Research Article
Effects of Topography on Soil Properties and Their Implications for Agricultural Land Use in Ipinu-Oju, Benue, Nigeria
Peter Omenka Ogbu*,
Idoga Shaibu,
Paul Ogbaji Okwe
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2023
Pages:
172-179
Received:
Sep. 05, 2023
Accepted:
Sep. 21, 2023
Published:
Nov. 17, 2023
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20231206.11
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Abstract: Assessing soil properties and providing information on their variability is critical to understanding the potential of soils and their response to agricultural management. This study investigated the variations in soil morphological, physical and chemical properties along a toposequence in Ipinu-Oju, Benue State. A total of 16 soil samples were collected along altitudinal transect ranging from 160m to 201m. The transect was divided in four slope positions: Crest, upper, middle, and toe slope positions, each with different floristic composition and structure. The collected soil samples were analyzed for morphological, physical and chemical properties using standard field and laboratory procedures. The laboratory results were then analyzed using ANOVA. The results showed a strong relationship between topography and certain soil properties. A transition from yellowish to grayish soil color was observed from the upper slope to the lower slope areas. In addition, soil depth and structure improved downslope. Topography significantly influenced chemical and physical properties, including sand, clay, silt, pH, total nitrogen, organic carbon and matter, available phosphorus, potassium, sodium, exchange acidity, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation. Based on the USDA Soil Taxonomy and the World Reference Base, soil units I, III, and IV were classified as Arenic Haplustalfs and Eutric Lixisols, while soil unit II was classified as Eutric Haplustalfs and Eutric Leptisols. These differences in soil characteristics not only affect crop selection, but also present unique management challenges. Upland soils face issues such as surface runoff, erosion and water retention as their main management problems, while lowland soils do not have significant management problems. Over all, this study highlights the importance of considering soil variability and the influence of topography on soil properties. Understanding these variations can help in making informed decisions regarding soil management and agricultural practices.
Abstract: Assessing soil properties and providing information on their variability is critical to understanding the potential of soils and their response to agricultural management. This study investigated the variations in soil morphological, physical and chemical properties along a toposequence in Ipinu-Oju, Benue State. A total of 16 soil samples were col...
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Research Article
Characters Association Study of Tea (Camellia sinensis) Clones Using Morphological Markers in South West Ethiopia
Mohammedsani Zakir,
Lemi Beksisa,
Melaku Addisu
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 6, December 2023
Pages:
180-185
Received:
Aug. 02, 2023
Accepted:
Oct. 26, 2023
Published:
Nov. 17, 2023
DOI:
10.11648/j.aff.20231206.12
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Abstract: In order to choose high yielding cultivars, it is crucial to understand the complex quantitative character of tea yield and how it is influenced by traits that are related to yield. On experimental plots installed in RCBD with three replications, the study was carried out during the 2017–2018 cropping season. Number of days between medium pruning and the first harvest, height to the first branch, stem diameter, leaf serration density, leaf width, leaf size, petiole length, leaf ratio, internode length, shoot length, number of shoots, canopy diameter, hundred shoot weights, and fresh leaf yield per tree are just a few of the morphological traits that were recorded. Leaf length, leaf width, the number of days between medium pruning and the first harvest, leaf size, and hundred-shoot weight all showed positive and significant correlations with tea yield. The results of a path coefficient analysis showed that leaf size (p=0.783) had a positive direct effect on the yield of fresh tea leaves, whereas leaf length, leaf width, height to the first branch, the number of days between medium pruning and the first harvest, and the weight of a hundred shoots had a negative direct effect. Leaf size had positive direct effects on fresh tea leaf yield per plant. The phenotypic correlation between fresh tea leaf yield per plant and leaf size was both positive and significant, supporting the claim that correlation explains true relationships and indicating the importance of these traits for direct selection to increase tea yield.
Abstract: In order to choose high yielding cultivars, it is crucial to understand the complex quantitative character of tea yield and how it is influenced by traits that are related to yield. On experimental plots installed in RCBD with three replications, the study was carried out during the 2017–2018 cropping season. Number of days between medium pruning a...
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