It is believe that a better understanding of agricultural soil environment is a key to better soil quality and high crop yield. Understanding the soil problems would certainly leads to solutions on how to tackle them. However, this could not only serve as a part of soil management but also as a part of economic development. For instance, when mother is healthy and fertile, there is more expectation from her to provide healthy and quality produce but when there is deficiency in any of the elements (either macros or micros elements), her produce may also affected, hence increasing poverty and hunger. High quality and fertile soil always provide better condition for the growth and development of plants (right from seed germination up to the maturity stage). Example, deficiency in N, P, and K in soil might lead to several problems to growing plant in a particular soil environment. These problems may include poor germination, stunting, and defoliations of plants, late maturity and also susceptible to both pest and disease attack leading to poor yield of the crops. Therefore, understanding soil environment is a key to high yield of crop production in the north-west one of northern Nigeria.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Soil environment in north-western Nigeria
2.1 Key soil types and environmental soil conditions
2.2 Key Crops growing and farming system
2.3 Environmental soil problems
2.3.1 Soil Erosion and causal Agents
2.3.2 Desertification
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this work is to provide a comprehensive reference on the state of the agricultural soil environment within the north-west zone of northern Nigeria, focusing on the identification of soil degradation factors and the exploration of sustainable management strategies to enhance crop yields.
- The physical characteristics and topography of soil in north-western Nigeria.
- Major farming systems and crop production patterns in the region.
- Mechanisms and primary drivers of soil degradation, including nutrient depletion.
- The impact of wind and water erosion on agricultural productivity.
- Challenges associated with desertification and forest destruction.
- Sustainable soil management techniques and land use improvement strategies.
Excerpt from the Book
2.3.1 Soil Erosion and causal Agents
Soil erosion can be defined as detachment and deposition of soil particles by wind, water gravity and or by other forces from one place to another (Datta, 1986). The rate of soil loss (by erosion) is normally expressed in units of mass or volume per unit of time (Morgan, 1986).
In the northwest zone of northern Nigeria, the amount of soil erosion is largely occurring not only by soil itself, but also by the management practices, usually receives using tractors or other mechanical applications almost every year. Similar cases were also reported by Datta (1986) from India. Other contributing factors to this problem in the zone may also include overgrazing, overexploitation of forest land and natural vegetation. According to Whyte and Jacks, (1986) when natural grassland, on even the gentlest slope is mismanaged by injudicious cultivation, say, or by overgrazing, soil fertility will be reducing, erosion commences and soon the amount of run-off water begins to increase. Hudson (1971) shows that erodibility is influenced by the management than by any other factors, and management includes both the broad issues of land management and decision of crop management.
Two agents of erosion might be attributed to northwest zone of Nigeria: water and wind erosion. These are also the main causal agents of erosion in countries such as India (Datta, 1986); North and Southern part of America (Hudson, 1982); Southern Ethiopia (Elias, 1998); and Kenya (Mango, 1999). Hudson (1982) mentioned: for water erosion country affected includes America, nearly all of Africa except the dry deserts and equatorial forest, Asia and Australia excluding the dry centre. Areas for wind erosion covered north America (the Great plains, famous as the Dust Bowl), the Sahara and Kalahari Desert in Africa, Central Asia (Particularly the steppers of Russia), and Central Australia (Hudson, 1982).
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Introduction: This chapter introduces the importance of the soil environment for mankind, specifically regarding nutrient availability, while highlighting the global challenges of land degradation.
2.0 Soil environment in north-western Nigeria: This section provides a geographical and technical overview of the north-west zone, detailing its undulating topography and specific soil properties like low organic matter content.
2.1 Key soil types and environmental soil conditions: This chapter classifies the regional soil into Aridisols and Vertisols, discussing their physical permeability and nutrient-holding capabilities.
2.2 Key Crops growing and farming system: The chapter examines the predominant crops, such as millet and sorghum, and describes the extensive farming methods used by local farmers.
2.3 Environmental soil problems: This chapter analyzes the primary causes of nutrient loss and decreased crop yield, linking them to climatic conditions and poor land management practices.
2.3.1 Soil Erosion and causal Agents: This chapter defines the mechanics of soil erosion and identifies water and wind as the two primary agents causing land degradation in the region.
2.3.2 Desertification: The final thematic chapter discusses the definition and growing impact of desertification, fueled by forest destruction and population pressure.
Keywords
Agricultural Soil Environment, North-west Nigeria, Soil Erosion, Desertification, Nutrient Depletion, Sustainable Management, Crop Yield, Aridisols, Vertisols, Land Degradation, Farming Systems, Organic Matter, Deforestation, Sahelian Agriculture, Soil Fertility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work provides an in-depth analysis of the soil environment in the north-western region of Nigeria, specifically addressing the factors that lead to soil degradation and identifying strategies for improvement.
What are the central themes discussed in the book?
The central themes include soil classification, regional farming systems, the impact of erosion, desertification, and methods for sustainable agricultural soil management.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to increase understanding of soil quality issues to assist farmers and policymakers in boosting crop yields and ensuring long-term food security in the region.
Which scientific methods are primarily employed?
The author uses a synthesis of existing literature, regional reports, and technical soil studies to evaluate the environmental and agricultural state of the Nigerian north-west zone.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the topography of the region, characteristics of local soil types, common farming practices, and a detailed examination of environmental problems like erosion and desertification.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include agricultural soil environment, soil erosion, desertification, nutrient depletion, sustainable soil management, and northern Nigeria.
How does the author categorize the soil in the region?
The author categorizes the soil into Aridisols in dryland areas and Vertisols in the "fadama" or flood plain areas.
What is the main driver of desertification mentioned in the text?
The text identifies forest destruction for firewood and agricultural expansion, coupled with population growth and poor land use management, as the primary drivers of desertification.
What specific farming systems are noted for the region?
The text notes the practice of extensive farming, including rotational systems, multiple cropping, and a reliance on drought-tolerant crops like millet and cowpea.
What actionable recommendations are provided for soil health?
Recommendations include the regular application of organic matter, crop rotation, the use of cover crops, minimum tillage, and the integration of trees around farmland.
- Citation du texte
- PhD Student Suleiman Usman (Auteur), 2013, Agricultural Soil Environment, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/208742
