Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 9(4), pp. 204 - 208
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2021.090408
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Agro-ecological Influence on the Nutrient Status and Physico-Chemical Dynamics of the Ultisols of Rural Ehom, Cross River State, Nigeria

Egbai O. O. ^1,*, Oba D. O. ², Ambe B. A. ³, Abang P. O. ⁴, Eneyo V. ², Ochiche Christopher Abua ^5
1 Department of Environmental Resource Management, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
² Tourism Studies, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
³ Department of Environmental Education, University of Calabar, Nigeria
⁴ Department of Public Administration, University of Calabar, Nigeria
⁵ Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

A study on the agro-ecological influence on nutrient status and physicochemical dynamics of ultisols was conducted in Ehom in Cross River State, Nigeria. The objective was to ascertain the effect of key traditional farming practices on nutrients and physicochemical properties of soils in the area. Soil samples were manually collected for laboratory determination of these properties. Descriptive statistics was used to determine variation in the textural characteristics of soil while Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test variation in soil chemical characteristics. Results proved that traditional bush burning has beneficial effects of adding potassium (K) into the soil while nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were adequately enhanced through the application of artificial fertilizer on one hand and the incorporation of plant's residues into the soil on the other. Tillage and slashed treatments facilitated soil organic carbon and other plant's nutrients absorption but exerted little or no influence on the textural characteristics of soil. The reason is the value of soil textural classes was not statistically different across treatment blocks. Descriptive statistics also proved that all nutrients/chemical properties of soil were altered considerably as mean pH values of 5.32 B/F and 6.62 A/F in burn treatment practice and the soil Organic carbon content also altered considerably from a mean of 2.8 to 4.56. Analysis of variance indicates that there was a significant difference in all nutrients/chemical properties of soil at 0.05 probability level indicating that on farm treatment methods altered soil nutrient and chemical properties considerably. The study recommends adoption of sound agricultural practices taking into consideration the prevailing soil and environmental condition.

KEYWORDS
Agricultural Practice, Nutrient Dynamics, Physicochemical Properties, Treatment Blocks

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Egbai O. O. , Oba D. O. , Ambe B. A. , Abang P. O. , Eneyo V. , Ochiche Christopher Abua , "Agro-ecological Influence on the Nutrient Status and Physico-Chemical Dynamics of the Ultisols of Rural Ehom, Cross River State, Nigeria," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 204 - 208, 2021. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2021.090408.

(b). APA Format:
Egbai O. O. , Oba D. O. , Ambe B. A. , Abang P. O. , Eneyo V. , Ochiche Christopher Abua (2021). Agro-ecological Influence on the Nutrient Status and Physico-Chemical Dynamics of the Ultisols of Rural Ehom, Cross River State, Nigeria. Environment and Ecology Research, 9(4), 204 - 208. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2021.090408.