Effects of land use types on total soil organic carbon and aggregate stability of soils in Lafia and Doma LGAs, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to compare total soil organic carbon (TSOC) and aggregate soil stability statues of soils under different land use types (LUT) in Lafia and Doma LGAs of Nasarawa State Nigeria. A free survey technique was used to identify the most representative sampling point for soil profile studies based on LUT. Three mapping units (MU) were identified in each LGAs and profile pits were used in used in their studies. Routine laboratory procedures were carried out on the samples. The preponderance of sand (73.85% - 85.93%) fraction in the particle size distribution may be influenced by its lithology and its type of their utilization. The silt (5.40%) exhibited uniformity in all the horizons. The SCR were >0.15, indicative of young soil with weatherable reserves. Lowest values of bulk density (1.23gcm-3) and higher total porosity (53.31%) recorded in LUT4 which suggests that continuous LUTs have negative effect on soil aggregate stability especially where SOM accumulate under the forest soil. The pH (KCl) in Doma was rated very strong acid (4.84 - 4.14) while at Lafia was rated slightly acid (6.34) to neutral (6.63) in LUT4. The soils had CN ratio