The research was aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of soil at Bichi Local Government Kano State, Nigeria. A soil profile was dug at the Eastern and Western parts of the area under study, georeferenced using Global Positioning System (GPS). Site characteristics such as gradient, erosion, natural drainage, natural vegetation and land use were recorded. Soil profile morphological characteristics were studied including soil texture, structure, porosity and bulk density. From the soil profile, disturbed soil samples were taken from designated genetic horizons for physical and chemical analysis in the laboratory. Undisturbed cores samples were taken for the determination of bulk density. For soil fertility evaluation composite soil samples from the 0-30cm depth were collected from the sites. The results of the particle size distribution, bulk density and total porosity revealed that the textural class of the study area is dominantly sandy clay loam in the lower horizons whereas sandy loam in the upper horizons. The highest bulk density and total porosity values were recorded in horizon AP and the lowest values were recorded in horizon BC respectively. The maximum numerical values of Soil pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, available phosphorous, total nitrogen, and organic carbon contents of the soil were obtained from horizon AP while the minimum numerical values were obtained from horizon BC. It, therefore, concluded that the soil of the study area has poor physical conditions and low levels of chemical fertility status. Organic amendment should be applied to the soils for improvement of the physical and chemical conditions of the soils.
Physical properties, Chemical properties; Bichi; Soil profile
IRE Journals:
Abdulkadir Aliyu , Yusuf Halilu , Sufiyanu Sani
"Evaluation of Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils at Bichi Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 5 Issue 9 2022 Page 556-562
IEEE:
Abdulkadir Aliyu , Yusuf Halilu , Sufiyanu Sani
"Evaluation of Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils at Bichi Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 5(9)