Seedling performance as affected by bulk density and soil moisture on a typic tropaquept

Abstract

We investigated the effects of Bulk Density (BD) and moisture content θv on seedling performance on a Typic Topaquept at Iyienyi Ibeku, Abia State, Southeastern Nigeria in 2005/2006 study session. A transect technique aided field soil sampling at identified physiographic units of Crest, Midslope and Footslope. A 7x7 factorial greenhouse experiment was conducted to create a matrix of BD and θv which enabled better understanding of compaction effects on seedling growth of Citrus sinensis Var Etinan. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using SAS computer software. Results showed that BD and soil strength decreased with mean root length density. Again, BD had significant (p<0.0001) negative correlations with root performance. Moisture content had a significant positive correlation with root performance (R = 0.72; p<0.0001). Soil moisture and BD were good predictors of root length density (R2 = 0.79) with high degree of accuracy (RMSE = 0.07) and slight over-estimation (Bias = + 0.0001): Mean root length density increased downslope and this was the trend in shoot yield. Fairly high values of coefficient of alienation, suggest the inclusion of other relevant variables in future modelling. © 2008 Academic Journals Inc.