in the North, Ise Orun LG in the northwest, Ifedore LG in the northeast Akure South LG in the East, Ose LG in the South East, and Owo LG in the South. SOC-pool at Federal College of Agriculture topsoil horizon A2 is significantly higher than all horizons, 67.83 th⁻¹. The chemical properties of the pedons have shown that the soil is very strongly acidic to neutral reaction (4.68 –6.73). The nutrients status of the soil topsoil A1 and A2 generally indicates that the soils have a low potential for retaining plant nutrients, and therefore call for adequate soil management.
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2020
Soil physical properties influence soil water infiltration rate, plant rooting depth, amount of a... more Soil physical properties influence soil water infiltration rate, plant rooting depth, amount of available water, air and nutrients which are of utmost importance in agricultural production and, hence there is need to describe in-situ spatial organization and physical properties of soil in Akure. Sixteen profile pits were dug. The soils were characterized and described on the field and samples collected for textural analysis. The area occurs on level plain with little slope gradient, the surface horizons (A1 and A2) were weak medium crumby to moderate medium crumby structures while the subsurface horizons (Bt1 and Bt2) showed moderate medium blocky structure. The soils are generally deep and well drained at the top soil with coarse texture; the subsoils are characterized by prominent presence of mottles, which suggest that the subsoils are poorly drained. The distribution of clay content increased with soil depth for all pedons. Most of the Pedons had reddish gray colour (2.5YR 4/1) and dull reddish brown 2.5YR 4/3 at the surface horizons (A1 and A2), over brownish colour (7.5YR 4/4) and dull reddish brown (5YR 4/4) sub soil. The particle size distribution revealed that sand dominated the particle size fraction of the soil in all the profiles, which could be managed with appropriate organic manure.
Poor management practices degrade agricultural lands. Composite sample taken at a depth of 0-30 c... more Poor management practices degrade agricultural lands. Composite sample taken at a depth of 0-30 cm from degraded soil in Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria was amended with coal in an incubation study. One kg potted soil replicated thrice were amended with coal at the rate of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ton ha-1 and arranged in a complete randomized design (CRD). Scooped samples at 3, 14, 28, 42 and 56 days of incubation were analysed for selected chemical properties. The pH decreased significantly with the days of incubation while other soil properties increased except for available phosphorus, total nitrogen, sodium, exchangeable aluminum and cation exchange capacity, having irregular trends. For amendment rates, 0 ton ha-1 recorded a significantly higher pH of 4.69 while rate 20 ton ha-1 had the highest but nonsignificant organic carbon (OC, 17.43 g kg-1) but other soil parameters were statistically the same. Incubation days correlated significantly with all parameters except the available phosphorus, while coal rates were generally non-significantly correlated. Generally, nutrients mineralization increased with days of incubation but exhibited an irregular pattern with coal amendment rates. Therefore, 15-ton ha-1 coal is suggested for the improvement of degraded soils as the rate was not significantly different from the higher amendment rate.
The combination of quantitative and qualitative studies in land evaluation is important for decis... more The combination of quantitative and qualitative studies in land evaluation is important for decision making on the adoption of specific land utilization type. This study evaluates the suitability of two locations for rice production in an alfisol of derived savanna, Ikole-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria. Two locations; Ikole-Ijesa-Isu road (K1) and Ikole-Osin road (K2) were selected and a profile was dug in each of the site, described according to the standard and sampled for laboratory analysis of soil physic-chemical properties. Field experiment was conducted in 2022 cropping session to evaluate the performance of rice in the two locations. The locations were considered as the treatment and rice was planted in the representative portion of each of the site in four replicates. The experiment was a randomized completely block design. Recommended cultural practices for rice in the derived savannah zone of Nigeria were followed. Yield data were collected in tons per hectare and analysed with T-test at 5% probability level. Results obtained revealed that the soils pH ranged from 5.5 to 6.2, organic carbon is from 0.4 to 5.01% and total nitrogen from 0.08 to 0.19%. K1 had actual index of suitability of 34.88 therefore rated marginally suitable while K2 was 19.37 for rice. The potential index of suitability of K1 was 80 highly suitable and K2 was 60 moderately suitable. Highest rice yield of 1.03 t ha-1 was obtained in K1. K1 was recommended as preferred location for rice cultivation in the study area. Suitability evaluation should be followed by qualitative experiment in order to make recommendations that are adoptable for farmers.
