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ABSTRACT
The study investigated the effect of (Musa paradisiaca) plantain cultivation on the physico-chemical properties of soils in the northern region of Edo State,Nigeria. The objectives of the study was to examine the status of soil properties under Musa paradisiaca(plantain) cultivated areas and to ascertain whether there was significant difference in the status of soils between Musa paradisiaca(plantain) cultivated land use and swamp forest.Forty(40) soil samples at two depths (0-15cm and 15-30cm depths) were collected using systematic random methodology, at distance of 15m apart, from the selected land uses (swamp forest and plantain plantation). The physico-chemical properties of the soils collected were analyzed in the laboratory following standard procedures and data obtained were subjected to student t-test statistical analysis. Results obtained indicated significant differences (p< 0.05) in soil pH, EA, CEC, silt and clay between the selected land uses. The study concluded that there was significance difference in the topsoil (0-15cm), while on the other hand much less significance in the subsoil (15-30cm) between the selected land uses. This could be attributed to frequency in land use activities. The study therefore provided baseline information for future research efforts on soil quality. The study recommended further detailed studies should be carried out to examine soil quality in specific time period to give better conclusions to sustainable land use.
