Physicochemical properties, degradation rate and vulnerability potential of soils formed on coastal plain sands in Southeast, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the physicochemical properties, degradation rates and vulnerability potential of coastal plain soils and suggest appropriate management strategies. Twenty composite soil samples (0-15 and 15-30 cm) collected from agricultural lands at ten locations in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State of Nigeria were studied. The soils were characterized as follows: texture of loamy sand surface overlying sandy loam subsurface; pH (4.9-5.2), organic carbon (4.2-26.5 g kg-1), total nitrogen (0.4-2.2 g kg-1), carbon-nitrogen ratio (11-18), available P (45-73 mg kg-1), effective Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) (2.63-5.52 cmol kg-1), base saturation (39-92%), Ca:Mg ratio (1.50-3.00) and Mg:K ratio (2.94-20.00). The Sou Degradation Rate (SDR)/Vulnerability potential (Vp) weighted values of texture (4/2), soil pH^oi (5/1), organic carbon (4/2), total nitrogen (1/5) and effective cation exchange capacity (2/4) showed susceptibility of the soils to degradation or vulnerability. The soils could be managed by liming, planting of acid tolerant species and adopting appropriate cultural practices. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.