Elemental oxides can help to identify processes of soil formation and the degree of soil developm... more Elemental oxides can help to identify processes of soil formation and the degree of soil development. This study assessed soil development and weathering intensity in soils developed on schist and older granite in upland tropical rain forest and southern guinea savanna agro ecological zones of Nigeria. Soil profile samples were collected in each of the study locations. In the laboratory, total elemental oxides was determined using the energy dispersing X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) XRF SPEC (Minipal 4). The relative intensity of weathering of total elemental oxides was determined by choosing titanium as the suitable indexing element and the relative gain or loss of element was estimated using relative retained element (Ro) equation. Result obtained, revealed that SiO2 was the most abundant in the soils. Distribution of Al2O3 and CaO showed the direction of the pedogenic age. Older granite soil had higher values of Al2O3 and lower values of CaO. There was negative relationship of SiO2 with Al2O3 and Fe2O3. The trace elemental oxides were less than 1% and zirconium oxide was the most retained oxide in the soils. Soil which developed on schist retained more of the trace elements than soil on older granite. There was evidence of alitization, ferritization and desillication in the soils. Parent materials contributed to loss and gain of trace elemental oxides. Older granite soil was more weathered and pedologically older than schist derived soils.
Soil evaluation for cashew, and cocoa and oil Palm in Akure south west nigeria, 2022
A key element in the sustainability of the soil-plant relationship in crop yield and performance ... more A key element in the sustainability of the soil-plant relationship in crop yield and performance is the soil's capacity to support tree crops prior to establishment. With the intention of determining the suitability and limitations of the soils of the locations, the northern and southern portions of Akure, a rainforest in Nigeria, were chosen for the suitability evaluation of land for tree crops. In the study area, 16 pedons were established with the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS), the locations were georeferenced and samples were taken from the pedons. The samples were subjected to standard physical and chemical testing. The findings revealed that soils in the research locations were deep to extremely deep, with pH ranging from highly acidic to slightly acidic (4.94 to 6.71). and that sand predominated. The soils had low levels of organic carbon, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC), total nitrogen, and available phosphorus, whereas exchangeable cations were evaluated as low to moderate. The suitability result indicated that only Pedon 2 and Pedon 14 are currently highly suitable (S1) for the production of oil palms, while others ranged from moderately suitable to marginally suitable. Pedons 4, 12, and 16 were not suitable (N1), respectively, but other Pedons were moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3) for the cultivation of cocoa. None of the study areas are currently highly suitable for the production of oil palms. The poor soil texture and low fertility status were the two main drawbacks found. Finally, sound management practices and soil conservation are essential for fertility sustainability.
Land use has great impacts on the distribution of nutrients in soils, Anthropogenic activities an... more Land use has great impacts on the distribution of nutrients in soils, Anthropogenic activities and recorded increase in population density in the study area is expected to lead to great changes in the soil spatial nutrients distribution, data on the spatial distribution of nutrients in Akure North and South Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo state is scarce, therefore it is important to fill this knowledge gap. This study shows the distribution of major soil nutrients and their spatial distribution in relation to land use in Akure North and South LGA of Ondo State, South Western Nigeria. Nature and A nthropogenic activities coupled with land use have affected soil nutrients changes in the area therefore to study these activities major nutrients parameter determined (pH, OM, N, P, and K) were interpolated using ArcGIS Version 10.3, Microsoft Office, Erdas Imagine 2014. The study was conducted within A and B horizons of soil pedons. The soil pH ranged between very strongly acidic (4.70) to slightly acidic (6.71) in the topsoil (A1) and from very strongly acidic (4.81) to moderately acidic (5.77) in the subsoil. This distribution spanned over wide range of land area in the two LGA's. High Organic Carbon (OC) concentration was found distributed along FECA and Iju axis. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) in the topsoil ranged from very low (0.95 %) to high (3.04 %), and from very low (0.15 %) to moderate (2.84 %) in subsoil. Nitrogen concentrations in the study area fall sharply with depth from A1 to Btg2. Phosphorous, and Potassium were widely distributed in the study area. Integrated nutrient management system suggested in the study area.
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology International Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, 2020
Aggregate soil carbon distribution and stock in the soil in the form of a carbon pool is importan... more Aggregate soil carbon distribution and stock in the soil in the form of a carbon pool is important for soil fertility and sequestration. The amount of carbon pool and other nutrients statues of the soil are to benefit plants, animal and the environment in the long run. This study was carried out at Akure North and South Local Government; the study area is one of the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State in the Southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria. The sites were divided into Map Grids and geo-referenced with Global Positioning System (GPS). Horizons were designated and morphological description carried out on the field. Pedons were characterized and classified according to USDA soil taxonomy. The local government area shares boundaries with; Ikere Local Government (LG) in the North, Ise Orun LG in the northwest, Ifedore LG in the northeast Akure South LG in the East, Ose LG in the South East, and Owo LG in the South. SOC-pool at Federal College of Agriculture topsoil horizon A2 is significantly higher than all horizons, 67.83 th⁻¹. The chemical properties of the pedons have shown that the soil is very strongly acidic to neutral reaction (4.68 –6.73). The nutrients status of the soil topsoil A1 and A2 generally indicates that the soils have a low potential for retaining plant nutrients, and therefore call for adequate soil management.
