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ABSTRACT
This study investigated the influence of bushfire on soil properties in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plantation in Okunuvbe community, Edo State and sought to evaluate the status of soil properties in the unburnt and burnt oil palm plantations, determine the differences in physicochemical and biological properties of soils between the unburnt and burnt oil palm plantations and ascertain if any significant relationship existed between soil properties in the unburnt and burnt oil palm plantations. A total of twenty (20) soil samples were randomly collected from the study sites at 0 to 15 cm (surface soil) depth. Soil samples were evaluated for selected physicochemical and biological indicators. Results indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) of ECEC, Ca, Na, Mg, K, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, As, V, THBC and THFC between the unburnt and burnt oil palm plantations. Also, significant positive and negative relationships (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) existed between the physicochemical and biological properties of soils in both sites. The study concluded that bushfire had both positive and negative influences on the properties of soils in the unburnt and burnt oil palm plantations and recommended prescribed burning in farms to avoid the accumulation of fire fuels and lessen the menace of uncontrolled bush burning to adjoining oil palm tree plantations.
