SOIL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES UNDER CONTINUOUS INTERCROPPING

ABSTRACT

The experiment was conducted at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The Objective of the study was to determine the soil physical and chemical properties in intercropping cocoyam with Raphia hookei on a slope in NIFOR main station, Benin City.  Soil samples were collected at two different depths (0-30 and 30-60). The experimental design used in this study is the Randomized Complete Block (RCBD). The collected samples were air dried at room temperature for seven days and analyzed for physical and chemical properties in the laboratory using standard methods. The results of the analysis showed slight differences in the soil properties obtained. Difference could be due to the gently slope (upland soil) and leaching effects that may have occurred. However, the textural class at depth 0-30cm was loamy sand while 30-60cm was sandy loam. The soil pH was moderately acidic having a mean value of 4.81. Total nitrogen falls within the critical value (0.43g/kg) recommended for crop growth and development while the Soil Organic Carbon was high at surface indicating more organic matter content. The available phosphorus at the top layer at the upper slope significantly different from the content at the middle and bottom slope. Exchangeable bases values at both soil depths (0-30; 30-60cm) were low in contents except calcium (Ca). Soils of NIFOR main station are sufficient in micronutrients. Low levels of exchangeable bases of upland soils supporting R. hookeri may be traced to the intercropping effect of cocoyam on the soils as they have high demand for this element. In conclusion, intercropping of cocoyam on soils supporting raphia hookeri may lead to nutrient deficiency for the raphia palm.