International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2020
Soil physical properties influence soil water infiltration rate, plant rooting depth, amount of a... more Soil physical properties influence soil water infiltration rate, plant rooting depth, amount of available water, air and nutrients which are of utmost importance in agricultural production and, hence there is need to describe in-situ spatial organization and physical properties of soil in Akure. Sixteen profile pits were dug. The soils were characterized and described on the field and samples collected for textural analysis. The area occurs on level plain with little slope gradient, the surface horizons (A1 and A2) were weak medium crumby to moderate medium crumby structures while the subsurface horizons (Bt1 and Bt2) showed moderate medium blocky structure. The soils are generally deep and well drained at the top soil with coarse texture; the subsoils are characterized by prominent presence of mottles, which suggest that the subsoils are poorly drained. The distribution of clay content increased with soil depth for all pedons. Most of the Pedons had reddish gray colour (2.5YR 4/1) and dull reddish brown 2.5YR 4/3 at the surface horizons (A1 and A2), over brownish colour (7.5YR 4/4) and dull reddish brown (5YR 4/4) sub soil. The particle size distribution revealed that sand dominated the particle size fraction of the soil in all the profiles, which could be managed with appropriate organic manure.
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Papers by Samuel O Ajayi
sequestration. The amount of carbon pool and other nutrients statues of the soil are to benefit plants, animal and the environment in the long run. This study was carried out at Akure North and South Local Government; the study area is one of the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State in the Southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria. The sites were divided into Map Grids and geo-referenced with Global
Positioning System (GPS). Horizons were designated and
morphological description carried out on the field. Pedons were characterized and classified according to USDA soil taxonomy. The local government area shares boundaries with; Ikere Local Government (LG) in the North, Ise Orun LG in the northwest, Ifedore LG in the northeast Akure South LG in the East, Ose LG in the South East, and Owo LG in the South. SOC-pool at Federal College of Agriculture topsoil horizon A2 is significantly higher than all horizons, 67.83 th⁻¹. The chemical properties of the pedons have shown that the soil is very strongly acidic to neutral reaction (4.68 –6.73). The nutrients status of the soil topsoil A1 and A2 generally indicates that the soils have a low potential for retaining plant nutrients, and therefore call for adequate soil management.
distribution of clay content increased with soil depth for all pedons. Most of the Pedons had reddish gray colour (2.5YR 4/1) and dull reddish brown 2.5YR 4/3 at the surface horizons (A1 and A2), over brownish colour (7.5YR 4/4) and dull reddish brown (5YR 4/4) sub soil. The particle size distribution revealed that sand dominated the particle size fraction of the soil in all the profiles, which could be managed with appropriate organic manure.
sequestration. The amount of carbon pool and other nutrients statues of the soil are to benefit plants, animal and the environment in the long run. This study was carried out at Akure North and South Local Government; the study area is one of the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State in the Southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria. The sites were divided into Map Grids and geo-referenced with Global
Positioning System (GPS). Horizons were designated and
morphological description carried out on the field. Pedons were characterized and classified according to USDA soil taxonomy. The local government area shares boundaries with; Ikere Local Government (LG) in the North, Ise Orun LG in the northwest, Ifedore LG in the northeast Akure South LG in the East, Ose LG in the South East, and Owo LG in the South. SOC-pool at Federal College of Agriculture topsoil horizon A2 is significantly higher than all horizons, 67.83 th⁻¹. The chemical properties of the pedons have shown that the soil is very strongly acidic to neutral reaction (4.68 –6.73). The nutrients status of the soil topsoil A1 and A2 generally indicates that the soils have a low potential for retaining plant nutrients, and therefore call for adequate soil management.
distribution of clay content increased with soil depth for all pedons. Most of the Pedons had reddish gray colour (2.5YR 4/1) and dull reddish brown 2.5YR 4/3 at the surface horizons (A1 and A2), over brownish colour (7.5YR 4/4) and dull reddish brown (5YR 4/4) sub soil. The particle size distribution revealed that sand dominated the particle size fraction of the soil in all the profiles, which could be managed with appropriate organic manure.